West Ham United beat Bournemouth 1-0 in their first Premier League match at the former Olympic Stadium.
West Ham United fans
Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith feels West Ham will need “time to adapt” to their new surroundings following their stadium switch over the summer.
Following the Hammers’ 1-0 victory over Bournemouth, the former Arsenal striker told Sky Sports: “At times (the atmosphere) was flat – the fans didn’t have much to shout about for large parts of the match.
“I think they wanted to get behind the team and, every now and then, the West Ham fans did burst into song.
“I suppose the fans will have to get used to the stadium, just like Arsenal fans at the Emirates.
“It’s a different sort of feeling at the London Stadium than it was at Upton Park.”
West Ham United fans react to a missed chance
It was West Ham’s first Premier League match at the 57,000 seater stadium following their move from Upton Park at the end of last season.
But it wasn’t the grand opening many had hoped for as an uninspiring match failed to excite the usually vocal United crowd as they witnessed a sub-par performance from the home side.
However, Hammers fans did have something to cheer about at the end as wide-man Michail Antonio atoned for his penalty error against Chelsea to head home the winner against the Cherries.
West Ham United’s Michail Antonio celebrates scoring their first goal
It was hardly a spectacle but it was an important three points nonetheless as West Ham started Premier League life in their new stadium with a win.
Now fans will be looking to recreate the famous Upton Park atmosphere at their new home and Smith feels it is only a matter of time before they do.
“Some people that were here for the Juventus game, when they played better, did say the noise was incredible,” continued the Sky Sports co-commentator.
“The stadium is designed to keep in the noise so when they get used to it, feel at home and get the 57,000 fans behind them, it will be a noisy place to come.”
West Ham fans
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