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Sunderland slipped further into relegation trouble after goals from youngsters James Tomkins and Junior Stanislas saw West Ham earn a 2-0 win at Upton Park.

Stanislas, making his first start for the Hammers, tapped home the opener on the stroke of half-time while Tomkins headed home a second just seven minutes into the second half.

Ricky Sbragia's side slipped to 17th as they failed to win for the sixth game in a row - and things do not get any easier for them with their next match being against league leaders Manchester United.

West Ham move up to seventh with the victory, which keeps their hopes of a Europa League spot very much alive.

The victory came at a price for Gianfranco's Zola's team, with Jonathan Spector being stretchered off; however it was later revealed that it was just a concussion and not a shoulder injury, as first feared.

Tomkins showed his danger from set-plays after just two minutes as he headed a corner wide, but after that Sunderland enjoyed more of the possession in the opening period.

Grant Leadbitter and Djibril Cisse both forced Robert Green into smart saves from distance but in the main the Black Cats were lacking in ideas in midfield.

The Hammers were hardly setting the world alight at the other end either, although they could have taken the lead when David Di Michele chested down and fizzed a half-volley from 30 yards marginally wide.

The hosts looked much better after they took the lead two minutes before the break, the move starting back with a quick throw from keeper Green.

Luis Boa Morte eventually found the ball at his feet in the box and he showed great vision to roll it across for 19-year-old South Londoner Stanislas to tap home his first goal for the club.

Sunderland's uphill challenge then became mountainous in the 52nd minute when Tomkins was again allowed to get his head on a corner - and this time the ball nestled into the net.

Remarkably, young centre-half Tomkins - who had never previously scored for Sunderland - could have had a hat-trick as he again directed a header on target from a corner; this time the returning Craig Gordon saved.

At the other end, Sunderland again failed to create any clear-cut chances as Green dealt with timid efforts from distance.

Kenwyne Jones was introduced immediately following the second West Ham goal, but his impact was minimal.

Spector's nasty fall led to eight minutes of injury-time, and Leadbitter had a shot cleared off the line by replacement James Collins during that period.

However West Ham never looked like losing once they went in front - and Sunderland's future in the Premier League will not be secured if they continue to perform in this way.

Seán Fay / Eurosport