I didn’t think it was a penalty and the only reason I hoped it might be given is the soft ones we’ve seen in other games recently As for Halsey, you’re hardly going to create headlines for a tabloid sports section with the headline “Halsey says VAR was right “
Not a clear pen for me. It's one of those that could go one way or the other. Either way, the on field decision was always going to stand.
I agree with Tom, I don't think it was a penalty either. The ball was too close to arm to begin with, so hd didnt have time to adjust.... The player didn't even see the ball prior to it hitting his arm. It sucks, I was hoping for a soft one... Nvm.
I think you need to study some more replays if you can find them, but don't worry the decision cannot be changed whatever we think. Halsey says United were "lucky", it shouldn't be down to luck.
I've seen enough replays, my opinion stands. You don't have to agree with it, But I believe the ref made the right decision.
Fair do's, don't forget I wear Red and white blinkers and will always be biased, as I said Dermot can have the last opinion. Nothing will change.
Well let's not believe that sheep following muppet says! Ha, My only gripe with the referee was the countless fouls that Mctominay was allowed to get away with unpunished for.
This. As VAR only looks at the big stuff it's important to have a strong referee in the middle, particularly when you play the big teams. Which is why I'm pleased to see Michael Oliver's name down to referee the Chelsea game on Tuesday. Best ref in the country for me.
Oh! I have just seen a clip of Ian Wright on MoTD saying that decision was mistake, having a right strop about it! https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/2...alty-decision-will-leave-aston-villa-furious/ Puts a different explanation to Ian Wrights anger,
IMO the “natural arm position” is used as a cop out. When we have seen penalties given against players sliding in to block a cross, with the ball inadvertently hitting their arm that is positioned to help them balance, ie in a natural position, the use of natural/unnatural position is just used as a get out. The law is basically a mess.
I’ve also put my money where my mouth is and recasted my vote to Ralph in. If he drops Bazanu and goes back to 5 at the back I will immediately recast
I think defensively speaking.. No way we can afford to drop any of that defensive spine. The team picks itself now really, aside from 2 positions. Things will probably clear themselves up in that regard too when the window is finally closed.
Did anyone else notice how rather than focus on something like Bella-Kotchap’s superb defensive display, tackles, blocks and stats, Jenas picked out Fernandes for his ‘contribution to the team’. He used footage of Fernandes running to close players down and the second example he used was Fernandes running and sliding towards our player with studs up nowhere near the ball. The player consequently fell over the top of him to the ground as he had no other choice and Fernandes had the nerve to turn around and moan at him to get up. The irony was definitely not lost on me! It’s this kind of ‘punditry’ especially by Jenas that infuriates me.
It's not exactly news that Jenas is an abysmal pundit. To be honest he seems better as an actual TV Presenter on things like The One Show because he is quite amiable. His insight on football is pretty much non existent. I can't stand how many "jobs for the boys" are out there now. Although this has extended to "jobs for the girls" as well. Seriously Karen Carney seems to be on for every live match. Even if we accept that they now absolutely have to have female pundits on men's games - are there not more of them? It actually becomes more noticeable that it is forced when it is nearly always the same woman. It proves the pool of pundits is not there. And as per above - it is not like you actually need to know what you are talking about. Loads of the guys doing it certainly don't. And neither does Karen Carney for a large chunk of the time
And here was I naively thinking your persistent calls for Ralph's head and complaints about Ralph's inability to pick a team, to plan a game, to respond during games or even to use substitutes correctly reflected a view that Ralph was the source of our problems. Instead it seems you were just calling for 'effort and graft'. Vin
Dermot didn't dissapoint, apparently it's okay to juggle with the ball, we will have to watch future similar events and see what happens.