Southampton produced a stunning first-half performance to secure a memorable 3-2 victory at West Ham on Saturday. The win lifts Tonda Eckert's side into the Championship play-off places and ends the Hammers' unbeaten league run. This result from Saturday 24 October confirms a recent run of three wins and a draw from their last five matches, a sequence that includes a goalless draw with Bolton and a win at Norwich.
Kuryu Matsuki gave the Saints a dream start, scoring after just two minutes. James Bree doubled the lead nine minutes later with a powerful finish. Former Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters pulled a goal back for the hosts in the 24th minute, but Lewis Dobbin restored the two-goal cushion before half-time, tapping in a rebound.
Peretz stands firm
West Ham dominated possession after the break, but goalkeeper Daniel Peretz made a series of important saves to protect the lead. The hosts managed 28 shots but could only find a second goal deep into stoppage time through substitute Tomáš Souček. The result sees Southampton climb to eighth in the standings with 17 points from 11 games, now just eight points behind leaders Middlesbrough. Their record of six wins, three draws and two losses is underpinned by a strong goal difference of plus 11, having scored 21 and conceded 10 this season.
Manager Tonda Eckert praised his team's explosive start. "The Saints flew out of the blocks," he said.
The victory extends Southampton's recent good form to three wins and a draw in their last five league matches. They have now scored 21 goals this season, the third-highest total in the division. The team's attacking threat has been led by C. Larin, who is the club's top scorer with seven goals in 11 appearances.
Captain Jack Stephens reflected on an "outstanding" away performance after the 3-2 win at West Ham. He told the club's website, "We've set our standard now." The victory lifts Southampton to 6th in the Championship with 20 points from 12 games. The Saints have now scored 24 goals this season.
