West Ham United v Aston Villa: Michael Owen chimes in on Emerson controversy
Michael Owen has delivered his verdict on Emerson’s handball and whether or not Aston Villa deserved a penalty v West Ham on 17 March which ended 1-1.
Leon Bailey chipped the ball inside the penalty area, making contact with the Italian’s outstretched arm.
However, the referee decided not to give a penalty which frustrated the Villa players and Unai Emery as well.
Owen told the Premier League world feed (17 March, 14:57): “Normally I’d say no way. I hate that handball rule. When you point to someone and your arm goes into an unnatural position. He shouldn’t be putting his arm out there to point.”
West Ham fortunate with the Emerson call
Although it appeared that Bailey intentionally chipped the ball onto Emerson’s arm, it’s essential to consider the context.
Ezri Konsa was running towards the goal at the time, suggesting that Bailey’s pass might have been intended for him rather than aimed at Emerson’s arm.
While the Hammers may have been fortunate with the referee’s decision, it’s worth noting that such calls can swing either way in football.
The Irons have experienced decisions going against them in the past, so there’s an understanding that these situations balance out over the course of a season.
Despite benefiting from the call, there’s likely to be no complaints from West Ham, acknowledging the variability of referee decisions in the game.
It gave them an important cushion to take into half time and the team talk would’ve been a lot different had the score been 1-1.
In other West Ham news, a David Moyes sack admission has been made with David Sullivan talking to Tim Steidten.
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