- David Moyes was critical of the VAR for the penalty call
- Everton suffered a late 2-1 defeat to West Ham
- Everton have four games remaining, hoping to keep their European dream alive
Everton suffered a cruel 2-1 defeat at the London Stadium on Saturday, conceding a stoppage‑time winner from Callum Wilson after a dramatic finish. Tomas Soucek had headed West Ham in front early in the second half, but the Toffees fought back.
With five minutes remaining, Everton were denied what appeared to be a clear penalty for handball, only for Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall to smash home a stunning volley moments later. The relief was short‑lived as Wilson struck in the 92nd minute to seal all three points for the hosts.
David Moyes introduced Thierno Barry and Michael Keane in his starting lineup, but it was West Ham who snatched victory. Afterwards, the Everton manager spoke to BBC Sport, voicing his frustration at both the result and the officials’ decision.
David Moyes: ‘I’m amazed they haven’t given it’
“I don’t think we deserved to lose, that’s for sure,” Moyes said. “Very similar to last week, we played well enough at times and didn’t deserve to come away with nothing.”
On the penalty appeal, where the ball appeared to strike a West Ham arm inside the box, Moyes was puzzled. “I’m a bit surprised. I’ve been to see them [the officials] and VAR are saying it was grappling – well, the boy marking him was grappling. He punched the ball. It would have been harsh, but I’m amazed they haven’t given it.”
The non‑call felt especially costly given what followed. Dewsbury‑Hall’s equaliser was a moment of brilliance, but Everton could not hold on. “If any team was going to go and win it, it was probably us,” Moyes added. “We just didn’t do well enough at the end.”
Another week, another late heartbreak for Everton
For the second consecutive match, Everton were left with nothing after a late goal. Last week’s Merseyside derby saw Virgil van Dijk head home in the 100th minute. This time, Wilson struck deep into added time. The two defeats have dented Everton’s European hopes, though they remain within striking distance of the top six with four games remaining.
Moyes will take encouragement from his side’s performance. They created chances but the fine margins are not falling their way. The penalty decision will be debated, and the manager’s anger is understandable. As he said, he feels his team deserved more.
Everton must now regroup quickly. The season is not over, and European qualification remains possible. But the manner of these back‑to‑back defeats, both featuring contentious officiating and stoppage‑time winners, will sting. Everton must channel the frustration into their final four fixtures. There is still much to play for.
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