Ex-Premier League ref reacts to West Ham controversy vs Arsenal – ‘no such thing as soft’
West Ham United’s defeat against Arsenal was certainly not without refereeing controversy.
West Ham slumped to defeat at the Emirates Stadium, with their fate sealed after Bukayo Saka dispatched a penalty in the 67th minute.
While the Hammers could not complain about the result after not managing to register a shot on target, they still debated as to whether the decision to give a penalty was correct.
El Hadji Malick Diouf has impressed this season, but the left back had a tough afternoon in defence after he was adjudged to have felled Jurien Timber in the area.
Mark Halsey explains controversial John Brooks decision
The West Ham left-back first initiated contact with the Arsenal player outside the area, but Timber lost his footing when he entered the penalty box.
Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey, writing in The Sun, agreed with John Brooks’ decision even if the foul started outside the area.
He said: “If a foul is committed outside the area and carries on into it, whether it is on the line or just in, a penalty will be given.
“Some may say it looked soft, but there is no such thing as soft in the game.
“It is either a foul or not.”
The Hammers could only manage four shots in their encounter in North London, while Arsenal were far superior in that regard, having totalled 21.
This was the first defeat since West Ham appointed Nuno Espirito Santo as head coach.
West Ham to be new and refreshed after international break
West Ham have improved under Nuno, and the international break comes at an ideal time for the Irons.
West Ham’s 1-1 draw against Everton gave a much greater indication of how they will set up as opposed to their recent defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
West Ham were a much more brutal force going forward at the Hill Dickinson Stadium as compared to previous outings under Graham Potter.
| Brentford | H |
| Leeds United | A |
| Newcastle United | H |
| Burnley | H |
| Bournemouth | A |
The next match at the London Stadium will be Nuno’s first at home for his new side, and supporters will feel pure excitement ahead of this match.
The Irons have not even managed to gain a point at home this season, but with hope renewed under their new manager, the club now has an opportunity to kickstart their season.
Luckily, West Ham have the majority of their next five games in East London, which in turn offers the perfect chance for Nuno to generate good form that his side can build on for the remainder of the season.
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