Unai Emery moaned about VAR - but he could have no complaints about one of the strikes of the season that floored Villa. The Spaniard used his programme notes to outline his frustration with the system, calling for it to be used MORE. Emery spoke out after striker Jhon Duran was dismissed at St James’s Park without use of a replay by officials.
It came to his aid against Brighton - although it couldn’t help Villa to three points. And that was because the Seagulls showcased the very best of their talent to grab a late point at Villa Park. Fabian Hurzeler’s side were searching desperately for a route back into the game as they trailed 2-1 going into the final ten minutes. And they went back to front in stunning style - with a move that spanned the full length of the pitch - with full-back Tariq Lamptey thumping home a delicious finish.
Emery was spitting mad on Boxing Day after Duran was sent to the stands and he wrote an impassioned piece saying: “I want to make public my disagreement with some of the last few decisions we received recently. Not because they were against us or not in our favour.
“It is just because of the process in the decision-making. In our opinion, the referees are not using enough and correctly the VAR.” Referee Craig Pawson used the pitchside monitor to Villa’s advantage against Brighton - a move that presumably would have had Emery’s backing.
At that stage, the Seagulls were deservedly ahead thanks to Simon Adingra’s neat 12th-minute strike. Lewis Dunk belted a ball forward 50 yards for Joao Pedro to chase. Ezri Konsa and Diego Carlos got in a muddle and Adingra spotted his chance. He picked up the loose ball and fired it past Emi Martinez.
