The decision could not have been any tighter
Harry Kane was left frustrated after his winner was controversially disallowed as Tottenham drew 1-1 at Southampton on Tuesday.
The England striker thought he had secured all three points when he dispatched his strike past Fraser Forster after a stunning pass from Harry Winks.
However, after initially being given by referee Anthony Taylor, VAR ruled the goal out for offside – and it could not have been any tighter.
The decision to disallow the goal left Kane furious, with the striker – understandably – believing that he had stayed onside.
The forward got the away side back into the game with a penalty after Southampton took the lead through James Ward-Prowse’s spectacular strike – ensuring Antonio Conte became the first Spurs boss to remain unbeaten for his first seven league matches.
It was awarded after Son Heung-min was brought down by Mohammed Salisu as the South Korean advanced into the area from Winks’ defence-splitting pass.
Kane made no mistake from the spot, smashing his penalty into the top corner.
Salisu was sent-off after the spot-kick had been awarded, receiving his second yellow card after a clumsy booking in the 27th minute.
Harry Kane is NOT offside. VAR proving how bad it is yet again. 🤬 pic.twitter.com/3U1V94XOgk
— The Spurs Web (@thespursweb) December 28, 2021
As well as VAR disallowing Kane’s goal, the home side were arguably fortunate when Forster was lucky to have an own goal chalked off by referee Taylor after what appeared to be a fair challenge.
Matt Doherty looked to do little else other than stand his ground in battle with the Southampton keeper made a mess of a high looped in cross from Winks and fumbled the the ball into his own net.
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg said: “For me it looks like a coming together of two players. Once Anthony Taylor gives it VAR is not going to interfere but however, I don’t see what Doherty does wrong.
“Fraser Foster comes into him and I think he drops it. For me, it could have easily been given as a goal but once Anthony gives it, VAR is not going to interfere.”
Despite their dominance, Spurs could not make the most of the extra man in the second half and had to settle for a point on the road.
Spurs have made an brilliant start under Conte and have two games in hand on both London rivals Arsenal and West Ham
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