Having battled hard in an even game and got themselves in the lead, Saints once again shot themselves in the foot twice !
This was always going to be a tough one, a West Ham side who had got themselves into a fine run of form were looking to push their claims for a top 7 finish and there were going to be some questions answered in this one.
In the main Saints answered them positively, but the issues at the back still persist and having got ourselves into the lead we again just couldn't hold on to a lead for very long.
The writing was on the wall in the first half when Perez was left unmarked barely 10 yards from goal but scuffed his shot wide when it looked easier to score.
When Saints opened the scoring though just after half time it looked promising, but they say a side is most vulnerable straight after scoring and this has often been the case for Saints this season and this game was to be no different.
We need to be able to concentrate just after scoring and keep cool heads, but although we have now found a leader off the pitch in Ralph Hasenhuttl, on the pitch we still need one someone who can keep the team focused and going.
The Hammers were level within 3 minutes and 6 minutes after that we were caught completely disorganised at the back on the break and with 5 on 2, something that should never have happened if there was a leader on the pitch organising things, those at the back should never have allowed so many to surge forward and our holding midfield players have to also look at where they should have been.
A disappointing result but not the end of the world, we turn round at the half way stage three points clear of the bottom three and with four of the other seven in the bottom eight to play at home.
There are still things wrong,but attitude motivation and organisation by the manager is not any of them, Saints need to clear some deadwood and use the money to buy a quality experienced central defender who can lead the team and become it's rock.
We can do far better in the second half of the season than we did in the first, this will be a season of consolidation and perhaps not one of success, but it can be one we can build on.