Unbelievable Controversy: Manchester City's 5-1 Win Over Fulham Sparks VAR Outrage, Marco Silva Demands Answers

Fulham manager Marco Silva argued that allowing Man City's disputed second goal to stand, with the score tied at 1-1, should have been deemed "impossible."

Despite the controversy, City continued their flawless start to the Premier League season with a 5-1 home triumph, thanks to Erling Haaland's third hat-trick.

Fulham vehemently protested that City's defender Manuel Akanji, who was in an offside position, had obstructed the ball and influenced goalkeeper Bernd Leno, just as the Cottagers had been holding their ground against the triple-winning team at the Etihad Stadium.

Despite a VAR review and extended protests, the goal stood, leading City to a comfortable victory.

"The second half did not meet our expectations," Silva stated. "I reminded the players not to let things beyond our control affect our focus, but that incident undoubtedly had a significant impact on them."

None of the explanations we heard at that time made any sense whatsoever.

"Seriously, what else can I say? Every single person who plays football, who has ever played football, or who possesses even a bit of knowledge about the sport - without a doubt - must completely 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 react immediately as he must remain patient, resulting in him moving too late. The player's presence is necessary to be considered interference.

"The offside call is unquestionably clear. It is simply offside. I am perplexed as to why it was not awarded. It would be judged offside in any 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?

Image:

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

We all know Laura Hunter:

Despite Erling Haaland's impressive hat-trick performance, the ongoing topic that dominates the news is VAR. The controversial VAR system, originally established to eliminate controversy, ironically seems to be intensifying it.

Phil Foden's corner was promptly headed towards the goal by Nathan Ake in the second-half stoppage time - nothing objectionable about that. However, as Manuel Akanji leaped over the ball, he did so from an offside position. There is no doubt that Akanji was "in the line of vision" of goalkeeper Bernd Leno, which is unquestionably a violation according to a quick examination of the rulebook. The entire incident was overlooked by on-field referee Michael Oliver.

It may seem like a clear and obvious mistake, right? Well, that is incorrect. "He must have disrupted the goalkeeper," an enraged Mike Dean exclaimed on Soccer Saturday. Marco Silva was furious as well. VAR, on the other hand, had a different perspective.

Haaland's involvement in the match against Fulham was limited to just 17 touches. However, out of those, he managed to score three goals and provide an assist for Julian Alvarez. Such a remarkable performance cannot be overlooked. Unfortunately, the focus remains on an persisting issue - VAR, which continues to cast a shadow on our beloved sport.