Unai Emery makes 'necessary' VAR suggestion in rare swipe amid Aston Villa anger

Unai Emery took a rare swipe at the match officials after Aston Villa's 1-1 draw with Sheffield United on Friday night. The Spaniard still accepts and supports the presence of VAR but has made what he feels is a necessary suggestion about how Leon Bailey's disallowed goal should've been refereed.

Villa would've gone top of the Premier League standings had they won but were frustrated both by Sheffield United's strong defending and two controversial refereeing calls. Ollie Watkins was denied a first-half penalty despite a clear Vini Souza push and then Bailey saw his 60th-minute strike chalked off for a foul in the build-up.

Not only did the foul in question look a soft one as Jacob Ramsey laid a limp arm on Blades goalkeeper Wes Foderingham, but it also occurred in the phase of play before the goal itself. Watkins regained possession a few seconds later and played a one-two before crossing low to Bailey. The foul didn't have much of an impact on that.

"It was not the correct decision but I always accept the VAR," Emery said post-match. "I think today, VAR was too much and for the goal it was a second action. We recovered the ball and then we scored. It was not necessary to review this," Emery suggested in a slightly frustrated yet surprisingly calm tone.

There was no mention of the Watkins penalty shout from the head coach but his opinion on the chalked-off goal was clear. Emery hopes referees won't take such a long look at moments so far behind in the build-up of goals. In this case, it may have cost his side being Premier League leaders at Christmas.