Neil Swarbrick - the Premier League’s head of VAR - has been impressed with the impact of the technology this season despite another weekend of controversy.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was left fuming after Liverpool's VAR-assisted 3-1 defeat of his side at Anfield on Sunday, in which his side had two penalty appeals rejected.

Another controversial VAR incident occurred on Saturday at Tottenham , in which Sheffield United were denied a goal for the tightest of offside decisions.

And, despite several controversial decisions and criticism from fans and pundits, Swarbrick defended the technology.

He said: "I’m really pleased, honestly, with how we have started out. We have more decisions correct with VAR than without it.

The VAR screen shows a 'No Penalty' decision during Liverpool vs Man City (
Image:
PA)

"I’d give us around about seven-ish. If the mark now is seven — early days — in two years’ time I’m hoping for maybe a eight and a half or nine. We are open to evolving with this.

"It’s not a case of we’re not budging. We will listen to feedback. I’m comfortable with where we are but there’s no doubt there’s room for improvement. It’s a work in progress."

VAR was introduced in the Premier League this season after trials in the League Cup and FA Cup.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola gestures during the Premier League clash (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

He added: "We are in the infancy with VAR, 12 match weeks into the Premier League season, and you need to give us time to operate and utilise it.

"It is working as we wanted. It's taken quite a few years for other competitions or sports - the likes of cricket and rugby union - to get to where they are today regarding technology. It doesn't happen overnight."

Some pundits were less enthralled with the system which has also infuriated fans around the world, mostly for decision-making delays which take up to several minutes.

VAR chief Neil Swarbrick has defended the technology (
Image:
Getty Images Europe)

Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton was one of the system's harshest critics.

"Seven out of 10? Did he really say that with a straight face? Come on, are you serious?" Sutton told the BBC.

"There have been so many high-profile, horrific mistakes. They've got too much wrong. I wanted VAR to work, I backed VAR, but they are making such a mess of it."