VAR frustrates Unai Emery as Aston Villa miss chance to top English Premier League

LONDON – Aston Villa missed the chance to go top of the English Premier League on Dec 22, with manager Unai Emery proclaiming the VAR (video assistant referee) was “too much” after Nicolo Zaniolo’s late goal salvaged a 1-1 draw at home to struggling Sheffield United.

The visitors kicked off bottom of the table, with Villa having won their last 15 home games in the league.

But Cameron Archer, sold by Villa to the Blades in pre-season, stunned the home fans at Villa Park by opening the scoring in the 87th minute with a close-range shot.

Substitute Zaniolo then dramatically rescued a point for the Villans with a header seven minutes into stoppage time.

Villa needed a win to go top of the Premier League for the first time since August 2011, having not led the table at this stage of the season for 25 years.

But they remained behind leaders Arsenal, and possibly Liverpool as well – the two clubs took on each other on Dec 23 with the match kicking off after press time.

What irked Emery was that Leon Bailey had the ball in the net early in the second half but it was ruled out by the VAR, with the technology also rejecting three Villa penalty claims.

“I am very happy and very proud of the players,” the Villa boss told the BBC. “It was very difficult to keep our winning record. They defended really well.

“I accept VAR always. But only today I think it was too much. It was not necessary to review two or three times in the first half. And the goal, it was not necessary. Normally we can accept this goal.

“We are disappointed with the result today but we are accepting it. We have to focus for the next match against Manchester United, it will be incredible.”

Villa’s first brush with VAR rejection came when Ollie Watkins was shoved by Vini Souza, with another penalty appeal turned down when George Baldock apparently blocked Watkins’ header with his hand from the ensuing corner.

The hosts thought they had gone ahead in the 58th minute when Bailey scored, but the goal was disallowed as Jacob Ramsey was ruled to have fouled Blades goalkeeper Wes Foderingham at the corner.

Another VAR reprieve for the visitors came 15 minutes later when Baldock came through another handball review.

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder said: “I wanted three points but we’d have definitely have settled for a point before the game.

“You’re ultimately a little bit disappointed (with Villa’s last-gasp goal). But when my head goes on the pillow tonight, we can be pleased with our efforts.

“There’s plenty to work with with the players and this result gives me great hope.” AFP