Southampton vs West Ham United LIVE: Premier League latest ...
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Follow live coverage as Southampton face West Ham United today in the Premier League. Another top-flight season will be covered in full right here with The Independent, as reigning champions Manchester City look to make it an unprecedented five titles in a row come the end of 2024/25.
The likes of Arsenal and Liverpool will be chasing Pep Guardiola's side, but just as fascinating will be the race for Champions League places, with more teams than ever before having designs on top-four finishes. Chelsea remain big-spending, Manchester United's latest rebuild continues and both Tottenham and Newcastle will expect improvements this year - yet it was Aston Villa who snared fourth last term.
Meanwhile, it's Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town who made it back to the elite after promotion last year and each will have hope they can make it more than a one-year stay. Follow the latest live action from the Premier League below:
Southampton FC 0 - 1 West Ham United FC
17:02
Seven minutes have been added to see through the second half and thus this game. West Ham are happy to keep the ball without trying much, while Southampton are pressing hard with time quickly running out for them.
Southampton vs West Ham United17:01
Another good chance! Lallana does brilliantly as he goes past Kudus before playing it for Onuachu inside the box. But Onuachu fails to direct his header across goal on target and another opportunity goes begging.
Southampton vs West Ham United16:59
A long throw-in from Manning is flicked on by Harwood-Bellis. It then falls to Onuachu, who cannot steer it home from a tight angle. That was a half chance for the Saints.
Southampton vs West Ham United16:58
West Ham are also making a late change here as Coufal replaces Emerson.
Southampton vs West Ham United16:54
Substitution Lesley Chimuanya Ugochukwu Adam David Lallana
Southampton vs West Ham United16:54
Sulemana runs down the left and then looks to play a through ball for Todibo, who was making an enterprising run into the box. However, Sulemana's pass is too heavy and Areola comes off his line to collect the ball with ease before Todibo could get to it. Areola then takes his time to get it going again.
Southampton vs West Ham United16:51
It has now been seven hours since Southampton last scored a goal in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Lopetegui, who can sense a cruciual three points here, is urging his players to keep their focus and not switch off for even a second.
Southampton vs West Ham United16:50
Southampton seem to have lost their attacking momentum and, as things stand, do not look like being able to create anything to get back into this game. Sulemana's cross from the left cannot find Dibling and West Ham clear their lines comfortably again.
Southampton vs West Ham United16:49
Soucek goes off the pitch to receive some treatment but he is okay to continue after a quick look by the medics. West Ham earn a free-kick down the left, Cresswell's left-footed attempts is met by Bowen who was onside in the box, but the latter's header does not have enough zing on it and is easily pouched by Ramsdale.
Southampton vs West Ham United16:45
West Ham come close to a second! Bowen's low cross is met by Kudus at the far post, but his attempt towards goal hits the side netting. Bowen did so well there to control the ball and then play that cross to Kudus, who should have done a lot better.
Southampton vs West Ham United16:42
West Ham have been more proactive in this half and it shows in the fact that they have had six shots on goal to only two from the Saints in the second half.
Southampton vs West Ham United16:41
Substitution Adam James Armstrong Kamaldeen Sulemana
Southampton vs West Ham United16:38
Southampton come close! Walker-Peters does so well to beat a couple of West Ham players, then cuts inside to feed Fernandes, whose left-footed shot is dragged just wide of the target. That was so close to being 1-1!
Southampton vs West Ham United16:36
Onuachu goes down as he spins away on the right side of the box and Southampton appeal for a penalty. The referee denies it and VAR takes a look as well before staying with the on-field referee's decision.
Southampton vs West Ham United16:35
Substitution Niclas Füllkrug Crysencio Jilbert Sylverio Cirro Summerville
Southampton vs West Ham United16:35
Substitution Guido Rodríguez Aaron William Cresswell
Southampton vs West Ham United16:34
West Ham have lost just one of their last 18 Premier League games when they've scored first (W11 D6). Meanwhile, Armstrong tries to bend a shot into the goal at the far post but it was well wide of the target.
Southampton vs West Ham United16:29
Substitution Flynn Downes Joseph Oluwaseyi Temitope Ayodele-Aribo
Southampton vs West Ham United16:29
Substitution Yukinari Sugawara James Patrick Bree
Southampton vs West Ham United16:29
Assist Niclas Füllkrug
Southampton vs West Ham United16:27
After a combined 19 shots in the first half itself, neither team has registered a shot so far in this half. West Ham earn a corner down the left flank against the run of play.
Southampton vs West Ham United16:24
Yellow Card Tomáš Souček
Southampton vs West Ham United16:22
Red card overturned by VAR! West Ham breathe a huge sigh of relief! Rodriguez goes in on Walker-Peters with a two-footed tackle and is shown a straight red card. However, it seemed like he slipped there before going into Walker-Peters and VAR asks the referee to take another look at it on the monitor. After a quick look, the referee changes his decision.
