But first, Algerian international Sofiane Feghouli was quick to congratulate Hammers stopper Adrian on his first Spain call-up
Enhorabuena @AdriSanMiguel me alegro por ti amigo ! ??https://t.co/P0iwMum2Ml
— Sofiane Feghouli (@sffeghouli) August 26, 2016
But the keeper's focus was well and truly on the game ahead - afterall, the Spaniard had a blinder at the Etihad last season...
Game day//Día de partido??⚽️
— Adrián San Miguel (@AdriSanMiguel) August 28, 2016
vs Man City
COME ON YOU IRONS!!⚒#westham #hammer #premierleague #ethiadstadium pic.twitter.com/8Gb3Q2s3mp
The side's other stopper Darren Randolph was also buzzing to be in Manchester ahead of the eagerly-awaited match
While Aaron Cresswell, still out injured, had the belief that the Hammers could recreate the heroics of last season and snatch three points at the Etihad
Come on boys! Repeat of last season!! ??⚒ #coyi
— AARON CRESSWELL (@Aaron_Cresswell) August 28, 2016
Cresswell's replacement in the side has been Arthur Masuaku, and he was looking forward to a first fixture in Manchester
And finally before the game, Gohkan Tore, who set up Slaven Bilic's side's winner in their last league outing, was ready to battle again away from home
#matchday #westham #manchestercity #gt7 #gökhantöre #bjk #coyi pic.twitter.com/7Zahq9on6p
— Gökhan Töre (@Gokhan_Tore7) August 28, 2016
And despite defeat, Michail Antonio was first delighted to score, but then even more so after receiving some more great news...
Gutted about the result but great to get on the scoresheet again #COYI @WestHamUtd @premierleague #MCIWHU pic.twitter.com/UoBXt77tDk
— Michail Antonio (@Michailantonio) August 28, 2016
Teammate Ashley Fletcher was one of the first to congratulate the winger
Buzzing for my boy @Michailantonio on the England call up. Fully deserved ?? pic.twitter.com/E3RQMGmm7f
— Ashley Fletcher (@AshFletcher___) August 28, 2016
And Joint Chairman David Gold also took to Twitter to offer his congratulations
Michail Antonio has been selected by Sam Allardyce's first England World Cup qualifying squad. Well done Michail. dg pic.twitter.com/B7ZdAYJ6Ob
— David Gold (@davidgold) August 28, 2016
England manager Sam Allardyce explained his reasons for including the winger, though most Hammers knew them already
? @OfficialBigSam says @Michailantonio's #ThreeLions call-up is down to "guts, determination and desire" https://t.co/rdmvTfdpTH
— England (@England) August 29, 2016
While the messages of good will came in from famous Hammers up and down the country
@Michailantonio @England so happy for you Michail. Fully deserved. Congratulations! #COYI
— Bianca Westwood (@beewestwood) August 29, 2016
Shout out to @Michailantonio for the call up... Well deserved... #COYI
— Jack collison (@jackcollison) August 28, 2016
Great to see @Michailantonio get his first England call up. Well deserved! Sam > Roy. https://t.co/cGGo0hjXL3
— Spencer FC (@SpencerOwen) August 28, 2016
Big congrats to @Michailantonio on his first @England call up #WellDeserved #WHUFC
— Trevor Sinclair (@trevor8sinclair) August 28, 2016