GIANFRANCO Zola hailed Saturday's 2-0 victory over Sunderland as his 'best ever' as West Ham boss, insisting it was 'totally unexpected', given the spate of injuries that has plagued the club in recent weeks.

It was two of the youngest players on the pitch who made the difference on the day, with Junior Stanislas, making his first start for the Hammers, and defender James Tomkins, who scored the goals to keep Zola's side in the hunt for seventh place and European football.

Star striker Carlton Cole was ruled out for six weeks after injuring a groin while on duty for England, while Radoslav Kovac and Scott Parker also picked up knocks. With Jack Collison and Vaolon Behrami also out, it meant Zola had to ask captain Lucas Neill to step in and anchor the midfield.

Zola admitted the decision to play Neill was a spontaneous one, while he praised the collective performance of his depleted team.

“It was my idea (to play Neill in midfield),” said the Italian. “I think Lucas Neill is a very intelligent player. I’ve played him right back, left back, central defender and he has always done a good job so I was 100 per cent sure that he would have done the job.

“We've had so many injuries, so considering everything, I can say that this has been the best victory of all for me, because it was totally unexpected. And also to see young players like Junior Stanislas and James Tomkins doing so well and performing it is amazing.

“It is very good because we need new strength and new energies and they can help us achieve what we want to achieve.”