The three managers whose teams were involved in relegation battles today have spoken about their hopes for the remainder of the season.
West Ham's win over Sunderland this afternoon took United four points clear of both Hull and Burnley, who thrashed the Tigers 4-1 at the KC Stadium this afternoon.Naturally Gianfranco Zola was the happiest of the three coaches on a day of twists and turns; talking after tonight's game he admitted that he was 'delighted' at the result that saw his team rise above Wigan in the table.
"It feels great," he said. "I'm really delighted for the players and everybody involved with West Ham as we've been through a difficult time. The hard work that we have been putting in has paid off - and I'm delighted about that."
And with regard to Ilan, who scored the last-gasp equaliser at Goodison Park last weekend as well as today's winning goal, Zola added: "I'm very pleased for him as he's scored two inportant goals for us and has deserved to stay in the team. He's made his way into the team through his goals and performances. I'm pleased for him and the team."
Burnley boss Brian Laws was naturally delighted at the 4-1 demolition of their nearest relegation rivals - even if the win was soured slightly by news of West Ham's success over Sunderland.
"We haven't had a win in quite a while - and what a way to do it," he beamed. "It was a great response by the players. You've got to fight really hard to stay in the Premier League. It's easy to get into a catfight down at the bottom when you're not winning games.
"Everybody knows how hard it is to get into the Premier League - but it's dead easy to drop out of it if you don't put in the effort and commitment. The players had to knuckle down and respond in the manner in which they did - and it was magnificent."
However it was nothing but gloom and doom from former Hammer and recently appointed Hull City boss Iain Dowie who now faces a monumental task in restoring his team's confidence after they were hammered by Burnley.
"When they got the goal we got nervous and edgy and almost forgot to stick to the game plan," he moaned. "But it's a game we've got to forget very quickly.
"In training I've seen desire and I've seen hunger but we didn't show nearly enough of that. I've seen a few of the lads on the way out and told them to make sure they come back with a steely desire to do better next weekend."
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