Joey O'Brien scored his first Premier League goal as West Ham fought back from a limp first-half performance to earn a point against Stoke.

The Hammers were fortunate to only trail to Jonathan Walters' stinging drive at the break, with Steven Nzonzi rattling the bar for the visitors.

Kevin Nolan went close after the interval before O'Brien steered in Gary O'Neil's low cross from the right.

Modibo Maiga almost poked home before Stoke recovered to secure a point.

West Ham began the evening in the knowledge that victory would send them into fifth place and mark their best start to a league campaign since 1986.

Woe on the the road

Stoke's draw sets a new club record of 16 away Premier League matches without a win. Fulham hold the Premier League record with a run of 33 away matches without victory.

Source Infostrada Sports

The history that Stoke were attempting to make was more short term - a first away win in the league since beating Blackburn on 2 January.

The Potters would have been optimistic of ending their search for three points on the road after comfortably containing West Ham before the interval, but had to settle for just one after being hounded through a barnstorming second half that defied cynics' expectations.

Both Sam Allardyce and Tony Pulis have been irritated by attempts to characterise their teams' style as uncomplicated and direct but neither did much to dispel that impression early on.

Stoke's attempts to send long balls towards the head of Peter Crouch proved more promising than West Ham's crosses towards Andy Carroll at the opposite end.

Charlie Adam shanked a volley over the top from a knock-down before Crouch himself could only direct a tame nod into the gloves of Jussi Jaaskelainen.

A reputation for well-worked set-piece routines is something that Pulis has been happier to earn and a perfectly executed training-ground move delivered the opener.

West Ham's end to 2012

West Ham play a top-eight side in six of their next seven games.

  • 25 Nov: Tottenham (A)
  • 28 Nov: Man Utd (A)
  • 1 Dec: Chelsea (H)
  • 9 Dec: Liverpool (H)
  • 16 Dec: West Brom (A)
  • 22 Dec: Everton (H)
  • 26 Dec: Arsenal (A)

With their attention drawn by Crouch and Ryan Shawcross's runs to the near post, the Hammers defenders failed to track Walters who appeared in a pocket of space to swipe home Glenn Whelan's precise corner.

Reverting to a more patient build-up, West Ham had glimpses of goal - Mohamed Diame missing his kick after a cute backheel from Kevin Nolan before the skipper himself fired straight at Asmir Begovic - but Stoke finished in the ascendancy with Nzonzi crashing a half-volley against the bar.

Stoke emerged early for the second half, but West Ham swarmed all over them from the first whistle.

Nolan had already failed to apply a telling touch from two yards when O'Brien stole in front of Shawcross to stab O'Neil's low cross into the roof of the net.

The Stoke rearguard was flustered and was almost breached again soon after as Maiga side-footed against the legs of Begovic from Carroll's knockdown.

With his side reeling, Pulis introduced Wilson Palacios at the expense of Whelan to apply the brakes to a rampant West Ham.

The switch, combined with some streetwise delays over goalkicks, succeeded in stabilising the visitors and drawing the sting from the hosts' attacks out wide.

West Ham were unable to rediscover the penetration over the final quarter as Stoke dug in and defended stoutly to close out the game.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce: "I thought we deserved three points in the end.

"Stoke were slightly better than us in the first half and we had to recover from what was an extremely good goal.

"Having to come from 1-0 down in any game in the Premier League is difficult.

"It's another point on the board, we move on reasonably happy.

"Andy Carroll is not to be frustrated by the fact that he is not scoring at the moment and in fact today he didn't get much of a chance to score.

"He wants to score a goal and he wants me to leave him on for 90 minutes but at the end of the day he put that much effort in, there are a lot of fresh players on the bench."

Stoke boss Tony Pulis: "First half I thought we played well and created the better opportunities and really we needed that second goal.

"The worst thing that happened to us was half-time. That took the momentum away from us.

"We started very sloppy in the second half, we invited West Ham onto us and they scored a goal and from that point onwards we need to show a lot of resilience and determination.

"We have worked on it for the past three days, we tried it five or six times and Jonathan Walters has never scored from it so I'm glad he saved it for today.

