Hard-working Hammers humble Chelsea in London derby

David Moyes’ tactics since being appointed at West Ham appear simple: take the lead, and sit back and defend. But that is a risky game to play as the Hammers found out to their cost at the Etihad last weekend.

The clash at the London Stadium was the first of a weekend of Premier League derbies and the hosts seemed intoxicated by the local rivalry as the game got underway in a sunny and crisp afternoon in the English capital.

Marco Arnautovic endeared himself with the West Ham faithful by scoring his first goal for the club against fierce city rivals Chelsea, and he did so within six minutes of the start. The Austrian played a neat give and go with Manuel Lanzini at the top of the box to get away from Andreas Christensen before curling an effort around the body of Azpilicueta and into the bottom corner beyond the fingertips of Thibaut Courtois.

The player’s exuberant celebration, which even earned him a booking, was in accordance with Moyes’ own ecstatic display on the touchline. His plan was in place.

Chelsea attempted to respond with long spells of possession in the Hammers’ half, but their intricate build-up play was not enough to truly test Adrian, who started in goal ahead of Joe Hart thanks to his exploits against City in the Hammers' last outing.

The Blues’ first meaningful shot came after 22 minutes, when the ball was headed into the path of Eden Hazard in the box and the Belgian powered a volley across goal and wide.

Camped inside their own half, West Ham began to sit deeper and deeper, allowing the visitors to pass their way up the field. It was not long before Adrian was forced into action, pushing away decent efforts from Kante and Zappacosta.

Arnautovic looked a constant threat on the break, eager to get on the ball and fend off defenders to relieve the pressure which was piled on by the reigning Premier League champions throughout the entire fixture, but to no avail. The former Stoke forward received a standing ovation for his industrious display.

Chelsea’s patient build-up play was only equalled by the Hammers’ defensive resolve which ultimately earned David Moyes his first win in charge. A late flurry of chances with Morata and Hazard firing their efforts wide had the home supporters on the edge of their seats until the final whistle, when the London Stadium was filled with scenes of jubilation thanks to a result that will do wonders for their confidence.