Sam Allardyce believes “the kick up the backside” West Ham received from Southampton has been a vital component in their major recovery.

Assessing the current run of form the manager said: “We were off form but Southampton were a good team on the day and every game since.

“I think we have had the kick up the backside and the lads have responded brilliantly to that disappointing performance.

“We had to wait a long time to put that right – we had to wait 16 days before we played Hull City away after the international break.

“Players like Enner Valencia and Cheikhou Kouyate played two games in that time so our response has been very good.”

He added: “It has been a good reaction. We have looked at the players and changed the system and it looks like they are very adaptable to different ways of playing which is nice for me.

“I think it is good if you can change the shape of a team in any stage of the game or have it for one game and different for the next.

“There’s an old thing about why change it, but you have got to accommodate the opposition you’re playing when you’re in my position.

“Certain ways of playing have to be adjusted sometimes if you want to get the best out of your players against that team to try and win.”