CHELSEA 0 WEST HAM UNITED 1

Cresswell (48)

West Ham goalkeeper David Martin revealed he could hardly eat for two days in the build-up to his debut at Chelsea.

Martin pulled off a clean sheet on his top-flight bow as West Ham stole a win at Stamford Bridge, with his dad, former Hammers stalwart Alvin, watching from the stands.

Martin admitted he was in tears as he walked into the crowd to hug his dad, the former England defender who spent 20 years at West Ham between 1976 and 1996.

The 33-year-old former Millwall goalkeeper shored up the Hammers’ defence in replacing Roberto, who had leaked three goals in nine games, as West Ham sealed a first league win at Stamford Bridge in 17 years.

“It doesn’t feel real. I’m 33 now, I’ve had a decent career, I’ve played quite a few games, but it still doesn’t prepare you coming into this game,” said Martin.

“I’ve been struggling to eat for the last two days. Cress (Aaron Cresswell) was laughing at me because my plate kept being taken away and I couldn’t finish my food.

“For my dad to see that here with the club he played for for 21 years, to make my debut, keep a clean sheet and get the win for the boys, more importantly, it’s just a fantastic feeling.”

West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini admitted he was relieved that a clutch of changes had paid off as the Hammers ended an eight-match winless streak in all competitions.

The Chilean’s job remains on the line, but he insisted he can push his side back in the right direction.

“When you don’t win you are a beast and when you do you are a genius,” said Pellegrini.

“For the team, for West Ham, for me and everyone, I think they did very well,” he added.

Aaron Cresswell’s neat finish sealed West Ham’s win, leaving a frustrated Chelsea boss Frank Lampard to challenge his side to produce a quick reaction in defeat.

“Shocked isn’t the word, I’m more disappointed,” said Lampard.

“We didn’t perform the way we can. But I do believe in the squad.”