"All of my career I have always looked for little angles and little areas that we could exploit from set-plays and it is lovely when it comes off."

Lineup, Bookings (1) & Substitutions (6)

West Ham United

  • 22 Jaaskelainen
  • 02 Reid
  • 03 McCartney
  • 05 Tomkins
  • 17 O'Brien (Demel - 77' )
  • 04 Nolan
  • 16 Noble Booked
  • 21 Diame
  • 32 O'Neil
  • 08 Carroll (Cole - 85' )
  • 11 Maiga (Taylor - 85' )

Substitutes

  • 30 Spiegel
  • 19 Collins
  • 20 Demel
  • 27 Spence
  • 14 Taylor
  • 09 Cole
  • 46 Hall

Stoke City

  • 01 Begovic
  • 02 Cameron
  • 04 Huth
  • 17 Shawcross
  • 28 Wilkinson (Shotton - 32' )
  • 06 Whelan (Palacios - 62' )
  • 15 Nzonzi
  • 16 Adam
  • 26 Etherington (Kightly - 74' )
  • 19 Walters
  • 25 Crouch

Substitutes

  • 29 Sorensen
  • 20 Upson
  • 30 Shotton
  • 08 Palacios
  • 21 Kightly
  • 09 Jones
  • 33 Jerome
Ref: Foy
Att: 35,005

Match Stats

Shots

16 12

On target

11 6

Corners

12 4

Fouls

8 9

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +4:09 Full time

Full Time The game is over, as the referee blows his whistle.

90:00 +3:00

The ball is delivered by Mark Noble, Carlton Cole takes a shot. Asmir Begovic makes a save.

90:00 +2:03

Foul by Mark Noble on Charlie Adam, free kick awarded. The ball is crossed by Charlie Adam, Jonathan Walters takes a shot. Save by Jussi Jaaskelainen.

90:00 +0:27

Inswinging corner taken by Matthew Taylor from the right by-line, Winston Reid takes a shot. Asmir Begovic makes a comfortable save.

89:39

The ball is swung over by Guy Demel, save by Asmir Begovic. Matthew Taylor takes a inswinging corner from the right by-line played to the near post, clearance by Wilson Palacios.

88:32

Jonathan Walters fouled by Carlton Cole, the ref awards a free kick. Asmir Begovic restarts play with the free kick.

88:05

Unfair challenge on James Tomkins by Peter Crouch results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Jussi Jaaskelainen.

87:25

Robert Huth fouled by Carlton Cole, the ref awards a free kick. Asmir Begovic restarts play with the free kick.

87:07

George McCartney sends in a cross, save by Asmir Begovic.

84:46 Substitution

Substitution Matthew Taylor joins the action as a substitute, replacing Modibo Maiga.

84:46 Substitution

Substitution Carlton Cole comes on in place of Andy Carroll.

84:46

The ball is swung over by Michael Kightly.

82:39

The ball is delivered by George McCartney, Robert Huth manages to make a clearance. Effort from the edge of the penalty box by Guy Demel goes wide of the right-hand upright.

67:56

Wilson Palacios produces a drilled right-footed shot from 30 yards. Kevin Nolan gets a block in.

80:40

The ball is delivered by Andy Carroll, clearance by Ryan Shawcross.

80:04

Modibo Maiga sends in a cross, clearance made by Ryan Shotton. Mark Noble takes the outswinging corner, clearance made by Robert Huth.

78:40

Jonathan Walters is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Jussi Jaaskelainen takes the free kick.

76:58

Ryan Shotton gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Andy Carroll. Free kick crossed by Mark Noble, clearance made by Peter Crouch. Effort on goal by Mohamed Diame from deep inside the penalty area misses to the right of the goal.

76:58

Free kick awarded for a foul by Ryan Shotton on Andy Carroll. Mark Noble crosses the ball in from the free kick, Peter Crouch makes a clearance. Mohamed Diame has an effort at goal from deep inside the area missing to the right of the target.

76:40 Substitution

Substitution Joey O'Brien leaves the field to be replaced by Guy Demel.

