Tottenham Hotspur climbed into fourth place in the Premier League table with a 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Over the weekend, the Premier League saw some major discussion points and some highly controversial decisions.
Wolves’ 2-1 defeat to West Ham United was marred by poor refereeing mistakes, which continued into the weekend’s final game.
Tottenham may arguably consider themselves fortunate that their game against Nottingham Forest did not end 1-1, as it should have, with the home side winning 3-1.
Not only did Chris Wood miss a guilt-edge chance from yards out that slammed the post to make it 2-1, but James Maddison was also fortunate not to receive a red card.
Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo criticized the English playmaker for hitting Ryan Yates in the stomach upon his return to Hotspur Way.
While sitting on the floor, the player indicated for VAR and officials to review the situation on replay.
Despite the check, no action was taken, which surprised both the Forest player and the bench.
Wayne Rooney believes Maddison was fortunate, and he was’very surprised’ that VAR did not reverse the on-field decision, according to Premier League Productions.
Michael Owen, on the other hand, disagreed and was unconcerned about not receiving his marching orders, even though he would not have complained about the call if it had been issued.
James Maddison’s strike at Ryan Yates
“I don’t think there is much in it,” Owen added. “He does throw his arms slightly. I believe it’s very soft; I wouldn’t have complained if it was. Madison has gotten away with it.
Rooney interjected: “I think with some of the red cards we’ve seen, I think it’s a red card – if you’re the manager against, you’re asking for a red card.” If you’re James Maddison’s management, you’re calling it soft.
“I guess it’s red. I know he didn’t put much power into the punch, but based on his reaction, he has brought his arm back, his fist is clenched, and he has hit him in the stomach, thus it’s a red card in my opinion. “I am surprised VAR did not overturn that.”
Tottenham will grab the points.
If Spurs had gone down to ten men in the first half and trailed 2-1, few could have objected because the indicators were there.
However, this was not the case, and Ange Postecoglou’s proactive calls during the break paid off.
Rodrigo Bentancur and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg were thrown into the action, and they helped turn the game around.
Spurs dominated the contest, scoring two fantastic goals through Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro, before securing the points and moving into fourth place.
