Andy Townsend reacts to first half West Ham incident v Arsenal
Andy Townsend has reacted to the first-half incident in the Arsenal versus West Ham clash involving Arthur Masuaku and Bukayo Saka.
Although it has been a thrilling contest, both sides have failed to create enough clear-cut chances.
In the first half, Masuaku challenged Saka in the box, but despite Arsenal’s appeal, the penalty decision was not given.
Townsend told Premier League Tv Production:
“That’s a tricky one. That really is. Yes, Masuaku’s foot when he is about to strike it. It ends up kicking Masuaku’s boot. I can’t see that as a foul.”
Right decision
In the end it was the right decision by referee Anthony Taylor.
Saka moving from the left hurried into the box in the 25th minute, and when he was about to shoot, he was challenged by Masuaku.
It wasn’t a clean challenge though. After watching replays, it becomes clear that it strikes Masuaku’s boot, and it’s not intentional.
Another big incident in the first half came when Alexandre Lacazette was challenged by Craig Dawson.
It was a clumsy challenge, but the referee rightly suggested that it was not a penalty. It has been a cagey first half, and we expect more drama in the second half of the game.
The Hammers have been playing well so far, retaining possession and trying to hit on the counter.
Michail Antonio has been very disappointing though.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have identified their next signing from the Championship.
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