On this day in 2017, West Ham United picked up a crucial 1-0 win in the Premier League over relegation rivals Swansea City to move eight points clear of the drop.
Former Hammers midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate struck the only goal of the game on the just before half-time to end a five-game losing streak and restore faith among the Claret and Blue supporters.
Slaven Bilic’s side, who sat five points above the Swans before the start of play, were struggling for form and doubts of remaining in the top-flight were slowly creeping in.
However, the Irons took the lead in the 44th minute after Robert Snodgrass’ pass found the path of Kouyate, who unleashed a powerful 25-yard strike past West Ham’s current goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.
On a day where Hammers skipper Mark Noble was making his 400th appearance for the club, it was a significant victory and one that all-but confirmed West Ham’s Premier League status for the following season.
Bilic’s side went on to finish 13th while Swansea failed to avoid the drop, finishing the campaign in 18th spot.
Then Hammers boss Bilic spoke to BBC Sport following the conclusion of an important victory. He said: “It is a huge win and I congratulate the boys. The spirit, team-work. We were solid and dangerous. We deserved to win.
“It was much-needed. There was big pressure, not on me, but the players. The crowd recognised that and were behind us.
“It was a great goal. We started well and after half an hour they slowed us down. We had chances before the goal, but in every game you need a spark of extra quality.
“It’s my job, but there’s a bigger picture about the club. We are the ones to blame for being in this position. I was celebrating for the players, because they have been with me and they deserve it. Now we need four more points as soon as possible.
“We were out of the relegation battle six games ago and we are out of it again. We don’t want to be in it again.”
