West Ham 1-2 Charlton
by Paul Donovan
at the London Stadium

A LONG, hard season, it would seem, beckons for West Ham, as they squandered all three points against a confident and well-organised Charlton side at the London Stadium.

West Ham gives the impression at times that they think just turning up will secure wins in the Championship, with a return to the Premiership guaranteed at the end of the season. The first two games have provided a reality check. It’s not that easy and if these West Ham players don’t step up soon, it will be another season in the Championship for the Hammers.

It took just six minutes for the visitors to take the lead, a long throw being allowed to bounce, with Lloyd Jones allowed time and space in the area to guide his overhead kick home.

West Ham then saw efforts from Taty Castellanos and debutant Joel Piroe saved.

Charlton extended their lead 10 minutes into the second half. Konstantinos Mavropanos dithered on the right, only to be dispossessed by Tyreece Campbell, who strode on to fire home.

The Hammers then woke up. Piroe had the ball in the net, but it was disallowed as the ball had gone out before Jarrod Bowen managed to get his cross in.

A similar combination saw Bowen’s cross met by Castellanos. Charlton keeper Arthur Okonkwo pushed the ball away, but only as far as Piroe, who fired home.

Substitute Divine Mukasa then saw his effort from a Bowen cross saved.

At the death, it looked as if West Ham had been offered a lifeline, when a penalty was awarded for handball, after Lewis Orford’s shot was blocked by Conor Coventry. 

The chance was wasted, though, as Castellanos drove the spot kick against the post. Game, set and match to Charlton.

West Ham head coach Nuno Espirito Santo admitted having let down the 62,000 West Ham fans in attendance. 

He felt West Ham had a lot of possession and should have put more pressure on Charlton. 

The coach was confident, though, that when the new players settle they will be “massive” for the club. 

Charlton manager Nathan Jones was proud of the performance. “We had to be very organised and were,” said Jones, who was less happy about the referee making a substitute wait a minute to come on.

So Charlton start the season with two wins, West Ham have just one point from six.