Hammers brush aside Saints

Mark Noble's brace helped West Ham continue their fine start to life back in the top flight with a 4-1 victory over Southampton.

The Hammers have adapted to life in the Barclays Premier League far better than the side that finished above them in the Championship and picked up their fourth win of the campaign. After a dour first half at Upton Park, Sam Allardyce's men came flying out of the blocks after the restart and netted twice in a three-minute spell.

Noble broke the deadlock with a 40-yard free-kick that drifted past debutant goalkeeper Artur Boruc, before captain Kevin Nolan tapped home a Yossi Benayoun cross at the back post. Southampton threatened a comeback when Adam Lallana exquisitely fired home, but Noble netted a penalty before substitute Modibo Maiga superbly curled home to secure the three points.