Premier League — Matchweek 10

Brentford keeper, Raya, made a few pretty good reaction saves.

Mad Frank got shown another yellow card, along with De Zerbi. One of quite a few silly flare-ups.

Got to admit, I only have this stuff on in the background and am not really watching but I don't see much of the pundit and Big Club Sky bias that bugs so many on here.

To me, as a neutral, they seem to report and analyse the game pretty fairly with pretty much the same level of enthusiasm, player knowledge and involvement. I just have trouble buying into the mantra that Sky are killing football.

Toney now second-highest scorer behind Haaland.

Michael, the high fawning is reserved for games containing the "Big" six. Particularly bad is the deification of some of the players, it's really cringe.

Toney looking good, he reminds me of a modern day Les Ferdinand.
He may not light up the international stage but I'd have him at Everton all day long.

Likewise... I'd like to see Toney here.

Odds are against it as I saw on BBC website that his family were, allegedly, racially abused up here last season. The activities of our KKK element inspired Les Ferdinand to batter us at every opportunity. Neanderthals.

Rugby Leauge showing us how to use video assisted officalling. No secrecy as per the clandestine behind the scenes Stockley Park or closed viewing screens on the side of the pitch.

Openness, transparency and an audible talk-through of the decision-making process.

Right every time? Nothing is ever 100%, but at least the logic is explained and they are making themselves openly accountable for the decisions they make.

But they also have a better understanding of the rules, something questionable in the egotistic, star-struck nature of the land of top-level footballing officialdom.

Surely Toney will go to the World Cup?

Outside of Kane, Greenwood is in jail again apparently, Gareth said it's unlikely Rashford will make it, Gerard won't play Ings, Watkins out of form, Calvert-Lewin has barely played in a year. Who else is there?

Or will Gareth load the squad with defensive mids and say Sterling can be the back-up striker?

Seems like Fulham are following the Marco Silva Premier League pattern of being streaky with a good run followed by a terrible one.

Bournemouth playing simple but effective football. Moving into space, making straightforward passes cleanly and scoring goals. Granted, better defenders would stop them but, against run-of-the-mill types like Brentford, they're effective.

Kieran,

Just goes to show you don't need to be 5 years into a 3-year project, LOL, to play simple and decent attacking football.

Watching Everton go forward at times is like trying to squeeze water out of a dried-out cloth in the Sahara desert.

Off out to watch Villa.

I owe Mrs Danny as she had to sit listening to me, my brother and son yesterday.

Villa doing their best to make the Chelsea keeper look good.

Studs to the ankle. Why isn't that a straight red?

Coz the ref said it wasn't and the VAR agrees with him... by default.

Was Michael, but it's Chelsea, one of the so called big six clubs, so can't give a red card.

Correct MK - I thought exactly the same

I see the toon are proudly wearing their bloodstained Saudi colours today. Disgusting but that's modern day football for you. It's all about the money.

Just been arguing with Chelsea fans. Anyone else and that's a red card.

Danny, the Chelsea Rent Boys were singing the “Sign on” song during the first half. Don't know why when they are playing Villa. Maybe you can ask them?

Let's hope big Erling and Co can salvage something from another wasted weekend.

Go 'ed, City!

Any odds on that vile RS rat Van Dijk putting Haaland out of action for a few weeks today?

Yes I think that's possible, Rob. I have a horrible suspicion that the RS might win today. City's defence is still not great. Please God I'm wrong.

Mind you, Milner is at right-back which is good news. Hagrid's brother is shite now.

Leeds pen, but jeez, how many times did Kavanagh have to look at the pitch side monitor to decide it was a penalty?

And Bamford puts it wide.

God, Jesse Marsch is so annoying with his grey jeggings!

Potter.

Second penalty and red card for Gabriel. Absolutely ridiculous by Gabriel.

Could be overturned by VAR. Yeah push by Bamford first. No penalty. Jesse Marsch will be going ballistic.

