We haven't talked much about VAR which may seem like a good thing, perhaps the technology is finally working out and we do not have to be treated to controversy after controversy. But in truth there are still too many inconsistencies with it and that was highlighted yet again last weekend in the case of Bruno Fernandes. The Manchester United captain was sent off for a challenge on Tottenham midfielder James Maddison. Chris Kavanagh made the decision and there was radio silence from VAR. It seemed obvious on replays that the challenge did not warrant a red card. At the time United were losing 1-0 and went on to lose 3-0. It's true that Tottenham were the far superior side and perhaps even with Fernandes on the field not much would have changed. It is also true though that after being a goal down and then having your captain sent off kind of sinks the ship so it could well be argued that the decision was decisive in the outcome of the match. A few days later Fernandes won his appeal and will now not miss United's next 3 games. But why did VAR not intervene? This comes down to not undermining the referee's who already have a lot of pressure on them to get the decisions right, but if you don't want to undermine then don't have VAR. It is worth noting that the same panel of 5 people rewatched Chelsea's penalty against Brighton after the weekend. Two of the panel thought that it wasn't a penalty, that's a 40% opinion. The Blues in that game were on fire and Cole Palmer broke a Premier League record by scoring 4 goals in one half but with that game ending 4-2 to Chelsea, the penalty may also have played a part. There continues to be fine margins, but it is staggering that VAR will not intervene in some games and will in others.
It may feel very left field but could Aston Villa win the league this season? It is incredible what Unai Emery has done at the club, and last season they qualified for the Champions League. This week they beat a giant in Bayern Munich and are riding high in the league also. The team look set for another top four finish at least but with the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and perhaps Liverpool all going for one another in what should be another epic battle maybe that just leaves some of the focus away from this very talented Villa side. In truth the mid way point of the season could well be their undoing and of course they have Europe to think about but Villa look like a well oiled machine. Consistency is key of course but we have seen all of the top sides drop points already in this campaign- the champions Manchester City have drawn their last two games so anything is possible and for now Villa are a great price. What is of interest is that Arsenal have been installed as the new favourites.
To win the Premier League: Arsenal 2.50, Manchester City 3.00, Liverpool 5.00, Chelsea 15.00, Aston Villa 67.00
Erik ten Hag remains under pressure as his team prop up the middle of the table after their latest 3-0 loss against Tottenham at home. Clubs all lose games but it's in the way you lose them that counts and there doesn't seem like much life left in this side under the Dutchman. After that match inside sources revealed that he has 2 games left to fix things but they have already drawn one of these against Porto and then they play Aston Villa, a game one could see the club getting nothing from. Another manager under pressure is Julen Lopetegui at West Ham. How ironic that Hammers fans called for David Moyes head for what seemed the whole time he was in charge, despite their top half finishes and winning the Conference League their first trophy in 43 years. For West Ham it is certainly a case of careful what you wish for. Lopetegui cannot win at home but is picking up points away but the club are not playing well. Time of course should be afforded to him so perhaps it is too early to judge. However with the way football moves one would think that if West Ham have not improved their position he could be a goner in the next four to six weeks.
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