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Why history is on Tottenham’s side after record-breaking 20-point haul nothing can stop us this season

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Why history is on Tottenham’s side after record-breaking 20-point haul nothing can stop us this season

Ange Postecoglou has overseen Tottenham’s best-ever start to a Premier League season
Spurs remain unbeaten after Luton win and have amassed 20 points from eight games
Bright start bodes well for Champions League hopes

By James Cormack | 5:30 PM GMT+1

Ange Postecoglou has overseen Tottenham’s best start to a league season since 1960/61 / Henry Browne/GettyImages
It was a summer of peaks and troughs for Tottenham supporters.

Once the disappointment of failing to land either Julian Nagelsmann or Arne Slot wavered, genuine excitement emerged regarding the club’s long-term outlook with Ange Postecoglou at the helm. The Aussie’s arrival was complemented by the surefire addition of James Maddison, as well as a new number one in Guglielmo Vicario and partner for Cristian Romero in Micky van de Ven.

Spurs had seemingly done plenty of good in Ange’s first transfer window, but the departure of Harry Kane, whose future was up in the air throughout the summer, had the potential to undermine the initial promise. For many, Brennan Johnson, while a nice coup in isolation, wasn’t enough to make up for the exit of their all-time record goalscorer. Some bemoaned a lack of depth in key positions, too, once the transfer window slammed shut.

Despite these gripes, the Big Ange train has continued to churn at the start of 2023/24. The formative period of his tenure was expected to be a struggle given the wild stylistic shift and his previous slow starts in Scotland and Japan.

On the contrary, not only have Spurs started brightly under their loveable new boss, they’ve enjoyed their best-ever start to a Premier League season.

Why Tottenham’s record-breaking start bodes well for Champions League hopes

Micky van de Ven’s first Tottenham goal was enough to beat Luton at the weekend / Henry Browne/GettyImages
When Yves Bissouma was rightfully dismissed for simulation against Luton on Saturday, it appeared as if bad karma was striking the Lilywhites to subdue Ange’s magical start. An unprecedented VAR blunder helped them to three points against Liverpool the week prior, and Spurs should’ve been at least 3-0 up by the time Bissouma received his marching orders.

After securing such a huge win against Jurgen Klopp’s Reds, any typical Spurs side from yesteryear would’ve succumbed at Kenilworth Road, especially with ten men. Instead, though, another sequence of Maddison majesty ensured the visitors grabbed the lead they deserved as Van de Ven converted from the Englishman’s cut-back cross.

Against a pretty dire Luton outfit, Spurs, now a side boasting defensive stability in the absence of Eric Dier, saw out the remaining 40 or so minutes to earn all three points and ensure their start under Ange was a record-breaking one.

They sit top of the Premier League through eight games having amassed 20 points at this stage for the first time ever. It’s also their best start to a league season since their double-winning campaign of 1960/61.

.@IanWright0 isn’t worried about Spurs this season šŸ˜…

…Or is that what he wants us to think? šŸ˜‰#MOTD | #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/b3idydC0CH

ā€” Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) October 7, 2023
Can Tottenham win the Premier League?
Spurs’ excellent start bodes well for the rest of the season, and while many believe a title challenge is beyond Ange’s youthful outfit, history says they may be in with a shout. 28 teams have notched 20 or more points through eight games in Premier League history and 11 of these have gone on to win the title.

Crucially, their record-breaking start has considerably boosted their chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League. The Premier League’s top five could progress into next season’s competition depending on co-efficient rankings, but history would suggest the Lilywhites have a great shot of making the top four.

93% of teams to record 20+ points through eight games have ended the season in the top four. Newcastle in 1994/95 (6th) and Aston Villa in 1998/99 (6th) are the only two teams who failed to do so.

