West Ham were outstanding in David Moyes' first game as manager since returning to the club, with the Hammers easing past Bournemouth 4-0 on Wednesday evening at the London Stadium.
The hosts began the game on the front foot, with the attacking players linking up well. And with 17 minutes gone, Mark Noble opened the scoring as his strike from outside the area took a massive deflection and went in.
The Hammers doubled their lead eight minutes later with a stunning goal from Sebastien Haller. Ryan Fredericks drilled in a wonderful cross, which the striker acrobatically connected with from 12 yards out, leaving Aaron Ramsdale with no chance.
— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 1, 2020
Moyes' men continued to pile the pressure on and were awarded a penalty on 32 minutes after a foul on Mark Noble. The midfielder stepped up to take the penalty and made no mistake. Felipe Anderson made it 4-0 on 66 minutes, latching onto a long ball before curling home. However, Aaron Cresswell was shown a straight red card for a crunching challenge on Ryan Fraser, but after a VAR review, the referee opted to show the left-back a yellow card.
Dominic Solanke hit the post late on, but Moyes' team went on to see out the game comfortably and could even have added to their lead.
WEST HAM
Key Talking Point
Moyesy's back!
Ahead of the game, David Moyes said that the players needed to give the fans a reason to cheer. So, did they? Yes. Yes, they did.
The early stages were promising, with the players pressing and forcing their opponents into mistakes. It didn't take them long to open the scoring through Noble and during his celebrations, he turned to the crowd and encouraged them to make more noise.
The Hammers raced into a 3-0 lead after just 35 minutes - and it was completely deserved. The players were harrying and working tirelessly off the ball, while they were positive in possession and looked a threat every time they went forward. Bournemouth simply couldn't get close.
Despite their healthy lead, the home side continued to search for more goals, but equally, they never allowed the Cherries to get a foothold in the game. Moyes couldn't have asked for much more and they will head into their next league clash with Sheffield United full of confidence.
There’s only one David Moyes!! 😊@WestHam #WHUBOU 3-0
— Mike Thomas (@mikeacthomas) January 1, 2020
I can’t believe what I’m watching!! Moyes the messiah ⚒♥️ #WHUBOU #Noble and #Haller have been brilliant!!
— Sophie Shipton (@sophieshipton5) January 1, 2020
A west ham team showing some fight and running their asses off this is the team in love seeing. It's only one game but it feels good to see it. #WHUBOU
— Michael Brown (@Michaelbrowniee) January 1, 2020
Tactical genius David Moyes #WHUBOU
— Mike Robo (@DrfcMike) January 1, 2020
Starting XI: Fabianski (6), Fredericks (6), Balbeuna (6), Ogbonna (6), Cresswell (6), Fornals (7), Noble (8), Rice (7), Snodgrass (6), Anderson (7), Haller (8*)
Substitutes: Lanzini (6), Masuaku (6)
STAR PLAYER - It was an outstanding display by West Ham, but it was Sebastien Haller who was particularly impressive on Wednesday evening.
The striker was exceptional in his hold up play, allowing teammates to ping the ball into him, with Haller controlling it and shrugging off challenges before bringing others into play.
Of course, he also got his name on the scoresheet with a simply stunning goal. As the ball came towards him, he only had one thought and he executed it perfectly. A dominating display from the 25-year-old.
Said it before and I will say it again. Give Seb haller the service and he will deliver. What a goal love that man #Irons #WHUBOU
— James Brown (@Jabwhu32) January 1, 2020
haller showing his bundesliga self @HallerSeb ⚒⚒ #WHUBOU
— Wil Tucker ⚒ (@whufc_tucks) January 1, 2020
BOURNEMOUTH
Key Talking Point
Bournemouth came into the game with West Ham having won just twice of their last 14 Premier League games. As a result, they came into the game in the bottom three, following Aston Villa's win.
A win was desperately needed. However, Eddie Howe's men found themselves 3-0 down inside 35 minutes. They were second to every ball, while they were wasteful and careless when in possession. The Cherries were ruthlessly punished by a West Ham side that were hungrier to win the game.
Howe reacted at half-time by making two very positive substitutions, bringing on Ryan Fraser and Junior Stanislas. However, the pattern of the game was the same, with the hosts continuing to dominate proceedings. Ultimately, it is another defeat for Bournemouth and they missed the chance to move back out of the bottom three. The performances must improve.
Bournemouth look an absolute mess, serious contenders for relegation this season !! #Bournemouth
— Bal Mann (@BalMann17) January 1, 2020
Howe gotta be feeling the heat right now..#WHUBOU
— ŃĘVÊŔMÏŃĐ (@wolveslad27) January 1, 2020
Exactly when are we allowed to say Eddie Howe is under pressure? Media darling given he has been a successful young English manager but Bournemouth awful, staring at 8 defeats in 9 #cherries #Howe #Bournemouth
— Mike Newsome (@mike_newsome) January 1, 2020
Starting XI: Ramsdale (5), Francis (4), Cook (4), Mepham (3), Rico (3), Gosling (4), Lerma (4), Cook (4), Solanke (3), H. Wilson (4), C. Wilson (6*)
Substitutes: Fraser (5), Stanislas (4), Simpson (5)
STAR PLAYER - It was a hugely disappointing display by Bournemouth, with no player standing out for the Cherries.
They never looked like getting back into the contest and although Howe attempted to change the pattern of the game with his substitutions, they did not have anywhere near the desired effect. However, Callum Wilson did work hard for the team and although he had no service at all, he continued to make runs and showed for the ball. A frustrating evening for the England international.
Surely questions going to be asked about Eddie Howe now. #WHUBOU
— Craig Etherton (@CraigEtherton) January 1, 2020
Looking Ahead
West Ham next face a trip to take on Gillingham in the FA Cup on Sunday before travelling to face Sheffield United in the Premier League.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, host Luton Town in the FA Cup. They then take on Watford in a crucial game in the league.
Source : 90min