Red card should have stood though.

Robertson just shoving a player because he feels like, in front of the ref. No card of course.

It's incredible how referees ignore blatant fouls by Liverpool players.

Tight game, waiting for a bit De Brunye magic to make the difference. Won't be long before he sets it up for Haaland.

Haaland having a bit of a mare. He doesn't seem to be getting into the right positions.

Kick and rush on steroids scares Man City.

Looking at the table, I'd say 10 games in we're looking at a relegation battle. Only Forest of the promoted three have failed to do anything.

Leicester have too many decent players to stay in bottom 3 for long. Still think we look well short …. of players and ideas, and a bit of luck.

About time that twat Klopp was shown a red card.

Hmm... Liverpool player goes down with cramp. Man City players stop and rush to is aide...

Do they fuck!

And that's the difference.

Don't think it's cramp Michael, looks like a pulled groin muscle.

City bottle it at Anfield again.

Why don't they ever turn up and match those Jesus juice drunk bastards?

Colin @14,

I'd love to smash those Geordies on Wednesday but I know this Everton side is too timid to do that.

Worshipping those beheading merchants is just bizarre – even in today's money-fueled world of football.

Fingers crossed, Jim. Today they looked good and could've won it. As for Man City, Klopp definitely has the psychological edge over Pep at Anfield.

City players always look unprepared for the atmosphere the rs generate. Only Carlo and Jose could out-psyche that lot by staying calm and getting under their skin.

Thanks for another boss weekend, Everton.

Colin,

Pep must Moyes's long-lost brother. He always brings a butter knife to the big games.

I wonder how many people actually look forward to watching Dermot Gallagher on Ref Watch, trying to iron over what can only be described as corruption imo.

The game, or rather the officials, are so inconsistent, and it's becoming very disturbing. [Although my predictive text actually wrote 'disgusting'].

Tony, up until about 2 years back, I listened regularly to TalkSport. Gallagher started out well, back before that time.

He's like a different man now. Rarely see or hear him these days but when I do, it's often nonsense. What happened, I don't know, but I can guess.

Pep has never been tested.

He's always managed the best, subsequently snaffling league titles where the odd setback can be rectified over a season. Put him in a one-off big game against street fighters like Liverpool and he cacks his kecks.

I've said it for years: Man City are, relatively speaking, the biggest bottlers around and he's at the heart of it.

Jim @ 35,

I read an interview with Willotts. Joe, one of their forwards, I don't watch / have a telly in England, so not sure of his name (Willock, I googled it). He was looking forward to shaking Rashford's hand at the end of the game, respects and loves his stance on school meals etc.

But when asked about the Saudis says, "Oh no, I don't follow politics" or some total Saudi party line bullshit.

The controversy is such a massive part of this televised sport, Will, and it's very slowly eating away at me, although I'm trying my best not to turn into something I detest.

They show a great goal twice, unless it's scored by certain players, but they seem to have controversy on repeat. I was being facetious over ref watch, it's bad enough listening to condescending pundits (ex-players now trying to justify things that should never be justified) without listening to a contradictory fraud.

Maybe it's a reflection on modern life, but I just wish everyone would get their house in order before they completely ruin the beautiful game.

Gallagher just started giggling like some idiot when pressed over our disallowed derby goal that Milner touched the ball. Another long line of kopite arse licking.

Just seen Klopp screaming, leaning over the linesman. Nothing gets done – they are all terrified to upset them.

I'm not sure that his team shit their kecks, Barry, but they do show a lot of naivety at certain times.

Today was a prime example because whilst they were superior to Liverpool, they didn't have to push up like they did, and got away with it once or twice before they were eventually punished with ridiculous defending.

Leaving one back against Salah was stupid, and Man City were definitely punished for being extremely naive imo.

