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West Ham 1 Leicester 1: Hammers win back fans as David Moyes earns first point at London Stadium

West Ham United via Getty Images
West Ham United via Getty Images

David Moyes registered his first point as West Ham manager and, most importantly, revived some hope in the stands during a 1-1 draw with Leicester on Friday night.

The Hammers began in a more encouraging vein than at Watford, however, any optimism they had was dashed inside 10 minutes when some poor defending allowed Marc Albrighton to move into the box unmarked and latch on to Jamie Vardy’s cross in order to take the lead.

The goal blew away any organisation from Moyes’ side as they allowed the Leicester midfield through time and again.

However, as the first half went on the hosts began to build their confidence back up, and they were rewarded on the cusp of half time.

Moyes needed a little luck for his first goal at London Stadium, with Cheikhou Kouyate’s header from a corner finding its way into the back of the net off of Danny Simpson - perhaps just the luck those in claret and blue have been lacking all season.

(West Ham United via Getty Images)
(West Ham United via Getty Images)

The late goal saved what could have been a soul destroying opening first half for the Hammers, and they came out after the interval with an energy not seen for a long time in east London.

The verve on the pitch transferred to the stands and fans began to back their players once more.

Their efforts did not bring that elusive winner, however, but Moyes will have plenty to be happy about from West Ham's second half showing.

Having found the side in the state it was in after Slaven Bilic’s departure, the Scotsman will have known this was going to be a slow process.

And having picked up his first point since being appointed as West Ham manager and, indeed, after re-igniting the support somewhat, there is at least now some direction for players, staff and fans to cling to.