Sharp Zola’s love in Trist cheers Hammers

GIANFRANCO ZOLA’S first signing as West Ham manager is also proving to be his most significant.

Diego Tristan may be in the autumn of his career but he could still have a golden future in England. Two goals in the 33-year-old’s last three games, including the winner here, have given Zola plenty to ponder and the Hammers manager indicated after this hard-earned win he could be ready to hand Tristan a new deal.

If that was to happen it would be a remarkable change of fortune for a player who was released by Italian side Livorno at the end of last season. Tristan was on the road to nowhere but Zola decided to throw the former international a lifeline and he has taken his chance.

With first choice strikers Dean Ashton and Carlton Cole sidelined through injury, he has not only helped West Ham keep their dreams of Europe alive but may be about to cash in himself.

Tristan’s winner against Stoke was sheer class – an exquisite free-kick from 20 yards in the 32nd minute that deceived Thomas Sorensen.

He should have added to his tally in stoppage time, only to find the wrong side of the post from a good position.

“Diego is playing so well and is so professional,” Zola said. “He gives us options.

“It was a great goal and I hope he can score many more from now until the end of the season.

“Then we will see what happens. We are open to everybody. Diego is working very hard to try to make it make possible for next year as well. I am pleased about that.”

With relegation a slight threat, Stoke gave a feisty performance on their own patch and Ricardo Fuller saw his effort in the 11th minute disallowed by referee Peter Walton after a challenge on goalkeeper Robert Green.

Then, in the second half, Abdoulaye Faye’s goal-bound header was cleared off the line by Mark Noble.

With Fulham losing to Chelsea, West Ham moved to seventh place in the table and on course for the Europa League.

“We have never lost focus that we could get into Europe and it remains a possibility,” Zola added. “I know some teams do not want Europe because of the number of games there are.

“But we have so many young players that to be in Europe would be a big thing for them.”

STOKE (4-4-2): Sorensen 6, Wilkinson 6 (Sonko 88, 5), Abdoulaye Faye 7, Shawcross 6, Pugh 6 (Olofinjana 73, 5), Lawrence 6, Delap 5, Whelan 6, Etherington 6, Fuller 6, Beattie 6 (Camara 72, 5).

Subs Not Used: Simonsen, Cresswell, Kelly, Tonge.

WEST HAM (4-4-2): Green 7, Neill 6, Tomkins 6, Upson 8, Ilunga 6, Stanislas 6, Noble 7 (Lopez 87, 5), Kovac 6, Boa Morte 6 (Collison 82, 5), Tristan 7, Di Michele 6 (Sears 89, 5).

Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Spector, Payne, Hines.

REFEREE: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire) 6: Got most of the major decisions exactly right.

MATCH RATING: ** Stoke are never easy on the eye, but West Ham stood up to the barrage and deserved the win.