Southampton vs West Ham United16:21
Yellow Card Guido Rodríguez
Southampton vs West Ham United16:19
Bowen gets to the byline and crosses one towards the centre of the box from the right flank. But it is blocked by the Saints defence before a West Ham player could get to it.
Southampton vs West Ham United16:19
Red Card Guido Rodríguez
Southampton vs West Ham United16:18
Fernandes tries to turn infield in the middle part of the pitch but one of the West Ham defenders does well to make a solid sliding tackle and get the ball first. West Ham regain possession and try to build from the back before Areola launches a long ball forward.
Southampton vs West Ham United16:14
We are back underway at St. Mary's Stadium as Southampton get things going in the second half. Just the one half-time substitution from the Hammers, which already makes it three changes from them so far today.
Southampton vs West Ham United16:13
Another change from West Ham, this time a planned one. Alvarez comes on for Soler.
Southampton vs West Ham United16:11
Southampton had an xG of 0.84 in the first half to West Ham's 0.46. While Southampton created 26 final third entries to West Ham's 24, the Saints had 20 touches in the opposition box to only nine from the Hammers. Despite both teams being wasteful with their chances and being lucky in the fact that the other hasn't scored yet, they will need to get better with converting those chances in the second half as we can expect both teams to come out flying again.
Southampton vs West Ham United16:05
A first half that saw 19 shots in all from both teams, six of those being on target, ends without even a single goal being scored. An eventful half saw West Ham on the attack right from kick-off and they never looked back since. Soler hit the crossbar in the seventh minute and the Hammers kept creating chances. Southampton did not stay quiet for long though and created a host of chances themselves as the half progressed, with Onuachu missing three very good chances, with Walker-Peters and Sugawara consistently feeding Onaunchu and others with some great play on the flanks. West Ham were forced into two changes in the first half, with Kilman and Fabianski going off due to injuries. While the Hammers created many chances themselves, they only had the solitary shot on target in the opening 45 minutes.
Southampton vs West Ham United15:58
HALF-TIME: SOUTHAMPTON 0-0 WEST HAM
Southampton vs West Ham United15:58
Another good save! And another miss from Onuachu from close range. He leaps high and meets Sugawara's brilliant cross coming in from the right flank. Onaunchu's header is once again down the middle though as Areola is alert to it and pouches the ball.
Southampton vs West Ham United15:55
Sugawara lays it off for Walker-Peters, who makes a rapid run into the box down the left. But Wan-Bissaka, as he often does, makes a confident sliding tackle and the last touch is off Walker-Peters as it goes behind for a goal-kick.
Southampton vs West Ham United15:54
Wan-Bissaka has created three chances in this game, more than any other player, ahead of Walker-Peters, who has created two. However, Walker-Peters has been brilliant down that Southampton left flank and has probably been the best player on the pitch today.
Southampton vs West Ham United15:53
Excellent from Todibo. Firstly, it was great work from Fernandes, who puts in a lovely cross towards Onuachu at the far post. The striker connects with it from close range but Todibo does very well to block the shot at the near post and put it behind for a corner.
Southampton vs West Ham United15:50
Kudus takes a shot from outside the box, but it takes a deflection before going into the hands of Ramsdale. There was hardly any sting on that shot after that deflection and was an easy save for Ramsdale, but West Ham register their first shot on target.
Southampton vs West Ham United15:49
10 minutes of stoppage time will see through the opening half. The Fabianski injury in itself was a seven-minute-long delay. Meanwhile, Walker-Peters meets a cross from the right with his head, centrally inside the box, but hits it straight to Areola, who is forced into his first save of the game.
Southampton vs West Ham United15:47
Kudus does very well down the left. He enters the box after navigating past Bednarek and clips a great-looking ball to Wan-Bissaka at the far post. The right-back attempts a volley at goal, but his strong effort is wide of the far post.
Southampton vs West Ham United15:46
Fernandes lays it off for Sugawara, who receives the ball, cuts in on his left foot and takes a shot from the edge of the box despite not having enough space or being in a great position to have a go. The West Ham defence block it and it falls to Downes, whose long range effort is very far and wide.
Southampton vs West Ham United15:44
West Ham have already been forced into two substitutions. But they have four changes still available as the Fabianski one was a concussion sub. Meanwhile, both teams continue to play exciting attacking football and we are now seeing a few fouls in succession.
Southampton vs West Ham United15:40
Downes does well to track back and block a cross from Rodriguez behind for a West Ham corner. Southampton clear the incoming corner-kick with ease. Soon after, West Ham charge down the left again but the last touch is off Emerson and it goes behind for a Southampton goal-kick.
