More than 25 years since he made his managerial bow at Preston North End in 1998, David Moyes’ 900th fixture as a professional manager would see his West Ham United side host a struggling Sheffield United. With the Blades having recorded just one point from their first six league clashes this season, the Hammers were expected to cruise to a comfortable victory at the London Stadium.
WHU: Areola; Emerson, Aguerd, Zouma, Coufal; Álvarez, Souček; Paquetá, Ward-Prowse, Bowen; Antonio
SHU: Foderingham; Robinson, Egan, Ahmedhodžić; Thomas, McAtee, Souza, Hamer, Bogle; McBurnie, Archer
Just before the half-hour mark struck in East London, Jarrod Bowen was on hand to fire the Hammers into a much-deserved lead against a dismal opposition. His fifth goal of the Premier League campaign saw him complete a sublime team move, steering into the bottom-left corner after a tidy cutback from Vladimír Coufal.
Embed from Getty ImagesTomás Souček doubled that lead in the 37th minute, slamming past Wes Foderingham to put David Moyes’ side in cruise control. Played through on goal by Michail Antonio, the Czech midfielder was able to nestle an effort past the goalkeeper before losing his balance – and the result never looked in doubt from that moment on.
The Blades did improve in the second half though, but Alphonse Areola’s goal never looked to be under any significant threat – with the Frenchman doing well to deny Anel Ahmedhodžić’s headed attempt.
Three points were simply crucial for West Ham following successive defeats to Manchester City and Liverpool, and David Moyes’ side will now feel full of confidence as they travel to SC Freiburg on Thursday. As for Sheffield United, they must travel to Fulham on Saturday – still in search of their first win of the Premier League season.
