WEST Ham United’s season got off to a disappointing start despite spending more than £100million in the transfer window.

New boss Manuel Pellegrini handed five debuts to summer signings - Lukasz Fabianski, Ryan Fredericks, Fabian Balbuena, Jack Wilshere and Felipe Anderson - from the start, but the Hammers were overwhelmed by Liverpool.

Sadio Mane’s brace, along with goals from Mohamed Salah and Daniel Sturridge, handed Jurgen Klopp’s outfit a 4-0 win over the east Londoners at Anfield.

As a result, the Hammers have conceded four goals in each of their last four clashes with last season’s Champions League finalists and West Ham were condemned to a 4-0 defeat on the opening day of the Premier League season for the second successive campaign, having been heavily beaten at Manchester United 12 months ago.

But it is important that fans do not read into yesterday’s defeat too much.

Liverpool are who I believe are most likely to challenge Manchester City for the title this season and going to Anfield on the opening day was always going to be difficult.

Pellegrini would have been hard pushed to have been handed a more daunting opening fixture in charge of the Hammers.

The Merseysiders were the top flight’s biggest spenders this summer, with Naby Keita among the best performers at Anfield.

But it will take West Ham’s latest signings time to gel.

Anderson looked impressive at stages and were it not for some fine saves from Fabianski, West Ham may have been hit for six.

Lucas Perez and Carlos Sanchez - who arrived at the London Stadium on deadline day - did not make the squad yesterday and due to the high number of acquisitions, fans may have to wait a few matches before seeing Pellegrini’s new side at their best.

But the Hammers will be looking to get their first points on the board when Bournemouth visit on Saturday.