By Daniel Mcinally
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Joao Mario capped off a fantastic day for the Irons with his first goal for the club, while Declan Rice provided an assured performance at the heart of the Hammers defence.
West Ham started the brighter of the two sides, but were dealt a blow when Michail Antonio had to be taken off early in the contest.
That didn’t affect the rhythm of Moyes’ team and after dispossessing Mario Lemina from a Southampton corner West Ham countered with devastating effect. Kouyate sprinted away from the Saints defence to find Joao Mario in space just outside the box, the Portuguese midfielder fired his effort high into the goal giving his side a deserved lead.
Four minutes later Arnautovic doubled the Hammers’ advantage. Mario whipped a ball in from the right, and the Austrian headed at goal. McCarthy got a hand to it, but the ball fell back to Arnautovic who made no mistake in slotting home the rebound.
The game seemed to be petering as the half time whistle lingered. However, Arthur Masuaku picked the ball up near the half way line, his auaious cross was met by Arnautovic, who cushioned home a spectacular volley - the second goal of the season contender in the space of 45 minutes.
In the second half West Ham limited Southampton to half chances, but the visitors could find no way past Joe Hart.
Arnautovic’s effort on the 66th minutes could have made it 4-0, but the Austrian's effort curled just wide of the post. Â
Creswell could have made his 150th appearance for West Ham even more memorable, the left back scything an audacious volley from a training ground setpiece which hit the bar in added time.
West Ham move up to 14th in the table and will be confident they can take something away from Chelsea next week.
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