West Ham's side saw the return of Manuel Da Costa to the starting eleven for the first time since his suspension. The Hammers fell just short of a result for the first time in six matches when a goal scored in the 69th by the just on Ricardo Fuller.
Fuller's goal was a devastating end to 68 previous minutes of superb goal keeping by Robert Green.
West Ham's attack saw more chances than stoke, but once again they failed to capitalize. Benni McCarthy had a chance on a cross from Julien Faubert, another on a Carlton Cole shot on goal off of a cross from Jonathan Spector, and a final last ditch attempt from Alessandro Diamanti that went wide.
The Irons had five more attempts than Stoke but couldn't make it happen. Once again losing a match that was easily in reach of a result.
West Ham plays next against Everton, and again Zola and his boys will be eyeing a result. This time everyone of the Hammer's faithful will be hoping for a much needed result to stay afloat in the Premier League.
Stay Alive You Irons!!!
