De Zerbi Blasts VAR Calls After Tottenham, Leeds Draw 1-1 as Survival Race Tightens to 2 Points
Updated
Updated · ESPN · May 11
De Zerbi Blasts VAR Calls After Tottenham, Leeds Draw 1-1 as Survival Race Tightens to 2 Points
6 articles · Updated · ESPN · May 11
Two VAR flashpoints dominated Tottenham's 1-1 draw with Leeds, leaving Roberto De Zerbi's side only 2 points above West Ham with 2 matches left.
Craig Pawson sent Jarred Gillett to the monitor for a first-half Spurs-box foul that produced a Leeds penalty, then did not recommend a late review after Lukas Nmecha challenged Daniel James in the 13th minute of stoppage time.
De Zerbi said the referee was "not calm" and suggested Sunday's Arsenal-West Ham VAR controversy had added pressure, though he also admitted his team rushed play and lacked composure on the ball.
James Maddison returned after more than a year out with two serious knee injuries, a boost De Zerbi called crucial, while Leeds boss Daniel Farke praised the midfielder's creativity and game-changing quality.
The relegation fight now turns to West Ham's trip to Newcastle on May 17 and Tottenham's visit to Chelsea on May 19.
With Tottenham facing financial ruin, can James Maddison's return overcome the VAR controversies threatening their survival?
Data shows VAR increases accuracy, so why do a majority of fans and managers feel it's ruining the game?
Is De Zerbi's attack on referees a valid grievance or a desperate deflection from his team's on-field failures?