THREE IRISH PLAYERS started and Michael Obafemi scored, but it was not enough for Southampton, as they were beaten 3-1 by West Ham in the Premier League today.

Jarrod Bowen scored his first goal for David Moyes’ men, before the 19-year-old Dublin-born striker equalised with a clinical finish, after being set up by James Ward-Prowse.

However, subsequent goals from Sebastien Haller and Michail Antonio ensured the Hammers claimed a deserved victory.

Obafemi was not the only Irish player on show, with Shane Long and Will Smallbone also handed starts for the Saints.

Elsewhere, Chelsea could only draw 2-2 with Bournemouth, as their hopes of securing Champions League football suffered a setback.

Philip Billing missed two big early chances for the Cherries and Eddie Howe’s men were punished as Marcos Alonso’s calm finish after Olivier Giroud hit the bar gave Chelsea a half-time lead.

Two goals in three minutes from Jefferson Lerma and Josh King turned the game around and inflicted another blow to Chelsea’s chances of holding onto their place in the top four.

Alonso’s predatory header after Aaron Ramsdale parried Pedro Rodriguez’s shot at least ensured the visitors left the Vitality Stadium with a point.

However, Frank Lampard’s men have now won just five of their last 16 league games and could see their lead over fifth-placed Manchester United cut to just a point if the Red Devils win at Everton on Sunday.

“We had a bad 10-minute spell where they scored and that I don’t like. I’m pleased with the character to get a draw but we should win the game,” said Lampard.

“People talk about the defence but if you are 1-0 up and leave teams in the game then one set piece can change the game.

“We should score more goals and then we don’t have that problem.”

In the other 3pm clash, Newcastle versus Burnley ended scoreless.

Newcastle remain without a goal in four games, but edged seven points clear of the drop zone amid the 0-0 draw at home.

Additional reporting by AFP

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