BBC Radio 5 Live

ESPN journalist Dale Johnson speaking to Nicky Campbell on BBC Radio 5 Live: "One of the biggest problems the Premier League has is the framing of the fast-paced, physical nature of the game being effected by VAR stoppages, so they have tried to make VAR a hands-off process which is why we get the decisions where people wonder why they haven't been looked at or changed. All clear and obvious is, is another subjective decision by the person behind the VAR monitor.

"If the Premier League wants a better perception, it maybe needs to lower the threshold - not so there are loads more stoppages, but these situations where it might be better if the referee goes to the monitor.

"It is very rare in the Premier League that the referee does not change his decision when he goes to the screen - in other leagues it is more common. If the referee does go to the monitor and says 'no, I am right', it gives more trust in the process.

"We talk about a lack of trust, that is right, because people no longer feel decisions are made that are just, and if we have a process the referee is more in control of, maybe it might improve."

Manchester City

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson will miss the final two games of the season due to a small fracture of his eye socket.

The 30-year-old was substituted following a head injury in Tuesday’s win over Tottenham in the Premier League although it’s understood that concussion was not a factor in the decision after he checked on the pitch by the club’s medical staff.

The Brazilian will now miss the final Premier League match of the season at home to West Ham and the FA Cup final at Wembley next week. Stefan Ortega is expected to replace Ederson in goal.

The German won player of the match in the win over Spurs and is the club’s domestic cup goalkeeper too having played in every round of the FA Cup and League Cup since joining City in the summer of 2022.

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Radio 5 Live

ESPN journalist Dale Johnson speaking to Nicky Campbell on BBC Radio 5 Live: "I really don't see it [VAR being scrapped]. You need 14 votes to get it through, the frustration has got a lot of ground but it is hard to see the clubs who compete in European football on a regular basis voting against it, and I know of a couple of clubs outside that who don't support it [the vote].

"What this does provide is the chance of a real and honest discussion of what VAR is in the Premier League, what the clubs want it to be and where it goes. The PGMOL gets a lot of criticism, but it is the Premier League as an organisation who decides how it wants VAR to work, the length of intervention etc.

"At this meeting next month, the clubs can discuss where VAR is right now, maybe there will be changes to improve the perception in English football."

Mandeep Sanghera
BBC Sport

Liverpool have had their issues with VAR this season. The most controversial was Luis Diaz's goal against Tottenham not being awarded after being incorrectly given offside by the assistant referee.

The Reds called for a "review with full transparency" of VAR in the wake of an incident they said resulted in "sporting integrity being undermined", while the PGMOL said the decision to disallow the goal was "a significant human error".

Later on in the season, referees' chief Howard Webb admitted Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty in a 1-1 draw with Arsenal for a Martin Odegaard handball.

VAR reviewed the on-field ruling not to give a penalty and confirmed the decision.

However, I understand that Liverpool are not supportive of scrapping VAR and are expected to vote against the Wolves proposal at the meeting in June.

Premier League data suggests that 96% of decisions made in the VAR era have been correct, having previously had an accuracy rate of 82% prior to its introduction.

BBC Radio 5 Live

Paul Field, president of the Referees Association, speaking to Nicky Campbell on BBC Radio 5 Live: "The laws of the game are written in a way that are, frankly, confusing. They have tried to make the laws to fit VAR when there was not that much wrong with the game. This constant tinkering of interpretations does not help officials on match day.

"Referees do not go out there to make an error, so when clubs call competence and integrity [into question], that is a real issue. We have players feigning injury, doing all the tricks in the trade to gain an advantage, and it is the poor person in the middle who takes the flak.

"Even if we paid referees £10m a week you would get the same cohort you have got today. The real issue is the total lack of investment in the refereeing system. I have a grandson in academy football, his training and development is phenomenal - we don't get that in refereeing. You do not get the coaching.

"It comes back to training, education and respect - it is not an easy fix.

"People invest their income in season tickets, and clubs know who the season ticket holders are. Why don't the Premier League ask their season ticket holders a simple question - yes or no?"

BBC Radio 5 Live

Wolves podcaster Dave Azzopardi, speaking to Nicky Campbell on BBC Radio 5 Live: "There was no indication Wolves were going to do this, but I'm pleasantly surprised. The general consensus among fans is that we are backing the club to do this.

"As a match-going fan, it has got to the point where a lot of fans aren't turning up and a lot is down to VAR. Wolves have bitten their tongue quite well, but it now needs greater consideration whether it is good for the game.

