West Ham United got off the mark in the Premier League with a 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Goals from Mauro Zarate, Stewart Downing and Carlton Cole made sure that all three points went to the Hammers.
While Marouane Chamakh was able to get on the scoresheet in the second half, it was not enough to get Palace back into the game.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes that unfolded at Selhurst Park.
Match statistics
Crystal Palace
Shots: 9
On target: 4
Possession: 46%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 14
West Ham United
Shots: 17
On target: 8
Possession: 54%
Corners: 9
Fouls: 11
Was the result fair?
In short, yes. West Ham controlled possession for the majority of the game and they came with attacking intent from the start. Sam Allardyce's side had plenty of joy down the flanks, but both teams struggled to find the clinical touch in the final third in the early stages. Some individual goals from Zarate and Downing kept the Hammers on top, but Cole's goal could easily have been prevented by the home side.
Crystal Palace's performance
The home side struggled to make an impact in their first home game of the season. While their trademark compact defence did frustrate West Ham in the early stages, the Eagles were unable to make it count up front. From today's showing, a few more signings would help the club's aim for survival, but with a permanent manager not yet in place, it remains to be seen whether nine days is enough for Palace to get some new faces in.
West Ham's performance
The Hammers impressed against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, but failed to come away with the points. Today, the team were able to maintain possession and utilised the quality of new signing Zarate, who managed to get off the mark this afternoon. Initially, West Ham struggled to get any meaningful crosses into the area, but the likes of Downing were able to get the time that they needed to pose a threat.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Stewart Downing: The winger has had his critics for some time, but the former Liverpool man was involved in the majority of West Ham's attacks today. As well as nabbing a goal for himself, Downing had plenty of freedom down the flanks and was able to cause some trouble.
Biggest gaffe
This will have to go to Damien Delaney. Chamakh's goal got Palace back into the game in the early stages of the second half, but their hopes were dashed when West Ham netted their third. It was an easily-prevented goal, but Delaney failed to clear the ball after it was delivered from a free kick.
Referee performance
Mark Clattenburg, who is widely seen as the most senior Premier League referee following Howard Webb's retirement, had a relatively comfortable game. The match official did not make any significant mistakes and was able to let the game flow while also handing out yellow cards when deserved.
What next?
Crystal Palace: The Eagles will take on Walsall away in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday, before facing Newcastle United at St James' Park at the weekend.
West Ham United: The Hammers will play Sheffield United on home turf in the Capital One Cup, before welcoming Southampton to Upton Park at the weekend.
Danielle Joynson
