PGMOL chief Howard Webb has supported the VAR intervention that ruled out Manchester City’s late goal against Liverpool due to a foul by Erling Haaland.

Referee Craig Pawson initially allowed Rayan Cherki’s strike into an unguarded net to stand during the Premier League encounter.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson had been caught upfield, leaving the goal gaping for the City forward to apparently seal a 3-1 victory.

However, the goal was chalked off following a review by VAR John Brooks, with audio of the decision-making process now released.

Why the goal was overturned

Footage from the Match Officials Mic’d Up programme revealed Pawson admitted on the pitch that he “didn’t see” the crucial infringement.

Dominik Szoboszlai had initially pulled Haaland’s shirt, prompting the referee to play an advantage.

As the pair raced for the loose ball, the Norwegian striker then hauled down the Liverpool midfielder.

This second action prevented the Hungarian international from clearing the danger before Cherki scored.

Brooks was heard telling the on-field official via the headset that the contact meant the defender could not reach the ball.

Pawson acknowledged the first foul he had spotted but admitted he missed the subsequent holding offence by the City marksman.

Consequently, the goal was ruled out.

The match restarted with a City free-kick and Szoboszlai was sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity regarding the initial foul.

‘A limit to common sense’

Speaking during live coverage, Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville described the technical application of the law as a “killjoy”.

The former Manchester United defender argued the ruling stripped the game of a dramatic moment by strictly adhering to the rulebook.

However, Webb insisted the officials had no choice but to intervene.

He addressed suggestions that “common sense” should have allowed the goal to stand despite the infractions.

“To referee at Premier League level, you need a feel for the game and an understanding, and we try to apply common sense where possible, but there’s a limit to that.”

Howard Webb, PGMOL Chief Refereeing Officer

The refereeing chief clarified that the ball only entered the net because of Haaland’s specific action.

Webb concluded that ignoring a clear foul which prevented a clearance was impossible, regardless of the spectacle.

Football lawmakers are poised to introduce five-second countdowns for restarts at the 2026 World Cup as part of a significant crackdown on time-wasting.

The International Football Association Board (Ifab) is expected to ratify these changes during its annual meeting in Wales on Saturday.

The headline measure involves referees initiating a visible five-second count using hand signals when they suspect deliberate delays during throw-ins and goal-kicks.

Failure to release the ball within this timeframe will carry immediate consequences for the offending team.

A delayed throw-in will result in possession being reversed to the opposition, while wasting time at a goal-kick will see a corner kick awarded to the attacking side.

Substitution and injury limits

Further measures aimed at increasing the tempo of play include a strict ten-second limit for completing substitutions.

Should a team exceed this threshold, the change will be denied, forcing play to continue without the intended replacement.

A standardised one-minute period will also be mandated for players requiring treatment to remain off the pitch before being permitted to return.

VAR updates and Premier League influence

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocols are also set for adjustment ahead of the expanded tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Officials will gain the ability to review corner kick awards and examine red cards issued as a result of a second bookable offence.

These radical shifts follow growing concerns regarding game management tactics observed in domestic competitions, particularly the Premier League.

Lawmakers have identified specific loopholes, such as goalkeepers feigning injury to allow tactical regrouping, as areas requiring immediate intervention.

There have been suggestions that teams, including Arsenal, have utilised set-piece delays to disrupt the rhythm of opposition sides.

The overarching objective of the new legislation is to preserve the natural flow of matches while reducing the burden of excessive stoppage time on player welfare and broadcasters.

Tottenham Hotspur are in serious danger of relegation after a humiliating 4-1 north London derby defeat by Arsenal left them precariously placed above the bottom three.

Igor Tudor’s side are now in serious trouble.

The heavy home loss on Sunday confirmed what many supporters already feared.

Spurs are perilously perched just four points above the Premier League relegation zone.

The north Londoners have a multitude of issues to resolve immediately.

They have not won a domestic league game in 2026.

The team has secured only two victories since 26 October 2025.

Aside from bottom club Wolves, 16th-placed Tottenham possess the worst form in the division.

Crippling injury list and European distractions

New interim head coach Tudor is contending with a crippling injury list.

He also has a forthcoming Champions League last-16 tie to negotiate.

This European distraction comes while he is attempting to implement new tactical ideas.

The club is desperate to avoid the unthinkable scenario of dropping into the Championship.

Since 1950, the Lilywhites have spent only one season outside the top flight.

That solitary relegation campaign occurred back in 1977-78.

Can the north London club survive?

Tottenham have 11 Premier League games remaining to save their season.

They will visit Wolves and face home fixtures against sides around them in the table.

These crucial home ties include matches against Crystal Palace, Brighton, Nottingham Forest and Leeds.

However, their record at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season is frankly abysmal.

Supporters will question if the team can turn their form around against fellow strugglers.

With just two wins and only 10 points accrued from a possible 42, only Wolves have collected fewer points on home soil.

