Swansea City 2-3 Manchester City: 5 Talking Points | FA Cup 2018/19

#5 The VAR debate rears its head once again

VAR was not in operation here but if it was, both of City's final two goals would not have counted

Two goals at crucial moments changed the game's complexion at a pivotal time in an FA Cup quarter-final. Despite enjoying a five-goal thriller between two sides in contrasting circumstances, VAR and the controversy that surrounds it overshadowed an unpredictable cup tie.

First off, why are the competition not using VAR in some games and are at others? Wolves-Manchester United had the technology in operation but not Swansea-Manchester City, because the Swans are no longer a Premier League club. Just writing that seems ridiculous, as you're excluding clubs and putting them at a disadvantage based on their league - which is unfair and defeats the purpose of VAR to begin with.

Either everyone is entitled, or no-one. Otherwise where is the consistency? Swansea were 2-1 up and two match-defining moments turned the game upside down. Sterling's penalty appeal and Aguero's offside winner, which were both allowed to stand.

Now you cannot definitively say whether City would have still won the game, as Swans boss Potter revealed post-match. After all, they were dominating and particularly as the match wore on in search of goals.

However, Swansea lost and the manner of their defeat was an injustice. VAR and when it should be used is up for debate, as there's a lot to do with perception. It takes too long, causes confusion and is ultimately a matter of the officials' opinion.

As good a game as this was, the manner in which City won was not legitimate. It's not their fault and they'll happily take a smash-and-grab victory but those in charge are responsible. If VAR was in operation - which it should have been - this might have been a completely different result altogether.

Stats' source: WhoScored.