KOUYATE HANDS HAMMERS POINT AS FOXES HOLD FIRM

By Daniel Mcinally

Cheikhou Kouyate's header on the stroke of half time proved invaluable as West Ham United drew 1-1 with Leicester City at London Stadium.

The midfielder scored the first goal at London Stadium, and the first of David Moyes' tenure as West Ham manager, cancelling out Marc Albrighton's early strike. Despite periods of sustained pressure and raucous atmosphere generated by the home support throughout the second half, the Foxes held the Hammers at home.

 Leicester took the lead with a Marc Albrighton goal on eight minutes, providing an instant setback to the home side, who had begun industriously. Jamie Vardy was set free down the right side of the box and sent a driven cross which was met perhaps by Marc Albrighton, who wrongfooted Joe Hart to poke home into the bottom corner from 12 yards.

As half time drew closer, it looked as if the Irons were going to go into the break goalless, but a Marko Arnautovic cross forced a corner. The Hammers' record signing's work-rate had come under scrutiny, but Arnautovic offered a hearteningly energetic and artistic performance, and this chance was one of many.

Manuel Lanzini delivered, his cross finding Cheikhou Kouyate at the back post to nod past Kasper Schmeichel and ensure his side went into the break level.

The second half was much like the first, chances were hard to come by for both teams. The atmosphere inside London Stadium steadily grew to raucous volumes, and with it West Ham continued to press for a winner. Dominating possession once more, Leicester only looked dangerous on the break, but Joe Hart was only troubled once in the second period.

While throwing everything at the Leicester City penalty area in the closing stages, substitute Andre Ayew came closest, his bicycle kick fizzing narrowly over the bar in the game's final clear-cut chance.

The Hammers now look to Goodison park, where they will take on Everton in a huge clash for both sides, before returning to home surroundings to face Chelsea on Saturday 9 November.

 
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