Steven Bergwijn the newest player north London had a perfect debut yesterday as he gave the opener for Jose Mourinho side and his troops. The EPL Matchday 25 games were filled with lots prolific performance from new signings. The game was very balance from the start of the game until few minutes before half time.
Manchester City had the first chance to score but Tottenham skipper Lloris was in top form to save the ball. Pep Guardiola and his troops were gifted a penalty in the 39th minute of the game when Ivorian Aurial fouled Sergio Aguero. Gudegun came out and took the penalty but unfortunately for them, Hugo Lloris saved the day with an impressive save. Raheem Starling almost had a second penalty but after a review it was disallowed.
The visitors were reduced to 10 men in the 60th minute of the game when Zinchenko was given a second yellow card. Three minutes after the red card was given, Steven Bergwijn who just joined the team in the just concluded transfer window. It was a perfect debut for the Dutch international as he gave a clinical control before hitting the ball beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.
Son and Moura provided dynamism and debutant Steven Bergwijn showed some neat touches, as Sissako put Son on for the second goal. The game dramatically swung in Tottenham’s favor, as they took all three points from the London Stadium. The debut for Steven Bergwijn is one he never forgot in a hurry. The whole stadium gave him a standing ovation as he was removed in the 70th minute of the game.
How Effective is VAR in EPL?
The Video Assistant Referee(VAR) has not been fair to Manchester City this season, they have been rubbed a couple of times this season. In the game against Liverpool, they were supposed to be given two penalties following two hand balls from Liverpool defenders but was not given. In one of their matches which a penalty was given the goalkeeper stepped out of the line to save the ball and it was not reviewed by VAR.
yesterday’s game also the goal keeper stepped out of the line to save the penalty but was never reviewed. All this is just pointing to the fact that VAR only works when they want to use it and is really a reliable assistant for the referee just like it is in other leagues. It is in EPL we saw a VAR decision overturned by the referee so now can one conclude and say VAR is useless in EPL?
“With a few draws of people in the same area of the table as us, it was very important to get three points. We still have an eye on fourth.” “It was a match where you know the quality of the opponent. You want to win, but you can lose. I’m delighted with the boys. He added.
“Only [VAR] Kevin Friend can explain why it was not a red card [for Raheem Sterling]. He has the chance to watch again. That decision would change the game. It would probably not be such an enjoyable game, one team with one player more for an hour is a big advantage. I think it’s a clear red card.”
Jose Mourinho’s comment on Steven Bergwijn
Commenting on Steven Bergwijn and the goal he said: “It’s the best way to come to a club. We were not putting pressure on him. We signed him early in the week, so we had time for him to train and speak. He’s very intelligent, humble. At home against the champions, to score a goal, not a normal goal, couldn’t be better for him.” “It’s a pleasure to get three points in a match where we knew it would be very difficult. I have better feelings for Pep than you can imagine. We worked together for three years.”
Manchester City Boss Pep Guardiola spoke to sky sport he said: “We played well but lost the game. It happened again. They had two shots and scored two goals. “I don’t have too many things to say about the performance. We have to accept it and analyse it. It is not easy. We did really well, honestly.
“With this performance, how should I be critical? This performance would be an incredible mistake to say how bad they are. We created chances and conceded few. “A few times this season it has happened. The sending off was a key point. We said at half-time be careful, yellow cards are a fast and quick action.”
