The Decision at Etihad Stadium
Saturday’s match between Man City and Fulham saw moments of brilliance, but one decision overshadowed the game’s true essence. The pulsating Premier League battle between these two giants was nudged by a goal that sparked post match comments, debates, and frustration.
Manchester City’s second goal, a deft header by Nathan Ake that found its way into the net, became the centre of controversy. With an offside Manuel Akanji seemingly in play, many questioned its legitimacy. Notably, Fulham’s gaffer, Marco Silva, did not mince his words: “Everyone that plays football and has some knowledge of the game would be 100% sure [the VAR] has to disallow the goal.”
The scenes were heated. Fulham’s custodian Bernd Leno was at the helm of the on-pitch remonstrations, indicating his delayed reaction to save due to Akanji’s presence. Replays indeed seem to fortify Fulham’s stance.
Man City’s own Erling Haaland weighed in: “It was offside,” he confessed in a post-match interaction with beIN SPORTS. “I feel bad for them – I would be fuming after this as well. It must be a horrible feeling.”
Silva’s Sideline Emotions
As the first half neared its conclusion, Marco Silva was a picture of frustration. Despite his spirited discussion with the fourth official Michael Salisbury, Silva miraculously avoided a fourth yellow in as many games. His exasperation, however, was palpable and warranted.
Palhinha: Fulham’s Dilemma
Beyond the turmoil of Man City’s contentious goal, Silva has other pressing concerns. The spotlight is now on how to seamlessly bring back Fulham’s gem, Palhinha.
The talented Portuguese was on the brink of living a footballer’s dream: moving to the titans, Bayern Munich. Having undergone the formalities, donning Bayern’s iconic jersey and completing his medical, fate had other plans. Due to Fulham’s inability to lock in a replacement, the transfer was halted.
Reflecting on the emotional roller-coaster, Silva empathised, “It was a tough day for him, one of the toughest days of his life. Nobody can tell what he is feeling right now.”
The coming days will demand unity. As Silva aptly puts it, Palhinha “is going to need all the support from our fans and his team-mates.”
Nothing to do with City, it’s VAR. And it was an exact replica of the outrageous offside goal United “scored” against us in last season’s OT Derby.
VAT is the problem. It’s still a shambles, and seems to be getting no better.
Author, the title “City’s Controversial Edge” is nonsense. It should be “VAR’s Controversial Edge” eh?