Lambert: We need VAR in the league

Paul Lambert called for the introduction of video assistant referee technology in the Premier League following struggling Stoke’s controversial 3-0 defeat at Arsenal yesterday.

The relegation-threatened Potters more than matched their hosts for much of the game before the Gunners were awarded a debatable penalty, when Bruno Martins Indi appeared to win the ball as he challenged Mesut Ozil.

Referee Craig Pawson gave the 75th-minute spotkick, which Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (pictured) converted.

Aubameyang soon added a second, before sub Alexandre Lacazette marked his return from a sevenweek layoff by completing the scoring with another penalty, after he was fouled by Badou Ndiaye.

VAR’s use in England has so far been restricted to cups and Potters boss Lambert believes Pawson’s decision shows it is required in the top flight. “I’ve seen VAR work. I saw it in Germany and it worked seamlessly, absolutely no problem at all,” he said.

“We bring it over here and it seems to be confusing. In those sort of instances (the first penalty), absolutely (it should be used). Because the way the game’s going, the referees maybe need a little bit of help as well.

“I know we’ve got the benefit of the replay and Craig doesn’t, but I just think big moments you have to be so precise that it is a penalty.”

Stoke remain secondbottom, three points from safety with six games to play. Despite the setback, Lambert is convinced his team will avoid the drop.

Asked if the Potters will stay up, the Scot, who replaced Mark Hughes in January, replied: “100 per cent.

“I thought that when I came in and nothing’s changed my mind that we’re not going to do it.

“The only thing I thing is missing is the luck.”

Arsenal, perhaps with one eye on Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final with CSKA Moscow, produced a below-par display.