West Ham 1 S’oton 3

by Paul Donovan

at Boleyn Ground

West Ham were given a footballing lesson by a Southampton team who despite a number of departures in the summer appear to have picked up where they left off last season.

The Hammers started off the brighter of the two and were rewarded in the 26th minute when Mauro Zarate won the ball, laying it off to Mark Noble who saw the Southampton rear guard open up before him as he strode onward driving a shot that was deflected out of the reach of Saints keeper Fraser Forster. 

The goal though seemed to spur the visitors into action, resulting in an equalising goal shortly before half time. 

West Ham appeared to switch off as the cross came over going through the penalty area before falling to Morgan Schneiderlin who swept the ball into the far corner. 

Southampton picked up greater impetus in the second half, coming to totally dominate possession. 

The pressure saw them take the lead in the 67th minute, with Schneiderlan once again popping up, this time on the near post, to slot home a quickly taken corner.

The home faithful were now becoming restless, which only got worse when Southampton stretched their lead further. Home keeper Adrian could only push out a fierce cross shot that fell to Graziano Pelle who lashed the ball home. 

The home supporters’ discontent was palpable by the end, with the boos resounding around the ground at the final whistle. 

At the start of the day West Ham paraded latest signing Alex Song who joins on a season long-loan from Barcelona. 

The former Arsenal midfielder looks desperately needed if this lacklustre display is anything to go by.

A disconsolate Allardyce described the result as “a massive disappointment” and called on his players to “take responsibility

“To lose two goals off set plays was a huge disappointment and unacceptable. There wasn’t  anything I can be pleased about.”

On the new recruit Alex Song, Allardyce hoped that he would bring a bit of leadership. “The players talk before the game, on the training groundbut don’t communicate on the pitch. He (Song) looks a bit of a leader to me. Hopefully he’ll kick a few backsides.” 

Koeman was full of praise for Schneiderlin and his attitude over recent weeks, after all the speculation about big clubs coming in for him. “Morgan Schneiderlin accepted the situation, he couldn’t play like that otherwise,” said Koeman.