Mark Hughes tried to have it both ways yesterday and his post-match complaints that Alex Song got away with a studs-up tackle don’t wash!
He complained that Song should have been penalised but that ref Chris Foy allowed it to go unpunished but that was only half the story.
For the referee – one of our most senior – was playing an advantage which had allowed his team to break away before the attempted attack was turned over and Stewart Downing produced a cross which allowed the comeback to start.
Yes, it was a naughty Song challenge but the ref called the situation correctly and Sparky’s little moan is an example of how bosses sometimes really do want it all ways.
Stoke were probably the best team on the day but this is a different West Ham and one that I am very proud of because they refused to give it up and the fans – as expressed by both co owners were stunning.
Stewart Downing is in outstanding form and now has the confidence to cross with right or left foot and as a result City were made to suffer.
Even after the first goal, and without Diafra Sakho, we showed that we are a talented team with bit of steel about us. Nobody will fancy playing us this season
Without Sakho around, Stewart Downing really stepped up to the plate and showed himself as the main man. He’s in the form of his career.
Ok we aren’t gonna win every game but – and although it’s been said many times is worth repeating – the distance we’ve travelled from last season is staggering.
You are spot on! The ref played a good advantage.
The only thing that the ref maybe should have done was during the next break in play he could have booked song? Apart from that the ref did nothing wrong.
After all it wasn’t the ref’s fault that we scored because Stoke couldn’t pass the ball properly! COYI!