Lambert admits West Ham equaliser ‘is a blow’

West Ham United edged closer to Premier League safety after they drew 1-1 with relegation rivals Stoke City on Monday night. A few positive results against the big hitters diminished the pressure, but Monday’s six pointer against Stoke was always going to be crucial in determining the future of both clubs.

“If we can do that (beat Burnley), it will set the cat right among the pigeons”, said Lambert.

The Hammers hitman had been out of action since January, before coming on as an 86th minute substitute against the Potters, and went on to score a vital equaliser for his side.

Arnautovic clearly wanted to rub more salt into Stoke’s wounds and it looked like he would get his goal 10 minutes before the break. “We have to get a win and that will certainly drag teams into it”.

First, Marko Arnautovic converted Aaron Cresswell’s cross with a deft header but he had strayed marginally offside. I didn’t go over the top because I expect him to do that. “He had a good game today”.

There’s a lot at stake for West Ham at the moment following the recent controversy at the London Stadium when fans angrily confronted the players and club owners.

“He had two very similar shots in the first half”, Moyes told a news conference. “We were excellent and had really good chances”.

Lambert had to be courageous and he was when he brought on 37-year-old Crouch for Bauer, who was playing in midfield but is usually a defender.

Substitute Andy Carroll announced his return from injury with a 90th minute strike to cancel out City sub Peter Crouch’s 79th minute opener and save a point for the Hammers – who have now gone seven years without a home win against The Potters.

Have a look at the best reactions from Stoke City supporters as they see their side edge closer to Premier League relegation…. They have lost their last four games in the league, and they are without a win in their last nine.

The hosts are expected to be without the services of Pedro Obiang, Winston Reid, Sam Byram, Andy Carroll and Michail Antonio. While Xherdan Shaqiri nearly restored parity to the game only for the woodwork to prevent him, the game again finished with individual mistakes blighting Stoke’s overall performance. Fernandes whistled a 25-yard shot past Butland – but crucially the Stoke keeper had his view blocked by Arnautovic in an offside position.