Watch Southampton Vs West Ham highlights as Jarrod Bowen’s second-half goal earned the Hammers victory on the South Coast against the Saints.
The 28-year-old scored the game’s only goal as Julen Lopetegui’s side battled to a 1-0 victory against a much-improved Southampton.
New Saints boss Ivan Juric was denied a first point of his tenure when Bowen scrambled the ball into the net following a series of headers across the Southampton box in the 59th minute.
It was the hosts who dominated the first hour of the match, though. After West Ham struck the crossbar early on, it was all Southampton for much of the game.
But despite the Premier League’s bottom side looking far better on both sides of the ball, they could not find that elusive goal.
Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu went close numerous times, but either failed to hit the target or headed it straight at Fabianski in the West Ham goal.
The Irons keeper was one of two enforced changes for West Ham in the first half. The Pole was forced off after a nasty collision with Southampton defender Nathan Wood.
Julen Lopetegui also lost Max Kilman early on, but the replacements did their job and secured victory for the visitors.
Guido Rodriguez looked to have been sent off as Southampton built pressure, but his red card was downgraded to yellow after a VAR review.
After the break, West Ham grew into the match while the hosts faded. Bowen’s 100th league goal proved the difference as Southampton failed to score a late equaliser.
Watch: Southampton Vs West Ham Highlights
The result leaves Southampton rooted the foot of the Premier League. They were destined to stay bottom regardless of the result, but losing 1-0 will be a bitter pill for Ivan Juric after his side looked far better than they had in recent weeks.
West Ham, meanwhile, move up to 13th and further away from danger.
The two sides are next in action on Sunday 29 December as Southampton travel to Crystal Palace and West Ham host league leaders Liverpool.
