West Ham robbed of three points as VAR fails to acknowledge two reasons for goal to be disallowed.

Heading into the week, West Ham fans would absolutely have taken a draw away to Manchester United and to Brighton. Given the wider context of the league though, a win could’ve been vital for their survival.

A questionable starting XI managed to execute the game plan rather well. Brighton’s had next to no chances in the first-half, not registering a single shot on target, while the Hammers had a few opportunities on the break. Summerville in particular had a couple of one-on-ones which should’ve ended in a goal.

After half-time, West Ham began to play more on the front foot while still limiting the host’s shots on goal.

The deadlock was broken in the 73rd minute as substitute Callum Wilson played through ball Jarrod Bowen who slid the ball into the back of the net from an incredibly tight angle.

As we’ve seen time after time under Nuno, West Ham then set up shop, hanging on for dear life and undoing the hard work they’d done. Brighton had plenty of chances, but their equaliser didn’t come until the 91st minute.

Frustratingly, it shouldn’t have stood. It was checked by VAR for a potential handball but, due to the shot following the handball being saved before ricocheting out to goalscorer Rutter, it stood. Essentially this means Areola and West Ham are being punished for not letting that initial shot go into the back of the net – it’s a ridiculous decision.

Better yet, about 3 seconds prior, Mavropanos got kicked in the head from a high bicycle kick – yet another reason the goal should not have been given.

Refereeing incompetence could cost this side their place in the league, because they’ve certainly had the fight under Nuno – he just needs to stop with these baffling lineups and holding on to leads far too early.