In just about every major sport in the world, video replay has been installed with little fuss. Sure, it takes a little longer than some would prefer, but with video replay it’s generally accepted the correct calls are made.
Except soccer in England.
In terms of a 1-0 scoreline, there’s no greater beatdown than the one RB Leipzig just administered to Tottenham in London on Wednesday. The difference on the scoreboard was Timo Werner’s 58th-minute penalty, but the difference on the pitch was an incredible gulf in tempo, build-up play and variation in attack.
Robbie Fowler returned to Australia eager to prove himself as a capable coach. The ex-Liverpool star, revered by Kopites as 'God,' had enjoyed two seasons in the A-League toward the twilight of his career — one apiece with now-defunct North Queensland Fury and Perth Glory.
Chelsea and England star Fran Kirby is nearing a return to the pitch after missing major time due to illness. The 26-year-old was diagnosed with pericarditis, a rare inflammation of tissue surrounding the heart, back in November and hasn't played since.
After a run of four straight draws, Arsenal finally got back in the win column with a 4-0 victory over Newcastle United at the Emirates on Sunday. The two clubs somehow entered today’s match level on points, but the gulf in quality between the sides was evident from the off as Newcastle’s beleaguered attack managed only two shots on target while Arsenal dripped quality in the midfield and wide attacking areas.
Dani Ceballos and Mesut Özil looked like the most likely creators for the Gunners as the two combined for seven key passes, but Nicolas Pépé was in inspired form as well.
It’s been an excellent 24 hours for Tottenham’s Champions League aspirations.
Liverpool marched on to yet another win, scoring late and great to eventually see off last-place Norwich City 1-0 in a match that was much harder than the Reds might have expected on Saturday at Carrow Road.
Liverpool has now taken 76 points from a possible 78, which is just stupid if you think about it. If this happened in any other league in Europe (or the world), detractors would use it as proof to say the rest of the league is no good. But in England, Liverpool is hailed as one of the greatest teams of all time, and it’s hard to argue against that.
For once, UEFA has shown it’s got a bit of a spine. After years of failing to truly punish violators of Financial Fair Play, UEFA handed down its biggest penalty yet, banning Manchester City from the Champions League for two seasons on Friday. The English club was also fined $32.5 million. The Man City UCL ban is subject to appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
BREAKING: Manchester City banned from Champions League for two seasons by UEFA and fined 30 million euros
The latest ad campaign from adidas comes close to greatness. It’s all centered around the release of the Predator 20 Mutator boots, which feature the striking implementation of DEMONSKIN technology. The breakthrough tech is immediately noticeable in the form of 406 spikes on the upper which work together as a textured layer to enhance grip on the ball and maximize control.
For a club that’s won the FA Cup six times and made it to the final on 13 occasions (only Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal have more final appearances), Newcastle’s abysmal recent record in the competition is astounding.
Heading into Tuesday’s Fourth Round replay with third-tier Oxford United, Newcastle hadn’t advanced to the Fifth Round (the Round of 16) in 14 years — that’s despite the club being a Premier League side in each corresponding year apart from two.