West Ham extended their unbeaten run to nine matches after securing three crucial points against league leaders Swansea City, courtesy of Divine Mukasa’s first-half goal.
Swansea dominated possession in the early stages but found themselves behind after Mohamadou Kanté picked Divine Mukasa, who found the back of the net.
Ben Cabango had the Swans’ best chance of the first half after his powerful strike struck the underside of the bar. The defender then had a guilt-edged chance from close range in the second half, but dragged his effort wide.
West Ham had several opportunities to extend their lead in the second half but ultimately held on to secure all three points.
As it happened
Swansea came into the game as league leaders and looked to make it five consecutive wins after Ronald scored a 90th-minute winner away at Millwall in midweek.
The Hammers came off a convincing 6-0 away win over Lincoln City, and a win or draw in South Wales would extend their unbeaten run to nine.
Vítor Matos made four changes to his Swansea side. Adam Idah, Goncalo Franco, Stephen Walsh and Ronald were all named in the starting XI.
West Ham Head Coach Nuno Espírito Santo made just one change to his starting lineup for the clash against the Swans, as Divine Mukasa returned to the side in place of former Swansea striker Joël Piroe.
It was a tentative start from both teams, with the home side having the majority of the ball, but neither side was able to create any chances in the opening 30 minutes.
Despite Swansea’s early domination, it was the visitors who took the lead in the 34th minute. Pablo fed Mohamadou Kanté through, with calls for offside from the home side, but nothing was given, and the midfielder picked out Divine Mukasa, who stroked the ball home with ease.
Even after going behind, the Swans continued to apply pressure and created several chances in quick succession.
Adam Idah tried his luck from outside the box, and his effort deflected off Kilman and just wide. Ronald then lined one up from 25 yards out, which also just flew wide of the upright via a deflection from Kanté.
Swansea then thought they’d taken the lead when a free kick was swung into the box and dropped at the feet of Ben Cabango, who rifled an effort off the underside of the bar, but could only see the ball bounce on the goal line and be cleared away.
West Ham found themselves lucky to be ahead at the break but started the second half with intent as Jarrod Bowen drove forward and struck goalwards, forcing a diving save from Lawrence Vigouroux.
Pablo then had two chances to double West Ham’s lead. His first attempt flew just over the bar, and his second, which he really should have put away as Bowen put the ball on the plate for the forward, but his effort was saved by Vigouroux.
The Hammers continued to apply pressure on the Swans goal as Bowen cut in on his favoured left foot and smashed the ball towards the far corner, but Vigouroux produced another fine save.
The home side responded well and almost equalised through Idah, but his shot whistled just past the post.
Swansea kept pushing West Ham back and went so close to equalising through Cabango. The ball fell to the defender, similarly to the first half, but this time he dragged his shot wide from close range.
West Ham then responded through substitute Taty Castellanos. He was denied by Vigouroux, but the offside flag had already been raised. Manor Solomon then had a chance, but his effort sailed well over the bar.
Substitute Joël Piroe should’ve made it two for the Hammers in stoppage time, but the number nine’s strike went just wide against his former side.
Ronald, who scored in the last minute in midweek, must’ve thought he was going to do the same as he was found alone at the back post but opted to head the ball back across goal rather than towards the target, meaning West Ham held out and secured all three points, putting them within one point of the Swans at the top of the Championship.