The North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham was not short of drama, as a controversial VAR decision stole the headlines. Micky van de Ven thought he had equalised for Spurs, only for the goal to be disallowed after a lengthy review.
The Moment That Changed the Game
In the 20th minute, Tottenham's Micky van de Ven slotted the ball past Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, sending the away fans into raptures. However, their joy was short-lived as VAR intervened, ruling that Brennan Johnson was offside in the build-up.
VAR Under the Microscope
Replays showed Johnson's position was marginal, sparking heated debates among pundits and fans alike. While some argued the decision was technically correct, others questioned whether such tight calls go against the spirit of the game.
Post-Match Reactions
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou expressed frustration, stating: "These decisions are changing games, and we need more consistency." Arsenal's Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, defended the process: "VAR is here to make the right calls, even if they're unpopular."
The incident has reignited discussions about VAR's role in football, with many calling for clearer guidelines on offside decisions that involve such fine margins.
