Don’t lose faith in Utd. The xG wasn’t bad

Here’s the good news for Utd fans. And I’m quoting the manager ‘You can see the xG we didn’t concede as many goals. I don’t think we are in the same pattern’. Nope. Nor me. I’ve no idea. But I guess it means something to somebody and it might just be encouraging if it does.

Anyway. The interview went on like this ‘we stick together. And on the second-half we show some resilience’. What? Your team was hopeless in both halves.

How many times have I said he lives in a parallel universe? It’s embarrassing. Remember - this is Manchester Uniiiited.

I’d sack him now. No. I’d have sacked him in the summer. Maybe even before that. He’s not the right man to manage United. He’s reducing them to a laughing stock.

‘I’m not Harry Potter’, he went on to tell reporters. He’s right. I’d say more Graham Potter.

Everything I’ve argued came home to roost Sunday. United were awful. Simply awful - on the back of ten Hag’s Benitez moment when he claimed he’d had more success than Jurgen Klopp in the last two years. Fact. Let’s throw a McEnroe in while we’re at it ‘you can not be serious’. What was he thinking when he tried to taunt Liverpool like that?

If there had been any Utd fans left inside Old Trafford on the final whistle surely they’d have let ten Hag know how they were feeling? All you could hear were Liverpool supporters, who‘d enjoyed watching their team ram those daft words back down ten Hag’s throat.

I wonder if the clever people running United have got the balls to sack him during this break? Why not?

I also wonder how many Utd fans are now wishing the Qatari bid had prevailed? They would’ve swept away the whole stagnant sorry mess that Utd have become - invested millions on and off the field and put the club back in the big time.

I don’t want to spend any more time on this subject - except to say our game needs a strong Utd. I don’t take pleasure now - nor have I ever - in their decline.

I thought Liverpool were good. No more. But they didn’t have to be. They swept Utd away without getting out of second gear. I’m hoping my reservations about Arne Slot were wrong. In fairness, he’s made a great start and what players are saying leads me to believe they’re enjoying working with him.

Anyone would think he’d got a magic wand. Ah - Harry Potter maybe? It’s taken him no time to get the Anfield machine running smoothly, proving it can be done. They’re second after three wins and they haven’t conceded yet.

Doubtless ten Hag will point out that Utd were top for 17 hours earlier in the season?

Let this be my last word on Declan Rice’s sending off. Why all the hysteria? ‘The worst red of all time’ screamed Piers Morgan - leading the Arsenal collective indignation.

A couple of things here. It wasn’t a red. For delaying the re-start he was booked. He’d already been booked so he had to go. He was stupid. He knew what he was doing. I’m afraid the laws of the game apply to England internationals the same as they do anybody else.

I agree Chris Kavanagh could’ve looked away - and he might’ve done had Rice not collapsed like a pack of cards trying to get Veltman sent-off.

I also agree that Pedro should’ve been booked - but that wouldn’t have negated Rice’s offence.

Arteta said pre-season Arsenal would need to be perfect in order to win the title. They were imperfect on Saturday and only have themselves to blame for dropping two points. The laws of the game were implemented correctly.

A quick mention for Russell Martin, who reckons his suicidal approach to the game would be ‘questioned less I was foreign’. No it wouldn’t Russell.

Wise up man before it’s too late. Saints remind me of Burnley last season - who were, of course, managed by a foreigner. He too insisted he wanted to play the ‘right way’. He too got spanked most weekends and his team were all but down by Christmas.

I said then Vincent Kompany’s approach was a season long interview for a better job. Burnley fans reared up in his defence. But was I right wasnt I? His mate Guardiola played him into Munich - and Burnley went down. He got what he wanted and he didn’t care a jot about Burnley.

I’m not saying Martin is auditioning, but he’s heading for the exit door if Saints don’t change.

Did anyone else see the article in the Sunday Mirror re-shirt sponsorship by gambling companies?

The Mirror reported PL clubs netted £530m from shirt sponsorship deals in the summer - £125.5m of it from gambling companies. That’s a rise of £50.5m from the previous season.

How long is it since PL clubs agreed to ban front-of-shirt gambling sponsors? Oh that’s right - July of 2024. And a ban comes into place in 2026. You couldn’t make it up. ‘Gamble responsibly’ guys.

There’s nothing good at Goodison right now.

I felt really sad for Evertonians this weekend. Watching the slow decline of a once great club - no, great club, for the die-hards these past few seasons has been painful.

I know that because I sit with one every week. Andy Gray - who was a big part of the greatest era the club ever had. I listen to him sharing thoughts with old team-mates. The worst part is they’ve almost all become immune to bad news, bad games and bad predictions about what lies ahead.

This is not Man Uniiiiited. This is Everton. But sadly the demise in the fortunes of both clubs is very similar.

I said I feared for Everton after last week’s home defeat to Brighton - largely because I couldn’t see where any improvement might come from. Improvement? It got worse at Spurs.

Everton were hopeless. Hapless. In some ways they were lucky it was only four.

And what about those pictures at Euston Station of Evertonians abusing their team as they boarded a train for Liverpool? That was bad.

I’m half with Neal Maupay, who made the point on Twitter scenes like that shouldn’t happen. Of course they shouldn’t. But are they understandable? Too right they are. If you’re an Evertonian right now they definitely are.

The players will always get it in the neck when things don’t go well on the pitch, but the mess at a Goodison isn’t this groups fault. They don’t go out to play badly.

