All things Football (soccer) related

[wodin]

I've written off Spurs this season. We had our fun in the sun last few seasons, it was obvious we couldn't keep it up. I reckon sith maybe even seventh end of season.Then Kane goes and Poch.

[warspite1]

ORIGINAL: wodin

I've written off Spurs this season. We had our fun in the sun last few seasons, it was obvious we couldn't keep it up. I reckon sith maybe even seventh end of season.Then Kane goes and Poch.

warspite1

Yes I think 7th or 8th is the likely finishing spot - it just depends on whether Everton or perhaps Leicester can overtake us. Wolves should comfortably get into the top 6 this season and, early days I know, but Norwich are playing some attractive stuff too.

[Zorch]

Did I mention that the NFL has cheerleaders?

[RangerJoe]

[:'(]

[shunwick]

So, VAR....

And the new handball law...

Your left ear lobe is 0.5mm offside....

And players will need to have their arms amputated...

Who is up for the discussion?

Best wishes,
Steve

[warspite1]

ORIGINAL: shunwick

So, VAR....

And the new handball law...

Your left ear lobe is 0.5mm offside....

And players will need to have their arms amputated...

Who is up for the discussion?

Best wishes,
Steve

warspite1

But we need to remember. The changes to the handball rule are nothing to do with VAR. Handball in the box has always been a source of anger, frustration and irritation because it was a subjective decision, interpreted differently by different referees. Now, they've changed the rule and, in fairness tried to make it less subjective i.e. the idea of accidental has gone out of the window, but if anything the rule now is even worse!!

VAR is getting factual decisions right - one can't be a little bit offside and one is offside or onside - even if 0.000000005cm.

But there is still irritating subjectivity. What is clear and obvious is not always interpreted the same e.g. when is someone manhandled around the throat - because he's been manhandled around the throat - and when not. I mean how in the name of Bonaparte's balls was that not a clear and obvious error????

[shunwick]

ORIGINAL: warspite1

ORIGINAL: shunwick

So, VAR....

And the new handball law...

Your left ear lobe is 0.5mm offside....

And players will need to have their arms amputated...

Who is up for the discussion?

Best wishes,
Steve

warspite1

But we need to remember. The changes to the handball rule are nothing to do with VAR. Handball in the box has always been a source of anger, frustration and irritation because it was a subjective decision, interpreted differently by different referees. Now, they've changed the rule and, in fairness tried to make it less subjective i.e. the idea of accidental has gone out of the window, but if anything the rule now is even worse!!

VAR is getting factual decisions right - one can't be a little bit offside and one is offside or onside - even if 0.000000005cm.

But there is still irritating subjectivity. What is clear and obvious is not always interpreted the same e.g. when is someone manhandled around the throat - because he's been manhandled around the throat - and when not. I mean how in the name of Bonaparte's balls was that not a clear and obvious error????

I kept VAR and the change to the handball rule separate (or, at least, I think I did). I agree that every decision that has gone to VAR so far has led to the correct decision.

I also think that VAR is still a work in progress and it will continue to be refined. My concern with VAR remains as it always was, it is a disruption to the game. With every goal now being checked by VAR, fans in the ground are caught between a rock and a hard place. They are celebrating a goal and then have to wait to see if they can continue celebrating it or if the opposition fans are going to start celebrating the goal being ruled out.

VAR in the Premier League is doing a good job delivery a verdict as quickly as they can but it still a curious delay that takes the shine off a goal even if the goal is subsequently given. Not sure what the solution is and I expect VAR to continue. Though I really don't want to see leagues and cups decided depending on which team is more VAR friendly. And it won't be long before we see VAR tables showing which teams are VAR beneficiaries and which teams are not.

As for using VAR for some decisions and not others... oh my, a can of worms if ever there was one. I can see the argument for it but do I really want more VAR involvement in the game?

The change to the handball rule has good intentions but is probably going to raise more issues than the problem it is trying to fix. It needs to be looked at again.

For both VAR and the rule changes we need, at least, a season to assess their full influence. I suspect the impact of both will be quite pronounced.

Best wishes,
Steve

[wodin]

Then again we won the Audi Cup!!

Seriously drawing 2-2 with City away from home is a good result. We dealt with Villa aswell. Things may not be as bad as I thought they'd be.

[shunwick]

ORIGINAL: wodin

Things may not be as bad as I thought they'd be.

Of course it's a bad as you first thought.

The Tottenham feel-good bubble has burst and mediocrity has it's welcoming arms open once more. Mid table if you get lucky.

Best wishes,
Steve

[RangerJoe]

Hope for the best and expect the worst and you won't be disappointed! [:D]

[loki100]

ORIGINAL: shunwick

ORIGINAL: wodin

Things may not be as bad as I thought they'd be.

Of course it's a bad as you first thought.

The Tottenham feel-good bubble has burst and mediocrity has it's welcoming arms open once more. Mid table if you get lucky.

Best wishes,
Steve

I must confess having suffered the period 1998-2008 (& with a few years either side) and before that the mid-70s, even if this all goes belly up its a huge improvement. At least, I assume, no-one currently thinks that Spurs are going to get relegated

[warspite1]

ORIGINAL: loki100

ORIGINAL: shunwick

ORIGINAL: wodin

Things may not be as bad as I thought they'd be.

Of course it's a bad as you first thought.

The Tottenham feel-good bubble has burst and mediocrity has it's welcoming arms open once more. Mid table if you get lucky.

Best wishes,
Steve

I must confess having suffered the period 1998-2008 (& with a few years either side) and before that the mid-70s, even if this all goes belly up its a huge improvement. At least, I assume, no-one currently thinks that Spurs are going to get relegated

warspite1

Fortunately for Spurs there appears to be some teams that are more likely to go down than us.

But I remember there was a period not so long ago where, every season, we would give a team their first point of their first win. As they are currently pointless, I bet Newcastle are pleased to be playing us this weekend....

[aleavz]

Wise words. This season Man U takes it.

[warspite1]

ORIGINAL: aleavz

Wise words. This season Man U takes it.

warspite1

Takes what?

[shunwick]

Bury (currently bottom of League One with -12 points) have not played a game this season. Supporters will find out tonight at 23:59 if they still have a club to support.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Bury fans.

Best wishes,
Steve

[Boonierat1972]

First top of the table clash this weekend with LIVERPOOL v ARSENAL, Allez Allez Allez Reds!!

[Boonierat1972]

Now that's a table I like to see, especially after Man U losing at home to....Palace [:D]

[RangerJoe]

Boonierat1972, I like your avatar.

[Crossroads]

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

Boonierat1972, I like your avatar.

Yes, it is! What game is it from?

[RangerJoe]

It looks like a counter from a Vietnam era game where the Chicken Cav was air mobile. The unit would be Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment.