The derby match of the English Premier League between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspurs ended with a draw, 2-2. But the finish of the event was wild, with City’s goal being overturned after a VAR check.
It was the stoppage time when Gabriel Jesus hit the back of Hugo Lloris’ net, and the entire Etihad Stadium started to shake. It would be a goal for three points, and a win over the big rival, but the referee Michael Oliver received a message from the VAR room, a few minutes later to cancel it.
The reason for that was Aymeric Laport’s handballing in the box prior to Jesus’ goal. Then again, the situation was highly controversial, because there was no intention by the Spaniard to touch the ball or to change its direction. He did that while battling for the spot with one of Spurs’ defenders, and probably haven’t’ even seen the ball’s trajectory.
Pep Guardiola was a bit disturbed after the match because of it. The Spanish manager reminded everyone about some mistakes VAR had, and the calls which weren’t challenged, and because of that, he stated that VAR has to improve.
“So they have to fix it. VAR is here. The images are not clear, but if they think it’s hands … now we have to accept it. It wasn’t a penalty in the first half, which I found incredible. But we move forward,”
said Guardiola
The match at Etihad opened with City’s domination, as the hosts began to pressure the visitors from North London. One after another, we saw dangerous attacks from the Sky-Blues, and that eventually brought the reward. Raheem Sterling scored after 20 minutes of play, following Kevin De Bruyne’s assist.
But the joy of the Citizens lasted for a little bit over than three minutes, due to Erik Lamela’s equalizer. It was the first and the only shot on Ederson’s goal in the first 45 minutes, and it resulted in a goal.
City then again started to pressure, and some 10 minutes afterward, Aguero who followed the action perfectly beat Lloris for the second time in the game.
We haven’t seen much changes in the second part of the contest. City was attacking, Tottenham was waiting for the counter-attacks, and that was it. After one corner-kick, one of the shortest players on the field, Lucas Moura managed to outjump City’s defenders and to sent the ball into the net.
He spent virtually five seconds on the pitch, as he previously replaced Christian Eriksen.
The champions tried to reach the third goal, but they couldn’t do it. VAR was once again on the Spurs’ side.
Mauricio Pochettino admitted that they had the technology on their side once again.
“I am in love with VAR! Sometimes you get the benefits. Today and in the Champions League.”
His Tottenham will play against Newcastle United next Sunday in the closing game of Week 3. Man City travels to Bournemouth on the same day.
