‘Absolutely mind-blowing’- Now Mirror journalist John Cross sticks his nose in West Ham’s business

The Daily Mirror’s John Cross has just given his verdict on the controversial incident at West Ham United.

   West Ham beat Manchester United in the Premier League at the London Stadium on Sunday in a result that cost Erik ten Hag his job.

   At the same time, the victory greatly eased the pressure on Julen Lopetegui.

   The Hammers head coach was under huge pressure ahead of the game and it was claimed he was in danger of losing his job.

   The 2-1 win kept Wolves out for at least another week, but the players’ second-half performances gave fans some encouragement and optimism.

   Some fans said we were lucky to win, and given the result of the game, they’re probably right.

   I don’t feel sorry for Man United one bit though – we’ve had a lot of bad calls go against us in clashes with them in the past…

   John Cross sticks his nose into West Ham business

   Daily Mirror reporter John Cross has apparently made it his mission to get answers from the PGMOL regarding the penalty decision in the dying minutes of the match at Old Trafford.

   Danny Ings was brought down in the penalty by Matthijs de Ligt, and David Coote did not resist the offence.

   However, chief VAR official Michael Oliver did not like what he saw and recommended an on-field review.

   A penalty was eventually awarded – taken by Jarrod Bowen.

   But John Cross really kicked up a stink after the game.

   Yes John, that was an incredibly light penalty and VAR should not have been involved from the start as it was not a clear and obvious foul.

   But over the years we’ve had some really terrible decisions go against us in clashes with Man United.

   Remember when we were 1-0 up against them at the London Stadium in 2020 when Dean Henderson kicked the ball at least two yards out, only for the linesman to hold his flag before Paul Pogba equalised?

   They won that day 3:1.

   What about when in 2023 Victor Lindelof apparently handled the ball in the penalty area after a pass from Said Benrahma?    Not surprisingly, no penalty was imposed.

   Countless other instances where decisions have been made in their favor against us at Old Trafford.

   Anthony Martial’s late equalizer in the FA Cup quarter-final in 2016 stands out for me.    The goal should never have stood, but then they beat us in the replay at Upton Park to reach the semi-finals.

   So yes, the decision may have been wrong as John Cross suggested, but it was about time West Ham got one in our favour.