It’s not their fault half of them - like Maupay - shouldn’t be at the club. They’re not good enough. But it’s all Everton have got right now. And that won’t change any time soon.

Looking for a small crumb of comfort Andy reminded me (when we went to work Sunday) that Everton didn’t win any of their first five games last season. I have to admit I was a little bemused. ‘So?’ I said. ‘And your point is….?’ 

I know really. He’s trying to say things got better. They did in fairness. But, even then, they were miles off where they should be. And it’s worse now.

Do we blame Dyche? Yea - a little bit. But it’s not his fault either really. He’s doing his best. The bottom like is it’s a shit-show at Goodison.

It’s clearly Moshiri’s fault. I’d still like to know the real reason he got involved at the club. You’ll notice I didn’t say ‘bought the football club’. Alisha Usmanov has a whole lot of questions to answer as well.

I can’t write half the things I hear about the pair of them. If you want more - follow Simon Goodley in The Guardian.

Is there hope? John Textor might be the answer, but he’s got to shift 47% of Crystal Palace before he can make a move. And even then - is a hard nosed American businessman going to spunk good money when he could probably buy the club out of administration a few months from now?

Everton is a fine football club. Most of my close friends are Evertonians. I have grown really fond of the club down the years. Why? People there were good to me when I worked in Liverpool. Add Andy, David Moyes, Reidy, big Joe Royle, Andy King, Adrian Heath, Elton Welsby and his boy Chris, who I work with again - there’s so many of them.

David Moyes? I wonder. I love big Dychey - but David Moyes? I don’t know. But I do know this - his heart lies at Goodison. It always has.

It didn’t take long for VAR to get busy did it? Or for managers to be raging about it - despite what we were promised by Howard Webb (no - not this time 😂) pre-season. Of course Bournemouth’s winner should’ve stood. Iraola was spot on. Why did VAR get involved? Didn’t Webb (nooooo) tell us on-field decisions would stand unless very clear and obvious mistakes had been made?

It was a subjective call as to whether Outtara handled the ball - therefore a decision for the ref - not VAR. If VAR wanted to get busy ok - but David Coote should’ve gone to the monitor to make the final call.

I’ll tell you what was ‘clear and obvious’ and that is the ball was rolling when Sanchez smashed it to Jackson before Cole Palmer scored for Chelsea Wolves. Why didn’t VAR get involved there?

Oh that’s it - ‘technology doesn’t get involved checking re-starts’.  What a load of bollocks. Why not? I hate to see goals disallowed, but if we’re ruling them out as we did at Bournemouth or for stray toe-nails, then we should in ‘matter of facts‘ such as a moving ball. More likely is VAR didn’t spot it.

Chelsea were terrific by the way. As good as I’ve seen in recent memory. Admittedly, Wolves fell to pieces after an encouraging first 45, but Chelsea were ruthless. Maybe? Just maybe? And I guess that’s why we never give up on our team. I know Evertonians won’t.

Chelsea and Everton left with opening day blues.

Raheem Sterling’s representatives say he wants ‘clarity’. I’d say he got it yesterday (Sunday) when he was left out of Chelsea’s matchday squad.

Chelsea couldn’t have been much clearer.  He’s on too much money (350,000/week) and they want him gone.

That’s fine. The problem is that Chelsea agreed to those terms and he’s got three years left on his contract. If they want out on the deal they’ll have to find a way to compensate him. He hasn’t asked to go.

Clubs love talking about a lack of loyalty when a player makes a stand and wants to leave, but that works both ways. Sterling hasn’t done anything wrong - so treat him properly. Ben Chilwell hasn’t done anything wrong either. The same applies.

Sterling featured in all six of Chelsea’s pre-season friendlies so what’s happened? This doesn’t feel like a decision Maresca has made. More one that Todd Boehly and overly-clever football committee have.

What’s happening with Gallagher Todd? Has someone realised after yesterday’s limp performance perhaps those young boys need a solid pro amongst them? Someone who understands Chelsea? Someone who understands what fed-up Chelsea punters want?

And Osimhen? Mikel Jon Obi told beINSPORTS at the weekend that he’s exchanged messages with the player and that Osimhen is desperate to sign. So what’s the hold up? Mind you - if I exchanged messages with him I’d advise him to steer clear of the madhouse.

What a start it was for Everton. It really couldn’t have been much worse. What worries me is not how bad it was - more that I can’t see how it gets better.

I watched Ipswich buzz about a bit - full of energy and enthusiasm. Eventually they ran out of steam and Liverpool picked them off. They were very good second-half playing more like a Klopp side. You could argue they were solid and sensible in the first - absorbing Town’s exuberance, but I enjoyed the second more. If they keep that up they’ll still be worth watching.

Anyway - Ipswich have got a naivety about them that both gives them a chance, but will likely cost them. I guess what I’m saying is they can get better.

Southampton did ok. They’ll have to learn quickly in order to survive, but they suggested there’s more to come as well.

We don’t know about Leicester yet, but I’m guessing they’ll be the same - although I expect Spurs to beat them tonight (Monday). 

But Everton? Wow. They looked so bad. They’ve got all the same problems as last season. Where are the goals going to come from? Where’s the energy? There’s no youth. No legs. Young’s sending off was an accident waiting to happen. He’s a terrific pro who’s had a wonderful career - but playing at full-back at 39?

I’m genuinely worried for the Toffees. There’s so much shit still to come down the line off the field I don’t know where they turn for answers on it.

