Morning all.
On the 6th June, Premier League clubs will vote on whether or not VAR should be scrapped for next season. This is a weird one in my opinion because technology isn’t the problem but the way it’s used is. We live in a technological world these days and I feel ditching VAR would be a step backwards. Surely, the way forwards is to improve the way technology is used rather than to simply bin it?
Having every referee and VAR operator singing from the same hymn sheet would be a start but that’s half the problem in football, most decisions a referee has to make are subjective. What we’re seeing is two almost identical incidents dealt with differently. One week, an opponent can commit two fouls before being booked, the next, a different player could tot up six or seven before finally seeing his name go in the book.
There can be two almost identical instances in a penalty area, one on a Saturday afternoon which results in a penalty being awarded yet later in the day with a different set of officials, it’s adjudged to be a fair challenge or a dive by the player whose been fouled. A defensive player either connects with the ball or the player first and if it’s the player, it’s a foul and a penalty should be awarded in my opinion and regardless of whether that player goes to ground or not. All this ‘he’s made the most of that’ is irrelevant. It’s like the ‘if he wasn’t already booked, that’d be a yellow card’ or, ‘anywhere else on the pitch that’d be a foul’ – it’s stupid.A bookable offence should be penalised regardless of what, when or where it takes place. Another gripe I have is why can’t goal line technology be extended to include the entire back line?
As the old saying goes, “a bad craftsman always blames his tools…..”
Back at Arsenal, Kido Taylor-Hart and Arthur Okonkwo have confirmed they’re leaving Arsenal this summer. Karl Hein, Cedric Soares and Mo Elneny are expected to depart too as like the two academy players, their contracts expire next month.
Another academy player, midfielder Jack Henry-Francis has been involved in first team training this week but despite being a regular for the under 21 team this season, there’s no guarantee he’ll still be at the club when the new season kicks off. He’ll be 21 later this year. Perhaps this time with the first team has been little more than a decision time exercise. Ruthless as that might sound, but he’s not breaking into our first team any time soon is he?
In fact not many, if any from the under 21 squad are likely to make the step up next season in my opinion because I’m sure there would have been something written somewhere about the ‘next bright prospect’ if there was/is such a player. The focus or rather hope, seems to be on Ethan Nwaneri who is just 17 years old.
A number of Arsenal academy players have been out on loan this season but the likelihood of them being at the club when the new season kicks off is slim I think. Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand and Tyreece John-Jules are out of contract next month so that leaves decisions to be made on Alex Kirk, Mika Biereth, Charlie Patino, Tyreece, Catalin Cirjan, Khayon Edwards, Omar Rekik, Billy Vigar, Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Zane Monlouis.
I’ve no idea how any of the above players faired out on loan but again, had they hit dizzy heights, I’m sure their names would have been in the back pages somewhere. Maybe one or two will be involved in pre-season – who knows until the time comes but they’re at an age where they and Arsenal need to make a decision about their future. An age where if good enough, they should be giving Mikel Arteta a reason to promote them into the first team squad.
We also have 5 senior players out on loan. Arthur Okongkwo (going), Kieran Tierney, Marquinhos, Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga. All whom I think will be moved on to pastures new.
Lastly, the first team squad but I’ll keep that for another day when this season is history.
Catch up in the comments.
“” like the ‘if he wasn’t already booked, that’d be a yellow card’ or, ‘anywhere else on the pitch that’d be a foul’ comments pundits make – they’re stupid. ””
Why stupid? The comment is made in actual support if your own arguement.
You’re missing my point…
Why stupid ?
If it’s a foul , it’s a foul, wherever and whenever it happens.
It’s the referees job to uphold the laws of the game not to bend them to protect their bias.
Exactly my point potter.
Morning Rico
The VAR offside controversies should be ironed out by the automated decisions. Surely the goal line tech should also be used in the same way along on the touchlines so we don’t have the issues encountered at Newcastle and home vs West Ham?
The subjective calls will always be an issue. The threshold for penalties should be higher and the ‘clear & obvious’ rule needs to be followed.
I hope the process quickens and is shown in the ground as at present the spectators are completely in the dark.
Morning Pete.
Agreed. The clear and obvious seems to have gone out of the window as replaying one incident 10/11 times for example doesn’t suggest anything is clear and obvious. Perhaps sometimes there’s too much scrutiny.
Also, just because certain players, our own Jesus at times, goes over in the box rather theatrically, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s not been fouled.
https://www.arsenal.com/news/arsenal-launch-new-202425-adidas-home-kit
Love the new kit…
Interestingly, both Raya and Ramsdale are modelling it….
