West Ham have had to manage without summer signing Niclas Fullkrug for most of the season, while Michail Antonio’s involvement in a car accident means he will be out for a long spell.
The Hammers then lost defender Max Kilman and goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski to injury in the first half, and also had to replace Carlos Soler at the interval.
But manager Julen Lopetegui was pleased with the way his side regrouped before Fullkrug flicked on for Jarrod Bowen to grab the game’s only goal as Southampton’s early intensity dropped.
Just a few weeks ago, Lopetegui’s position was in doubt, but for the first time this season, his side has gone four games unbeaten in the Premier League.
West Ham are now looking forward to the challenge of hosting leaders Liverpool on Sunday, and if Fullkrug can stay fit – and their latest injuries are not long-term – perhaps Lopetegui does have a future with the Hammers after all.
