Guus Hiddink insists Chelsea got benefit of doubt from referee in West Ham draw

Guus Hiddink said Chelsea were rightly given the benefit of the doubt with a late penalty award in the 2-2 draw against West Ham.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek went down after a challenge by Michail Antonio with West Ham winning 2-1 in the final minute, but the replays showed the contact was just outside the penalty area.

Hiddink admits it was a difficult decision for referee Robert Madley to make without looking at a replay, but says it seemed like a penalty from where he was on the bench.

"I think the real fair judgement can be done when you have a camera very straight on the line, because from my side the blue shirt was tripped on the line, and on the line means in the box, so it's a very different view," Hiddink told Sky Sports.

"In the end I think he was through, and about to score, which was prevented. Even if he was out I think you give him the benefit of the doubt, to the attacking team in this case."

Chelsea 2-2 West Ham

A controversial late Cesc Fabregas penalty earned Chelsea a 2-2 draw against West Ham

Hiddink's Chelsea are still unbeaten in the Premier League since he took charge of his first game on Boxing Day, but have drawn eight of their 13 league games in that period.

The 69-year-old admits that while the team have responded well since Jose Mourinho's sacking, he would have liked more wins.

"Everyone knows how Chelsea were doing this season, they were in a difficult time until December, and we reacted very well in the six weeks from December to now," Hiddink added.

"It's difficult to get into the Champions League positions, but the team have to have and show the desire to make a good season.

"I always like to be a little bit critical on our own. We are unbeaten and it is okay, but I think for Chelsea's standard it is too many draws. 

"I would have liked more victories than draws, but even so we reacted after December."

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