Everton: Martin Keown in no doubt as he explains why VAR didn’t award penalty vs West Ham
Everton conceded in stoppage time to fall to a 2-1 defeat away at West Ham on Saturday afternoon, a result that consigned them to back-to-back defeats in the Premier League.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall replied to Tomas Soucek’s opener in the 88th minute, before the Toffees’ defence fell asleep and allowed Callum Wilson to fire home a loose ball in the second minute of added time.
The Merseysiders have been working to chase a European place in recent weeks, but consecutive defeats against Liverpool and now West Ham have dealt their hopes of reaching the top seven a major blow.
David Moyes showed his frustration after the full-time whistle, as he bemoaned the lack of reaction from the officials to a penalty shout that his team had in the 85th minute.
Everton’s defeat to West Ham was not met well by the Scot, who clearly felt that his team should have been given the chance to convert from the spot.
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VISIT THE EVERTON MATCH HUBMartin Keown outlines current VAR stance after Everton appeal
Everton’s shout for a penalty came in the final stages of the game, as Mateus Fernandes appeared to knock the ball away with his hand while grappling with Thierno Barry inside the box.
The Toffees’ striker pinned his marker near the byline, and Fernandes inadvertently diverted the ball behind with his hand.
| West Ham | Stats | Everton |
| 44% | Possession | 56% |
| 1.17 | xG | 1.45 |
| 3 | Shots on Target | 3 |
| 3 | Big Chances | 1 |
| 23 | Touches in Opposition Box | 28 |
| 3 | Corners | 4 |
Referee Stuart Atwell was unmoved by the Merseysiders’ strong appeals for a penalty, and VAR official Michael Salisbury suggested that the incident was a “total accident” and thus decided not to overturn his colleague’s initial decision.
Martin Keown was in no doubt that a penalty should have been awarded during his analysis on Match of the Day on Saturday night, and he also explained why he felt that Salisbury hadn’t intervened.
“He (Fernandes) is lucky to get away with that,” the former Arsenal defender said.
“He’s grappling with his opponent, he’s got his arms wrapped around him, and if your hand does hit the ball, then you have to take the punishment.
“The referee has a good view of it though, and it seems at the moment that VAR doesn’t really want to interfere with the referee’s decision.”
What has David Moyes said about the incident?
Moyes returned to his former club West Ham for Saturday’s clash, but he left his old stomping ground feeling frustrated that his team hadn’t been able to leave with anything to show for their efforts.
The veteran boss explained during his post-match interview that he had spoken to Attwell and the officiating team after the game and made it clear that he felt Fernandes was the only player who was grappling during the incident.
He then went on to suggest that it was VAR’s decision to make, and added that he was “amazed” that they didn’t view it as a penalty kick for his team.
Moyes’ frustrations have done little to change the outcome of what was a difficult afternoon for his team, and they will need to get back on track against Manchester City next weekend to keep their European hopes alive.
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