Martin Keown questions VAR after MOTD footage of Everton controversy v West Ham

West Ham broke Everton hearts by scoring a last-gasp winner at London Stadium to dent the Toffees’ European hopes.

It was the second week running where David Moyes’ side has come out on the wrong side of a 2-1 loss, with both winners coming in added time.

However, on this occasion the Blues may have every right to feel hard done-by.

In the 85th minute, Mateus Fernandes’ hand struck the ball when grappling with striker Thierno Barry, with the Premier League’s official ruling being it was an “accidental” incident.

Speaking on Match of the Day, pundit Martin Keown has reacted to the controversy and questioned the use, or lack thereof, in Everton’s loss to West Ham.

What did Martin Keown say about the Everton penalty controversy?

The penalty claim for Everton arrived in the 85th minute, with West Ham 1-0 up at the time. While Everton did eventually find an equaliser three minutes later, the chain reaction from the penalty could have changed the final outcome with more time on the clock for an Everton winner.

However, in the end, the Toffees have had to come away licking their wounds and perhaps feeling they were unfortunate to not be awarded a spot kick.

That feeling appears to be one shared by Keown, who believes Fernandes was “lucky” not to be penalised for the handball.

Former Arsenal man and now pundit Keown also questioned VAR on Match of the Day, stating: “You assume they’re checking everything, don’t you, really?”

Before later going on to say: “I think he’s lucky to get away with that, because he’s grappling with his opponent, he’s got his arms around him.

“The referee’s got a good view of it, though. It seems, at the moment, VAR doesn’t really want to interfere with the referee’s decision.

“It’s a flick action from the hand, so you have to consider yourself lucky to get away with it.”

Fernandes’ movement towards the ball was certainly not natural by any stretch, with the Portuguese midfielder wrapping his arms around Barry.

The grappling alone from the West Ham midfielder could have been considered a foul, even with the handball.

Additionally, the Blues were not even awarded a corner for Fernandes having the last touch on the ball.

Where does West Ham loss leave Everton in race for Europe?

The defeat to the Irons has left Moyes’ side in a difficult spot in the race for Europe, as they remain three points behind sixth place.

Additionally, if Brentford beat Manchester United on Monday night, that could end up being a four-point gap.

Fixtures are certainly not kind for the Toffees either. They next face Manchester City, who will be desperate for a win to keep their Premier League title aspirations alive this season.

Following that, it is a trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace before hosting Sunderland at home.

Finally, the Toffees will be back in London at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where the Lilywhites will likely be up for a fight as they battle to avoid relegation.

Overall, the next four matches are must-wins, but by all means, that is anything but a formality.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.

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