To VAR or not to VAR?
Well I’ll tell you one thing irrespective of punditry opinions and players alike, I am still a fan of VAR and I am loving every minute and every moment of it (call me weird, it’s my prerogative). Saturday’s game at the Etihad between Tottenham and Manchester City was arguably the game of the weekend. It had it all, goals attacking prowess great saves, solid defending, near misses oh and VAR.
City went into the game full of confidence and aiming to add another 3 points on the board. And to be fair the team absolutely played brilliantly. I’m not sure if you’ve ever watched them play but it really is poetry in motion. The first half was solely dominated by the home side as Sterling struck with a beautiful header in the 20th minute. However Lamela equalised for Spurs after coolly slotting the ball home from range in the 23rd minute (you could hear the away supporters chanting away).
Kevin De Bruyne ran the midfield comfortably as he literally tormented the Tottenham back line. De Bruyne was in no mood for messing around. Having set Sterling up for the first goal, the Belgium international drove a pass low and had into the box which was dispatched by Aguero to put the home side 2-1 up on the 35th minute. City continued to dominate but the Spur defenders did their best to keep the scores at a goal deficit going into the second half.
Yes De Bruyne was the stand out player on saturday, however, Tottenham’s new boy NDombele wasn’t too far behind as he impressed again in midfield. He was able to drive his team forward and was the impetus they needed. Moura was brought on and he immediately scored a header in the 56th minute to level the game 2-2 which delighted Pochettino.
There is a great debate in certain footballing circles that suggest that Moura should be an automatic starter in the Tottenham team (I like Moura as a player but currently I don’t think he’s consistent enough to warrant a starting spot in the team….I see him more as an impact player). I have every faith that the Tottenham manager will make the right decisions pertaining the the starting eleven.
City pressed for a winner (albeit either team could have snatched it) and thought they had done it when Jesus smashed the ball in the back of the net. Anyone remember the Champions league quarter final game last see….hahahah! Well DEJA VU all over again. City in jubilation mode, players and supporters alike jumping up and down as they believed to have scored a later winner only for the ref to disallow the goal.
City defender Laporte was adjudged to have hand balled the ball accidentally but the rules states if it leads to a goal then the goal must be disallowed. City players especially Jesus were fuming and to quote Jesus, “VAR is S**t” (I’m sure you can fill in the blanks and I certainly don’t agree).
In the other matches, Manchester United missed the opportunity to make two wins in two after being held to a 1-1 draw against Wolves. Pogba missed a penalty that would certainly have given United all 3 points. However the Wolves keeper guessed right and made a solid save (YEP!! Gary Neville ripped into Pogba as per usual!!!!).
Norwich beat Newcastle 3-1 after Pukki grabbed a Hat trick. I haven’t done a prediction for the drop but if Newcastle don’t get their act together sharpish I can see them getting relegated this season. Liverpool beat Southampton away 2-1 with Firmino and Mane grabbing, Ings scored the Southampton goal against his former club.
There were also wins for Bournemouth, Arsenal, Everton and Sheffield United respectively. After 2 games Liverpool sit at the summit with Arsenal sat in the number 2 spot. Both teams have 100% record and will have the opportunity to extend their early season run this coming weekend.
Final word belongs to VAR!!!!
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