West Ham were fortunate to open their season against such attractive visitors as Cup finalists Huddersfield Town, and despite blazing heat the match produced bright, fast football—particularly in a first half played at exceptional pace. The quality dipped after the interval, but the contest remained engaging throughout. West Ham edged it 2–1, though Huddersfield often looked the more polished side, lacking only a cutting edge in front of goal. Their inside‑forwards combined cleverly but carried little punch, while Mangnall’s tendency to halt the ball rather than stride on blunted the visitors’ attack.

By contrast, Watson was a constant menace for West Ham and proved decisive. Had Huddersfield possessed a centre‑forward of his calibre, they would not have left empty‑handed. Defences dominated for long spells, with chances scarce. Ruffell squandered a fine opening from Watson’s pass, and Watson had a goal ruled out for a foul by Yews. So it was a surprise when Jackson put Huddersfield ahead five minutes before the break, finishing from close range after Mangnall’s neat back‑heel.

West Ham hit back almost immediately. Earle slipped a clever pass through to Watson, who raced on and drove low into the corner. The second half, played in draining heat, became a midfield slog, and a draw looked likely until James swept the ball wide to Yews, whose centre allowed Watson to head the winner. Moments later Cox, struggling with a leg injury, left the field, forcing Barrett to drop to left‑back and Earle into the middle. Huddersfield pressed hard but could not break through.

West Ham’s attack was far from convincing, relying too heavily on Watson and a below‑par Ruffell. James supplied some fine passes, but neither he nor Earle offered enough threat in the box. Defensively, however, the Hammers were excellent—Cox before his injury, Cadwell and Collin all outstanding, leaving Dixon with little to do. Huddersfield’s back line was equally strong, with Turner assured in goal and Goodall and Spence superb in the tackle. Campbell shone as the best half‑back on the field, while Kelly and Jackson impressed in attack, though Kelly was closely marked. Smith remained dangerous on the ball but might have sought it more often.