A stunning strike from Sebastian Haller piled the pressure on Sheffield United, as his matchwinning goal saw West Ham take all three points at Bramall Lane.
The visitors started the game with just one defeat in their previous six Premier League games, while Chris Wilder’s side remained in search of their first top-flight win of the season.
A dominant display from the Hammers sees them rise to eighth in the table – just four points behind third-placed Chelsea – in what is their best start to a campaign since 2015.
After Sunday’s result the Yorkshire club find themselves rock bottom of the table, with just one point from their opening nine fixtures. This equals the record held by Manchester City and Sheffield Wednesday for the worst-ever start to a top-flight season in history.
The hosts started well, with Oli McBurnie forcing Lukasz Fabianski into action after his powerful header was tipped over the bar by the Polish keeper.
Minutes later David McGoldrick struck the post, before Sander Berge’s attempt at a rebound was ruled offside by the linesman.
After a fairly uneventful showing from both sides in the first half, the visitors made a quick start to the second half, when Pablo Fornals’ blocked shot fell into the path of Haller who rifled the ball past Aaron Ramsdale for his second Premier League goal of the season.
Just 10 minutes later the Ivorian striker had a chance to double the east London club’s lead after an overlapping Arthur Masuaku delivered a firmly hit cross along the six-yard line – however, the former Frankfurt man failed to convert the chance.
With a second goal seemingly enough for David Moyes’ men to clinch the points, captain Declan Rice saw his close-range header hit the bar after a spectacular delivery from Aaron Cresswell’s corner.
With 15 minutes to go McBurnie had a golden opportunity to rescue a point after his thunderous shot, which looked destined for the top left-hand corner, struck the underside of the bar.
Substitutions from both managers late in the second half had little effect on the game, which West Ham were confident to see out.
Back-to-back wins for West Ham ahead of their game against Aston Villa on November 30 will no doubt leave their fans feeling optimistic for the season ahead, while Sheffield United face a must-win fixture at fellow strugglers West Brom on Saturday night.
By Fraser Day