Every Premier League team to record 20+ points through eight games
Season

Team

Points through eight games

Finish

1994/95

Newcastle

22

6th

1994/95

Nottingham Forest

20

3rd

1995/96

Newcastle

21

2nd

1996/97

Liverpool

20

4th

1998/99

Aston Villa

20

6th

1999/00

Man Utd

20

1st

2002/03

Arsenal

20

2nd

2003/04

Chelsea

20

2nd

2003/04

Arsenal

20

1st

2004/05

Arsenal

22

2nd

2004/05

Chelsea

20

1st

2005/06

Chelsea

24

1st

2007/08

Arsenal

20

3rd

2008/09

Chelsea

20

3rd

2008/09

Liverpool

20

2nd

2008/09

Arsenal

20

4th

2009/10

Chelsea

21

1st

2011/12

Man City

22

1st

2011/12

Man Utd

20

2nd

2012/13

Chelsea

22

3rd

2014/15

Chelsea

22

1st

2017/18

Man City

22

1st

2017/18

Man Utd

20

2nd

2018/19

Man City

20

1st

2018/19

Chelsea

20

3rd

2018/19

Liverpool

20

2nd

2019/20

Liverpool

24

1st

2022/23

Arsenal

21

2nd

2022/23

Man City

20

1st

2023/24

Tottenham

20

2023/24

Arsenal

20

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Brighton man hails Liverpool star who is ‘one of the best in the world’Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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BRIGHTON MAN HAILS LIVERPOOL STAR WHO IS ā€˜ONE OF THE BEST IN THE WORLDā€™
Dan Owen
Dan Owen
Mon 9 October 2023 11:30, UK
Brighton and Hove Albion ace Solly March was thrilled to go head-to-head with ā€˜one of the best in the worldā€™ even as Mo Salah scored twice in Liverpoolā€™s 2-2 Premier League draw at The Amex.

That March emerged from a pulsating encounter on the South Coast with the Man of the Match award under his arm is testament to how well one of the divisionā€™s most flexible footballers adapted to life in an unfamiliar, more defensively-minded role.

Yes, Mo Salah scored twice. Finishing clinically to cancel out Simon Adringaā€™s bizarre opener before slotting in a Liverpool penalty. But March stuck to his task, battled manfully, and even ended the day with an assist to his name, a typically wicked delivery from the left setting up Lewis Dunkā€™s 79th minute equaliser.

Brighton & Hove Albion v Crystal Palace – Premier League
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Mo Salah scores twice in Liverpool draw
ā€œIt was probably around two years ago (that I last played left-back). I was excited to play there,ā€ March, perhaps the finest uncapped Englishman in the Premier League, tells the Brighton website.

ā€œItā€™s a challenge and obviously you want to play against the best. And Salah is one of the best right wingers in the world. So it was a challenge.

ā€œBut I enjoyed it thoroughly.ā€

With no wins in their last two games, Liverpool have now fallen three points adrift of London giants Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at the top of the table. Brighton are up to sixth; Roberto de Zerbiā€™s side once again throwing their hat into the ring for a European spot after qualifying for continental football for the very first time in 2022/23.

Salah meanwhile, outstanding and consistent as ever, has six goals and four assists to his name already this term.

Liverpool three points off the top
ā€œI think unfortunately, yes (the draw is the fair result),ā€ Klopp sighs, via the Liverpool website. ā€œ2-1 up is a good result for half-time here because it is a really good team and it is difficult to defend them all the time. We wanted to do high pressing, it was the right thing to do.

ā€œBut, in the same moment, it caused the issue that they play out from time to time, we donā€™t win the ball and then the pitch is really big and (we are) chasing back. They do that well.

Brighton & Hove Albion v Liverpool FC – Premier League
Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
I think it is clear in the second half we should have scored for 3-1. there were one or two really good opportunities,ā€ Klopp adds, Ryan Gravenberch missing a sitter from close range.

ā€œBut because we donā€™t score there, we keep the game open. Then Dunk was there and could score. It was intense for both teams, so I think itā€™s the right result in the end.ā€

MORE: Pundit suggests Arteta should not pick Ā£34m Arsenal player today
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BBC Pundit Backs Ā£55M Swoop To Sign Giant Replacement For FabinhoTransfers
BBC Pundit Backs Ā£55M Swoop To Sign Giant Replacement For Fabinho
by Michael Mongie Today, 14:59 last updated Today, 17:21
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Liverpool have been urged to take their squad to the next level by signing Fulham’s Joao Palhinha after the Reds conceded a one-goal lead to lose to Brighton.

On Saturday, Jurgen Klopp watched his side bounce back from yet another early goal after Simon Adingra scored from outside the box in comical fashion.

