The PGMOL has revealed John Stones’ controversial last-gasp winner for Man City against Wolves was disallowed on-field before VAR recommended a review.
Bernardo Silva was stood in front of Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa before Stones headed in and was adjudged to be offside by referee Chris Kavanagh.
However, VAR Stuart Attwell disagreed with the decision because Silva moved before Stones connected with the ball and he sent Kavanagh to his monitor, which led to the goal being given.
However, according to the PGMOL’s explanation, the VAR did not consider that Silva leant into Sa, appearing to impede him from challenging for the ball, before moving out of the way.
Bernardo Silva leans into Jose Sa before John Stones’ winner
The PGMOL statement read: “Stones’ goal was disallowed on-field due to Bernardo Silva being in an offside position and in the goalkeeper’s line of vision.
“The VAR deemed Bernardo Silva wasn’t in the line of vision and had no impact on the goalkeeper and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned his original decision and a goal was awarded.”
Analysis: Two issues at play in Man City’s late winner
There are two key elements to Man City’s late winner and how the officials have interpreted the passage of play.
First – Is Bernardo Silva offside as he is in the line of sight of goalkeeper Sa? The PGMOL has stated this was the reason the goal was initially ruled out. VAR deemed Bernardo Silva wasn’t in Sa’s line of sight and advised an on-field review [after the goal was initially disallowed] which ultimately awarded the goal.
The key question: Where was Bernardo Silva when Stones made contact with his header? The answer: Well out of Sa’s line of sight.
Secondly – Did Bernardo Silva foul Sa? This is an issue which hasn’t been addressed by PGMOL in its subsequent post on X.
“There’s a slight nudge that puts the keeper off balance so he’s not set [when Stones heads the ball] so I can understand why Wolves will feel aggrieved at this particular moment,” said Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards.
“I do believe he’s impacted the goalkeeper’s ability to save it,” added Sky Sports’ Daniel Sturridge.
