Michail Antonio scored five minutes from time to give West Ham victory over Bournemouth in the first Premier League match at the London Stadium.
Antonio rose highest at the back post to head in Gokhan Tore’s cross and decide a game of few chances.
The goal came eight minutes after Bournemouth’s Harry Arter was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Cherries goalkeeper Artur Boruc saved well from Enner Valencia in the first half, while Adrian denied Joshua King.
A club-record 56,977 supporters were in attendance as West Ham played their first league match at their new home, having left Upton Park at the end of last season.
As the players came on to the pitch, the traditional bubbles were blown in to the air and their club song played over the tannoy.
For the most part the home supporters were fairly quiet, though, with the vast arena meaning they are not as close to the pitch.
In fact, the noise levels were so low the travelling Bournemouth contingent could be heard chanting “is this the Emirates?” in reference to the atmosphere at Arsenal’s stadium.
The Hammers fans finally had something to cheer when Antonio nodded in to give Slaven Bilic’s side their first league win of the season.
South coast side’s stuttering start
Bournemouth’s start to the season will concern manager Eddie Howe. The Cherries have lost their opening two games to slip to the bottom of the table.
They created very little against West Ham and tested goalkeeper Adrian just twice through King – the second in stoppage time when the Spaniard got down well to save.
Club-record signing Jordon Ibe showed flashes of his talent with his direct running, but fluffed a big chance in the second half when he squared the ball rather than shooting when in front goal, reports the BBC.
Once midfielder Arter was dismissed – his first yellow card for dissent towards the assistant referee – the Bournemouth players dropped closer to their own area and were soon punished.
EPL RESULTS
West Ham 1- 0 Bournemouth
Sunderland 1 – 2 Middlesbrough
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