Brian,

Klopp was shown a red card for that incident. He was outraged that a free-kick hadn't been given for a foul on Salad, and he was halfway down the touchline towards the corner flag screaming like a demented banshee, before rushing back towards the dugout, almost physically assaulting the linesman whilst at the same time giving him a right earful.

Expect a slap on the wrist from the cowardly corrupt FA, while telling him not to do it again.

Rob.

Apologies, I have never watched a game of theirs over three decades so didn't know details.

Rob, I didn't see a conclusive angle but it looked like Klopp stuck his chest into the linesman as he ran by, like a glancing blow. He's a petulant kid.

Tony A - the controversy was what I was hinting at as a guess. I'm trying like you to contain the effect of my cynicism, but I think too much of the whole debacle is engineered, which is fucking horrible.

Referees are turning their backs on the game because of the stick they are receiving at grass roots level, Rob, so I definitely expect Klopp to be made an example of.

I played with some lunatics down the years, and not many would have tolerated someone on the sidelines going towards the linesman the way Klopp did today.

At the very least, they would have been told to turn it fuckn in, and if Klopp isn't brought to boot for this, it's going to send out terrible signals imo.

Brian, similar to you, I rarely watch them. Watched about 30 minutes today, and lo and behold, it contained a Klopp antic...

It seems to be every single week, Will, and it definitely doesn't have a consistent pattern.

The refs are so poor though and bringing their mate along has done nothing whatsoever to change this.

Tony, at this rate, we'll talk ourselves out of watching altogether!

Guardiola said he got pelted by coins at Anfield this afternoon.

𧷤,000 fine imminent?

Don't hold your breath.

City starting to remind me of Everton 1985-86, if Lineker/Haaland doesn't score, what do we do?

Tony, wish someone would pelt me with coins.

Won't hold my breath for action though, as you say. There's been quite a bit of activity lately, so they may paint themselves into a corner.

Just seen the Klopp red card. Given the number of officials at grass roots being attacked, verbally abused and threatened, leading to said officials leaving the game in their hundreds, I hope The FA throw the book at him – however, I won't hold my breath.

EFC fans have been hauled over the coals for incidents during games over the past two seasons. It will be interesting to see how much is made of the coin throwing at Guardiola and the damage caused by Man City fans on the concourse, plus, the vile chants they sang during the game. Still the Sky darlings will carry on as though nothing happened.

Jack,

"Given the number of officials at grass roots being attacked, verbally abused and threatened, leading to said officials leaving the game in their hundreds, I hope The FA throw the book at him".

Well, maybe not throw a book.

So Herr Knob gets sent off. About time and fair enough. So having been sent off from the field of play… why is this dickhead poncing about on the pitch at the end of the game???

This twat has convinced everyone he runs things now… rewrites the rules… waves to encourage the frenzied throng with big flags and their “ you are one of us” mentality …. this sounds a horribly familiar ring to it actually

Somebody mentioned Salah. So I can talk about the RS.

Can someone enlighten me about what exactly is, "phase of play" viz-a-viz the denied Man City goal?

While I'm at it, why does the linesman delay until the obviously off-side striker kicks the ball in the net?

That Everton-Lineker comparison is not a bad one, Peter. We seemed so dependent on him that season. 40 goals in all competitions?

I do think it was a foul just before Foden's goal. Don't pull shirts. Pet hate of mine as a player, coach and supporter. I hate it. Just don't do it.

Agree with the sentiment on officials. As much as I complain about the standard, and I will continue to do so, but there is a problem recruiting because of the abuse they get. Certainly at the lower echelons of the football pyramid and on the parks all over the country at the weekends, often by people who don't have much knowledge of the game. Maybe that contributes to us ending up with sub-standard at the top because no-one wants to do it.

I saw the reports this morning and won't comment too much. But I noted Liverpool's statement. Seemed like a deflection tactic, but then I'm going to think that way and maybe it was only half of the message they put out.

Phase of play must refer to the build-up to City's disallowed goal, George?

