WEST HAM will feel that this was another two points that got away, not that Brighton deserved to lose a match of very much two halves.

The visitors dominated the first half against a lacklustre Hammers side who once again took a long time to get going.

Many were surprised at the defensive approach adopted by West Ham manager David Moyes, who started retaining captain Mark Noble in midfield and returning to playing five at the back — the result a formation decidedly lacking in ideas.

Brighton dominated the first half, though failed to convert that pressure into multiple goals, going in at half-time just one goal to the good.

The goal was a scrappy affair, with Neal Maupay turning to fire home after having his first effort blocked, only for Declan Rice to return the ball for the striker to have a second go.

The chance was set up by an excellent interchange down the left by Solly March and Dan Burn.

Moyes shook things up at half-time replacing Noble and the out of sorts Jarrod Bowen with Manuel Lanzini and Andriy Yarmolenko replacing the duo.

Lanzini made an immediate impact, upping the tempo and providing some much needed inventiveness to the play.

The half was just four minutes old when a Yarmolenko’s cross fell to Lanzini, who saw his effort blocked but managed to scoop the ball back to the incoming Ben Johnson. The young left back finished into the far corner to register his first Premier League goal.

The most controversial moment came in the 68th minute, when the incoming Lewis Dunk appeared to use his arm in controlling the ball, before driving it into the roof of the West Ham net.

However, VAR ruled that the goal should stand.

West Ham were not to be denied with Tomas Soucek heading home an Aaron Cresswell corner.

Moyes was unhappy with the Dunk goal, declaring that there had clearly been use of the arm. He was frustrated at the inconsistency and lack of clarity being shown by the Premier League at the moment in making such decisions. “I’d like to see people accept when they have got something wrong, “ said Moyes. “We need clarity and we are not getting clarity on these decisions.”

The manager admitted his team hadn’t played particularly well and that he was relieved to be able to make changes at half time.

Moyes was pleased with the creative contribution that Lanzini added to the play.

Certainly the little Argentinian and Yarmolenko made a big difference when they came on at half time.

If there is a criticism of this West Ham team it is its predictability, continually working the ball to the flanks for crosses, which — without Michael Antonio playing — there really isn’t anyone in the middle to finish off.  Lanzini brought different options through the middle which need to be developed.