No new manager bounce here at St Mary’s, though an under pressure boss managed to buy himself more time.
New Southampton boss Ivan Juric, taking charge of his new team for the first time following Russell Martin’s sacking last week, saw his side slump to their 14th loss in 18 Premier League games this season to stay rooted to the bottom of the table.
Julen Lopetegui on the other hand, who was close to losing his job just three weeks ago, provided himself with further breathing space with this narrow victory courtesy of Jarrod Bowen’s solitary strike.
Whisper it, but the Hammers are now four matches unbeaten. Hardly a irresistible head of steam, of course.
Hardly an irresistible head of steam but for Lopetegui it is something tangible to grasp to in his efforts to convince the Hammers hierarchy his appointment can still be a success.
‘This was a tough match but we knew that, we suffered as a team to win three points. If we didn’t have a strong mentality we lose this match,’ said Lopetegui, who confirmed goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski was conscious and talking after receiving lengthy treatment for a head injury following a sickening collision with Saints defender Nathan Wood in the first-half.
Jarrod Bowen scored the only goal of the game as West Ham beat Southampton on Boxing Day
Julen Lopetegui’s start at West Ham has been difficult after winning only six league games
Southampton meanwhile find themselves eight points short of safety at the bottom of the table
The Hammers were made to sweat for their three points, though. Southampton produced enough opportunities, particularly in the first-half, to feel they deserved more than their latest loss.
‘We did a really good game, the players in a few days improved a lot. We had good moments in the game and concede much less than before,’ said Juric, who said referee Lewis Smith – taking charge of only his fourth Premier League game – was right to overturn his own decision to red card West Ham midfielder Guido Rodriguez for a lunge on Kyle Walker-Peters because the Hammers star didn’t make contact wit his player.
‘I’m surprised how quickly they took to my ideas. But the details we have to work on.’
Nevertheless you fear Southampton’s destiny is already written. Juric, or anyone else for that matter, will struggle to divert the course of their season after this latest loss.
But for Lopetegui it is something tangible to grasp in his efforts to convince the Hammers hierarchy his appointment can still be a success.
With Liverpool, Manchester City and Aston Villa on the horizon, Lopetegui won’t be completely at ease just yet.
Meanwhile, the performance will offer at least some encouragement to Juric as he plots what would surely be the greatest escape.
But you fear Southampton’s destiny is already written. Juric, or anyone else for that matter, will struggle to divert the course of their season.
Bowen fired narrowly over inside 15 seconds before Carlos Soler smashed the underside of the bar with a first-time effort from Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s pass as the Hammers dominated the opening exchanges but when Southampton eventually found their stride they certainly looked threatening – Paul Onuachu and Mateus Fernandes wasted two golden headed chances to put the host’s ahead.
All of a sudden, St Mary’s was pumped; it’s funny what a change of manager and couple of chances can do.
West Ham’s positive start was short-lived, their anxieties made worse by the sight of centre-back Max Kilman trudging off with what appeared a shoulder injury in the 19th minute to be replaced by Jean-Clair Todibo.
Had Fabinaski not denied Walker-Peters and Onuachu with smart saves then the Hammers’ problems would have deepened.
The Hammers were made to sweat for the points which is a positive for Ivan Juric (above)
Defender Max Kilman was forced off with what looked like a shoulder injury in the 19th minute
Lukasz Fabianski denied Paul Onuachu with a smart save to keep the Hammers level in the tie
There were worrying scenes on the 30 minute mark as Fabianski required lengthy treatment following a sickening aerial collision with Saints defender Nathan Wood that left the goalkeeper motionless on the turf.
That in-house cameras weren’t showing replays of the incident or footage of Fabianski receiving treatment was indicative of the severity.
Indeed, even opposing keeper Ramsdale was concerned enough to stride the length of the field to check on his opposite number.
The Pole, flat on a stretcher, eventually departed, replaced by Alphonse Areola, in the 36th minute to a chorus of ‘super Fabianski’ as the stricken keeper laid still as paramedics wheeled him off.
Wan-Bissaka missed a good opportunity just before 10 minutes of first half stoppage time, while Onuachu’s physical presence continued to cause Lopetegui’s defenders problems as the game headed towards half time.
Juric would have been pleased on his debut. Lopetegui, in contrast, cut an exasperated figure at half-time, his side inexplicably allowing Southampton back into the game they were controlling.
West Ham midfielder Guido Rodriguez was handed a huge reprieve in the 53rd minute after having a straight red card for a lunge on Kyle Walker-Peters overturned by referee Lewis Smith, after the official was encouraged to review his decision.
Smith, taking charge of only his fourth Premier League game, was correct to overrule himself – Rodriguez, despite an over-zealous challenge, made little or no contact with Walker-Peters – though the Argentine did earn himself a yellow card.
Fabianski required lengthy treatment after a nasty collision and was subsequently substituted
The goalkeeper departed to applause from both sides with Irons fans singing ‘super Fabianski’
Bowen prodded home the winner from two yards after some slack play from Yukinari Sugawara
And the Hammers made the most of their reprieve in the 59th minute when Bowen prodded home from two yards after Tomas Soucek and Niclas Fulkrug combined from half-time substitute Edson Alvarez’s deep cross to set up the winner.
Juric will point to a needless corner conceded by Yukinari Sugawara that led to West Ham’s opener, the Japanese’s substitution straight after Bowen’s goal, perhaps, indicative of the new coach’s fury.
But Southampton had ample opportunity to clear the resultant corner kick. Not all of that is on Sugawara.
Fernandes flashed wide from Walker-Peters’ pass in the 69th minute before substitute Summerville before Tyler Dibling missed an injury time chance to steal a point but West Ham clung on to victory.
