⚽ Soccer Match-day Thread (4 Viewers)

[CletiusMaximus]

Pulisic is indeed starting today.  He's won 3 straight MOTM awards at Chelsea fan site weaintgotnohistory.com.  Can he make it 4 in a row against the lowly Hammers?

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Hold on Everton, don't let this lead slip now ...

 

[encaitar]

Is it just the camera angle or is that West Ham pitch super narrow?

 

[The Gator]

Is it just the camera angle or is that West Ham pitch super narrow?

Its about 100 yards away from the seats along the side.

There are some West Ham season ticket holders watching from home right now that are closer to the field than when they are in the stadium.

ETA - its not narrow - just looks that way as it sits in the stadium.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

New Chelsea shirts are dumb.  They deserve to concede that goal just because of the ugly new shirt sponsor logo.

 

[DJackson10]

Newcastle with a resounding 4-1 win vs Bottom feeders Bournmouth. Now on to Milan vs SPAL

 

[The Gator]

VAR spends to much time trying to be "perfect" and not enough time just trying to be good.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

VAR spends to much time trying to be "perfect" and not enough time just trying to be good.

Can't remember who said it first, but if they have to review it in super-slow motion and use still shots from multiple angles with imaginary lines drawn on the screen to decide, the call should stand.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

And Pulisic draws the penalty a few minutes later.  He should be allowed to take the kick, then be subbed off at half.

 

[TLEF316]

Yeah, another solid performance by our boy. Looks dangerous

 

[The Gator]

Can't remember who said it first, but if they have to review it in super-slow motion and use still shots from multiple angles with imaginary lines drawn on the screen to decide, the call should stand.

Yup.  Clear and obvious should not require freeze frame and lines drawn, while trying to identify the precise moment a ball is kicked.

 

[encaitar]

And Pulisic draws the penalty a few minutes later.  He should be allowed to take the kick, then be subbed off at half.

He's so good at getting guys to put that foot in while he's in the penalty area.  He earns penalties at a higher rate than most guys I can remember.  What's that.. his 5th or 6th earned penalty this year?

 

[B Maverick]

And Pulisic draws the penalty a few minutes later.  He should be allowed to take the kick, then be subbed off at half.

Yup.  Clear and obvious should not require freeze frame and lines drawn, while trying to identify the precise moment a ball is kicked.

So West Ham has a goal called back because someone was lying on the ground and his attempt at a bicycle put his head offside?  Am I reading Eurosport right?

 

[The Gator]

I actually liked the build up before the Pen - play is kind of dragging, and Pulisic immediately puts some energy and drive into the attack - which then forces the Pen.

 

[JaxBill]

does that one count?

 

[The Gator]

I've not seen much of Chelsea, but are they normally this poor on corners?  

Dave looked out of sorts on the disallowed goal, and again on the allowed goal.

 

[encaitar]

So West Ham has a goal called back because someone was lying on the ground and his attempt at a bicycle put his head offside?  Am I reading Eurosport right?

You could argue that the guy lying in the offsides position was affecting the play.    

I think they call the goal scorer anyway, but I could see that goal being taken off just because of the guy on the ground.  Still, it's ticky tack calls like that that detract from the game.

 

[The Gator]

OptaJoe@OptaJoe · 5m

12 - Willian is the first player to score a Premier League goal in every month of the year. Diarise.

Thanks Covid-19

 

[encaitar]

I've not seen much of Chelsea, but are they normally this poor on corners?  

Dave looked out of sorts on the disallowed goal, and again on the allowed goal.

From what I've seen?  Yes.  Probably the worst set piece defending team in the EPL.

 

[The Gator]

You could argue that the guy lying in the offsides position was affecting the play.    

That was actually my first reaction - he was ahead of the ball, and interfering with play.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I've not seen much of Chelsea, but are they normally this poor on corners?  

Dave looked out of sorts on the disallowed goal, and again on the allowed goal.

They have been terrible defending set pieces all season.

 

[JaxBill]

@em_sandy: Statement from PGMOL on VAR decision: 

"The on-field decision was to award the goal, but the VAR advised the referee that Michail Antonio was in an offside position and directly in the line of vision of Kepa Arrizabalaga." https://twitter.com/em_sandy/status/1278431068232863745/photo/1

 

[The Gator]

I did not see that goal coming...

