Manchester City's love-hate relationship with VAR reached new extremes during a goalless draw with Southampton at the Etihad Stadium. The Blues missed a chance to pressure the Premier League's leading pack, but the match was defined by dramatic video assistant referee interventions.
Kyle Walker was at the centre of the controversy after referee Jon Moss initially awarded a penalty and showed a red card for a challenge on Adam Armstrong. However, the VAR invited Moss to review the incident on the pitchside monitor, leading to both decisions being overturned. Replays showed Armstrong had tripped over the ball.
City thought they had snatched a late winner through Raheem Sterling, only for VAR to rule the goal offside, quashing celebrations. The result left City with a point from a tough encounter against a lively Southampton side.
Jack Grealish impressed on the left flank, causing constant problems for the Saints defence. Manager Pep Guardiola had warned the £100million signing would take time to settle, but the evidence suggested he is already up to speed. City dominated much of the game but lacked a cutting edge.
Injury problems mounted for City, with Aymeric Laporte, John Stones, Rodri and Aleks Zinchenko all absent. Nathan Ake started despite the death of his father three days earlier, while Fernandinho stepped in as holding midfielder, showing both his enduring class and signs of waning pace.
