To me it was another typical performance of the season so far.
I know we have a lot of injuries etc, but almost all the games I've seen (from my armchair) have been played in the same way.
That is how we play.
The Barnsley manager called it right last week. For most of Sam's big time career he has been managing teams that have had to punch above their weight to survive. To do this, he has developed a playing style that is based on percentage football with big strong players in vital positions. He has created teams that become hard to beat.
And that's what we are in this league - hard to beat. We play well in very short spells and rely on the strength of the squad to do what's required, and that's about all. Every now and then we will put a bit more together and give some poor opposition a thumping. But for the most part, we are doing just about enough - and we are still in second.
Sam knows how to survive - and he is applying those principles to the best squad in the league, and achieving the dullest promotion ever seen at West Ham.
Other than injuries, discipline has been letting him down of late. Reading was an unmitigated disaster, and for 15 minutes or so yesterday it could have gone the same way. Carew was at fault for the goal conceded. He did not defent the near post and drifted, following the ball into no man's land. Green knew it - hence his reaction.
For those who didn't see it, Faubert was booked for kicking the man as they both went down - with the ball miles away. It was blatent, and as unprofessional as his pathetic headed attempt from one metre. Added to the time when he stood with his back to goal as Lansbury's shot came off the keeper makes me wonder what coaches saw in him as a youngster? At least he puts in the effort, start contrast to his countryman up front who just does not have the heart.
As I see it, we are on course to get out of this league at the first attempt - and then come straight back down to it.
Beat's watching the same old same old of the Premier League though.