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Is VAR working properly?

It is a question that is being asked up and down the country, particularly after another Premier League weekend in which its usage was placed firmly under the microscope.

There were numerous occasions in which VAR could have been referred to but seemingly wasn’t.

Now, first off, that isn’t quite the case. The referees at Stockley Park are watching every second of the game, as is the technology. Yet it feels as though they don’t quite know when to step in.

Take Aston Villa’s clash with Crystal Palace as a clear example. As the clock ticked down, Jack Grealish, Villa’s captain, attacked with the ball at his feet. He went down under the challenge of Gary Cahill. The former Chelsea man fell to the floor too, surely evidence that contact had been made. The referee, Kevin Friend, appeared to blow his whistle to signal a dive. Before hitting the ground, Grealish played the ball to Henri Lansbury, who scored a goal that would have earned Villa a 1-1 draw and a point. Grealish was booked.

Dean Smith, speaking afterwards on Match of the Day, said he “didn’t see what was wrong with it”. It was an awful decision and it also seemed to contradict the previous examples of VAR; referees are meant to let decisions go and then review them. Friend didn’t.

This is not to mention that Grealish did not actually gain an advantage by going down and actually fed the ball to a team-mate.

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Rules state that VAR cannot be involved in a decision if the referee has blown his whistle, thus, the goal cannot be awarded by the technology. Did Friend blow to avoid the review? The technology could still have been involved to award the goal and yet, it wasn’t.

In West Ham’s clash with Norwich, which the Hammers won 2-0, Tom Trybull upended Sebastian Haller in the penalty area but Paul Tierney, with a clear view of the incident, opted against giving a spot-kick. VAR, clearly, agreed, despite replays showing that contact was made.

Think too of Newcastle’s goal in the 1-1 draw with Watford. The ball hit Isaac Hayden’s hand before Fabian Schar sent the ball beyond Ben Foster. Now, this was clearly accidental, but the precedent had been set during Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur. In that game, Gabriel Jesus thought he had scored a late winner, but it was chalked off because the ball ricocheted off Aymeric Laporte’s arm.

There is no difference in the two situations, apart from the fact that Newcastle’s goal stood and City’s didn’t. Why didn’t VAR involve itself here, and rule the goal out?

The rules are not being implemented properly.

And thus, we reach the international break, and an opportunity for the Premier League to right some wrongs.

Clearly, VAR has a number of merits. It should be able to overrule mistakes and ensure that the game is fairer. But as it is, it appears that the referees watching the televisions are afraid of overruling the referees on the pitch.

There is a clear way out of this for the top-flight: they could decide that VAR only applies to purely factual mistakes and implement it purely for offsides and deflections: Was it a goal-kick or was it a corner? This would certainly remove the arguments about “clear and obvious errors”.

It would also ensure that subjective decisions don’t come into it because, as it is, VAR is a mess, and the rules seem to be changing on a weekly basis. How can City’s goal be ruled out, yet Newcastle’s stand? It makes a mockery of the current system.

The laws need to be clearly defined and one feels that leaving those decisions – the likes of handballs and penalty shouts – to the referee on the pitch would be a solid step forward, instead of a step back.

If those referees operating the technology aren’t going to step in anyway – this weekend showed that they do seem to be frightened of speaking out of turn – then remove them from the equation altogether.

It would make VAR a simpler, cleaner piece of tech and it would certainly be easier to understand.

Right now, it’s a resentful and controversial mess that, ironically, has created more problems than it has solved.

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Some Celtic fans have taken to Twitter to discuss Neil Lennon’s comments on the attempt to bring Victor Wanyama back to Celtic Park this summer.

The 56-cap Kenya international spent two years with the Bhoys from 2011-2013 and scored in the famous 2-1 win over Barcelona, before leaving to join Premier League side Southampton – he later moved to Tottenham in a deal worth £11m.

Wanyama now finds himself on the fringes of the first team at Spurs, and Lennon commented on the club’s attempt to re-sign him this summer – a move away from Spurs failed to materialise despite a bid from Club Brugge reportedly being accepted.

Lennon said: “There was interest but it never got off the ground.”

The 28-year-old made 91 appearances for the Scottish giants, scoring 13 goals and recording nine assists.

