In London, it was four years ago that the Olympic Stadium hosted the Games but on Sunday, as Rio prepared to bring the curtain down on the latest edition, there were again plenty of flags as West Ham sought to give their fans something to cheer. Since 2011/12, Man City have won 36 of their 41 home matches against middle-third teams and in 27 of the victories they’ve led at half-time as well.
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Despite starting brightly, Bournemouth offered nothing in the final third and they had to rely on Artur Boruc to keep them on level terms when he remained alert to punch clear a near-post effort from Enner Valencia that seemed destined for the net.
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.
The game loosened up a little after the break and Bournemouth came out well, with Jordan Ibe opting to pass instead of shoot when in an excellent position and Josh King seeing a long-range shot parried away by Adrian. “As long as we are winning and competing and they are going home happy, then they are going to pack this stadium”.
Good interlinking play, with the new arrivals including Tore, Calleri, Arthur Masuaka and Havard Nordtvelt all looking to have settled quickly into their new set-up.
“I think the way we played in the second half, (we) should not be scared of anyone”, said the Dutchman.
West Ham record signing Andre Ayew will not undergo surgery on the thigh injury he sustained in the opening day defeat at Chelsea. We’ll have to see what Juventus do and expect news soon.
Ireland worldwide Arter received a first-half booking for dissent, and was shown a second yellow in the 77th minute for cynically pulling down Cheikhou Kouyate. Bournemouth were better than us in the first 15 minutes of the second half, but they didn’t hurt us. I felt we were pushing to get the victor.
The Twitter user, who goes only by the name of Paul on the social media website, wrote: “Block 214 row 73 no seats!”
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“The sending-off was huge – it changed the game”, Bournemouth defender Steve Cook said.