 

[JaxBill]

CUE THE BUBBLEZ!!@!

 

[B Maverick]

You could argue that the guy lying in the offsides position was affecting the play.    

I think they call the goal scorer anyway, but I could see that goal being taken off just because of the guy on the ground.  Still, it's ticky tack calls like that that detract from the game.

I was reading the play by play.  The play by play made it sound like he was lying on the field and the ball wasn't near him nor was he influening the play. then saw a picture of it and hes right there so I can understand the call back.  Guess it didn't matter in the end, West Ham overcame!!!

 

[El Floppo]

Lol. Love seeing TSOs reaction to getting screwed by VAR. What a joke of a call...I guess they thought he put his arm out to handle the ball instead of catching himself from landing face first into a sea of kicking feet.

 

[TLEF316]

I could watch video loop of Mourinho getting shafted on calls all day long. That guy has to be the most uptight, self-important ##### on the planet.

 

[El Floppo]

Lol. Love seeing TSOs reaction to getting screwed by VAR. What a joke of a call...I guess they thought he put his arm out to handle the ball instead of catching himself from landing face first into a sea of kicking feet.

And thinking about this more...the player Lucas got absolutely mauled before falling and handling the ball. If they're going to bring the goal back as a handball...they should at least award the foul that led to him falling onto the ball in the first place. Insyead, spurs get nothing and Sheffield are rewarded for hacking Lucas. Just terrible. 

 

[El Floppo]

I could watch video loop of Mourinho getting shafted on calls all day long. That guy has to be the most uptight, self-important ##### on the planet.

Lol...and yet, it's all almost worth it just to see that.

 

[Poke_4_Life]

And thinking about this more...the player Lucas got absolutely mauled before falling and handling the ball. If they're going to bring the goal back as a handball...they should at least award the foul that led to him falling onto the ball in the first place. Insyead, spurs get nothing and Sheffield are rewarded for hacking Lucas. Just terrible. 

As a Spurs fan, I can understand why the call was made.  As the rule is written now, any ball that touches a hand and causes an advantage is a handball.  Intent does not matter.  However, as Floppo says here...  if you call off the goal then you have to call a foul for the play that made Moura go down.  

 

[El Floppo]

As a Spurs fan, I can understand why the call was made.  As the rule is written now, any ball that touches a hand and causes an advantage is a handball.  Intent does not matter.  However, as Floppo says here...  if you call off the goal then you have to call a foul for the play that made Moura go down.  

Just listened to the guys at half time say it was the right call according to the rule. This rule is absolutely horrible.

 

[The Gator]

I am just saying -if it was a hand-ball, then it should also have been a foul for taking Lucas down right before that...

And, Norwood should be off on either a straight red or a second yellow for the elbow against Son.

 

[B Maverick]

As a Spurs fan, I can understand why the call was made.  As the rule is written now, any ball that touches a hand and causes an advantage is a handball.  Intent does not matter.  However, as Floppo says here...  if you call off the goal then you have to call a foul for the play that made Moura go down.  

 Yeah as the rule is now even inadvertant handballs can't lead to goals,  I haven't seen it but it sounds like calling the goal back is correct.

Just listened to the guys at half time say it was the right call according to the rule. This rule is absolutely horrible.

I still don't know if it was a needed change.

 

[Poke_4_Life]

And, Norwood should be off on either a straight red or a second yellow for the elbow against Son.

Agreed.

 

[B Maverick]

VAR Thoughts.  

We have discussed the offside and some of the major points over the season, but some things that seem to have come up lately I don't recall discussions on:

How far back can it go-  During the buildup to United's 2nd goal on Tuesday, the ball was cleared by BHA and went out of bounds.  The ref was blocked by Greenwood so he didn't see it.  The ball made its way to Shaw then to Pogba and Bruno scores.  No lines drawn to see if Shaw was off, but VAR ruled him on.  Then the report says the out of bounds was 30-40 seconds earlier so they couldn't review that part.

Why isn't this reviewable - Player offside isnt called and ball goes out for corner, or an offside/foul isnt called and a free kick is given in a dangerous area.  The Corner/Free Kick results in a goal.  Not reviewable since it was the previous play, but the kick that leads to a goal should not have been given.

