Crystal Palace vs West Ham Report

Scorers: Soucek 67’, Bowen 72’

West Ham Secure First Win Under Lopetegui with 2-0 Victory Over Crystal Palace

West Ham United claimed a much-needed 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, marking Julen Lopetegui’s first win as the Hammers’ boss.

This victory also ended a five-match winless streak against the Eagles, providing a confidence boost after a challenging start to the Premier League season.

First Half: Missed Opportunities for Both Sides

Both teams came into the match eager to bounce back from 2-1 defeats on the opening weekend of the Premier League.

West Ham started brightly and should have taken an early lead within the first five minutes. Michail Antonio found himself in a prime position from a corner kick but could only direct his header wide of the goal.

The Hammers continued to apply pressure as captain Jarrod Bowen made a strong run down the left, delivering a precise cross to Mohammed Kudus, whose shot narrowly missed the target.

Despite West Ham’s dominance in the opening stages, Crystal Palace began to find their rhythm. Eberechi Eze nearly opened the scoring after being played through by Adam Wharton, but West Ham’s goalkeeper Alphonse Areola was quick off his line to deny the forward.

As the first half drew to a close, Palace edged closer to breaking the deadlock. Eze, again set up by Wharton, unleashed a curling effort that beat Areola but rattled the crossbar, leaving the match goalless at halftime.

Second Half: West Ham Take Control

Lopetegui’s side resumed the second half with the same intensity they started the first. West Ham threatened down both flanks, with Kudus and Emerson Palmieri making dangerous runs, though the final ball was often lacking.

However, their persistence paid off in the 67th minute when Tomáš Souček capitalised on a loose ball in the box, powering home to give the Hammers a deserved lead.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner would have hoped for a quick response from his team, but instead, they found themselves further behind just five minutes later.

Jarrod Bowen, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, drove into the box and finished clinically past Dean Henderson to double West Ham’s advantage.

West Ham’s Dominance Seals the Win

The Eagles failed to muster any significant response as their second-half performance deteriorated. West Ham comfortably managed the remaining minutes of the game, securing their first three points of the season and giving Lopetegui his maiden victory as Hammers’ manager.

The result leaves Crystal Palace still searching for their first point of the season, with a daunting London derby against Chelsea on the horizon. For West Ham, this win provides a much-needed boost as they look to build momentum in the early stages of the campaign.

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Crystal Palace v West Ham, 2024/25 | Premier League