How they can find the needle in the haystack (I know I'm over-exaggerating) but they can't find obvious penalties like the one Everton never got at Goodison, last season, which ended up winning City the league, is a complete mystery imo, although an apology goes a long way.

It's different if a manager rightly criticises the officials though, because he's brought to boot. I've long thought the VAR is a dishonest illusion, and I've no doubt it'll be questioned in the courtrooms soon enough, if it carries on the way it currently operates.

The Premier League, and football in general, has royally screwed up football Tony.

Other sports have had this technology for years. We are still beholden to incompetence and being star struck.

I make no apologies for banging on and repeating myself.

At least those Rugby officials know their shit and talk it through. In Tennis, it's clear. With Cricket, the Umpire decides but mostly with authority.

In football, the under-qualified officials listen to their heroes on the pitch and the sidelines.

Sorry.

I dislike Klopp. I won't watch that lot on TV. So this is a second hand view of things, forgive me. Seemingly he was trying to bully officials in order to win outcomes?

Is this not the sort of behaviour that some posters have been crying out for on this side of the park? The complaint being that we are "too nice" and not ruthless enough.

Like I said, I dislike the fellow with a vengeance but, sad to say, this sort of behaviour is effective.

3 players all put though 1 on 1. Two miss, one scores, one is on 𧷤+k(?) a week, one cost ٟ.7M(?), one is not strictly a forward...

In the grand scheme of things how good was Derek Temple then?

I don't know how many posters are aware that many junior games were called off in Liverpool this weekend due to the abuse that the local refs were getting mainly from adults watching their children play.

Then here we have a Premier League manager of one of the most high profile clubs, having to be sent off because of his abusive behaviour to an official. I will be really interested to see what punishment he receives I hope its severe and acts as a deterrent, as otherwise the lads and girls who referee in our local parks will feel betrayed.

Regarding the VAR it seems that the official at Stockley Park carries more authority than the matchday official which can't be right. I know it's very unlikely they scrap the VAR but they need to do something as, just like this Prime Minister, it's losing its credibility with every passing day.

Minutes after the City ‘foul' which led to the disallowed goal, Bernardo was shoved in the middle of the back and landed off the pitch, right in front of the referee. Liverpool throw-in.

As blatant a shove as you see anywhere, yet nothing done. The game is ruined.

Brian & Jack.

Not sure what became of the "Respect" campaign, but sadly the worst that will happen is a minor slap on the wrist. Nothing of significance will happen – certainly not to a member of the Sky 6.

It's 10+ years since my son played junior football. Behaviour of parents and coaches towards officials (and opposition coaches and parents) was bad then – I guess it's worse now.
It's not just young kids mimicking what they see on TV. Their parents are doing it too.

Mike Doyle, now you've triggered me.

The respect campaign at grass roots (Michael K is going to swear box me) was a token gesture.

Still playing on shit facilities and pitches but paying, yes paying, for the privilege of getting sent a banner and material rail (not a real one) we had to put alongside one side of the pitch.

Us coaches stood on the other side. That materialist token gesture that we had to pay for (yes pay for) didn't stop the parents encroaching on the pitch. They stepped over it.

It didn't stop the odd one going to stand behind the goal to "coach" the keeper or give advice on corners.

It didn't stop the odd one trying to be a fly in my ear that I ignored or gave back some advice.

Respect? Let the kids play football. Let the officials officiate.

Respect? Let's see what punishment Mr Klopp is handed. Examples start at the top.

Mike (68),

It's over 40 years since I watched my son and his mates play junior football and the behaviour of some supporters and parents was very poor then. But the supporters of Tony's team respected the manager who ran the team and he wouldn't tolerate any form of abuse of the referee, no matter how he performed.

I'm still waiting for the result of the inquiry, if there is one, of how Henderson reacted in the Arsenal v Liverpool game last week. It seems to have gone very quiet.

