Ian Wright and Alan Shearer deliver verdicts on whether West Ham should’ve had a penalty vs Liverpool

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Ian Wright and Alan Shearer disagreed over the controversial decision not to award West Ham United a penalty against Liverpool last night.

Hearts were in mouths for Liverpool fans as the ball struck Thiago Alcantara on the arm in the penalty area late in the game. But despite strong appeals from the West Ham players and bench, referee Chris Kavanagh and those operating the VAR decided it wasn’t enough for a spot-kick.

Perhaps understandably, Hammers boss David Moyes was furious at the final whistle. The 60-year-old railed at his side’s denial of the chance to equalise. Despite Moyes’ insistence though, there was plenty of debate around the decision. Speaking on Match of the Day last night, Shearer and Wright couldn’t find consensus.

“I’ve got great respect for David Moyes but I don’t agree with him on this one,” said Shearer. “He’s breaking his fall, the proximity is what? Half a yard away. That’s not a penalty for me.”

“I think Moyesey has a point because he is lunging at him, Al,” Wright retorted. “He is lunging and it’s hit his arm. I’m going to have to go with Moyesey.”

Liverpool get away with one

We’re not usually of a mind to ‘go with Moyesey,’ but we’ve got some sympathy with him here. In days not long gone by that would be a nailed on penalty against Thiago. Were it to happen against Liverpool, we wouldn’t be happy.

But at the same time, the decision does appear to have been given in-line with the rules. Kavanagh evidently saw the handball – it was clear and he was stood right in-front of it – and has made his call by the book.

The interesting thing would have been had the on-pitch referee decided to give the penalty. Would the VAR officials have looked at it and decided the awarding was a ‘clear and obvious error?’ Probably not.

Still, Liverpool were due a bit of luck in terms of penalties. We’ve only been awarded two all season in the Premier League and missed them both. Thiago also had a rough one go against him at Arsenal earlier in the year so has earned his slice of luck.

On the flip-side, West Ham had an almost identical situation go in their favour against Chelsea in February. Tomas Soucek dived in and clearly diverted Conor Gallagher’s shot away from goal with his hand. Nothing given.

Given the distance between the ball and Soucek back then, that was much more of a penalty than this one. You win some you lose some Moyesy, you’ve been around long enough to know that.