From the Terraces - Joe Difford

Fan blogger Joe Difford looks back at Sunday's 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion

Fan blogger Joe Difford looks back at Sunday's 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion...

It was a bizarre game on Sunday at the Boleyn Ground, as despite a dominant first half and an extraordinary goal, the boys in claret and blue left with just a point to show for their efforts.
 
Slaven Bilic made a couple of alterations from last week's defeat to Spurs, bringing in Mauro Zarate, who was phenomenal up until he was substituted.
 
Manuel Lanzini forced Boaz Myhill into a couple of good saves, and Cheikhou Kouyate could and should have netted from a header.
 
Diafra Sakho was lively as ever, creating problems for the West Brom back line, but failing to finish a close-ranged effort of his own, that was blocked by the leg of Jonas Olsson.
 
The biggest talking point from the first half, however, was the opening goal, 17 minutes in. Mauro Zarate, who has now scored in three of his four starts this season, curled a free kick beautifully over the wall and into the top left.
 
If it had been any further in the corner it would have crashed against the bar, and his sublime effort is now the eighth direct free kick scored in the Premier League this season.
 
The early second half goal changed the outcome of the game though.

Former Liverpool man Rickie Lambert unleashed a powerful strike that deflected off Winston Reid, who could do nothing but watch the ball land in the back of the net, with Adrian having dived the wrong way.
 
It was a goal that sums up our luck as of late and gave Tony Pulis' side something to fight for.
 
Despite the additions of Nikica Jelavic, Andy Carroll and Michail Antonio, we simply couldn't find that cutting edge that we've shown before this season.
 
After such an excellent start to the campaign, a rough patch is to be expected, but after four games without a win, it is crucial that we go into next week's game against Manchester United, knowing that we are capable of taking all three points.
 
We have brushed aside Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea this season, so a win at the weekend could find its way into the history books.
 
Diafra Sakho was forced off with an injury, and whilst we hope to see him back in action as soon as possible, Mauro Zarate may now get the chance he deserves.
 
Sunday's performance wasn't flawless by a long shot, but if we take our chances and hope for a stroke of luck, our fortunes could be turned around against United.
 
For more West Ham fan views or to join the conversation visit www.90min.com

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United