Obiang & Ayew secure dominant Hammers win over Huddersfield

Andre Ayew

Two goals in a prolific five-minute period was enough to secure West Ham United a first Premier League win of the season at home to Huddersfield Town.

The 2-0 victory came as a result of a deflected Pedro Obiang effort in the 72nd minute while substitute Andre Ayew poked home on 77 minutes.

It was no more than Slaven Bilic’s side deserved after a dominant performance. The home team created a host of excellent opportunities earlier in the contest, with Chicharito striking the woodwork.

Huddersfield also saw an effort hit the cross-bar but were unable to score, giving West Ham an excellent win and Bilic three points on his 49th birthday.

The Hammers almost took the lead after just a minute of action as Andy Carroll’s ball across the box narrowly avoided Cheikhou Kouyate’s outstretched foot.

Chicharito then hit the crossbar from eight yards following a brilliant ball into the area, while James Collins almost scrambled home from a free-kick.

Aaron Cresswell saw a free-kick go narrowly over the bar and Michail Antonio also had an effort which was deflected away after a terrific team move.

Huddersfield’s only chance of the first half was well cleaned up by Collins just moments before the end of half whistle as the Terriers looked to race clear on the counter.

West Ham’s dominance finally paid off in the second half as fortune came out of hiding. Obiang’s effort from distance took a huge deflection, confusing Lossi in the Terriers goal and going in the net via the post.

Just five minutes later and the Irons had a second. Cresswell’s corner eluded the Huddersfield defence and Ayew, 12 minutes after coming on, tucked the ball away.

Huddersfield’s best chances came in the second half with Tom Ince seeing a decent effort clip the cross-bar after the Hammers had taken their two-goal advantage.

But ultimately the home team hailed on for an impressive result against David Wagner’s newly promoted men in front of the brilliant home support.

 

West Ham United: Hart; Zabaleta, Reid, Collins, Fonte, Cresswell; Obiang (Rice 90+3), Kouyate; Antonio, Carroll (Sakho 82’), Chicharito (Ayew 65’)

Subs not used: Adrian, Byram, Ogbonna, Masuaku

Goals: Obiang 72’, Ayew 77’

Yellow cards: Zabaleta 49’,

 

Huddersfield Town: Lossi; Smith, Zanka, Schindler, Lowe (Malone 63’); Kachunga (Sabiri 76’), Billing (Depoitre 83’), Mooy, Ince; Van la Parras, Mounie

Subs not used: Coleman, Williams, Hadergjonaj, Hefele

Yellow Cards: Zanka 26’, Billing 45’