West Ham United and Stoke City played out an eventful 0-0 draw at Upton Park on Saturday.

Stoke shot-stopper Jack Butland continued his scintillating recent form, pulling off a string of first class saves to deny the Hammers.

The Potters had an opportunity to gain the ascendancy in the contest when Marco van Ginkel was provided a gilt-edged goal-scoring opportunity in the first half, only to fire his shot wide of the target.

West Ham now sit in eighth place on the competition ladder, while the Potters are into 11th position.

MATCH OVERVIEW


West Ham: 0
Stoke City: 0

Upton Park, London – 34,857

TALKING POINTS


The result saw West Ham slump to their sixth consecutive Premier League match with picking up three points, as they continue to slide down the competition ladder following their blistering start to the campaign.

Stoke have now kept seven clean sheets in the past nine Premier League outings. It is type of defensive solidity that can potentially provide the foundation for a push for a Europa League spot in the second half of the campaign.

WHAT'S NEXT?

West Ham travel to the Liberty Stadium to face Swansea on Sunday, while Stoke host Crystal Palace at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.

TWITTER INSIGHT

My first and last game at the Boleyn, great atmosphere and in the end an important result for us! Another clean sheet for us too!
— Jack Butland (@JackButland_One) December 12, 2015

Tough game here at Upton Park, we wanted more than one point. Thanks to the away fans, incredible support as always! pic.twitter.com/9f9lX3fsF9
— Bojan Krkic (@BoKrkic) December 12, 2015


QUOTES CORNER

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic was disappointed his side didn't take all three points:

"Both teams defended well. We hit the post twice and they did once. I'm not happy with the result but it was a fair result. Considering the effort we put in I can't be unhappy with my team."

Stoke manager Mark Hughes believes his side can build on their performance:

"We're reasonably pleased with the draw. I thought we defended really well. Both teams will be comfortable with the point. That's something we can build on."


STATS SPECIALS
*Thanks to Opta

27 - Stoke City's Premier League games have seen just 27 goals scored this season – fewer than any other club. Tight.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 12, 2015