David Moyes was not happy with what he witnessed at Bayer Leverkusen but has leapt to the defence of West Ham star Lucas Paqueta.
West Ham defended manfully for the most part on a tough night in Germany.
But two poor late goals and a brutal double suspension blow have given the Hammers a mountain to climb.
David Moyes elected to go ultra defensive at the BayArena against Germany’s invincibles.
It was predictable but somewhat understandable without Jarrod Bowen or Edson Alvarez – two fundamental players who make West Ham tick.
Perhaps just as crushing as the late 2-0 scoreline is the fact Lucas Paqueta and Emerson Palmieri will miss next week’s second leg at the London Stadium.
Paqueta and Moyes criticised by some despite valiant effort
Bayer Leverkusen’s players – and fans – hounded the officials almost every time the Hammers laid a glove on their players.
And they swarmed Paqueta and Portuguese referee Artur Dias after the fouls which saw him and Emerson booked.
It was clearly part of a premeditated gameplan from the hosts with both those players walking a suspension tightrope.
Commentators and pundits such as Joe Cole felt Paqueta was actually lucky to escape a red card for his wild kick out.
Many West Ham fans have criticised the playmaker for damaging his side’s hopes with his actions.
Moyes slams Bayer behaviour and defends Paqueta
Some supporters are also angry with the manager for going too defensive against a team who have conceded just one goal to a counter attack all season long.
But Moyes has slammed Bayer Leverkusen’s behaviour and the officials but defended hard done by West Ham star Paqueta.
Speaking to the club’s official website after the defeat, the Scot was angry with the conduct of the Bayer bench and standard of the officiating.
“We recognise the quality we’re playing against, but we’re just disappointed with another night of decisions not going particularly for us again…” Moyes said.
‘You’re not allowed to do that’ fumes Moyes
“I thought they yellow cards for Lucas Paqueta and Emerson were harsh.
“I think if our bench all ran and surrounded (the officials) the way they did (we’d have been in trouble).
“The whole bench came off and you’re not allowed to do that… I thought it was a really poor action from their bench.”
West Ham will have to hope Bowen is somehow fit enough to play next week and they get a better referee.
The odds are firmly stacked against Moyes’ side without Paqueta and Emerson.
If Bowen isn’t fit many will feel the tie is dead and buried.