West Ham 0-2 Crystal Palace: Keith Hackett speaks out on contentious moment
West Ham United can have no complaints over the penalty awarded against them in the 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace, according to Keith Hackett.
Fabianski brought down Eddie Nketiah in the second half of Saturday’s (18 January) Premier League clash at the London Stadium, allowing Jean-Philippe Mateta to tuck away from the spot.
The Hammers keeper, who was also criticised for his part in Mateta’s first goal, got all of Nketiah and none of the ball.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone about the contentious incident, former Premier League referee Hackett said: “Referee Thomas Bramhall was in a good position to award a penalty kick to Crystal Palace.
“The West Ham goalkeeper clearly brought down the Crystal Palace forward.”
West Ham have off day in Crystal Palace defeat
After the buzz surrounding the 3-2 win over Fulham in midweek, this performance was more like the ones supporters have become accustomed to watching under Julen Lopetegui.
The Irons struggled to get going, not helped by Konstantinos Mavropanos’ red card, and Graham Potter did not beat around the bush with his post-match comments.
Mateta was the two-goal hero for Palace, Fabianski will need no telling that he has to do a lot better.
In fairness, Fabianski did not even really protest the penalty decision. He was clearly frustrated at himself for some poor decision making.
Potter will have a full week to reflect on this disappointing performance ahead of facing Aston Villa next weekend.
In other West Ham news, Julen Lopetegui is in talks over a new job already.
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