Manchester City Manager Discusses the Impact of VAR on Match Results

May 13, 2026, 06:50
EuropeSports

Introduction

Pep Guardiola has spoken about the unpredictability of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system and how it affects the outcomes of games.

Main Body

The debate over refereeing consistency has grown after West Ham United had an equalizing goal disallowed in a match against Arsenal, a decision that significantly affected the league table. This event led Guardiola to criticize the VAR system, which he described as being as random as flipping a coin. This skepticism comes from Manchester City's experiences in the 2024 and 2025 FA Cup finals. The manager asserted that refereeing mistakes contributed to these losses. Specifically, he mentioned penalties that were not given to Erling Haaland against Manchester United and a situation where Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson was not sent off for a handball outside the penalty area. Despite these complaints, Guardiola emphasized that the only way to reduce the risk of refereeing errors is through the team's own performance. He believes that if a team is dominant enough, they will not need the referee to intervene, making the randomness of VAR irrelevant. Consequently, the team is now focusing on total control on the pitch, especially before their upcoming game against Crystal Palace.

Conclusion

Manchester City aims to close the points gap with Arsenal by focusing on a strong and decisive performance against Crystal Palace.

Learning

⚑ The 'Power-Up' Shift: Moving from Simple to Complex Logic

An A2 student says: "Guardiola is unhappy because the referee made mistakes."

A B2 student says: "Guardiola asserted that refereeing mistakes contributed to these losses."

Do you see the difference? We are moving away from "baby words" (happy, sad, because) and moving toward Precise Verbs and Causal Links. This is the secret bridge to B2 fluency.

πŸ› οΈ Tool 1: The "Precision" Verb

Stop using say or think for everything. Look at how the text describes Guardiola's opinions:

  • Asserted: He didn't just say it; he said it with strong confidence.
  • Emphasized: He didn't just talk about it; he made it the most important point.
  • Criticize: He didn't just say he disliked it; he pointed out exactly why it was wrong.

πŸ”— Tool 2: Sophisticated Connections

Instead of using "so" or "because" in every sentence, use these B2-level connectors found in the text:

A2 Level (Simple)B2 Level (Advanced)Context from Article
So...Consequently...Consequently, the team is now focusing on total control...
This happened because......contributed to......refereeing mistakes contributed to these losses.
But...Despite...Despite these complaints, Guardiola emphasized...

πŸ’‘ Pro-Tip for Growth

Next time you want to say "The weather was bad, so I stayed home," try the B2 Bridge: πŸ‘‰ "Despite the sunny forecast, the rain contributed to my decision to stay home; consequently, I finished my book."

Vocabulary Learning

unpredictability (n.)
The quality of being unpredictable; lack of predictability.
Example:The unpredictability of the VAR decisions keeps fans on edge.
consistency (n.)
The quality of being consistent; regularity in performance.
Example:The team's consistency helped them climb the league table.
disallowed (v.)
To forbid or reject; to not permit a goal or action.
Example:The referee disallowed the equalizing goal after a VAR review.
significantly (adv.)
In a way that is large or important.
Example:The decision significantly affected the final standings.
random (adj.)
Made, done, or happening without method or conscious decision.
Example:He described VAR as random as flipping a coin.
skepticism (n.)
Doubt or disbelief about something.
Example:His skepticism towards VAR grew after the recent final.
mistakes (n.)
Errors or faults in action or judgment.
Example:Refereeing mistakes contributed to the team's losses.
penalties (n.)
Penalty kicks awarded in football for fouls inside the penalty area.
Example:The manager complained that penalties were not given.
goalkeeper (n.)
The player who guards the goal and is allowed to use hands within the penalty area.
Example:The goalkeeper was not sent off for a handball.
handball (n.)
An illegal touch of the ball with the hand or arm.
Example:The handball outside the penalty area was not penalised.
reduce (v.)
To make smaller or less in amount or intensity.
Example:Reducing refereeing errors requires better training.
performance (n.)
The action of performing or playing in a game or event.
Example:Their performance on the pitch was decisive.
dominant (adj.)
Having power or influence over others; prevailing.
Example:A dominant team can control the game.
intervene (v.)
To become involved in a situation in order to influence it.
Example:The referee may intervene if a foul occurs.
irrelevant (adj.)
Not relevant or not important to the matter at hand.
Example:The randomness of VAR was irrelevant to a dominant team.
focusing (v.)
Concentrating attention or effort on something.
Example:The team is focusing on total control.
control (n.)
The power to influence or direct the behavior of something.
Example:They aim to maintain control throughout the match.
pitch (n.)
The playing field in football.
Example:They will dominate the pitch from start to finish.
upcoming (adj.)
About to happen soon; forthcoming.
Example:The upcoming game will test their resilience.
decisive (adj.)
Having or showing clear determination; producing a definite result.
Example:A decisive victory secures their position in the league.