Respecting the point

Swansea City 0 West Ham 0

Another credible point on the road, with WHU having conceded only one goal and a penalty away from home all season. If only we could win at home…

Looking at the MOTD highlights we have the better of the first half with Downing having a couple of early efforts and Demel sending a free header just over the bar late on. Our best chance comes straight after Jussi makes a fine save from Michu. Vaz Te breaks swiftly and finds Ravel Morrison, who pokes wide of goal when he should hit the target or find Diame in the box. Noble's back header almost embarrasses Vorm too. Sadly Vaz Te then has to go off after possibly dislocating his shoulder, reducing  our striking options even further.

Swansea improve in the second half and Jaaskelainen makes a superb save from Bony. It's good to see Carlton Cole make his second Hammers debut as a sub and he makes a difference. In fact it's extraordinary to see a West Ham forward win a header in the box to create a half-chance and then force a save with a flicked back-header. Swansea have a late penalty claim when the ball hits Joe Cole's elbow from short range, but it would have been a very harsh decision had it been given.

Best moment of the game is when Big Sam is caught laughing at Chico Flores rolling on the ground after a clash with Carlton Cole. The Swansea man has to be restrained from confronting Big Sam for taking the piss out of his dodgy theatrics. Might laughter reduce simulation in the modern game?

We just have to keep nicking points and hope Carroll eventually gets fit to inspire a run after Christmas. Meanwhile, at least playing Carlton Cole would give us a new option up front.