The decision was taken as a safety measure after a vast amount of supporters persistently stood up during West Ham’s first two matches at the new stadium – a Europa League qualifier against NK Domzale and a friendly against Juventus.
Advertisement
West Ham United safely negotiated a nervous first Premier League game at their new ground to record their opening win of the season 1-0 against Bournemouth thanks to a late header from Michail Antonio at the London Stadium on Sunday.
That extra man was to have a significant impact for, with just five minutes remaining, the tricky Tore crossed from the left flank and Antonio outjumped Charlie Daniels at the far post to head home and get the Hammers off to that winning start.
Despite the sterile experience, Hammers boss Bilic claimed he enjoyed the atmosphere and said the stadium would be rocking like the Upton Park glory days if his players can repeat or improve on last season’s impressive Premier League form.
Both matches were laced with added importance as Boro and Sunderland renewed their rivalry having last faced each other in the league almost eight years ago and, with Newcastle United relegated, the clash is the northeast’s only derby this season.
“How we haven’t scored at the end I don’t know”.
Slaven Bilic needed somebody to step up to the plate after admitting he could not rely on Andy Carroll, the man he ideally wants to spearhead his side, because of his physical frailties.
He told Sky Sports: “The week we’ve had after Monday night, away to Chelsea and losing late on, and then going all the way to Romania and getting back in the early hours of Friday, to come and win at home is a great feeling”.
“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. Only then are you called into action. “We have a good team and we’re expecting to play a good game”.
Bilic continued: “It was hard, we knew it would be”.
Afterwards the face of Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe said it all.
Advertisement
‘It’s going to be a massive lift for us.
