Robbie Savage weighed in on the controversy surrounding a penalty claim during West Ham’s recent 2-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen on April 11th, echoing the sentiments of fellow commentator Ian Darke.
During the match, Michail Antonio’s penalty appeal was dismissed by the referee as he tangled with Jonathan Tah. Savage, a former Wales midfielder and now a TNT Sports commentator, concurred with Darke’s assessment, suggesting that the challenge probably didn’t warrant a penalty.
The outcome of the match could have been different had the penalty been awarded to West Ham, as it would have provided them with a golden opportunity to gain control and possibly secure a favorable result.
Reflecting on the incident during the live commentary shared via X, Darke pondered whether Tah’s actions warranted a penalty, ultimately concluding that there might not have been enough in it to justify the decision.
Savage succinctly responded, “I agree,” indicating his alignment with Darke’s viewpoint.
The scuffle between Antonio and Tah in the penalty box appeared to be a case of six of one and half a dozen of the other, with both players engaging in physicality as they vied for position to contest a cross. While their battle didn’t directly affect the outcome of the play, the potential penalty call would have vindicated David Moyes’ tactical approach, which aimed to exploit opportunities on the counterattack.
Moyes’ strategic style has faced criticism throughout the season, and the lackluster performance against Leverkusen, culminating in a 2-0 defeat, is likely to reignite scrutiny over his conservative tactics.
Despite the team’s offensive struggles, Antonio earned praise for his individual efforts, operating largely unsupported in attack and facing limited service from his teammates.
In addition to the penalty incident, Savage also highlighted a standout moment during the match against Leverkusen, further contributing to the ongoing discourse surrounding West Ham’s performances.
For more updates and news on West Ham, follow our Facebook page or join our newly launched WhatsApp Channel for instant updates directly to your phone.
Leave a Reply