West Ham drew 1-1 with West Bromwich Albion yesterday in the 100th game between the two sides in all competitions.
The Hammers took the lead through a fantastic Mauro Zarate free kick, which he expertly curled into the top corner past West Brom goalkeeper, Boaz Myhill.
However, West Brom came out at half time all guns blazing and managed to grab a goal just five minutes into the first half. It was an unfortunate goal, deflecting wildly off of Winston Reid and it was eventually put down as a Reid own goal.
We look at four findings from the match:
1. A tale of two halves... Again
Once again, as has been the case numerous times this season, the game was a tale of two halves. In previous matches West Ham have been poor in one half and rather good in another and the same was the case on Sunday. The first half, West Ham were brilliant however the second half, West Brom were the far superior side.
2. Adrian is world class
Now we all know that Adrian is a top keeper however a world class keeper can be defined as a goalie who saves you ten points a season. And yesterday Adrian certainly saved us a point, making some remarkable saves. Particularly when he denied West Brom striker Salomon Rondon from point blank range.
3. Zarate should start every week
Mauro Zarate was, again, brilliant against West Brom. Not only did he score a sumptuous free-kick but he went a long way to replacing Payet as chief chance creator. He now has three goals and has created eight chances in just four starts in the Premier League this season.
4. We will miss Diafra Sakho
Diafra Sakho was injured during the second half against West Brom and early reports suggest that he could be ruled out for a lengthy period of time. West Ham are now left with two fit strikers in the squad, Andy Carroll and Nikica Jelavic. Neither have lit up the Premier League this season with just one goal between them and neither suit West Ham’s fast-paced attacking style. If we can’t find a way to play with them, West Ham could struggle for goals from the frontmen.