Julen Lopetegui may have been absent from the touchline during West Ham’s 5-2 defeat to Arsenal, but the Spanish manager made his frustrations clear after the match, questioning the legitimacy of two of Arsenal’s goals, Soccernet.football reports.
Arsenal’s electrifying first-half performance saw all seven goals scored within 45 minutes, including two penalties and a set-piece goal.
Despite the Gunners’ dominance, Lopetegui felt that some key refereeing decisions unfairly tipped the balance in Arsenal’s favour.
The West Ham manager was particularly aggrieved by Gabriel’s opener, arguing that Lucas Paquetá had been fouled during the corner leading to the goal.
Speaking to StandardSport, Lopetegui said, “I think that it happened in a lot of little details. We didn’t do well, it’s true that we have to do better, but [they have scored] with two penalties, one set-piece action.
“I think that it was very, very close with Paquetá [being fouled at the corner when Gabriel scored the first goal].”
He also took issue with Arsenal’s fifth goal, expressing frustration with what he perceived as bad luck and poor officiating.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will not be bothered one bit about Lopetegui’s comments as the Spanish manager basks in his side’s seventh win of the league campaign.
The Gunners are joint-second with Chelsea on the Premier League table, nine points behind high-flying Liverpool who defeated champions Machester City 2-0 on Sunday.