VAR right not to penalise Bernardo Silva’s smart tactics before John Stones’ winner
There seemed to be a lot of confusion as to why VAR got involved in John Stones’ late winner against Wolves for Manchester City but in the end it was the right call to award the goal.
Like many, my initial reaction was that VAR Stuart Attwell was wrong to recommend Chris Kavanagh for an on-field review as there was an assumption they were trying to actually chalk the goal off rather than reinstate it. However, a statement by the Premier League Match Centre explained: “Stones’ goal was disallowed on-field due to Bernardo Silva being in an offside position and in the goalkeeper’s line of vision.
“The VAR deemed Bernardo Silva wasn’t in the line of vision and had no impact on the goalkeeper and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned his original decision and a goal was awarded.”
The crazy City celebrations on the television meant viewers missed the moment Kavanagh ruled out the goal on the field after his assistant referee raised his flag.
"I understand why Wolves would feel aggrieved in this particular moment"
Micah Richards on if Man City's second should have stood 🗣 pic.twitter.com/8qtwFKHlUK— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 20, 2024
On this explanation, Attwell was right to give Kavanagh the opportunity to assess his opinion as I believe Silva used a degree of intelligence rather than skulduggery in the build up but the PGMOL need to achieve greater consistency around blocking offences in the penalty area.
The PGMOL are asking their officials if the blocking or holding offence has impacted on the offending player’s opponent. Did that action on Wolves keeper Jose Sa prior to the Manchester City corner kick prevent the goalkeeper from making a save?
I am not so sure that was even looked at by the referee when reviewing the pitchside monitor. When Stones headed the ball towards goal Silva had moved seconds earlier and the goalkeeper was now left with a clear line of sight and no visible interference resulting in referee Kavanagh overturning his original decision and awarding the goal.
However, Wolves did have a right to feel aggrieved when seconds earlier they were on the attack before Goncalo Guedes was fouled by Matheus Nunes but no free kick was awarded which saw the ball switching to Man City and the award of that corner kick that set the stage for Stones’ last-gasp header.
What happened?
Corner delivered, Sa barged by Silva
The 95th minute corner is delivered by Phil Foden, and Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa is nudged backwards and out of position by Bernardo Silva, with the City man clearly backing into him.
Silva moves away as Stones heads ball goalwards
Bernardo runs to his right and out of the way a split-second before John Stones connects with the ball and heads it over Sa to score.
Referee rules goal out after assistant says offside
After around 30 seconds of wild City celebrations, referee Chris Kavanagh rules out the goal following a conversation with his assistant referee, who says Bernardo was offside.
VAR recommends review
VAR Stuart Attwell recommends a review and, amid chaotic scenes, Kavanagh jogs to the touchline following protests by the City players.
Kavanagh decides no interference and re-awards goal
While Bernardo is clearly in an offside position, Kavanagh is asked to review whether he believes the City midfielder is affected play. He decides he is not as Sa retains a clear line of sight to the ball and Stones, and therefore awards the goal. The Premier League Match Centre subsequently confirmed: “Stones’ goal was disallowed on-field because of Bernardo Silva being in an offside position and in the goalkeeper’s line of vision. The VAR deemed Bernardo Silva wasn’t in the line of vision and had no impact on the goalkeeper and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned his original decision and a goal was awarded.”
What did the pundits say?
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards took the unusual view of claiming his former side had been on the end of a lucky call.
“He’s still in the keeper’s way so he has affected play,” Richards said of Bernardo’s movement. “It’s that nudge that sends him [Sa] off-balance, he’s not set, so I understand Wolves’ [disappointment] at this particular moment.”
Former England striker Daniel Sturridge agreed: “It used to be my role - Bernardo’s done it perfectly. I believe he has affected the goalkeeper slightly. Look at the timing of the header, he’s had to push [Silva] away then gets back on his line to get set. In the end there’s too much power on the header, I believe he’s impacted on it.”