Controversial strike helps West Ham push Fulham closer to trapdoor
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Fulham fell deeper into relegation trouble with a 3-1 Premier League defeat by West Ham United at London Stadium on Friday.
Claudio Ranieri's 19th-placed side made the ideal start, grabbing the lead in the third minute with former Liverpool forward Ryan Babel scoring from close range after he had earlier missed a golden chance.
There was controversy about West Ham's equalizer when Mexican striker Javier Hernandez stooped to head in from close range but replays suggested the ball went in off his arm.
Issa Diop's first Premier League goal, with a header five minutes before the break, put West Ham in charge and while Fulham produced some decent football after the break, they rarely threatened.
West Ham United's Issa Diop (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring their second goal. /VCG Photo

West Ham United's Issa Diop (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring their second goal. /VCG Photo

But it was not until stoppage time that the Hammers made sure of the win as Michail Antonio powerfully headed home a cross from Arnautovic.
Not surprisingly, Ranieri was upset about West Ham's equalizer.
"We created very good chances and it was a pity that the referee didn't see the handball. VAR is very important for next season," said the Italian.
West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini admitted that Hernandez's goal should have been ruled out.
"From my position I couldn't see the handball, I have seen it since and it is handball. Nobody saw it very clearly at the time, there were not too many complaints. I don't think that the goal decided the game," he said.
Watford's Gerard Deulofeu celebrates after scoring his team's third goal with his teammates during the match. /VCG Photo

Watford's Gerard Deulofeu celebrates after scoring his team's third goal with his teammates during the match. /VCG Photo

Spaniard Gerard Deulofeu bagged a hat-trick as Watford hammered lowly Cardiff City 5-1 on Friday to move up to seventh place in the Premier League.
Deulofeu put Javi Gracia's side ahead in the 18th minute with a well-placed finish after a mistake from Cardiff defender Bruno Manga.
Cardiff should have had a penalty when Daryl Janmaat's rash challenge brought down Josh Murphy but Watford ran away with the game after the break.
Deulofeu made it 2-0 with a clinical finish, rounding Cardiff keeper Neil Etheridge after a swift break in the 61st minute.
The former Barcelona and Everton winger completed his hat-trick after more poor defending from Neil Warnock's side – Harry Arta gave the ball away in midfield and Deulofeu's calm finish gave him Watford's first top-flight hat-trick since Mark Falco in 1986.
"It was a very good performance," said Watford boss Gracia.
"To win here is not easy. To win like we did today was outstanding. I am very proud of all my players," added the Spanish manager.
"We found the spaces and scored different goals – in counter-attack and in possession games," he added.
Source(s): Reuters