Mourinho falls out of love with VAR despite Spurs’ biggest win since his arrival

Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho thought he was going to love VAR but has been left disappointed after more controversy in his side’s 2-0 win over Manchester City.

Spurs produced the biggest result of Mourinho’s reign in north London on Sunday, even though he felt they were on the rough end of some decisions.

Steven Bergwijn’s debut goal and Son Heung-min’s second earned the three points against City, who had Oleksandr Zinchenko sent off in the second half.

Mourinhoinsiststheyshould have already been down to ten men by then after Raheem Sterling was only shown a yellow card for a rash tackle on Dele Alli. VAR also awarded City a penalty for a foul on Sergio Aguero with play carrying on for almost two minutes, though Hugo Lloris saved Ilkay Gundogan’s spot-kick.

Mourinho, inset, was in favour of VAR, but is no longer impressed. “I love football and I thought I was going to love VAR, that was my initial feeling,” he said. “I love the truth… playing for three minutes and then after three minutes, the VAR gives a penalty, then if it’s a penalty no problem. We can wait ten minutes. I just want the truth.

“I thought I was going to love VAR the way I love goalline technology. I love goalline technology because there is no mistake. The VAR has too many mistakes, too many.

“The game started immediately with the wrong decision. It’s a red card, it’s a direct red card to Sterling. “I know that Mike Dean has a difficult job. He’s on the pitch and it’s 200 miles an hour. I wouldn’t like to be a referee because it’s so difficult. “Sometimes I try in training sessions and I realise that it’s too difficult. So for me Mike Dean, good performance. The problem is the VAR.”

Following City’s sixth defeat of the Premier League season boss Pep Guardiola labelled champions-elect Liverpool as unstoppable.

But he also appeared to aim a thinly-veiled swipe at former Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore who, in 2018, spoke about wanting clubs to get closer to City, who had just lifted the Premier League trophy having amassed 100 points.

Now Guardiola feels those who wanted challengers for his side should also fear Liverpool’s dominance this season.

“They are far away, they are unstoppable and a lot of points (clear),” he said..

“Two seasons ago when we had 100 points we finished 19 points clear of United and in that period Liverpool were strong. The last two seasons, the owner of the Premier League said that can’t happen again and it isn’t good for the Premierleaguewhencitywin the title in that way. So now it is Liverpool you have to be concerned about (if you are) the owner of the Premier League.”