75:00

Ryan Shawcross gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Kevin Nolan. Free kick crossed by Mark Noble, clearance by Robert Huth. Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Michael Kightly by Joey O'Brien. Free kick taken by Asmir Begovic.

74:18

Foul by Mohamed Diame on Jonathan Walters, free kick awarded. Asmir Begovic takes the free kick.

73:52

Modibo Maiga crosses the ball, clearance made by Ryan Shawcross.

73:03

Indirect free kick taken by Jussi Jaaskelainen.

73:03 Substitution

Substitution Michael Kightly comes on in place of Matthew Etherington.

73:03

The referee blows for offside.

72:47

Gary O'Neil crosses the ball, clearance made by Robert Huth.

71:12

The ball is swung over by Matthew Etherington, clearance made by Mark Noble.

70:12

Shot by Jonathan Walters from just outside the area goes over the net.

70:12

Effort on goal by Jonathan Walters from just outside the area goes harmlessly over the target.

68:38

Mark Noble sends in a cross, Ryan Shotton makes a clearance. Gary O'Neil takes a outswinging corner to the near post, Wilson Palacios manages to make a clearance.

67:56

Shot by Wilson Palacios. Blocked by Kevin Nolan.

66:53

The official flags Kevin Nolan offside. Asmir Begovic restarts play with the free kick.

64:43

Jonathan Walters delivers the ball, James Tomkins makes a clearance. The ball is delivered by Charlie Adam, clearance by Mark Noble.

63:23

Effort on goal by Gary O'Neil from inside the penalty box misses to the right of the target.

63:02

Short corner taken by Gary O'Neil from the left by-line.

61:46

Jussi Jaaskelainen takes the indirect free kick.

61:46 Substitution

Substitution Wilson Palacios on for Glenn Whelan.

61:46

The official flags Peter Crouch offside.

61:21

The ball is swung over by George McCartney, save by Asmir Begovic.

60:18

Matthew Etherington takes a shot. Blocked by Joey O'Brien. Charlie Adam takes a shot. Winston Reid gets a block in. Corner taken by Matthew Etherington played to the near post, clearance by Gary O'Neil. Mark Noble sends in a cross.

58:33

The ball is swung over by Modibo Maiga. The ball is delivered by Gary O'Neil, Robert Huth gets a block in. Corner taken right-footed by Mark Noble from the right by-line, clearance made by Peter Crouch. Gary O'Neil takes a shot. Glenn Whelan gets a block in. Mark Noble takes the outswinging corner, clearance by Peter Crouch. The ball is delivered by Gary O'Neil, Jonathan Walters makes a clearance.

58:14

The ball is sent over by Matthew Etherington, James Tomkins manages to make a clearance.

55:39

Corner taken by Mark Noble from the right by-line, Andy Carroll takes a shot. Blocked by Ryan Shawcross. Modibo Maiga takes a shot. Robert Huth gets a block in. Gary O'Neil takes a shot. Blocked by Geoff Cameron.

54:33

Matthew Etherington crosses the ball, clearance made by Joey O'Brien. Matthew Etherington takes the outswinging corner, Andy Carroll makes a clearance.

53:32

Corner taken right-footed by Mark Noble to the near post, clearance made by Peter Crouch.

52:34

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Mohamed Diame by Glenn Whelan. Mark Noble takes the free kick.

51:38

George McCartney sends in a cross, Glenn Whelan gets a block in.

48:22

Free kick awarded for a foul by Ryan Shawcross on Gary O'Neil. Free kick crossed right-footed by Mark Noble from right channel, clearance made by Peter Crouch.

47:10

Assist on the goal came from Gary O'Neil.

47:10 Goal scored

Goal - Joey O'Brien - West Ham 1 - 1 Stoke Goal scored by Joey O'Brien from close range high into the middle of the goal. West Ham 1-1 Stoke.

47:08

Mohamed Diame takes a shot. Robert Huth gets a block in.

45:54

The ball is swung over by George McCartney, Shot from 6 yards by Kevin Nolan. Asmir Begovic makes a fantastic save.

45:01

The referee gets the second half underway.

45:00 +1:55 Half time

Half Time The ref blows to signal half-time.

