THIS is getting VARcical.
Another match dominated by a decision made by the Video Assistant Referee in Stockley Park that denied Norwich another well-deserved win.
Conor Wickham had to wait for a few minutes before his equaliser was finally givenCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Wickham was initially stunned to see his goal ruled out for offsideCredit: Reuters
Canaries boss Daniel Farke will be spitting feathers after former Ipswich star Connor Wickham tapped in an 85th-minute leveller.
Norwich defenders thought the substitute striker was offside, as did referee Jonathan Moss, who initially chalked the goal off.
Yet replays showed he was played onside by Christoph Zimmermann’s trailing leg, and video ref Jarred Gillett overturned the onfield flag.
Both sides were on the receiving end of controversial VAR decisions last Saturday.
Palace’s talisman Wilfried Zaha in the build-up to a Max Meyer goal at Southampton and Norwich hitman Teemu Pukki — against Tottenham — suffered at the hands of technology.
A Pukki effort in the 2-2 draw against Spurs was ruled out, denying Farke’s team a crucial victory in their relegation battle. So it was unsurprising, yet still bizarre, that when Todd Cantwell put the Canaries ahead on four minutes, barely any of the home fans celebrated.
Todd Cantwell scored after four minutes following a neat exchange in front of the Palace boxCredit: PA:Press Association
Cantwell had a dance in front of the Norwich fans in celebrationCredit: PA:Press Association
Fearing the worst as the replay of the midfielder’s goal was assessed by the video judges, there were universal chants of “f*** VAR” around Carrow Road.
Even after the doubts of offside were ruled out and the goal got the green light, the chants continued.
And they returned again when Pukki was hauled down by James Tomkins.
But Moss rightly ignored the incident as the Finnish striker had strayed offside.
Yet meddling VAR again felt the need to intervene, this time to check for a red card for Tomkins, which was quickly dismissed.
Emi Buendia had a shot from the edge of the box well saved by Vicente Guaita, while the Palace keeper denied Cantwell a second.
Pukki was crowded out by the persistent Martin Kelly, while Max Aarons’ shot on the stroke of half-time flashed just wide.
But Norwich looked vulnerable on the break and relied on Zimmermann, who made blocks to stop Jairo Riedewald and then James McArthur.
Palace, without the injured Christian Benteke, Gary Cahill, Scott Dann, Jeffrey Schlupp, Andros Townsend, Joel Ward and Patrick van Aanholt, also had a chance when Luka Milivojevic’s early shot was deflected wide.
Add Mamadou Sakho to that injury list as he trudged off at half-time, clutching his right thigh.
The defender was substituted before the second half for Cheikhou Kouyate, already carrying a knock, coming into the match.
It is a worrying situation for Eagles boss Roy Hodgson, whose only other recognised outfield player on his subs’ bench was Wickham.
Norwich continued to press for a second and the impressive Buendia saw his free-kick from the edge of the box well saved by Spaniard Guaita.
Alex Tettey had a long-range effort deflected wide for a corner.
And from the resulting set-piece, Kenny McLean’s header was off target, while Mario Vrancic struck the side-netting.
McLean went even closer on 72 minutes when his effort smashed the underside of the crossbar and bounced clear.
Palace had been below par but when they have Zaha in their team, they will always have a chance of scoring.
The forward teased Norwich’s weary back-four to breaking point and was routinely fouled for his efforts.
Two chances, that he lashed wide, on another day would have nestled in the net.
But that man Zaha crossed for Wickham and the former Tractor Boy poked home from close range.
It was a killer blow to Norwich, who had enjoyed the better chances and should have recorded their first win since November.
Watch Norwich full back Max Aarons in action when just 14
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
