Three things that we learnt: West Ham 1-1 Stoke City

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Inspired substitutions

After an easily forgettable opening hour of the game, in which goal scoring opportunities were at a premium and both sides appeared devoid of creativity, it was the introduction of four substitutes that finally sparked the match into life.

First, Slaven Bilic brought on Ashley Fletcher and Edmilson Fernandes, in the process moving Antonio from the right hand side into a more central striking position, and the changes immediately brought a goal.

The new arrivals suddenly brought a new-found energy and enthusiasm to the home side and it was Antonio in his new central role that was able to convert Payet’s cross from the left side with a little help from the despairing Glenn Whelan.

With West Ham in the lead it looked as if The Hammers were favourites to go on and secure three on home soil, but Mark Hughes followed his managerial counterpart in making a double substitution of his own.

The little-and-large pairing of Peter Crouch and Bojan were brought on in an attempt to find an equaliser and both players were involved in the goal that brought the visitors level.

A simple ball over the top of the West Ham defence caused chaos as Adrian inexplicable rushed out from his goal to try and clear a ball that he was never going to reach.

This allowed Jonathon Walters to centre the play towards an empty net and, whilst the West Ham defenders were focused on marking the tall form of Crouch at the back post, it was the diminutive Bojan that nipped in unnoticed to convert from close range.