Well done Sam Barrott. He dropped a real bollock at Brentford, but owned it. It’s so refreshing when a ref does that.

Of course he should’ve waited before blowing his whistle and disallowing Eze’s clever free-kick. You could see he was hoping VAR would help him out and tell him the ball was in the net before he whistled - but it wasn’t, so his decision stood.

Eze told us all later Barrott admitted he’d made a mistake. Good on him.

United? What more is there to say. The only question surely is ‘how long does ten Hag get?’ As I said last week - players and fans alike must’ve been gutted when news broke he was staying.

Just to expand on what I tweeted Friday - never tell your opponents you’re not ready. I know Guardiola did a similar thing - but there’s a huge difference. City are good. They could afford to still be getting ready Christmas. In fact, they often are, but they’re always top.

What ten Hag was really saying was ‘don’t blame me if we lose v Fulham’. It was typical of him. It’s never his fault. Although he always takes the credit if they get a lucky win - which Friday’s result was.

The last few days of the window are doing to be interesting. It ‘slams shut’ at the end of the month of course.

Who gets Ivan Toney? Do Chelsea get the Osimhen deal done? How can Chelsea keep spending? Perhaps they know there’s a transfer ban on the way?

Toney and Osimhen are about the only big deals left to do. It’s been quiet again hasn’t it? Are there no big stars left to trade or have we killed all the excitement with the sustainability rules? It would be a shame if that were the case.

It’s City’s - unless Arsenal grow a pair and celebrate only if they win it.

Here we go again. And it’s lovely to be back. As usual - I thought I’d get a few thoughts together before the big PL kick-off next Friday.

There’s a part of me wonders why I stick my neck out so early because there’s a lot of buying and selling to be done yet - but it’s only a bit of fun really. I’ll say that again - it’s only a bit of fun really - so try and take it in that vein. 

Having said that - I didn’t do too badly last season. I got three of the top four correct, including the title winners - but there shouldn’t really be any prizes for that. Until City play by the same rules as everyone else they’ll keep winning it. Cue angry City fans, who’ve forgotten that I said this was only a bit of fun 😂.

It was Villa who surprised me last season. Surprised us all really. Top marks to Unai Emery. Remember, Villa were in the bottom three when he was appointed as Steven Gerrard’s successor and without spending a fortune (take note City) he stayed within FFP guidelines (take note City) and transformed Villa.

They’ve added a few, but even so, I don’t think they’ll go as well this time round. As Newcastle found, playing with the really big boys puts a strain on resources. Last season unfolded for them exactly as I thought it would because of the CL distractions. They should still finish in the top six, but that’s a call based on Eddie Howe still being in charge. If he leaves for the England job then who knows? I should add that like every Geordie I hope Howe doesn’t get the job. England need something different now - not Safegate ‘light’.

Anyway - back to Villa. They’ll struggle with Europe early on, but like Newcastle, I’d expect them to have a better last third of the season once they’re able to forget about mid-week euro games.

I expect City to win it. Able to spend as they do and ride roughshod over the rules that everyone else is restricted by, they should always win it.

But….if Arsenal - as a collective - can grow a pair, they might just nick it. By that I mean be brave enough to win big games. Believe they can win big games. Don’t be frightened to win big games.

That’s what cost them last time. It wasn’t losing at home to Villa - it was being scared to win at City. Yes - being scared to win. There’s a difference between that and not wanting to lose.

They didn’t want to lose at City. They left delighted with their point, but I said on the day they’d regret not winning. They were the better side. They had City where they wanted them but got scared and let them off the hook.

If they’d had the same attitude as Wenger’s teams when they went to OT and twice got big results, they’d have put City out of the race and gone on to win the title themselves.

Never mind all the nonsense - training ground dogs, thieves stealing watches and wallets at meal times, playing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ at London Conley and all the celebration pics after wins v Fulham in October - be professional and get the job done. Celebrate only if you win it Arsenal.

So that’s one and two, but I genuinely don’t know which way round.

I’ve no idea who finishes third and fourth. It’s a real lottery. I hope Spurs do. I like big Ange, but I’m not convinced they can be good enough across a whole season. Solanke is a really good piece of business, but it’s not enough. Maddison is good - no more - and flimsy. He needs help in that midfield.

Liverpool are interesting. Slot appears to have made a pretty good start, but I’m not sure his style of play will go down well with the Anfield crowd. He’s another one obsessed with passing teams to death. That’s a style in total contrast to Klopp’s. Liverpool were a great watch under Klopp. Slot likes football played very differently. If he wins a few games early on he’ll get away with it, but if he starts losing he’ll be in trouble. Liverpool should be top four.

So should Chelsea, but they won’t be. Nothing has changed there. Maresca is another one obsessed with passing and sending crowds to sleep. He’s started making excuses already - blaming Poch for their poor pre-season. That’s a new one, but creative. He won’t be able to do that three months in though. Chelsea won only one of six matches pre-season games. It doesn’t bode well does it?

Selling Gallagher was madness. Could you imagine Chelsea getting rid of Lampard in his prime? Of course not, but It’s a bit like that. Not that Gallagher is anywhere near as good, but like Frank, he bleeds blue blood. He understood the club. He was a leader. I just don’t get it. They could’ve sold a dozen of the duck eggs they bought last summer to make up the money. 

United? They’ll be jockeying for eighth again. Nothing has changed. The players must’ve been gutted when they heard ten Hag was staying. To a man they wanted him gone and believed he would be. But oh no. Sunny Jim knows best.

