It’s amazing how you can spin words into a positive, as a point at home to Brighton & Hove Albion extended [West Ham’s](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-vs-brighton-line-ups-fullkrug-starts/) unbeaten run to three games, and further entrenched West Ham into 14th place: Probably not the headline that many wanted to read at this time of the year, with expectations much higher from the fans and club board.
The first half wasn’t a great watch, and it became apparent why Brighton are struggling, now without a win in five games, yet occupying a far loftier position in the league compared to the hapless Hammers. However the Seagulls had the only meaningful chance by Mitoma who saw his volleyed effort saved at the near post by Fabianski.
Niclas Fullkrug made his first start in the Premier League, and was substituted on 57 minutes. It was a quiet game for the German international, who won two of his seven aerial duels, registered three touches in the opposition box and managed one shot, which was off target. More will be expected from the ex Borussia Dortmund striker, yet whether he remains in January is anyone’s guess, given his much publicised comments that he is struggling to settle in England.
Matts Wieffer broke the deadlock on the 51st minute, when he shot home after Pervis Estupinans high ball was only partially cleared by Fabianski.
The lead was short lived, as seven minutes later Jarrod Bowen on a surging run forward, now playing as a central striker, saw his shot parried by Bart Verburggen and Kudus was nearby to head home the rebound.
In the dying minutes, Tariq Lampety nearly scored the winner for the East Sussex side, yet Aaron Wan-Bissaka made a brilliant goal-line clearance. The ex Manchester United full back, completed a pass accuracy of 79.2% and had a solid game. With two goals this season as well, he is one of the few summer signings that could be hailed as a success.
Some strange substitutions by Julen Lopetegui in the second half, caused a lot of the home fans to scratch their heads in confusion, yet with both teams set up similarly, this was arguably a tactical ploy, which did seem to cause some confusion amongst the players.
Next up is a Boxing Day away trip to Southampton, who have appointed ex Roma manager Ivan Juric – which will make for an interesting fixture.