David Moyes has won his first match as West Ham manager after a hard-fought win over champions, Chelsea at the Olympic stadium.
Marko Arnautovic’s sixth minute goal proved the difference, as the Hammers finally put an end to their eight game winless streak in the Premier League. “The win, the spirit of the team, how they stuck together and, more importantly, a lot of the basics were done well today, all that really pleased me,” Moyes told Skysports moments after the game.
Moyes had lost three of four games since replacing Slaven Bilic but got off to the best possible start against the defending champions when Manuel Lanzini set up Arnautovic for the opener with just six minutes played.
It was no less than the Hammers deserved, in what was a brilliant first half from the home side. Chelsea had their chances, but were unable to create anything of note as the host went into the break with a 1-0 advantage.
After the break, the Blues’ search for the equaliser continued, but Moyes’s side were defensively organised and resolute in their handling of all Chelsea threw at them.
West Ham held on for the win, which could be vital in their battle to avoid the drop. For Chelsea, they are beginning to slip away from the title race, as they lost for the fourth time this season.
Absolutely MASSIVE.#WHUCHE pic.twitter.com/pX1Lsujghj
— West Ham United (@WestHamUtd) December 9, 2017
Moyes has now won all four games against Italian managers in charge of the reigning champions.
That’s also the former Manchester United manager’s fifth win in six home matches against the reigning PL champions.
