Exclusive: Ben Davies ‘shrewd’ as West Ham denied penalty vs Tottenham
Tottenham centre-back Ben Davies exhibited some clever behaviour as he escaped conceding a penalty against West Ham after the two sides met at the London Stadium, says Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the Welshman was “shrewd” in the way he positioned his arm to avoid being penalised for handball inside his own area.
Both sides were looking to provide their underwhelming campaign with a much-needed boost as they went head to head on Sunday afternoon (4 May).
Ange Postecoglou looks as though he is set to leave Tottenham at the end of this season, even if they do win the Europa League.
Meanwhile, Graham Potter is already facing some questions about his future at West Ham, despite only taking charge in January.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka cross prompts West Ham appeals
Spurs had taken the lead just 15 minutes into the game when Mathys Tel capitalised on a Max Kilman error to tee up Wilson Odobert to open the scoring.
As West Ham then went in search of an equaliser, they felt they ought to have been given the chance to get one from the penalty spot midway through the first half.
| Position | Played | Points |
| 16. Tottenham | 35 | 38 |
| 17. West Ham | 35 | 37 |
| 18. Ipswich (R) | 35 | 22 |
With Aaron Wan-Bissaka breaking down the right, his cross into the Tottenham area struck the arm of Davies, leading to appeals for a penalty from the home side.
However, referee Michael Oliver elected not to give the spot kick, a decision that was then confirmed by VAR.
Now, Hackett has supported that decision, due to the position of Davies‘ arm as it made contact with the ball.
Tottenham penalty verdict issued
After being asked by Football Insider whether Tottenham should have conceded a penalty for handball, Hackett said:
“I think he’s actually withdrawing his arm, cleverly. I think he’s a shrewd player in that situation. He’s actually come off a natural running action, and I think that’s why a penalty kick’s not been awarded.
“I think he’s making an attempt to narrow his body profile rather than actually increase it, and the ball strikes. So for me it’s not deliberate, I think the match officials have got it right.”
Jarrod Bowen would then go on to equalise for the Hammers before half time, which was enough to ensure both sides settled for a point in a 1-1 draw.
Tottenham now turn their attention to the second leg of their Europa League semi final against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday (8 May), which they lead 3-1 from the first leg.
West Ham meanwhile next face a trip to Old Trafford to take on Man United on Sunday afternoon (11 May).