Alex Song foul costed West Ham win

Sam Allardyce is the definition of a no nonsense manager. The West Ham boss was infuriated by Harry Kane appearing to fall to the floor easily under the challenge of Alex Song, and the fact that West Ham had failed to hold on to a lead for the second time in their last three league outings won’t have helped his bad mood following the final whistle.

However, Alex Song is not a youngster learning his trade, nor is he a Premier League newbie that is yet develop an experience of playing in England.

He should know that if he puts his hands anywhere near a player in the box – especially to a side trailing by a goal deep into injury time – that player is going to do their best to win a penalty.

Is it right? No, far from it. But even Allardyce knew that his side need to play the referee as well as the game if they are to win tight affairs such as these matches.