VAR confirms three reasons Lukas Nmecha Leeds United goal was given vs Aston Villa
The Leeds United striker's early opener at Elland Road on Sunday was reviewed by VAR.
The Premier League have explained a trio of decisions which went Leeds United’s way for their early opening goal against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Leeds took the lead inside eight minutes at Elland Road with Nmecha scoring his second early goal in as many games - although it was far more fortunate than his excellent finish at Nottingham Forest. The striker, who started ahead of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, saw Ezri Konsa’s goal-line clearance bounce in off his shin after a set-piece.
Sean Longstaff swung in a great free-kick that was hooked back towards danger by Gabriel Gudmundsson. Anton Stach rose highest to beat Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez to the looping ball and Konsa’s attempt to clear ricocheted off Nmecha and in, although celebrations were on hold slightly as a VAR review took place.
Referee Rob Jones initially gave the goal but VAR assistant Paul Tierney had a lot to assess. Both Gudmundsson and Nmecha were potentially offside while Villa were claiming Stach fouled Martinez when challenging for the ball.
After a lengthy check, the goal was given and Elland Road was allowed to celebrate fully. And the Premier League have now explained the reasoning behind their decision to allow the goal to stand.
In a post on X explaining the decision, the Premier League match centre wrote: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with Gudmundsson in an onside position in the build-up.
“The VAR also checked the decision of no offside offence against Nmecha – with it deemed that he did not impact Martinez after Stach played the ball. Contact on Martinez prior to the goal was also deemed to not be a foul.”
Leeds continued to push forward after that opener and managed to avoid conceding an instant equaliser, like happened at Forest before the international break. Farke’s side were aggressive and full of fight, making life hard for their visitors to go into half-time 2-0 up.
They suffered a potential injury blow related to the goal, however, with Stach falling awkwardly on his back and head. The German was eventually replaced by Ao Tanaka, with Leeds utilising their concussion substitution.