Controversial VAR Decision Mars Manchester City's Dominant 5-1 Victory over Fulham: Marco Silva Demands Accountability

Fulham's manager, Marco Silva, argued that it should have been "impossible" for Man City's controversial second goal to be counted, given that the game was tied at 1-1. Despite the controversy, City continued their perfect start to the Premier League season with a 5-1 win at home, thanks to Erling Haaland's hat-trick.

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The Cottagers had been holding their ground against the champions at the Etihad Stadium until City took the lead with a Nathan Ake header just before half-time. Fulham strongly argued that City defender Manuel Akanji, who was in an offside position, had obstructed the ball and affected goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

Despite a VAR review and extensive protests, the goal was awarded, allowing City to secure a comfortable victory.

Silva expressed his disappointment with the second half, stating, "I urged the players to maintain concentration on factors within our control. However, that incident undeniably had a significant impact on them."

All the explanations we heard during that time didn't make any sense whatsoever.

"What can I say? Anyone who plays football, anyone who has played football, anyone with any knowledge about football - I'm completely certain - must invalidate that goal.

Dean critical of VAR after Ake goal allowed to stand

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean speaking on Soccer Saturday:

"I think Marco Silva was being generous when he said the player jumped out of the way. It's actually gone through his legs!

The goalkeeper is unable to immediately rush out because he must wait, and by the time he does move, it is already too late. The player needs to be actively interfering.

It is unquestionably offside, without a doubt. It is categorically offside. I simply fail to comprehend why it was not awarded. It is offside in every single football match.

Haaland: I would have been fuming

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland also offered his honesty on the incident post-match. He said: "I think it was offside as well. I feel bad for them, I would be fuming.

"This is how it is. It must be a horrible feeling for them.

"It's been the perfect start because we win four games. But we have a much higher level and it's about working towards that."

Analysis: Do we have to talk about VAR - again?

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Referee Michael Oliver, centre, listens to VAR instructions from Stockley Park

Laura Hunter and Erling Haaland are currently in the spotlight. While Haaland's impressive hat-trick performance dominates the headlines, the ongoing focus remains on VAR. Rather than resolving controversies, the system seems to exacerbate them.

Phil Foden's corner was promptly headed towards the goal by Nathan Ake during stoppage time in the second half - there was nothing wrong with that. However, as Manuel Akanji jumped over the ball, he did so from an offside position. There is no doubt that Akanji was obstructing the goalkeeper Bernd Leno's line of vision, which is clearly stated as a violation in the rulebook. The entire incident was missed by the on-field referee Michael Oliver.

It may seem like an obvious and clear mistake, but surprisingly, it was not. "He must have distracted the goalkeeper," angrily exclaimed Mike Dean on Soccer Saturday. Marco Silva was furious as well. VAR, on the other hand, had a different perspective.

Haaland made contact with the ball on 17 occasions during the match against Fulham. Out of those instances, three resulted in goals while one led to an assist for Julian Alvarez. This remarkable performance is overshadowed, however, by an ongoing issue that persists. Haaland's presence and impact remain undeniable, but as we applaud his accomplishments, the problem with VAR continues to tarnish our beloved sport.