Gianfranco Zola Began his Reign as West Ham Manager in Style

West Ham United 3
Newcastle United 1

Scorer: Di Michele (7, 37)
Scorer: Etherington (52)
Scorer: Owen (66)

Attendance: 34743 FT (16:52)

Gianfranco Zola's reign as West Ham United manager got off to the perfect start as his fellow Italian David Di Michele hit a brace to help see off Newcastle United 3-1 at Upton Park.

The former Chelsea star officially took up his duties on Monday - and the Hammers responded to record a third home successive win.

Di Michele, on a season loan from Torino, set them on their way with a deflected effort after just eight minutes and then added another before half-time.

Matthew Etherington made it 3-0 before England striker Michael Owen salvaged a consolation for the visitors.

It was a positive start by the hosts, who had won both of their opening home matches under former manager Alan Curbishley.

Di Michele skipped clear off the offside trap and into the left side of the penalty area. However, Shay Given stood up at his near post to make the save.

The Italian then got lucky after eight minutes when he cut inside from the right and shot from 20 yards - then wheeled away in celebration as the ball ricocheted off Steven Taylor and up over the keeper into the net.

"It means a lot to me and also the players," Zola said of his first victory. "It's a good result and the way that they got it is a great satisfaction. I am very pleased for them."