Mike Dean reacts to West Ham United controversy v Wolves, dubbed ‘Unbelievable’ by Neil Lennon
Mike Dean reacted to a controversial moment as West Ham claimed a 2-1 win over Wolves on Saturday (6 April), with Gary O’Neil’s side having a goal disallowed in the closing stages.
Pablo Sarabia opened the scoring at Molineux Stadium from the penalty spot, which was eventually cancelled out by Lucas Paqueta’s spot-kick before James Ward-Prowse scored straight from a corner.
Max Kilman thought he had scored an equaliser nine minutes into added time, heading home a corner, only for VAR to disallow the goal due to Tawanda Chirewa being adjudged offside.
Speaking live via Sky Sports on Saturday (6 April, 4:59pm), Neil Lennon said: “Chiwera could be in an offside position, blocking the goalkeeper. It’s been disallowed – unbelievable.”
Reacting to the decision, Dean added: “It’s a strange rule, but he is standing right in front of the goalkeeper. In front of him is Kilman, who heads the ball in.
“The ‘keeper can’t see the header and the ball has gone to his right. Chiwome stands in front of the goalkeeper so it has to be given offside because of how the laws are written.
West Ham United escape late Wolves equaliser
Any West Ham fan will feel the frustration that O’Neil showed after the match, voicing his opinion to Tony Harrington at full-time on the pitch.
However, the most important thing for the Hammers will be that they were able to hold on for all three points and move level on points with Manchester United in sixth place.
David Moyes has been under immense pressure at the London Stadium this season, with many fans calling for his sacking before the end of the season, though the win may buy him some more time.
West Ham’s last Premier League victory came against Everton on Saturday 2 March, which showcases exactly why fans are frustrated by Moyes’ defensive style of play.
But with an upcoming Europa League fixture against Bayer Leverkusen, it is vital that the Hammers can go into the match with a victory in their pocket and a bit of confidence.
The main negative, though, will be Jarrod Bowen’s injury, having been replaced by Aaron Cresswell after just 54 minutes in response to going down for multiple minutes after, what looked to be, an innocuous moment.
In other West Ham news, the Irons are in the hunt to sign a “devastating” breakout attacking talent.
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