Tottenham Cruise to Victory Against Ipswich but VAR Controversy Remains
Tottenham Hotspur delivered a dominant performance against Ipswich Town on Saturday, securing a comfortable 4-1 victory at Portman Road. The result marked a measure of revenge for Spurs, who had suffered a defeat in the reverse fixture against the Tractor Boys earlier in the season. With this win, Ange Postecoglou’s side extended their run to three consecutive Premier League victories, reinforcing their momentum as they look to finish the season strongly.
Brennan Johnson was the standout performer, netting twice, while Djed Spence and Dejan Kulusevski also found the back of the net in what was a comprehensive display from Spurs. The team showcased fluid attacking play, demonstrating their ability to carve open the Ipswich defense with ease. The win relieved some pressure on Postecoglou, who has faced scrutiny during a challenging campaign, and provided a boost in confidence ahead of upcoming fixtures.
However, despite the convincing scoreline, the match was not without controversy. Ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett voiced his discontent over a particular incident that left many Tottenham fans frustrated.
Dara O’Shea’s Challenge on Kevin Danso Sparks Debate
One of the key moments in the match that has been widely discussed involved Ipswich defender Dara O’Shea and Tottenham’s Kevin Danso. In a controversial incident inside the penalty area, O’Shea appeared to bodycheck Danso without making any genuine attempt to play the ball. Many expected the referee, Tim Robinson, to point to the spot, but no penalty was awarded. Even more surprisingly, VAR chose not to intervene and instruct Robinson to review the incident on the pitch-side monitor.
The decision left former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett perplexed. Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Hackett explained why he believed the call was incorrect.
“Law 12 states: A direct free kick is awarded if a player commits any of the following offences: impedes an opponent with contact. This is clearly what happened inside the penalty area. This should have resulted in a penalty kick. The player stepped into his opponent to impede his progress and, in doing so, made contact. Where was the referee and VAR on this one?” Hackett remarked.
A Recurring Issue with VAR Consistency
While the decision did not ultimately affect the outcome of the match, as Tottenham secured a commanding victory, the inconsistency in officiating remains a point of concern. The fact that a similar challenge elsewhere on the pitch would likely have resulted in a free-kick only adds to the frustration. The lack of uniformity in refereeing decisions is an ongoing issue in the Premier League, and many feel that it is incidents like this that undermine the credibility of VAR.
Tottenham fans will feel aggrieved that such a blatant infringement went unpunished. The frustration is not just about this one moment but about the broader issue of fairness and consistency in the application of the rules. Had the game been closer, such a decision could have had a significant impact on the result.
Tottenham’s Resurgence and What Lies Ahead
Despite the controversy, there were plenty of positives for Tottenham to take from the match. The team’s attacking play was fluid, the finishing was clinical, and confidence within the squad appears to be growing. With players returning from injury and form improving, there is hope that Spurs can carry this momentum forward into their Europa League campaign.
Although this season has largely been disappointing, there is still a chance to salvage something from it. If Tottenham can maintain this level of performance, they may still end the season on a high note. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining just how far Postecoglou’s side can push in both domestic and European competitions.
For now, Tottenham fans can celebrate a well-earned victory, but the lingering questions over VAR and officiating consistency remain. As the Premier League continues to grapple with these issues, one can only hope that clearer standards are implemented to ensure fairness for all teams moving forward.
Ex-Pgmol chief calls out VAR as footage of Tottenham controversy emerges v Ipswich
