Sutton drops ‘American football’ claim after what he saw in Arsenal v Tottenham
Chris Sutton has provided his thoughts on Arsenal being wrongly given a corner in their 2-1 win against Tottenham on Wednesday.
The Gunners came from behind to beat Spurs 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on 15 January, but the corner leading to Dominic Solanke’s own goal has become a major point of discussion as the referee wrongly awarded the hosts a corner instead of giving the visitors a goal-kick.
Reacting to the incident, Daily Mail’s Ian Ladyman questioned why VAR cannot intervene in such instances when there is a clear and obvious error, although Sutton refuted it.
“That’s a very good question and a good point, but where could that lead if you’re going to VAR at every eventuality?”, Sutton said on Daily Mail’s It’s All Kicking Off podcast (16 January).
Ladyman, though, argued that the referee does not even have to stop the game to check with VAR on such occasions.
“No, you’re not going to VAR, the referee doesn’t have to stop the game, someone just has to say it in his ear”, he said.
Sutton stood firm on his stance, stating that the game would become like “American football” if VAR got too involved.
The pundit replied: “I know what you mean. If the VAR got involved in every little detail, how long would the game be? A bit like American football.”
Tottenham cannot complain about VAR in loss v Arsenal
Even the most ardent Tottenham fan would agree that Spurs did not do enough to claim all three points from the Emirates.
It is worth noting that Son Heung-min’s opener came against the run of play and there are no excuses for conceding two goals in the space of four minutes, although the corner should not have been given.
The North London giants have fallen behind West Ham, who have had to change their manager this month due to poor results, in the table.
Ange Postecoglou’s side are placed 13th in the Premier League after 21 games and are closer to the relegation zone than they are to the top four.
Therefore, questions need to be asked of the Greek-Australian tactician.
Tottenham have an easier string of games coming up against Everton, Hoffenheim and Leicester and Postecoglou is under pressure to win all of them.
He will be in serious trouble should that not be the case.
In other Tottenham news, Daniel Levy has been blasted after Spurs’ Postecoglou sack decision.
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