Premier League hits and misses: Ivan Toney and Ben Chilwell stake claims for World Cup spots with England however VAR dominates | Soccer Information

Is VAR in disaster?

The introduction of VAR has unsurprisingly didn’t take away all questionable incidents from the sport, however this was a weekend the place the expertise appeared to trigger the controversy somewhat than scale back it.

A collection of choices that have been both overturned because of the intervention of VAR or not given regardless of the presence of the evaluate system infuriated managers of a number of groups, who have been unable to comprise their emotions post-match.

The incidents included:

• Maxwel Cornet’s late equaliser for West Ham at Chelsea being overturned for a foul on Edouard Mendy by Jarrod Bowen.
• Newcastle’s profitable purpose being overturned for a foul by Joe Willock on Vicente Guaita regardless of Tyrick Mitchell pushing the midfielder into the Crystal Palace goalkeeper.
• Leeds not being awarded a penalty for a sort out on Crysencio Summerville by Aaron Hickey of their defeat at Brentford.
• Philippe Coutinho’s purpose towards Manchester Metropolis being disallowed after the assistant referee incorrectly flagged for offside, with VAR unable to overturn the choice because the whistle was blown earlier than the ball went in.

The choice to disallow Cornet’s purpose was significantly egregious, given it appeared Mendy was barely touched by Bowen as he fumbled the ball into Hammers possession.

David Moyes referred to as it “a ridiculously dangerous resolution,” whereas Declan Rice tweeted it was “one of many worst VAR choices made because it’s come into the sport.”

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was extra understated when discussing the decision that went towards his aspect, however was nonetheless sad with the choice, saying: “It was a superbly good purpose in my view.

“Willock is pushed within the again by a Crystal Palace participant earlier than his collision with the goalkeeper.”

Jesse Marsch wasn’t capable of stay as cool as Howe, nonetheless, and was despatched off for his protestations within the wake of Summerville’s conflict with Hickey.

The Leeds boss later stated he was undecided why he was dismissed and that the VAR’s resolution to not advise the referee to evaluate the non-award of a penalty was “baffling”.

Whereas VAR was unable to intervene within the case of Coutinho’s disallowed strike, Steven Gerrard was nonetheless pissed off, labelling it a “respectable purpose” and accusing the referee of being “determined on the whistle.”

The anger with VAR hasn’t appeared as if from nowhere – as a substitute, it has been constructing after a number of flashpoints over the primary weeks of the season.

Chelsea have been the victims of an incorrect name final month, with Mike Dean – who was on VAR responsibility on the time – later admitting he ought to have suggested a crimson card for Spurs defender Cristian Romero after he pulled Marc Cucurella’s hair at a nook.

Dean claimed in a newspaper column he had only a “few seconds” to evaluate the incident, regardless of taking greater than a minute to determine Romero had no case to reply.

Antonio Conte was left perplexed by VAR choices that went towards his aspect towards each Nottingham Forest and West Ham, with the Spurs boss questioning whether or not the Premier League ought to do away with the system utterly as “nobody is completely happy” with it.

Criticising officers can usually really feel barely unfair given they’re unable to publicly defend their on-pitch choices – until, like in Dean’s case, they’ve a newspaper column – however Conte is true when he complains of common dissatisfaction with the way in which that VAR at the moment operates.

If VARs proceed to make calls as curious as these seen this weekend – and referees proceed to really feel powerless to disregard the questionable recommendation they’re being given – then it is exhausting to see how religion within the system could be restored.
Joe Shread

Toney for England?

When then 18-year-old Ivan Toney’s final-day purpose helped maintain Northampton City within the Soccer League in 2014, he posted a celebratory tweet which turned briefly iconic in Cobblers circles.

“Guess who’s staying up, sure it is Northampton City, and guess who’s buzzing, sure it is Ivan Toney.”

Some issues have modified in eight years, whereas others have not. Northampton stay in League Two, and after a second Premier League hat-trick to beat Leeds, the now 26-year-old Toney is, presumably, nonetheless buzzing.

