What the hell is going on?
So many goals. Is it down to a more attacking philosophy throughout the Premier League?
Hard to really say, all I know for sure is that my beloved Chelsea are ABSOLUTELY SHOCKING at the back.
I was left sunken into my couch at half time as West Brom put three past us, knowing they’d sit deep in the second half while we attempt to salvage something, even a bit of pride out of the game.
OK, analysing it a little, leftback Marcos Alonso was roasted on his flank and responsible for two basic mistakes which led to goals, while Thiago Silva – ironically given the role of tightening it all up was guilty of a Steven Gerrard-esque clanger.
It’s incredible how it goes sometimes. The only three shots West Brom had at goal all went in. Chelsea claimed around 80 percent possession, but failed to take easy chances and in the end scraped a draw.
And what about VAR for the last goal? How the f*** was it allowed? The ball clearly struck Kai Havertz’s arm, it was plain to see from every angle, but goal given?
Accidental or not (and it was accidental), Tammy Abraham’s equaliser should have been disallowed.
Of course we’ll take it, but the inconsistency is baffling.
That of course followed on from another crazy moment of controversy as Manchester United somehow nicked a winner at Brighton AFTER the final whistle!
And how was the game still happening anyway 97 minutes in with five minutes allocated for additional time?
I can’t remember seeing a worse United side.
They were bossed all over the park for the best part of the 90 by a plucky Brighton side, who must be wondering how results against two of the so-called top six (Chelsea and United) have gone against them?
Graham Potter has forged a proper Seagulls side, great to watch, well organised and bursting with energy.
The worry of course (as with Leeds United) is that kicking the season off like fireworks often leads to a downward pattern, given the lack of depth required to compete at top level for 40 or so matches over the campaign.
Another crazy decision came at Tottenham, as Newcastle stole an unlikely point when the ball hit Eric Dier’s arm for a last-gasp penalty.
I know rules are rules, but as a disappointed Les Ferdinand said after the game: “I don’t enjoy watching football anymore.”
To add to the madness, Leicester were then awarded three penalties in their shock 5-2 win at Man City.
Anyway, before Sunday’s fixtures, I spent an hour watching clips from Spurs’ fly-on-the-wall series All or Nothing –Tottenham Hotspur.
Unfortunately only available on Amazon at the moment, but there’s plenty on YouTube.
I just can’t believe they’d allow such intimate, confidential stuff to be shown publicly?
It’s a proper eye-opener into how a club is run in the modern era.
I was amazed to watch some of the in-fighting, Dele Alli having a one-on-one with Jose Mourinho telling him what he thought of him and Christian Eriksen going into a meeting with chairman Daniel Levy and Mourinho telling them he wants to leave!
I mean regardless of who you support, it’s fascinating insight into the not-so glamorous life of footballers. It’s well worth a look…
Well, as you all know by now, this column goes to print while Monday night football is on and what a huge one as the Gunners are at Anfield.
Probably the two best sides in the opening couple of games, with the Scousers looking as strong as ever and Mikel Arteta seemingly making strides in improving his Arsenal side.
Everyone was predicting a goal fest, I was leaning more to a tightly-contested affair with the Reds edging the result.
Anyway good people, take care, be safe, chat next week.