One fan said that his return would be a “game changer”, whilst another said that the Kenyan would be a serious candidate to replace Scott Brown.

Let’s take a look at some more of the Twitter reaction…

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[ad_pod ]Danny Rose’s performance in Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-1 defeat at Leicester City on Sunday afternoon appears to have split the London club’s supporters.According to WhoScored, the 29-year-old had a pass success rate of 73%, whilst he won four tackles and two aerial duels during his 90 minutes on the field.And whilst there were some Spurs fans who were pleased with the Englishman’s display at the King Power Stadium, others were not happy one bit with what they were witnessed.Watch Tottenham Hotspur Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

England captain Harry Kane sent Mauricio Pochettino’s side ahead on the afternoon, but Ricardo Pereira levelled the scores before James Maddison came up with a late winner for Brendan Rodgers’ team.

There was a real split when it came to the performance of Rose, who was strongly linked with a move away from the capital club during the summer transfer window.

A selection of the Twitter reaction to his latest outing can be seen below:

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Napoli’s start to the season is likely to cause some worry for Liverpool and that is mainly due to the attacking prowess they have displayed so far.

Not only do Carlo Ancelotti’s side keep hold of the ball, with an average of 57% possession in Serie A, but they use it to great effect, allowing the likes of Dries Mertens and Lorenzo Insigne to wreak havoc in and around the final third.

From their three Serie A games, that duo have a combined total of five goals and three assists, so it is some task to keep them quiet, and it is almost certain to be a big test of Joel Matip.

The Cameroon international has performed well this season, and his displays appear to have earned him a permanent place alongside Virgil van Dijk, which looked in doubt after Joe Gomez started the first Premier League game against Norwich.

Matip will likely start once again on Tuesday, although there could be a temptation for Jurgen Klopp to rest some players with Chelsea coming up, and with Napoli operating a 4-3-3 formation it is likely Mertens will choose the 28-year-old to exploit, rather than van Dijk.

Mertens has made a name for himself in recent years as a prolific goalscorer, but the fact he has been dispossessed, on average, less than once a match, could also create problems for Matip, whose average of 4.8 aerial duels won per game suggest he’s better suited to a contest in the air.

According to WhoScored, the centre-back has averaged four clearances per game in the Premier League. That shows he is improving, as he achieved 3.5 per league match last year, and that makes him better suited to teams like Napoli and high calibre opponents such as Mertens.

The Belgian fits the poacher mould. He doesn’t offer too much in terms of building attacks – he has averaged 21 passes per game in the league – but comes alive in the final third.

Mertens has the ability to finish difficult chances whilst 1.7 key passes per game displays his ability to create for his teammates, and Matip can’t afford him the time to pick out Insigne or Jose Callejon, as he is often accurate.

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It won’t be plain sailing for the 32-year-old, either. In 26 starts last season Matip helped the Reds keep 12 clean sheets and he will look to hassle and harry Mertens at every opportunity, whether he is on the ball or before he gets a chance to receive a pass, as evidenced by his tackling and interception statistics.

Importantly, he uses his physical attributes to his advantage without penalising the opponent. He has only made, on average, 0.8 fouls per game, and such a record is invaluable against a team like Napoli, as players like Mertens and Fernando Llorente are capable of scoring from set-pieces, either directly or indirectly.

If Matip succeeds in keeping Mertens quiet it will go a long way in Liverpool keeping a clean sheet, and if they manage that they should be able to nick a win due to their attacking quality.

قاد بيتسو موسيماني، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، المران الذي ‏أقيم عصر اليوم على ملعب التتش، بعد عودته من جنوب إفريقيا، ليبدأ التحضير لمواجهة ‏المريخ السوداني في الجولة الخامسة من دور المجموعات بدوري أبطال إفريقيا. ‏

وكان موسيماني قد منح الفريق راحة لمدة خمسة أيام عقب مباراة فيتا كوب، بعد توقف ‏المسابقات بسبب الأجندة الدولية، ثم توجه مع جهازه المعاون إلى جنوب إفريقيا قبل أن يعود لقيادة مران الأهلي ‏اليوم.‏

ونجح الأهلي في تحقيق فوز في غاية الأهمية على فيتا كلوب في الكونغو بثلاثة أهداف دون ‏رد، في الجولة الرابعة قبل السفر إلى السودان لملاقاة المريخ في الجولة الخامسة -قبل ‏الأخيرة- بدوري المجموعات لدوري أبطال إفريقيا.

