Tottenham handed VAR for Man City who left Ange Postecoglou ‘really angry’ last season
Tottenham could already be on the back foot for one of their biggest games of the season thus far.
Thomas Frank has had a strong start to life at Tottenham. The defeat against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup final was a steep learning curve and one that Frank put straight to work during Spurs’ comfortable win against Burnley.
Two spectacular doubles from Tottenham’s Richarlison and an enthusiastic team performance saw the Lilywhites gain all three points.
As a result, Spurs would have been going into the game cautiously optimistic. But one quick look at the VAR for the confrontation and an already difficult match could become an impossible one.
Andy Madley named on VAR against Man City
Andy Madley has been named as VAR when Spurs take on Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday, 23 August.
He is a name who made headlines for the Lilywhites for all the wrong reasons last season. Ange Postecoglou was furious after Tottenham’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United at home last January.
The former Spurs boss claimed he was angrier than he’d ever been after an equaliser scored by Antony Gordon struck Joelinton on the hand after blocking a pass.
Referee Madley did not see this as an offence, and it was not overruled by the VAR Chris Kavanagh. This was because Joelinton’s hand was deemed to have been in a natural position, and the contact was ruled as accidental.
In quotes provided by the Daily Mail on 5 January, Postecoglou said: “I can’t be prouder of the players,” he said. “I thought they were outstanding.
“I’m just really, really angry, angriest I think I have ever been in my career that they were denied the right rewards for a fantastic performance.
“If that was a different day and it was an even and fair playing ground we would have won that game.”
The incident, which sparked a huge debate online, will still be fresh in Spurs fans’ memories heading into the game. With everything to gain this weekend, Frank will not be hoping for a repeat of last season.
What is Frank’s recent record against Man City?
Tottenham have a pretty decent record against Man City these past couple of seasons.
Under Postecoglou, the Lilywhites produced two wins, one draw and three defeats against Pep Guardiola’s side. This is impressive for a team that was considered the best in the world for most of that period.
Frank, on the other hand, has a tamer record against the UEFA Champions League-winning side. In eight games, Brentford posted two wins, one draw and five defeats.
| Club | W | D | L |
| Tottenham | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| Brentford | 2 | 1 | 5 |
While this does not inspire confidence going into the confrontation, the Dane has a more competitive squad at his disposal.
With the likes of Mohammed Kudus and potentially Eberechi Eze in Spurs’ starting lineup, Frank can achieve the impossible on Saturday.
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