Ex-West Ham and Arsenal striker Ian Wright has criticised officials for not even booking Vladimir Coufal for elbowing Wolves midfielder Jeanricner Bellegarde during the Hammers’ 3-0 win on Sunday.

It was an extremely late challenge from Coufal, but referee Chris Kavanagh only gave a freekick, and VAR opted to take no further action on the incident. Wright said that it was a very poor decision:

“This is pathetic. That’s the only way I can describe it. Gary O’Neil got booked in this game, this guy didn’t even get booked, Coufal.”

“He didn’t get booked for that. Look at his elbow, how is that not even a yellow? Come on man. It’s ridiculous, it’s ridiculous, that is ridiculous. It’s pointless saying anything and I don’t blame Gary O’Neil for not saying anything because oh gosh.”

West Ham got away with it

As Wright says, Wolves boss Gary O’Neil was right to be angry at the decision but referees are human and mistakes are made. Perhaps on another day, the Irons go down to ten men and it’s a much tougher contest for David Moyes’s side.

In reality, though, it turned out to be a pretty straightforward victory for the home side with two goals from Mohammed Kudus and one from Jarrod Bowen securing the three points.

A tough festive fixture schedule

Getting a win against Wolves was crucial for Moyes’ men heading into what could be a difficult Christmas period. After facing Liverpool at Anfield in the Carabao Cup midweek, they take on Manchester United and Arsenal in the space of a few days.

Following the trip to the Emirates, West Ham then host bogey side Brighton, who they have beaten only once in 11 years. However, that victory did come in their last encounter at the Amex back in August, so they will be looking to make it two victories on the bounce versus the Seagulls.