VAR's first controversial outing in the Premier League

The Premier League has finally decided to implement VAR, a year after most of Europe's leagues, but it's already become quite the controversial decision in English football. During the Premier League match in the London Stadium this afternoon, the video assistant referees had to be used in up to three occasions in only 90 minutes, opening the debate about whether it slows down the game once again. 

Manchester City was leading the score 2-0 when Gabriel Jesus scored his second goal in a peculiar fashion. The Brazilian took advantage of an excellent triangulation between Zinchenko, David Silva and Sterling to push to the net what would have been the 0-3.

For the first time in London, VAR had to intervene: the referee sanctioned Sterling's off-side side, therefore, the Citizens' third goal was ruled out in the Olympic London.

Minutes later, Sterling hit the net  again and the West Ham fans fervently asked for another VAR intervention. The referee then once again had to stop play and use VAR to check if the Man City player was correctly positioned, this time confirming the goal was valid.

The scoresheet was at 3-0, Manchester City was continuing their thrashing until the next controversial situation came about. Diop knocked Mahrez down and committed the foul that would lead to penalty without discussion. However, VAR intervened later.

Fabianski read Aguero's intention and stopped the penalty with ease. The stands were celebrating until VAR officials warned that Rice was offisde.

The penalty had to be taken once again and the Argentine was not so kind the second time around.

The Premier League will have to get used to the VAR irruptions. Guardiola began his fight for the 3rd consecutive title win with VAR as the protagonist.