West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini knew his job was on the line ahead of victory at Southampton.

Sebastien Haller scored the only goal of the game after 37 minutes to secure the Hammers a vital three points - despite having a second-half Michail Antonio strike disallowed for handball by VAR - a victory which kept the Saints below their visitors.

"I don't read the media but I am not stupid," Pellegrini told BBC Sport. "If you don't get results, if you have five points from 30, you're in a difficult moment.

"I can't divide myself from the team. For West Ham it was an important three points.

"I said before the game that I felt every day the commitment of the players in the work that they do. I am happy for the players. We started the season very well and I hope now we have recovered our best performance for the next games."