London Stadium was awash with emotion within the build-up to this sport as West Ham followers paid tribute to membership legend Billy Bonds, who handed away aged 79 on the finish of November.
An huge banner of Bonds lifting the FA Cup – which he received twice as a West Ham participant – appeared within the stand bearing his title as the 2 groups made their means on to the pitch, whereas former team-mates Trevor Brooking and Alvin Martin – accompanied by Bonds’ two daughters – laid a floral tribute contained in the centre circle earlier than kick-off.
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The dwelling followers had already celebrated the opening aim by the point they rose to their toes for his or her now customary fourth-minute spherical of applause in Bonds’ honours – however they have been not celebrating at full time.
Bowen was West Ham’s best menace, changing into solely the second participant to succeed in 100 Premier League aim involvements for the membership after Michail Antonio, however the Hammers’ defensive frailties got here again to hang-out them as they conceded multiple aim in a top-flight dwelling sport for the seventh time this season.
Their solely clear sheet of the marketing campaign thus far got here in a 3-0 victory at Nottingham Forest, who pulled 5 factors away from the Hammers within the desk with a snug win over Tottenham on the City Ground on Saturday.
Things could also be about to get even worse for West Ham, who journey to in-form Manchester City subsequent weekend.