Jeff Stelling baffled by what Carlos Soler did in Southampton v West Ham. Credit: Sky Sports / Imago

Stelling baffled by what Soler did in Southampton v West Ham, 'Goodness me'

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

26 Dec 2024, 11:34 am

Jeff Stelling and Tim Sherwood could not believe their eyes as Carlos Soler hit the crossbar from short range as West Ham beat Southampton 1-0 on Thursday.

The Spaniard had the perfect opportunity to give Julen Lopetegui's side an early lead after just five minutes, seeing his effort rebound off the crossbar on 26 December.

Soler has impressed in East London since arriving on loan, with the Hammers debating whether to make the move permanent [Sunday Mirror], and that decision could have been made for them had he buried the opening goal.

Speaking live via Amazon Prime [26 December, 3:04pm], Stelling said: "Goodness me, Tim?"

Sherwood replied: "He comes onto the comeback and he has to score. He's coming onto it, sidefoots it, and it's a poor miss. It's a let-off for Southampton. That's an easy chance."

Carlos Soler misses incredible chance in Southampton v West Ham United

Much of what has gone right at the London Stadium recently has come through Soler, even with the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus in the squad.

The Hammers certainly missed him during the 1-1 draw with Brighton, having served a one-game suspension after picking up his fifth caution of the season against Bournemouth.

He had the chance to provide more positivity and return to the starting XI with a bang, but somehow, he missed from just a few inches out and smashed his effort against the woodwork.

Julen Lopetegui has had a mixed start as West Ham head coach. (Credit: Imago)

The Saints clearly took inspiration from that early let-off, making multiple key chances, but Lukasz Fabianski continued his recent good form to thwart their efforts at St Mary's Stadium.

Injuries to Max Kilman and Fabianski threw shade over the result, however, especially the latter's after a clash of heads in the opening 45 minutes.

In other West Ham news, a Hammers gem likened to Declan Rice could seal a "much-needed" loan in January.

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Southampton

Jeff Stelling

Tim Sherwood

Carlos Soler

West Ham