West Ham United boss David Moyes hailed the debut performance of James Ward-Prowse after his side’s 3-1 win over Chelsea.

The England international, signed for £30million from Southampton, set up goals in each half for Nayef Aguerd and Michail Antonio at London Stadium.

Ward-Prowse was brought in to replace Declan Rice in West Ham’s midfield but offers plenty more in attack and his seventh-minute corner found Aguerd at the far post, before his clever ball over the top sent Antonio through on goal.

Carney Chukwuemeka had replied for the visitors inbetween times, but Lucas Paqueta’s injury-time penalty sealed the points for the 10-man Hammers, after Aguerd was dismissed for two bookable offences midway through the second half.

“His character is, in lots of ways, similar to Declan Rice,” said manager Moyes.

“He’s a really good boy. His delivery, his assists, that’s what he’s capable of and I thought he did a great job today. His corner gave us a great start.”

Paqueta was in the West Ham line-up despite being reportedly investigated by the Football Association for potential betting rule breaches.

The Brazil midfielder is said to be shocked by the probe, which is believed to centre around bets placed in his homeland on yellow cards awarded against him.

A move to Manchester City may have fallen through so the 25-year-old celebrated his goal with the ‘crossed Hammers’ sign.

“I thought 65,000 people stood to their feet and applauded him,” added Moyes.

“He played as well as anybody, he showed character and his performance was very good, especially in the second half.

“There was never any doubt (he would play). He’s a solid and tough character so no problems. He’s a very good player.”

Chelsea’s Mauricio Pochettino is confident his side will improve quickly despite derby defeat.

Enzo Fernandez had a penalty saved by Alphonse Areola while it was still 1-1 and new £115million signing Moises Caicedo conceded a late spot-kick for a foul on Emerson Palmieri.

“I think today the result doesn’t reflect the performance but in football these situations happen,” said Pochettino.

“I am disappointed in the way we conceded the first goal. We know West Ham are good at set-pieces. That is a little bit disappointing and we need to work hard on that.

“Then I think also did really well in the first half and we should have been winning at half-time. But that is the process. We need to accept the defeat and keep on working.

“If we score the penalty we miss you are talking about a different game. We are going to perform better in the next games.”

 


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