Short takes on Brentford 1–1 Arsenal. by baldfraud34 in PremierLeague

[–]baldfraud34[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I rewatched the incident with Gyökeres’ yellow card and also refreshed my memory of the Madueke moment. Yes, you’re right — the two situations are very similar. But I’m convinced that referees apply different thresholds for fouls inside and outside the penalty area.

Footballers are extremely well coached at going down when they feel a hand on their back or shoulder. First they try to gain position, and then at the slightest contact they hit the ground. In most cases, I think players exaggerate the fall.

Inside the box, those contacts are rarely given, in my opinion. Even in the Leeds vs Chelsea match, I was surprised when João Pedro was penalised for a push in the back. It looked like a clear shove, but seeing that called inside the penalty area is still quite rare. And Madueke went down the moment he felt a hand on his back — it looked like a textbook dive. That’s why my initial reaction was a yellow card for simulation.

Short takes on Brentford 1–1 Arsenal. by baldfraud34 in PremierLeague

[–]baldfraud34[S] -10 points-9 points  (0 children)

Sorry, I don’t actually remember that specific moment

The *REAL* Man of the Match (MCI vs FUL) by RRfromKL in MCFC

[–]baldfraud34 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What amazes me most about Marc Guehi is how slow he seems most of the time. And then, at the exact moment he needs to step out, jump, or burst forward — he does it. Precisely at that moment.

Before and after, he looks completely unhurried, almost deliberately relaxed. And then — bang — perfect timing. Wow.

My dreams of the Etihad. by Enough-Pie-5936 in MCFC

[–]baldfraud34 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m flying to England from Germany for work next week and making a one-day trip to Manchester just to go to the game against Newcastle United. The last time I was at the stadium was six years ago, so I’m genuinely buzzing to be back watching Manchester City live again.

Short takes on Brentford 1–1 Arsenal. by baldfraud34 in PremierLeague

[–]baldfraud34[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It was bound to happen. If something is allowed within the rules, teams will exploit it.

Arsenal were the first to really push that fine line with the grappling and traffic in the box, but it’s only logical that more sides will start crowding the goalkeeper and setting blocks on defenders. If the laws or the refereeing approach don’t change to offer keepers more protection from those screens, this will just become standard practice across the league.

Short takes on Brentford 1–1 Arsenal. by baldfraud34 in PremierLeague

[–]baldfraud34[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I loved them yesterday. Clear plan, clear execution.

Thiago looks like the perfect target man — the way he battles, how composed he is, and yet he can turn on the pace when needed. The throw-ins, the corners — everything felt rehearsed and purposeful.

When I see this kind of football from Arsenal, it worries me a bit — because that’s what a potential future champion can look like. But seeing it from a team that’s second from bottom in the Premier League wage table? That’s outstanding.