Ivan Juric’s debut as Southampton manager ended in disappointment with a narrow 1-0 loss to West Ham.
Despite facing significant challenges, including injuries, a disallowed red card, and several close calls, the Hammers clinched victory courtesy of Jarrod Bowen’s second-half goal.
Juric, the Croatian tactician brought in to rejuvenate bottom-of-the-table Southampton with his promise of “death metal” football, saw his team create ample opportunities in the first half.
Paul Onuachu had three headed chances to put the Saints ahead, but two were well saved, and one narrowly missed the target.
Matheus Fernandes also squandered a close-range header, leaving Southampton with 0.84 xG in the first half but nothing to show for it.
West Ham started brightly, hitting the crossbar early on through Carlos Soler, but were otherwise second-best for much of the opening period.
The Hammers’ rhythm was disrupted by a string of first-half injuries. Max Kilman exited with a shoulder problem, Lukasz Fabianski was stretchered off following a collision with Nathan Wood, and Soler himself was substituted at halftime after hobbling off the pitch.
Controversy arose early in the second half when referee Lewis Smith initially showed Guido Rodriguez a red card for a two-footed challenge on Kyle Walker-Peters.
However, VAR intervened, downgrading the red to a yellow after determining the midfielder had slipped during the tackle.
That decision proved pivotal, as moments later, West Ham found the breakthrough. Tomas Soucek directed a header across goal, which Niclas Fullkrug flicked on for Bowen to slot home his milestone 100th career league goal.
Southampton’s defensive lapses nearly cost them further as substitute Crysencio Summerville fired wide from a promising position, while Mohammad Kudus hit the side netting.
The Saints’ early promise faded as St. Mary’s fell into a subdued silence, leaving Juric to reflect on a frustrating start to his tenure.
