City scores in 82nd, avoids late penalty in win at Everton

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — It was a controversial VAR decision that will be celebrated in the blue half of Manchester and lamented by both halves of Merseyside.

Manchester City was protecting a 1-0 lead at Everton — following Phil Foden’s slightly fortunate 82nd-minute goal — when its holding midfi elder Rodri appeared to give away a penalty in stoppage time when a spinning ball struck his outstretched right arm.

The on-field referee didn’t have a good enough view to see it and after a lengthy video review, it was adjudged that the ball struck Rodri high enough up his arm to not merit a penalty. “I have a 3-year-old daughter at home who could tell you that was a penalty,” Everton manager Frank Lampard said. “Even if the VAR says not sure, then go have a look. It is incompetence at best, if not that then someone needs to explain what it is.”