James Ward-Prowse makes West Ham United debut to remember as Premier League record broken in win v Chelsea
As far as Premier League debuts go, James Ward-Prowse’s for West Ham in their 3-1 win against Chelsea was right up there.
The midfielder only joined the East London club from Southampton last Monday (14 August), but he has already had a major impact under David Moyes.
The manager gave the England international a start in their league clash against the Blues at the London Stadium on Sunday (20 August).
And Ward-Prowse needed just seven minutes to prove his worth in claret and blue, with his pinpoint corner finding the head of Nayef Aguerd, who put his side 1-0 up.
Chelsea pulled one back through Carney Chukwuemeka, but West Ham’s new midfield hero was on hand to help put the hosts back ahead as he chipped a pass through to Michail Antonio, who fired past Robert Sanchez from the edge of the area.
The former Saints man was handed a well-deserved rest by his new manager in the 81st minute, leaving the pitch to rapturous applause as he was replaced by fellow debutant Edson Alvarez.
Ward-Prowse could then afford to put his feet up on the bench, having become the first West Ham player to assist two or more goals on his Premier League debut for the club, according to Opta Joe.
The midfielder was the 311th Hammers player to feature in the competition, with his debut being more memorable than the majority who have come before him.
It was a superb signing from the East London club, who will improve in so many ways with the presence of Ward-Prowse in their midfield.
In other West Ham news, Aguerd has sent a four-word message to a player after the latest Galatasaray transfer news.