David Moyes calls Eberechi Eze’s spot kick a ‘soft penalty’ after West Ham’s to Crystal Palace
David Moyes claims Eberechi Eze’s penalty was a ‘soft penalty’ after West Ham lost to Crystal Palace…
- David Moyes expressed confusion with the Selhurst Park officiant
- Crystal Palace were controversially awarded a penalty in their victory over West Ham
- The result leaves the Hammers just five points outside the relegation zone
David Moyes questioned performing at Selhurst Park after his side were beaten by Crystal Palace on Saturday.
West Ham struck first through Tomas Soucek, but Roy Hodgson’s revitalized side hit back with three first-half goals courtesy of Jordan Ayew, Wilfried Zaha and Jeffrey Schlupp.
After going into the break just one goal behind in pursuit after Mikhail Antonio headed home from a corner, Palace would once again double their lead after Eberechi Eze was found to have been fouled in the penalty area.
Eze then converted the penalty after the referee pointed to the spot, but expressed his dissatisfaction with Craig Pawson’s decision after the game.
“I think the referees said they wouldn’t give soft penalties, I think today could definitely be classed as one of them,” Moyes told BBC Match of the Day.
David Moyes questioned referee’s decision to award Crystal Palace a penalty as West Ham lost at Selhurst Park
After a foul, Eberechi Eze scored from twelve yards out on Saturday to extend Palace’s lead
Moyes’ side later scored again from a set piece, this time courtesy of a header from Nayef Aguerd amid a scribble in goal, but were unable to find an equaliser.
Speaking of his side’s defensive vulnerabilities, the West Ham boss admitted he felt his team had finally gotten what they deserved from the match.
“We didn’t start the game very well, that could have been the quick turnaround and a day less than Crystal Palace to prepare. We scored and gave ourselves something to build on,” added Moyes.
“We scored good goals from set pieces but overall we got what we deserved but I expect our teams to defend better than that and over the years we have done it. Today I was really disappointed with how we defended.’
A second successive Premier League defeat leaves the Hammers just five points clear of safety with five games remaining.
However, Moyes expressed confidence that his team will survive the fall.
“We are not over the line yet, we have to do that and try to get the points that are needed.
“I always thought the program would be difficult today, the extra day of recovery gave them an advantage, the early kick-off certainly didn’t help, but look we’re all in it and we have to do it and find the points that will get us there and I have every confidence that we will succeed.’
The Hammers are just five points outside the relegation zone with five games left