Blind saves United with late strike at West Ham

Daley Blind’s injury-time equaliser rescued a 1-1 draw for Manchester United against West Ham United but a point was not enough for the Red Devils to regain third spot in the Barclays Premier League.

The Dutchman slammed in James Tomkins’ misdirected header from Angel di Maria’s free-kick to give United a point at Upton Park.

West Ham looked on course to inflict just a second defeat in 17 matches on United thank to Cheikou Kouyate’s strike early in the second half, before Blind rescued his side with his second league goal of the season.

The Hammers created the better chances in a goalless first half as Enner Valencia forced two saves from David De Gea before James Tomkins had a shot blocked by the Spanish keeper.

The home side’s perseverance paid off at the start of the second half when Cheikhou Kouyate scored after juggling the ball in the box.

United’s own world-class strikers each had a chance to level, but Radamael Falcao missed when one on one with Adrian on 77 minutes, then the keeper denied Robin van Persie with his right foot at the near post five minutes later.

But with time running out West Ham failed to clear their lines and Blind was on hand to guide the ball home from the edge of the box.

The visitors were reduced to ten men in injury time when referee Mark Clattenburg showed a second yellow card to defender Luke Shaw for a foul on Stewart Downing.

A draw for United keeps them fourth on 44 points from 24 matches, one behind Southampton, while West Ham remain eighth with 37 points.

Peter Crouch’s late equaliser earned Stoke City a 1-1 draw away to Newcastle that kept them in 10th place on the log.

The game burst into life in the final 16 minutes when Jack Colback fired Newcastle into the lead to the delight of the home fans.

But Crouch made sure Newcastle did not leapfrog Stoke when his trademark header at the back post gave the visitors a share of the spoils.