West Ham out of relegation zone after 3-0 victory

West Ham

West Ham scored one of their goals

West Ham scored one of their goals

West Ham climbed out of the relegation zone after striker Marko Arnautovic returned to haunt his troubled former club Stoke.

David Moyes’ improving Hammers celebrated their first away victory of the season but the pressure will build further on Potters boss Mark Hughes, who has now won just one of his last eight games.

On his 300th league appearance, West Ham captain Mark Noble gave his side the lead from the penalty spot before Arnautovic doubled their lead.

BBC reports that the Austria international should have had a hat-trick, hitting the woodwork twice in the second half before finally finishing with his right foot into the bottom corner after a deft exchange of passes with Manuel Lanzini.

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Substitute Diafra Sakho compounded Stoke’s woes when he collected Lanzini’s through ball and slotted coolly past keeper Jack Butland.

Kick-off was delayed by an hour at the Bet 365 Stadium because of a power outage, but many home fans left early as West Ham supporters sang “You’re getting sacked in the morning” to a grim-faced Hughes.

A hugely improved rearguard and Arnautovic’s persistence were key for the visitors, who beforehand had the top-flight’s worst defence along with Stoke.

They were thankful too that most of Stoke’s best chances fell to captain Ryan Shawcross, who could not get a string of headers on target.

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