A fourth straight home win in the Premier League in what was the toughest game of the run, but it came at a cost.

A win is a win and every Saints fan would have taken a 1-0 win at the start of the game, however they didn't know just how difficult it would be as they were forced to dig in and play most of the game with ten men.

It all started so well though, Saints were on top and lead through Yoshida's goa in the 9th minute, it could well have been a two goal cushion with Cedric Soares ghosting in from a pin point Shane Long cross which needed a smart save from Adrian to keep out the header.

But the Hammers started to get on top of the game and after the half hour mark had taken control and Forster had to make a top knotch stop to make sure Saints went in at the break with the lead intact.

West Ham started the second half as they ended the first, they had a bounce about them that was missing from the Saints side, the team was flat and lacking a little something and the same could be said for the crowd who seemed to have little enthusiasm.

Then came the moment that changed the game with barely 10 minutes gone after the break, Wanyama had only to control a slow moving ball under no pressure, he completely failed to do so and when he turned to retrieve it he didn't have things all his own way, perhaps he was feeling agrieved because he then through himself into a tackle which was badly mistimed rather than malicious, perhaps another ref would have taken that view but Mark Clattenberg seems to relish controversy and he was soon reaching for a red card.

Was it merited ? possibly ! but this was the third such red card for Wanyama this season, he s getting a reputation as a player who is big and strong, but always walking a tightrope.

This looked a game changing moment and West Ham fans might have thought that it was about to change in their favour, certainly many Saints fans did, however it was Saints who actually benefited from the dismissal, it roused the crowd and it raised the team and although West ham would have a lot of the ball from now on they did little with it.

Ronald Koeman made a switch straight away after the red card, he took of Mane and brought on Oriol Romeu and this was a key switch Romeu had a control and mobility that Wanyama was lacking, yes it was backs to the wall stuff, but the fact was that the Hammers for all their huffing and puffing could not muster a decent attempt that threatened Forster's goal.

Their tactics were clear, they passed the ball well, but Saints kept them doing it far from goal, the arrival of Andy Carroll meant that the Hammers passed it around a lot near the centre circle, got it out wide and crossed for their big man, trouble was Jose Fonte and Virgil Van Dijk were perhaps not bigger but they were stronger and they lead by example.

Indeed it was Saints who had the only two real clear cut chances of the second period, Shane Long harassing a mistake from the visitors back four and firing just over, Charlie Austin nearly gave Saints a cushion late on after great work from Romeu opened up the Hammers defence but the latest Saints signing fired just wide.

You knew that there would be a lot of injury time and in fairness to Clattenberg who tried to make himself the centre of attention by holding up his arm and waving it dramatically at the crowd and TV cameras every time Saints went to take a free kick or throw in, the five minutes he added on was probably about right, the extra minute or so he put on after that seemed more for his benefit than West Ham's who by now had shot their bolt.

So a victory that asked questions about Saints, from a negative side the story was all about how Wanyama again got an unnecessary red card, a pat of his game that will surely be putting off potential suitors and also the fact that like the game at Upton Park, Saints after a positive start let the game slip from their control, long before Wanyama's exit.

From a plus point, the team spirit was once again there and players who some fans were questioning their ability a few weeks ago are truly showing their quality, the likes of Soares, Clasie, Romeu & Long have all had their detractors this season, but once again they proved those doubters wrong.

Soares especially is looking the real deal both defensively and in attacking play, he is putting the ghost of Nathanial Clyne to rest.

Likewise Jordy Clasie, another great display from him and he like Soares is now showing just why Saints bought them.

But at the end of the day it was all about three points and they were gained and the Hammers were roped in and are now within two points, a top six finish is a real possibility now and we have a run of games that if we come through unscathed will truly cement that from being a pipedream to reality.

Photo: Action Images

ThereIn76 added 11:46 - Feb 7 Funny how Saints had the two best chances to score after the sending off. West Ham need others to step up to the plate when Payet is shackled. The red card was outrageous and I hope Saints appeal against it. Clatterbug went for his yellow and then changed his mind when WH players swarmed around him. Romeu looks increasingly like an inspired signing. The worrying thing was how easily we handed the initiative back to WH after going in front. Pelle was rusty and the midfield sat too deep. We actually missed Davis - hope he returns soon.

