Big Sam hails Espanyol win

West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce was delighted to see his side triumph 1-0 at RCD Espanyol on Thursday night,

The Hammers, who fielded a mix of experienced and young players in the international break, won 1-0 thanks to Mark Noble's first half penalty.

Allardyce then introduced several members of his Development Squad, and he was pleased to see them cope well with the threat of Espanyol.

"It was an excellent game," Big Sam said. "It's a different way to play when you're away in Europe. It's not like the Premier League where it gets frantic and high tempo all the time.

"This game slows down a little bit and the lads adapted really well to that, and of course having got a goal in front, and then putting most of the young lads on, we held on to the defensive side of it really well.

"We played the game out really well, and with no injuries too, which is the most important thing. It's a very good workout and it's given the young boys a real experience.

"For the senior players too, James Tomkins, Adrian in goal, Matt Taylor it was important for their match fitness. For the whole squad from the aspect of tactical, technical and fitness it was very, very good.

"It was a worthwhile workout for our players in the international break and now we hope our international players come back without any problems"