Five Premier League opening day decisions that might have been overturned by VAR
After a summer of debate over the Video Assistant Referee system at the World Cup finals in Russia, the new Premier League season got under way this weekend without it.
Yahoo Sport takes a look at a series of decisions which may have been different had VAR been in place.
Mane happy returns
Liverpool hitman Sadio Mane helped himself to a double in Sunday’s 4-0 demolition of West Ham at Anfield, but his second should not have been allowed. The Senegal international had not quite worked his way back from an offside position when he collected Roberto Firmino’s pass and scored, an error which surely would have been rectified on review.
READ MORE: Gossip – Pogba ‘to Barcelona in January’ while Ronaldo puts the boot in Mourinho
READ MORE: Fekir almost certain to stay at Lyon – Aulas
READ MORE: Pep praises Sterling but admits he knows nothing over new contract
Rough justice for Jack?
Jack Cork thought he had fired Burnley into the lead at former club Southampton after running on to Ashley Westwood’s pass, only for an offside flag to end his celebrations. However, replays suggested that he had come out on the wrong end of a very tight decision in a game which ultimately ended in stalemate.
Sissoko stamp?
Newcastle winger Kenedy felt the full force of Moussa Sissoko after being felled by the Tottenham midfielder during Saturday’s 2-1 victory at St James’ Park. Former Magpie Sissoko had already been penalised for a foul on the Brazilian, but then appeared to stand on the prone player’s calf with match official Martin Atkinson and his assistants not spotting the incident.
Red mist
Everton defender Phil Jagielka was shown a straight red card by Craig Pawson after catching Wolves’ Diogo Jota as he lunged in having taken a heavy touch. Television pictures revealed he may have got ball before man, but opinion was divided over whether or not he should have been sent off.
Schurrle that’s a penalty?
Top-flight newcomers Fulham were denied what they thought was a certain penalty after striker Andre Schurrle had gone down under defender Mamadou Sakho’s challenge during their 2-0 home defeat by Crystal Palace. Referee Mike Dean swiftly waved away the Germany international’s appeals, but television replays suggested he was wrong to do so.
