Match verdict by Hughie Southon
There’s little one can say but that the Hammers wasted a huge opportunity.
Fabianski – three or four fine saves
Quite simply, Southampton were there to be taken but a goal that should never have stood and a brilliant strike from Declan was how it finished to leave us in eleventh place,
On any other day it might have been three or 4-1 but the hugely impressive Scamacca was so unlucky with a quartet of shot which would have given us a comfortable win.
If anybody deserved a goal it was the 23-year-old who was brimful of confidence throughout the game and looks a real Premier League star in the making,
A foul throw saw us go behind on how the officials decided there was no issue to answer was unbelievable although on a day when we had no recognized central defenders available things often look pretty dodgy at the heart of defence.
Fingers crossed that we get some back for Wednesday evening when we take on Liverpool at Anfield otherwise life could be very difficult indeed.
Thankfully, Lukasz Fabianski was in outstanding form when Saints attacked making three or four top saves along the way.
Declan Rice scored one of our best goals of the season but we seem to be a poorer side from corner klicks these days which is something needing to be put right given the number of goals we have scored from such situations over the last couple of seasons.
Today wasn’t a disaster but it really was a chance of three points which went begging.
Disappointing.
Our main threat from corners has been Dawson, so when he’s out we’re handicapped. I’m more concerned about our inability to finish in open play. Scamacca and Paquetá are just as profligate as Fornals and Benrahma, unfortunately. We can’t afford to drop points against this caliber of opponent, even away from home.
It’s not a foul throw. Part of his foot is clearly on the line, therefore it is fine. However, Bowen was clearly impeded by the ref. That’s why it should have stopped. Game of two halves. Yes, we should have got it over the line but we didn’t really create great chances. Paqueta was poor again and without an in form playmaker, we look one dimensional. Scamacca looked excellent though. Such a good player. Looks more comfortable now. Not forcing the play as much as he did. Very good at bringing players into the game and always a threat.