Ezoic
However, after a first-half brace from Mohamed Salah saw Liverpool take the lead, they squandered it with truly amateurish defending from a dangerous set piece on the edge of the 18-yard area late in the second half.

The 2-2 draw has increased scrutiny on the issues within the Reds’ exciting but frustrating squad.

With Alexis Mac Allister struggling against his former side in his new but unfamiliar role at the base of midfield, calls for the club to sign a new no.6 have grown louder.

Robbie Savage urges Liverpool to sign Joao Palhinha on BBC Sport
It’s no secret that Klopp wants a new no.6 after trying to sign Moises Caicedo in a dramatic failed bid worth around Ā£110 million.

Ezoic
Talk of a move to sign Fluminense midfielder Andre in January has increased in light of the Brazilian side reaching the final of the Copa Liberatadores.

BBC pundit and former Liverpool midfielder, Robbie Savage, believes his old side should sign Palhinha to take the reds midfield to the next level.

He almost completed a Ā£55 million move to Bayern Munich in the final days of the summer transfer window before a move fell apart despite completing a medical and taking club photos with the Bavarian outfit.

joao palhinha fulham arsenal premier league
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Sport on Sunday, the 48-year-old said: ā€œHeā€™s a very good player. He was going to Bayern and the move fell through. Fantastic player.

ā€œLiverpool have transitioned well in those areas, there is more dynamism in there, Szoboszlai and Mac Allister are good acquisitions, recruitment has been good and I think that has gone under the radar really.

ā€œBut I think Palhinha would be a fantastic fit for Liverpool.ā€

With the 6 foot 3 midfielder at the base of midfield, the Reds would have a truly dominating side – especially with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate right behind him.

The Reds need a replacement for Fabinho and Palhinha fits the bill perfectly.

It remains to be seen if Liverpool will reignite their plans to sign Palhinha after it was reported by Football Insider that Klopp’s side’s interest in the Portugal international had “stalled”.

What caused the issue is unknown but interest in Andre remains firm and he remains a very possible option in January given Fluminense’s season comes to an end before Christmas.

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To be honest the whole team were for whatever reason sub par (except Salah, Szoboszlai to a point)….
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Gomez’s discomfort on the pitch was quite evident. It’s a bit frustrating to see him struggling when…
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The tactical blunder of replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold with Joe Gomez was indeed costly. TAA was k…
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ALAN SHEARER WAS UNIMPRESSED WITH DAVID RAYAā€™S PERFORMANCE AGAINST MANCHESTER CITY
Joseph Scott | 9 October 2023 | Arsenal, Arsenal News, Match Report, Match Summary | No Comments
Arsenal left it late to pick up all three points against Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on Sunday, but Alan Shearer was not impressed with what he saw from David Raya.

The Spain international goalkeeper has become the first choice for the Gunners ahead of Aaron Ramsdale and was also in goal against the Sky Blues.

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Raya kept a clean sheet in the 1-0 victory but was hardly tested by Man City and had some nervous moments earlier in the game.

The visitors were close to opening the scoring after he cleared the ball onto Julian Alvarez as the Argentine pressed, but the rebound hit the side netting.

How lucky was David Raya that this didn’t go in? šŸ˜³ pic.twitter.com/LJZ3FP3Ga3

ā€” Premier League (@premierleague) October 8, 2023
Raya also made an errant pass that sent Declan Rice sprawling and handed City an advantage, but the England international midfielder quickly came to his rescue and made an interception in the penalty area.

The former Brentford man misplaced some of his long passes too, and Shearer believes he was far from his best.

ā€œThe only one I thought was shaky at times was obviously the goalkeeper,ā€ the former Newcastle United striker said on the Rest is Football podcast.

ā€œThere were times he got caught on the ball that I was thinking ā€œWhat on earth is happening here?ā€ā€

Man City registered just four shots all game, with only one on target, and Raya had very little to do with his hands.

However, his kicking was unimpressive and he took unnecessarily long to clear the ball at times.

Fortunately for him, it did not prove costly and Arsenal got the better of their bitter opponents thanks to some brilliant defending.

Raya will need to do better going forward as Ramsdale will be waiting to take back his starting berth once given another chance.

