One goal from Kevin Nolan was all it took for the Hammers to take three points at Upton Park against a lacklustre Villa side.
Nolan scored the game’s only goal just before half-time in an impressive display from the Irons at Upton Park. Not only did the Hammers mark their Premier League return with a win, the performance was very encouraging.
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Paul Lambert’s first game in charge for Aston Villa saw his side underperform during much of the match, with a distinct lack of penetration and incisiveness to break the Hammers’ defence. The game saw James Collins make his second debut for the Hammers against his former club and he played very well alongside Winston Reid in the centre of defence.
Collins was not the only debut player that impressed for the Hammers, but Mohamed Diame excelled in the centre of midfield for the Hammers and he earned the free kick which resulted in West Ham’s goal. Noble chipped the ball into the box; it was flicked onto Ricardo Vaz Te who squared the ball to an unmarked Nolan, who tapped home. The linesman flagged for offside, but Mike Dean correctly overruled the decision as Ciaran Clark was the player who flicked the ball onto Vaz Te.
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West Ham were the team in the ascendency in the second half and had a penalty shout turned down after Vlaar pushed Cole in the box. Nolan also had a goal-bound shot blocked as the Hammers started to dominate. Jussi Jaaskelainen was called into action to save from Stephen Ireland’s volley, but this was the only real action in a quiet day for the Hammers’ keeper.
Modibo Maiga also made his debut for the Hammers, coming on as a late second half substitute and almost scored a dream debut goal. Maiga rounded the keeper, only to see his shot cleared off the line by Nathan Baker.
A great start for the Hammers as they look to get early points on the board. Next game for the Hammers is Swansea City on the 25th, who won 5-0 away from home at Loftus Road, against QPR.
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