However what an increase from a participant swiftly plucked from obscurity by Newcastle forward of his time, solely to drop again to the decrease leagues in 2018 to rebuild the repute his early promise had earned.

His inventory has risen to date we are able to now ask the query of whether or not he may very well be on Gareth Southgate’s England aircraft to Qatar and imply it. After 12 targets in his Premier League season, Toney is at it once more.

After such a starring particular person efficiency from his talisman, Brentford supervisor Thomas Frank was all the time going to should fend questions over his worldwide credentials.

His reply was emphatic: “Off the highest of my head, there is not a greater English striker proper now other than Kane. England have been in just a few penalty shoot-outs; in the event that they wish to win one, they need to choose Ivan!”

The 26-year-old is sensational from 12 yards – the very best on the planet, in Frank’s eyes – however excess of that too.

Brentford have been unlucky to not add one other to their tally from Toney’s defensive work, monitoring again to beat a Leeds centre-back to a move and launch a harmful counter. The second purpose of his hat-trick was the primary free-kick purpose of his profession, one thing Frank stated got here after hours of labor on the coaching floor.

It is the sort of dedication which can be music to the ears of Southgate, whose calls for on work-rate have hindered some clearly gifted gamers throughout his England tenure.

With Toney in assault, Brentford are already contemplating waving away any worries of second-season syndrome. With Toney on the aircraft to Qatar, may England have a secret weapon?
Ron Walker

Chilwell takes pole in England left-back race

All in all, Thomas Tuchel’s substitutions modified the tide towards West Ham when it regarded for all of the world that Chelsea have been set for an additional defeat.

Armando Broja’s directness was influential towards West Ham’s centre-backs, Kai Havertz popped up with the winner whereas Jorginho and Mason Mount managed to dictate a midfield that had struggled towards the likes of Declan Rice and Lucas Paqueta.

But whereas it didn’t seem vital on the time the substitution was made, it was Ben Chilwell’s introduction that was the actual pulling pressure behind Chelsea’s comeback to a 2-1 win.

Chilwell reminded Premier League audiences concerning the attacking qualities he can convey to an England aspect. The left-sided full-back is extra of a wing-back than a central defender, the latter being a high quality extra related to Marc Cucurella – who has began forward of the 25-year-old in latest weeks.

Simply why was Chilwell enjoying in a close to centre-forward position for his purpose? As a result of that is what he brings that’s totally different to his left-back rivals. As a substitute of worrying about issues behind him, Chilwell is concentrated on what’s forward of him. The way in which he by no means gave as much as prod previous Lukasz Fabianski epitomises that.

There can be greater penalties of Chilwell’s impeccable cameo on Saturday afternoon. In an England left-back race that nobody apparently desires to win, the Chelsea man has now stepped forward of the likes of Luke Shaw, Kieran Trippier and Tyrick Mitchell.

Whether or not the left-back can acquire the consistency to grow to be England’s first-choice left-back this summer time, is a distinct query. His supervisor, Thomas Tuchel, is aware of that too.

“He lacks a little bit of rhythm and feeling for the sport,” stated the German after the sport. “The participant feels he is prepared however there are nonetheless some issues lacking. The wing-back is his finest place in my viewpoint, he provides a variety of power, deliveries and runs.”
Sam Blitz

Zouma shines on Stamford Bridge return

Many of the discuss earlier than the sport on Saturday was about Chelsea’s new £75m centre-back signing Wesley Fofana as he made his debut following his transfer from Leicester.

However it was one other French defender that impressed most at Stamford Bridge. Former Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma.

He was a person mountain for West Ham and saved Chelsea’s possibilities to a minimal till a late onslaught following Thomas Tuchel’s introduction of the 5 substitutes.

The France defender, who was bought to West Ham for £29.8m final summer time, had 12 clearances – as many as your entire Chelsea staff mixed.

Zouma additionally received all 5 of his aerial duels as he quelled Chelsea’s risk from large areas, leaving his previous aspect wanting toothless for big elements of the sport.
Zinny Boswell

De Bruyne-Haaland axis inflicting carnage

Manchester Metropolis’s purpose to open the scoring towards Aston Villa, arguably, concerned the very best midfielder on the planet passing to the very best striker on the planet. Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland. The brand new lethal double act.

