Mark Noble admits frustration at West Ham draw at home to Stoke

06 November 2016 01:08

Mark Noble has revealed West Ham's "frustration" at having squandered the lead to draw 1-1 with Stoke ahead of their toughest run of the season.

A second-half own goal from Glenn Whelan had put them on course for a third consecutive home victory until Adrian allowed Bojan Krkic to bring the visitors level by inexplicably rushing out of his goal.

In the context of their recent improved results and the fact they next face Tottenham before two further fixtures with Manchester United and then Arsenal and Liverpool a draw appeared damaging.

Noble regardless refused to blame the normally-competent Adrian, but discussing the result on West Ham's official website, the club captain said: "We are a little frustrated.

"It was a goal that could have been avoided, and having managed to get ourselves in front, three points would have been massive but we didn't come away with them.

"I've always said in this league that you respect the point. Obviously we're not happy that we got a point on Saturday, but at the end of the season it could be a massive point for us.

"Adrian knows he probably should have stayed on his line, but he's bailed us out of trouble a lot of times over the last couple of years.

"The small margins didn't go our way on Saturday, but we're four games unbeaten at home and we're looking forward."

Bojan's goal ensured Stoke remain unbeaten in six, after an unexpectedly-difficult start to the season.

The substitute's influence demonstrated the squad depth they possess, particularly on an afternoon when Xherdan Shaqiri and Marko Arnautovic were absent, and it was this that satisfied Mark Hughes.

"We had to change things around and we brought (Peter) Crouchy and Bojan on and they both clearly caused them major problems," he said.

"Thankfully, the pair of them came on with real focus and determination, which I wanted them to do, and they played a big part in the result.

"Clearly we were missing Xherdan and Marko and that would have affected any side, because they are two hugely important players for us.

"But the two guys who came in, Ramadan (Sobhi) and Jonathan Walters, were absolutely fantastic.

"Ramadan was superb, and his work-rate and desire was absolutely second to none - he is a really exciting player, especially when he is still 19 years old.

"Jonny, as ever, put in an almighty shift and was able to affect the game in a really positive manner for us - he set Bojan up with a tremendous ball and even had the ball not gone in then he would have won the penalty anyway for the challenge on him from their 'keeper."

Source: PA