Coach: VAR ‘subjective’

– Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores (above) complained that VAR is not “objective” after Dele Alli’s controversial late equaliser for Tottenham was allowed to stand in a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

Sanchez Flores seemed set for his first win since returning to Watford last month as the visitors led through Abdoulaye Doucoure’s early goal until four minutes from time.

But a mix-up between Ben Foster and Kiko Femenia handed Alli an equaliser to at least salvage a point for last season’s Champions League finalists.

The goal was reviewed for a potential handball by Alli, but Watford were furious it was not ruled out for an apparent push by Harry Kane on Christian Kabasele.

“I have no idea,” said Sanchez Flores when asked if VAR had reviewed Kane’s push.

“I was thinking VAR is objective, but now I am thinking it is something very subjective.”

Watford were also angered by the decision not to award the visitors a penalty just before halftime when Gerard Deulofeu was brought down by Jan Vertonghen.

The late drama saved Spurs from a third straight defeat after humiliating heavy losses to Bayern Munich and Brighton before the international window.

Tottenham have now won just three of their first 12 games in all competitions this season, but Mauricio Pochettino took heart from the fight they showed the battle back after the break.

“The first half was poor, but second half I feel very proud. We fight, we took risks and we were rewarded with the goal,” said Pochettino.

Doubts continue to grow over the Argentine’s ability to turn the tide in his sixth season in charge.

Just like at Brighton a fortnight ago, Tottenham were behind within the first few minutes.

Daryl Janmaat got in behind Danny Rose and crossed for Doucoure to apply the finish.

Son came on for Davinson Sanchez at the break as Pochettino switched formation and he instantly offered more pace and directness to Spurs’ attack.

But Watford gifted them an equaliser when Foster collided with his own defender Femenia and spilled the ball into the path of Alli, who swept the ball into an empty net for his first goal since January.

During an anxious wait as the goal was reviewed, confusion reigned as the big screen inside the ground even said it had been ruled out before the referee finally awarded the goal. –

London