City, Spurs have more VAR run-ins

LONDON (AP):

With the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in its third weekend in the English Premier League (EPL), Manchester City and Tottenham now know just how high the threshold is for penalty calls to be overturned by video reviews.

City were denied a penalty even when Bournemouth midfielder Jefferson Lerma stood on David Silva’s foot. The champions were leading at the time and Sergio Aguero went on to score his second goal in a 3-1 win.

But Tottenham had no such good fortune against Newcastle later on yesterday. Trailing to Joelinton’s goal, Tottenham thought they had a late chance to grab an equaliser when Harry Kane tumbled after being impeded in the penalty area by Jamaal Lascelles.

But referee Mike Dean had already let play continue without awarding a spot kick. And when the VAR review finally took place, the original decision was not overruled – indicating a lack of clear evidence the original decision was wrong – and Newcastle won 1-0.

Tottenham lost their first match of the season a week after VAR did help the London club gain a point at the Etihad Stadium when a City handball was spotted in the run-up to what looked like being Gabriel Jesus’ winner.

Great challenge

City manager Pep Guardiola is exasperated by how VAR is being applied.

“It was clear hands last game, clear hands. A penalty today? No, please,” Guardiola said sarcastically. “The challenge this season will be amazing for us after winning back-to-back two titles, the challenge will be great.”

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino wasn’t going to blame the application of the new technology.

“I trust in the VAR,” Pochettino said. “I am happy to have VAR and more than happy that they check. But if it’s not a penalty you keep going.”

There was one penalty awarded yesterday, enabling Wolverhampton to grab a stoppage time equaliser against Burnley.

Unlike in the City and Tottenham games, referee Craig Pawson had already pointed to the spot when Raúl Jiménez was fouled by Erik Pieters. Jiménez netted from the spot to cancel out Ashley Barnes’ strike and seal a 1-1 draw for Wolves.

Yesterday’s EPL Results:

B’mouth 1-3 Man City

Spurs 0-1 N’castle

Wolves 1-1 Burnley