Overview
- West Ham were beaten 2-1 at the London Stadium on Saturday, August 22, 2026, with Lloyd Jones and Tyreece Campbell scoring for Charlton and Joel Piroe replying before Valentin Castellanos hit the woodwork from a stoppage-time penalty.
- The home side dominated possession and chances, recording about 77% possession, 25 shots and roughly 3.0 expected goals, but could not convert control into a result.
- Manager Nuno Espirito Santo apologised on West Ham TV, saying the team 'failed' supporters and pointing to a misdefended long throw, a turnover that led to Charlton's second goal, and poor finishing in the penalty area.
- The defeat leaves West Ham with one point from their first two Championship matches and increases scrutiny ahead of a Carabao Cup tie with Southampton and upcoming league games.
- The result intensified outside criticism and pressure on the club given big home crowds of around 62,000 and pre-season expectations that West Ham would challenge for immediate promotion.