Should Christian Eriksen's 11-second goal have stood?

Tom Devlin 6 years ago 2.1k |

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Should the referees have spotted Harry Kane? SportBible

Christian Eriksen's effort after 11 seconds, the 3rd fastest in Premier League history, should not have stood as Harry Kane - prominent in the build up - moved too early and crossed the halfway line before the referee blew his whistle.

While almost everyone was talking about the speed of Tottenham's opener, numerous observers on social media were quick to point out that Kane was in an illegal position at the kick off and the goal should not have stood. Television replays clearly show that he is at least two or three feet inside the Man United half. It is also evident that while Kane is certainly the worst offender, he is by no means the only one, with Jesse Lingard already on the move in the other direction.

Speaking on BT Sport, ex-referee Graham Poll was quite clear in his opinion that the goal should not have stood. As a result, the debate surrounding VAR has engulfed English football once again following controversy in Liverpool's game against West Brom regarding its usage in the cup. Would its application in the league have helped here? With no Man United players appealing for an infringement probably not.

These two teams do have a history of questionable refereeing between them, with Tottenham fans quick to point out Pedro Mendes' disallowed effort all those years ago that was disallowed after Roy Carroll clawed it away form behind the line.

Jose Mourinho, not opposed to criticising referees, opted to blame defensive mistakes from his team for the goal.