The problem with football is fans are almost never objective about these things. Do we really want a game where its OK to 'fall about and play act' as long as there IS some kind of contact. It's a contact sport, these are high level athletes.. The idea that players have to use less strength, make less contact, run with their arms down by there waiste inside the box is ridiculous. What actually needs to happen is players need to stop cheating. I'm not in anyway aiming this at Tottenham. This is a universal problem. But fans really need to stop defending it.
I would also take napolis coach! Playing amAzing football and could potentially win the title in Italy.
I have to admit, that after seeing another angle of that pen yesterday VVD definitely kicks the back of Pamela's leg. He went down like a sack of **** though and was definitely looking for the pen, but I have to say it was a foul and correct decision in the end.
Penalty + yellow to Lamela for over-acting. However the question now becomes whether the linesman would have made the call if the player had not done the diva (would he have noticed it etc) . And of course this relates to the kindred problem : why should a player NOT dive if fouled in the box, when if he tries to stay on his feet and get a shot off but does not score, the ref does NOT award a penalty ??
It's incumbent on the officials to award a penalty if there's a foul in the box. That should be all they concern themselves with really, not whether the player goes to ground or not. The problem as you point out though, is that penalties aren't awarded if the player is fouled but stays on his feet, and that encourages diving and throwing themselves to the ground like we saw in the game yesterday at Anfield.
have been seeing with increasing regularity in PL games over the past decade. Rugby is far better in this regard : 1. Note the infringement. 2. Let play continue to see if material advantage occurs. 3. Advantage gained, outcome stands. 4. No advantage gained, drag it back. 5. Penalise the offending player (cards etc) irrespective of which of 3/4 occurs.
Would be I think it's doable, especially with our new strike force. Although our midfield is questionable, with some tweaking, it should be able to hold out against Spurs. All i want us to do is go all out and try, it should be interesting seeing us try.
Why not, it works in rugby and keeps the game flowing. Trouble is, some refs-Mr. Dean for one- love the limelight too much and love to make instant decisions. Moss got it right yesterday by using his linesman. They also use VAR properly in rugby
It's a game where if we don't win we are so far off the top four that it'd take a small miracle for us to manage it. So I expect the team to really go for it.
No one is expecting us to get top 4 so the pressure is off us and allow us to attack freely. Chelsea and Spurs will be under pressure the most and Liverpool edge them in attack which will get them out of trouble. Beat Spurs and i can see it test their resolve. It'll be a very interesting encounter. Also looking forward to the City game, some free flowing attacking football on show will be exciting.
I said we will. Fancy putting a few quid on it. I think we will see a confidence boost over the next few weeks because of the signings. (although Spurs game will be tricky) Which may well carry us through the usual Feb/March collapse we often have. And Wengers teams tend to finish the Season strongly. I dunno I just think we will overtake Chelsea (who I think look vulnerable) and probably Spurs/Liverpool too.
I share the optimism - but it HAS to start with a win on Saturday at Wembley. (We do rather like Wembley, tho')
Spurs, Liverpool and Chelsea are vulnerable. There is a chance of doing it. Still 12 games left which is 36 points, and we don't have the worst schedule. There are still a lot of games between the top teams where someone is bound to lose points. If we beat Spurs, get a draw against City and win the rest (Big IF) then it would be a breeze. Spurs play an FA cup tie 2 1/2 days before they play us at Wembley - They are not favorites for that game.
Let's bet! I think we will not. 20 pounds? Whoever is right can choose a charity where a donation is made? Up for it?
