Premier League Match Centre issue statement as controversy strikes Man City vs Spurs

VAR intervened to give a Brennan Johnson goal in Tottenham's match against Manchester City on Saturday afternoon after it had initially been ruled out for offside.

Johnson struck in the 35th minute with a cool finish after neat work and a low cross from Richarlison. But the Brazilian was flagged offside after his team-mate had beaten James Trafford.

However, semi-automated offside technology is now in use and the decision was overturned following a prompt VAR check, much to the delight of the travelling Tottenham fans.

The decision was confirmed by the Premier League Match Centre account on X, which explained: "VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for Tottenham Hotspur - and established that Richarlison was in an onside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal was awarded."

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Things got even better for Tottenham just minutes later when Joao Palhinha notched his first goal for the club to double their lead on the stroke of half-time.

Spurs and City were both victorious in their opening games last weekend, with Thomas Frank's side beating Burnley 3-0 and City thrashing Wolves 4-0.

Tottenham have enjoyed a fine record against City in recent seasons and even beat the former Premier League champions 4-0 in the corresponding fixture last term.

Another victory over City would be the perfect response to another setback in the transfer market for Spurs, who were pipped to the signing of Ebere Eze this week. The Crystal Palace playmaker had been in talks over joining Spurs with James Maddison sidelined with an ACL injury. But Eze is poised to join Arsenal after they swooped in with a late offer for the England star.

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