FT: Sunderland 2-2 West Ham: Randolph’s rough day cost Hammers the win

West Ham United were unable to secure a second straight victory, as they conceded late to give bottom side Sunderland a needed point in a 2-2 exciting contest Saturday at the Stadium of Light.

In what was a lively, entertaining first half, the Hammers got the opener in just the 5th minute, when Sam Byram’s fine cross found Andy Carroll. The tall striker slid the ball right to an on-rushing Andre Ayew for a good finish and a fine start for Slaven Bilic’s men.

But the Black Cats would not be dejected by Ayew’s goal, believing they would even the match. And they did find a leveler in the 26th minute, when talented Tunisian Wahbi Khazri produced an Olimpico goal that went through, embarrassingly, Darren Randolph and his set piece defenders.

Despite the Hammers conceding another dead ball goal this season, they would regain the lead in the beginning of the second half when Robert Snodgrass’ sublime free kick found Hammers fan favorite James Collins for a headed finish in the 47th minute.

But West Ham couldn’t make the lead stand, as goalkeeper Darren Randolph had another awful moment with his misplay allowing Fabio Borini a clear target on goal. The Italian substitute took full advantage of that and leveled the match in the last minute of normal time. Because of Billy Jones’ injury, there was ten minutes of stoppage time, but neither side could secure a winner despite intense efforts to do so.