Keith Hackett: Ref saved Man City over ‘messy’ West Ham incident, Lopetegui fury
Manuel Akanji “got away with one” as Man City beat West Ham and Julen Lopetegui was booked for his protests, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the Swiss international may have been the one to foul Crysencio Summerville as the Hammers man looked to launch a major attack.
Pep Guardiola’s side made it back-to-back wins for the first time since October by thumping Lopetegui’s side 4-1 at the Etihad on Saturday (4 January), with Savinho producing a standout performance.
Hackett though believes that one of his Man City teammates may have been lucky not to gift West Ham a route back into the game earlier in the match.
Manuel Akanji breathes a sigh of relief after Man City vs West Ham
The hosts had taken the lead ten minutes into the game, when Savinho’s shot deflected in off Hammers defender Vladimir Coufal.
Not long after though, Man City survived a nervous moment, when Summerville robbed Akanji of possession inside his own half after a heavy touch from the defender.
That seemingly left the West Ham through with a chance to equalise, but with the centre-back left on the ground, referee Michael Salisbury blew his whistle to award a free-kick to the hosts.
It was a decision that incensed many on the visiting side, with Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui booked for his reaction to the decision.
Now Hackett has suggested Man City were fortunate over that incident, and that Akanji may have been the one who should have been penalised, as he told Football Insider:
“It’s messy. I think he gave the player the benefit of the doubt, the defender. He’s fortunate because that on glance looks a foul so I think Man City got away with one.”
That victory has now seen Guardiola’s side move to within two points of the top four places in the Premier League table.
West Ham meanwhile are now 14th, seven points clear of the relegation zone as pressure continues to build on Lopetegui at the London Stadium.
In other news, Phil Foden has given his reaction to Man City’s win over the Hammers.
For more Man City and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.