Premier League Clarifies VAR Review on Haaland Goal

The Premier League Match Centre has released a detailed clarification explaining why Erling Haaland’s goal was officially counted during Manchester City’s 1-0 derby triumph over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Haaland found the back of the net in the 60th minute after meeting a deflected delivery sent into the penalty area by teammate Josko Gvardiol. On-field match officials originally disallowed the strike after indicating an offside infraction, prompting a thorough assessment from the video assistant referee.

Breakdown of the Technology and Player Positioning

Upon reviewing the footage, the VAR team determined that Haaland had maintained a legal onside position at the precise moment Gvardiol played the ball. Semi-automated offside technology established that Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu had played the Norwegian forward onside with his outstretched foot.

The review also scrutinised the involvement of midfielder Enzo Fernández, who was standing in an offside position as the play developed. Although Fernández made an attempt to connect with the incoming cross, video evidence confirmed that he never made contact with the ball.

Officials concluded that Fernández did not commit an offside offence because he did not touch or play the ball during the phase of play. As a result, the VAR advised the match referee to overturn the original ruling and award the decisive goal to Manchester City.

Source: NotJustOk