Solano's controversial strike was a scrappy goal to settle a scrappy game at Craven Cottage, with the winger appearing to catch goalkeeper Antti Niemi as he tried to reach Luis Boa Morte's pass three minutes from full-time.

Niemi received a cut to the shoulder but to make matters worse, the ball appeared to go in off Solano's arm. Leon Andreasen picked up his second booking protesting to referee Howard Webb.

The winner was the main talking point of a dreary game. Fulham's excuse is battling relegation but West Ham are chasing European qualification and have been accused of being too negative.

"It's not for the want of trying," said Hammers boss Curbishley. "In training it's all we do.

"We've got players like Freddie Ljungberg, Luis Boa Morte, Mark Noble - you can't tell me they are defensive.

"Our defensive record is fantastic, just outside the top four for that. We need a little more. We have players that can give us that, some are injured and some of the players we have now can give us that. So we'll keep working on it.

"We look at the Manchester City games when we played away from home and we created six or seven chances. On numerous occasions we got four or five in the box but we haven't fashioned that final pass or finish.

"The Parkers, Bellamys and Dyers and the others that have to get themselves fit - we have the potential. We have a strong base at the moment and I'm hoping the attacking stuff will come through."

Noble was Curbishley's most influential player at Craven Cottage, amidst the mediocrity putting in a strong performance in front of England boss Fabio Capello.

"The Football Association cover every game and I know he and Franco Baldini have watched us regularly," Curbishley said.

"Why not? We have a healthy contingent of English players, especially when the Parkers and Dyers get back.

"I hope one or two of them have done themselves justice."

Robert Green did nothing wrong in goal either, saving a one-on-one chance from Jimmy Bullard.

Just in front of him was Matthew Upson, who started in Capello's first match in charge.

"I'm really hungry to play for my country and do whatever it takes to stay in there," said the centre-back.

"Your domestic form is important for the manager when he's watching and also for when you join up with the squad.

"The pressure is on in sense of the competition but that's healthy."

Upson was wearing the number six of Bobby Moore, who was honoured before the game at Craven Cottage by his only two English clubs.

"It's great to wear the shirt of such a legend and I thought he got a great round of applause and he'll never be forgotten at this club," Upson added.

Victory edged West Ham closer to the European places, while Fulham are in deep trouble at the wrong end.

At least they could welcome Brian McBride back for his first start since a serious knee injury.

"We need wins right now," said the American striker.

"I wanted to be part of this team and helping them. I have that chance now and I have to do that.

"I think you can see there's a lot of belief. I think as soon as we start taking our chances then things will change for us."

Boss Roy Hodgson also has Jari Litmanen back in training next week after he complained of minor palpitations and was told by a cardiologist to rest.

Hodgson was upset by Solano's goal but did not go to referee Webb for an explanation.

"I will do my grieving in private," said the Fulham boss.

REF'S REPORT: Howard Webb could have disallowed the winner for three offences.

FUSSY FACTOR: Put his foot down early with yellow cards.