That’s a wrap on West Ham’s home journey this season, and what a way to end it! The Hammers did as their name would suggest and bashed the Saints of Southampton in a well-rounded, dominant 3-0 win. Let’s get into the recap!
I previously wrote, ahead of this match, that a rousing performance from Marko Arnautovic could be the next step in repairing the relationship he tarnished with the fans. This was after the solid job he did against Spurs, assisting on the Antonio goal and giving his all throughout the match.
I then wrote West Ham would win (2-0 I said) on the back of an Arnautovic brace. Can I see the future? Maybe. Am I a hero? If you want to call me that, sure. Jokes aside, Marko Arnautovic ran the show up top today and gave West Ham fans a performance we haven’t seen from him in some time.
The opener, a lovely ball slotted into the bottom of the net past Fraser Forster at the 16-minute mark was calmly handled by Arnautovic. The quick break in the midfield was inspired by a Noble interception. He followed it up with a slicing ball through the back line to find his striker.
A double for this man! 😍 pic.twitter.com/kQ2gRj1Sip
— West Ham United (@WestHam) May 4, 2019
That goal was one of what felt like a possible many in the first half, as West Ham dominated Southampton in every aspect of the game.
The second half started out much better for the Saints. A 45-minute sub of Nathan Redmond on ignited their attack and allowed for the opposition to take some control back in the match. It didn’t amount to a goal, but West Ham had to respect the offensive prowess Southampton found and had were forced into defensive positions.
The Hammers first real attack of the second half came down Masuaku’s wing after Jack Wilshere joined the fray, replacing Grady Diangana and forcing Lanzini out wide right. King Arthur’s cross was pushed directly at Arnautovic by the keeper who collected the ball and headed it home from close range. The Austrian had his second and effectively broke Southampton.
Just three minutes later, West Ham would add a third nail in the coffin. Ryan Fredericks, who played unbelievably well in this match, cut inside and played a one-touch give-and-go with Wilshere who back-heeled him into the box. After a kind bounce, Fredericks blasted the ball past a stunned Forster and the match was sealed.
A fantastic performance in our final home match of the season! Who was your MOTM?! ⚒
— West Ham United (@WestHam) May 4, 2019
Man of the Match performances were everywhere in this one for the Hammers. The double for Arnautovic saw him steal the award away from a perfect Fredericks and dominant Noble in this one.
Overall, it was a TEAM performance from the Hammers. They followed up their Spurs win with an effort that matched it and sent the fans away with something to be very proud of. From minute one they looked in control and now the team is poised to finish the season on the right foot to head into 2019/20 on.