Ten Hag should’ve shown some dignity and walked when Ratcliffe started hawking his job around Europe. Make no mistake - if Tuchel had been prepared to do it for £8m/year he’d be in charge at OT now. No top coach will work for that - but ten Hag does.

So he fumbles on - being watched over by both Jason Wilcox and Dan Ashworth during his working week. Both stand pitch side at Carrington keeping an eye on him.

What an insult to a coach, but it’s what Ratcliffe wants. He said this recently ‘We decide the style. And that will be the Manchester United style of football. The coach will have to play that style’. Ridiculous.

No wonder Paul Scholes has already given this damning verdict ‘I’m struggling to get excited’.

I don’t see any surprises, but West Ham will be interesting. I believe they’ll miss Moyes badly. Lopetegui is a huge gamble. This is a man who doesn’t hang about if things aren’t going his way - and he won’t have much his own way working with mssrs Brady and Sullivan.

He’s doing the right things at the moment mind you. Getting the club to spend £27m on a 32-year-old centre forward isn’t smart financial business, but I like Fullkrug and I think he’s perfect for the English game. There’s no way Moyes could’ve spent like that though.

At least two of the promoted clubs will go straight back - maybe all three again. I thought all three last season and I was right.

It’s a huge step up now. Steve Cooper knows what it takes to survive and he might just keep Leicester up, but it’ll be too much for Ipswich and Saints.

Bournemouth could easily get into trouble. They’ll miss Solanke badly. Brighton will need to be careful. The gamble on their baby coach could easily backfire. If he loses the senior players he won’t recover. 

I think Everton will struggle again, but they won’t go down unless they lose a whole lot of points for FFP infringements. Forest will be at the wrong end again, but should also have enough to stay up. As ever - their home form will be critical. 

Anyway - there we are. Just a few thoughts.  I’m looking forward to starting a 33rd season with Andy. If you live in our part of the world join us regularly on beINSPORTS. Remember - all 380 PL games are live across our channels as part of the biggest live football portfolio anywhere in the world. Nobody does it like beINSPORTS.

Get Klopp - before someone else does

Well done guys. It was a good effort. Except it wasn’t really was it? Sadly, the bottom line is in the end the luck ran out and another tournament ended badly.

As regulars know, I felt all along England had the look and smell of a team destined to win Euro 2024. Not because they were good, but because everything - literally everything - was going their way. Until Spain proved to be far too good for them.

So another chance to end years in the wilderness limply passed England by. And they remain football’s great under achievers. That’s sad.

I’ve read the fall out and there’s nothing I didn’t expect in the papers. The general line is the boys covered themselves in glory (except they didn’t) and can be proud.

England will continue to be ‘nearly men’ until they start to be honest. And that includes our Press. Here’s the truth - England weren’t good enough. Far better teams went out because they were in the other half of the draw.

Another problem was that none of our so called stars turned up. None of them.

Bellingham had two ‘moments’ - but again failed to stamp any kind of authority on games. His attitude is also bothering me. There’s a sense of entitlement about him now and it’s not a good look.

Kane stunk the place out. He had to be carrying an injury surely? He couldn’t have been as bad as he was unless that was the case. I’m sorry to say it - but it’s got to be over for him now. With the likes of Toney and Watkins available why persist with Kane?

Perhaps England could go in a different direction and not play with a traditional nine? Maybe Bellingham could do a job at the top end? That way you get more ‘players’ in the team.

If you didn’t see my first Euro blog have a look at what I said then. I argued England should leave Kane out. I got hammered - but I wasn’t alone by the end of the tournament was I?

Foden did nothing. Saka got to the by-line once - before delivering a deflected cross that Bellingham hurled himself at to score. Rice? No. Nothing. And it was all too much for Mainoo. Talk of the kid being world class is nonsense. He’s good, but he’s got an awful lot to do before he’s that.

The guys at the back did ok - until the final. Guehi was the best of them. And the keeper was better than I expected him to be, although his antics drive me mad.

Palmer was good and Watkins‘ little cameo did him no harm at all. Why oh why didn’t Safegate find a starting place for Palmer? He’s the best player in the squad. I mean that - in the squad.

Across the tournament I’d say England played well for an hour or so in total. That’s not enough. They relied too much on luck and eventually that runs out.

After stuttering through the group stage they fell into the easiest half of the draw. There was nobody on their side. Germany, Belgium, Portugal and France were all in with Spain and were cutting each others throats.

Look at what Spain had to do to win it. They were terrific. The best team by miles.

As for England - they were out v Slovakia. Bellingham’s brilliant equaliser masked an awful lot and got people believing they were good - not lucky. That was another major error.

The best they played was in the first-half against the Dutch, but even then they were a goal down and toiling - before being gifted a pen that 11 out of ten people knew wasn’t. That award was the worst decision in the tournament. But they got another goal - stole it - and the deluded were in overdrive then.

To be fair - they were clinical in the shoot out v Switzerland, but they shouldn’t have needed pens.

In general, I thought Safegate was slow to make changes and although Palmer and Watkins won the Netherlands game, who wouldn’t have brought them on? Most coaches would’ve done, but perhaps a lot sooner. Safegate was always re-acting not acting.

The experiment with TAA failed miserably - as it was always going to. Jurgen Klopp didn’t think Alexander-Arnold was a mid-field player so what gave Safegate the idea he was? Klopp worked with him every day. Safegate didn’t, but he thought he knew better than Klopp.

