Chris Sutton weighs on Leeds controversy vs Aston Villa – ‘Clear as day’
Chris Sutton believes that VAR was right to rule out Leeds’ late goal in their 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
There was plenty of controversy throughout Sunday’s game at Elland Road.
Lukas Nmecha’s opener for Leeds was subject to a long VAR check before it was confirmed.
However, VAR would come back to haunt Leeds United later on, as the hosts thought they had netted the equaliser, just a minute after Morgan Rogers’ second.
Yet, VAR ruled the goal out for a Dominic Calvert-Lewin handball, with Sutton agreeing with this assessment.
Chris Sutton: Handball clear as day
While many of Leeds’ players were poor against Aston Villa, one of the brightest sparks was Daniel James.
The winger came off the bench and added an instant attacking threat to the hosts.
Shortly after Villa’s second, James thought he had the equaliser, as he ran onto a simple pass over the top before sending a shot off Calvert-Lewin and into the net.
However, replays quickly showed that the ball had hit the arm of the Leeds striker before it went into the net, with VAR quickly getting involved to disallow the goal.
Speaking to Sky Sports on 23 November, when the incident was being reviewed, Sutton insisted that it was a handball.
He said: “It’s clear as day – this will be ruled out.”
- Read more: Ao Tanaka surely fuming at Daniel Farke after embarrassing Leeds United moment vs Aston Villa
Daniel James’ performance gives Daniel Farke hope
The absence of James for Leeds has been a big blow for Farke in recent weeks.
However, his performance from the bench should give the manager hope.
According to Fotmob on 23 November, the winger was excellent, completing all of his passes, while also having three shots, despite being on the field for just 19 minutes.
| Daniel James vs Aston Villa | |
| Minutes | 19 |
| Shots | 3 |
| Passing accuracy | 100% |
| Dribble success rate | 100% |
| Chances created | 1 |
Once James is able to play a full 90 minutes, it will be a difference-maker for Farke, with his cameo offering plenty of hope for the German.
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