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Chelsea's Title Defense Crushed By Moyes’ Boys

Matchweek 16 of the English Premier League kicked off Saturday morning with relegation candidates West Ham shocking defending champions Chelsea 1-0 at the London Stadium. David Moyes’ first victory as Hammers boss was secured by Marko Arnautovic, the $27 million man who’d yet to score following his summer move from Stoke City. 

But Moyes suddenly seems like the right man for the job with Arnautovic finding net and West Ham climbing to 18th in the table, with just their horrific goal difference of minus 18 keeping them from safety. 

West Ham vs Chelsea

David Moyes feels the tingling. Photo: @Betfair | Twitter

Arnautovic’s opener arrived as early as the sixth minute for West Ham. Some clever passing around the area unlocked Chelsea’s formidable rearguard, and Arnautovic’s left-footed effort gave Thibaut Courtois no chance. 

West Ham held on with Angelo Ogbonna and Winston Reid putting in an impressive display at the heart of defense, and Adrian again impressed in goal when selected over Joe Hart. England’s No. 1 could certainly see his World Cup place come under threat over the coming months.

It goes without saying, but the defeat was hugely damning for Chelsea with the Manchester derby to come. Should City defeat United, the gap on Chelsea would grow to 14 points. With Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham all firmly in the rearview mirror, it’s no secret that Manchester United will be the people’s favorite tomorrow in London. 

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