When Safegate admitted he was fumbling about looking for a partner for Rice I was astounded. He’d had four years to do that following the Wembley final. In the end - I thought his treatment of TAA and Gallagher was poor.

He also made some really bad calls in his squad. Wharton? Why? You could ask the same question about Gallagher. Clearly he didn’t really fancy him. Dunk? Gordon? Bowen?

I’d have taken both Rashford and Grealish. Granted - neither had a great season for their clubs, but they’re established internationals and both can turn games. I’m not a big fan of Grealish, but he would’ve scared people coming on as a sub. And Rashford’s pace could’ve been devastating. England desperately missed pace in their team. And pace of passing. Positive forward passing.

Safegate will quit. I’m sure he will. If he doesn’t he should be encouraged to. He’s had a really good go at it, but he’s come up short on three occasions now. It’s time for somebody else to have a go.

But who? Well the outstanding candidate for me is Jurgen Klopp. I don’t buy into the theory that an England manager has to be English. That view borders on racist. Anyway, his nationality apart, Klopp is an English as they come now!

I’m also aware that he said he wanted a break from the day to day, never ending demands of club football. Well, what is international management if it’s not that? I think Klopp will already be missing football and his loss will only feel worse once teams start reporting back and playing again.

Klopp is one of the big beasts. He’d love a crack at international management surely? I reckon it would get his juices flowing again.

If he doesn’t feel refreshed right now let him have another month or two. England could fill any void with the U-21 boss Lee Carsley. After all - that’s how Safegate’s tenure started.

If I had my way I’d camp in the grounds of Klopp’s Mallorcan mansion until he said ‘yes’. Come to think of it - I’m there next week. I’ll do it if the FA ask me!

Other candidates would include Carsley. I’m told he’s a very impressive coach. Frank Lampard could be an interesting outsider. Eddie Howe would get a mention as well. He’s a very typical FA man, right out of the Safegate mold, but we need something else now.

We need someone to put fire in the bellies of the lads. Everybody in the squad right is too ‘nice’. They reflect the manager. Like Klopp - Mourinho would do that but he’s got a job. Klopp hasn’t. Give him one. Before someone else does.

Well done England. But Euro 2024 has been an awful tournament.

I said last week I thought England had the look and smell of a team that was going to win Euro 2024. After another great escape since, it’s looking even more likely.

I’m taking nothing for granted and I’m certainly not cheer leading. On air, at beINSPORTS, I’ve been every bit as critical of their performances as anyone else - but they keep winning. And you have to respect that.

I haven’t enjoyed watching them. They’ve been lucky. Dead lucky. But they’ve capitalised on their good fortune and can almost touch the trophy now.

In truth, I can’t remember a team being as poor making this sort of progress. But they have. And that’s why I’m backing them.

The shoot out the other night laid all sorts of ghosts to rest. Every pen was clinical. Five out of five, with Kane and Foden - who are both expert from the spot as well - watching. If either of the two games left goes to pens - England win.

Perhaps England’s form is indicative of the tournament. It hasn’t been great has it? It’s lacked big moments. Big goals. Excitement. In fact, I think it’s been one of the poorest tournaments we’ve seen in a long time.

Far more knowledgable minds than mine will come up with the reasons for that, but I know for certain there are major concerns about the way the technology has killed some of the excitement.

Without giving too much away I can assure you there’s at least one major change to the way we interpret the offside law coming at the next annual IFAB meeting - and the game will be better for it.

Also ‘in the air’ is the possibility that shoot-outs will become much fairer. I’ve argued for a long time that it’s wrong for one team to be asked to take their pens in front of the massed ranks of opposition fans.

That walk from the half-way line is scary enough. To make it being bated by supporters doing everything they can to put a player off makes it a whole lot worse.

We’ve got enough officials at games now to allow us to use both ends. Why not? It’s something else being discussed by decision makers.

And, inevitably, that leads me to our hapless PL representatives at this tournament. There weren’t any at the Qatar WC - for good reasons. How UEFA must be wishing they’d left our boys at home this time.

They’ve got a whole lot of trouble to deal with following Antony Taylor’s performance in the Spain v Germany game. Of course he should’ve given a pen against Cucurella. Its handball. I’ve heard the argument that Cucurella’s arm was by his side when the ball struck - but it wasn’t. It was way outside his body. And what made it an even worse decision is that the ball was on target. Perhaps Taylor didn’t see it - or it all happened too quickly - so why didn’t Stuart Attwell suggest a review?

Attwell was quick enough to ask Michael Oliver to give a pen against Andersen and Denmark in their game v Germany. That one wasn’t. Andersen is too close to the opponent when the ball hits him. And his arm was where it should be as he ran back to the byline.

To complete a sorry hat-trick of bad calls from our boys - Oliver forgot to send Rodri off in Spain’s first game for a denial. A pen was the correct decision, but Rodri has to go because there was no attempt to play the ball. Attwell stayed quiet. If he’s the best England has got in VAR god help us next season.

After a terrific piece of reporting by The Sun’s Neil Custis it turns out United haven’t given ten Hag a new deal after all - they’ve simply triggered the years extension that was in his original deal. Why play fast and loose with the truth like that Sunny Jim? Actually - you don’t need to answer. I think we know. What are the chances of ten Hag still being at OT come Christmas I wonder? Actually - you don’t need to answer that. I think we know.

