West Ham Hammers Southampton 3-0
West Ham manager David Moyes said their fans’ support “inspired” his players as they thrashed relegation rivals Southampton at London Stadium to move clear of the relegation zone.
The game was the Hammers’ first since fans invaded the pitch during their 3-0 home defeat by Burnley but they produced a brilliant performance to overcome their recent troubles and end a run of three consecutive heavy defeats.
“The supporters were great – they have been great here bar a few,” Moyes said.
“The players gave them something to shout about today.”
Moyes’ side eased the tension around the ground with two goals in the opening 17 minutes, first from Joao Mario and then Marko Arnautovic.
Mario smashed in the opener from the edge of the penalty area after being picked out by Cheikhou Kouyate, who had powerfully carried the ball away on the counter-attack.
Portuguese Mario then set up Arnautovic for the second with a brilliant cross from the right that the Austrian bundled home at the second attempt.
Arnautovic added his second in first-half stoppage time, volleying home another fine cross, this time from the left flank by Arthur Masuaku.
Hammers support inspired players – Moyes
“The players were great. Their prep over the last few weeks, their attitude has been great – they wanted to put past events behind them,” Moyes added.
“We think we’re good enough to be clear of the bottom three. Recent results haven’t been good but we played well.”
Southampton were dire in Mark Hughes’ first league game in charge and remain in the relegation zone, two points from safety.
Victory for West Ham takes them up to 14th, five points clear of Saints in 18th.
