4 weeks ago
1 Ollie Watkins’ stoppage-time effort was ruled out by VAR as Aston Villa were denied a dramatic equaliser in a 2-1 defeat at West Ham on Monday night.
Watkins, who had earlier missed a second-half penalty, thought he had secured his side a valuable point after side footing the ball home in the closing stages.
VAR looked at the incident for over two minutesSky Sports
Unfortunately for Watkins and co the decision went against VillaGetty Images
However, a two-and-a-half minute consultation eventually concluded that Watkins was in an offside position when the ball was played into him by Matty Targett from the left-hand side.
Jarrod Bowen’s second-half header – the first time he’s scored and assisted in the same Premier League game for the Hammers – saw the Hammers move up to fifth in the Premier League following an unspectacular display.
The former Hull playmaker nodded home Said Benrahma’s cross to net his fourth goal of the campaign and seal a valuable three points for David Moyes’ men.
Watkins couldn’t believe the effort had been taken off himGetty Images
Heartbreak for Aston Villa! 
Ollie Watkins scores an injury-time equaliser against West Ham but VAR rules it out – that was 𝙩𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩!
Sum up VAR in three words…
#WHUAVL pic.twitter.com/LrMoy5lqyT
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 30, 2020
West Ham got off to a dream start when Angelo Ogbonna nodded home after just two minutes, in what was their fastest goal in the Premier League since November 2016.
Villa equalised on 25 minutes through talismanic skipper Jack Grealish, who produced a strong burst forward before burying his shot from 20 yards.
Dean Smith’s men went on to dictate the vast majority of the first half, but were unable to build on their early dominance.
Moyes sent on Benrahma and Sebastian Haller in place of Michail Antonio and Arthur Masuaku at the half-time interval, and that immediately paid dividends.
Bowen was West Ham’s match winner at the London StadiumGetty Images
Jarrod Bowen has 10 PL goal involvements for @WestHam since his debut in the comp in February (5 goals & 5 assists). Only Michail Antonio (14) has more for the club during that period
It’s the first time that Bowen has scored & assisted in the same PL game for the Hammers pic.twitter.com/u9lBFzns00
— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) November 30, 2020
Within 30 seconds former Bees star Benrahma produced a brilliant cross for Bowen to head home the match winner.
Watkins then spurned a glorious opportunity from the penalty spot on 74 minutes to get his side back on level terms before the late drama ensued.
The victory is West Ham’s third in a row, while the defeat for Villa saw them concede their first goals on the road in the 2020/21 campaign so far.
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