David Moyes was not in a particularly celebratory mood despite West Ham’s 4-1 win over Watford, as he hit out at decisions made in the match by VAR.
The Hammers ended 2021 in style, with goals from Mark Noble, Tomas Soucek, Said Benrahma and Nikola Vlasic getting them back to winning ways.
Jarrod Bowen had a goal disallowed early in the second-half after VAR deemed there to be a foul on Emmanuel Dennis in the build-up, and it was that decision that infuriated Moyes.
“It looks like we’ve gone back to the way we were a year and a half ago with soft free-kicks,” Moyes said.
“That will be a shame for the game if that’s where we’re going. I’ve just seen it now, and it’s a ludicrous decision that they don’t give the third goal for that level of free-kick.
“I didn’t complain at the time because I thought I’d give VAR and the referee a chance. Ludicrously soft it was, and I just can’t believe that goal wasn’t given.”
The win takes West Ham into fifth, four points behind Arsenal above them. Both Tottenham and Man United, in sixth and seventh respectively, have two games in hand over Moyes’ side.
The West Ham boss was keen to play down expectations of a top four challenge in 2022, insisting there was no pressure on his side to achieve that goal.
“We’re not talking about the top four, you are,” Moyes said when asked about West Ham’s prospects of securing Champions League football.
“We’re only talking about doing the best we can, challenging the top, trying to be up and around the top teams if we can.
“We enjoyed it when we were in the top four, and I look forward to when we get back in again.”
