Snoddy shines in Sheffield stalemate

West Ham 1 Sheffield United 1

Pre-match it's luncheon at the Best Cafe where Matt and Lisa have been told that the ciabatta is off because it's far too north London. Then it's on to the London Stadium where we find CQ and Nigel munching a lucky beef pastie, plus a besuited Fraser, Scott and Joe. Alison is at home nursing a migraine induced by trying to find a formation to get the best out of Haller and Michael the Playwright is away at the White Bear gladhanding thespians and politicos.

Pellegrini has made five changes after the defeat at Everton and it's good to see Snodgrass in the side, as suggested by a certain blog. For the first half an hour it's relentless West Ham probing with countless crosses and corners finding the heads of United's three centre backs, plus the odd chant of, "there's only one Carlos Tevez!" West Ham's best effort is a long-range curler from Anderson that goes just over. 

Then Sheffield start to threaten on the break. From United's first corner Roberto has to make a great instinctive save to deny the unmarked McGoldrick. Then a cross is missed by the keeper and deflects off Robinson's shoulder when he might have scored with his head. 

IN SNOD WE TRUST
Just as Mystic May announces 'We just need to get to half-time," West Ham score. Roberto's punt downfield is misheaded by a defender; Yarmolenko plays a great first-time pass through to the onrushing Snodgrass who calmly slots it past Henderson. It's a nice moment for Snoddy who has added some energy to the West Ham midfield and deserves his chance.

Nigel's not-so-lucky banana

The second half sees West Ham start slowly, despite Nigel producing his lucky banana, unlike United who sense they can get something. Roberto has to parry a Baldock shot that is then painfully cleared off the line by Cresswell's goolies. West Ham come to life as Anderson does well to win a tackle on the halfway line, surge down the left, take Yarmolenjo's return pass and then fire straight at the keeper. 

Baldock shanks a good chance wide, and then Pellegrini makes the strange decision to sub Anderson after 66 minutes. He might be struggling a little but he's still our best player and always likely to produce the magic that might win the points in an otherwise even game.

OF MOUSSET AND MEN
United equalise three minutes later, when Diop's header falls to Mousset, who volleys into the corner. He might have slightly mishit his shot, but it's enough to deceive Roberto. The United fans start to sing of chip butties and dream about three points.

But it's the Hammers who have the chances to win the game, inspired by a loud (for the London Stadium) home crowd. Yarmolenko's clever dink finds Cresswell in the six-yard box only for Cressy to shoot at the keeper's legs. The Vicar's Son's patience is being tested, particularly when sub Fornals plays a great bell across the area. Yarmolenko misses it but Snodgrass appears certain to score until he somehow strikes the post.

DRAWING DRAWING WEST HAM
There's still time for Rice to test the keeper and Yarmy to shoot just wide but it ends in a draw. If nothing else it's been an entertaining game. Noble has looked like he's playing too far forward before being subbed, while Yarmolenko had a strange game. He didn't seem to play well, yet made the goal and created two good chances. Overall, having ten corners without creating a chance is not good enough. Zabaleta and Balbuena did well on their return to the side, but it's still two points from 12 and a win is now essential against Newcastle. 

After the match Fraser leads us on a 'short cut' via Stratford International and Westfield to the station, and it's off to Oval and the White Bear for a post-match pint of Neck Oil and a beetroot and chickpea burger for hipster Matt. At least Michael's play Maggie and Ted credits West Ham with winning the World Cup. 

So it's ten league games in and we're where we deserve on current from — mid-table. West Ham are still some way behind the likes of Leicester, though Sheffield United was never the easy game some thought. United were well-organised, spirited and full of confidence after winning promotion. A draw is not a disaster, but WHU need some wins and to get Anderson and co creating chances for the isolated Haller. Pellegrini has work to do.

PLAYER RATINGS: Roberto 7; Zabaleta 6, Diop 6, Balbuena 6; Cresswell 6;  Snodgrass 7 (Ajeti n/a), Rice 6, Noble 5 (Fornals 6), Anderson 6 (Lanzini 5); Yarmolenko 6, Haller 5.