In the match itself, Michail Antonio scored a late victor against Bournemouth to ensure the Hammers got life in their new ground off to a winning start.
Advertisement
West Ham have moved into their new ground, now known as the London Stadium, after leaving Upton Park last season and Antonio’s late goal made their first domestic fixture at the ground one to remember.
Adrian San Miguel of West Ham United warms up prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on August 15, 2016 in London, England.
Socceroos defender Brad Smith was an unused substitute.
A near-capacity 56,000 crowd packed into the London Stadium on Sunday, but they were subdued for long periods and used most of their vocal energy to protest about the club and local council’s strict guidelines to stay seated at all times.
– Slaven Bilic’s side won only their second of nine Premier League games since the start of last season without Dimitri Payet (W2 D5 L2). “We had a great level of intensity, but ran out (of energy) with 10 minutes to go”.
West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic admits striker Andy Carrol could be out for four to six weeks after he picked up a knee injury in midweek, the BBC report.
“We were much improved in the second half and thought it was our game for the taking”.
“I’m a big fan of the old stadium, I like those freezing cold stadiums, but I felt it was proper loud today and the fans helped us big time”.
“Lanzini and Payet should be back on Thursday and if not Thursday then Sunday”, he said. “We just have to play differently”.
“Against Bournemouth, a team full of energy and really good in terms of team spirit, we showed aggression and compactness and created a few chances”.
Ireland global Arter received a first-half booking for dissent, and was shown a second yellow in the 77th minute for cynically pulling down Cheikhou Kouyate.
“That’s the one that has to disappoint, the first booking”, said Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe, whose side are bottom after two games. “We’re going to get red cards galore if we don’t learn quickly”.
Advertisement
West Ham dominated possession in the first half but only forced one save out of Bournemouth keeper Artur Boruc, when Enner Valencia broke free but saw his shot pushed out.