3

RogerToye added 12:24 - Feb 7 We could have won that game with 9 I felt West Ham were poor with not much of a game plan thought with 11 it could have been a hat full especially if CA was on earlier. Tired performances from Mane and Victor since the window closed.. to be fair the midfield needed to be deep so limited the amount going forward especially after VW silly challenge ill timed and not learning by his mistakes, sees his value drop in my opinion. This put's Saints to the test even more with patience wearing a bit thin. Still the nucleus of defending sees us stronger as the season goes on. I don't agree that is was a yellow it was a dangerous tackle could have had Payet injured again and i don't think Saints are about that.

1

TimSaint added 13:10 - Feb 7 A huge thank you to Arsenal for giving our Keeper and Defenders a nice little work out on Tuesday night, that prepared us perfectly for the 2nd half last night !! :o) The best chance the Hammers had against 10 man Saints was from Cedric's sliced clearance, but FF had it covered I think !! Other than that, they hoofed it to Carroll when perhaps using the (footballing, not acting) skills of Valencia and Payet would have been the better option. On the other had, Shane clipped the top of the bar with his effort and Charlie Austin should have buried it - but I think he hesitated a little as Long wanted to get a shot in as well. Great play by Romeu in the build up. Deserved win for our defensive masterclass and kind of makes up for our poor 2nd half showing at Upton Park, when we should have been out of sight at half time !!

4

welhamdowed added 13:48 - Feb 7 Never a red, it was mis timed and hardly crunching or scissor. A 2 footer later in the game gets a yellow so no consistency at all. In the end it didn't cost us as we looked very comfortable and solid with 10.
2

IanRC added 14:41 - Feb 7 Clattenberg is a disaster for us as a referee, I think that must be the first time in ages we have won a game he refereed. As Wellhamdowed says definite double standards as their ex Leeds full back should have gone if even standards were applied. Romeu looking a bargain and CA will come good, as will Mane. The latter is worth his place even without his finishing of last year as he pulls defenses into all kind of shapes for others to benefit from.

4

halftimeorange added 14:53 - Feb 7 I don't know why Wanyama is the way is he is. Maybe he wants to show how dedicated he is to the Saints cause, maybe he wants to resign Koeman to getting rid of him - who knows. What I do know is that, just as it was at Norwich, all the signs were there that Wanyama would get sent off - five fouls in the first half in front of a particularly severe and objectionable referee. Why the hell wasn't Victor withdrawn at halftime? The coaching staff should recognise and act on the possibility. If he was advised to tone his aggression down at the break, Victor certainly didn't listen. To my mind he went after the WHU player with the ball with intent. I wonder how many points he will cost us before he is confined by Koeman to the stands.

-2

SanMarco added 14:57 - Feb 7 No doubt that it was a dreadful refereeing decision influenced by the Wet Spam players + his need to be the centre of attention. I doubt an appeal would succeed as it was a foul and probably merited the yellow that the later challenge on Bertrand got. I don't agree with all this 'Wanyama let us down' stuff - the man does need to show better judgement in when to tackle but he was the victim of a poor decision yesterday. Alright it could have hurt the bloke but then any tackle, legal or otherwise, could hurt someone. Wet Spam are a good side and that was a good win. I totally agree that the sending off helped us and indeed we should have won 2-0. One negative point for me is that when we make lively starts and get 1-0 up against lower sides we tend to carry on and win comfortably but against better sides (Man Utd, Liverpool, West Ham) if we don't get a second (or even when we do i.e. Leicester) we stand off and let the opposition get on top of us - the difference yesterday was that we defended well to hold on for a deserved win.

2

DPeps added 16:31 - Feb 7 Great result in the circumstances but we didn't play particularly well for most of the game. Our defence played brilliantly but the attacking players didn't help out by failing to hold the ball up. For me the red card was fair. Yellow was an option too but I don't know that we can blame the ref here. Vic was reckless and missed the ball by a mile! Yeah Payet made a bit of a meal of it but I imagine being scythed down by a unit like Vic does hurt a bit. Thought Clasie played well again - he seems to get better with every game

0

WestSussexSaint added 17:21 - Feb 7 Let's have some credit for Yoshida for a change. I know he gets knocked and most of the time it is deserved so if we knock him shouldn't we also praise him when he has a good performance (by his standards). The finish on his goal was as good as any from a genuine striker and he was part of a solid defensive unit when it was needed in the second half. Don't get me wrong I'm not hoping he plays in every game and he may well mess it up next time he plays but credit where it is due this time. Credit also to Cedric and Classie. The new back 3/5 system seems to play to Cedrics strengths and he was outstanding yesterday. Classie has grown with every game this season and yesterday showed how to be a combative midfielder without getting sent off. In fairness to Wanyama I thought the sending off was harsh but this is happening way too often. The good thing to come from this is that he will be banned now for 3(?) games and it should give Romeu a chance to cement his place alongside Classie. Saints were actually better once Romeu came on and that was with one less player.

