Pochettino U-turn as he now comes out in favour of VAR

Despite being critical of its use in the past, Pochettino has now come out in support of the use of VAR in the Premier League next season.

This comes after Tottenham scraped a draw against Arsenal in the North London Derby today, and Pochettino believes that VAR could have changed the game.

On the face of it, it seems as if VAR would have actually counted against the Lilywhites, with multiple contentious decisions through the match.

Despite pleas from the crowd, Aaron Ramsey was onside for his opening goal after 16 minutes, so no help from technology there for Spurs.

Danny Rose could have seen red if his challenge on Leno was seen by VAR, as could Davinson Sanchez for his kick out at Koscielny.

Harry Kane’s eventual penalty was also offside, and Jan Vertonghen was technically encroaching during the taking of Arsenal’s late pen.

So on the whole, perhaps VAR wouldn’t have been the best thing for Spurs. But Pochettino wanted it used before all of these events happened, and who knows, maybe it could have changed the game completely.

After 12 minutes, Granit Xhaka could have seen red for a studs up challenge from behind on Harry Kane.

Poch said (Football London): “This season we are so unlucky, decisions that affect in a negative way to us. Like Manchester United, Pogba should be sent off, Harry Kane got an injury when it was a clear foul on the edge of the box but no foul. We keep on going in many, many, many situations but you know, hope that get to the end of the season and next season change maybe and we have more luck in the future.

“Yes, of course, although from the beginning I wasn’t too clear in the way that they are using it in different leagues. It’s a massive experience for us to watch. I am following different leagues like France or Spain and the problems are happening the same. Nothing’s changed too much. Some situations that are so difficult for the referee to handle or manage we cannot believe that it’s going to the key, that football is going to be fair. Football never was fair and it never will be.

“But of course in the way that we are going to use the VAR is going to be key. I think with all the experience in the World Cup and the different leagues this season it’s such important work to do now for the future to be sure that it’s going to be a massive help for the decisions of the referee. It’s going to try to be in some situations fair decisions for each.”

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