Cf

An interesting take I read that I agree with is as much as we complain about VAR one of the issues we have is players trying to deceive refs. And I agree with that and maybe it should be the next clampdown. Some easy fixes: Make simulation red cardable, and be much more willing to yellow card when you suspect simulation. Sterling I think it was last night should easily have been booked for trying to buy a penalty (Check complete - on field decision stands - no penalty - suggest booking for simulation). Blatant cases where they're looking for the foul and contact isn't even made should be a red with a 3 match suspension. Going down clutching your face such as when Bruno made contact with the chest and the various other flavours of going down theatrically should be punishable by a yellow too. Would we end up with a few yellows that possibly aren't? Sure, but we get that for legitimate tackles anyway. And the number would reduce when players realised what was happening and they stop doing it. The games the game and players try to take what edge they can. I get that. But the above examples are going into cheating territory for me and for all the talk of improving the standards of officiating we could start with improving the standards of playing.

Given the clampdown on players showing dissent this year (which I agree with but it could still be handled better) they really need to apply the same attitude to managers and clubs. You should be able to express disagreements and grievances, but Arteta, Arsenal, and even Liverpool should be facing punishment. The statements from both clubs are worthy of sporting sanctions to me. We're trying to set a better example of players respecting referees etc but here's two examples of at the very top clubs not doing the same.

If anything spurs just drawing attention to how to play against them here. This ridiculous high line isn't due to being at 9.

Does their goalkeeper have to go off for 30 seconds because he's received treatment?

Chelsea not even taking corners now. Just holding on against 9 men.

Fucking hell.

Ah FFS.

Pahahahahaha

It'd go under the curved corner. Rubbish!

This is awful by Chelsea. Should be getting double digits here the way Spurs are playing.

I wonder how sky's graphic copes with more than 3 reds.

I always feel sympathy and think it should be somehow taken into account when a mistimed tackle is a result of a bad pass from the other team.

In the sense of "this is how we can improve as a team" sure you can. We become one of the top teams by learning from those errors and not making them again.

It was 50/50 to me. Joelinton has a right to go in for the header but the defender is weak and is going to ground without Joelinton's help in a misjudged header. But then Joelinton does help him on his way, partly because of the position the defender put himself in. Wouldn't be arguing too strongly if it was given as a foul but given its arguable either way just give the benefit of the doubt.

Fuck off Arsenal

I mean not that we should be in that position but Bruno should be gone too. What is the point of VAR.

Their player just went flying out of control studds first in the air and only got a yellow card. I'd be livid.

I can see why he gave it on the pitch. It's VAR who spent ages on it and then told him his decision stands. I'd be telling them to get fucked and withdraw my services if that's what the decision was based on.

I missed the city one live. Did VAR stop play for that? That's nowhere near the supposed clear and obvious threshold is it?

I don't think he's particularly at fault for either goal but he didn't exactly cover himself in glory either. The first he probably doesn't save even without being in no man's land but I've no idea wtf he thought he was doing. The second he obviously should have caught but after that it was a combination of poor defending/good play from wolves. He's fine for now but before long we'll want an upgrade.

We'll see Livramento/Hall get minutes later in the season. In signing them the club decided to prioritise the long term. Ideally that's both left and right back positions covered for the next 10 years. We could have got more proven players in and it might be better for us this season but it then bites us in future seasons.

Don't see it happening anytime soon but betting should really go the way of tobacco when it comes to advertising. Especially with the years we've had, cost of living, etc, having this stuff rammed down peoples throats seems downright irresponsible.

The anything special he achieved for us was keeping us alive as a Premier League force and sticking with us in the Championship. Loads of people were shocked he stayed and assumed he'd have left. He got us promoted and after a wobbly start had us cemented as a solid mid table PL side that wasn't worried about relegation anymore. Even when Bruce came in there was enough residual influence to keep us safe for another year before it unravelled. So whilst it's arguably not glamorous work there's a good chance we aren't where we are today without Benitez. Imagine we got Bruce when we were relegated for instance. Rafa saw the potential here and whilst he ultimately wasn't able to fully unlock it he was a pivotal first step towards doing so. For that he'll always be remembered by me.

Watching MOTD now. Came on to post this.

Getting outrun by an old man there.