45:00 +0:50

Foul by Peter Crouch on George McCartney, free kick awarded. Jussi Jaaskelainen restarts play with the free kick.

44:11

Long range shot by Mohamed Diame goes wide right of the target.

40:45

The ball is swung over by Matthew Etherington, Joey O'Brien manages to make a clearance.

38:30

The ball is swung over by Geoff Cameron, clearance by Winston Reid.

37:43

Effort by Modibo Maiga from a long way out goes over the crossbar.

37:43

Effort on goal by Modibo Maiga from a long way out goes over the bar.

37:12

Drilled right-footed shot by Steven Nzonzi.

36:30

Free kick taken by Glenn Whelan.

36:30 Booking

Booking Caution for Mark Noble.

36:24

Mark Noble challenges Jonathan Walters unfairly and gives away a free kick.

35:40

Steven Nzonzi has an effort at goal from 35 yards and missed to the right of the target.

35:20

Foul by Kevin Nolan on Steven Nzonzi, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Steven Nzonzi.

33:59

The ball is sent over by Gary O'Neil, blocked by Ryan Shotton.

33:29

The ball is sent over by Mark Noble, Ryan Shotton makes a clearance.

33:06

Foul by Geoff Cameron on Andy Carroll, free kick awarded. George McCartney takes the direct free kick.

31:29 Substitution

Substitution Ryan Shotton replaces Andy Wilkinson.

30:33

A cross is delivered by Joey O'Brien, clearance by Ryan Shawcross.

27:16

Gary O'Neil delivers the ball, Andy Wilkinson gets a block in. Corner taken by Mark Noble.

26:50

Kevin Nolan takes a shot. Asmir Begovic makes a save.

26:23

The ball is crossed by Mohamed Diame, Andy Wilkinson makes a clearance.

24:33

Mark Noble produces a cross, Robert Huth manages to make a clearance.

23:29

Matthew Etherington delivers the ball, blocked by Joey O'Brien. Corner taken left-footed by Matthew Etherington from the left by-line, Robert Huth takes a shot. Save by Jussi Jaaskelainen.

22:41

Gary O'Neil produces a cross, Andy Carroll takes a shot. Comfortable save by Asmir Begovic.

22:25

Centre by Modibo Maiga, Ryan Shawcross manages to make a clearance.

20:34

Robert Huth concedes a free kick for a foul on Gary O'Neil. James Tomkins takes the direct free kick.

18:29

The ball is sent over by Matthew Etherington, James Tomkins manages to make a clearance.

17:45

Andy Carroll concedes a free kick for a foul on Andy Wilkinson. Asmir Begovic restarts play with the free kick.

17:29

A cross is delivered by Mark Noble, clearance made by Ryan Shawcross.

16:46

Effort from a long way out by Charlie Adam goes wide left of the net.

13:47

Mark Noble sends in a cross, clearance made by Robert Huth.

12:32

Glenn Whelan provided the assist for the goal.

12:32 Goal scored

Goal - Jonathan Walters - West Ham 0 - 1 Stoke Goal scored by Jonathan Walters from deep inside the penalty box to the bottom right corner of the goal. West Ham 0-1 Stoke.

11:53

Outswinging corner taken by Glenn Whelan from the right by-line played to the near post,

10:30

Modibo Maiga delivers the ball.

9:58

George McCartney crosses the ball, save by Asmir Begovic.

9:43

The ball is crossed by Mohamed Diame, clearance made by Robert Huth.

9:12

Peter Crouch takes a shot. Save by Jussi Jaaskelainen.

8:24

The official flags Kevin Nolan offside. Asmir Begovic restarts play with the free kick.

3:54

The ball is sent over by Kevin Nolan, blocked by Ryan Shawcross. Inswinging corner taken by Mark Noble from the left by-line, save made by Asmir Begovic.

2:53

Shot by Charlie Adam from deep inside the penalty area misses to the right of the target.

1:06

The ball is sent over by Modibo Maiga, clearance by Glenn Whelan. Mark Noble takes a outswinging corner.

0:20

Jonathan Walters challenges Mohamed Diame unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Winston Reid.

0:00

The match begins.

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