It was a dream come as a club-record 56,977 supporters were in attendance as West Ham played their first league match at their new home, having left Upton Park at the end of last season.
In stark contrast to the corresponding fixture last term – which finished 4-3 to Eddie Howe’s side – Sunday’s affair was a slow-burner, with the teams mustering just one shot on target between them in a first-half shorn of clear-cut chances.
Bournemouth came out strongly after the break, Jordan Ibe squandering a gilt-edged opportunity before Adrian pulled off a magnificent stop to deny Josh King, with Tore hammering a strike into the side-netting at the other end.
Howe’s side were reduced to 10 men late on when Harry Arter picked up a second yellow card, and Slaven Bilic’s men duly ensured their numerical advantage was not wasted as Antonio knocked in the winner.
But having seen their team concede late in Monday’s league defeat by Chelsea and Thursday’s Europa League qualifying draw with Astra Giurgiu, the Hammers fans had a late goal of their own to cheer when Antonio nodded in.
The goal came eight minutes after Bournemouth’s Harry Arter was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Cherries goalkeeper Artur Boruc saved well from Enner Valencia in the first half, while Adrian denied Joshua King.
But, Antonio last gasping header was all the Hammers needed to crown their Stadium’s stats.
