Another match and another draw for Sunderland on Saturday but this one was a case of what might have been after Jozy Altidore missed a gilt-edged opportunity on the stroke of half-time.

Gus Poyet’s team have now recorded 10 draws in 16 League games, winning just two in the process. The problem? The lack of a cutting edge and Altidore’s profligacy was more evidence of that.

In space at the far post and with an open goal three yards in front of him he conspired to air-kick at Sebastian Larsson’s excellent cross when it would have been easier to score.

“He was devastated, I’ve never seen him like that,“ said Poyet, although he preferred to focus on the performance of the team as a whole. “We’re playing well and we’re trying but we should be playing better. But I knew that six months ago.”

The Uruguayan had seen his side take the lead against the run of the play after 22 minutes.

Adam Johnson collected the ball on the right wing and ran at James Tomkins, falling to the ground as he went past him. Jordi Gomez despatched with the spot kick with conviction, sending Adrian the wrong way.

Seven minutes later and West Ham were deservedly back in the game when Stuart Downing collected the ball on the right and shot from outside the area. It took a deflection off Gomez and past Costel Pantilimon into the bottom corner.

“I’m always happy with a point away from home,” said Sam Allardyce. “To recover from a poor

decision on the penalty shows good character and it’s a good point in the end.”

But he was critical of linesman David Bryan for awarding the penalty. “It was a poor decision. After all his experience, if he doesn’t see that’s a dive it’s concerning I have to say.”

Sunderland might have won another penalty for a handball against Winston Reid but it would have been harsh. “It was unintentional,” said Allardyce. “Two wrongs don’t make a right.”

But Poyet was looking to next weekend’s Tyne-Wear derby. “If we win next week, no-one will remember this.”