Out of blocks

all weeks to high-kick Steve Mounie squarely in the face, a few Hammers hearts were in their mouths.

A repeat of Sadio Mane’s red card? Matt Ritchie’s yellow card, perhaps?

No, referee Kevin Friend decided to award a simple freekick with no further censure. Go figure.

Time was ticking louder for West Ham as the second half progressed – a fact even Carroll was acutely aware of despite his court appearance last week to give evidence against the man jailed for stealing his £22,000 watch.

The fact that Huddersfield were managing to get on the front foot more did little to ease West Ham nerves.

But then Obiang settled them and this match with his freak goal – and Ayew made it safe five minutes later.

Ayew stabbed home a loose ball from a corner. That was just as well, seeing as Tom Ince hit the late on.

WEST HAM (3-4-3): Goals: HUDDERSFIELD (4-2-3-1): NEXT UP: Referee:

bar for

Booked:

Huddersfield

Booked: NEXT UP:

Main picture: BEN STANSALL THAT FITS THE BIL: Boss Bilic punches the air in delight after the second goal from Ayew, above

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