The magnitude of such a high-profile game appeared to have gotten to him, and he will be eager to put in a more assuring performance against Chelsea when Premier League action resumes after the international break.

Tags:Alan Shearer, arsenal, David Raya, English Premier League, Football News, manchester city, premier league
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Premier League
Liverpool: Reds star who played worse than Robbo could now be dropped
BY
ANGUS SINCLAIR
PUBLISHED 1 HOUR AGO
The Reds ceded territory in the Premier League yet again, and one ace was at the epicentre.

Liverpool ceded territory in the Premier League for the second successive weekend, but it’s not all doom and gloom. The Reds might have squandered the opportunity to set the pace before the October international break but results elsewhere have stirred up a compelling early title race.

Last weekend, having lost late to Tottenham Hotspur, Jurgen Klopp’s side knew they had been hard done by but against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, the only culprits for receiving one point stood on the AMEX Stadium pitch.

Brighton are a tricky customer and to head back to Merseyside with a draw is not the worst conclusion in the world, especially given that Arsenal and Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs are only three points ahead in the driving seat.

Klopp also knows that his ambitious outfit will enjoy a favourable run of opponents in the English top flight before the daunting trip to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City at the end of November.

Liverpool Upcoming PL Fixtures (Sky Sports)

Fixture

Date

vs Everton (home)

Saturday, 21 October

vs Nottingham Forest (home)

Sunday, 29 October

vs Luton Town (away)

Sunday, 5 November

vs Brentford (home)

Sunday, 12 November

With Europa League football the order of the day for Liverpool after a dreadful 2022/23 campaign bred rotten fruits, there is an apt opportunity for squad rotation, and while the tantalising rhythm of the Champions League’s beat teases the Anfield side, early seasonal progress suggests a top-four finish is more than attainable.

Frankly, last season’s demise was a result of the mouldering midfield that had been untouched for too long; once prosperous, intense, unrelenting, the likes of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and James Milner were not performing at the requisite standard, and all have now moved on over the summer.

Arriving in their stead, a fresher, exciting mix have started to strut their stuff, with the all-consuming Dominik Szoboszlai possibly the most transformative signing since Virgil van Dijk was welcomed to the central defence; Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo are intriguing acquisitions in contrasting ways, with the former, aged 21, really growing into his skin.

Alexis Mac Allister was captured from Brighton for a bargain Ā£35m in July, the first swoop of the summer as Liverpool started to rebuild having finished fifth last year.

The Argentine was integral for both club and country last term, winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and playing a starring role as the Seagulls secured European football for the first time in their history, and so far, he has been solid if unspectacular at his new club.

How many goals did Alexis Mac Allister score last season?
One year ago, Mac Allister was a rising star but not quite a high-profile phenom, but that, of course, would change when his impressive club performances warranted a place in Lionel Scaloni’s World Cup squad.

The 24-year-old was quite simply magnificent after starting six of the seven matches, interestingly absent only for Argentina’s shocking group-stage defeat to Saudi Arabia.

Posting a goal, against Poland and a ā€œsumptuousā€ assist, which came in the final and was hailed as such by Gary Lineker, Mac Allister completed 89% of his passes, averaged 1.3 key passes and 1.5 tackles per game and won 67% of his dribbles and 67% of his ground duels.

Stellar stuff, with the dynamism and energy turning Klopp’s head, but if international exploits can sometimes be misleading to the longevity of a player’s prowess, Mac Allister’s performances were but an illustration of the grander, hundred-hued picture of his quality.

Across the 2022/23 club campaign, the 19-cap international plundered 12 goals and three assists across 40 appearances and insinuated himself within the Premier League’s best, dubbed “very intelligent” by his compatriot Sergio Aguero.

His exploits led Albion content creator Ryan Adsett to dud him the club’s “golden boy”, such gilt-edged showings leading to a hive of interest from some of the Premier League’s best, but despite advances from Arsenal and Chelsea, it was indeed Liverpool who won the race for his signature.

How is Alexis Mac Allister playing at Liverpool?
Now, Mac Allister has not quite hit his stride at Liverpool, but that is certainly not to say that he has been poor since his summer arrival, having been utilised in a deep-lying midfield role across all eight of his Premier League matches for the Reds.

