Yorkie

Even if the rules are completely sound, the steadfast and instant "forget it, you're barred," without any warning, any mediation or any vague attempt to be proactive is just utterly draconian and miserable. Not so much as an ultimatum - just "you're fucked, lads, sorry."

Accepting that VAR isn't going anywhere, I'll take the Wenger rule at this point. It doesn't eradicate the impact on whether or not you can always be spontaneous as a fan, but at least it won't rule out perfectly fine goals. Vile, utterly vile. Defy anyone to defend its existence as a force for good after that.

Like every borderline call, it's "off tbf." But it's not an infringement in any true sense. No way Coventry win this now, like. Imagine trying to compose yourself after that; they've never even experienced VAR.

Love VAR tbf. Makes the sport loads better.

I turned it off too fwiw.

This semi has been a total non-contest, sadly.

Thanks BIG River.

How's the fit on these things? Large areet if I'm usually a large? Would never usually bother but it looks great without the sponsor and almost gives it an element of timelessness. Thanks to those for the heads up.

Has this come as a surprise?

2/10 for me; always solo; always category 2. I don't yearn to be there like I did once upon a time so it doesn't bother me like it does others, but obviously accept that it's an imperfect system.

It's not a straightforward debate imo. Is there too significant a strain on footballers these days? Yes, they're treated like commodities. Do the likes of Man City have the resources to handle that strain better than most? Also yes. But then, how can we crow about the Cup being disrespected, but in the next breath chastise Pep for wanting to pick his very best side in that competition? He's between a rock and a hard place wherever he stands imo. If there's anything he said there which is ridiculous, it's the notion that him lobbying the FA would be ineffective. Only yesterday there was extremely compelling evidence to the contrary.

Find that surprising given the leads squandered against Liverpool, Forest, Luton (twice) and Man City. Milan and Chelsea in cup comps too.

Mudryk

Wait what? 8 minutes? Why? Absolutely crackers, that directive.

Quite enjoy a bit of Pep lunacy.

Pushed Chelsea right back and turned it into your typical City fare where they have all the possession in front of a backline and eventually score. Was chaos before the subs.

GET IN

This could be made for Doku tbf

Brilliant from Walker, shut up Jenas

Jackson is absolutely powderpuff Wake up City ffs

Genuinely think there are more empty seats in shot on that far side than occupied.

Shearer chatting absolute wank about the replays situation; sigh.

You can see why Howe would theoretically be after Gallagher given how he charges around off the ball hassling opponents.

One point out of Luton is looking less and less forgivable. The bottom three are all way below the standards to put up a fight in the PL nowadays; it's only the farce of FFP that has them anywhere near survival, and still they barely stand a chance. We need the likes of Leicester and Leeds back, who are big enough to sustain their places in the division and hopefully flush the bowl-circlers like Everton.

Aye. Lost and stayed up. What a shit team. Onwards and moreofthesamewards would be my guess.