Morning all.
Well that was a bit of a shock last night with Utd getting thumped 3-0 at Old Trafford. I’d normally be quite happy seeing a Mourinho side take a hiding but considering it was the noisy neighbours who dished out the beating, it’s kind of a bitter sweet feeling. Mourinho must be getting close to being out of a job, especially after the way he handled himself during the transfer window. He’s like a spoilt brat who wanted a sherbert fountain from the corner shop but all his mother bought him was a penny chew. I for one would be glad to see the back of him if he gets fired and I hope he never returns to football in England again.
Tonight and tomorrow night the second round of EFL Cup matches take place and after Wednesday nights fixtures, the third round draw is made and Arsenal will be in there. A selected few of the matches in this competition will benefit from the continued trials of VAR. Brighton’s game against Southampton, Fulham’s versus Exeter, Leicester against Fleetwood and Rotherham’s trip to Everton are the chosen ones over the next couple of days, all at PL grounds.
“The emphasis of the experiment is to focus on clear and obvious errors,” the EFL said in a statement. “In this way, the system aims to minimise any interference with the flow of the game and maximise the advantages of reviewing the video replays.
“Given the subjective nature of football and a desire to maintain the flow and spectacle of the game, the system is not intended to achieve 100% accuracy in every decision. “The original decision of the referee on the pitch can only be changed if a video review shows a clear and obvious error.”
Forget all of that, VAR is required because referees are either inconsistent, incompetent, or simply darn right cheats.
Fans in the stadium will see the following messages displayed to keep them in the loop.
- VAR Check in Progress
- VAR Check In Progress – Checking Goal
- VAR Check In Progress – Checking Penalty
- VAR Check In Progress – Checking Red Card
- VAR Check In Progress – Checking Mistaken Identity
- VAR Check Complete
- VAR Check Complete – Original Decision Overturned
The weekends fixtures again highlighted why VAR needs to be implemented as soon as possible. Wolves opened the scoring against Man City with a goal which should have been disallowed which cost Peps side two points. Watford beat Crystal Palace but things might have been very different had Capoue been sent off early in the game after a really nasty and out of control tackle on Zaha. Xhaka might have seen red too had the referee reviewed his bad tackle and we’d have probably been awarded a penalty after Danny Welbeck felt the arms of a West Ham player tugging him around his neck. I’m sure there were plenty of other missed decisions which cost clubs points. Points which mean money these days, oh, and in some cases, silverware.
Hopefully we’ll be one of the selected fixtures to use VAR in our first League Cup match which will take place 25/26th September. Before then though we travel to Cardiff this Sunday for a 1.30pm kickoff after which it’s the first international break of the season.
Then it’s busy, very busy as not only does the League Cup begin for us, but Europa also, in fact the European fixture comes first out of the two. The group draw takes place this Friday and our first match takes place on 20th September. As long as we don’t get knocked out of the domestic cup competition, we have twenty four fixtures between now and Christmas which is just seventeen weeks away. There’s two international breaks during that period so it’s a hectic time ahead for the Arsenal coaching staff and players.
Imo this hectic run of fixtures can only be a good thing for the squad and manager. Fringe players and the younger ones will drafted in as rotation will be key. Emery will get the chance to see how those players react and perform and I’m confident that a number of them will prove they are just as good, if not a better option for the first team. Bernd Leno will no doubt get his introduction to the English game, Smith-Rowe, Nelson, Mavropanos and Eddie are the ones who spring to mind, Martinez too perhaps and the good thing about Unai Emery is that he doesn’t seem to shy away from making changes if he believes them to be for the better. The player I’m tipping to push his way into the first team is Mavropanos. He’s tall, strong and has to be quicker than both of our ‘first choice’ centre backs. It’s up to him to prove he’s better than one or both of Sokratis and Mustafi.
Have a good day guys…
Morning rico, house. Enjoyed seeing Spuds thrash United. Moura looks a very good player, even the pundits surprised how he played after not setting anything alight last season. Yes, I was rooting for Spurs, not easy, but Mourinho is something else, and whisper it, I quite like the way the Spurs manager goes about his business!