Those vile rat, pieces of shit will stop at nothing…

Man City claim team bus attacked again after Liverpool defeat

A manager getting rightfully sent off for abuse to an official. Coins thrown at the opposition manager and more bricks at the coach of the opposition, Rob. But no doubt the blame will be shifted somewhere else.

It wasn't them. It couldn't possibly have been. It must have been masquerading Evertonians.

I could use a couple of choice words here, but I won't stoop to their level and risk getting told off by John Senior. As you often say when I meet you, I'd rather live with our history than have theirs.

Their club statement went on about the apparently slanderous chants of the City fans and their hooliganism inside Mordor.

Deflection tactics. Denial. I'm probably ranting and don't know all of the facts, but despite having family, I don't despise a club more than them. I got shouted at last night for my opinions.

Thanks Rob. It's Monday and you've started me off. The dogs have left me on my own and gone to rest.

Money, Money, Money.

The RS had to win to keep the interest in the Premier League, it's all about keeping the interest in the betting…

Just a feeling FSG are watching Klopp very closely and his behaviour. Dalglish was sacked for endorsing the players wearing tee-shirts supporting a racist.

They are all about image over the pond and when them headlines reached the Washington Post, that was the end of Dalglish.

Rob

BBC have a lengthy article about City fans singing about Heysel. In passing, they mention the coin throwing and the smashed window but it's basically angled about the police and RS holding Man City to account. You couldn't make it up!

All high jinx when their fans cause possible death or blindness writing off team coaches and everything else they have done. Embarrassing tramps the lot of 'em.

A telling moment was when quite a lot of the Juventus fans turned their back on them when they tried to appease.

I'm all for reconciliation and repairing wounds.

Yet they have waved that Steuea Bucharest banner in our faces for years, knowing exactly what it means.

I'm in danger of being sent to the swear jar.

Get it over with, Danny. Just give it a good 'fuck those guys!' already. ;)

Dale. No disrespect but you are over the pond, so I doubt you feel or know the intensity and biased crap we have to put up with.

Fuckin' ay, Danny!

George #60, "phase of play" means the play directly leading up to the goal, without a change of possession or direction.

It was evident that Fabinho would have been able to clear the ball without the shirt pull, which was missed by the ref, so that was a pretty obvious example of a foul in the buildup.

As to the linesmen, they've been instructed to delay raising the offside flag until the play is over. I think it's idiocy, and I'm sure the linesmen do too.

Very slanted on the local Radio today, as I was listening early this morning whilst working, but no surprises.

The fact is that the BBC, ITV et al are too afraid to openly call out coin throwing, and attacking coaches, and lunatic runs up and down the touchline and barging the lines official by the RS manager...

It feckin stinks, every minute, hour and year it goes unchallenged.

The Radio Merseyside production team need to take a balanced feedback approach, but will they ever? The RS assault on politics, the Queen, and football is out of check.

Each to their own on religion etc, but football is for football and not politics. Another sad day in the truths of football.

Every time the events of 1985 are referred to, there's never a reflection on the impact to the English game at the time.

Alan, a good summary. The past is past and, for Everton, it's the future we must focus on.

Everton, UTFTs! Beat the Skunks!

Brian 79, fair enough on the intensity as I've only a few to deal with over here. But, for the sake of argument, I put forth the proposition that there is little on earth more offensive than an obnoxious American Red Shite supporter.

Just imagine someone who incessantly watches mixed martial arts, NFL on roids and probably a bit of the cornhole championships on ESPN. The culture here absolutely energizes the shittiest of their genome. You got the numbers, we've got the certifiables.

Dale, you forgot professional wrestling.

Keep flying the blue flag, Dale. Respect.

It's interesting. My dad brought me up to be a devout Evertonian and he was himself. Yet he had a softer attitude to them than I ever had and my stance hardens over time.

It must be a generational thing.

I'll always admire good football when I see it. But when I see them, I just feel resentment.

Sad as I used to go to derbies with a roughly 50-50 red-blue split of mates. I hated them back then though!!