AFC Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie reacts to fresh VAR controversy in Premier League loss to West Ham
CHERRIES midfielder Ryan Christie has refused to blame his side’s 2-0 loss solely on the match officials – but the Scotland international has appealed for ‘common sense’ after renewed VAR controversy.
Hammers took the lead in the break just before the half-time whistle through Kurt Zouma, who headed home shortly after Thilo Kehrer handled the ball inside the penalty area. Cherries, Mike Dean’s VAR check deeming the goal legal.
The result was confirmed late when another VAR decision overturned David Coote’s initial call for a corner when a cross was blocked by Jordan Zemura’s arm, Said Benrahma got up to convert the kick of foot.
Aside from flashpoints at the end of each half, there were few clear-cut chances either side, although David Moyes’ Hammers led the shot count, with 20 efforts against Cherries’ five.
Christie, who played just under an hour, reflected on the game, telling the Daily Echo: “I think we’re honest enough to know we could have played better and we can’t just blame the decisions.
“But at the same time, when you’re just before half-time, it’s a killer time to concede a goal.
“We limited them to quite a few (chances) in the first half, without creating much ourselves. But that’s what the Premier League can be, especially when you play away. »
While Cherries didn’t look like they could find an equalizer in time, West Ham didn’t seem pushed to try and double their advantage.
In the end, an errant hand blocking Vladimir Coufal’s cross from defender Zemura effectively decided the match.
“Just frustrating,” said the 27-year-old.
“Especially the way the game ends.
“They get a penalty for a similar decision. Surely you think a little common sense has to come into play.
“Their handball leads to a goal. Our handball, the guy just passed it through an empty box.
“So where does common sense come into play?”
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