Image source, Getty ImagesWest Ham have conceded more Premier League goals in 2024 than any other side, with their 79 goals conceded their most in a single calendar year since 1967 (85).
Image source, Getty ImagesWest Ham boss Julen Lopetegui, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We did not compete as we were thinking too today or as the opponent Liverpool demands. Today has been a tough day for us."
On if he regrets changing his starting XI: "No. We were thinking about the fact we had played three days ago and also that we had some problems today to make the lineup.
"In the first ten minutes we had the first chance in a very clear situation and after we didn't score it then it is true they overcame us and had two very clear chances. They scored the first goal but then we have the chance to draw [level] with Kudus which hit the post and then they overcome us again."
On Bowen's injury: "I do not know exactly. We will have to assess him and we will know in the coming days."
Is it unfair to judge the side against the league leaders? "Today we have played against one of the best teams in the world in this current moment, but it is true that we have to do much better."
Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?
Have your say on West Ham's performance
What did you make of Liverpool's display?
Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies
There are six games in the Premier League on Sunday, and we will bring you every moment.
Leicester v Man City (14:30)
Crystal Palace v Southampton
Everton v Nottingham Forest - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Fulham v Bournemouth
Tottenham v Wolves
West Ham v Liverpool (17:15) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
All kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.
This week, he takes on musician Emma-Jean Thackray, who is a Leeds fan.
Sutton's prediction: 0-2
Is anyone going to be able to stop Liverpool? I don't think West Ham will.
To be fair to the Hammers, they are level on points with Spurs and above Manchester United in the table, so maybe their season is just a slow burner.
So far, they have been underwhelming under Julen Lopetegui, but they have now put together a four-game unbeaten run and Jarrod Bowen seems to have become their go-to player in recent weeks.
Liverpool's ability to rotate their team could be key again here, though. They did that against Leicester last time out, when Dominik Szoboszlai and Luis Diaz dropped to the bench - I had Diaz as my Fantasy captain, so I was not happy - but it made no difference to the way they played.
Arne Slot has such great quality right through his squad that I just think the Reds will keep rolling on. They won't have as much fun as they did the last time they were in London, but they should leave with the points again.
Emma-Jean's prediction: 1-2
OK, so I really want Liverpool to win the league because there is a weird statistic where the past three times Leeds have been promoted to the top flight, they have been champions - 1963-64, 1989-90 and 2019-20. That bit of stat magic might make all the difference for us this time too.
As for this game? Well it should be a good watch and it is going to be tighter than people think, but I am backing Liverpool. That is not through any sort of love of them - only for Leeds United!
Image source, Getty ImagesJulen Lopetegui has said his West Ham team will not fear taking on Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday.
Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez will miss the match because of suspension, while three players were forced off injured during Thursday's win at Southampton.
The Hammers lost 5-1 in a Carabao Cup tie at Anfield in September.
Given those squad issues, Lopetegui was asked whether it was a "frightening" prospect to come up against an in-form Liverpool, to which he replied: "Are we afraid? No.
"We have big respect for all teams, but we have the same respect for Southampton and for Liverpool. We are talking about the best team in the Premier League - they have top players and a very good coach.
"We have to believe in our strengths and our opportunity to find solutions for the next challenge. We are happy to have this kind of match at home."
Image source, PA MediaWest Ham manager Julen Lopetegui has praised the "strong mentality" of his squad as his side prepare to host Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday.
The Hammers will take on the Premier League without suspended duo Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez.
Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, centre-back Max Kilman and midfielder Carlos Soler went off injured at Southampton on Thursday, but Lopetegui's side were still able to fashion a 1-0 victory.
"The thing I highlight is the strong mentality," said the former Wolves boss. "If we were not with a strong mentality, a competitive mentality in this kind of match, we would lose the match, I am sure.
"So that is why to highlight the mentality of the team. We started very well but didn't score in two very clear actions. After that, they had chances too and we had a lot of problems.
"We had the injury to Lukasz, to Max, to Carlos and we had two yellow cards that mean they are not allowed to play in the next match. A lot of things happened that highlighted we have kept a good and strong mentality.
"The players on the bench showed they were ready, which is good news because you don't know what is going to happen, so you have to be ready to be competitive."