 

[The Gator]

So glad I support Liverpool instead of those lowly Spurs!

 

[Poke_4_Life]

If the blades didn't wear red I'd consider dropping Spurs for them.

 

[Poke_4_Life]

At least Harry got a goal for my fantasy team.  And Liverpool is getting thrashed by City.  

 

[Poke_4_Life]

At least VAR is consistent and overturned goal 5 for City.  

 

[El Floppo]

At least VAR is consistent and overturned goal 5 for City.  

Just watched it.

Makes me so stabby.

 

[DJackson10]

Lol. Love seeing TSOs reaction to getting screwed by VAR. What a joke of a call...I guess they thought he put his arm out to handle the ball instead of catching himself from landing face first into a sea of kicking feet.

Haven't seen it yet but did you see the match Tuesday where the ref didn't give the straight red to the guy for intentionally elbowing the other player with VAR involved Called it non violent non intent contact. 

 

[DJackson10]

At least Harry got a goal for my fantasy team.  And Liverpool is getting thrashed by City.  

'Pool does know just because you are champion doesn't mean you let yourself get embarrassed the next match while still in season right? 

 

[JaxBill]

Not even Ghislane Maxwell could help Norwich score 

 

[BassNBrew]

Captain America has to play on July 4th when there are no other sports being played in America right?  Or does he ride the pine as retribution for kicking England’s butt 2.5 centuries ago?

 

[El Floppo]

Somebody better call Mariska Hargitay and SVU for McGuire.

 

[El Floppo]

Not even Ghislane Maxwell could help Norwich score 

She might have had a hand in this

 

[B Maverick]

Somebody better call Mariska Hargitay and SVU for McGuire.

Not sure what was worse on that goal, McGuire getting megged or De Gea getting beat near post.  Both are prone to a mistake game but then look good for a game.  

But hey, when you got Rashford, Martial,  Greenwood, and Bruno to pick you up....

Consistency is needed from all United players.  Can't switch off vs lower teams. Nice to get the win, despite giving up 2 goals, when they have struggled with the lower teams over the season.

 

[El Floppo]

Not sure what was worse on that goal, McGuire getting megged or De Gea getting beat near post.  Both are prone to a mistake game but then look good for a game.  

But hey, when you got Rashford, Martial,  Greenwood, and Bruno to pick you up....

Consistency is needed from all United players.  Can't switch off vs lower teams. Nice to get the win, despite giving up 2 goals, when they have struggled with the lower teams over the season.

Oh...it's the Meg.

 

[AAABatteries]

Not sure what was worse on that goal, McGuire getting megged or De Gea getting beat near post.  Both are prone to a mistake game but then look good for a game.  

But hey, when you got Rashford, Martial,  Greenwood, and Bruno to pick you up....

Consistency is needed from all United players.  Can't switch off vs lower teams. Nice to get the win, despite giving up 2 goals, when they have struggled with the lower teams over the season.

Hopefully Greenwood stepping up means we never see Lingard again in a game that matters.  Mason has been fantastic since the start back.

That front 5 looks very good and dangerous at the moment.  If they can keep Pogba happy and engaged (not easy to do) then you could argue that the attack is set in the starting XI.  If Tominay continues to progress I could see him being the first chose DM over Matic - maybe Fred who has played better this year.  Seem like that would leave Lindelof and Shaw as the two most likely positions needing an upgrade.  Priority has to be a top CB for the offseason, IMO.

 

[AAABatteries]

Not sure what was worse on that goal, McGuire getting megged or De Gea getting beat near post.  Both are prone to a mistake game but then look good for a game.  

But hey, when you got Rashford, Martial,  Greenwood, and Bruno to pick you up....

Consistency is needed from all United players.  Can't switch off vs lower teams. Nice to get the win, despite giving up 2 goals, when they have struggled with the lower teams over the season.

Almost forgot - Bailly almost single-handedly let Bournemouth back in it.  The penalty was an idiotic decision (even if the back pass was horrible) and he let a player in behind him soon after and just got lucky with the offside.  I think between his injuries and mental lapses that it's time to look elsewhere.  I think I'd rather keep Lindelof as the 3rd choice.