Pellegrini reflects on Chicharito’s controversial handball equaliser

Manuel Pellegrini has praised his side following their 3-1 comeback victory over London rivals Fulham. 

The West Ham boss also had his say on a controversial handball which led to the Hammers’ equaliser. Javier Hernandez appeared to strike the ball with his hand as he levelled the game on the half hour mark.

Pellegrini said: “From my position I couldn’t see the handball, I have seen it since and it is handball. Nobody saw it very clearly at the time, there was not too many complaints. I don’t think that the goal decided the game.”

Generally, the West Ham manager was pleased with his team’s performance but clearly frustrated about the opening ten minutes.

He said: “We started the game asleep, the first 10 minutes was unbelievable. After that we played a very good game. We scored three goals and had three or four clear chances. It was a complete game – apart from the first 10 minutes. You never know the reason, maybe we were distracted. The important thing is we changed our attitude.”

The 65-year-old also admitted that the last few weeks have not been easy due to injuries. He added: “I never complained when we didn’t have results because I don’t like excuses but it is very difficult when you have eight or nine injuries but now you can see that we have players coming back.”