A late first half penalty from Mark Noble, his 50th goal in West Ham colours, saw the home side draw against Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace in their midweek clash at the London Stadium. It also marked the first time in over four decades (1974 to be precise) that the Hammers have gone unbeaten in their first five top flight games of the calendar year.

With Manuel Lanzini, Marko Arnautovic, Andy Carroll and Pedro Obiang injured, and Arthur Masuaku beginning the first of a six game ban for spitting at Nick Powell, West Ham boss David Moyes had to dig deep to field a match day squad. Fortunately for him, his task was made easier by Noble, Declan Rice and Cheikhou Kouyate shaking off their pre-game knocks in time for this fixture. Michail Antonio, whose mistake had cost West Ham dear in the reverse fixture at Selhurst Park earlier in the season, didn’t feature in the squad- Moyes later revealed that he had been left out for disciplinary reasons (coming late to team meetings)

With Masuaku suspended, Aaron Cresswell was moved from his position in defence to left wingback. In came Declan Rice as part of a back three with Angelo Ogbonna and James Collins. Joao Mario was handed a home debut, albeit in a slightly advanced role than he would probably have wanted, with the Portuguese international and Kouyate playing just behind Javier Hernandez. Pablo Zabaleta was chosen to partner Noble in midfield, meaning a first league start of the Premier League season for young Sam Byram at right back [Read more…]