Afternoon Rico and all.
As others have said, a foul is a foul no matter where it is or when it is committed.
As for the VAR, by getting rid off it, there are 2 ways of looking at it.
(1) All the referees need retraining
(2) The clubs don’t want it as it is catching out players that are cheating.
Personally I don’t have anything against VAR it’s just the people who use it.
I like the new red shirt but wondering why the have chosen dark blue stripes instead of plain black stripes, personally I would prefer red stripes.
VAR should be here to stay,otherwise we’re saying we want more incorrect decisions,that makes no sense to me. I think there should be a time limit though,say 90 seconds. How many times do you see an incident,you can tell if it’s a foul after one replay,yet the VAR will replay again and again from multiple angles,and then come to the obvious conclusion anyway.
Afternoon Geoff.
I’m hoping PL clubs will see sense. VAR might be far from perfect but it’s better than having another “Mike Riley” situation. Don’t boot the technology out, just make better use of it imo.
‘evening all, that’s one for the older house mates, think Jack Warner. 😉
The new kit is mostly red and white with a few blue bits its got the cannon on it so what’s not to like? Better than the present away shirt, probably the silliest one we have ever had.
Tough day today, eight hours driving with a funeral in the middle. So an early night. 😴
Sorry to hearabout your lose Cicero, hope the day and weather goes well for you.
Cicero, you and me both yesterday although the funeral I attended was local.
Loved Dixon of Dock Green, Z Cars too.. 😂
Morning guys..
Good morning Rico. You have my commiserations. I have a new old song for today. 81 today. 81 today. I’ve got the key of the door never been 81 before.
Morning Cicero, and the same to you.
Happy birthday by the way, I hope you’re being spoilt rotten…
Afternoon Rico and everyone.
Cicero, 81 eh, you don’t look a day over, er, I’ll get me coat….
Many Happy Returns…
I think that VAR is a good idea it’s just not operated very well in England.
Too much of the ‘jobs for the boys’ malarkey instead of hiring the best people for the job and the best people don’t necessarily have to be current or ex- referees…
They could also improve it by making the laws more simple . Take offside for instance forget about a stray arm a big nose or a toe nail lets have gap at the feet only . Get rid of the leaning player . if his feet are in front it’s offside .
We have goal line sensors why not touchline sensors too , No more Willock confessions and subs to warm up behind the goal. Against Bayern when they hit the post the lino was 3 yards behind play trying to get past their subs on the touchline. From where I was, in line, the player that took the shot was off but as it didn’t go in there was no check.
Also scrap the ruling out goals for a foul in the build up . That’s what the ref is for . If he doesn’t whistle then play on. Put the responsibility on the ref and not let him rely on someone having a cup of tea in a shed 20 miles away. Make him more aware of his responsibilities and let football get back to being spontaneous.
Lastly as we have 1 ref ,2 linesmen , 1 4th official and two on VAR how about 1 of them counting the little fouls that stop teams attacking usually on the halfway mark . City in particular are good at this should 1 player commit 3 of these niggles the counter should advise a yellow card and the game would flow better .
Add your own thoughts as to how we make VAR viable .
Today’s most bizarre story:
Granit Xhaka has had an encounter with Aliens.
From outer space or non Swiss Albanians
Ha ha,the story popped up on my Twitter,now I can’t find it anywhere.
Probably still more likely than West Ham getting a point on Sunday.
Afternoon Kev.
Potter, you should email your comment to Howard Webb, although it might make too much sense for him to understand.
Slot confirmed as new Liverpool manager.
Allegri sacked by Juve.
The seasons not even over yet. lol
Ramsdale to Nerwcastle apparently
Where was Granit when he met those Spurs supporters? 😉
Let’s hope they pay big money for him…
😂 Cicero
Strong rumours that Zinchenko wants to go. Apparently the club has said yes. for £ 40 million .( Can’t see us getting that .
Still mystified by the handling of Ramsdale but it is what it is I guess.
Zinchenko wanting a move doesn’t surprise me if true, he’s no longer 1st choice..
Fourteen of the twenty premiership clubs have to vote in favour of the motion to scrap Var, for it to be put forward at the Premier League agm which takes place next week. So far it doesn’t look likely that the requisite number of clubs will vote in favour of the motion.
Should the motion gain approval it would be debated at the agm and, if agreed, be passed on the the Football Association. Only the F A has the power to scrap Var.
I reckon it’ll be Wolves only.
Interestingly though, after Wolves, we were the next club to suffer the most VAR cockups.
New post up.