Full commentary of West Ham v Liverpool from 17:15 GMT on Sunday on BBC Radio 5 Live
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your thoughts after Thursday's Premier League game between Southampton and West Ham.
Here are some of your comments:
Southampton fans
Cliff: We looked a lot more solid at the back and moved the ball quicker, but the lack of confidence, along with the quality in the final third and poor finishing, was the difference once again. Saints can improve their performances as much as we like but ultimately, it will come down to our same old problem: we simply don't have a quality finisher and don't score anywhere near enough goals.
John: When your luck is out, it can become very hard to remain positive; Saints certainly didn't deserve to lose.
M.Francis: One bad mistake at the back and Aaron Ramsdale should have cleared it. As soon as that goal went in, Saints heads dropped and in typical fashion, we missed too many chances. We need a clinical finisher in readiness for next season in the Championship.
Steve: Well that was different - pushing forward constantly and much improved. If we play like that for the rest of the season it could be quite exciting. It's a shame big Paul Onuachu didn't have his shooting head on we could have run away with this game. Overall very encouraging.
West Ham fans
Dave: Yet another substandard performance - we were lucky to get the win. Southampton's performance was better than their league position. We still lack that spark and Lopetegui doesn't know his best team or the players best positions. I am dreading the Liverpool result.
Leigh: Although Southampton had their fair enough amount of chances in front of goal, I thought West Ham were quite comfortable in defence. Unfortunately we lost Lukasz Fabanski in goal but Alphonse Areola was a worthy sub anyway. On the balance of play, Hammers just edged it and Jarrod Bowen took his chance well. Good decision for a change with VAR overturning the 'red' card to a yellow too. Fair play to Mr Atwell.
Stephen: Another lacklustre performance. Fortunately Southampton were not much better. Thankfully, we somehow won the game and three points. I expect we will finish somewhere around mid-table but I'm writing off this season which is so disappointing after a big spending spree in the summer.
Mark: It was three points. Nothing more. Even before Max Kilman and Fabianski's substitutions we were conceding the initiative to a team that has just six points. Mohammed Kudus was indifferent. He doesn't want to be out left and it shows. Without Bowen, we would be toast. A win but a desperately poor showing. Liverpool will eat us alive. Apart from improved possession, there is nothing at all to be cheerful about.
Highlights and analysis from Boxing Day's eight Premier League fixtures.
If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.
Ben Collins
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, ReutersWest Ham have had to manage without summer signing Niclas Fullkrug for most of the season, while Michail Antonio's involvement in a car accident means he will be out for a long spell.
The Hammers then lost defender Max Kilman and goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski to injury in the first half, and also had to replace Carlos Soler at the interval.
But manager Julen Lopetegui was pleased with the way his side regrouped before Fullkrug flicked on for Jarrod Bowen to grab the game's only goal as Southampton's early intensity dropped.
Just a few weeks ago, Lopetegui's position was in doubt, but for the first time this season, his side has gone four games unbeaten in the Premier League.
West Ham are now looking forward to the challenge of hosting leaders Liverpool on Sunday, and if Fullkrug can stay fit - and their latest injuries are not long-term - perhaps Lopetegui does have a future with the Hammers after all.
Image source, Getty ImagesJulen Lopetegui spoke to Match of the Day after West Ham's win over Southampton: "Lukasz Fabianski is conscious. I talked with him. Max Kilman has a problem with his shoulder, Carlos Soler has a problem with his knee. Today we have a lot of problems. But we were able to overcome these difficulties.
"We started well and had chances but did not score. They overcame this moment and had chances too. The second half was very balanced. We suffered as a team to achieve three points."
On going four games unbeaten and what has changed: "We don't change our way to work. The players have the commitment to work together as a team. We know we can do better and we want to win more matches."
Image source, Getty ImagesJarrod Bowen scored his 48th Premier League goal, taking him outright second in West Ham's leading Premier League scorers, with only Michail Antonio now scoring more (68). It was also his 100th league goal in English football's top four tiers.
Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?
Have your say on Southampton's performance
What did you make of West Ham's display?
Come back to this page on Friday to find a selection of your replies
There are eight matches in the Premier League on Thursday, and we will bring you every moment.
