West Ham were defeated by VAR at the very moment they probably needed it most!
Incredibly a late penalty appeal was waved away. Ings’ dribbled into the area and saw the ball bounce off Thiago’s arm, although referee Chris Kavanagh was unmoved by West Ham’s protests. As was VAR Neil Swarbrick.
Paqueta – scored a great goal
The chance of a point was gone after a thoroughly brave Hammers display which had seen them take the lead through a wonderfully engineered Lucas Paqueta move, finished off in brilliant fashion by the Brazilian.
However, the Reds were level within a few minutes Gakpo saw his shot from distance beat Fabiznski off the inside of an upright.
Whilst dominating possession Liverpool were often rocked by the Hammers attacked moments and they only escaped going behind when Van Dyk got the faintest of deflections to turn behind as Antonio closed in on a toe poke on goal at the end of another Paqueta inspired move aided by Bowen and Benrahma.
However, the Hammers were finally beaten when Andrew Robertson’s delivery was was met by Matip, who towered over the Hammers’ defence and found the top corner with a bullet header from close range.
It wasn’t our night despite some fiercely combative attacking and enterprise from Bowen – who saw a goal disallowed for offside – and Antonio. Paqueta too had a fine game whilst at the back Zouma and Aguerd were excellent at times.
With Forest the latest club to jump out of the relegation zone via a 3-1 win over Brighton, the Hammers remain in 14th place ahead of the game against Palace on Saturday lunchtime.