Morrison explodes at Harrington after ‘nightmare’ Wolves v West Ham incident
West Ham United fans have for a significant period been apathetic towards their team’s end to the season, when all hopes were high last summer.
Considerable strategy will have to be undertaken over the coming months to ensure Graham Potter has all the best resources with which to work.
West Ham were beaten again in the Premier League on Tuesday night (1 April), passing up key second-half opportunities as they went down 1-0 at Wolverhampton Wanderers, one of only four teams positioned below the Irons.
Clinton Morrison rages at referee after West Ham incident
Niclas Fullkrug returned for West Ham in a silver lining from the midweek Molineux reverse.
The towering German gave a good account of himself, setting up the two key chances of the game: hitting the bar with a header before Emerson diverted a golden chance past the post, then winning the ball high upfield to find Tomas Soucek, who stroked wide.
He was also denied a penalty over a challenge from Matt Doherty, which baffled Clinton Morrison live on Sky Sports (1 April, 21:16).
Morrison lamented referee Tony Harrington and his VAR colleagues, claiming the man in the middle had attempted to make the fixture “about him”.
“Fullkrug got the hump there, and I’m just looking at it,” Morrison explained.
“Matt Doherty boots him in the head in the box, and he doesn’t give a penalty. He said he’s ducked in.
“I don’t know what VAR are doing, and Tony Harrington, the referee, has had a nightmare of a game this evening. He’s made it about himself. We’re watching the Premier League, it’s not about the referee.”
Fullkrug will be a boost for Potter – but has to stay fit
Fullkrug was introduced back into action by Potter as one of three half-time substitutes at Wolves.
West Ham’s second-half improvement coincided with his arrival, having been robbed of a chance to succeed in his first season in the Premier League by injury woes.
The Irons have at times been seemingly crying out for a centre-forward of his ilk, having to improvise with false-nines and square pegs in round holes.
| Niclas Fullkrug v Wolves | |
| Attempts | 2 |
| Hit woodwork | 1 |
| Aerial duels won | 3/5 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 0.13 |
Fullkrug has to remain fit now to avoid a loss of patience – through no fault of his own – to turn his West Ham career around.
He may be one of several north of 30 in the squad at the London Stadium, but the German international has prided himself on becoming a late bloomer in his career, and can do the same in the East End.