West Ham proved they can cope without Craig Bellamy as they recorded a 3-1 victory over capital rivals Fulham at Upton Park without the striker's services.
Build-up to the fixture in East London was overshadowed by Gianfranco Zola's decision to omit want-away Bellamy from his 18-man squad, increasing speculation the striker is heading for Tottenham or Manchester City.
However, there was little evidence West Ham missed their star forward in the opening exchanges as David Di Michele - Bellamy's replacement - pounced on a gaffe from Hammer's old-boy John Pantsil to slot his side ahead in the seventh minute.
Fulham, though, were level 15 minutes later as full-back Paul Konchesky, whose last goal came for former club West Ham in the 2006 FA Cup final defeat to Liverpool, spectacularly rifled past Robert Green from 35 yards.
But Konchesky - who left West Ham for Fulham in 2007 - then went from hero to villain on the hour mark as he brought down Carlton Cole inside the 18-yard area to allow Mark Noble to convert from the penalty spot.
West Ham had dominated the second half and Cole deservedly made sure of the points with 14 minutes remaining as he poked past Mark Schwarzer following a swift counter-attack.
It was a lifeless match but the Hammers will be satisfied with a victory delivered against the backdrop of the latest controversy in Bellamy's career.
Bellamy reportedly refused to play for the club on Friday after the Hammers denied him permission to talk to Tottenham.
The Wales striker, the subject of bids from Spurs and City, was offered a new contract but rejected the offer and reportedly stormed out of the training ground.
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West Ham V Fulham
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