West Ham pass Southampton test with flying colours

Only yesterday I agreed with many saying West Ham faced a stern test at Southampton. However they proved more than a match, coming away with a 3-1 win.

After a humiliating loss to Manchester City, many were fearing the worst in this clash. However Slaven Bilic proved to his doubters that he can be the man to lead the Hammers. For the 3rd time in 4 games, West Ham scored 3 goals in a game that many thought would be close.

What will have pleased Bilic was that the entire team came together, despite making a few changes to the lineup. Antonio was slotted back into right wing back, with Kouyate coming in as a roaming centre back and Snodgrass replacing Lanzini in the attacking lineup.

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The Match

It looked like it could be another big defeat for the Hammers to start off with, when Rodriguez lifted the ball over a very stationary defence to allow Gabbiadini to rifle to ball home. The most the away defence managed was an arm raised in protest, and the goal stood.

Given the defence weren’t starting well, the men in attack looked to push on. Andy Carroll is known for his ability in the air, but it was his movement around the defence which led to the goal. Cutting across the defence, he was slipped in behind by a great Obiang pass. Even on his right foot, the big man found the back of the net well, levelling the match.

With the game balanced, it was the Irons who pushed on brighter. Aaron Cresswell came close with a well managed effort, but it was Obiang who broke through. Collecting the ball from a corner, he fired the ball low and hard into the bottom corner. Now it was West Ham’s to lose.

Even though Southampton pushed, the lead never looked insecure. A deflected Mark Noble freekick gave the third goal, and all three points. Pedro Obiang was the man of the match for me. His tackling was as on point as ever and his goal contributions were a timely reminder of his talents.

Next: Are West Ham still short of players?

Slaven Bilic also reached a personal milestone, despite heavy media pressure. Will he still be manager next season?

It’s an interesting time, but the club will need to carry on this form if he still wants the job to go into the next season.