Whatever happens now in the career of Michail Antonio, who has journeyed from non-League to -Premier League in one of those -uplifting sporting stories, his name will be writ large in the history of West Ham United. To get the first three points as early as possible is always important.
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Payet’s sense of occasion alone might have lifted an otherwise flat first half, as Bournemouth sat back and invited a toothless Hammers attack to try their luck.
However, it was not until the 40th minute that either goalkeeper was called into action, Artur Boruc doing well to prevent Enner Valencia’s deflected strike flying in at his near post.
Bournemouth came out strongly after the break, Jordan Ibe squandering a gilt-edged opportunity before Adrian pulled off a magnificent stop to deny Josh King, with Tore hammering a strike into the side-netting at the other end.
West Ham stuttery start to the second forty-five minutes had filtered through to the home crowd, who had become agitated by their sides unusually tame performance.
“West Ham United condemn unreservedly the behaviour of a small minority of individuals in an isolated incident following the fixture against AFC Bournemouth”, West Ham officials told Mirror Football.
“It’s like a snowball so now hopefully we stopped it – with a great team spirit”.
Carroll, 27, sustained the injury during the Europa League playoff draw at Astra Giurgiu on Thursday.
“[Payet] was okay and then he felt something against Chelsea, after the game”, he said. As long as we are winning and they are going home happy they are going to pack this stadium.
A tweet by one fan went viral after he shared a picture of a number of supporters sitting on concrete steps during Sunday’s match.
“I thought it was our game for the taking but for a lack of discipline”, he said. We are well aware that dissent or a negative reaction will be a yellow card.
“When the league season is really underway I think it will definitely feel more like home”.
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“I want to build on that experience and come back next year even better, just similarly building like I did last season”.
