Moyes criticises ‘terrible rule’ as West Ham survive late VAR scare v Aston Villa
David Moyes has criticised VAR after his West Ham side were handed a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa following a tight offside call in the dying moments of the game.
Villa’s Olly Watkins turned in Matt Target’s cross in the 92nd minute of Monday’s game as it looked like the visitors had snatched a point.
But VAR intervened and determined that Watkins had strayed offside by the barest of margins and while the decision benefitted Moyes’ side he was still critical of VAR and the new offside rules.
Moyes is quoted by Football London as saying, “I was more disappointed that we didn’t defend the cross and I do believe my defenders should have got goal side and stopped that in the first place.
“Look, I don’t really like a lot of the offside rules at the moment but the lines that we are using now are something they have been and we are having to get used to. I think the late and delayed flag is a terrible rule and I don’t think it is enhancing the game at all.”
We have seen later offside calls this season with linesmen instructed to keep their flags down until the attacking move is over so VAR can check the decision.
The offside call against Watkins confirmed the win for the Hammers as the club rose to fifth in the Premier League.
There was another moment of VAR controversy during the game as Villa were awarded a penalty in the second half.
Replays showed that Declan Rice had a brief hold of Trezeguet’s shirt as the Egyptian ran into the Hammers box.
It certainly didn’t look as if Rice had made enough contact with the Villa man to make him go to ground but the decision was confirmed by VAR and Watkins should have drawn his side level but he rattled the ball off the crossbar from the spot.
Goals from Angelo Ogbonna and Jarrod Bowen either side of a Jack Grealish strike gave the Irons yet another win this season and there is a real confidence at the club ahead of next week’s tie against Manchester United.
With the Red Devil’s knack of getting penalties and favourable VAR decisions, Moyes’ side will need to be on their toes if they are to avoid any further controversy against his former club.
In other West Ham news, Glenn Hoddle has delivered his verdict on Moyes’ progress at the London Stadium.