- Manchester City battled back against Crystal Palace to secure all three points
- The game marked the first time semi-automated offside used in Premier League
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A new technology made its debut in the Premier League during Manchester City’s clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The visitors got off to a flying start in the weekend’s early kick off, with Palace taking a two-goal lead after just 21 minutes courtesy of strikes from Eberechi Eze and Chris Richards.
Oliver Glasner’s side were well in control throughout the early going and looked to have extended their lead even further when Eze managed to get in behind the City defence.
The England international subsequently slotted past Ederson to seemingly make it three but soon found that his goal would not stand after all.
After the linesman’s flag went up, the decision went to VAR, and, in a first for the Premier League, the goal was ultimately chalked off by semi-automated offside technology.
With 28 cameras tracking more than 10,000 data points for each player, the technology quickly determined that Eze had been offside when starting his run.
Eberechi Eze made history as his goal was disallowed in Crystal Palace’s 5-2 defeat to Man City
After initially being flagged by the linesman, the goal was assessed by semi-automated offside and subsequently ruled out, in a first for the Premier League
The graphics generated by the technology are displayed on monitors inside stadiums
A graphic showing how Eze had strayed from his line was showed both on TV and to supporters in attendance.
Semi-automated offside was also employed in awarding Eze’s opener after just eight minutes at the Etihad.
A statement released by the Premier League ahead of the introduction the technology said: ‘Semi-automated offside technology automates key elements of the offside decision-making process to support the video assistant referee (VAR).
‘It provides more efficient placement of the virtual offside line, using optical player tracking, and generates virtual graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for fans.
‘The technology maintains the integrity of the process while enhancing the speed, efficiency, and consistency of offside decision-making.’
Despite an impressive start, after having a would-be third goal ruled out Crystal Palace quickly found themselves on the back foot against Pep Guardiola’s side.
Inspired by their soon-to-be departing captain Kevin De Bruyne, City swiftly got back on level terms before the interval before turning up the pressure after the restart to ultimately secure a 5-2 win.
