Sheffield United remain winless on the season as they fell 1-0 to West Ham United at Bramall Lane. A second-half goal by Sebastien Haller was enough to give the Hammers all three points while the Blades remain rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table.
Story of the game
Sheffield United had the first chance of the game on three minutes as John Egan's ball over the top sent George Baldock clear, but his tough angle shot was saved by Lukasz Fabianski at the near post.
West Ham saw more of the ball and began dominating possession, but in the 24th minute, the Blades again had an opportunity to take the lead as Oli McBurnie drilled one from 15 yards out only to see Fabianski save with his right hand.
The visitors then created a couple of chances as Vladimir Coufal forced Aaron Ramsdale into his first save of the afternoon and Tomas Soucek laced one that went wide after Heller's nod down from a left-wing cross.
Davud McGoldrick and McBurnie drew saves out of Fabianski and on 56 minutes, the Hammers were out in front. Pablo Fornals' shot was blocked and Haller picked up the loose ball to blast a 20-yard effort that grazed Ramsdale's fingertips on its way past him.
The visitors went in search of a second as Haller came close to doubling their advantage while Declan Rice struck the top of the crossbar with a header after meeting Aaron Cresswell's corner.
Sheffield United came close to equalizing as Rhian Brewster sent McBurnie through and he hit the woodwork on 75 minutes. West Ham saw out the remainder of the time to wrap up all three points and pile more pressure on their hosts.
Man of the Match: Sebastian Haller
His rocket of a goal was the difference and he also came close to a second as West Ham stamped their authority on the game. His pace troubled the Sheffield United defence as the Hammers head back to London with all three points.
Takeaways from the match
West Ham are growing in confidence
After starting out slowly in the match, Rice and Soucek asserted themselves, providing a real threat down both flanks. Both were unfortunate not to score while wing-back Arthur Musaku drove through the Sheffield United defense at will. The Hammers can taker away many positives from this victory.
Teams
Sheffield United (3-5-2): Ramsdale; Basham, Egan, Ampadu; Baldock, Berge, Norwood, Fleck, Lowe; McBurnie, McGoldrick
West Ham United (3-4-3): Fabianski; Cresswell, Ogbonna, Balbuena; Masuaku, Soucek, Rice, Coufal; Fournal, Haller, Bowen