Southampton vs West Ham United15:38
Substitution Łukasz Marek Fabiański Alphonse Francis Areola
Southampton vs West Ham United15:37
Fabianski is still down as the medics are treating him. Ramsdale has made his way to the other end of the pitch and is standing next to the West Ham keeper as are other players from both teams in support. Meanwhile, Lopetegui is readying Areola and passing on a few instructions to him.
Southampton vs West Ham United15:36
Concerning scenes here as Fabianski seems to be in great discomfort and the stretcher is also coming out. He took a blow to the face there while trying to save the corner. The Hammers have already lost Kilman and it does not look good for Fabianski, who has been brilliant so far in this game. There has been a lengthy pause in play.
Southampton vs West Ham United15:31
There have been 11 shots inside the first 30 minutes of this game, six from West Ham and five from hosts Southampton. West Ham are yet to register a shot on target though while Southampton have had three on target.
Southampton vs West Ham United15:30
Yellow Card Nathan Dean Joshua Wood-Gordon
Southampton vs West Ham United15:29
Superb save from Fabianski! Walker-Peters is creating many issues for West Ham. Once again, he charges forward down the left, makes light work of Wan-Bissaka and chips a cross into the box for Onuachu at the far post. Onauchu steers his header towards the top corner but Fabianski comes up clutch and makes a brilliant full-stretch stop diving to his right.
Southampton vs West Ham United15:27
Bowen comes close now! He turns on the halfway line and gets to around 20 yards out with a lot of space to play with. However, his effort from outside the box is just wide of the far post past a diving Ramsdale. Both teams creating good chances!
Southampton vs West Ham United15:25
Fabianski nearly spills a save but hangs on! Walker-Peters gets to the edge of the box, cuts inside and takes a shot. Fabianski makes a rather comfortable save, but almost loses control of the ball with Onuachu looming. Thankfully for the veteran keeper, it falls close to him and he recollects the ball before Onauchu could charge ahead.
Southampton vs West Ham United15:22
Save from Fabianski! That was a great chance for Southampton! Walker-Peters plays in Armstrong down the left and an excellent cut-back from Armstrong finds Fernandes in the centre of the box. Fernandes fires a header but it is straight at Fabianski, who shows good reflexes to make the save.
Southampton vs West Ham United15:20
Substitution Maximilian William Kilman Jean-Clair Dimitri Roger Todibo
Southampton vs West Ham United15:19
There is a brief pause in play here as Kilman goes down and the medics are taking a look at him. Both managers take the opportunity to have discussions with their players. Kilman is back on his feet after a shoulder issue but does not look very comfortable at the moment. We'll see how his situation progresses.
Southampton vs West Ham United15:17
Bowen cuts in from the right and takes a shot at goal but Southampton block and clear away the danger. On the counter, Onuachu plays it for Ugochukwu on the edge of the area but his effort is blocked by the West Ham defence. It has been a very fast start here and I'm not sure how the score is still 0-0.
Southampton vs West Ham United15:15
Fabianski seemed rushed by that Southampton chance as he simply did not see it coming. Meanwhile, it is a milestone game for the West Ham keeper, who is the oldest player (39 years, 252 days) to appear in a Premier League match on Boxing Day since Mark Schwarzer in 2012 for Fulham vs. Southampton (40 years, 81 days).
Southampton vs West Ham United15:15
Southampton come close! That was almost a Southampton goal completely against the run of play. Walker-Peters does so well not just to keep a long cross in coming from the right flank, but play it into the danger area for Onuachu, whose header is just wide of the far post.
Southampton vs West Ham United15:11
West Ham have already had four shots on the Southampton goal and it seems as if Juric has a long and tough evening ahead of himself. West Ham have had the most shots in the opening five minutes of Premier League matches this season (15).
Southampton vs West Ham United15:10
OFF THE BAR! West Ham are flying right now, but how has that not gone in? Wan-Bissaka makes a rapid run down the right flank and Walker-Peters is simply unable to keep up with him. Wan-Bissaka slides the ball across the six-yard area, Fullkrug leaves it, and Soler takes it first time from the centre of the box. That should have gone in but it comes off the crossbar.
Southampton vs West Ham United15:06
Free-kick in a dangerous position for the Hammers! Wood brings down Kudus, who finds a bit of space about 25 yards out. Emerson's free-kick is a weak one though and is blocked by the Southampton wall and cleared with ease.
Southampton vs West Ham United15:04
Wow, West Ham waste no time in making something happen! The Hammers play it long from kick-off and Soler lays it off to Bowen, who takes a swipe at it from about 30 yards out. But his shot is over the crossbar and not too threatening for Ramsdale.
