Tottenham Hotspur were once again involved in controversy surrounding an alleged push in the back. Harry Wilson’s goal, allowed by VAR, set the tone for a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Craven Cottage. Relegation fears are becoming increasingly warranted with Spurs remaining just four points clear of 18th-placed West Ham United. Against a Fulham side who had won just two of their previous six league matches, Igor Tudor will feel his side missed an opportunity to pick up valuable points in their fight for survival.
Tottenham Hotspur VAR Controversy Costs Valuable Points
VAR Awards Fulham a Questionable Goal
As the ball was played into the Tottenham box in the seventh minute, Raul Jimenez appeared to raise his hands onto Radu Dragusin’s back. As a result, the Romanian fell to the ground and was unable to defend as the ball came back into the danger area. Harry Wilson found himself in space and scored his ninth Premier League goal of the season. VAR reviewed the incident but decided the action on Dragusin did not constitute a foul.
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Igor Tudor immediately protested on the sidelines. Following the early goal, his side were unable to regain control. Alex Iwobi soon scored from outside the box to double Fulham’s lead, condemning Tottenham to defeat despite a late Richarlison-led fightback.
Not the First ‘Pushing’ Controversy for Tottenham
Much of Tottenham’s frustration stems from the contrast with the North London Derby, where Randal Kolo Muani’s equaliser was disallowed for a similar push on Gabriel Magalhães. Arsenal went on to add two goals and run out 4-1 winners. Yet Spurs could argue that, with the game on a knife-edge, VAR’s intervention took the game away from them.
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In contrast, when Hugo Ekitike placed both hands on Tottenham’s Cristian Romero while scoring a header in Liverpool’s 2-1 win, VAR allowed the goal to stand. Both decisions proved pivotal with the score close, ultimately denying Spurs the chance of a positive result.
Other Officiating Inconsistencies
Some of the red cards that Tottenham have received this season further demonstrate a lack of consistency. Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero were sent off for challenges that have frequently resulted in yellow cards in other fixtures. Simons’ red occurred in the aforementioned 2-1 defeat to Liverpool. Those decisions directly influenced the outcome.
A high-profile incident happened in January’s Manchester Derby. Diogo Dalot went in for a challenge with his studs into Jeremy Doku’s knee and received a booking. To most, the foul appeared worse than either Romero or Simons’. The issue is not a single decision, but the absence of a consistent threshold.
Furthermore, Spurs are yet to be awarded a Premier League penalty this season.
Should Tottenham Feel Hard Done By?
Spurs have a right to feel unfairly treated. In each case, the incidents involved similar contact in the back. On all three occasions the result went against them. Supporters of all clubs want consistency. When a team repeatedly finds itself on the wrong side of similar decisions, frustration becomes understandable.
Although any momentum Tottenham may have discovered was suppressed by the early goal, the rest of the match offered few indications that they would have got a result. In a new 4-3-3 system, Tudor’s side appeared to lack cohesion. Creators such as Xavi Simons struggled to influence play, while the defence struggled to cope with Fulham’s fluid movement.
Regardless of officiating, Spurs will need to improve their performance if they are to maintain their Premier League status.
Tottenham Hotspur were once again involved in controversy surrounding an alleged push in the back. Harry Wilson’s goal, allowed by VAR, set the tone for a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Craven Cottage. Relegation fears are becoming increasingly warranted with Spurs remaining just four points clear of 18th-placed West Ham United. Against a Fulham side who had won just two of their previous six league matches, Igor Tudor will feel his side missed an opportunity to pick up valuable points in their fight for survival.
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