The Hammers’ struggled in their first competitive game of the season.
Michail Antonio celebrates with Mark Noble
West Ham ended their first competitive game of the season in defeat with a 2-1 loss to Slovenian minnows NK Domzale in their Europa League qualifier earlier tonight.
The Hammers toiled and endured large spells of the game on the back foot but return to the Olympic Stadium next week well placed to progress with an away goal under their belts.
Matic Crnic gave the hosts the lead in the 11th minute from the spot after summer signing Havard Nordtveit was penalized for a handball inside the area.
Havard Nordtveit
West Ham’s reply came seven minutes later, also via the spot, with Mark Noble converting after Winston Reid was upended.
Slaven Bilic’s men were unable to build on that goal however, and it was Domzale who went ahead in the second half courtesy of an excellent solo effort from Crnic.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic
The Hammers were without the talents of star man Dimitri Payet and new signing Sofiane Feghouli started well but faded as the game wore on.
Bilic will expect a lot more from his team when Domzale visit the Olympic Stadium next Thursday for the first competitive fixture in West Ham’s new home.
We’ve provided a selection of images from the match below:
West Ham’s Mark Noble scores their first goal with a penalty
West Ham’s Mark Noble scores their first goal with a penalty
West Ham’s Mark Noble celebrates after scoring
West Ham’s Andy Carroll in action
West Ham’s Pedro Obiang in action with NK Domzale’s Mario Lucas Horvat
NK Domzale’s Axel Maraval concedes a penalty against West Ham’s Winston Reid
NK Domzale’s Gaber Dobrovoljc in action with West Ham’s Andy Carroll and Adrian
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