The England back-up goalkeeper recently came back from a long-term injury and he is yet to concede in five matches – seven and a half hours – since returning between the sticks.
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Saturday night football comes from St Mary’s Stadium this week as Southampton and West Ham United clash on the south coast (17:30), with both side’s bidding to qualify for European football next season.
Koeman immediately took off Mane to strengthen midfield with Oriol Romeu, and for the second time in the week Hammers found themselves playing part of a game against 10 men. As they spent long periods camped in opposition territory, it was captain Mark Noble who produced the game’s outstanding performance as he unleashed his full passing repertoire; including one fine ball to set up Michail Antonio for the opener.
“Of course we are gutted because this was a great opportunity for us”, he told the club’s official website.
Koeman reverted to a back five, and it paid dividends as West Ham failed to break them down, even with Saints having to play much of the second half with ten men after Victor Wanyama’s sending off.
“It was obviously very tough”, added Forster.
Cedric then nearly scored a spectacular own goal late on, but Southampton managed to hold off the aerial bombardment in stoppage time to continue their excellent run of form.
“It was another tough game after Arsenal in midweek, but we’re delighted with the three points because it keeps the momentum going”.
Forster makes a big save from Reid, who got his head on Payet’s fizzed free-kick from the left after a needless foul by Wanyama.
It was a frustrating evening for Hammers boss Slaven Bilic, whose side could have climbed to fifth with a point and now must regroup for Tuesday’s FA Cup replay with Liverpool.
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West Ham remained positive after the restart and its hopes of a comeback were boosted when Wanyama was shown a red card in the 54th minute for cutting down Payet. “It’s a game we didn’t deserve to lose”.
