Man City coach Pep Guardiola labels VAR 'a big mess' after crucial decisions help down Sheffield United

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Joe Krishnan29 December 2019

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has described VAR as a "big mess" and called for improvements to be made in time for the 2020/21 Premier League campaign.

The Catalan watched his side claim a 2-0 win over Sheffield United at the Etihad Stadium with two fortuitous decisions favouring his side.

With the scores locked at 0-0, the Blades were left fuming after Lys Mousset's goal was controversially disallowed for offside by VAR.

And in the second half, the ball hit referee Chris Kavanagh just moments before Kevin De Bruyne set up Sergio Aguero to open the scoring, with manager Chris Wilder furious that play was not halted as per the new rules that came into effect this season.

Guardiola admitted his team were fortunate with those particular decisions and reiterated his calls for VAR, in its current form, to be reviewed.

VAR deemed Mousset's goal was offside  Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

"I said many times I have a huge list for VAR," he said.

"Every weekend is a big mess. In other games it was a big mess. Hopefully next season it can do better.

"I didn't do make a statement after the last game when there were decisions against us. We didn't complain and I'm not going to complain. That is for the referees, the big masters, to discuss."

Guardiola credited his side for their performance just 48 hours after playing against Wolves.

But the 48-year-old couldn't resist aiming a thinly-veiled swipe at the Premier League, "thanking" them for scheduling the two matches so close to each other.

"After 48 hours we recovered for an incredible game and after more than 80 minutes with 10 men we did it. So compliments to the team," he added.

Guardiola reiterated his discontent with VAR  Photo: Action Images via Reuters
Action Images via Reuters

"But compliments to Sheffield United, they were amazing. This team is newly promoted and are sixth or seventh in the table, it is an incredible team.

"Now I must say thank you to the Premier League for giving us three days for the next game."

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