Craig Dawson’s last-gasp goal rescued a point for West Ham as they drew 2-2 at Leicester to extend the Foxes’ wait for a Premier League win.
The centre-back’s equaliser in the first minute of stoppage – forced in off his shoulder – moved the visitors one point clear of Manchester United in the battle for a top-four spot.
But it was heartbreaking for Leicester, who had fought back from a goal down to take themselves within minutes of a much-needed victory – it would have been their first since December 28.
Jarrod Bowen’s well-taken 10th-minute strike gave the Hammers an early lead and the Foxes looked completely bereft of any confidence, with moans and groans greeting every backwards or misplaced pass.
The visitors were comfortable until a moment of madness from Aaron Cresswell gifted the Foxes a route back into the game as he inexplicably handled a James Maddison corner.
Youri Tielemans converted confidently from the spot on the stroke of half-time and the goal changed the mood among the home supporters completely.
Harvey Barnes had already got the better of Vladimir Coufal moments earlier, with his low cross just evading the onrushing Patson Daka, when he clipped in a ball from the left for Ricardo Periera to nod beyond Lukasz Fabianski and complete the turnaround for Leicester.
They looked to be seeing the game out comfortably, with Kasper Schmeichel not forced into any saves of note.
But corners have been Leicester’s Achilles’ heel all season, and despite protests it came off Dawson’s arm replays showed it was off the top of his sleeve and the goal was given, with VAR saying there was not enough evidence to overturn it.
The result does nothing to ease the pressure on Brendan Rodgers with his side remaining 11th, while the Hammers sit in fourth having played more games than the four teams directly behind them.
Opportunity missed for Hammers
It will feel like an opportunity missed for West Ham after Manchester United and Tottenham’s slip-ups.
They will have wanted to take all three points and move three clear of Manchester United, four ahead of Arsenal and even further ahead of Tottenham and Wolves.
David Moyes may feel his side should have gone for the jugular while Leicester struggled in the first 35 minutes – not even having a shot on target until the 39th.
After taking an early lead against a Leicester side completely bereft of any confidence, they failed to take advantage.
Declan Rice agreed: “Disappointment really, a game of two halves. We could have used our chances better in the first half and they were on top in the second half.
“We have been working hard on our set-pieces and a good point in the end.”
The fact is this was a day when West Ham were not at their best, conditions were horrible and in the second half, they were up against a side being roared on by their fans.
This squad always believe though, as shown by winning 13 points from losing positions this campaign. More than any other side in the top flight.
They still left the King Power Stadium with a point could prove vital at the end of the season.
It is their never-say-die attitude that means Champions League football will remain a possibility right until May.
Leicester’s defensive woes
Leicester have struggled at the back all season and that continued against West Ham.
The Hammers were not fluent, did not put together quick-passing moves and never really looked like creating chances.
But they still managed to score two goals and the hosts’ defensive issues were the main reason why.
One long ball forward from Issa Diop caught the Foxes’ backline square and Bowen took advantage brilliantly by racing through and scoring.
Once they were 2-1 up, they were comfortable for the most part and had plenty of the ball. At no point was Kasper Schmeichel really forced into a save.
Yet their inability to defend corners reared its ugly head again in stoppage-time as Dawson was able to shoulder the ball into the back of the net.
Rodgers was clearly deflated at the end, saying: “We have closed out the game really well, made subs to see the game through. Kasper Schmeichel did not have too much to do today so from the static position, you have the height and numbers, just go deal with it. Unfortunately the last few games we have conceded late here.”
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter how dangerous Barnes, Patson Daka or James Maddison may look. If Rodgers cannot find a way to shore up the backline, Leicester are going nowhere fast.
