Viral post claims VAR made 'catastrophic mistake' for Man City goal in Spurs win that could cost Arsenal title

A social media account has claimed that VAR made a significant error during Manchester City's 2-0 win over Tottenham on Tuesday night.

The fixture could prove pivotal in deciding the destination of this year's Premier League title, with City now two points clear of Arsenal with a game to play.

A second half brace from Erling Haaland sealed victory for Pep Guardiola's side, with Son Heung-min having seen a shot saved by City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega just minutes before Haaland scored his second goal in injury time.

Arsenal fans were, unsurprisingly, furious with the result, as it put a major dent in the hopes of their side winning their first title in 20 years.

And one fan believed that VAR made a mistake in allowing City's opening goal to stand.

The Twitter user Football Offsides has claimed that Kevin De Bruyne, who assisted Haaland's first goal with a low cross, was actually offside in the build-up.

The account drew lines from the shoulders of Spurs duo Cristian Romero and Radu Dragusin, which showed the decision was, at the very least, extremely close.

🚨❌CATASTROPHIC MISTAKE by the VAR in Manchester City's first goal against Tottenham.

De Bruyne, the player that assisted Haaland, was in an offside position in the build-up.

This mistake might cost Arsenal the possibility of winning the league. pic.twitter.com/TXjTPcVcE3

— Football Offsides (@FutOffsides) May 14, 2024

Others suggested, however, that the camera angle used for the offside was not completely straight, meaning there is no indication that a mistake was made - although it is unclear whether the VAR hub at Stockley Park had access to a different angle.

It absolutely does not. pic.twitter.com/VWzMU6dxTQ

— Football Offsides (@FutOffsides) May 14, 2024

The decision ultimately made little difference to the final outcome of the match, as City would have picked up the three points anyway due to Haaland's second goal late on.

Speaking in his post-match interview, Guardiola credited substitute goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, who had to replace Ederson after he suffered a concussion, as the reason behind the win - as he pulled off a huge late save to deny Son.

He said: "He saves us - otherwise Arsenal are champions. That is the reality. The margins are so tight.

"Oh my God, the save from Son. It was incredible. One-on-one, Stefan is one of the best keepers I've seen in my entire life. It's the German culture - stand up, don't go down."