Southampton denied penalty and purpose by VAR as they endure first defeat to Aston Villa since 2013

Aston Villa bought their first Premier League win towards Southampton since 2013 however VAR controversy took centre stage within the recreation.

Ross Barkley’s header late within the first half was sufficient at hand Dean Smith aspect’s all three factors however the Saints have each proper to really feel aggrieved from two incidents that would simply have gone their approach.

Villa could have simply bought away with one on the St Mary’s on Saturday because the ball struck the hand of defender Matty Money within the eighth minute of the sport.

Replays appeared to indicate him transfer his hand in the direction of the ball and prevented it from hitting the again of the web.

VAR officers agonised over the choice for a number of minutes however determined to stay to the unique resolution of no penalty.

The Southampton gamers had been clearly baffled by the judgment and on one other day could have been given.

Regardless of the Saints dominating the primary half, having eight photographs albeit with out forcing a save from Emiliano Martinez, it was Aston Villa who broke the impasse.

Within the 42nd minute, Jack Grealish cleverly picked out Barkley with a first-time cross, and the 27-year-old headed previous the goalkeeper from shut vary.

It was Barkley’s fourth purpose of the season and his first since his aspect’s 1-Zero win over Leeds on October 18.

Villa had goalkeeper Martinez to thank for a flurry of second half saves to maintain a clear sheet on the St Marys.

Danny Ings had the ball behind the web late on, the flag was raised by the official and replays confirmed he was offside by the best of margins.