After losing to Arsenal 0-1 at home, West Ham United coach Nuno accepted an interview with BBC Radio 5 after the game. He criticized the lack of consistency in penalty measurement. At the same time, he fully recognized the fighting spirit of the players.
About match results and penalties
Frustration, sadness, such emotions permeate the air. This is a game, a game that we desperately want to win, even must win. Regarding this game, we know very well that it is extremely crucial for relegation. In this game, there was a setback in the penalty area, and the resulting frustration lasted throughout the entire game. This is the most real feeling in each of us at this moment, especially the heartache that cannot be relieved at all. I think there has always been a problem in the past few seasons, and that is the lack of consistency in penalties. During the game, the referees allowed a large number of blocking and pulling actions within the penalty area, almost relaxing the penalty scale to the edge of losing control. However, at certain specific moments, they suddenly intervened in the ruling with completely different standards. At this moment, the most intolerable thing is the complete lack of a way to know in advance what counts as a violation and what does not.
About that goal that was canceled
To be honest, I haven't seen a clear replay yet. I have to watch the video to make an accurate judgment. However, I trust my players' most real first experience on the court. They witnessed the whole process at close range and unanimously believed that it was a goalkeeper ball that was fully capable of fighting for the top. So The current results are extremely frustrating for us. When I go back and check, I will understand more precisely what happened. I am not here to judge the specific work of the referee or VAR. I just want to point out what the capriciousness of the penalty scale has been over the past few seasons.
About team performance
We played pretty well, we fought hard, competed, and created enough threats and scoring opportunities. The tenacity shown by those lads, combined with the deafening sound in the stadium, was the driving force behind us almost tearing down the wall. We knew the situation we faced in the table, and the players fought hard to fight. This is the attitude we will continue from beginning to end until the end of the season. With the last two league games left, our mission is to stand up quickly from this blow and continue to fight, while believing that anything can still happen at the last moment. It is undeniable that it is extremely painful to be defeated in this way. During this period, the team has always fought with the same intensity and method as today, especially in the atmosphere of the London Stadium. The infectious energy unleashed by the fans today once again ignited the entire team. It is our duty to continue to face every situation head-on without reservation. This team will definitely give their warmest response.