Despite the disappointing 4-0 loss on Wednesday a loyal Claret and Blue away army of 3,388 supporters made the journey to the south coast on Saturday morning.
I had that sinking feeling again after Southampton went one nil up after just twelve minutes, the goal at first looked offside but TV replays showed that Winston Reid just played Gabbiadini onside to get his debut goal. We had not won for 17 years against Southampton away before today and I wondered whether we would be denied again. My doubts lasted just two minutes before Pedro Obiang put through a lovely ball to Andy Carroll for him to slot his sixth goal of the season into the net to level things up.
The Saints seemed to be missing the leadership of their former captain, Jose Fonte and their defense seemed woeful at times. It was Obiang again just before half time that allowed the Hammers to take the lead with his first goal for the club. He was a worthy man of the match and has to be a big contender for Hammer of the year this season.
It was left to Mark Noble to wrap up the three points early in the second half with a free kick which went in with some help from the Saints. It was initially put down as a own goal but Sky later credited Noble with it.
After the disappointment of a third defeat against Man City mid-week in which they have beaten an aggregate of 13-1 this season, an away win was just the tonic we needed, beating Southampton 3-1 and rising up to ninth in the table on 31 points was just the answer to those who doubt Slaven’s ability as a manager.
Great win for Slav and the boys, onwards and upwards to West Brom at the London Stadium next weekend.
COYI
About Sean Whetstone