By Daniel Mcinally
Mark Noble’s 50th West Ham goal was enough for the Hammers to take a share of the spoils in their derby fixture against Crystal Palace at London Stadium. The visitors took the lead midway through the first half through Christian Benteke, but Noble’s penalty ensured parity.Â
The opening ten minutes were even with neither side able to get a dominant footing in the game. Joao Mario was enjoying a fruitful debut and had the first shot of the game. After a neat flick from Chicharito the ball sat up for Mario, however the Portugal international’s effort went wide.Â
It was the visitors though who took the lead. As West Ham pushed forward they were left exposed at the back. Palace midfielder Luka Milivojevic was able to find Andros Townsend. The winger ran at The Hammers’ defence and was able to put an inch-perfect cross into the area for Christian Benteke to head past Adrian.Â
The visitors had rarely threatened beforehand, and later in the half West Ham found a route into the game. Joao Mario was able to find Chicharito in the box, the Mexican took it past former Hammers defender James Tomkins, who duly tripped the Mexican. Mark Noble made no mistake as he calmly slotted past Wayne Hennessey, drawing the Hammers level just before the half time whistle.Â
The second half was one of few chances. Chicharito had the clearest opportunity of the game, a cross from Sam Byram found the head of the diminutive forward whose header was excellently saved by Hennessey on the 50th minute mark, but both sides ultimately found a stalemate.
West Ham climb to 10th while the visitors find themselves in 12th, the Hammers now travel to Brighton in the next game, which could be crucial for David Moyes’ side as their look to maintain their top half status in the Premier League.
