VAR keeps Adams on the pitch
This was the first Premier League match in which the two sides in action would have encountered VAR technology and it was key in two decisions in the game.
The first came after Burnley thought they had gained the lead early on. Ashley Barnes’ cross was turned home by Chris Wood from close-range, but the offside flag went up against the former as he capitalised on Jack Stephens’ slip.
VAR checked the decision to see whether the officials had got it right and confirmed that they had.
Just 12 minutes later, it was used again as Saints striker Che Adams caught Ben Mee with a high challenge.
It looked unintentional as the Burnley defender poked the ball away, but Adams would have still breathed a sigh of relief when VAR decided it was a fair attempt at winning the ball.
Although this didn’t have a bearing on the final result, Adams and his Saints teammates will need to be aware that their every move is under more scrutiny this year.