The real Hammers problem was the tactics NOT the officials
I’m not hugely keen to overly focus on last night’s dodgy VAR decision. For the record, I thought it was a close call and I’d have been disappointed if it had been given against us.
Of course, there is the usual discussion about how long the process took, but it was after injury time had completely elapsed, so I was unconcerned by waiting for the verdict.
VAR talk masks the real Hammers problem as Soucek appeals for a penalty
What did worry me, however, was the knowledge that it would be used as an excuse. Because while it was a marginally unfair decision, I felt it was important that it didn’t mask the real reason for West Ham’s loss.
I was fully aware that it would become a discussion point in the post-match press conference. Unfortunately, the conversation about VAR allowed David Moyes to dodge the more pertinent questions about why we were so conservative against a poor Freiburg team.
I think it’s important that Moyes attacks during the second leg, and I’m concerned that he’ll view the result as rough justice. Because to concentrate solely on the referee would not reflect the pattern of the game or the real reason why West Ham lost.
So it’s onwards and upwards for the return leg next week. But it’s imperative Moyes takes the game out of the officials’ hands by using our fantastic attacking players and scoring goals.