By Sam Tonks
West Ham left it late as substitute Diafra Sakho scored his first goal of the season to beat Swansea City 1-0 at London Stadium. The Senegalese striker connected with fellow sub Arthur Masuaku’s cross to convert an 89th minute winner.
In a close game between the two teams, the Hammers took their opportunity at the death to claim a vital three points.
Michail Antonio overcame a knock sustained in last weekend’s game with Spurs to start, Andre Ayew came into a more attacking line-up whilst Manuel Lanzini returned to the bench after injury, while Swansea club captain Leon Britton came in to start his first league game of the campaign.
In the first half, both defences were as resilient as each other with chances at a premium.
Aaron Cresswell was West Ham’s best attacking outlet early and was central to the clearest opportunities of the opening exchanges. His cross was volleyed by Antonio, but Lukasz Fabianski denied him on five minutes.
Andy Carroll normally is the target man but switched to winger as he found Andre Ayew, but he was also stopped by Swansea’s Polish keeper.
Wilfried Bony had the visitors’ sole sight of goal as his effort from 30 yards was parried to safety by Joe Hart on 15 minutes.
There was no change immediately after the break with the cutting edge lacking for both sides. Antonio was dynamic but the Hammers were frustrated, he crossed for Carroll, who slid but the ball evaded him.
The half was closely contested with Swansea defending well, marshalled by Federico Fernandez, yet the Hammers came within centimetres of a winner when Carroll’s half-volley bounced back off the post from Cresswell’s centre.
However, there was to be late joy for the Hammers as Slaven Bilic’s super-subs combined to win the three points.
It was down the left flank again but substitute Artur Masuaku this time, he provided for Diafra Sakho who arrived on cue to score, to the response of a roar of relief from home fans.Â
