If both sides think the ref was hopeless does he take that as a job well done?
Something something Putin?
I’m ok with it due to the quaint old idea that a guy standing right next to the goalkeeper is obviously fucking interfering with play. But I realise that the modern interpretation of things can go the other way (usually where the offside player is wearing a protected badge).
He does interfere with Areola, he nudges him in the back.
Yates shoving someone in the back? He never normally does that...
Not sure he needed to.
Have to say I did enjoy the referee, on the third occasion a West Ham player went down holding his head to stop play, making them send on the physio and the player to go off as a result. My view is that whenever play is stopped for a head injury, it should be mandatory for the player to get a full, off field, independent, concussion check. Would hardly ever happen then.
Good work Chic. If you could get us a result against Villa as well that would be grand.
Also scored more goals this month than he has in any previous PL season.
You can see his confidence in his body, and thus his fitness, returning. May have to review his 'can't run' status soon.
Seems weird that unilaterally people seem to have said that Tavares was excellent yesterday. A good athlete, but still spent most of the afternoon chasing his touch, and I don't remember any (thing!) incisive or creative balls. I do remember defenders tracking him, waiting for him to hand over possession. Which he mostly did on the second or third touch.
I can see why a manager might think he could make a player out of Tavares. And his athleticism probably suits playing behind CHO who I’d generally characterise as doing all the right things, but too slowly. So great news if the latter is building his confidence in his body.
Not sure Tavares would be my pick though, especially once Aina is back.
Exactly my thought about Tavares - he brings the athleticism that CHO doesn't quite have. I don't need the full back to be whipping in half a dozen pinpoint crosses a game if he's got the speed and mobility to create space for CHO to do it. I think he was also helped by the fact that West Ham don't play with wingers, and that baldy fella at right back looked like he might struggle for pace against me.
Coufal and Zouma did not look comfortable at all. Zouma resorted to rugby tackling on several occasions and, imo, was lucky he was only booked the once.
The thing that worries me most about Tavares is the defending bit which for a defender is quite important. He's going to come up against Garnacho soon which might turn into a lesson. Mind you, if the crowd starts the "Cry in a minute..." chant early, that should sort out the cartoon faced sulky cunt.
Will be interesting to see if Tavares stays as first choice now Aina is available.
twitter.com/OfficialFFTV/status/1759516994842362050?t=a1cU2dC7JCInTagLtZzcDw&s=19
Surely you don't pair an inexperienced ref with a first time VAR guy?
For me the issue is less how experienced they are, and more whether their eyes actually work.
