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The return of King Arthur

Don't let anyone tell you that West Ham aren't a better side when Arthur Masuaku is playing in the team.

He has been enormously missed during his six-game suspension. Not just for his pace and directness but also, the balance he brings to the team. The Hammers are so much better when he plays, he hugs that left touchline, can beat a man and gets the fans out of their seats.

Masuaku has a lot to make up for following his ban for spitting at Wigan's Nick Powell and he was a man on a mission against Southampton with a point to prove - and he proved it.

He was always an outlet, always showed for the ball and gave Cedric Soares an absolutely torrid time down West Ham's left hand side.

And we haven't even got on to the best bit - King Arthur's cross for Marko Arnautovic's second goal.

David Moyes had challenged the DR Congo player on Friday to bring more assists and goals to his game, he managed one of those with a cross from the left that was quite exquisite to the far post where Arnautovic gleefully volleyed home to make it 3-0.

It was a brilliant return to action from Masuaku and it demonstrated just how important he is to this team.

The return of the Edi

Not only did Masuaku return to the fold after a long spell out, the lesser-heralded Edimilson Fernandes also made his comeback after four months out following ankle surgery.

Eyebrows were raised when he was chosen to replace the massively unlucky Michail Antonio, forced off with a hamstring injury after just six minutes, but Fernandes brought the energy needed when someone like Antonio isn't out there.

Be it in defence or attack, the Swiss U21star was everywhere and he had a huge part to play in the third goal.

It was Fernandes' excellent turn just outside his own box - risky - that took out two Saints players before he distributed to Cheikhou Kouyate and away the Hammers went and it ended with Masuaku's stunning delivery for Arnautovic to strike home.

Overall, the 21-year-old put in a display we were hoping to see and it was particular good as he was coming off just 60 minutes of game time for his national side since December.

Losing Antonio was a blow but can Fernandes fill the void? Maybe not, be he is a more than useful option off the bench.

The fans were asked to get behind the team - they responded superbly

It was always going to be an anxious day around the London Stadium but as soon as the players walked out onto the pitch, that seemed to disappear in the stands.

In the first half especially, the home supporters created quite a din in E20. Obviously they were helped by the team playing fantastic in the first 45 minutes but the supporters more than played their part.

It was a real show of unity for the team - something owners David Gold and David Sullivan pleaded for in the matchday programme - and they responded. There is still a lot of football to be played and the fans will need to carry on this way because they really can be a 12th man when they are needed to be.

A result that can galvanise the club

Lose that game to the Saints and the Hammers really were in desperation mode. As it turned out, they are now five points away from danger and with a little bit of breathing room up in 14th thanks to other results going their way as well.

When they needed it most, the Hammers dragged out a vital result. They are certainly not out of danger yet but this result will go a long way to helping out.

Up next is Chelsea, and you know it would be "so West Ham" for them to nick something at Stamford Bridge and given the confidence that will be flowing through the team after beating Southampton, you wouldn't put it past them.

It was a real relegation six-pointer in Stratford on Saturday and the home players - and fans as well - rose to the occasion.

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