Goals in either half from Mohammed Kudus and Odsonne Edouard saw the spoils shared in a 1-1 draw between West Ham and Crystal Palace.
The two sides went into the game in contrasting form – West Ham had won their last four in all competitions, including a midweek Europa League victory, while Crystal Palace had lost their last two Premier League matches.
Although the Eagles started the better on their short trip to east London, Kudus’ fine strike in the 13th minute saw the hosts ahead. However, Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone could have done better as the effort flashed through his hand.
But Palace equalised with their first shot on target of the game. It was an horrendously lax pass from Konstantinos Mavropanos that saw Edouard stride through on goal and dispatch into the far corner.
The result moves neither team further up the table. West Ham remain in ninth place, moving on to 21 points. Crystal Palace stay in 12th with 16 points, nine clear of the relegation places.
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Mohammed Kudus was on hand to give West Ham the early lead against visitors Crystal Palace
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Odsonne Edouard slots home following a defensive mistake from West Ham to draw Crystal Palace level
How the points were shared at the London Stadium
West Ham United’s Mohammad Kudus celebrates with Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal after scoring the opening goal
Crystal Palace began the game well – but found themselves behind early on. With their first shot, Kudus gave West Ham the lead. It was a fine ball from the back to find Vladimir Coufal down the right wing.
He cut the ball back for the incoming Kudus, who sent a fierce strike goalwards, taking a deflection on the way through to whistle through Johnstone’s fingertips.
West Ham could have doubled their lead soon after. A superb long pass from Nayef Aguerd picked out Jarrod Bowen’s forward run, but the Crystal Palace defence managed to poke the ball safely back to their goalkeeper.
The visitors’ best effort of the opening period came with 10 minutes of the half to play. Joachim Andersen sent a free-kick into the area, which deflected off the wall before spinning just wide of the far post.
West Ham thought they had doubled their lead immediately after the break. An offside Tomas Soucek took a swing at Kudus’ bobbling cross, which nestled into the far corner. However, the flag was rightly up and the goal was ruled out.
Not long after, Palace equalised. It was a lackadaisical moment from Mavropanos as his poor pass was collected by Edouard. The forward then strode into the box and swept home into the far corner.
Although chances were at a premium for much of the game, West Ham went close to another twice in the second half.
A wonderful ball over the top from Aguerd found Emerson’s run towards the back post. However, he could only ping the ball wide with his outstretched foot. Then, in the fourth of six added minutes, Pablo Fornals scooped a fine ball into the middle, but Bowen’s header went straight at Johnstone.
What’s next?
West Ham travel to Tottenham on Thursday for a London derby, kick-off 8.15pm. It’s then a trip to Fulham on Sunday, kick-off 2pm.
Crystal Palace have back-to-back home matches to look forward to, first against Bournemouth on Wednesday, kick-off 7.30pm, before hosting Liverpool on Saturday, kick-off 12.30pm.