AFP

Super sub Sakho saves West Ham and Bilic

London (AFP) – Senegalese international Diafra Sakho came off the bench to score a last-minute winner as West Ham defeated fellow strugglers Swansea 1-0 on Saturday, a vital three points which probably saved the job of coach Slaven Bilic.

The 27-year-old Sakho, who had replaced Javier Hernandez with just 12 minutes left, scored from close range after being set-up by fellow substitute Arthur Masuaku who had darted down the left flank to create the opportunity.

Just moments earlier, West Ham had come close to breaking the deadlock when Andy Carroll hit the woodwork, again from a pass by French left-back Masuaku who had replaced ex-Swansea star Andre Ayew.

The defeat was a first away from home for Swansea who looked set to hang on for a point in a poor game.

Both sides had chances in the first half with Michail Antonio seeing an effort saved by Swansea goalkeeper Lukas Fabianski after just three minutes.

On the half-hour mark, the Welsh side were foiled when Wilfried Bony was thwarted by Joe Hart.

West Ham moved up to 15th place in the table while Swansea are third from bottom and in the relegation zone.

200+ Channels & Local Sports
  • Price: Plans starting at $14.99/mo (Latino)
  • Watch Ligue 1, Copa Libertadores & World Cup Qualifiers
Every MLS Match in One Place
  • Price: $12.99/mo (Now included with standard subscription)
  • Watch every MLS regular season game, Playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
  • Price: $11.99/mo (or ESPN Unlimited for $29.99/mo)
  • Features LaLiga, Bundesliga, FA Cup & NWSL
2,000+ Soccer Games Per Year
  • Price: Starting at $8.99/mo
  • Features Champions League, Serie A & Europa League
Home of the Premier League
  • Price: Starting at $10.99/mo
  • 175+ Exclusive EPL matches per season

EDITORS’ PICKS