VAR was an abortion in that match. I just watched extended highlights. VAR is now used on all goals (and PK no-goals, apparently). The Jesus no-goal because Sterling was offsides was mindless use of mindless technology. Especially in context. Sterling was offsides to the naked eye, clearly so, on his second goal, which of course was reviewed by VAR, and the goal awarded. In-credible, just incredible. Among other things VAR is intended to make things uniform, cut and dried. It is also intended to banish make up calls. There is no doubt in my mind anyway that the Sterling goal was a make up call for the Jesus no-goal on which Sterling was a millimeter offside. There is no other way to square those decisions.

The TV commentators thought the replay of Kun Aguero’s horrible PK shot was because the West Ham goal keeper didn’t keep a foot on the goal line. Instead, VAR awarded a re-kick because one of West Ham’s players was a half-step offsides.

Mother England, do away with VAR on every goddamned goal. That is my first, unbidden, suggestion. Second, make the practice the rule that if a technical rules violation does not result in an unfair advantage, play on. In the NBA, this rule of practice is sometimes colloquialized as, “No autopsy, no foul.” Applying that common sense to today’s match City were awarded to goals they did not deserve and had one they did deserve taken away. Net +1 City. The final score should have been 4-0.

That was terrible, just terrible.