In the aftermath of all the heated debate concerning the build up to Chelsea's second goal during last Sundays Community Shield match against Manchester United the F.A. have felt it necessary to issue a statement on their website to clarify the situation.
For anyone who hasn't seen the incident, Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack blocked United's Patrice Evra off the ball. But as United had retained possession the referee Chris Foy allowed play to continue. Correctly deeming that Evra was not seriously injured, the game was not stopped and Chelsea proceeded to win the ball back, launch a counter-attack and score.
Cue much hysteria from Sky's Andy 'grey area' Gray and Jamie 'could 'ave been a red card' Redknapp, not to mention an on-field rant at the ref from Sir Alex Ferguson after the final whistle (Respect campaign, anyone?).
I appreciate that it is in the media's interest to whip up controversy to persuade people to contact various phone-ins or to send in their 'thoughts' via e-mail, but is it too much to ask that the experts, and i use the term loosely, actually learn the laws of the game prior to each season.
This is not a new topic. Prior to last season it was agreed that to end the constant kicking of the ball off the field of play, so that an injured player could get treatment, it would again be solely up to the ref to determine if an injury was serious enough to halt the game. Put simply, play to the whistle.
As a postscript, for how many years have we heard from various pundits "do you understand the off-side law Richard? 'Cos i don't". Well i am sorry but bloody well learn it, it is your job!
Tuesday 11 August 2009
Sunday 1 February 2009
Is Arshavin the answer to Arsenal's problems?
With less than two days of the current transfer window remaining the protracted negotiations between Arsenal and Zenit St. Petersburg concerning the transfer of play-maker Andrei Arshavin continue unresolved.
The question remains however, with Arsenal having put all their eggs into one basket with this single signing, can one player really make that much difference for the remainder of the season?
Assuming the transfer goes through, Arshavin will have little time to settle into not only a new team but a whole new culture too. As good a player as he is this is asking a lot, especially as he will be severely lacking in match fitness. The 2008 Russian championship finished at the end of November and Arshavin’s last competitive game was the Champions League fixture at Real Madrid on December 10.
Emmanuel Eboue and Abou Diaby were added to an already lengthy injury list yesterday and Arsenal's squad is now looking thinner than ever. Though the addition of Arshavin would be a welcome boost, the relative lack of signings last summer and this January could very well cost Arsenal dear this season.
The question remains however, with Arsenal having put all their eggs into one basket with this single signing, can one player really make that much difference for the remainder of the season?
Assuming the transfer goes through, Arshavin will have little time to settle into not only a new team but a whole new culture too. As good a player as he is this is asking a lot, especially as he will be severely lacking in match fitness. The 2008 Russian championship finished at the end of November and Arshavin’s last competitive game was the Champions League fixture at Real Madrid on December 10.
Emmanuel Eboue and Abou Diaby were added to an already lengthy injury list yesterday and Arsenal's squad is now looking thinner than ever. Though the addition of Arshavin would be a welcome boost, the relative lack of signings last summer and this January could very well cost Arsenal dear this season.
Sunday 4 January 2009
January Transfers - Premier League clubs just looking, not buying?
With the January transfer window now open the usual frenzied media hype about who will go where is now in full flow.
But as yet the two Manchester clubs are the only ones to put their hands into their pockets, with England international full-back Wayne Bridge joining City from Chelsea and United signing Serbians Zoran Tosic and Adam Ljajic from Partizan Belgrade.
As when Roman Abramovich took over at Chelsea the Abu Dhabi United Group's purchase of Manchester City will see an extra few million pounds put on the price tag of any potential transfer target, which has a knock on affect for the rest of the teams in the league.
We have already heard this week from Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill and the Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger that they are both unwilling to pay what they consider over-inflated prices for players. However, it seems only natural to me that the clubs that are forced to sell in order to strengthen their own squads will try and get the best possible price for any departing players.
So at present we have somewhat of a stalemate, with plenty of speculation and rumour but little in the way of business. Has the Premier League bubble burst? It may be a little premature to say that but perhaps the money-men involved are feeling the pinch like the rest of the global markets.
But as yet the two Manchester clubs are the only ones to put their hands into their pockets, with England international full-back Wayne Bridge joining City from Chelsea and United signing Serbians Zoran Tosic and Adam Ljajic from Partizan Belgrade.
As when Roman Abramovich took over at Chelsea the Abu Dhabi United Group's purchase of Manchester City will see an extra few million pounds put on the price tag of any potential transfer target, which has a knock on affect for the rest of the teams in the league.
We have already heard this week from Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill and the Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger that they are both unwilling to pay what they consider over-inflated prices for players. However, it seems only natural to me that the clubs that are forced to sell in order to strengthen their own squads will try and get the best possible price for any departing players.
So at present we have somewhat of a stalemate, with plenty of speculation and rumour but little in the way of business. Has the Premier League bubble burst? It may be a little premature to say that but perhaps the money-men involved are feeling the pinch like the rest of the global markets.
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