George McCartney was philosophical about Stoke’s goal from a well-rehearsed corner but full of praise for West Ham’s comeback to earn another valuable point.
McCartney, who was outstanding in his team’s revival, was blocked off by Stoke’s Charlie Adam as Jonathan Walters peeled off to fire home from Glenn Whelan’s corner.
The well-rehearsed strike was described by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville as one of the goals of the season so far and McCartney agreed he and his West Ham team‑mates were outmanoeuvred.
“Set-pieces are a big part of Stoke’s game and it was a well‑worked corner,” said the Northern Ireland full-back. “I was on the back post with Mohamed Diame and two of their players. I saw Walters starting to make his run but as I went to follow him, Adam has blocked me off.
“Once you give someone a couple of yards like that they have an opportunity to score. It was a good strike from Walters. If the referee had seen what happened he could have given a free-kick but it happens week in and week out in the Premier League. It was just one of those things.”
McCartney was heartened by West Ham’s second-half fight-back capped by Joey O’Brien’s first goal in the top flight three minutes after the break.
“We didn’t play well in the first half but I thought that second 45 minutes was the best we’ve played all season and we were probably unfortunate not to have won,” he said.
McCartney believes West Ham’s resilience will stand them in good stead as they approach the next three games; away at Spurs on Sunday and Manchester United the following Wednesday with Chelsea at home three days later.
“With Tottenham a bit shaky at the moment, I think they will find out how difficult it is to beat us,” he said. “We have 19 points already this season and we want to stay in the top half of the table.”
Midfielder Gary O’Neil, who crossed the ball for O’Brien’s goal, is also relishing the derby at White Hart Lane.
Read More
“The last time I played 90 minutes was the play-off semi-final and this was my first full game in the Premier League since my injury,” said O’Neil, who had an ankle problem.
“Hopefully, I can get a little run in the side. Spurs are a good side at home but I know the West Ham fans will be desperate for us to get something and the lads are well aware of that.”
