Match Review: Everything goes right in Moyes’ West Ham debut!

With tensions high, patience low, and expectations ranging, David Moyes stepped up to the technical area for his second debut as West Ham manager and inspired a massive win for the Hammers.

The team selection showed that David Moyes liked a lot of the same players Manuel Pellegrini chose in his starting XIs. An early injury blow would see Michail Antonio absent entirely from the team with a believed-to-be hamstring injury. With no sparkplug, Moyes relied on a second striker Felipe Anderson to drive the team forward.

What a move it was, as well. Without possession for the first few minutes, the Hammers pushed hard on the Bournemouth defenders constantly (and kept it up for 90 minutes), forcing turnovers and creating pressure early.

This mounted in the 17th minute when Ryan Fredericks picked out Robert Snodgrass who cut inside the penalty area in a deep and dangerous position. He cut the ball back to the top of the box where Mark Noble struck it well and after a large deflection, the Hammers were up 1-0.

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The most important part of the gameplan from West Ham in this match was that the pressure on Bournemouth’s defenders didn’t stop after scoring any of the four goals in this game. The second goal came in the 25th minute and may nab the ‘goal of the season’ title. Sebastien Haller ripped a scissor kick into the back of the net off of a lovely Fredericks cross to double the lead. His athleticism and potent skill were on display on this highlight-reel goal.

The third goal was the last of the first half and came from the penalty spot. Obviously, Noble would be the player to take it, but it goes down unassisted as he drew the trip in the box initially as well. Mr. West Ham drilled the ball home, sending the keeper in the opposite direction. Cool as you like and at the double in the 35th minute.

The second half would see a double change for the Cherries but it wouldn’t matter as Moyes’ men dictated play for the second period, too. The fourth and final goal of the match came from Felipe Anderson, who broke his 34-game goal drought. With Manuel Lanzini prepared to replace him as the off-the-shoulder mate to Haller, Anderson was picked out beautifully by Declan Rice and did well to hold off the last defender before slotting home under the keeper in the 66th minute.

The Hammers would press for the remaining time and could have had two or three more goals based solely off of their hard pressing gameplan and the effort to continue attacking. It should be mentioned that Fabian Balbuena and Angelo Ogbonna were lights out terrific, with Ogbonna having possibly his best game of the season for the Hammers.

Lastly, a word on Moyes. This match was never going to be telling of him as a manager with such a short time ahead of the match since his appointment. This win was largely on the players, but they wanted this for their new gaffer. He also was talking to every player coming off the pitch, giving a hug or arm around the shoulder when needed, but always talking to them.

The positivity can continue with Gillingham awaiting the Hammers in the FA Cup match. Moyes made every right decision before and during this match and has started on the right foot. It was a dominant display because of how West Ham imposed their will on the Cherries.