It was very un-Manchester Metropolis-like although in its execution. There was no fairly passing. No fancy sample of play. It was direct, to the purpose, ruthless, and confirmed a distinct edge to Pep Guardiola’s aspect that can ship alarm bells ringing for opposition managers. It should truly really feel a bit of soiled for Guardiola to be in control of a staff now that may rating a majority of these targets. Inside he may very well be recoiling. However it may simply be the important thing to profitable that elusive Champions League title. He’d take that.

Metropolis do not simply rating good targets anymore. They’ll rating ugly ones. Metropolis can now punish you from deep crosses such is the standard on present from the assister, this one from De Bruyne, and the devastating ending potential of Haaland. It is a horrifying combo that’s prone to trigger a lot injury this season.

Jamie Carragher, on co-commentary, stated: “It was all about that man for the purpose, De Bruyne. I stated he produced a cross within the first half that was world-class, however not simply world-class, the very best on the planet, and right here is the proof once more.

“He would not even have to search for, he is aware of the place Haaland is.”

Right here we’ve two world-class gamers singing from the identical hymn sheet, dialling the identical quantity. There’s a chemistry there – one that just about introduced a Haaland help for a De Bruyne purpose within the second half however for the Belgian’s end whistling previous the put up.

The pair at the moment stand on two purpose mixtures to date however on what we have seen, Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son’s report of 14 purpose mixtures in a single season (20/21) may very well be critically below risk.
Lewis Jones

Liverpool torpid for a lot too lengthy once more

There was a calmness to Jurgen Klopp’s manner throughout Saturday’s post-match press convention, however a frustration have to be rising contained in the Liverpool supervisor.

For big intervals of this frantic 0-0 draw with Everton, his opponents have been profitable the midfield battle, creating too many possibilities on the transition and for the second time in a matter of days, a really tight offside name got here to Liverpool’s rescue.

Klopp felt he had little possibility however to start out Fabio Carvalho in midfield given the absences of Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara, nevertheless it was solely after the Portuguese was pressured off at half-time with a useless leg that Klopp’s staff regarded wherever close to their most menacing finest.

Roberto Firmino introduced that chaos and the transfer to a extra typical 4-4-2 contributed to an end-to-end second half which might simply have swung both means have been it not for the heroics of each Alisson and Jordan Pickford.

Klopp stated: “We’ve got to get via this era, that is how it’s. We’ve got gamers coming again however they have to be re-integrated. We’re how we are able to grow to be extra dynamic.”

The end result saved Everton winless to start out the Premier League season although they have been most likely happier with the end result than Liverpool, who’re nonetheless but to win away this marketing campaign and have already dropped 9 factors from their opening six video games.

Their tally is their lowest at this stage below Klopp, having final had as few or fewer factors from their first six in 2015/16 – eight below Brendan Rodgers.

Liverpool solely dropped 22 factors in the entire of final season. With the Champions League group phases beginning this week, Klopp is aware of he can’t afford too many extra torpid begins to matches within the hope that in some unspecified time in the future, the outcomes will come.
Ben Grounds

Shoots of Everton enchancment stemming from midfield

Three factors from their opening 5 video games represented Everton’s worst Premier League begin in 12 years. They took simply three factors from their first six video games within the 2010/11 season, which was additionally the final marketing campaign they received a house Merseyside derby.

Whereas that individual wait goes on, there are indicators of progress below Lampard.

In his programme notes, the Everton boss acknowledged the method of rebuilding and underlined that the aspect will get higher – and there was loads of dedication and braveness on show all through this eventful draw.

These are the foundations his aspect have proven in each sport to date this season. The eight new signings will take time to gel however the high quality should now come via. Towards Liverpool, there have been legs in midfield in Alex Iwobi and Amadou Onana alongside the spectacular Tom Davies and having Idrissa Gueye to come back off the bench exhibits that Lampard now has choices.