This is because Liverpool failed to sign a starring holding midfielder after Fabinho’s exit to the riches of the Saudi Pro League; Endo is an astute addition, but he is probably not effective enough to serve in the role all the time.

Mac Allister’s ball-playing prowess and intensity are attributes Klopp covets for his system, and it’s important to remember that the Ā£150k-per-week ace’s displays have contributed toward a reformed Anfield centre that is not fit for purpose, whereas last season, it really was not.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 16% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons, the top 18% for progressive carries, the top 17% for shot-creating actions and the top 30% for progressive passes per 90.

The latter metric highlights a needed upswing in forward passes to effectively contribute to Liverpool’s advances; comparatively, pass master Thiago Alcantara ranks among the top 6% for progressive passes per 90.

Mac Allister has served well insofar as he channels creativity and crispness through the forward lanes; where last year Liverpool’s offensive efforts from the centre was an unreliable trickle, now it is a cascading flood.

However, against his former outfit, his deficiencies in the position were stripped bare, and his ā€œstruggleā€ against Roberto De Zerbi’s fluid team, as stated by reporter Neil Jones, hindered Liverpool’s push for three points.

Should Liverpool drop Alexis Mac Allister?
The 5 foot 8 machine has completed 89% of his passes in the Premier League this season, though is creating just 0.4 key passes per game and forging 2.5 tackles and 6.1 ball recoveries each outing, underscoring a shift in responsibility.

On the south coast once again, he showcased his laudable core qualities but was languid in receiving Van Dijk’s danger-welcoming pass and was dribbled past, also committing three fouls.

In his post-match ratings, the Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle branded him a 5/10 and wrote: ‘Just doesnā€™t look comfortable in the number six role and way too casual when giving away ball for Brighton opener. Nipped in to initiate equaliser, though, and better second half.’

Not the only Anfield star culpable of a lapse, left-back Andrew Robertson also endured an afternoon to forget, constantly troubled by the mercurial Simon Adingra and failing to muster up much real attacking threat down the left side, with the Scot rewarded a slightly better 6/10 by Doyle. He was also at fault for Lewis Dunk’s equaliser, failing to get anything on Solly March’s teasing free-kick, leaving the Brighton defender to prod home unopposed.

The Scotland captain has been in fine fettle this season but will leave little applause after that match, though will surely retain his starting spot on the left despite Kostas Tsimikas’ recent contract extension.

Right now, the same cannot be said for Mac Allister despite Curtis Jones still serving a suspension for two matches following his dismissal against Tottenham.

The multi-functional Gravenberch is waiting in the wings for his maiden Premier League start and has been praised for his “Rolls Royce” performances by reporter Declan Carr.

The industrious Endo would also offer a more defensive angle to the midfield, and while he may not be the most technically impressive player in Liverpool’s squad, he is a veritable workhorse and could offer a steely dimension for the upcoming run of fixtures.

Ultimately, Liverpool are still in a fine position and could now kick on with a series of victories against opposition who should be felled by Klopp’s squad (on paper, of course).

Perhaps Mac Allister should be deployed higher up, with someone such as Endo serving in the nub, but it’s not quite working in the current role and there’s a growing sense that this burgeoning phenom is unable to exude the swagger at his disposal right now.

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ANDY ROBERTSON
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Angus Sinclair ā€¢ Freelance Football Writer
(1479 Articles Published)
Angus is a freelance analytical writer for Football FanCast.

Having graduated from Southampton Solent University with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2022, Angus found a home at FFC after previously writing for Vavel and OurSoundMusic.

A passionate Liverpool supporter and a lover of statistics, Angus also holds a fondness for MMA and Tennis.

Outside of football, he is a voracious reader with a particular love for fantasy and historical fiction.

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(Video) Dermot Gallagher stunned Sky presenter with verdict on penalty shout in Liverpool game
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Posted by Liam Togher56 minutes agoFollow @liamtogher88
(Video) Dermot Gallagher stunned Sky presenter with verdict on penalty shout in Liverpool game
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Dermot Gallagher raised a few eyebrows inside the Sky Sports studio when giving his verdict on a possible penalty shout in Liverpoolā€™s Premier League clash against Brighton on Sunday.

