VAR comes into more controversy over the weekend leaving fans and pundits debating the use of the new system!
VAR was introduced to the Premier League at the start of the season. This followed many trial matches including being used at the World Cup and the Women’s World Cup.
However, since it was brought into English football it has caused much controversy. This weekend was no different in Spurs vs Watford and Man United vs Liverpool.
Spurs vs Watford
Spurs played on Saturday and were in much need of a win. They had won just three in their last 11 games leading up to this one. After a successful season last year Spurs were hoping to push on this year and add a trophy to their cabinet. However, this didn’t go well again on Saturday.
Watford took an early lead through Doucoure and the hosts were up against it again. The visitors nearly doubled their lead but VAR came in to save Spurs. Vertonghen appeared to foul Deulofeu in the box but VAR didn’t award the penalty. On a second viewing it looked like the Spurs defender took him out but the decision wasn’t overturned.
Spurs managed to claw back a late equaliser but again VAR got involved. Alli beat Foster to the ball and took the ball round the keeper and scored. VAR though appeared to show that Alli had hand balled it. This was clear to see in the ground and at first it said no goal on the screens. Then the referee awarded the goal and many were confused to what VAR actually was there for in the game!
The game finished 1-1 and Pochetinnos side now sit seventh in the Premier League, five points off the top four. They are 11/8 on Betfred to get in the top four and they have more than a capable enough squad to get there.
Man United vs Liverpool
The most hyped up game of the season so far was between the two rivals in the North West. Going into this Liverpool were the outright favourites with United in free fall.
United started the game the better side and made this count when Rashford gave them the lead in the first half. Daniel James playing in a brilliant ball for Rashford to slot home and give his side the lead. The goal though was checked on VAR due to a foul on Origi in the build. VAR did seem to show that he had been fouled but due to it not being a clear and obvious foul, it wasn’t overturned. This infuriated Liverpool fans and Klopp. The issue with this is what is deemed clear and obvious to one VAR may not be to another.
Liverpool then scored an equaliser just before half time through Mane, but once again VAR got involved. The replay shown that Mane had hand balled the ball as he brought it down which meant it had to be disallowed. But as pointed out my many fans, you could also see that Lindelof has his arms all over the Senegalese forward. VAR didn’t award anything to Liverpool and the afternoon finished 1-1 when Lallana got a late equaliser.
The result kept Liverpool top by six points and United are now in 13th with top four looking a long way away. Betfred now have United priced at a generous 4/1 to get top four this season. If they can play like they did yesterday then this could well happen!
