West Ham United: Frank McAvennie hits out at ‘Stupid’ incident as David Moyes verdict emerges
Frank McAvennie has insisted David Moyes was to blame for the defeat against Newcastle as West Ham threw away a 3-1 lead to lose 4-3 at St James’ Park.
The former Hammers man questioned the decision not to bring on Danny Ings in a like-for-like change with Michail Antonio to help the team keep their momentum going.
This came alongside criticism for Kalvin Phillips who, alongside Ben Johnson, McAvennie insists changed the game negatively and gave the momentum to Newcastle.
McAvennie – speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone – also hit out at the referee and VAR after Newcastle were awarded a “stupid” penalty when Phillips fouled Anthony Gordon.
“Of course, it is [Moyes’ fault]. David’s taken the plaudits for everything else and put himself up there against the best managers ever,” McAvennie joked, “But to do that you’ve got to take the criticism.
“I don’t think Johnson and Phillips coming on did us any good. Especially Phillips. Ings was on the bench, why did he not just swap like-for-like and keep the team the way it is? I don’t get it.
“It just gave them momentum to go forward. The penalty wasn’t a penalty. He went to kick the ball, how is that a penalty? It’s a stupid rule. I get what David’s saying, but Phillips shouldn’t have been on the pitch.“
David Moyes to blame for frustrating West Ham incident
Given the pressure that has mounted on Moyes’ position at the London Stadium this season, his decisions against Newcastle which cost the Hammers the game ought to have inspired further calls for him to lose his job this summer.
Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth insisted that Moyes will make the final decision about whether he stays or leaves in the summer, as he suggested that a Europa League challenge could push him to stay [Give Me Sport, 20 March].
With regard to the penalty decision, Micah Richards was fuming with Alan Shearer after the Newcastle legend insisted it was a blatant penalty after Phillips “wiped out” Gordon in the penalty area.
Richards’ anger at Shearer’s claims was echoed by McAvennie, with the dubious penalty decision quickly becoming the subject of debate as Gordon appeared to initiate the contact with Phillips rather than the other way around.
In other West Ham news, Alan Brazil fumed at a “strange” decision v Tottenham.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.