Andrew Surman admitted there was an overriding sense of frustration as Norwich City bagged their first clean sheet of the season against West Ham – but could only add one point to their fledgling Premier League tally.

City remain without a top-flight victory after their opening four games, as Surman got his second Premier League start of the campaign following a late groin injury to Anthony Pilkington.

'It was good to be back in,' said Surman. 'It was unfortunate for Pilks going down with an injury just before the game, but when you've got a big squad in the Premier League and you get the chance you have got to try to take it, and that's what I tried to do today.

'It was a frustrating one. When we were on top in the first half it was important we scored in that period. I thought we were battering their goal for a period of 10, 15 minutes and especially in this league you've got to score when you're on top.

'Otherwise you are always liable to get hit with the sucker punch and they nearly did that at the end. They are a good counter attacking team, a big physical team and when they put balls in the box and put balls forward they are always likely to drop to someone who puts it in the net.

'It was quite end to end. They got a good foothold in the game second half and had a lot of attacking players going forward, and then brought on Matt Jarvis who is quick and dangerous. So it is difficult to keep them under wraps, especially when some of the lads are getting tired.

'But still I thought we created chances and a goal can go in at any time. We were hoping it was going to be us, but it wasn't to be.

'So you have got to take your chances when you get them. Fortunately we defended well and still got a point, but we've got to put our chances away.'

On another day, Surman may well have helped instigate the opening goal as he burst forward before the interval only to by scythed down by West Ham centre-back James Collins.

Referee Chris Foy awarded a free-kick rather than a penalty, with replays showing contact took place barely centimetres outside the area. Collins was booked for his troubles.

'At the time I really did think it was a penalty – and until I see it again, I'll still think it was!' smiled Surman.

'I could see the referee when I landed because I went about five feet in the air, and I don't think he had a proper view of it and he was trying to see where it happened.

'I thought (an earlier challenge on Robert Snodgrass) was a penalty too. I thought the linesman had a good view of it, so it's a bit frustrating he didn't see it.

'We could've had a penalty there and there was a handball as well at one point. Some you get and some you don't, and on another day we might have got the penalty and won 1-0. But even having said that, we had enough chances in open play to score and win the game.'

Surman added: 'I think we are (difficult to beat). We kept a clean sheet and if you can't win it then you make sure you don't lose it. We got a point, we are disappointed we didn't get three but we will take that.'

Arguably City's best chance fell to 19-year-old Spurs loanee Harry Kane, who made his debut as a 71st minute substitute for skipper Grant Holt.

'He looked sharp,' added Surman. 'He had a couple of chances and the second one just held up a little bit, he couldn't quite get it across his body. But he looked sharp and he looks sharp in training, he's a good finisher, so he is a good addition and hopefully he will keep that form going.'