This archive report was first published on 26 December 2021.
On a thrilling Boxing Day, Southampton dug deep to earn a much-needed 3-2 win over West Ham United in a Premier League game at the London Stadium on December 26, 2021.
Southampton took the lead after eight minutes when Mohamed Elyounoussi lashed home with his left foot from the edge of the box, following a driving run from Kyle Walker-Peters.
West Ham, who had struggled in their previous five Premier League games, created little going forward in the first half, with Southampton keeper Fraser Forster remaining largely untroubled.
However, West Ham manager David Moyes made a tactical switch at halftime, and substitute Michail Antonio made an instant impact when he headed home from close range in the 49th minute.
James Ward-Prowse restored Southampton's advantage from the spot just after the hour-mark, but West Ham hit back three minutes later through Said Benrahma after being played in by Jarrod Bowen.
Jan Bednarek sealed the win for Southampton in the 70th minute, deftly turning in a curling free kick from Ward-Prowse.
The win moved Southampton up to 14th in the table with 20 points from 18 games, eight points behind sixth-placed West Ham.
