It was refreshing to watch Champions League football last week.
It gave me hope that VAR can be implemented in a neater way, less intrusive and utilised more like it was anticipated.
The cold fact is that it ain’t going away, but for some reason the way in which it’s implemented on the continent feels very different from the weekly circus we are subjected to in the Premier League.
Another massive decision on Sunday had the world debating, should the Everton’s late “winner” over Manchester United have stood?
I’m 50/50 but under the new rules, it probably was the correct decision as the player lying down was “active” or “interfering with play”. It was harsh, though.
I’m sure, given the increased swell of discontent amongst English club fans, next season will see a refined version of the current system.
Talking about things turning around for the better, it’s been interesting chatting to United fans over the past few weeks, listening to the new backing of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer! The talk now is how “Baby Face” is doing such a brilliant job given the circumstances.
United are progressing in Europa League and currently sit in fifth for an all-important Champions League spot.
He’s gotten rid of (or loaned out) much of the “deadwood” most fans were complaining about; Romelu Lukaku, Matteo Darmian, Ashley Young, Marouane Fellaini, Ander Herrera, Chris Smalling, Daley Blind, Antonio Valencia and Marcos Rojo and bought in players who (besides Daniel James who started well but has dropped off) Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan Bissaka and Bruno Fernandes.
He’s also promoted the likes of Mason Greenwood, while Scott McTominay has flourished.
I guess it has to be agreed that he’s moving forward, but is it enough? Bruno and Wan-Bissaka have looked the part, but are any of them genuinely up to United standard? Would any of them be first-choice starters for Liverpool?
I’d say Ole has steadied the sinking ship but hasn’t got what it takes to rebuild a great United side.
Up the road and Liverpool are licking their wounds following the unimaginable walloping they took at Vicarage Road.
YSTER: Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, right. Picture: Andrew Yates/Reuters.
How the hell does that happen? Yes, Watford are fighting for survival, but against (debatably) the best side in Europe?
And it was a proper dismantling, not just a few decisions or lucky goals gone Watford’s way it was a proper beating.
Not quite as bad as watching Chelsea’s roasting at the Bridge by Bayern, but the Hornets were by far the better side on the day.
It makes zero difference to the incredible season the Reds are having as far as winning the league goes, but wow, thank god the bubble has burst.
At last we can have a bit of a break from the relentless banter, something like I’ve never experienced before.
If humble was a person, Liverpool fans robbed, shot and buried him months ago.
Sticking to that theme I guess it’s kind of understandable.
Imagine doing 30 years in jail, with whoever’s running the wing your only source of (forced) romance... You’d be a happy chappy to say the least when it was all over!
Right here in Cape Town, with the city split in two, it also makes sense. United fans have been squared up properly in Liverpool faces for years (well, before Sir Alex retired) so, I guess it’s time for payback.
I was momentarily amused by an official Arsenal FC tweet, congratulating Liverpool’s 44 unbeaten run!
Gooners will be celebrating another great season as the holders of the ‘Invincibles Cup’.
Our break from Scouse silence might well be short-lived though. Jurgen Klopp takes his men to Chelsea tonight in the FA Cup.
If (for some unlikely reason) the Reds lose, it’s gonna start feeling like a bit of an anti- climax, isn’t it?
But yeah, they’re streets ahead of everyone this season and more than worthy winners.
There’s more FA Cup action tomorrow night followed by that interesting tie when Wayne Rooney’s Derby welcome United on Thursday.
Then a big Super Sunday including the Manchester Derby! Oh and by the way, congrats to City on winning the League Cup, it was actually a great final from Aston Villa!
See you next week