Michail Antonio's late winner gave West Ham a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth in their first Premier League game at the London Stadium this afternoon.
Slaven Bilic's side struggled to find a spark without several key players - including Dimitri Payet - and only made the breakthrough late on after Harry Arter was sent off for a second yellow card.
The Hammers were greeted by a wall of noise as they made their way onto the pitch, with both teams clearly up for the occasion, but the encounter was anything but a classic.
The hosts made the better start, with Antonio relishing a chance on the left side of midfield after being played at right back of late, driving at the Cherries' defence at every opportunity.
Yet the opening exchanges were starved of clear-cut chances with Gokhan Tore's poor execution at set pieces leaving the Hammers pining for the injured Dimitri Payet.
West Ham were lacking a spark up front and Artur Boruc was not forced to make a save until Enner Valencia's speculative attempt from a tight angle in 40th minute of the game.
Bilic resisted the opportunity to make changes at the break and Bournemouth made their way back onto the pitch early, appearing to sense that there was something in the game for them.
And Eddie Howe's side started the second half with the bit between there teeth as Adam Smith's long-range shot forced Adrian into a saved before Jordon Ibe broke clear but elected to square rather than take a shot on himself.
Adrian had to be alert again just moments later when Josh King lashed a strike at goal from distance, forcing the Spaniard into a smart save.
Harry Arter was given his marching orders when he received a second yellow card for hauling down Cheikhou Kouyate, and the Hammers duly capitalised when Antonio headed home Tore's teasing cross.
Despite the victory, questions will surely be asked about the strength in depth at Bilic's disposal.
The Croatian manager may be required to invest in his squad further if the club are to achieve their lofty ambitions this season, with a threadbare side struggling for long periods today.
