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Why VAR disallowed Micky van de Ven goal in Tottenham vs Arsenal North London Derby

Kieran Horn
·2-min read
Micky van de Ven celebrates a goal which was later ruled out by VAR for offside


Tottenham thought they had got back on level terms against Arsenal in the North London Derby only for VAR to rule out the goal. The Gunners went in front courtesy of a Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg own goal from a Bukayo Saka corner despite Spurs controlling the early stages.

Ange Postecoglou's side responded well to going behind with Cristian Romero having two headers at goal with the latter bouncing back off the post, however it was his centre-back partner on target. Following a cleared corner, Pedro Porro's shot from distance saw the ball become loose with Van de Ven reacting quickest to fire home.

However, a lengthy VAR check took place after the ball found the back of the net with the officials ultimately determining that the Netherlands international was offside. The incident initially appeared clear however at different angles it looked as though Gabriel, who was slightly hunched over, may have been keeping him onside.

Eventually though, once the lines were drawn, a decision was reached to overturn the goal with things going from unfortunate to very bad for Spurs. As Arsenal broke on the counter, Saka was found in acres of space with the Arsenal forward driving inside Ben Davies before firing past Guglielmo Vicario.

Despite falling further behind, Spurs continued to push forward and enjoy some possession in Arsenal's defensive third, only for another blow to arrive.

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Timo Werner appeared to pull up after winning a corner and a break in play a few minutes later allowed him to receive some treatment before the decision was made for Brennan Johnson to replace him. Kai Havertz then netted a third for the visitors to compile a disastrous first 45 minutes for Spurs.

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