Match Analysis: West Ham United 1-1 West Bromwich Albion

West Bromwich Albion earned a New Year's Day point with new manager Tony Pulis watching from the stands as they drew 1-1 at West Ham United.

Diafra Sakho's diving header gave the hosts a 10th-minute lead which was cancelled out by Saido Berahino's first goal in nine games just before the break.

Albion drop one place to 17th in the table despite the positive result at Upton Park, and remain one point above the relegation zone, while the Hammers stay sixth.

Below, Sports Mole analyses whether the result was reflective of the action in London.

Match statistics

WEST HAM Shots: 8 On target: 3 Possession: 46% Corners: 0 Fouls: 6

WEST BROM Shots: 14 On target: 3 Possession: 54% Corners: 1 Fouls: 13

Was the result fair?

West Ham appeared the more likely winners in the final 10 minutes, with the Baggies content to settle for a draw which they worked hard for and deserved. The early goal seemed to be ominous, but Albion showed good character to come from behind, which they have struggled to do this season.

West Ham's performance

Having taken an early lead, Sam Allardyce will be frustrated that his side did not go on to pick up maximum points as they continue their quest for European qualification. Their defence are not the most mobile and struggled with the combination of Sessegnon and Berahino, who linked up for the Baggies' goal. They chose not to use the aerial threat of Andy Carroll as much as may have been expected, even though Aaron Cresswell and Carl Jenkinson were constantly getting to the byline. Stewart Downing and Sakho were standout performers, as they have been all campaign, and the latter will be missed when he departs for the Africa Cup of Nations next month, but the Hammers now have the depth to cope.

West Brom's performance

Plenty of positives for Pulis. Stephane Sessegnon was a particular bright spark and was involved in a lot of their positive forward play, while Berahino got back on the scoresheet after a nine-game barren run. Carroll was kept quiet for long spells thanks to a solid defence which was well protected by a midfield which kept things simple. They do not utilise their wide areas as well as they could and that will be something that Pulis will be looking to change, either within the squad or in the January transfer market. The Welshman was already asserting his authority as he relayed instructions to the bench constantly.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Stephane Sessegnon: Both West Ham full-backs were excellent, but Sessegnon was just about the best player on the pitch. Carried the ball with pace and purpose and his dribbling created chances and space for others.

Biggest gaffe

Not exactly one for the bloopers DVDs, but Carroll made a real mess of an attempted overhead kick, missing the ball completely. A strange decision when the striker is so strong in the air.

Referee performance

Jonathan Moss had a quiet game, producing only one yellow card to Cheikhou Kouyate. There were a couple of fouls that he missed which preceded chances, so there may have been a bit of controversy if any of those led to goals.

What next?

West Ham: The Hammers may fancy themselves as contenders for the FA Cup, but have a tricky third-round tie away at Everton on Tuesday.

West Brom: Pulis officially takes charge for the first time when Albion host non-league minnows Gateshead Town in an FA Cup third-round tie in just 48 hours' time.