West Ham left it late at London Stadium as Diafra Sakho struck with two minutes left to seal a 1-0 Premier League win over Swansea City.
Manager Slaven Bilic, who changed to a 4-4-2 system in order to fit both Andy Carroll and Javier Hernandez up top, had written in his programme notes before the game that he would go into the international break a ‘satisfied man’ with a win over the Swans.
But he was left wondering where all the fight and determination shown against Tottenham had gone after his side failed to show the spark required to create a clear chance until Andy Carroll hit the bar four minutes from full-time.
It took two substitutions to change the game, with Arthur Masuaku - the best player on the pitch after coming on - crossing for Sakho to finish at the far post in the 88th minute.
The performance was not especially impressive, but another positive for the Hammers manager was the return of playmaker Manuel Lanzini.
The Argentine made only his second appearance of the season, while there were no other injury concerns after weeks of top players missing.
While it was an encouragement to see Hernandez relieved of his left-wing duties, it is hard for the Mexican to have an impact when few chances are created.
Despite the three points, it would be a shock to see this system back after the international break.