طالع أيضا.. أحمد حسن: أداء الأهلي مع موسيماني مُقلق.. وانضمام مصطفى شوبير للمنتخب الأولمبي ظُلم!

وصعد الجهاز الفني، 12 لاعبًا من قطاع الناشئين بالنادي، للمشاركة في تدريبات الفريق التي أقيمت عصر اليوم على ملعب «التتش».

وجاء قرار تصعيد عدد كبير من قطاع الناشئين بسبب انضمام عدد كبير من لاعبي الفريق الأول إلى المنتخبات الوطنية، وفقًا للأجندة الدولية خلال الفترة الحالية.

وشارك أحمد طارق سليمان وحمزة علاء في تدريبات الحراس مع علي لطفي، تحت إشراف يانكون ميشيل.

واللاعبون الذين تم تصعيدهم هم: محمد حسام ميدو، ومصطفى إلياس، ومحمد أشرف، وأحمد أشرف، وأحمد سيد عبد النبي، ووليد مصطفى، وحسون محمد، وعمر رزق، وأحمد الشامي، وأحمد سيد غريب، وأحمد نبيل كوكا.

وعقد بيتسو موسيماني، المدير الفني، جلسة سريعة مع اللاعبين داخل الملعب ثم خاض الفريق فقرة بدنية.

وأجرى الجهاز الفني تقسيمة في منتصف الملعب بمشاركة حارسين. وحرص موسيماني على الحديث مع اللاعبين ومنح تعليمات فنية خاصة بالتحرك وإنهاء الهجمات.

كما حرص موسيماني على عقد جلسة مع الجهاز المعاون له قبل انطلاق المران، ضمن تحضيراته للمرحلة المقبلة، التي تشهد الكثير من التحديات عقب انتهاء فترة التوقف.

Liverpool’s defence was rather shaky on Wednesday evening.

Indeed, the Reds uncharacteristically conceded three goals in the space of about 20 minutes to Red Bull Salzburg, and understandably questions were asked about their back line.

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One thing that was noted was that Joel Matip was replaced by Joe Gomez on Wednesday due to an injury problem the Cameroon international had picked up, and this led to some fans wondering if they were missing the 28-year-old, criticising the England international.

Steve Nicol was asked whether or not he thinks Liverpool were missing the defender on Wednesday evening, and he delivered a very straightforward verdict.

“They didn’t miss him when it was 3-0.”

Rather than placing the blame solely on the absence of Matip, the Liverpool legend stated that the Reds simply took their foot off the gas in the game against the Austrian outfit, and rather brutally smacked down the question from a fan.

He wasn’t willing to buy into the theory that Liverpool missed Matip, and he laughed at the idea that he had been better than Virgil van Dijk so far this campaign.

Liverpool have taken to social media to wish Xherdan Shaqiri happy birthday, and many fans have used the occasion to voice their views on the player.

As well as sending well wishes, many have made it clear that they believe he should be starting more often, and have bemoaned the lack of game time he is getting currently.

Since joining the Reds in summer 2018 the Switzerland international has only started 15 games, and this season he has seen his opportunities stifled with only 14 minutes played in 2019/20, excluding the Community Shield.

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On the one hand, his limited time on the pitch is understandable given the form of Liverpool’s front three, but he has proved his quality since joining the club and supporters feel he is not getting a fair crack of the whip.

In a red shirt he averaged a goal or assist every 112 minutes last term, a good return for a player who often comes on late in games, whilst his double at home to Manchester United last season played a big hand in his team leading the table at Christmas.

Here is some of the reaction from the Anfield faithful on Twitter.

Today’s Manchester United transfer roundup takes a look at the three biggest transfer updates doing the rounds. Ole Gunnar Solskajer wants Englishmen James Maddison and Callum Wilson, whilst Nemanja Matic has become a target for Juventus.

All in for Maddison

Report: According to reports from ESPN, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is set to continue his blueprint of young British players and has eyed up Leicester City star James Maddison as one of his targets. The Norwegian is expected to use the money from the Romelu Lukaku sale to fund this move, after also letting Alexis Sanchez depart, leaving his squad begging for more goals.