"I can see the thought behind VAR, but the clear and obvious part was what was pushed to us. Now they are overanalysing goals. I remember for Wolves, West Ham at home and Bournemouth at home, where not one person in the stadium found issue with the goal but still is was chalked off and it's taken five minutes to get to that decision, it is boring to watch."

And here are the other reasons Wolves stated in their argument for scrapping VAR:

• Diminished accountability of on-field officials, due to safety net of VAR, leading to an erosion of authority on the pitch.
• Continued errors despite VAR, with supporters unable to accept human error after multiple views and replays, damaging confidence in officiating standards.
• Disruption of the Premier League's fast pace with lengthy VAR checks and more added time, causing matches to run excessively long.
• Constant discourse about VAR decisions often overshadowing the match itself, and tarnishing the reputation of the league.
• Erosion of trust and reputation, with VAR fuelling completely nonsensical allegations of corruption.

Wolves stated nine reasons for submitting the resolution in a bid to get VAR scrapped. They include:

• Impact on goal celebrations and the spontaneous passion that makes football special.
• Frustration and confusion inside stadiums due to lengthy VAR checks and poor communication.
• A more hostile atmosphere with protests, booing of Premier League anthem and chants against VAR.
• Overreach of VAR's original purpose to correct clear and obvious mistakes, now overanalysing subjective decisions and compromising the game's fluidity and integrity.

ICYMI, Premier League clubs will vote on whether to scrap video assistant referees (VAR) from next season at their annual general meeting next month.

Wolves have formally submitted a resolution to the Premier League which will trigger a vote when the 20 member clubs meet in Harrogate on 6 June.

The club said VAR was introduced "in good faith" but has led to "numerous unintended negative consequences that are damaging the relationship between fans and football".

Image source, PA Media

Now then, we're going to head back into some VAR debate given it's been such a hot topic that continues to split opinion.

England

And here's one more update on the women's game.

Click below to watch highlights of England's 2-0 win over Poland to reach the final of the European Women's Under-17 Championship.

Image source, Manchester City FC

No matter what happens on Saturday, Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating has already become the youngest player to win the Women's Super League golden glove award.

The 19-year-old has kept nine clean sheets so far this season and has played in all 21 league games for title contenders City.

Manchester United's Mary Earps has kept seven clean sheets in 21 games, while Chelsea's Hannah Hampton has managed six in 10 matches.

Keating, who spent most of the second half of last season on loan at then-Championship side Coventry United, played just three league games for City last season.

Her efforts this year have helped City - who trail leaders Chelsea on goal difference going into the final day on Saturday - concede just 14 goals, the best defensive record in the league.

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport

Aston Villa manager Carla Ward will have "one last dance" when she leads her side out for the final time against Manchester City at Villa Park, as the Women's Super League season comes to an end on Saturday.

It will cap off a successful three years at the club, in which Ward led Villa to their highest ever WSL finish - fifth in 2022-23 - and two domestic cup semi-finals.

Ward, mother to four-year-old Hartley, departs a year before her contract was due to expire "to prioritise other important things - such as family life".

"If you had told me that after three years I would have the full support of the club, players and the fans, I would have laughed," said Ward.

"We have been through a lot and are so tight-knit. I have never felt support quite like it and that’s why I love the club, and will forever love the club. Who knows what the future will hold now."

Image source, Reuters

Tom Garry
Women's football reporter for the Daily Telegraph on the Football Daily podcast

Chelsea didn't play well. It was a typical thing where they get the result despite not being at their best, and I think they will be happy with a two-goal advantage on goal difference.

Chelsea have got the harder fixture [on the final day], but I'm not convinced both teams will win. Aston Villa beat Manchester City at home last season and it is also Carla Ward's last game as Villa manager, she will be desperate to finish on a high. Also Bunny Shaw is injured - it is like being without Erling Haaland for a big game in the title race.

Being at Old Trafford could give an edge to Man United, although they did lose to Man City there, sometimes it can play in the away team's favour. When you give Chelsea a second chance, they rarely let things slip. You have to give them the advantage with the track record they have.

Also on Wednesday, Chelsea beat Tottenham to go top of the Women's Super League on goal difference.

The defending champions are now two goals better off than Manchester City heading into the final day on Saturday, when Chelsea visit Manchester United while City are away to Aston Villa (both 15:00 BST).

Image source, Reuters

Pat Nevin
Former Scotland winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

What market do they go to? In England you can blow £60m in one transfer, Celtic cannot do that. You have to have the links, can you go to France, or in the South American market?

What [previous manager Ange] Postecoglou did in the Japanese market was astounding. It's not about spending money, but spending money well.