West Ham snuck a headed goal to seal a 1-0 win

The solitary goal of the game was scored at London Stadium by Nayef Aguerd, who climbed to the top of the pitch and nodded with a level of intensity that matched the groggy crowd's Sunday afternoon attendance. As a result of the outcome, Saints have now lost to Nottingham Forest, Wolves, Leeds United, and the Hammers since the turn of the year 2023. Saints, who have played one more game than their rivals, are left three points outside of safety as West Ham rocket up the table to 14th.

Due to injuries, Armel Bella-Kotchap and Mohammed Salisu were replaced by Duje Caleta-Car and Sekou Mara, respectively. Adams' absence resulted in a rare league start for Sekou Mara. Saints manager Ruben Selles made two changes from his lineup that drew 3-3 with Tottenham Hotspur two weeks earlier. James Ward-Prowse, the club's captain, took the pitch for his historic 400th game while former Saints colleague Danny Ings began for the visiting squad.