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Sunderland v West Ham: Stewart Downing backs manager Sam Allardyce and stresses pretty football doesn't guarantee survival

Downing admits it was a strange feeling to be booed after the 2-1 victory over Hull last week

Matt McGeehan
Monday 31 March 2014 08:31 BST
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Stewart Downing admits it was a strange feeling to be booed after the 2-1 victory over Hull last week
Stewart Downing admits it was a strange feeling to be booed after the 2-1 victory over Hull last week

West Ham winger Stewart Downing insists winning is all that matters in the Barclays Premier League and that pretty football is no guarantee against relegation.

The Hammers and manager Sam Allardyce were booed last Wednesday after the crucial 2-1 defeat of Hull.

"We found it all a little bit strange, winning the game and getting booed off," said Downing, who was speaking ahead of Monday's vital clash at Sunderland.

"In this game it's all about results. It wasn't pretty but the big thing is we got the points because it moves us closer to safety.

"In the situation we're in the most important thing was to get the win, especially against a team that was in and around us.

"We just play effective football to get results. When I was at Liverpool we played nice football but we finished eighth.

"There's no point playing good football and getting relegated. I did that with Middlesbrough."

Downing hopes for a more positive reaction from the Upton Park faithful in the next home game.

"Players always hear it, especially playing at home," he said.

"I've had worse than that before: I've been at England games when there's been booing and that's 90,000 people.

"It can affect players and it puts people off their game. The more experienced people deal with it better.

"You need your fans onside. We've not given them much to shout about and it's been a difficult season.

"They've stuck with us all the way through and I'd ask them to stay with us right till the end. If we keep getting results we'll stay in the Premier League.

"Hopefully the next (home) game, Liverpool, we can give them something to cheer about and all will be forgotten."

Sunderland v West Ham match preview

Downing started the season at Liverpool, who are in title contention, but now finds himself embroiled in a battle at the bottom of the table. He has had no second thoughts over his move.

"Good luck to them," he added.

"The big thing for me was to play. At my age you need to be playing regularly. I've done that when I've been fit here.

"No regrets on that part. We've still got Liverpool to come and we might have a say in the title race."

Downing, who had a short loan spell at Sunderland from Middlesbrough early in his career, knows victory at the Stadium of Light could secure the Hammers' top-flight status.

But, in an unpredictable season, he is not resting on his laurels.

He added: "We should just get as many wins as we can on the board. Don't think one more game will be enough because we could easily get dragged back in again.

"It will be massive for us if we beat Sunderland. They've got games in hand, but difficult games.

"They need points desperately and if we can get a win it probably deflates them a little bit."

PA

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