The former top-flight official was making his customary Monday morning appearance on Ref Watch when he gave his take on the home sideā€™s claims for a spot kick after the ball struck Virgil van Dijkā€™s arm inside the box.

Referee Anthony Taylor was unmoved but the incident infuriated Seagulls manager Roberto De Zerbi to the point where he was shown a yellow card for dissent.

Gallagher sided with the former, saying: ā€œThe evidence is there for everyone to see. It clearly strikes his thigh. His arm is by his side. It bounces up a few feet. It hits him, thereā€™s no doubt about that, but youā€™d be absolutely stunned if a penalty was given for that.ā€

That verdict left the Sky Sports presenter in studio astonished, with a gasp of ā€œReally?ā€.

Weā€™re with the ex-Premier League referee on this one. As he correctly observed, the ball was hit at Van Dijk from close range and struck his thigh first before deflecting up onto his arm.

The handball issue can be a thorny one, but it wouldā€™ve been ridiculous if a penalty were given in that instance. Taylor got it right.

You can view Gallagherā€™s verdict on the penalty shout below, via @footballdaily on Twitter/X:

šŸ—£ļø ā€œYouā€™d be absolutely stunned if a penalty was given.ā€

Dermot Gallagher on the Virgil van Dijk handball against Brighton. šŸ’­ pic.twitter.com/iJZDdLXNkO

ā€” Football Daily (@footballdaily) October 9, 2023

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PGMOL Owe Liverpool Another Apology For Latest VAR Mishap As IFAB Rules Clarified
by Michael Mongie Today, 10:28 last updated Today, 12:31
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On multiple occasions, the decision-making consistency of the referees in the Premier League has been brought into question.

This weekend, Brighton midfielder Pascal GroƟ was at the centre of a controversy regarding a match incident that, as per IFAB rules, should have resulted in a sending-off.

The incident in question is a clear scenario in violation of the Laws of the Game as stipulated by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and raises questions about the decision-making process of referees and the use of VAR in the Premier League.

Sky Sports confirming that according to the letter of the law, Pascal Gross should have received a red card as there was no attempt to play the ball pic.twitter.com/4QVX9qG12j

ā€” Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) October 8, 2023
According to the IFAB rule: “Where a player commits an offence against an opponent within their own penalty area which denies an opponent an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and the referee awards a penalty kick, the offender is cautioned if the offence was an attempt to play the ball or a challenge for the ball.

“In all other circumstances (e.g. holding, pulling, pushing, no possibility to play the ball etc.), the offending player must be sent off.”

Don’t want to stir up another refereeing controversy but I can’t understand why Pascal Gross wasn’t sent off for the foul that led to the penalty. The double jeopardy rule only counts in situations where the defender has made a genuine attempt to play the ball. He didn’t!

ā€” David Lynch (@dmlynchlfc) October 8, 2023
GroƟ’ foul on Dominik Szoboszlai was a clear instance where he denied an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by dragging him to the ground as the Hungarian was about to play the ball in front of the goalkeeper.

This is a puzzling inconsistency, as Liverpool’s own Virgil van Dijk was sent off for a foul on Alexander Isak outside the box, even though van Dijk was making an attempt to win the ball.

According to the codes of the game, GroƟ’ offence was much more dire and should have been shown a red card.

Yet, the decision was otherwise – a questionable inconsistency that raises eyebrows.

Not the first time Liverpool have been slighted by officials
This is not the first time the PGMOL has been at the center of a controversy related to Liverpool.

The VAR scandal, where Liverpool was not awarded a goal when Luis Diaz scored against Spurs, resulted in an outcry, adding to an increasing narrative that some official decisions are unfairly biased.

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Despite such inconsistencies Jurgen Klopp refused to be drawn into the controversy.

When asked about it, he responded, “Iā€™m over it. Iā€™m too old for that.”

His nonchalant attitude paints an unflattering picture of the state of referee decisions and VAR’s implementation in the Premier League.

The denial of a clear goal-scoring opportunity, as was the case with GroƟ’ offense, demands scrutiny over decision-making protocols and consistent application of the IFAB rules.

It is high time for the PGMOL to reassess their standards to ensure fair play and competitive balance within the league.

Strict adherence to the Laws of the Game is crucial not just for its spirit but also to maintain its integrity and repute.

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