In a game lacking in quality, Michail Antonio stepped up to seal West Ham’s first league win in their new home, his late header enough to see off 10-man AFC Bournemouth. They have lost three of their last four away games in the league, and haven’t kept a clean sheet on their travels since February.
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“He could be back this year and we just have to hope without moaning or crying”.
“If we didn’t win people would start asking questions, ‘Is it a proper home?'”, he said. As long as we are winning and they are going home happy they are going to pack this stadium.
1-0 to West Ham was how it finished, giving the Hammers victory in their first league game at their new stadium, something which makes the occasion special, Noble feels.
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. Some guys who played have a regeneration session and the guys who didn’t play and the guys who stayed here they have a session because the game is in two days.
With little over ten minutes to go Harry Arter was given his marching orders after receiving a second yellow card, and the Hammers made their advantage count as Antonio powered a header from Gokhan Tore’s cross.
Yet Bournemouth still could have spoiled the party but for Adrian’s save from King and Winston Reid’s courageous block to deny Simon Francis on the follow-up.
“It is hugely disappointing, there was nothing in the game, it was an even game of few chances”, he said.
Having done a sterling job last season in leading his beloved Bournemouth clear of the dropzone, Cherries boss Eddie Howe has warned of the dangers of “second-season syndrome”.
“I thought it was our game for the taking but for a lack of discipline”, he said.
Meanwhile, Uruguayan striker Cristhian Stuani’s fine brace earned Middlesbrough a 2-1 win at Sunderland in the northeast rivals’ first Premier League encounter since January 2009.
The Uruguayan striker, making his first appearance in the top-flight after being left as an unused substitute for last weekend’s opening draw against Stoke City, broke the deadlock after 14 minutes and stunned the Stadium of Light with a sensational, instinctive right-footed strike from 25 yards that beat goalkeeper Vito Mannone all ends up.
Patrick van Aanholt pulled a goal back in the 71st for Sunderland.
“It’s always great to be in history and especially so as the goal won us the match”.
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“If it’s packed and we play good football, it will guarantee the atmosphere will be great”.
