Middlesbrough handed Sunderland’s new manager David Moyes a 2-1 defeat on his home debut and West Ham United beat Bournemouth 1-0 with a late goal to record a welcome first Premier League win at their new London Stadium on Sunday.
Boro’s Cristhian Stuani struck twice in the first half to earn the points, while a Michail Antonio header gave West Ham the spoils against a Bournemouth side reduced to 10 men in the 78th minute when midfielder Harry Arter was sent off.
Both matches were laced with added importance as Boro and Sunderland renewed their rivalry having last faced each other in the league nearly eight years ago and, with Newcastle United relegated, the clash is the northeast’s only derby this season.
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For West Ham manager Slaven Bilic anything less than victory in the club’s first top flight game at their new ground would have raised questions “like a snowball” about the wisdom of the move from Upton Park to their new 60,000 capacity stadium.
Sunderland, who lost their league opener at Manchester City, had five players making their home debuts so it was a case of bedding in the new faces but Moyes’ young side really struggled to contain Middlesbrough’s accomplished attack.
Boro’s Uruguay striker Stuani was the difference, first with some individual brilliance after 12 minutes and then by rounding off a superb team effort before the interval. Dutchman Patrick van Aanholt pulled one back for the hosts but it was too late.
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“It’s always important to win, especially in a derby and for our crowd who have been waiting for this moment for a long time, so I’m pleased for the players and the crowd,” said Boro manager Aitor Karanka, whose side are sixth with four points.
