Nuno laments West Ham wasted chances as Bowen penalty miss costs top spot

West Ham drop points at London Stadium

West Ham missed the chance to leapfrog Swansea City to the top of the Championship after being held to a 1-1 draw by QPR on Friday night at London Stadium.

Controversial penalty gives QPR lead

A slow start was punished in the 18th minute when QPR were awarded a controversial penalty. Tomas Soucek, making his first appearance of the season after recovering from an ankle injury sustained at the World Cup, gave the ball away and recovered possession just outside the box, but the referee pointed to the spot.

Nicolas Madsen coolly guided his penalty into the bottom-right corner, sending Mads Hermansen the wrong way.

Bowen equalises but late spot-kick denied

West Ham found an equaliser in the 70th minute through Jarrod Bowen, who scored on the rebound after his initial shot was blocked.

Bowen had the chance to snatch all three points at the death after Amadou Mbengue tugged back Pablo. The spot-kick was saved by QPR goalkeeper Charles, who pushed Bowen’s effort away before hopping up to tip Arne Engels’ follow-up header against the post.

Nuno rues missed chances and referee decision

Nuno Espirito Santo rued West Ham’s missed chances after the late penalty save denied them the chance to go top of the Championship.

"We started well, but the first half was not good; the second half was better. We had chances to win the game. We expect much more; we have the quality to do much better."

"QPR are a good side, well-organised, good players, but everyone who saw the game will think there was one team who deserved to win the game. Two points got away; let’s try to perform better and get a better result," Nuno told Sky Sports.

On Bowen’s penalty miss, he added: "Credit to the keeper; it was two incredible saves."

Soucek was seen with a look of disbelief after the QPR penalty was awarded. In his post-match interview he revealed the referee admitted he had made the wrong decision.

"It’s tough to take; I am disappointed. I was so happy I won the challenge; from my perspective, it’s a massive mistake. I saw it [afterwards] inside, and it’s even worse than I thought, but I can’t change that. I asked to speak to [the referee], but he wouldn’t speak – after the game, he told me he was wrong."

QPR hold firm

Charles impressed for QPR, making four saves and having the second-most touches with 55, helping the team earn a point that moved them up to fifth in the table.

"It’s just a blur. I work on it every day, and it paid off at the end of the day, and I’m just happy to get the point. I’m on a bit of a roll at the minute, but it can change at any point, so I have to stay focused."

West Ham would have leapfrogged Swansea City with a win but will now be looking over their shoulders during the rest of the weekend’s action.