Bilic reels over late penalty as Chelsea share the spoils
CESC FABREGAS scored a controversial late penalty as Chelsea drew 2-2 against West Ham at Stamford Bridge.
Of the penalty, away boss Slaven Bilic said: ‘To concede that late is gutting, but to concede it from a penalty that is not a penalty is unacceptable.
‘It was not close to the line. We are gutted and we are not getting these decisions.’
The Hammers went in front on 17 minutes through a fine Manuel Lanzini effort before Fabregas scored his first of the afternoon with a free-kick up over the wall and past Adrian on the stroke of half-time.
Substitute Andy Carroll restored West Ham’s lead shortly after coming on when his shot found its way past Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois in the 61st minute.
Just when it seemed the away team were set to move into the top four above Manchester City — who host rivals United today — referee Robert Madley pointed to the spot when Ruben Loftus-Cheek looked to have tripped over himself on 89 minutes.
Fabregas fired past Adrian from the spot to earn a draw.
Arsenal closed to within three points of Tottenham, who host Bournemouth today, following a 2-0 win at Everton.
Danny Welbeck put the Gunners ahead on seven minutes before Alex Iwobi made it 2-0 three minutes before the break.
Robbie Brady’s fifthminute strike was enough for Norwich to move out of the relegation zone with a 1-0 victory at West Brom.
Stoke are seventh after they won 2-1 at Watford.
Goals from Jon Walters and Joselu either side of halftime wrapped up the points for the visitors before Troy Deeney’s late consolation.
Swansea pulled further clear of the relegation places following a 1-0 win over bottom club Aston Villa.