2

Bettwsresident added 18:41 - Feb 7 I only watched the game on TV, but found myself wincing and shouting at Yoshida's defending and repeated passing to a marked teammate putting them into trouble. Jose justifiably lost his rag with him a couple of times and Carrol only looked dangerous when he isolated Yoshida. He takes his goal superbly (well set up by Vic) and the last 15 Yosh did better but we were lucky not to concede due to one of his earlier 'decisions'. We need Targett back so Bertand can play as the 3rd CB. That formation looks rock solid. Agree with previous posters that Cedric was very good both going forward and defending and Classie was a tiger, sprinting to close people down right up until he was subbed. We have a seriously good side at the moment with some quality options . The midfield is looking particularly strong with Davis, Classie, Romeu, JWP and Vic. The addition of Austin and form of Long gives serious options up front as well I hope it continues next week at the Liberty. The Swans seem to be finding some form. Also, much like the drama of team holding on for a draw in a test match, I really enjoy the tension of games like this and the one at arsenal!

1

Whatsforpud added 18:53 - Feb 7 For all West Ham's pressure, especially in the last half hour, Forster had very few saves to make. The most significant one was in the first half anyway. It was certainly heart-in-mouth time when Soares attempted one of the great own goals when he could have let it go for a goal kick.
5

IWOZTHERE added 22:09 - Feb 7 Last couple of games have been the stuff that TEAMS are made of, battling performances against the odds, supporters identifying with the fight, 'kin brilliant! God knows what to do with VW , at least we've got a better (in my opinion) option to bring in. All were excellent, certainly after the sending off, which you could see coming, right or wrong!
3

simmo400 added 07:01 - Feb 8 Wanayama was red carded and rightly so. Romeu is more the adequate and will do a better job than victor when he is sold in the summer. COYR
1

BaselSaint added 07:06 - Feb 8 With an narcisistic referee who thinks he's a celebrity it will always be a struggle but I agree with ' halftimeorange that the training staff should have replaced Big Vic at half time.
0

Alehouse added 09:48 - Feb 8 I agree with Simmo's views on Wanyama. Even before he was red carded his main contribution was to slow things down and move the ball backwards rather than forwards. We should also be clear about the formation. Once Saints scored we reverted to 5 at the back and this gave West Ham the opportunity to dominate the midfield and take the game to us. We only had Clasie and Wanyama in midfield. At half-time it looked to me as though West ham would go on and win. We were saved ironically by the sending off, which brought Romeu on and brought a bit of passion to players and supporters. People keep talking about Wanyama's sale, but who is going to buy him?

1

SaintPaulVW added 10:48 - Feb 8 What a difference Forster makes. And Yoshi you beauty. COYR.
1

saintsnutcase added 10:59 - Feb 8 Thanks to the sending off, I thought this was one of the most exciting home games this year. We are getting a bit of the luck that went missing before Xmas. So happy we held on!!!!
0

SaintBrock added 14:46 - Feb 8 Vic was asking for trouble, he had been warned by Clattenburg several times in the first half for poor tackles so it seemed inevitable he would earn a card before the afternoon was out. He was in that kind of mood all day. I don't agree with others that he should have been subbed at half-time, yes the signs were there of trouble ahead but he was playing well enough an aha not even picked up a yellow so it was worth the risk of keeping him on the pitch even if a yellow was guaranteed later on. The Red was a Red no question from where I was sitting, he lost the ball through sloppiness, panicked and lost his head and went galloping after Payet and the ball in that order determined to put things right at any cost. Maybe he really was scared of a rollicking from Koeman for his error but this was just inexcusable and showed a serious lack of thought and consideration for his team-mates. No doubt he got his rollocking after all.

0

Blogs 31 bloggers

AFC Bournemouth Polls