Antonio Conte wants VAR used in ‘the right way’ after questioning major decision in Tottenham draw at West Ham

Antonio Conte was unhappy with the VAR call that led to Tottenham having a penalty overturned in the 1-1 Premier League draw at West Ham on Wednesday evening.

The Hammers hit back from a goal behind at London Stadium to hold Spurs, who maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign after coming away with another point in a difficult road game.

Conte’s Spurs have won three and drawn two of their five games so far and remain in third place.

The visitors thought they had a penalty when Peter Bankes pointed to the spot for an Aaron Cresswell handball. However, after a lengthy check by VAR and having watched the incident on the pitchside monitor, the referee overturned his initial call.

The visitors did break the deadlock in the first half through Thilo Kehrer’s own goal. The German diverted the ball into his own net from Harry Kane’s cross with Son Heung-min lurking.

The Hammers levelled in the second period though when a quick throw led to a lovely flicked pass from Antonio into the path of Tomas Soucek who volleyed home.

And speaking after the match, Conte told BT Sport: “I think that maybe we deserved a bit more than a draw but at the end they also had a chance to score and [we’d] lose the game.

“It is not easy to play against West Ham, a physical team and strong. They play long ball and you have to pay attention, we did well at set-pieces, moved the ball well and created opportunities to score.

“We can do much better because I always like to tell my players the details at the final result. Instead of winning, you have to speak about the draw.”

Conte bemoans VAR call

As for the decision to overturn Cresswell’s handball, Conte was not happy, adding: “Honestly, at the end of the first half, I spoke with the referee and told him ‘you have taken the right decision’.

“It is incredible that VAR looked again, called the referee, he can see it was the right decision and the call from VAR was strange. I can tell only that the referee has taken the right decision. Usually the VAR calls when the call is not right.

“In England they have to learn much more to use the VAR in the right way. You have to study very well and be more accurate. If there is VAR, you have to utilise it in the right way or accept the decision of the referee. If you have a TV then you have time to see. It is difficult not only for me but every coach.”

Not to be on a tough night but we stay unbeaten.

Thank you for your support tonight 👏 pic.twitter.com/shdMBApJBn

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 31, 2022

Despite dropping points at London rivals for a second time this season, Conte is still happy with his side’s start.

He added: “We started the season very well, we are unbeaten and we play five games and three away. In a difficult place like West Ham, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest, we are doing well and trying to improve.

“Now we have another game to prepare in two days against Fulham then we think about the Champions League.”

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