West Ham 3-1 Southampton: Three Key Moments that decided the game

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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 29: Alex McCarthy of Southampton during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton FC at London Stadium on February 29, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images) /

Let’s Get Physical…. Or Not

With the score at one all in the dying embers of the first half, Saints fans would’ve been expecting their side to push on and take the game by the scruff of the neck.

Rather than doubling their tally Southampton instead doubled down on their penchant for making disastrous mistakes. This time around it’s the usually reliable Alex McCarthy who picks up the nitwit of the week award.

Antonio lofts what looks to be a relatively straightforward ball towards McCarthy. The shot stopper has Sébastien Haller for company, but it still looks to be a relatively easy catch. The keeper puts his gloves up to take possession, only to find the Frenchman’s head between his hands and the ball.

While there was a little bit of contact with the Saint, it was nowhere near enough to give a foul in this physical sport. The Irons’ man collected the spilled ball before turning it towards the open goal.

Much like the first goal, a needless mistake put SFC irredeemably on the back foot. In a league of tight margins Ralph Hasenhüttl’s men have found themselves repeatedly committing costly errors.

A lack of focus and awareness has plagued the team not just this season, but for a number of years now. This must change or the South coast side will forever be pulled towards the bottom of the Premier League.