A single goal from Marco Arnautovic with just six minutes on the clock was enough to secure West Ham their first victory in eight Premier League games and David Moyes his first victory as manager.
The big talking point before kick-off was Moyes’ decision to plump for Adrian betwixt the sticks, leaving Joe Hart on the bench.
The goal came before Chelsea had the chance to settle, with Arnautovic swapping passes with Manuel Lanzini on the edge of the box before whipping a composed shot past Thibaut Courtois…
As was evident with his jubilant celebration, the goal siphoned off some of the pressure mounting on Arnautovic, who had previously failed to score in 13 appearances for the Hammers since joining from Stoke in the summer.
Everybody needed that goal!
Antonio Conte’s side beavered away but struggled to make any kind of breakthrough against a stout Hammers defence, corralled manfully by Pablo Zabaleta and Adrian, who proved once again that he is largely superior to Hart in an all-round sense.
Indeed, for all their effort, the Blues failed to register a single effort on target in the second half despite amassing over 70% of the possession.
We were, however, treated to an elite-level throw-in from Pedro…
While they remain rooted in the bottom three, the final whistle signalled carthatic scenes at the London Stadium, with the relief being exhaled around the ground almost palpable.
Chelsea remain third, three points behind Manchester United in third and 11 points behind Man City at the top ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
For Moyes and the boys, it’s all onward and upwards from here.
It’s Arsenal up next in midweek.