Maya Yoshida seals win for 10-man Southampton against West Ham

Maya Yoshida’s early strike gave in-form Southampton their fourth win in five Premier League games, despite Victor Wanyama’s red card against West Ham.

The return of Fraser Forster has given Southampton a huge boost and allowed them more defensive solidity - something that was the bedrock of their’ success last season.

The imposing England goalkeeper made several vital saves as Southampton held on for all three points, even if they were forced to do it the hard way.

Ronald Koeman's side made a fast start and fully deserved their opener, which came courtesy of Yoshida, who was able to steer in from close range after Wanyama helped on Saidio Mane’s cross.

West Ham grew into the contest, particularly after the break, and were handed a boost when Wanyama flew into a challenge with Dimitri Payet, and was rightly shown a straight red card.

Southampton were forced into long periods of defending but it was the home side that carved out the best chances to wrap up the win with Shane Long and substitute Charlie Austin missing opportunities to seal the points.

Saints held on though, and move up to 7th, two points behind sixth-placed West Ham.

9’ GOAL! Southampton 1-0 West Ham: Yoshida scores! Mane's low cross is helped on by Wanyama to Yoshida, who finds the roof of the net from close range. Not a classic, but they all count.

23’ PENALTY? Valencia is accidentally clipped by Yoshida in the box and that could have been a West Ham penalty, albeit a harsh one.

27’ TOP SAVE! Forster makes a big save from Reid, who got his head on Payet's fizzed free-kick from the left after a needless foul by Wanyama.

53’ RED CARD: Wanyama is sent off! In the centre circle, he lunges into a challenge with Payet, takes him out and is given a straight red.

64’ BIG MISS! Long is gifted a chance after Reid slips and Long nips in ahead of Collins, but Long's shot grazes the bar but he should have done better.

88’ BIG MISS! Austin misses the chance to wrap up the three points on his home debut, slicing his shot wide under pressure. Big opportunity for the former QPR man.

Saints have now won their last four Premier League home games, scoring ten unanswered goals.

Victor Wanyama has become the first player since Wes Brown in 2013/14 to be sent off three times in the same season.

Southampton have registered five consecutive Premier League clean sheets - they last kept five in a row back in 2001 during an eventual run of seven games without conceding.

Wanyama’s red card – Had the potential to be the turning point in the game, but West Ham were unable to use it to their advantage. Could have been a yellow, but the overly aggressive nature of the tackle meant it was the right decision by Mark Clattenburg. Not the first time Wanyama has lost his head and got sent off, but this time his team-mates were able to ensure it didn’t cost them.

Jordy Clasie (Southampton) – Often a unsung hero this season, Clasie was once again superb in the heart of the Saints midfield. Had to adjust to losing his midfield partner Wanyama, but still managed to keep West Ham’s key man, Dimitri Payet, quiet for long periods.

Southampton: Forster 8, Fonte 8, Yoshida 7, Van Dijk 7, Cedric 7, Bertrand 7, Clasie 8, Wanyama 5, Mane 6, Long 7, Pelle 6. Subs: Romeu 7, Austin 7.

West Ham: Adrian 7, Tomkins 6, Reid 7, Collins 6, Cresswell, Song 5, Moses 6, Noble 7, Payet 6, Antonio 6, Valencia 6. Subs: Carroll 6, Emenike 6, Byram 6.