Morning Andrew, I didn’t watch the match. Can’t stand either club.. lol
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Good morning Rico and all others.
I did watch last night’s match, first half at home second half in The Feathers while taking part in the weekly quiz. Very enjoyable evening. We got third place in the quiz, a couple of Man U fans in the pub went very quiet, one even left early. Most importantly though my Spurs supporting wife was elated by the result, and she was happy about the outcome of the match too. 😀
I’m not too worried by the fixture pile-up, that’s what squads are for. At this juncture in the season, under a new head coach, all the players should be busting a gut to get into the starting eleven for every game whatever the competition.
Morning Rico. I reckon that the PL realise how many decisions are wrong at the moment and believe that VAR will bring controversy and delays. The decisions right now are dictating results in some cases. Surely though, things will iron themselves out after a while and the right decision must be paramount. Players will just have to modify their approach and if it gets rid of the ridiculous wrestling that we see from corners then that must be a good thing.
As you mention, Xhaka should have been sent off on Saturday. Would we have won with 10 men? The stakes are that high. He has been irresponsible on so many occasions now. The winning Chelsea goal might not have stood because Kovacic would rightly have been booked for simulation during the lead-up play. Man City would not have conceded at the weekend because it was a handball. Would Salah’s dodgy penalty have stood and would he have been booked for the play-acting that has become so much a part of his game. Hazzard? How many games would he finish with his current attitude of taking every chance to fly through the air with his trademark grimace before slow-mo showing that even if there was contact, it was minimal?
The serial cheats in the game would perhaps change their ways if they knew that they simply weren’t going to get away with it. There would be some pain all round, but the alternative is what we see now.
Morning Cicero. I like it when the fixtures come thick and fast. It could be just what we need to get some rhythm going. The more they play, they better they’ll get. In theory anyway.. lol
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Adam, VAR as the protocols for it’s use stand, will do nothing to stop simulation. As listed above, in Rico’s excellent post, unless there is a suspected case of mistaken identity, no action by the VAR team is called for.
At the moment I’m not sure that the referees and VAR people, let alone the players and coaches, understand just what is covered by the system and how it should operate.
Until things are made much clearer VAR should only be used in an experimental way.
Morning all.
Forget the stats and databases.
Sean reckons the Santos No. 11 in their U/12’s side is the next Messi after battling with the kid today!!!
Now, he said the kid got the best of him but he battled hard and gave him some back so he’s happy, but reckons the kid was just a different level.
I’ve already put the word out to find his name lol
I spoke to a Yanites dan at work this morning and he reckons he barely watches the PL any longer.
I wonder why?
I saw the highlight of the game just now and it was undoubtedly Joe Says performance afterwards!!!
Sorry, but he is just a dick!!!!
His strategy and tactics were perfect, just ask him lol
Morning Adam.
Apart from a few odd blips, I thought VAR at the World Cup ran quite smoothly, surely that should be enough for the FA to see that introducing here would only benefit the game. Not their own agenda of course, but the game itself. As you say, there are far too many bad decisions and far too much cheating going on at the height of the game and they putting an end to.
Retrospective decisions are all well and good but they don’t help the team on the day when it matters.
The more it’s used in the domestic cups, the quicker we’ll see VAR in the PL imo. Fingers crossed anyway.
Yanites dan should read Yanites fan…
Cicero. I believe it will be better myself.
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Rico, depending on the draws for the Europa League and Carabao cup there will be ample opportunity for Unai Emery to further evaluate the squad and to refine his tactics.
That being the case I hope to see more from the first teamers rather than the “blooding” of youngsters and fringe players.
Cicero, can a penalty decision not be reviewed though, or an original decision?
From what I can make out, the game is being watched as it plays out and a referee can be advised to review a decision at any time.. I could be wrong though..
I agree Cicero, but the players I’m talking about in the post are all squad players, some who I think would give more than some of the starters are right now. Emery will have no choice but to rotate, draw dependent of course but I’m hoping Smith-Rowe, Nelson, Eddie, Mavropanos and Leno all get and take their opportunity if it’s given to them.
