Moyes bemoans Yak decision

Everton boss unhappy with offside verdict

By Rob Parrish   Last updated: 22nd March 2008

David Moyes

Moyes: Unimpressed

Related links

Teams

Also see

David Moyes was left frustrated by the decision to rule out an effort from Yakubu Aiyegbeni in the 1-1 draw with West Ham.

Everton's UEFA Champions League hopes were dented as they missed the chance to move level on points with Merseyside rivals Liverpool in fourth place.

Yakubu had already fired the Toffees into an early lead when he looked to have made it 2-0 with a cool side-footed finish beyond Robert Green.

But his celebrations were cut short by the assistant referee's flag, only for replays to show that the striker was level with the defence and Hammers midfielder Scott Parker got the final touch on the ball as it went through.

Dean Ashton went on to equalise after the break with a superb header, with teenage substitute Freddie Sears hitting the post in the dying seconds.

Should have counted

Moyes said: "We would have been 2-0 ahead if that one had been allowed. It was not offside, that is clear, but it just wasn't to be.

"It was a goal and should have counted. That would have made things slightly different.

"But in many ways this could be a point gained. The results have gone with us with the teams fighting for fifth spot losing.

"Yes, they could have won it when the youngster came on. But that's what happens when you don't take your own chances.

"But West Ham are playing with a lot less pressure than we are at the moment, and that showed in the end with the way they came forward."