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West Ham United 3-0 Southampton: Five things we learned

In the battle at the bottom, the Hammers eased their relegation worries as they comfortably collected all three points against Southampton. Here are five things we learned:

Home form is key to West Ham’s survival

With just six games to go until the end of the Premier League season, the Hammers have four home matches in which to collect the necessary points for league survival.

Saturday’s win over a poor Southampton side was just what the Hammers needed in order to put their recent home stadium problems aside.

Next up at the London Stadium is Stoke City, followed by visits from both Manchester sides and then Everton on the final day of the season. Eight points from those games should be enough for West Ham to guarantee their Premier League status.

Southampton look doomed

Judging by Saturday’s wretched performance at the London Stadium, Southampton look like a side bereft of ideas and one which is rapidly heading into the Championship.

The Saints did not manage a single shot on target against West Ham, and recent managerial appointment Mark Hughes, must be wondering how he can inspire his new team.

Teams at the bottom of the league need goals, and unfortunately Southampton do not have any strikers showing the necessary form. Oh how the South Coast club could do with someone like Matt Le Tissier back.

Too many players have been sold by Southampton

Since returning to the Premier League in 2012, Southampton have made a tidy profit by consistently selling their best players every season. Supporters watching the current side will be wondering if this policy is about to backfire.

Adam Lallana, Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk, to name three, are all playing well for Liverpool and the profit from selling these players has not been spent wisely, or at all.

The problem of selling the family silverware is one West Ham fans can relate to, but Southampton may have take it a bit too far if they end up getting relegated in May.

Arnautovic can score the goals to keep West Ham up

Marko Arnautovic scored twice against Southampton on Saturday, yet again underlining his importance to West Ham’s survival chances.

Leading the front line alone, he was a constant threat to the Saints defence, as they could not cope with his pace and power with the ball.

With former talisman Andy Carroll seemingly injured for the rest of the season, the Hammers must ensure Arnautovic stays fit until the end of this important campaign.

West Ham can win at the London Stadium

Following the dismal 3-0 home defeat to Burnley, three weeks ago, and the ensuing crowd trouble, many Hammers fans were beginning to think that the team would not win any more home games this season.

The arrival on Saturday of an extremely poor Southampton team was just what West Ham needed to revive their flagging confidence. A better side than the Saints may well have tested the Hammers fragile home form.

Confidence has now, hopefully, returned to the West Ham side as they now sit 14th in the Premier League, and crucially five points above the relegation zone.

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