Danny Ings insists both he and his teammates will take plenty of positives from Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Sheffield United, despite a bout of late drama denying West Ham United all three points at Bramall Lane.
The 31-year-old - making his second start in a row in all competitions - had a hand in each of the Hammers’ two goals, with his deflected effort falling at Maxwel Cornet’s feet for the opener in the first half, before he won a penalty that was converted by James Ward-Prowse with eleven minutes left.
Ben Brereton Díaz had notched an equaliser for the Blades at the end of the first half, while Oli McBurnie ensured the honours ended even with virtually the last kick of the game from 12 yards after both sides had been reduced to ten men.
Ings said: “From a personal point of view, as a striker I’m always disappointed to come off the pitch without a goal. It’s been a difficult period for me recently, and sometimes it just feels like things aren’t falling your way.
“But it’s the first run of back-to-back games I’ve had for a while, and I felt really good physically. I always try to help the team as much as I can, so I’m pleased to have been able to make an impact, and once one goes in, I’m sure more will follow.
“I’d much rather come away with all three points and not be involved in the game though, and we’re all gutted not to have got the win today. Sometimes late drama like we’ve seen happens in the Premier League, and it’s up to us now to respond to that.”
With Chris Wilder’s hosts fighting for their lives Ings is clear he was expecting a tough battle from the outset in South Yorkshire, yet he feels West Ham were somewhat unfortunate to concede the penalty that resulted in the leveller at the death.
The point stretches the Irons’ unbeaten Premier League run to five games, and Ings is confident they can go one better when they entertain AFC Bournemouth back at London Stadium on 1 February.
He added: “If you see Alphonse’s [Areola] lip it looks as though it’s him that’s been clattered, rather than the Sheffield United player. It’s tricky to talk about those sorts of things, but I do feel like we’ve been a bit unfortunate not to come away with the win.
“We’ve just got to move on now and take what we can back to the training ground though. We’ve got a bit of a gap until our next game back at home, and we’ll all be ready to go again against Bournemouth.”
