Jarrod Bowen has criticised a lack of consistency in Premier League officiating after West Ham United's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, a result that leaves the Hammers in the relegation zone with two games remaining.
The decisive moment came seven minutes from time when Leandro Trossard's shot deflected off Tomas Soucek for the only goal. West Ham thought they had equalised in the fifth minute of stoppage time through Callum Wilson, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review ruled that Pablo fouled Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya in the build-up.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Bowen said: 'We had our big moment then, we thought we'd got back into the game, [but you] look at something for five minutes, [you're] trying to find something. Goalkeepers are protected more than outfield players, there's lots of holding and grappling that goes on in the box. Are you going to look at those every single time and give a penalty?'
The West Ham captain added: 'I'm just saying as a consistency level - VAR is here to stay, we know that - but I just think the decisions... people are going to think I sound bitter but I'm just being honest. If you look at something for long enough you'll find something to give and I think that's what happened in the end.'
Bowen also referenced a similar incident in the previous week's match against Brentford, where Soucek was dragged down in the box but no penalty was awarded. He told BBC Sport: 'Where's the consistency? As a fan you don't want to celebrate a goal and then wait eight minutes and it's taken off you.'