I put this up, last man standing, after the new post was announced!
Sorry Rico, I’m still having real problems ‘loading the site’ and posting is also proving very difficult. It is probably my steam driven iPad and apple’s insistence in building in gradual obscelecence? Anyhow I’ll be on site when my machine lets me.
Sanogo’s value was equivalent to a small two bed roomed flat on Gillespie Road, I reckon! Not a lot by today’s standards but way above the value of his contributions on the field of play for the mighty Arsenal! Shame really. No stats were used for him, I think. His purchase was all down to Wenger and his talent spotting eye, plus a good pinch of his natural ‘Scrooge’!
Just to turn the knife. Wasn’t it a delight to see Maureen turned over on their own slimy heap? And watching the poisoned dwarf getting short shrift from the press afterwards? What altogether nasty little man he is, arrogant, self-serving and Teflon encrusted! I hope he continues to fail and falls totally from grace. With any fortune and for the good of football in this country, he will be hounded from these shores by a baying barking bevy of press boys!😊 Not that I wish him any harm, of course, but I would contribute to his one way air ticket back to Portugal!
Cloudy but dry here, however the garden is full of very hungry gnats!
New.
The VAR debate will rumble on all season imo. In many ways the EPL should be desperate to get it up and running because the standard of refereeing is so poor. Perhaps that’s why they’ve dismissed it as a tool for fairness and justice on the field during playing time. I mean, you can’t put the ‘fix’ in if you’re not in control. Not that I think many, if any refs are bent but, they are certainly incompetent. vAR should be embraced not disregarded, surely?
Still cloudy but not too cold good gnats breeding conditions!!!!!
Morning Gooners/Rico, nice post.
VAR, we should be using it now, you iron out the hiccups as you go along, but the PGMOL are running scared.
The League Cup and the UEFA Cup are two big opportunities for Arsenal this season, we’re not going to finish top four so silverwear of any description would be welcome for Emery.
It’ll be good to see Leno and Lichtsteiner in action and our young players, shame the AMN will miss these games.
Maybe Martinez playing in the early rounds of the League Cup makes sense.
I am wondering what happens if some of our squad players turn out better than our current 11 and the CB’s are top suspects in my opinion.
I get problems on Safari too Wavy, I get a problem with typing as often it won’t let me so goodness knows what’s going on there. I’ll see if I can sort it, well, not me but someone with the skills.. 😉
Morning Kev, thanks. I still think we’re in with a chance for top four, especially if Mourinho carries on the way he’s going. Winning the Europa Cup would be special though if it we could in Emery’s first season.
I too am looking forward to seeing a few changes but in Europa, Emery could go with a strong side, whatever that is with our squad. 😉
Iari, me too and if they are, I wouldn’t bet against Emery making changes for the league.
The VAR must be used correctly, else ell be horrid.
The World Cup saw it used very well, better than I expected, and just a few tweaks needed.
As long as officials are not influenced into making calls or even NOT making calls based on the fact it’s there.
I don’t think they are allowed to Scott, other than really bad ones.
Rico, agree re: europe…
Arsenal’s record in european football, for a club of our size, is appallingly bad.
We’ve managed two trophies in some 50 odd years, our record in europe is as poor as the Spuds in the league. So yeah, I’d be absolutely delighted to see us win the UEFA Cup, we’re not winning the league anytime soon, so I don’t see why fans get so sniffy over the UEFA Cup?
Rico, I really hope it does eliminate the divers.
Not sure how they’ll make that work, but it’d be fantastic.
Agree Kev, it’s appalling..
Scott, I’ll make them think twice surely? At the moment they know that if a ref deals with the incident it can’t be reviewed..
Afternoon Rico and the House.
I gather Nelson is joining Hoffenheim,
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speechless.
