Despite the victory, the game ended on a sour note for the Hammers with Andy Carroll being sent-off for the use of flying arm against Swans defender Chico Flores. Whilst Sam Allardyce will no doubt be pleased with the three points, the cost at which they have come, may well come back to haunt the manager.
The Hammers performed brightly from the start and were ahead after 26 minutes when Andy Carroll nodded down for skipper Kevin Nolan to convert.
Swansea remained threatening but were stunned when Carroll and Nolan once again combined to fire the Hammers into a two goal just on half time.
On the hour and with the Hammers in control of the game referee Howard Webb decided to send Carroll off after a tussle with Chico Flores that ended up with the Swansea defender rolling around on the floor.
Subsequent embarrassing replays have shown Carroll swinging his arm and connecting with the top of Flores’ hair before the defender rolls around clutching his face in agony.
Even after the sending off, the Hammers controlled the game and managed to hold out for their eleventh clean sheet of the season and three valuable points.