The Hammers were beaten late on by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s Diego Costa scores the winner
West Ham United began the new Premier League season with a narrow defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The ever-controversial Diego Costa scored the Blues’ winner in the final minute of normal time, having earlier avoided a second yellow card for what appeared to be a clear foul on Hammers goalkeeper Adrian.
The aftermath of Costa’s challenge on Adrian
James Collins had equalised for the visitors with 13 minutes to go after Antonio Conte’s side had taken the lead thanks to an Eden Hazard penalty shortly after half-time.
And it was the decision to field the perpetrator of that offence which had the West Ham supporters up in arms afterwards.
Antonio and Mark Noble track Chelsea’s Hazard
Despite scoring nine goals in his first ever season at Premier League level, winger Michail Antonio was again deployed at right-back, with Sam Byram left on the bench initially.
Having looked uncomfortable throughout, Antonio was hooked by manager Slaven Bilic five minutes after bundling over Cesar Azpilicueta for a clear foul inside the box.
Hammers boss Bilic
Byram, a natural in the role, played the final 37 minutes in west London, though many were left fearing what impact the previous 53 could have on Antonio.
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