Classic match
West Ham United 1-0 Aston Villa
Barclays Premier League
18 August 2012
West Ham United celebrated their return to the Premier League with an opening day victory over Aston Villa on this day twelve months ago.
Kevin Nolan scored the only goal of the game five minutes before the break, sidefooting home after Ricardo Vaz Te pulled the ball back.
Carlton Cole headed wide from close range as the Hammers threatened to extend their lead and Villa rarely troubled their hosts.
Ron Vlaar's shot which was easily saved by Jussi Jaaskelainen was Villa's only attempt on target as the Hammers got off to the perfect start.
Complete record - 18 August
2012 West Ham United 1-0 Aston Villa (Premier League)
2007 Birmingham City 0-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
2001 Liverpool 2-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
1979 Wrexham 1-0 West Ham United (Division Two)
1971 Derby County 2-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1962 Aston Villa 3-1 West Ham United (Division One)
1956 Fulham 1-4 West Ham United (Division Two)
1951 Queens Park Rangers 2-0 West Ham United (Division Two)
Played 8, Won 3, Drawn 0, Lost 5, Scored 8, Conceded 11