VAR saves referee after Johan Manzambi controversy away from Aston Villa - Expert

Johan Manzambi was once again in the thick of things away from Aston Villa on Saturday.

The midfielder finally made his full debut for the Villans before the break, scoring and assisting in a 3-2 win at Tottenham.

Injury had delayed his start at Villa Park after his sensational move from Freiburg followed his headline World Cup.

Despite his recent injury trouble, he was thrown in at the deep end as Switzerland began their Nations League campaign.

Starting behind the striker, Manzambi played 63 minutes as the Swiss beat North Macedonia 3-0 away from home.

And he was surrounded by drama as the second half got underway.

Why was Johan Manzambi in controversy?

The Aston Villa star was hacked down by Matej Gaštarov, who was slowly shown a straight red card.

Replays showed that it looked more like a simple trip, though, with no use of the studs, thankfully.

VAR intervened to downgrade the card, and Keith Hackett believes the UEFA officials were saved on the pitch.

Speaking exclusively to Villa News after reviewing footage, the ex-FIFA referee said, "A good use of VAR on this occasion.

"The challenge was reckless and in law sanctioned with a yellow card.

"The foul challenge failed to meet the criteria of Serious Foul Play (Red Card).

"Well done to the VAR, Benjamin Brand, coming to the rescue of the man in the middle, Daniel Schlager."

Johan Manzambi badly needed by Aston Villa

Unai Emery will have watched that tackle and the follow-on with gritted teeth, with injuries not needed again.

Manzambi has already missed more than enough football, so hopefully, he is given a rest at some point by Switzerland during this break.

Emi Buendia was also allowed to thrive with Manzambi alongside him, so his Villa teammates will hope to get him back fully fit and raring to go in the Premier League.

Switzerland travel to Scotland next for Manzambi to face his teammate, John McGinn, before games against Slovenia and Macedonia again.

All coming before 6 October, hopefully the Villa star can get some rest in at least one of the games before a return to the Premier League.