West Ham United lead Southampton 2-1 at Upton Park in the Premier League this afternoon, thanks to two goals in the space of five minutes from Matt Jarvis and Carlton Cole.

Carlton Cole of West Ham celebrates after scoring his team's second goal of the game during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham and Southampton at Boleyn Ground on February 22, 2014 © Getty Images

The visitors went ahead after only eight minutes when defender Maya Yoshida did well to find space in the box, allowing himself to head home from close range from a cross from Steven Davis.

Maya Yoshida scores the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton at Boleyn Ground on February 22, 2014 © Getty Images

The Saints were almost in again minutes later when Rickie Lambert's pass was met by the head of Jay Rodriguez, although the striker saw his effort fly wide to the left of the goal.

Adam Lallana was next to have a go in an opening period dominated by Mauricio Pochettino's men, but the midfielder saw his shot rise over the crossbar.

However, West Ham turned the half around in a crazy five minutes, which began with a Jarvis equaliser in the 20th minute.

Cole then popped in the 23rd minute to put the Hammers in front, with the striker converting from the centre of the box following a corner.

Southampton could have gone into the interval back on level terms had Lambert not seen his header crash back off the left post following Jack Cork's cross.