Everton had 13 factors after six video games final season, however surprisingly the sensation across the membership and its supporters is loads happier now than it was again then, in the course of the begin of Rafa Benitez’s reign.

The window is lastly shut, to the delight of Lampard, and there could be no extra distractions. Right here, in contrast to final season, the aspect competed with their neighbours and well-deserved this level.

Everton should get on with choosing up wins. A victory would actually have given the Lampard period lift-off, however there was a chasm between these two sides the final time they met at Goodison Park final December.

Lampard has targeted his power on constructing a way more stable base and right here there have been indicators of a a lot brighter future.
Ben Grounds

‘Warrior’ Richarlison seizes his probability

“You really feel him on the aspect of the pitch,” stated Antonio Conte with a smile. “You are feeling his persona. He’s a warrior, a fighter. We wanted this sort of participant.” Richarlison is, undoubtedly, his sort of participant.

The Brazilian was excellent as he made his first begin for Spurs of their 2-1 win over Fulham, a whirlwind of power and ferocious aggression, and with no scarcity of high quality both.

The completeness of his efficiency may very well be seen within the statistics.

Richarlison created 4 possibilities, together with his cushioned help for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s opener. He had 10 touches within the opposition field, three greater than anybody else. He had three pictures, and would have had a purpose, too, had it not been for a marginal VAR name which dominated out his late strike for offside.

He prompted havoc in Fulham’s defence, dovetailing with Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son as if he had been there for years, nevertheless it was what he did out of possession that really excited Conte.

“Many gamers with expertise, they do not wish to work for the ball,” added the Spurs boss in his press convention.

Richarlison is plainly not one in every of them.

His urge for food for the soiled work may very well be seen within the moments after the VAR name which value him his purpose. Richarlison held his head in his fingers, however just for a second. Then, he was off once more, chasing, hustling and harrying the Fulham defenders forward of him.

By the top of the sport, Premier League monitoring knowledge confirmed no person in a Spurs shirt had recorded extra high-intensity sprints (26), made extra tackles (4) or received extra duels (9), whereas solely Rodrigo Bentancur ran additional than his 11.3km.

“For me, he performed in a tremendous means, actually,” continued Conte.

Some baulked on the £60m price Spurs paid to signal him from Everton however the early proof suggests it can show cash properly spent. Richarlison, the last word Conte participant, will struggle to verify of it.
Nick Wright

Leno proving a discount for Fulham

“High, prime, prime goalkeeper,” stated Marco Silva when requested about Bernd Leno within the wake of Fulham’s 2-1 loss to Tottenham. “I most likely repeat the identical factor each week,” he added with a smile.

The German, a summer time signing from Arsenal, has been glorious this season and produced arguably his finest efficiency but on Saturday, retaining Spurs at bay virtually single-handedly at occasions, a lot as he did their north London rivals final weekend.

In complete, there have been eight saves, taking his complete in a Fulham shirt to 19. Since his debut of their 3-2 win over Brentford two weeks in the past, solely two goalkeepers, Nick Pope and Jordan Pickford, have made extra.

The underlying knowledge exhibits how essential they’ve been.

Leno has conceded seven occasions in his 4 appearances to date, however Opta’s anticipated targets mannequin says he ought to have conceded 9, based mostly on the standard of pictures he has confronted.

“When he must make a press release in a sport, he’s all the time there,” added Silva. The Fulham boss additionally praised the 30-year-old’s maturity and his potential to transmit “calmness” to the defenders in entrance of him.

Certainly, the shot-stopping is just one a part of his providing. Leno arrived at Fulham having misplaced his place at Arsenal however the deal that took him there, price a most of £8m together with add-ons, appears to be like like a discount already.
Nick Wright

Newcastle on the suitable path regardless of one win

Do not be fooled by Newcastle’s seven factors from their first six video games – they deserve extra.

Eddie Howe’s aspect have misplaced simply as soon as this season – to Liverpool’s 98th-minute winner – having drawn with Brighton, Manchester Metropolis, Wolves and Crystal Palace after beating Nottingham Forest on the opening day. They’re eleventh however might fairly simply be fourth.

