Matt Upson bemused by Thilo Kehrer decision in West Ham United v Brighton
West Ham United fell behind early at home to Brighton and Hove Albion as Alexis Mac Allister converted from the penalty spot.
The Seagulls were awarded the spot kick as new signing Thilo Kehrer, who was making his first start for the Hammers since his move from Paris Saint-Germain, slid in to bring down the onrushing Danny Welbeck.
VAR checked whether the challenge was inside the box but Anthony Taylor’s original decision stood and the Argentine cooly slotted home the game’s first goal.
Former Hammer Matt Upson could not believe why the German international had decided to go to ground so soon as he was left bewildered on commentary.
“It certainly was a rash decision from the player at West Ham,” Upson said [Super Sports, 21 August, 02:20pm]. “He just doesn’t need to make that call.
“I think he starts the slide outside of the box but the contact is on the back of the left leg in the area. He’s got to stay on his feet and just shepherd him out wide. Get him out of play and the danger is gone.”
Naive
You would expect much better from a player of Kehrer’s experience even if it is his first start much earlier than originally expected.
He has played more than enough games to know that a defender should not dive into tackles like that on the edge of his own penalty area and especially when there is no other cover behind him.
Maybe it was the power of Welbeck that worried him but he will have surely played against players just as quick, if not quicker, during his time in France and the Champions League.
After a difficult start to the campaign against the reigning champions and away at a newly-promoted side, the absolute last thing West Ham needed was to be the masters of their own downfall.
Brighton have proven that they are a very dangerous side in their own right so Kehrer’s helping hand has given the Irons a mountain to climb.