I might be wrong, but I'm pretty sure Sheff Utd just got promoted on a budget, in only their second season since promotion from League One. And Teemu Pukki - Norwich's top scorer - was a free transfer. Had Pompey got promoted, they may well have been relegated straight away. But they may equally have finished in the playoffs. That's the beauty of the Championship. Virtually impossible to predict.
We could be saying that in two weeks mate Klopp's personally my favourite (obviously), but I did mention Poch earlier in the argument as another who I think could have had similar success to Pep. I always think Ancelotti gets overlooked in these discussions too.
Rule changes for next season. https://www.90min.com/posts/6371766...to-come-into-effect-in-2019-20/partners/35681
If you asked me that last night after a splendid day (a drink was taken) I wouldn't have had a problem. Today I have an image in mind of the goalie standing still in the centre of the goal touching the posts. Another thought if I may. These new rules and the existing have to be understood by the players, match officials, managers, couching staff and I would say the spectators too. An explanatory video illustrating each rule may go some way to spread the word. Wouldn't want total clarity, we need something to debate over the pre/during/post match beers (there are other types of alcoholic beverage).
If it hits a Manchester United or Liverpool players arm then it's no foul; any of their opponents and it's an automatic penalty regardless of where it occurs on the pitch.
Just to be difficult... I think all 6 rules are fantastic clarifications. Not being allowed to touch the goalposts is the only oddity, and it seems to mean keepers can't keep the striker wasting by walking to each post and kicking it, tapping it or licking it to drag things out. Attackers in walls is indeed purely a disruptive practice. I saw a video once which showed walls themselves are the reason so many strikers do score from freekicks. Apparently they are more a hindrance than help... but I digress. Managers should get yellows and reds. Easy to understand. Players should leave the pitch at the nearest point. Fine. Drop balls are a silly hangover of the past. Unnecessary. And the best one is that any attacking handball is handball. There is no "accidental".
I don't know why but they missed out two changes I think could make a difference. Quick free kicks are back in fashion: If the referee is about to issue a YC/RC but the non-offending team takes the free kick quickly and creates a goal-scoring opportunity, the referee can delay the YC/RC until the next stoppage if the offending team was not distracted by the referee. Also goal kicks (and free kicks in the penalty area) don't need to leave the area any more before they are in play. So easier to play out from the back. edit: oh and this very important rule change. A YC for an ‘illegal’ celebration (e.g. removing the shirt) remains even if the goal is disallowed
They also missed making players wear their shirts inside their shorts, wearing black boots only and carrying a hanky to blow their noses. Edit: YC for spitting too!!
Don't mind them changes too much. Does that mean they have dropped the silly, can not follow up on a penalty rebound. That was a weird proposal. Part of me is looking forward to VAR. (don't tell Libby) I will have probably have changed my mind 6 games into the season.
