Champions League, Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Manchester City: 5 Talking Points

#4 VAR strikes again, Hugo Lloris strikes back

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final: First Leg

In a certainly controversial fashion, VAR did stick its leg out in the game, and early. A corner was awarded for Manchester City after a shot was deflected off Danny Rose and went out of play. Then the next thing we saw was the referee in deep conversation with the VAR and then running off to the screen. Astonishingly, Manchester City players hadn't even appealed for the penalty and were ready to take the corner.

To the pain of the 70,000 present in the stadium, the referee pointed to the spot and also brandished a yellow card for Danny Rose.

It didn't seem like he had any choice though. When you look at it, it felt like the arm was the only part away from the body and in way of the ball. But in Rose's defense, what choice does he have going down to block a shot? It was purely human reflex.

However, the seemingly non-existent penalty was accepted smilingly by City as Sergio Aguero stepped up. Maybe due to the feeling of injustice, Hugo Lloris dived to his left-hand side and got two strong palms to the ball.

That is now a penalty saved from Aubameyang, Aguero, and Jamie Vardy this year. Lloris came in the clutch yet again, which explains him being the No. 1 for Tottenham despite his mistakes.

Shifting our attention to VAR, there is one thing for sure that needs to be said. VAR was introduced with the purpose of ending debates about decisions.

It has not been ending debates by any means rather it is adding fuel to the fire in the debates. Football will always have its share of controversies, and it is better that way.