Funny how if there were no VAR, the goal we’d have been given would be the one that there’s a legitimate argument about, while the one we’d have not gotten, would be utter bollocks.
This is why I’m for VAR. I think it works in most instances, but there needs to be better communication, and transparency. I believe all communication between officials needs to be public in real time. It would place the onus on them to get it right.
Also, I believe Howard Webb should be kicked in the nutz, and tossed into the Thames.
The end of a congested December schedule, and we did it with three points, a clean sheet and no new injuries. A bonus is that we have Diogo fit and firing now. What is not to like there?
To be honest, I could not watch the game yesterday because I had a concert with my orchestra yesterday. Or to be precise, I watched about 15-20 minutes of the first half, and I could not see any foul for Gakpo’s goal. Shite refereeing.
The schedule for the next handful of games should be a bit easier (as we have 6 days to prepare for the next two matches and a winter break follows shortly afterwards), so we can manage it despite injuries and both Salah and Endo leaving adter the Newcastle game. Hopefully, Robbo is back soon after the winter break, and Gomez can do the job at LB until then.
The Nunez foul was a bit soft, and on another day the goal would have stood.
Salah was in the eye line of the goalie, so I can see why it was ruled off, but how Salah got to be in the eye line of the goalie was due to the defender pushing him there. Unlucky for us to therefore have another goal chalked off.
Each one on its merits can be debated.
When you add up the volume of goals and incidents where we do not get the rub of the green, in particular under Tierney, then there is a larger issue that demands scrutiny.
I won’t hold my breath.
In the meantime, three points, and on to Newcastle in a few days. While we wait for that we can hope that Everton get something against Man City, and West Ham get something against Arsenal.
PS - VAR seems to add more debate than we had before its introduction. It was supposed to give more certainty on more decisions, but how it is applied is uneven, and therefore controversial. The issue is that flawed humans are at the VAR wheel.
My considered view is to therefore scrap the lot.
Let’s just go with the match officials. Referee the game in front of you. We know there will be some mistakes, but that’s football. At least they will be mistakes made in the heat of battle.
Goal line technology to remain, as the ball crossing the line is easy and factual to determine (I know we have even had a mistake there, but it is very rare).
I think the rules need some sort of overhaul too, with the objective being to simplify as much as possible. It is getting to the point where we are making it harder and harder for the referees. Simplify the rules, and get rid of VAR.
He could have thrown himself to the ground I suppose, but the best thing would have been going to the ref and asking him to look at it. We do seem too accepting at times. Look how Man City basically bullied the ref into giving them a penalty against Everton.
Personally I could understand the o decision, not so sure about the Gakpo one but no doubt in my mind about the hand ball. A clear pen as was the one againsr Shaw of MU the previuos week. I feel that we Refs have had it in for us ever since we succesfully appealed the Mac Allister sending off. With fair officiating we would be 7 points clear by now.