As EPL resists VAR, Man City wrongly concedes goal in draw

After failing to convince EPL rivals of the need for VAR, Manchester City contributes more evidence why it’s needed.

Willy Boly of Wolverhampton Wanderers celebrates after scoring a controversial goal against Manchester City. Photo: Getty Images

After failing to convince Premier League rivals of the need for VAR, Manchester City has contributed more evidence why the technology is needed. It came at the cost of dropping two points early in its title defence.

The champions fell behind at Wolverhampton overnight when Willy Boly used his arm to divert the ball into the net when attempting to meet Joao Moutinho’s cross with a header. That was clear from the replays but England is the only major European league that has yet to allow referees to defer to a video assistant referee for a second opinion.

With City at least recovering to draw 1-1 — through Aymeric Laporte’s header — City manager Pep Guardiola kept his cool. In public, at least. “I don’t work for the Premier League,” Guardiola replied when asked if VAR would have made a difference.

While City backed the introduction of VAR, it requires at least 14 of the 20 clubs to approve any changes in the league. And when it came to a vote in April, the majority of clubs determined that further improvements were required after advanced testing this season.

So a VAR at the league’s London control room is likely to have reviewed whether either Sergio Aguero or David Silva should have been awarded penalties for City at Wolves. But that information isn’t fed to the referee yet. “I’m not the referee, never will be,” Guardiola said.

Mohamed Salah celebrates his winner for Liverpool against Brighton and Hove Albion. Photo: AFP

Perfect Liverpool

Not just three wins, but also three clean sheets as Liverpool chases a first English title since 1990. Investment in the defence and a new goalkeeper is paying off for the 18-time champions.

It’s significant too that manager Juergen Klopp kept hold of last season’s league top scorer, Mohamed Salah. The Egypt forward curled a low shot inside the far post in the 23rd minute against Brighton to take his tally to 29 goals in as many home games. Goalkeeper Alisson made sure of a 1-0 victory when he kept out Pascal Gross’ header.

Arsenal manager Unai Emery gives his team instructions during the Premier League match against West Ham United at Emirates Stadium. Photo: Getty Images

Emery gets a win

For the first time in 22 years a manager other than Arsene Wenger has led Arsenal to victory. At his third attempt, Unai Emery has his first win after the Gunners beat West Ham 3-1.

Arsenal had to come from behind in the London derby. The hosts were cut through with ease on the left when Brazilian playmaker Felipe Anderson and Marko Arnautovic exchanged passes before the Austria striker struck from 20 meters (yards) to beat goalkeeper Petr Cech in the 25th minute.

The visitors’ lead lasted five minutes. Left back Nacho Monreal advanced into the West Ham penalty area and was left unmarked to meet Hector Bellerin’s cross and send the ball past former Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski. Arsenal relied on some good fortune to go in front in the 70th minute when West Ham failed to clear and Aaron Ramsey headed the ball back into the area. It fell to substitute Alexandre Lacazette, whose attempted cross ricocheted off Issa Diop’s chest for an own goal. Substitute Danny Welbeck made it 3-1 in stoppage time, turning and spinning before shooting home.

Richarlison of Everton is shown a red card by referee Lee Probert. Photo: Getty Images

South Coast thriller

Bournemouth scored twice in five second-half minutes to claim a 2-2 draw with Everton after both sides were reduced to 10 men.

Despite losing Richarlison for headbutting Adam Smith before halftime, Everton went in front after the break through goals from Theo Walcott and Michael Keane. Bournemouth couldn’t make the most of its man-advantage. Only after the hosts also had a player sent off — Smith — did they mount a fightback. Joshua King’s penalty and Nathan Ake’s tap-in secured the point.

Keane left the field on a stretcher following a collision with teammate Idrissa Gueye.

Leicester City's Harry Maguire celebrates scoring his side's second goal of the game during the English Premier League soccer match between Southampton and Leicester City at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton. Photo: AP

Maguire’s winner

From Samara to Southampton. Harry Maguire scored his first goal since England’s World Cup quarterfinal victory over Sweden to give Leicester a 2-1 win at Southampton.

The defender struck in stoppage time after Southampton had been reduced to 10 men. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was sent off for a second bookable offence after he dived in Leicester’s box in the 77th minute. Demarai Gray had already cancelled out Ryan Bertrand’s opener for Southampton.

Southampton’s wait for a first win of the season goes on. Huddersfield and Cardiff also remain winless after they drew 0-0.

Still ahead

There are three games tonight: Chelsea travels to Newcastle, Watford hosts Crystal Palace and Fulham takes on Burnley. Manchester United entertains Tottenham on Monday.

AP