For West Ham manager Slaven Bilic anything less than victory in the club’s first top flight game at their new ground would have raised questions “like a snowball” about the wisdom of the move from Upton Park to their new 60,000 capacity stadium.
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Michail Antonio was relieved to go from fall guy to history maker and get West Ham’s season up and running.
It was the first Premier League game to be played at the Hammers new stadium, but the event was marred by the violence that ensued in an isolated incident which followed the final whistle.
Track-and-field stars like Usain Bolt and David Rudisha produced some unbelievable memories at the Olympic Stadium – now known simply as London Stadium – four years ago, but this match was forgettable until a flurry of incidents in the latter stages.
“I had an interview past year and I was asked if I’d rather be the last goalscorer at the Boleyn Ground or the first goalscorer here – I said both, but this is a great feeling. But if not I have the squad that will fight for West Ham big time”.
West Ham defender Reece Burke signed a new four-year contract on Monday, tying him to the Premier League club until 2020.
Injuries further up the pitch to Andy Carroll, Dimitri Payet and Andre Ayew meant the 26-year-old was back in his preferred role on the flank against Bournemouth on Sunday.
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has admitted he cannot rely on Andy Carroll due to the striker’s persistent injury problems.
Many pundits, players and fans felt it was good for a Sunday afternoon game against a relatively small club like Bournemouth.
Sunderland, who lost their league opener at Manchester City, had five players making their home debuts so it was a case of bedding in the new faces but Moyes’ young side really struggled to contain Middlesbrough’s accomplished attack.
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“It’s hugely disappointing. There was nothing in game and ultimately the red card cost us the game”, said Howe. Dutchman Patrick van Aanholt pulled one back for the hosts but it was too late.
