West Ham humbled by Romanian side Astra Giurgiu, bounced from Europa League

If Thursday's 2-1 loss to Astra Giurgiu in Romania is any indication, West Ham is in for a frustrating 2015-16 Premier League campaign under new manager Slaven Bilic.

The Hammers were given their walking papers following a dismal second-leg performance in the third qualifying round of the Europa League, losing 4-3 on aggregate to the club that last year finished fourth in Romania's top-flight league - 14 points behind champions Steaua Bucuresti.

Perhaps it was in preparation for Sunday's Premier League opener against Arsenal, or because the club didn't take the continental competition seriously, but West Ham's squad for Thursday's match was replete with reserves and unknowns.

Besides the inclusion of full-back Carl Jenkinson and midfielders Kevin Nolan and Diego Poyet, the starting 11 did not feature any prominent first-team names. Mario Lanzini, ex-Toronto FC defender Doneil Henry, and Kyle Knoyle all made their first competitive appearances.

Lanzini opened the scoring for the Irons in the 3rd minute, putting the aggregate score at 3-2 in favour of the East London side. Things seemed to be looking peachy for Arsenal, that is until a Constantin Budescu brace in four first-half minutes sent the tie in a completely unexpected direction.

Astra, led by Budescu, had the visitors on the back foot well into the second half, littering 'keeper Randolph with attempts on goal and frustrating West Ham's young and inexperienced back line.

Despite its attempts, West Ham couldn't muster much else and following three minutes of added time, the team collectively hung its heads in shame as it were knocked out of Europe by a side many hadn't heard of two weeks ago.

Chin-up, Diego - you've got Arsenal at the Emirates in a few days time. Granted, it's no Astra Giurgiu.