Niels

Yes I agree. I can't think how Var didn't at least ask the referee to look again. The only reasonable explanation I can think of is that the referree is retiring and becoming the Head of Referees next year. Maybe the Var ref didn't feel comfortable highlighting potential mistakes? I think this raises 2 points. One that the referree operating VAR should be senior or equal to the referee in terms of position or standing. Secondly, that Var can ask the referee to take a second look without implying the decision is necessary incorrect.

Another shocking VAR decision. Edit x2

There was a good article in the Guardian online(I only read the sport and book reviews) about Burnley today. It compares them to Huddersfield who also spent parachute payments on loans. There were also very good articles on Man City and Mark Lawrenson today and one about how tactics have evolved. It was a very good sports section today.

Just checking you are ok after the ups and downs of today. At least you have had success in the cups with one more to come. Here the Leeds match was the focus for most people of course. I've only ever heard such noise and cheering for England games before. The noise when Newcastle took the lead was loud and even more when Leeds scored.

You were unlucky as Wolves missed some good chances.

It seems very low considering the violence involved. Also not much of a deterrent.

It's re-enforces what we were saying about the importance of the goalkeepers last week. He looked big and could read where the players were shooting. A good combination! The save at the end was also vital.

Sky said earlier that the penalty would have effectively won the title but I still think a point would have been necessary? At half time it felt as though City had lost the title but that wasn't necessarily the case either? A lot of fans seemed to think Southampton could concede 9 or similar as they have done this twice previously.

I think I read that the goalkeeper Allison has a record of saving 1 in 3 penalties, whereas Mendy has 1 in 18. I think this is key in the penalty shootouts. Italy had a goalkeeper with a fantastic penalty save percentage when they won Euro 2022. I always look at the keepers before the shootouts- I dont think it matters as much who takes them. What do you think will happen with the Premier league now.

They are in the final and will play the winner of Fylde v Boston. I am not sure or the venue.

Thanks. I noticed there are a couple of books on Kindle about the Cup Winners cup and UEFA cup. I think whatever the format the smaller and medium nations would still have no chance of winning now. The premier league has changed also. Now the top two are winning nearly all their games during the run in each year.

Did you think that was more interesting though? I know you are a keen admirer of the European game so I'd be interested what you think. I agree Malmo were very limited but I used to like the unusual teams getting to the finals.

Well done, I am pleased for you. I read the Sporting Life too, though sometimes I am not sure which tipster to follow.

How did you do? I had an e/w bet on the favourite at 6/1 for the Irish National. It came third and I had 6 places. A very small profit.

Thanks. Yes the defending was poor. It was a tremendous second half from Burnley. It brings Leeds back into the equation also.

Watching on Sky. What did you think of the penalties?

Thanks for the reply. They need to beat UAE and then Peru to qualify. I saw a bit of the Peru game last night and they looked useful. The African play offs were very dramatic. There seems a real hostility between the North and Sub Saharans.

I read about the game. Japan look to have a useful side, the Celtic players are good. Australia have to win an Asian play off, then if won, play against the 5th place South American side. What do you think of their chances? In the days of Viduka and Kewell they were a match for such a side, but now I think they may struggle.

Thanks, you raised a very interesting point. And apart from that run of games they have under achieved as you say.

I understand your point but the Euro win didn't come during a decline, the opposite. Euro 2021 was towards the end of an incredible 37 game unbeaten run.

I watched the highlights of that game on You Tube recently. The key win was against Bayern in the semi finals I think.

It's difficult to get a decision in those countries

That's sad, I didn't know until I saw your post. He was a brilliant vocalist, my favourite vocal of his was Limelight by the Alan Parsons Project. A Salty Dog, of course, is an amazing vocal also.

Here is another one - I've reciprocated by copying the Mail, even though I read the Guardian on Mondays Seriously, I thought you may be interested. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-10523441/Football-disorder-worse-gets-better-says-expert-police-powers-need.html

We sorted that out Friday Yes my prescence there confirmed my thoughts. The Policing is a lot better in West Yorkshire, which I saw for myself yesterday. As other posters remarked, there were no Police around whatsoever when the Warrington coach was smashed. Also the way the Manchester United team bus was escorted was totally different to the lack of Police around the Man City team bus at Anfield that time it was ambushed. It may have improved now I hope but we are in times when protection is needed unfortunately.