English Premiership
Norwich, West Ham draw
2012-09-15 16:30
Norwich - Chris Hughton is still waiting for his first Premier League win as Norwich City manager after the Canaries were held to a 0-0 draw by West Ham United on Saturday.
After losing 5-0 at Fulham on the opening day of the season, Norwich have now drawn their last three league matches, but they could have ended Hughton's wait for his maiden victory with better finishing against the Hammers at Carrow Road.
Former Newcastle United and Birmingham City boss Hughton, who succeeded Paul Lambert at Norwich in the close-season, saw Harry Kane and Robert Snodgrass squander two good chances to win it in the closing moments as Sam Allardyce's visitors secured a first point on their travels this season.
West Ham had made a bright start in the Norfolk sunshine and Ricardo Vaz Te saw his deflected cross headed goalwards by Carlton Cole, only for Russell Martin to clear off the line.
But Norwich hit back and West Ham goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and his defenders made a series of blocks to turn away efforts from Snodgrass, Sebastien Bassong, Grant Holt and Andrew Surman during a frantic period following a corner.
Referee Chris Foy incurred the wrath of the Norwich fans four minutes before half-time when he gave a free-kick rather than a penalty after Surman was fouled by James Collins, but television replays showed the challenge had indeed taken place just inches outside the area.
Norwich kept pressing in the second half and Simeon Jackson's 25-yard effort was tipped over by Jaaskelainen.
England under-21 forward Kane, on loan from Tottenham, replaced Holt for the final 19 minutes and he immediately set up Snodgrass for a close-range shot that was block by Jaaskelainen's leg.
Kane should have stolen the points in stoppage time when he had a clear sight of goal, but his tame low shot was straight at Jaaskelainen.