Exclusive: ‘Haaland goal should’ve stood’ as new Tottenham v Man City footage emerges
Erling Haaland’s late goal should have stood for Manchester City in the 1-0 win over Tottenham.
Haaland thought he had put City 2-0 up in added time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, only for the officials to rule it out.
The Man City striker was adjudged to have handled the ball before firing home, with referee Jarred Gillett’s on-field decision standing after a VAR check.
Haaland still proved to be the matchwinner as his first-half goal earned Man City three points away at Tottenham.
Keith Hackett reacts to contentious Haaland footage v Tottenham
Mike Dean thought Haaland’s goal was going to stand when speaking live on Sky Sports, but that did not prove the case.
And speaking exclusively to Tottenham News after reviewing various angles of the incident in question, former FIFA referee Keith Hackett agreed.
“Given the position of the referee and the position of both players, I am surprised that the referee was able to judge accurately that Haaland had handled,” he said.
“It is certainly unclear from the video that the City forward did actually handle the ball or it had struck the player’s arm.
“I would have much preferred the VAR to request the referee to take a look at the monitor to review his decision. With such inconclusive evidence, I would have preferred for this goal to be allowed.”
Tottenham fall to defeat against Man City
Haaland’s late goal may have been ruled out, but his first-half effort stood and that proved the difference between the teams.
Ange Postecoglou’s men had been on an improved run of form – in the Premier League, at least – most recently thrashing Ipswich Town 4-1 last weekend to make it three wins in a row.
However, that run came to an end on home soil as a rather poor Man City side – by their standards, at least – did enough to pick up the win.
Haaland’s goal being ruled out may have been contentious, but ultimately it mattered little in the grand scheme of things.
Tottenham now have a rare chance to rest up before facing AZ in their Europa League last-16 first leg on 6 March.