Aston Villa got their first Premier League win against Southampton since 2013 but VAR controversy took centre stage in the game.
Ross Barkley’s header late in the first half was enough to hand Dean Smith’s side all three points but the Saints have every right to feel aggrieved from two incidents that could easily have gone their way.
Villa may have just got away with one at the St Mary’s on Saturday as the ball struck the hand of defender Matty Cash in the eighth minute of the game.
Replays appeared to show him move his hand towards the ball and prevented it from hitting the back of the net.
VAR officials agonised over the decision for several minutes but decided to stick to the original decision of no penalty.
The Southampton players were clearly baffled by the judgment and on another day may have been given.
Despite the Saints dominating the first half, having eight shots albeit without forcing a save from Emiliano Martinez, it was Aston Villa who broke the deadlock.
AFP
AFP
In the 42nd minute, Jack Grealish cleverly picked out Barkley with a first-time cross, and the 27-year-old headed past the goalkeeper from close range.
It was Barkley’s fourth goal of the season and his first since his side’s 1-0 win over Leeds on October 18.
Villa had goalkeeper Martinez to thank for a flurry of second half saves to keep a clean sheet at the St Marys.
Danny Ings had the ball in the back of the net late on, the flag was raised by the official and replays showed he was offside by the finest of margins.
Sky Sports
Despite an impressive start to the season, Southampton have now lost their last three Premier League games.
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