Manchester City v Everton (12:30)
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace
Chelsea v Fulham
Newcastle v Aston Villa
Nottingham Forest v Tottenham
Southampton v West Ham
Wolves v Manchester United (17:30)
Liverpool v Leicester (20:00)
Kick-off time 15:00 GMT unless stated
West Ham want to bring in a striker in the January transfer window but will have to raise funds by selling players first. (Mail), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column
Follow gossip on BBC Sport to keep up to date with the latest transfer rumours
Image source, Getty ImagesWest Ham boss Julen Loptegui insists that he is solely focused on Thursday's Premier League match at Southampton and not the upcoming transfer window.
The Spaniard will be looking to make it four matches unbeaten when the Hammers travel to St Mary's.
"There is no more space in my mind now, only this. I insist a lot, but this is true. I repeat it because it is true, the only truth that I believe - to be focused on the next match. After, we will see what is going to happen," Loptegui said.
"The talks I have with David [Sullivan], I am not going to tell you here. I am sorry.
"We talk a lot about the team, about the current squad and about the next challenge - but the only focus we have now is Southampton."
Lopetegui is confident Carlos Soler can step in to midfield in place of Lucas Paqueta, who is suspended after collecting five yellow cards.
"Carlos is doing well," Loptegui added.
"It's true that, at the start, he had difficulties - that happens in the Premier League to a lot of players.
"The Premier League is different for a lot of reasons. Despite being a good player you have to adapt and sometimes that takes time.
"Carlos did and step by step he is improving and helping the team. Now I think he is ready to help us over the rest of the season."
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.
This week, he takes on Eats Everything, aka DJ and producer Daniel Pearce.
Sutton's prediction: 1-1
There has not been much Christmas cheer for Southampton but they did at least keep a clean sheet against Fulham and new manager Ivan Juric would probably be happy with another bore draw in his first game in charge.
West Ham also picked up a point over the weekend, against Brighton, but they really got away with one there - I was so unlucky with my prediction of a Seagulls win, because they absolutely battered them.
The Hammers have got some really quality players, like Jarrod Bowen, and I keep thinking they are eventually going to get going and find some consistency, but it has not happened yet.
I'm still not convinced by West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui, and I don't really know what to expect from Juric, so the safest prediction here is probably another 1-1 draw - which would be West Ham's third in a row, all against south coast clubs.
Eats Everything's prediction: 1-1
Southampton will be hoping for a new manager bounce, but West Ham have been decent in their past couple of games - they got battered by Bournemouth but showed they were resilient, and it was similar against Brighton. I am going to go for them getting another draw here.
Image source, Getty ImagesWest Ham have conceded 74 Premier League goals in 2024 - their most shipped in a calendar year since 1967 when they let in 85 in 42 games.
Image source, Getty ImagesFor me, wherever I played, I'd always see where the first game was, where the last game was, and where we were at Christmas.
There is such a big difference between being at home on Boxing Day versus being away because, depending on what your manager is like, if you've got an away game there is a chance you're training on Christmas Day.
Some of the toughest times I had was when we had away games on Boxing Day and we had to come in to train at four or five on Christmas. That's when everything is just starting at home and everyone is really enjoying themselves and you have to leave.
If you lose you are sat in the hotel having walked away from friends and family all for no points. It's not the best feeling and as a consequence you bring home some of that disappointment with you.
But, in reality, you just know it is the busiest time of the year. The floodlights are always on for the games, the conditions get that little bit tougher, you've got games it feels like every three or four days.
I think it's an exciting part of the season because you can gain real, significant momentum but ultimately it comes down to are you winning games.
I think the Christmas period itself can be tough if you have got family but in reality it always feels nicer when you get that win on Boxing Day. The atmosphere in the stadiums is a little bit different, the atmosphere among the players is a bit different.
You're very thankful to get the chance to do what you do, but if you end up losing on Boxing Day or around that spell it is rubbish because it almost feels like it was a waste of time with all the efforts you put in.
But, I get it. The fans love it, there is a lot of clamour around it. You lose track of days just like everyone else does after Christmas and before New Year but it is great to play in front of those types of crowds and it just does feel different playing during that week or two.
Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Nat Hayward
