Michail Antonio says he was determined not to let recent criticism affect him after scoring a late victor in West Ham’s 1-0 victory over Bournemouth this afternoon.
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Skipper Mark Noble felt the win against Bournemouth, who had Harry Arter sent off eight minutes before Antonio’s goal, illustrated the determination and grit in West Ham’s injury-hit squad.
After 112 years playing at the Boleyn Ground the Hammers moved into the London Stadium – known to everyone in the whole world as the Olympic Stadium – this summer.
Carroll, who has played just 81 league games for the Hammers during the last four years, took to Twitter following the announcement of his layoff to promise supporters that he can still bag “15 to 20 goals a season” for the club.
West Ham are investigating after fans complained that there were no seats for them during the match against Bournemouth – despite the club imploring them not to stand up after the first two matches.
“I’m delighted not only for the three points, but because we’ve done it against a team who like to counter attack”.
After an awkward start to the season, there was relief for Slaven Bilic thanks to Antonio’s late header. “As long as we are winning and competing and they are going home happy, then they are going to pack this stadium”.
West Ham’s Arthur Masuaku then tried to influence proceedings in the east London sunshine but his shot on 22 minutes, after a poor Tore free-kick, was well saved by Artur Boruc.
“It wasn’t a great game of football”, West Ham manager Slaven Bilic said.
“If it wasn’t for a lack of discipline [Arter’s sending off] we might have won it”.
It was not. In mitigation for West Ham, they are adjusting to their new home, midweek travel fatigue and, even more so, -injuries.
Howe’s side were reduced to 10 men late on when Harry Arter picked up a second yellow card, and Slaven Bilic’s men duly ensured their numerical advantage was not wasted as Antonio knocked in the victor.
The Hammers’ cause was not helped by the absence of club talisman Dimitri Payet and striker Andy Carroll, who has been ruled out for almost two months.
“It wasn’t a good game but if we’re talking about character and team spirit, nobody can say we didn’t deserve it”, Bilic said.
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“It’s hugely disappointing. There was nothing in game and ultimately the red card cost us the game”, said Howe. We know the rules, dissent will be yellow cards and that’s the one that burns with us.
