The opening game in the First Division saw the Hammers gain a creditable 0–0 draw at Sunderland. Two days later there were 25,000 inside the Boleyn Ground to see Arsenal beaten 1–0 with a goal from Albert Fletcher. Goals were hard to come by, with only five being scored in the first eleven games. In November Birmingham City were beaten 4–1 at home but this was followed up with a 5–1 defeat at Burnley. The Christmas and New Year period brought three home wins against Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Liverpool.

In the FA Cup Third Division side Aberdare Athletic were the visitors and, with Billy Brown scoring twice, the Welsh side were beaten 5–0. Cup hopes were ended in the next round with a 1–0 replay defeat at Leeds United, which followed a 1–1 draw at home.

The defence were playing well, with full-backs Henderson and Young behind half-backs Bishop, Kay and Cadwell. It was the forwards who were struggling, hence the five draws in the next six games. The season ended with home and away defeats to Manchester City, which resulted in a mid-table position of 13th.