Leicester City 1-0 West Ham: Hammers outfoxed by the Foxes

West Ham United were prevented of closing out 2016 with a four game winning streak, as they lost 1-0 at home to struggling champions Leicester City.

The Foxes record signing Islam Slimani’s first half goal was the difference in what turned out to be an exciting contest at the King Power Stadium, and an end to the Hammers maximum points streak.

It was a very entertaining first half, where both sides contained great energy on the final day of 2016. Leicester’s desperation for victory was rewarded, as they were the better team in the opening interval, capped by Slimani’s fine header past Darren Randolph in the 20th minute to give his side the lead. West Ham meanwhile saw Michail Antonio’s fine superb half volley hit the post, while Dimitri Payet was denied by Kasper Schmeichel.

Though lively, the second half didn’t contain the quality of its predecessor, as captain Mark Noble had to come off with an injury after a high tackle by Daniel Amartey. Slaven Bilic’s side just could not find enough clear chances in the second half to muster up a threat, as his side end the first half of the 2016-17 season in a midtable position.

The Hammers start 2017 with a contest against Manchester United, the third match already this season against Jose Mourinho’s side, at the London Stadium on Monday.