England are going to win this.

Well that was a bit too close for comfort. But, in fairness, they got the job done. Mind you - can you imagine the reaction but for one moment of brilliance that climaxed an agricultural last throw of the dice? Literally England’s last throw.

Kyle Walker’s old school re-start was desperate - but necessary. Bellingham’s finish sublime. And how Slovakia must be cursing themselves for a sloppy, panicked clearance in the direction of the corner flag - instead of a hoof to the half-way line.

If they get the ball away from their goal area they win the match. That’s how close it was. 

 If you’re English - who cares? Gareth Southgate’s team have to win this tournament now. They’ve got the smell of a team that will. There’s nothing left to beat in our half of the draw. Nothing. No team has had a draw like it since Euro 2020 was set up for England to win! So perhaps this time? It’s got to be this time. The stars are all aligning. 

Southgate’s only problem now is what to do against the Swiss. Does he go with the X1 that started Sunday, again relying on subs, or does he change it? We’d all make changes, but I’m not convinced he will. In truth - it shouldn’t really matter. Whatever team he puts out v Switzerland is better than their best. I expect another win, however they manufacture it. It’ll be an abject failure if they don’t. 

I hope Bellingham enjoyed his evening after the Slovakia game. The whole world is sitting up and taking notice of him now. Just a word of warning though Jude - don’t believe all the nice things that are being said. And remember this - when success turns a man’s head he’s facing failure. Be careful. 

This weekend was significant in the broadcast world because it marked the end of Clive Tyldesley’s time with ITV, although he’s not retiring - he’s made that very plain. He’s right not to because he’s got too much left to offer. 

I wish him well. I’ve known Clive since we were babies in the business at Liverpool’s Radio City. It was obvious to anyone that heard his commentaries in those days that he was destined for the top.

A piece by Thom Gibbs in The Telegraph at the weekend got me thinking. Gibbs ranked his top 10 commentators of all time - starting with Kenneth Wolstenholme at 10 and arriving with Barry Davies at No1. Strange - because Barry was never ranked No1 at the BBC, but these things are subjective. He had Tyldesley at No6. I thought ‘I’d have him higher than that’. So I had a go as well. 

I’d have Brian Moore at No6. I’m quite certain most people would have him higher mind you. Brian was class and also a very accomplished anchor but I think there was better. 

At No5 I’d go the afore mentioned Davies. He was ‘different’ and there’s a place for that. I think Jon Champion is a modern day version. Jon knows the value of silence - of letting a game breathe. Not every picture needs to be covered with words. 

It’s Tyldesley at No4. A terrific wordsmith as well as a very fine broadcaster. 

At No3 Motty. John was the the voice of a generation. Studious. Serious - although he loved to work that little chuckle into a performance. I remember him asking me once if I thought it ‘softened’ his commentaries. I told him it did but I’m sure he also asked most other people he knew as well. 

At No2 it’s David Coleman. What a voice. He was perfect for the big occasion. Like Moore - he could anchor shows as well. He was brilliant at that too. ‘1-0 - world class finishing’ he’d say. The reason for that was because when he was in his prime replay machines weren’t available to outside broadcast units. The replays were laid on in the studio when shows went to air. David wasn’t great at recalling how a goal was scored - so ‘1-0 - world class finishing’…..cut in the replay. 😂. Motson could recall every kick in the lead-up to a goal so could be more effusive. 

No1 is Martin Tyler. He re-wrote the commentators guide book. The number of games he covered and the intensity of his schedule set him apart. He was a fantastic ‘finisher’ - just like Coleman. The best. He’d find the right words - then shut up to allow Andy to take the first replay. The two of them were fantastic together. Real craftsmen. Longevity is also a factor in my decision. I think Martin covered the white horse final. 

There’s so many games today it’s difficult for the new breed to stand out. There’s some very good operators though. I like Sam Matterface and I’m a long time admirer of Peter Drury. As I’ve said, Champion is class as well. The other two stand out voices for me are Pien Meulensteen and Darren Fletcher. 

Keep it up guys - it’s a quality big six you’re aiming at. 

Not so Bonnie Scotland. And such a shame.

We’ve all enjoyed some barnstorming performances from Scotland down the years. Granted, they haven’t always produced the result required, but you couldn’t complain about getting value for money. Disappointment was tempered by knowing everything had been done to get a result and nothing had been left on the pitch.

Where was the spirit and raw drive on Sunday night? They limped out of the Euros. It was such a shame.

I understand Steve Clarke didn’t want to lose the game in the first ten minutes, which, I guess, explains some of the caution. He said afterwards he felt it was always going to be a one-goal game. So there‘s another reason why he was so careful.

But I’d have loved to have seen him try and win the game in the first ten minutes. They had to win, so have a go. The whole evening was about caution. He waited far too long to make changes. When he did, the guys he brought on made an immediate impact. Shankland and Armstrong started running at defenders and it upset Hungary. All of a sudden they were being turned and mild panic set in. So why wait until the 76th minute to make those two changes?

There is absolutely no doubt they should’ve had a pen. Armstrong was clearly bundled to the ground by Orban. What didn’t Argentinian ref Facundo Tello see? Why didn’t VAR get involved? It was a pen.

Clarke asked the same two questions post match, I think suggesting the ref was more lenient of Orban’s challenge because of his origins. I don’t buy that. I don’t care where you’re from - if a ref can’t see that he/she shouldn’t be doing the job. It was a disgrace.

