Taylor decision shames game but Irons in a pickle

Hughie Southon’s match verdict

First things first. For all the controversy out there Arsenal were the better team but that refereeing decision  put the game and ref to shame.

It gave us absolutely no chance of getting anywhere saving the game.

Anthony Taylor had started well but that second yellow for a non foul and succeeding penalty made life utterly impossible for the Hammers.

Beyond that having to ask Arthur to play a defensive role for the first time this season against Saka was just the unluckiest thing that could have happened to us apart from the appalling Taylor decision.

But we have too many players off their game right now and two big players out possibly for the season. Sometimes life just ain’t fair.

Benrahama, in part responsible for the second goal, Fornals and Mikey are off their games in a big way and in matches like this one we simply can’t afford that to be the case. Absolutely everyone has to be on it and a bit beyond their best.

Dawson and Fab were the two best players on the pitch for us and that tells us much more than we want to know doesn’t it?

I saw Declan losing the ball, Coufal being robbed as he strode forward on an attempted attacking run and poor Arthur being taken to the cleaners as Arsenal probably produced their best display of the season.

We need to bounce back but with the covid situation worsening we may not get the chance on Saturday should Norwich find themselves in the trouble being suggested.

Every team struggles at some point of every season. This is our turn. We need to keep the faith and the new board need to buy in January.

Tricky tricky times.