West Ham moved outside of the Premier League relegation zone as Nayef Aguerd’s first-half header was enough to secure a 1-0 win over bottom-of-the-table Southampton at the London Stadium
In a contest littered with individual errors, low on clear-cut chances but laced in significance, it was David Moyes’ side who would prevail to increase the pressure on Saints, who still sit only three points adrift of safety.
The hosts took a lead they would not relinquish in the 26th minute after a lengthy VAR review ruled Aguerd was onside when he headed in a free-kick from Thilo Kehrer.
It required three minutes and 48 seconds – the longest VAR delay of the season – for referee Tierney to be informed by Peter Bankes that the goal should stand after a tight offside call.
Jarrod Bowen struck the woodwork with a sublime effort before the interval, but one goal would prove enough to overcome a blunt Saints side who went closest to equalising when substitute Paul Onuachu headed against the bar in the final five minutes.
The result moves West Ham up to 14th in the table, but only a point above Everton in 18th place as they extended their unbeaten home run in 2023 to six matches.