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Vrancic seeks solace in City’s positive point against Spurs as VAR debate rages
Mario Vrancic was able to enjoy his goal against Tottenham, before VAR robbed him of a wonderful assist Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Focusing on a positive result was the only solace Mario Vrancic could take after becoming the latest Norwich City player to by left frustrated by VAR.
The midfielder fired City ahead against Tottenham and then set up Teemu Pukki's goal for 2-0 with a wonderful pass, only for the video assistant referee to disallow the goal for an offside decision which left supporters furious.
Eventually Spurs fought back twice to earn a 2-2 draw, through a Christian Eriksen free-kick and a Harry Kane penalty, leaving the Canaries bottom of the Premier League and six points from safety.
"I think in the end we could have even won the game but we can build on this point, definitely," said the Canaries midfielder.
"It was a good performance and we take the point.
"I think we should never forget that they played a Champions League final six months ago, so a decent side and to gain a point and play so well against this team, to almost force them to lose a game, is quite good for us and we can definitely build on this game."
Yet Canaries fans felt their team deserved more, with Pukki's disallowed goal adding to the national debate about how VAR is being used to make offside decisions, with the majority feeling the video replays were inconclusive.
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"To be honest, I knew he was going to over-rule it, I had a feeling he was going to over-rule it, because in those tight situations unfortunately in the recent games it always went against us," Vrancic continued.
"So, what can I say, I think it was not offside in the end, so you can see it differently."
MORE: City skipper delivers his VAR verdict after draw with Spurs
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Vrancic and Pukki join team-mates Tim Krul, Max Aarons and Ben Godfrey in feeling VAR has dealt them an unfair hand so far this season, while a red card for Sheffield United defender Chris Basham was also controversially overturned at Carrow Road in a 2-1 defeat recently.
"Obviously it's not my job to comment on the VAR but it's very, very unfortunate that it always affects us in the wrong way," Vrancic added.
"We haven't got any penalties so far and even with Eriksen's free-kick, you could talk about the foul on Jamal (Lewis) and things like this, so I don't know."
