Tevez created Bobby Zamora's opener and scored the other in a 2-0 win against Middlesbrough at Upton Park, the third goal from the Argentina forward in three matches.

His goalscoring run comes after six months of trying to break his duck, with his tireless efforts endearing him to the Hammers fans.

Curbishley compared Tevez to Wayne Rooney earlier in the season when the Manchester United forward was short of match fitness and goals but played himself into form through hard work.

"He reminds me of Rooney at the start of the season," said Curbishley.

"He just said to himself four or five weeks ago that the only way is to fly around. He's going out there and giving everything."

Tevez took less than two minutes to have an impact on the game, latching onto the ball after Mark Noble had won possession off Fabio Rochemback in midfield.

His cross found Zamora who finished neatly for his ninth goal of the season.

Tevez then created more chances for himself and Zamora before doubling the lead on the stroke of half-time. George McCartney's deep cross hit Andrew Taylor on the knee and Tevez lashed in.

The Hammers held a two-goal lead at the break, a cushion they failed to hold onto against Tottenham when they lost 4-3 and against Newcastle when they drew.

Curbishley was impressed with work-rate against Spurs and after beating Blackburn in their next game, victory over Boro was only the second time they have recorded back-to-back wins this season.

"It was very similar to the Spurs match in the first half and we got ourselves in a similar situation," added Curbishley.

"I said to them that it's the third time we've done this - are we going to hold on? Perhaps the second half petered out but we got the result."

With Wigan and Sheffield United losing, there is still hope for the Hammers despite the mathematics being against them and a tough run-in.

"We can't even think about what might have happened if we had beaten Spurs. We've just got to keep on going," added Curbishley.

"They've shown in the last three games more determination and work-rate, and sometimes that's what you need to spark it off.

"The penny has dropped. We now know you have to work that hard. Can we take it on and make it a third win?"

He added: "What we have done is get ourselves back on track but all we can do is win the majority of our games.

"We're looking at other results but we've got to get them ourselves first."

Boro boss Gareth Southgate was understandably disappointed with his side's limp display.

"They know they haven't produced what they are capable of. They were lifeless and lacking in energy," he said.

"I don't think they (West Ham) have had to play very well to win it.

"There is nothing we can do about it but the reaction is important.

"I'm very surprised at our performance because I didn't see it coming - they've been good in training this week and trained well.

"We got the worst possible start - we wanted to go at them. We then weathered the storm for 20 minutes but conceded another sloppy goal."