West Ham score four second half goals to win 4-1 against struggling Southampton

Southampton's fragile defence was exposed again as Mark Noble scored two second-half goals in a comfortable 4-1 victory for West Ham.

West Ham looked the brighter side early on but Southampton earned the game's first corner with Jay Rodriguez inches away from directing home Jason Puncheon's loss cross. It was one of several threatening moments by the visitors for whom goalkeeper Boruc was looking shaky. The former Celtic man became the third different goalkeeper to start for Saints this season and had Carroll to thank for not making the most of an awful clearance early on. The home side were struggling to create any clear-cut chances, though, as Southampton went into half-time without conceding for the first time since their return to the Premier League. However, the Saints defence was breached less than a minute into the second half. Collins could not quite get a toe on Noble's floated 40-yard free-kick, but it bounced in the six-yard box and flew past Boruc. The opener was followed moments later by West Ham's second after a poor Do Prado pass was not dealt with by Yoshida. Benayoun won the ball from the Japan international and his low cross was met at the back post by Nolan, who tapped home from close range. Only the fine reactions of Boruc prevented the Hammers captain making it three in the 61st minute as he ghosted in and directed a quickly-taken free-kick goalwards. The save proved invaluable as Saints reduced the deficit two minutes later when Lallana turned beautifully to strike past Jaaskelainen from close range. The goal came thanks to the hard work - and wayward shot - of Rodriguez, who was replaced by Rickie Lambert immediately afterwards. Saints' top scorer was surprisingly left out of the starting line-up and came on at the same time as Emmanuel Mayuka, although it was the former that made an immediate impact. First the 30-year-old saw a 20-yard free-kick just go over, before heading a Nathaniel Clyne cross wide. Southampton were threatening to quieten the home support but undid all their good work when Fonte handled as he challenged Carroll. Noble fired home the resulting spot-kick, allowing the Hammers to coast from the 72nd minute onwards.

West Bromwich Albion	Team Statistics	Manchester City
1	Goals	2
0	1st Half Goals	0
4	Shots on Target	8
8	Shots off Target	9
5	Blocked Shots	7
6	Corners	9
13	Fouls	16
0	Offsides	1
4	Yellow Cards	3
0	Red Cards	1
79.2	Passing Success	89.1
17	Tackles	10
88.2	Tackles Success	80
43.8	Possession	56.2
56.4	Territorial Advantage	43.6
351	Total Passes	450
15	Total Crosses	23
120	Lost Balls	118
34	Recoveries	47
43.4	1st Half Poss.	56.6
44.2	2nd Half Poss.	55.8