Edson Alvarez

Álvarez: We can build on the Aston Villa performance

Edson Álvarez insists West Ham United can build on the positives from Sunday's dramatic 1-1 Premier League draw with Aston Villa.

The Hammers had three ‘goals’ disallowed against the Villans at London Stadium, including what would have been a dramatic stoppage-time winner, as Michail Antonio’s first Premier League goal since August was cancelled out by Nicolò Zaniolo with eleven minutes to play.

Mohammed Kudus’ volley was disallowed for a foul, while West Ham had a second ‘goal’ ruled out within four minutes of the restart. Jarrod Bowen’s teasing cross caused problems and the ball went in off Antonio, only for Video Assistant Referee [VAR] Tony Harrington to cancel it out for handball.

In the end we were happy because we played a great game against a strong team, and we have to take the positives
Edson Álvarez

David Moyes’ side were then denied a last-gasp winner as Tomáš Souček was adjudged to have handled the ball over the line following a five-minute VAR check.

“I think it's normal [to be frustrated],“ said Álvarez. “I like to win. I am very competitive, obviously there is disappointment about the result. We knew that we could get the three points in the end, but the decisions are not in our hands and we have to move on.

“Everyone draws their own conclusions [on their own performances] and I am very calm with my performance. I know that I am doing the best I can, I know that I can still give more and obviously the yellow [card] I picked up is something I have to learn, it is something that I have to improve on.”

Edson Álvarez

Following the Villa game, Álvarez quickly jetted off for an important bout of international action with Mexico.

The 26-year-old is set to compete in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals against Panama in the early hours of Friday, before a second appearance against Jamaica or the USA in either the final or the third-place play-off.

Álvarez added: “I feel a lot of pride and a lot of commitment too [playing for Mexico].

“I’m also happy to see my teammates, my Mexican friends. Let's go change the jersey now, we will put the national team one on and do our best to win.”

 

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