I would add that an award doesn’t automatically mean a team is scoring. Ask Harry Kane (France) about that. There’s still a lot of work to be done when a player puts the ball on the spot. But you want what you’re due. And it was a pen.

I can’t image that Clarke keeps his job now. In the round - he’s done really well for a Scotland, but it’s time for a change.

Who? Well not Souness, whose been busier than ever since Sky sacked him and tried to sell the lie that he was retiring. I love Graeme, but I think he’s beyond a return to management now.

I’ve seen Coisty’s name mentioned as well. Yea. I get that. He’d be a breath of fresh air, but I think he’s probably too comfortable working in the media now. He’s also too good to be allowed to change course.

My choice would be Paul Lambert. He’s hugely experienced and enormously well respected on the European football scene. He’s the right age and deeply patriotic. Why not?

A big thanks from all of us at beINSPORTS to Ashley Cole for the time he spent with us during this tournament. What a thoroughly nice guy he is. Why did we ever think differently? It’s funny - I had a conversation with him, and a few of the guys one evening, about who was the more unpopular - him or me. I’m sorry to report that I won comfortably. 😂.

Not only is Ash great company, he’s really got the coaching bug. Who knew? Perhaps he and Frank Lampard could take England forward when Southgate leaves?

I’ll bet City are shitting themselves now they Rui Pinto has turned up again. He’s the self-confessed whistle blower who founded Football Leaks. He was speaking remotely to the OffshoreAlert Marbella football conference last week and revealed that he’s now handed over five hard drives to police in France and Germany with information he claims is relevant to the PL’s 115-charge case.

‘I am confident they (authorities) will find criminal relevancy’ he said. His lawyer added ‘We have been approached by investigators to share information regarding Manchester City that has not been released before. We have a massive file of Manchester City related documents’. Oops City. Perhaps justice will be done after all?

Good luck to England this week. I liked Harry Kane turning on the media. It showed courage. I thought he was articulate and spot on, but now he’s got to back it up. England just have to be better going forward.

England? Ok. No more.

If you believe teams find form and grow into tournaments then it was the perfect night for England. They got the result - just - and were bang average across the 90 minutes. So - good news all round?

If, on the other hand, you want to see your team fly out of the traps - put on a really impressive show and convince people they’re tournament favourites, you’ll be disappointed today (Monday) Really disappointed.

I’d have liked to have seen England put on the sort of performance Germany did. I know the Scots were poor, but they still needed beating. And Germany tore into them. There’s something about Nagelsmann’s team. Sometimes you can sniff winners. We haven’t seen all the big teams yet, but of those that we have, I think Germany look most likely.

England did enough. No more. And they got lucky with the goal. Bellingham’s finish was brilliant. It was a great header, but there’s no way the cross was meant for him. Saka was playing that to the first post for Kane. The deflection lifted into Bellingham’s path. I’ve read some reports suggesting Bellingham was Saka’s target. Nonsense. Of course he wasn’t.

I can’t think of much else that England could take from the game. TAA was poor. Because TAA played and Rice had to look after him, he was restricted - just as he is at Arsenal if he doesn’t have a 6 alongside him. Kane was anonymous. So was Foden and the deflected cross aside - I can’t think of much else that Saka did.

It’s hard to judge the back four. The keeper made a couple of saves I’d expect him to deal with, but the Serbs didn’t ask too many questions. They tried a few long range efforts late on and if they’d got lucky, as England did, with a deflection, they might’ve scored. But generally it was a quiet night for the defence.

So there’s plenty to work to do. But remember - Argentina lost their opening WC fixture, so let’s reserve judgement.

Having said Germany were good - they surprised me. I didn’t expect them to be so impressive. The same goes for Spain. After a slow start they had a blistering 25 minute spell and won their game during it. Italy were ok, but they won’t win it.

I’m looking forward to seeing Belgium, Portugal and France. If de Bruyne doesn’t blow the dressing room up again Belgium might do something at last.

I’m not sure about Portugal. I think the Ronaldo factor is their biggest problem. Once he’s taken off or left out the toys will come out of the pram again and that will upset everything.

To some degree I think the French have the same kind of issue. As always - their biggest enemy is themselves. There are signs already. A divisive election at home might prove to be their most difficult opponent and split their dressing room.

Are we surprised that the first big refereeing error came from the English? What did Michael Oliver not see in the Spain game? You can argue all day about the penalty award to Croatia - I thought it was btw - but having given it he’s got to send Rodri off.

There was no double-jepordy. Rodri didn’t make an attempt to play the ball. He instinctively did what he does at City every week - made a foul. It was a clear denial so he has to go.
Stuart Attwell - in VAR - shit it as well. Why didn’t he tell Oliver to have another look on the monitor? Oh - hang on. Clearly PL rules apply in Europe as well. Nobody tells Oliver he’s made a mistake because they’re scared of him. It was poor. Oliver is arrogant and I hope both the mistake and his attitude cost himp the further we go into the tournament.

Meanwhile - what on earth is Sunny Jim doing at United? After hawking ten Hag’s job around Europe since the end of the season it turns out the incumbent keeps stays in post - although he was only fourth choice. What rank amateurism.

The players must be on the floor. To a man they expected ten Hag to get the sack. What does Ratcliffe think will change? If he’d offered a proper salary I’m told Tuchel would’ve said ‘yes’. But Ratcliffe is trying to do everything on the cheap. £35m for Branthwaite? He’s having a laugh and it will bite him. He’ll also have to sack ten Hag before Christmas.