Verdict: For a few reasons, this transfer is believable. For example, Solskjaer has shown to invest in young talent whilst Leicester have listened to hefty offers in the past, as we saw with Maguire heading to Old Trafford for £80m. The United boss will be wary of who he splashes the cash on, as the Glazers have been known to occupy tight purse strings in recent years, however, considering Solskjaer’s aim for the club and Leicester previous willingness to sell, expect this transfer to pick up some speed over the coming month.

ESPN reported that Maddison will be valued between £70m and £80m, and although United have not given up on Jadon Sancho, it seems the Maddison deal is more likely to happen. Indeed, it is early doors in this saga, but all signs right now point to the two clubs once again doing major business.

How likely is a deal? 7/10

Wilson to come in for backup

Report: In the same report from ESPN, they claim the Red Devils will also be willing to break the bank for Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson, fresh from bagging a brilliant brace against Everton last weekend. It is believed that Solskjaer could use Wilson as a suitable replacement for Lukaku, with his current team lacking goals from the front men. However, the Bournemouth star recently signed a new deal with the club, which will see him stay until 2023 and no doubt increased his value on the market.

Verdict: Wilson, 27, is one year older than the Lukaku and scored 14 Premier League goals last season, as opposed to the Belgian’s 12. Although, it would be surprising to see Wilson come in as United’s first-choice centre-forward, with Solskjaer keen on making Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial his go-to men, as youngster Mason Greenwood slowly breaks into the side.

Wilson will undoubtedly be a welcomed addition at Old Trafford considering the lack of striking options they have and as Rashford and Martial scored just 20 goals league goals between them last season. But, it seems Wilson may cost too much for what United want.

How likely is a deal? 4/10

Juventus to snatch Matic

Report: Nemanja Matic has become a wanted man because of such a lack of game time this season, with The Sun reporting that Juventus are keeping a close eye on the Serbian after missing out on Paul Pogba in the summer. Matic has had to settle for a place on the bench for much of this season, starting just once. The Sun reports that the Italian champions are seeking Matic on a free transfer, with his contract set to expire at the end of the campaign, although United have an option for an extra year, as per Transfermarkt.

Verdict: Truthfully, despite recent form, letting Matic go could turn out to be a bad move for a few reasons. Firstly, the sales of Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini have meant fewer numbers, whilst at the same time, the future of Pogba remains uncertain. Indeed, with Scott McTominay, Fred, Matic and Pogba the only recognised out-and-out central midfielders, letting him go on a free would make little sense. However, with the lure of Juventus and Matic’s current position at United, this deal could well happen.

How likely is a deal? 7/10

Understandably, three Manchester City players make the XI after their incredible win over Watford.

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However, the team is heavily based around West Ham and Leicester players too after their huge wins against Man Utd and Spurs.

Three of the back five come from those clubs, as Lukasz Fabianski, Aaron Cresswell and Caglar Soyoncu get into the team, while further up the pitch James Maddison’s winning goal earns him a spot in the midfield.

كشفت تقارير صحفية إسبانية، عن سبب تأخر لويس إنريكي المدير الفني لمنتخب إسبانيا، عن مباراة كوسوفو، أمس في تصفيات أوروبا المؤهلة لـ كأس العالم قطر 2022.

المدرب الإسباني وصل متأخرًا للمباراة بعد انطلاقها، ولكن تأخره لم يكن مؤثرًا في النتيجة التي انتهت 3/1 للاروخا. “تقرير المباراة”

شبكة “كادينا سير” الإسبانية، أفادت بأن لويس إنريكي تعرض لحادث مؤسف قبل المباراة أثناء التوجه إلى الملعب قادمًا من الفندق.

وتم حبس لويس إنريكي لمدة ساعة تقريبًا مع ستة من أعضاء الجهاز الفني، في مصعد الفندق بسبب عُطل، وهو ما تسبب في وصوله متأخرًا لملعب لاكارتوخا في مدينة إشبيلية.

واستغرق العُطل وقتًا طويلًا لإصلاحه، وأجبر الفريق على المغادرة بدون إنريكي، وبعد حل المُشكلة، توجه إنريكي إلى الملعب، في سيارة أجرة.