Tottenham star James Maddison made his feelings clear over a VAR decision that went against his side late in the game against Crystal Palace. It came as Spurs were put under pressure by the Selhurst Park outfit in a difficult game on Monday night that gave them the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.
The Lilywhites were made to work for the opening goal as the first half came and went without many big chances going in their favour. The breakthrough had some fortune in the second half for the away side, with Maddison taking a cross that deflected off of Joel Ward for an own goal.
A few minutes later and the lead was doubled as substitute Brennan Johnson made an instant impact with his first few touches of the ball. The Welsh international found some space in the box and received the ball from Maddison, squaring it towards Son Heung-min for a routine finish for a striker in his rich vein of form.
It was the second game in a row that the north London outfit managed to take a two-goal lead, but it was yet another where they let the opposition back into it. Palace had their chances and into stoppage time, they managed to pull one back to make for a nervous ending.
Jordan Ayew managed to chest down a long ball into him, unleashing a volley that looped over Guglielmo Vicario into the back of the net. There was a VAR check for a potential handball from the winger though, with the pass seemingly clipping his arm before the shot.
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The review, following on from a lengthy stoppage, eventually decided that there wasn’t a handball in the build-up and the goal was given. It was a decision that enraged Maddison on the sidelines, who had been subbed off earlier in the game, and he was making his feelings clear.
The playmaker was seen berating the fourth official, having a discussion over the decision and pleading his case over the reason it should be disallowed. It meant there would be a nervous final few minutes for Spurs, with Palace pouring forwards to find an equaliser.
The side saw it out though and took all three points, pushing them five points clear of their rivals at the top of the Premier League, before they play. It remains to be seen if they will be in the title picture or not, but each win is bringing more credit towards a push at the top.
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Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.