Another strange weekend as the so called “new normal” in football (watching games without fans), which has become part of life, was exposed negatively again during the FA Cup.
The magical third round that pits the haves against the have nots just didn’t have the sparkling backdrop that creates the chance of a “giant killing”.
Despite a couple of big results, most notably Leeds getting whacked by Crawley Town, by in large it felt like the bigger clubs were going through the motions with the smaller boys missing the edge, the passionate crowds and the occasion.
And then of course there was Liverpool at Villa Park playing against a bunch of teenagers!
How the f*** did it even go ahead?
OK, Villa agreed to it after 10 of their first team tested Covid positive, but despite a great equaliser, it was always gonna be one result. I found it strange that some Liverpool fans I spoke with thought it could be close?
I mean their team is very average at the moment, but these were schoolboys, up against the champions of
England! As the game panned out, it was clear that the Scousers were playing without their usual intensity, without having to move up a gear at any stage.
It was sweet to see the Villa squad get into a minibus after the game and back to the academy.
Due to logistics surrounding Covid protocol, the fourth and fifth rounds were drawn last night… hoping (as this had gone to print already) that a couple of tasty fixtures were pulled out the bag!
But it’s back to league action tonight and can you believe it? Manchester United have the chance to nick top spot off Liverpool with a trip to struggling Burnley!
The timing is impeccable…
On Sunday night at 6.30pm, United travel 45 minutes down the road to Anfield!
Despite reservations regarding the quality of performance Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side is putting in, the points keep on coming and amazingly, (yes, I eat my words), it could be possible that they are genuine championship contenders?
It’s funny innit… Liverpool fans in Cape Town have gone very quiet over the last few weeks.
Don’t see shirts on everywhere I go like it has been for the last 18 months or so. Conversely, smelly crumpled United kit is starting to make its way out from the bottom of the washing and proudly adorned like nothing ever changed since the Alex Ferguson era .
I’m completely twisted in my thoughts, as ya’ll know, I hate both clubs, but somehow, somewhere, deep in my pathetically tiny little mind, I’d quite like to see (as the great Fergie said when taking charge at Old Trafford) United “knocking Liverpool right off their f****** perch. And you can print that.”
It’s unlikely, but it would be amazing for the rest of us if they piped down for another 30 years.
Man, when well-deserved trophies and celebrations turn into a couple of years of painful arrogance… yep that’s Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp and the bastard Trumpites that run them.
You’re probably thinking, “shut up Feinberg, you’re just angry because your team is so k@@@@k” and hands up, there’s probably some truth to that.
But as mentioned numerous times before the season started, I’ve been watching football for well over 40 years, I know that drafting in half a new team is never gonna work immediately. I challenge anyone to give me an example?
Saying that, Frankie Lampard faces a major test on Friday night as the Blues play Fulham in the (not-so-famous) West London Derby. It really is a must-win, just to ease the pressure on him slightly .
On a really serious note… As we’ll all be experiencing, Covid is really close. We all know of people who have had it, have it and have died of it.
It ain’t a joke. Preach safety, keep your families safe… chat next week.