‘They did’: David Moyes now makes claim about City Ground atmosphere after playing Nottingham Forest yesterday

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West Ham United boss David Moyes has now made a claim about the City Ground atmosphere after playing Nottingham Forest yesterday.

Moyes spoke to West Ham’s website after the game and admitted that Forest fans made it very difficult for his side in the first-half. 

The Hammers fell to a 1-0 defeat at the City Ground after a debut goal from Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi.

Moyes’ men started the game slowly but were very unlucky not to come away with something from the game after a brilliant second-half performance from Forest goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

But the Scotsman has now said that his team struggled to cope with the atmosphere that the Forest faithful created yesterday. 

Moyes on City Ground atmosphere

“They did, especially in the first 20-25 minutes,” Moyes told West Ham’s website.  

“We were expecting it to be tough and we knew they were going to come out, and it was a terrific atmosphere in here. It’s a great old stadium, so it’s what we expected.

“When you play in that atmosphere, it’s great for them and it’s great for their players here. It shows you how much they’ve been waiting to get top flight football here.

“We didn’t cope with it particularly well in the opening 20 minutes but we grew into the game and got a bit better, without being spectacular.” 

It was certainly a big occasion for Forest fans as they got to see their team play at home in the Premier League for the first time in 23 years.

And Steve Cooper’s men certainly rose to the occasion and sealed their first win of the new season.

Moyes will feel unfortunate to have not come away with at least a draw after his side hit the woodwork twice and Declan Rice missed a penalty.

The Hammers even had an effort cleared off the line by Forest defender Neco Williams but it just wasn’t their day.

The Forest fans certainly played a big role in the win and will be hoping to help make the City Ground a fortress to keep their side in the Premier League this season.