Data offers glimmer of hope amid poor form

Sports analytics experts Opta currently place their chances of relegation at just 4.84%.

However, the recent form guide paints a far more worrying picture for the fanbase.

Tudor’s team have collected just 0.67 points per game since defeating Everton on 26 October.

Unless Tottenham can arrest this slump, that average equates to a further seven points.

This projection would take them to just 36 points on the final day of the season.

Former Spurs midfielder Danny Murphy remains hopeful regarding their survival.

“I would be really surprised if they weren’t able to fight their way out of it,” Murphy told BBC Sport.

“The games coming up are all huge. I think they will have just enough.”

“The fact we are mentioning Spurs going down is unbelievable. It’s absolutely ridiculous really.”

“Whether you blame recruitment or the owners, it would be catastrophic for that club. I have heard some fans suggest going down could be the best thing. I just don’t see that.”

Comparison to Postecoglou era

Tottenham finished 17th last term under former boss Ange Postecoglou.

They were never in genuine danger of relegation as the Australian juggled an injury-hit squad with a focus on Europe.

While their league form suffered, they still scored 64 times.

The silver lining of that campaign was a Europa League triumph over Manchester United last May.

That victory secured their coveted place in this season’s Champions League.

However, their attacking output this term has been significantly underwhelming.

They would need to average 2.45 goals per game in their forthcoming fixtures to match the tally of the previous campaign.

Mohamed Salah has been accused of behaving like a "big baby" by former England manager Sam Allardyce following the Liverpool forward’s reaction to being substituted against Nottingham Forest.

The Egyptian international is enduring a challenging campaign at Anfield, having netted just four Premier League goals this season.

His last strike came in early November, leading to increased scrutiny over his performances under head coach Arne Slot.

Salah appeared to smirk when replaced during the recent victory over Nottingham Forest, a reaction that drew sharp criticism from Allardyce.

Allardyce questions Salah’s attitude

"Mohamed Salah needs to bite the bullet, sit down, and make sure he starts scoring," Allardyce told the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast.

"Stop blaming Arne Slot when it’s your own fault that you’re not scoring and getting taken off. He can’t be disappointed with being taken off when he’s not scoring or creating."

Allardyce suggested the former Roma winger is suffering from a "mental block" rather than a temporary dip in form.

"It’s a worry for Liverpool and for him. He needs to stop displaying his dislike for the situation on the pitch," Allardyce added.

"Go and knock on the manager’s door and take it up there. Don’t do it in front of everyone; he’s behaving like a big baby."

Carragher highlights Ngumoha impact

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher also questioned the forward’s contribution at the City Ground.

Carragher compared the 32-year-old’s performance unfavourably to that of teenage prospect Rio Ngumoha.

"Ngumoha did more in 15 minutes than Salah and Gakpo did before that," Carragher stated.

"He changed the game and needs to be starting games."

Despite the current friction, Salah remains under contract with the Reds until 2027.

However, the three-time Golden Boot winner continues to be linked with a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League as he navigates this difficult spell.

Michael Carrick has emerged as the clear frontrunner for the permanent Manchester United job after guiding the club to the top of the Premier League form table since his interim appointment in January.

Immediate impact at Old Trafford

Since taking the reins on 13 January, the former midfielder has overseen a remarkable upturn in fortunes.

United have collected 16 points from six games under his stewardship, a record that places them at the summit of the division’s form charts.

The Red Devils are currently tracking two points better than Chelsea and six ahead of Liverpool over this specific period.

Crucial victories over title challengers Manchester City and Arsenal have served as the catalyst for this resurgence.

These headline results have remedied much of the damage inflicted during the tenure of Ruben Amorim earlier in the campaign.

Tactical shift and stability

Carrick has implemented a ‘common-sense revolution’ that has brought calm to a previously fractured dressing room.

Tactically, the caretaker boss has abandoned the back-three system favoured by Amorim, reverting to a traditional back four.

This simplification has paid dividends, with the team looking far more assured defensively.

While Amorim was known for explosive public statements, his successor has adopted a significantly more understated and measured approach.

This shift in tone appears to have alleviated the feeling of constant crisis that had engulfed the club.

Top-five chances increase

The statistical outlook for the remainder of the season has shifted dramatically following Monday’s hard-fought win at Everton.

Data analytics from Opta now give United a 72% chance of securing a top-five finish.

This represents a stark reversal from the previous regime, where the club seemed to be squandering their European prospects.

With rival clubs exhausted by continental commitments, the interim manager is capitalising on a lighter schedule to consolidate United’s position.

The Solskjaer parallel

The current situation draws inevitable comparisons to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s time in the dugout.

Like the Norwegian, Carrick is an insider whose initial short-term success is making a compelling case for a long-term stay.

The field of potential alternatives is also thinning, strengthening the 42-year-old’s position.

