Aston Villa v West Ham controversy: Referee Tim Robinson applauded at Villa Park
Lee Dixon applauded referee Tim Robinson after Aston Villa called for a penalty to be given against West Ham on Friday.
Edson Alvarez blocked a cross from Youri Tielemans with a sliding challenge, with many suggesting he had used his hand in the process, but replays showed that a corner was the right decision.
Without VAR in the FA Cup clash on 10 January, the match officials did not have the ability to re-watch the moment, leading to Robinson being praised for sticking to his original decision in the 2-1 victory.
Speaking live via ITV1 [10 January, 9:25pm], Dixon said: “He [Edson Alvarez] looks a bit guilty getting back up there. He jumps straight up and points – no. Well done, ref.”
Aston Villa knock West Ham out of FA Cup
For much of the game, it looked as though Unai Emery’s side were completely out of ideas and were set to hand Graham Potter his first victory as the Hammers head coach.
However, Onana benefited from another controversial moment as the midfielder scored from a corner, which should have been awarded as a goal kick instead.
Nevertheless, the Villans will be overjoyed to be in the next round of the FA Cup despite such a dreadful first-half performance, and that display can be put behind them.
Of course, the supporters will have enjoyed the edge-of-your-seat comeback win but Emery will be far from pleased with what he saw from his players at Villa Park.
With Villa competing in the Premier League, and Champions League, and now going through to the fourth round of the FA Cup, a lapse in energy and tempo is to be expected.
However, if Emery’s side want to pick up silverware this season, they cannot afford too many performances like that one. He’ll need his stars to step up, too.
In other Aston Villa news, the Villans are favourites to sign Alejandro Garnacho following shock exit news at Manchester United.
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