Kurt Zouma’s header and Said Benrahma’s penalty in stoppage time gave West Ham United a 2-0 victory over Bournemouth in a scrappy Premier League match marred by VAR controversy at the London Stadium on Monday.
At the stroke of halftime, Frenchman Zouma flicked the ball in from close range after a goalmouth scramble. The goal was permitted after a VAR review, despite Thilo Kehrer’s possible handball in the commotion.
West Ham maintained their lead despite some tense moments as Bournemouth finished well, and neither set of fans had much more to cheer about.
Jordan Zemura was severely penalized for handball after another VAR decision went against the visitors, and Benrahma scored his first goal of the season past substitute goalkeeper Mark Travers to give the Hammers some relief.
🫶 pic.twitter.com/tXnkOBvaaY
— West Ham United (@WestHam) October 24, 2022
West Ham took advantage of rulings that went against Bournemouth to clinch their seventh consecutive home victory in all competitions and climb up seven places in the crowded table from 17th to 10th with 14 points.
Bournemouth is 14 with 13 points over 12 games.
The primary talking point was the role of VAR in both goals, and Bournemouth’s interim manager, Gary O’Neil, was booked at halftime for his comments to the officials regarding the first goal.
West Ham took the lead in the 45th minute when Zouma headed the ball in from in front of the net, but Kehrer had only moments earlier driven the ball forward with his hands.
Following a review by VAR, it was determined that the unintentional handball had not directly contributed to the goal.
“There was a foul in the buildup and it’s an obvious handball; his hands move towards the ball and alter its trajectory,” O’Neil stated.
“I’m not surprised because the situation has become crazy. Since I took command, we’ve had ten VAR checks, and not a single one has gone in our favor.”
Bournemouth were hampered by injuries to striker Dominic Solanke and goalkeeper Neto, who made a fine save to deflect Aaron Cresswell’s attempt in the first half.
However, West Ham were unable to secure victory until another disputed call went their way.
Zemura accidentally deflected the ball from close range with his arm while attempting to block a cross.
Referee David Coote initially did not award a penalty, but changed his mind after being asked to review the VAR screen.
Bournemouth did not pose much of an offensive threat, and although West Ham had some breaks, manager David Moyes said that his team deserved the victory.
Moyes stated, “I thought we were good for stretches but not as good in the last third.”
I believe that our performance merited more than a goal from a set piece and a penalty.
Five home wins in a row in all competitions 💪
Let’s keep pushing forward together! ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/JPxgTmct3D
— West Ham United (@WestHam) October 24, 2022
Bournemouth were not helped by injuries during the first half to striker Dominic Solanke and goalkeeper Neto, who made one great save to tip over Aaron Cresswell’s shot.
West Ham were unable to make the game safe, however, until another contentious decision went their way.
Attempting to block a cross, a sliding Zemura inadvertently blocked the ball with his arm from close range.
Initially referee David Coote did not award a penalty but after being asked to check the VAR screen he changed his mind.
Bournemouth did not really offer much in the way of attacking threat and, while West Ham had some breaks, manager David Moyes said his side deserved the points.
“I thought we were good for periods, I didn’t think we were as good in the final third,” Moyes said.
“I think our performance deserved more than a scruffy set-piece goal and a penalty.”