Rico. Thanks in advance for trying to sort our safari problems out. I wish you joy and hope for success!😊
Kev, the reasons fans are a bit sniffy about the UEFA cup is simply because we used to dine at the top table, even got to the final once, similarly we used to contest the EPL title and now we don’t! We have had our sights considerably lowered by old mother Wenger and his insistence that finishing fourth was an achievement and not qualifying for the CL didn’t matter! The hell they didn’t. What kind of ambition does that show? It’s little wonder our players underachieve, is it? It’s all part of the self-fulfilling prophecy, you get what you aim for as nobody expects anything better. Shocking, absolutely shocking.
However, any silverware at the end of the season would be appreciated, so long a it wasn’t the silver plated wooden spoon of relegation!
Hi Rico,
The end of an era and the start perhaps of another with Emery?
It’s depressing to see such appaling defensive frailties once again against West Ham and the lack of commitment in blocking shots or crosses – Bellerin and several other “defenders” turn their backs, are incapable of tracking back and leave opposition players unmarked in dangerous positions. We were lucky not to lose with two cross-shots(passes?) from the opposition going clean across the goalmouth.
I would like to see some young, strong, intelligent enthusiastic Arsenal players replace the likes of overpaid Xhaka, Mustafi and Socratis. The young Guendouzi is a breath of fresh air and a gem of a signing. Hope he stays fit?
Bring on VAR, TODAY, and find some decent referees who are prepared to use it.
The wrestling matches (blatant fouls actually, should = Penalties) within the penalty areas during the World Cup were astounding by the measure that the offenders were never penalised.
Too many petulant players, too much diving and histrionics and too few sanctions.
Change is needed:
Technology advances at an exponential rate but soccer doesn’t appear to want to take on board the possibilities to improve the game and reduce the cheating that is endemic.
Independent TIMEKEEPER (take it away from the referee). Only 90 precise minutes of ACTUAL PLAY. When the ball goes out of play or there’s a a foul, free kick etc the clock is stopped. The records are countless, of time-wasting (free kicks, throw-ins etc etc) goals scored when the ref should have blown for full time before that ….need I go on?
Wavy, it’s good luck I need as I’m going to need it… 😜
Afternoon Rick, on loan?
Hi Andorrabyte
Var can’t come quick enough for me, neither can a more settled and secure defence…
Evening all and thanks Rico.
VAR cant come quick enough for me and should have been implemented years ago or something else if tech` wasn`t available, it`s been in the minor sports of Cricket and Rugby for years, so it`s gobsmacking it hasn`t been in the worlds biggest game.
Like you Rico I love it when the games come thick and fast, the more the better, look at this week !……………….have to wait `till Sunday for next game !.
I know it`s the Mail, but the link is quite good if you want to get an inkling of where our players mostly play……………go down halfway on the page and click on heat maps, then you can choose a player…………….example click on Rambo and you will see that he covers a lot of ground !………………..plus you will get an idea where we got exposed on our right with Bellerin`s heat map being more winger than FB !
🙂
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fixtures.html#s2018-m987613
Two shockers today !………………………..Nelson going to Germany, although on Arseblog they say latest news from The Mirror rumours that he will sign new contract and then go on loan !…………………………if it is a permanent move then it looks like nothing has changed with the “new” heirachy in letting go our stars and future ones !
Second shocker !………………………………Cicero is married to a Spud !…………………you have my condolences !
🙂
Never would happen to me, I`m quite easy with picking women in the past and only have really two no no`s………………smokers and spuds ! 🙂
Agreed no smoking and mine was Fulham, of course in those days it didnt matter. Apart from Haynes they had nothing but then again until 1970 neither did we.
Potter, they had Alan Clarke for quite a while too. Saw him hit the winner against us at Craven Cottage one Boxing Day……….barstard!
Didn`t know Sniffer Clarke was at Fulham !
Think my record score prediction is on for Sunday, if Norwich can beat Cardiff at Cardiff 3-1, then this can litterally be a Cricket score game !………………Lacca and Auba could win the Golden Boot in one game !
Don’t get too exited over Norwich , Warnock made 9 changes I think , his first 11 will be back for Sunday.
Morning Potter, all.
His reserve team managed a goal, more than his first team have done.
New post up now..
Where
It’s the mystery of the disappearing Highbury House post…
I shall immediately call in Inspector Adam of the Yard.
That’s Swan Yard…