The Hammers are back in the top half of the Premier league table after claiming a hard-fought victory at Southampton this afternoon, and the win at St Mary’s stadium becomes the third of their last four games away from home.

Following recent successes at Swansea and Middlesbrough, the Hammers extended the free-scoring run away from the Olympic Stadium as they came from behind to cart away all three points after new boy, Manolo Gabbiadini put the hosts ahead just 12 minutes into his debut.

The Hammers restored parity two minutes later when midfield maestro,Pedro Obiang advanced all the way from his own half to find Andy Carroll who slotted home the equalizer. Few minutes before the break, Obiang put West Ham in front for the first time in the game with a long-range effort that went past Saints keeper, Fraser Forster.

Southampton offered the Hammers less stress as their backline always looked likely to concede at every counter-attack. It was no surprise when Mark Noble added a third after seven minutes into the restart. The captain stepped up to convert a free kick into goal via a slight deflection from Saints defender, Stephen Davies.

Thereafter, Claude Puel’s side enjoyed plethora of chances, totaling 21 shots in all as compared to West Ham’s meager tally of six, though only seven of their efforts were on target leaving Randolp rarely tested in the game.

The game also meant a return to the south coast for former Saints captain, Jose Fonte, who left to join West Ham a fortnight ago. The Portugal defender endured a torrid debut in the midweek home loss to Manchester City.

The win lifts West Ham back up to ninth place in the Premier League and Slaven Bilic’s side would hope to push up on the log as they next face West Bromwich Albion at home on Saturday.