Thomas Tuchel has committed his future to the England national team, removing a major candidate from the board.

Meanwhile, Oliver Glasner’s stock has fallen amid a fractious impending departure from Crystal Palace.

Having previously described managing United as the "ultimate" ambition, Carrick is now firmly in the frame to retain the position beyond the summer.

Arsenal have confirmed their potential Champions League last-16 opponents after defeating Kairat to finish top of the league phase table.

Mikel Arteta’s side secured a direct route to the knockout stages, bypassing the two-legged play-off round in February.

The north London club finished as the competition’s number one seed following a 3-2 victory over debutants Kairat on Wednesday.

By finishing first, the Premier League challengers ensure they will play the deciding second leg of their last-16 tie at the Emirates Stadium.

Who could Arsenal face next?

The draw for the last-16 is scheduled to take place on Friday, 27 February.

Due to the new tournament format, the Gunners will face the winner of specific play-off ties involving the 15th to 18th seeds.

Following a dramatic final night of league phase action, the potential opponents have been whittled down to four clubs.

The knockout bracket is determined by ‘silver’ and ‘blue’ pathways which are now partially filled.

If placed on the silver path, Arteta’s men will meet the victor of the tie between Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta.

Alternatively, the blue path would pit them against either Olympiacos or German champions Bayer Leverkusen.

A dominant European campaign

Arsenal’s progression has been marked by statement victories over European heavyweights, including Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid.

A crucial 3-1 win against Serie A leaders Inter Milan at the San Siro had already guaranteed a top-two finish before the final matchday.

Gabriel Jesus scored twice in that fixture, supported by a strike from Viktor Gyokeres, underscoring the team’s attacking depth.

The first legs of the last-16 ties will be played on 10 or 11 March, with return fixtures taking place a week later.

Alexis Mac Allister struck a 97th-minute winner to earn Liverpool a dramatic victory over Nottingham Forest and keep their Champions League qualification hopes alive.

The Argentina international converted deep into stoppage time at the City Ground to secure three vital points for Arne Slot’s side.

It provided the latest twist in a chaotic campaign for the Reds which has been characterised by decisive late goals.

Slot admits to relief over performance

While the victory keeps Liverpool in the hunt for a top-four finish, their manager was honest about the nature of the performance.

The defending champions struggled for rhythm against a resolute Forest side and were arguably fortunate to leave with maximum points.

“My emotions were emotions of happiness and relief,” said Slot following the match.

“Today we did not play a good game. The performance, especially in the first half, was not as we’ve had so many times this season.”

“But we’ve been on the wrong side of the score after a good performance far too many times. Today, I think we got more than we deserved.”

A season of historic late drama

Sunday’s result continued a statistical anomaly that has defined the Merseysiders’ 2025-26 season.

Seven of Liverpool’s 27 league games have now featured a winning goal scored after the 90th minute.

This stands as a new record for the most such occurrences by any side in a single Premier League campaign.

However, the drama has not always favoured the Anfield club.

Four of those seven late goals have been scored against Slot’s men, a factor that has contributed to their title defence drifting off course.

Mentality monsters return?

The ability to snatch victory from the jaws of a draw was a hallmark of the Jürgen Klopp era.

Former defender Jamie Carragher praised the return of that “late drama” capability, suggesting the team is rediscovering its resilience.

Captain Virgil van Dijk believes the squad showed great character, particularly after Mac Allister had an earlier strike ruled out for handball in the 90th minute.

Liverpool must now look to stabilise their form as they aim to secure European football for next season.

Senegalese footballer Youssou Diouf has died after collapsing on the pitch following his debut for second-tier side AS Saloum.

The 25-year-old had entered the match as a substitute in the final 10 minutes of the fixture against Amitie FC.

Diouf fell ill immediately after the full-time whistle at the Maniang Soumare Stadium in Thies on Sunday.

League confirms tragedy

Despite receiving urgent medical attention at the scene, the midfielder could not be saved.

The Senegalese Professional Football League (LSFP) confirmed the player was transported to a regional hospital where he was pronounced dead.

In an official statement, the LSFP said:

“Youssou Diouf, who entered the game in the 80th minute, felt unwell after the final whistle. Despite the prompt intervention of the medical services present at the stadium and his evacuation to the regional hospital in Thies, he unfortunately passed away.”

The incident occurred during the 13th matchday of the Ligue 2 Championship.

Demba Ba leads tributes

Former Chelsea and Newcastle United striker Demba Ba has led the tributes to the young player.

Ba is closely associated with the opposition side, Amitie FC.

The ex-Premier League forward expressed his sorrow on social media.

“All our condolences to the family of Youssouf Diouf and to the AS Saloum club following the passing of our young brother,” Ba wrote.

“The entire Amitie FC club prays that Allah opens the doors of paradise for him.”

The LSFP stated it remains in contact with the relevant authorities to provide support to Diouf’s family and the club during this difficult time.