Rodri Slams VAR After Man City Held to Draw at Spurs

Manchester City VAR frustrations took center stage as midfielder Rodri unleashed a stinging criticism following his side’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur. The Spanish international echoed the frustrations of manager Pep Guardiola, directing his anger at Premier League officials and the use of VAR after a contentious goal allowed Spurs to snatch a dramatic point.

Manchester City VAR Frustrations Boil Over at Tottenham

Manchester City’s VAR frustrations began early in their encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. City, seemingly en route to a comfortable victory, soared into a two-goal lead through Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo. Their first-half dominance saw Tottenham booed off by their own fans at halftime, and Guardiola’s side appeared poised to close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal.

However, the narrative shifted after the break. Under-pressure Spurs boss Thomas Frank inspired a spirited response, with Dominic Solanke leading the comeback. Solanke’s first goal, a scrappy effort that deflected off Marc Guehi, was immediately followed by a spectacular scorpion kick equalizer, igniting the home crowd and rescuing a point for Tottenham.

Controversial VAR Decisions Leave City Fuming

The game’s pivotal moment, and the root of Manchester City VAR frustrations, arrived with Solanke’s controversial first goal. City players protested vehemently, believing Solanke had fouled Guehi in the buildup. Yet VAR sided with the on-field decision, allowing the goal to stand. This instance marked another entry in a growing list of disputed VAR calls against City in recent weeks, following similarly contentious moments against Newcastle, Manchester United, and Wolves.

Rodri, speaking post-match to Stan Sport, did not hold back: “I know we win a lot and people don’t want us to win, but the referee must be neutral. It’s not fair. We work so hard for these moments, and decisions like this cost us. It was a clear foul—he kicked the leg, and the ball goes in because of it. These little things decide games.”

Guardiola, equally frustrated, remarked: “Once again, we see it. Marc has the ball, he’s kicked from behind, and it’s a goal. If this happens to a striker, it’s a penalty. Fascinating in the Premier League.”

The Impact on City’s Title Hopes

This latest setback leaves Manchester City six points adrift of Arsenal in the Premier League title race, with City’s VAR frustrations threatening to undermine their campaign. Both Rodri and Guardiola noted the cumulative effect of these decisions, with Rodri adding, “It’s not just today—it’s two or three games in a row. I respect referees, but they have to pay more attention to these things.”

City’s Fixture List Intensifies

Despite their VAR frustrations, Manchester City remain in contention on multiple fronts. The Blues are set for another crucial week, starting with the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium. That will be swiftly followed by a high-stakes trip to Anfield to face rivals Liverpool in the Premier League.

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VAR and the Spirit of Competition

The debate surrounding VAR continues to divide opinion in English football. While the technology is designed to eliminate error, its implementation remains inconsistent, often leaving players, managers, and fans alike bewildered and frustrated. The frequency with which Manchester City have found themselves on the wrong end of key decisions this season raises questions about both the clarity and consistency of officiating.

Opinion: Time for VAR Reform in the Premier League?

In my view, Rodri’s outburst sums up a growing sentiment among players and supporters who feel that VAR, rather than clarifying the game, has introduced new layers of controversy. While no system is perfect, there must be greater transparency and accountability in decision-making, especially in matches with so much at stake. Manchester City’s VAR frustrations are more than just sour grapes—they highlight systemic issues that the Premier League must address to safeguard the integrity of the competition.