The law is clear– Former Pgmol chief gives verdict on Solanke’s handball decision vs Ipswich Town

Tottenham Hotspur’s recent loss to Ipswich Town at home has left fans disappointed and frustrated. The match, played at White Hart Lane, was meant to be a chance for Spurs to recover from their midweek defeat to Galatasaray in the Europa League. Instead, they faced a surprising and somewhat embarrassing 2-0 loss to Ipswich, a team that had not been expected to get the better of Tottenham, especially on their home turf.

Tottenham’s performance against Ipswich was marked by a lack of intensity and creativity. Spurs struggled to build any real momentum in the first half, failing to generate meaningful chances despite holding possession. Ipswich, on the other hand, played with confidence and purpose. They were quick on the ball and took full advantage of Tottenham’s defensive lapses. Ipswich’s two first-half goals put Tottenham on the back foot early, making it an uphill battle for the home side.

In the second half, Tottenham tried to find a way back into the match. As they pushed forward in search of a goal, they were able to pull one back through Dominic Solanke. The former Liverpool striker’s shot found the back of the net, and for a brief moment, it seemed like Tottenham might have the chance to salvage something from the game. However, the joy was short-lived as the goal was ruled out after a VAR review. The decision was based on the fact that Solanke’s shot had deflected off his arm before going into the net, which made the goal illegal according to the rules.

The controversy surrounding the disallowed goal sparked some debate among Tottenham fans, but former English referee Keith Hackett weighed in on the matter. Hackett, who previously served as the head of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), explained that the decision was the correct one. He clarified that even if the handball was accidental, the law is clear: a player cannot score a goal using their arm, whether the contact is intentional or not. According to Hackett, there was no issue with the VAR decision, and Tottenham had no grounds for complaint regarding the disallowed goal.

The loss to Ipswich Town has left Tottenham in a difficult position in the Premier League standings. After the defeat, Spurs dropped to 10th place, further exacerbating concerns about their form and inconsistency. Despite a promising start to the season under manager Ange Postecoglou, the team’s recent performances have been underwhelming, and the pressure is starting to mount. Spurs have been unable to maintain a level of consistency in their results, which has led to growing frustration among fans and pundits alike.

While Postecoglou’s job is not under immediate threat, as suggested by former scout Bryan King, the Australian manager faces increasing pressure to turn things around. Tottenham has been known for its attacking football under Postecoglou, but they have struggled to find the right balance in recent weeks. Inconsistent defensive displays, lack of clinical finishing, and a failure to perform in key matches have all contributed to the team’s troubles. This defeat to Ipswich Town, a team that is not part of the Premier League’s elite, highlights the current struggles Spurs are facing.

Tottenham’s recent form has led to questions about the squad’s depth and quality. Despite some positive individual performances, the team as a whole has lacked cohesion. Players like Son Heung-min, Richarlison, and Dejan Kulusevski, who were expected to lead the attack, have been unable to deliver consistently. Meanwhile, the defense has looked shaky, with key players like Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven struggling to keep the opposition at bay. The loss to Ipswich exposed the vulnerability of Tottenham’s defense and highlighted the need for improvements in certain areas.

While the defeat was certainly a setback, it is not the end of the road for Tottenham. The club still has plenty of time to turn things around, but they must improve quickly if they want to challenge for a higher position in the league. Postecoglou will need to address the issues that have been plaguing the team and find a way to restore confidence and consistency. Tottenham fans will be hoping for a strong response in their next match, as the pressure continues to build on both the manager and the players.

In the end, the loss to Ipswich serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of football and the need for Tottenham to be more focused and disciplined in their performances moving forward. The road to recovery may not be easy, but Spurs must find a way to bounce back and restore some pride in their season.