Southampton continued their fine form after beating West Ham in a hard fought contest that saw the Saints reduced to ten men, after Victor Wanyama was sent off.
Maya Yoshida’s 9th-minute goal was enough to take all three points at St Mary’s after Wanyama’s pass set up the Japanese defender who poked the ball past West Ham goalkeeper Adrian.
Kenyan midfielder Wanyama was then sent from the field after fouling Dimitri Payet leaving referee Mark Clattenburg to produce a straight red card to make it the midfielder’s third dismissal of the season.
The home side dominated much of the match reducing the visitors to very few opportunities, Graziano Pelle, Shane Long and recent arrival Charlie Austin all had good chances to put the Saints further ahead but failed to convert.
Wanyama sent off for 3rd time in a season
The away side failed to trouble Saints goalkeeper Fraser Forster often enough, the only real save the 27-year-old had to make was a header from West Ham defender Winston Reid.
Saints manager Ronald Koeman was pleased with his side’s result: “We defended fantastically today. Even with one less on the pitch we had the best chances to score the second one.”
Southampton have now recorded five consecutive clean sheets which reflects their excellent turn of form coming into the new year, notably beating Manchester United and drawing with Arsenal, both away from home.
The result means the south coast side remain in 7th place despite closing the gap on the Hammers to just two points, Koeman’s side are also just three points behind Manchester United in fifth as they push for their highest Premier League finish.
Koeman positive for rest of the season
The Dutchman said: “We have good players, we have a good team. We have a really good belief and confidence at the moment.
“We are looking forward to the rest of the season.”
The Saints will now turn their attention to a tough match away against a revitalised Swansea City, following that the South coast Derby with Bournemouth.