Southampton vs West Ham United15:02
KICK-OFF! We are underway in this clash at St. Mary’s Stadium as visitors West Ham get the ball rolling. The last time these two sides faced each other was in April 2023, with West Ham securing a 1-0 win at London Stadium. The Irons have won two of their last five Premier League encounters, during which period the Saints have won only once.
Southampton vs West Ham United15:01
The teams are making their way out to the pitch, the managers and players are ready, and so are the fans who have turned up in huge numbers for this festive fixture! Southampton have lost just one of their past eight home league games played on Boxing Day, winning five and drawing two. So that’s something to settle the nerves a bit for new manager Juric on his Southampton debut.
Southampton vs West Ham United14:53
West Ham have also made two changes to the team that drew 1-1 with Brighton over the weekend. Soler and Rodriguez come in for Alvarez and Paqueta, who is facing suspension for this game. Mavropanos is fit to start after coming off against Brighton due to an injury and Fullkrug starts up front again.
Southampton vs West Ham United14:53
Southampton have made two changes to their starting XI from the goalless draw with Fulham as Juric names his first Saints XI. Ugochukwu and Onuachu replace Aribo and Dibling, both of whom are on the bench today. Skipper Stephens is not part of the matchday squad.
Southampton vs West Ham United14:47
WEST HAM SUBS: Aaron Cresswell, Vladimír Coufal, Crysencio Summerville, Luis Guilherme, Danny Ings, Edson Alvarez, Alphonse Areola, Jean-Clair Todibo, Andy Irving.
Southampton vs West Ham United14:47
WEST HAM (4-2-3-1): Lukasz Fabianski; Emerson, Maximilian Kilman, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Aaron Wan-Bissaka; Guido Rodríguez, Mohammed Kudus; Tomas Soucek, Carlos Soler, Jarrod Bowen; Niclas Fullkrug.
Southampton vs West Ham United14:47
SOUTHAMPTON SUBS: Alex McCarthy, Ryan Manning, Joe Aribo, Adam Lallana, James Bree, Cameron Archer, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Ryan Fraser, Tyler Dibling.
Southampton vs West Ham United14:42
SOUTHAMPTON (3-4-2-1): Aaron Ramsdale; Nathan Wood, Jan Bednarek, Taylor Harwood-Bellis; Kyle Walker-Peters, Lesley Ugochukwu, Flynn Downes, Yukinari Sugawara; Mateus Fernandes, Paul Onuachu; Adam Armstrong.
Southampton vs West Ham United14:37
Like their opponents today, West Ham United were also on the verge of welcoming a new manager to the club, with Julen Lopetegui being under great scrutiny for most of this season. However, the pressure has somewhat eased on the Spanish manager as his West Ham side are on a three-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, which includes back-to-back 1-1 draws against Bournemouth (away) and Brighton (home) after a hard-fought 2-1 home win against Wolves. With their next two league opponents set to be Liverpool and Manchester City, respectively, before an FA Cup clash with Aston Villa, the Irons would know just how important it is to grab a full three points against bottom-placed Southampton. West Ham have scored in each of their last six league games, but have also conceded in each of their last five. Michail Antonio could be a long-term absentee as he continues his rehabilitation from a recent car accident, while Lucas Paqueta is unavailable for this game owing to suspension. Carlos Soler is back from suspension though and could replace Paqueta. Konstantinos Mavropanos, who was withdrawn at half-time against Brighton, is a doubtful starter.
Southampton vs West Ham United14:37
Boxing Day games always carry a sense of excitement with them, and for Southampton, today’s fixture also marks the start of a new era. Ivan Juric takes charge of his first game as Saints manager and already faces an uphill task as his Southampton side are currently languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table, eight points from safety. Juric watched from the stands over the weekend as the Saints, under Simon Rusk’s tutelage, put up a spirited effort to hold Fulham to a goalless draw at Craven Cottage, thus also earning only their second point on the road all season. The draw also snapped a four-game losing run across competitions for Southampton and they haven’t won a game since a 1-0 home win over Everton at the start of November. In fact, it remains their only top-flight victory this season. The Saints have already shown signs of improvement in their last two games, since Russell Martin’s sacking, and all eyes will be on the style of play Juric instils in his team. Aaron Ramsdale’s comeback was a big plus for the Saints against Fulham and club captain Jack Stephens is available against West Ham after a four-match ban. Meanwhile, Gavin Bazunu, Will Smallbone and Ross Stewart are long-term absentees.
Southampton vs West Ham United14:32
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the Premier League clash between Southampton and West Ham at St. Mary’s Stadium.
Southampton vs West Ham United13:00
Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…