They have been as soon as once more pissed off towards Palace as a combination of elegant goalkeeping, poor ending and VAR controversy denied them. However they’re on the suitable path.

It is a Newcastle aspect enjoying with out their three finest gamers: Bruno Guimaraes, Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin. Jonjo Shelvey’s long-term damage has additionally left them quick in central midfield.

St James’ Park has grow to be a fortress below Howe. Newcastle have misplaced simply one in every of their final 13 at residence within the Premier League (W8 D4), retaining a clear sheet in six of their final 10. With fixtures towards West Ham, Bournemouth, Fulham and Brentford to come back anticipate to see extra factors.

Kalajdzic left bloodied and bruised on debut

Intrigue was excessive when Sasa Kalajdzic was named within the Wolves beginning XI to tackle Southampton on the expense of Raul Jimenez, who was initially on the bench however dropped out of the squad after the warm-up.

However regardless of his imposing physique, the 25-year-old was handed a bruising welcome to the Premier League and ended up being changed at half-time.

Kalajdzic was looking for medical consideration simply minutes into his debut after being sandwiched between Armel Bella-Kotchap and Mohammed Salisu because the Southampton centre-backs sought to beat him to a excessive ball.

Shortly after, Kalajdzic – now sporting a bloodied lip – had his shirt ripped on account of extra strong defending, earlier than looking for out the physios once more after showing to twist his knee awkwardly shortly earlier than half-time.

Kalajdzic didn’t reappear for the second half, which means he ended the sport with the underwhelming complete of eight touches and two profitable passes throughout his first 45 minutes in English soccer.

In equity, Kalajdzic ought to have been introduced with an open purpose by Daniel Podence, however the Wolves winger as a substitute went for purpose as a substitute of passing to his unmarked team-mate and would have been relieved to see his shot trickle previous Gavin Bazunu for the sport’s solely purpose.

Kalajdzic additionally has to cope with the very fact he has been parachuted right into a notoriously low-scoring staff – Wolves have failed to achieve 40 league targets in every of the final two seasons – however he and his team-mates should discover a means of involving him extra if he’s to succeed the place Wolves’ forwards have been struggling for therefore lengthy.
Joe Shread

O’Neil’s Bournemouth proving level

What began as a tumultuous week for Bournemouth has ended as a optimistic one. A 9-0 hammering at Liverpool final Saturday was adopted by Scott Parker turning into the primary Premier League supervisor of the season to lose his job.

Gary O’Neil took interim cost and it might have been no shock to see the Cherries devoid of confidence and concepts as they tried to regroup for difficult fixtures towards Wolves and Nottingham Forest.

However as O’Neil places his ft up this weekend and displays on his first two video games, he could be pleased with the struggle and spirit – and at occasions high quality – his aspect have proven. 4 factors out of six and the way of their excellent comeback on the Metropolis Floor on Saturday proves they’ll throw their weight round at this degree.

“They’re an unimaginable group – so relentless, so dedicated,” O’Neil stated afterwards. If they’re “ill-equipped” to compete within the prime flight this time period, they actually have not proven it to date below the 39-year-old. He is making a case to be Parker’s everlasting alternative.
Dan Sansom

Large-spending Forest given actuality test

Steve Cooper described Nottingham Forest’s 6-0 loss at Premier League champions Manchester Metropolis on Wednesday as “an enormous studying curve.” The scoreline was a demoralising one, however not many anticipated his aspect to get a end result on the Etihad.

Saturday’s sport at residence to struggling Bournemouth, nonetheless, was a “must-win” in keeping with Sky Sports activities pundit Michael Dawson. They failed the project.

Dropping within the method they did – having led 2-0 at half-time – will fear Cooper. After six matches, his aspect have now misplaced three in a row and discover themselves within the relegation zone.

A “distinctive switch window”, he stated after the membership introduced in 21 gamers – a British report – to help their bid for survival. With Leeds and Fulham up subsequent, he can be desperately hoping Forest’s second-half capitulation towards Bournemouth was a uncommon blip.
Dan Sansom