Robbie Savage agreed with Ian Darke after a Michail Antonio penalty claim was waved away during the 2-0 West Ham defeat to Bayer Leverkusen on April 11.
The TNT Sports commentator and former Wales midfielder suggested there probably wasn’t enough in the challenge to award a penalty as Antonio scrapped with Jonathan Tah.
Having fallen to a late 2-0 defeat, a penalty would almost certainly have put the Hammers in the driver’s seat to go and see out the game, as it proved one of their few opportunities on the night.
Speaking live on TNT Sports [as shared via X], Ian Darke explained: “Was there enough in that from Tah? Probably not. Check over.”
Savage then replied, simply stating: “I agree.”
Should West Ham have had a penalty against Bayer Leverkusen?
With Antonio and Tah grappling in the box, the incident looked to be six of one and half a dozen of the other, with the striker shoving the defender while his shirt was being held as they jostled for position to win the cross.
Their battle was ultimately inconsequential as the ball sailed over their heads, but if a penalty had been awarded for the tangle, David Moyes would’ve been repaid for his game plan and outlook from the start as they looked to hit on the break.
This style from Moyes is what has drawn plenty of criticism this season, and that criticism will likely ramp up again after the Hammers struggled to make an impact on Leverkusen due to their deep block which eventually saw a 2-0 defeat.
Antonio received high praise following the game for his performance despite the lack of threat going forward as he was given very little service and expected to hold the burden of the Hammers’ attacking play almost on his own.