Put Brighton down for relegation. What a strange appointment they’ve made - 31-year-old Fabian Hurzeler. There’s his first problem. He’s younger than many of his key players - Jason Steele (33), Lewis Dunk (32), Joel Veltman (32), Pascal Gross (32), James Milner (38) and Danny Welbeck (33).
He could lose his dressing all too easily if he gets off on the wrong foot.

Good luck to him. I’ve said many times that I’ve got a real soft spot for Brighton, but I fear they’re going down the same path as their near neighbours Southampton. There’s only so many times that you can go to the ‘clever’ well before you find it’s run dry.

Well done City but I’m afraid you win another asterisk to go with the title.

Well that was a bit of a damp squib. Absolutely nothing happened that we didn’t all expect. Oh - maybe not. United won. I don’t think too many saw that coming did they? Otherwise - from top to seventh, it worked out exactly as we thought it was going to.

So let’s congratulate City on another title success. Four in a row really is an exceptional achievement. Five, of course, is even better. And that’s what Emma Hayes delivered at Chelsea.

She’ll be missed in the WSL. I wish her well in her new career, but it’s a shame we couldn’t find room for her in the men’s game. I’m quite certain she would’ve stirred things up and I hope
its not too long before the odd temporary appointment of a woman in the men’s game becomes more permanent and something we expect to see on a regular basis.

But back to City. And regulars know what’s coming. It wasn’t just the final day that fell flat - I thought City’s achievement did. They know. They all know - fans, players and management
alike, that none of us can take anything they do at face value - until they‘ve answered the 115 outstanding breaches of PL regulations. And here they are….

54x failed to provide accurate financial information 2009-10 to 2017-18.

14x failed to provide accurate details for player and manager payments 2009-10 to 2017-18.

5x failure to comply with UEFA’s rules including Financial Fair Play (FFP) 2013-14 to 2017-18.

7x breaching PL’s PSR rules 2015-16 to 2017-18.

35x failure to co-operate with PL investigations Dec 2018-Feb 2023.

City strenuously deny any wrong doing. And they’re innocent until proven guilty. The problem is that everything they win comes with an asterisk, until we know one way or the other. And that’s not fair on the guys winning the trophies - or City’s fans. If the people that run the club are certain they’ve done nothing wrong - face the charges now. Stop running.

Arsenal deserve enormous credit for taking the race to the last day. It was possible - but never probable. I was interested to hear what City’s Rodri said, when it was all done, about their challenge. ‘Arsenal did an unbelievable season’ he said. Adding ‘the difference was the mentality. When they came here they didn’t want to beat us they just wanted to draw’. Exactly as I’ve been saying. That’s where Arsenal lost it. They looked scared to win at The Etihad. And they could’ve won it. They were the better team on the day. Mental strength is what separates winners and losers. City are never afraid.

Well done Wolves. Sadly their motion to get rid of VAR will fail when it comes up at next month’s PL AGM, but they’ve rattled a few cages.

Too many people have got too much invested in VAR for it ever to be binned now - but I’d love to see it consigned to history. I know I’m not alone. My guess is that if ‘football’ ever bothered to ask fans what we really thought a vote to get rid would carry with a massive majority.

VAR is the worst thing football ever did to itself. It’s a joy-killer. It’s tried to turn a game that ebbs and flows with emotion, and by definition must have grey areas, into a black and white spectacle.

We were promised that VAR would end debates about refereeing decisions. Has it? No. It’s created more argument. It’s ruined game after game after game. And this nonsense about it getting 96% of decisions correct this season is laughable. They don’t get 96% of decisions correct in one game.

We haven’t heard much from Howard Webb (showbiz showbiz showbiz) since Wolves made their move have we? I wonder what they’re thinking at PGMOL HQ? Unless they really are tone deaf they must be embarrassed. They must know they’ve made a right pigs ear of its use?

Here’s what to do. Stop interfering in games. Stop trying to find ways to disallow goals. Give the ref back his authority - unless he makes a glaring error (doesn’t spot Henry score v Ireland with his hand) VAR must not get involved in the game.

It’s a shame - but if we want to rule goals out because a forwards’ toe-nail is longer than a defenders - let’s embrace semi-automated off-sides and hope the lino and ref don’t fuck up as they did in the Madrid/Bayern CL semi-final.

We need full-time VAR operators and we want to hear the conversations that take place at the monitors. It’s ‘our’ game - not the PGMOL’s. We want to be involved in it - not get treated like fools and cash cows that don’t matter.

Oh. In case you missed it - this is what Richard Masters, the PL Chief Executive told The Sunday Times this week on the subject ‘We need time to get VAR right - we’ve only had it five years’. Ffs. How long do you need Richard?

Good luck to Jurgen Klopp in whatever he decides to do next. I wonder what the chances are he’s back at Anfield within 18 months?

We should all be grateful to him for what he gave us. Yes - ‘us’. His rock and roll football was a delight to watch and deserved a title or two more. We’re going to miss him.

I told you de Zerbi would be leaving Brighton didn’t I? I still think Thomas Frank is favourite to replace him but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Graham Potter turn up at the Amex again.

As for de Zerbi - I think he’s going to regret leaving Brighton. They’re a fantastic club. He’ll do well to find a better job.

Again - I can’t help thinking West Ham have dropped a bollock allowing David Moyes to leave. They will eventually miss him. They just don’t realise how much yet.