Julen Lopetegui was happy to see his West Ham United team extend their unbeaten run to four matches with a 1-0 win over Southampton on Boxing Day. But the Spaniard will immediately turn his attention to solving "problems" before Liverpool visit on Sunday.

The Hammers claimed a second win of December with a hard-fought 1-0 triumph at St Mary's where Jarrod Bowen scored the only goal in the 59th minute.

It was only three weeks ago Lopetegui was under pressure, but he has different issues to fix with goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, centre-back Max Kilman and midfielder Carlos Soler forced off against Southampton with injuries, while Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez received cautions, which trigger a one-match suspension.

READ MORE: Arne Slot gives Liverpool injury update with latest on Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konate and Diogo Jota

READ MORE: Ibrahima Konate makes Liverpool 'return' as staff left irritated by long Arne Slot talks

"Always we are happy when we achieve one victory," Lopetegui said. "Now we have to manage and to handle these problems for the next big challenge against Liverpool.

"We have out (Michail) Antonio, we have out Lukasz Fabianski, we have out Max Kilman, Carlos Soler, we have out Tomas Soucek and Guido for the yellow cards, but we have to believe in the players that they are ready to compete and to have their opportunity."

Lopetegui talked up the mentality of his squad after a number of selection issues against Southampton.

Alphonse Areola produced an assured display in place of Fabianski, who took a nasty blow to the face in the 29th minute and will have to sit out the home clash with Premier League leaders Liverpool due to concussion protocals.

Jean-Clair Todibo was impressive after he was introduced for Kilman following a shoulder problem for the ex-Wolves defender.

West Ham boss Lopetegui added: "The thing I highlight is the strong mentality. If we were not with a strong mentality, a competitive mentality in this kind of match, we lose the match, I am sure.

"So, that is why to highlight the mentality of the team. We start very well and didn't score in two very clear actions. After they have chances too and we have a lot of problems.

"We have the injury of Lukasz, the injury of Max Kilman, the injury of Carlos Soler in the half (time) and we have two yellow cards that don't allow us to play the next match. A lot of things happen that highlight we keep a good and strong mentality.

"The players on the bench show they were ready, which is good news because you know how you are going to start one match but you don't know what is going to happen, so you have to be ready to be competitive."