Arsenal 'squandered their title hopes before they even took off' while the Liverpool conspiracy is absurd. Additionally, Man Utd needs to release three players who are not supporting Rasmus Hojlund…
Unavoidably resentful failures
Sixteen points ahead (prior to Utd vs. AFC)
Unyielding. Unyielding. Unavoidable. Liverpool Football Club is advancing towards their 20th league title, and no one in the Premier League can halt their progress. However, as Arnes Army keeps overcoming all obstacles in their way, an even more comically expected development has surfaced in the background — a surge of bitter complaints, outrageous conspiracy theories, and pure desperation from opposing fans.
The Premier League has always been thrilling, but what we are experiencing this season is completely unparalleled. As Liverpool builds a colossal advantage, the discussion has transitioned from “Is anyone able to catch them?” to “How can we undermine their achievements?” Competing supporters, desperate for something to hold onto, have sunk into complete delusion — and their preferred tool? Holding VAR and the referees responsible for Liverpool's achievements.
Each week, the story becomes increasingly ridiculous. Any choice that slightly benefits Liverpool — be it a close offside, a handball, or a penalty — is immediately splashed all over social media with shouts of “corruption” and “the Premier League writers are at it again!” Regardless of whether similar calls are made for other teams, rival fans perceive Liverpool as being aided in their pursuit of the title.
The twist of fate? Liverpool are dominating the league with the same fervor and excellence they showed in their title-winning season of 2019/20 — and in fact, VAR has bestowed upon them more misfortune than luck. Questionable referee decisions, lenient penalties awarded against them, obvious penalties not called (yes, UAE official Mohamed Oliver, I mean you), and strange inconsistencies in officiating have troubled them during the entire campaign. However, instead of recognizing their dominance, opposing fans have created outrageous speculations about the Premier League "eagerly hoping Liverpool will secure the championship."
The reality is much more straightforward — Liverpool is simply vastly superior to all other teams. Arne has modified a massive winning machine, able to dismantle any squad in the league. The 16-point difference isn’t due to advantageous officiating — it’s because of an unyielding, merciless, and exceptional football team guided by a top-tier manager. Oh, and facing Bottlejob FC LOL
Arsenal have not only faltered in their title pursuit before it truly started, but they've also turned to the most pitiful way to cope: blaming VAR, referees, and the Premier League scriptwriters for Liverpool's supremacy.
It's truly amusing. Whenever Liverpool receives a decision — be it a close offside or a penalty — Arsenal supporters inundate social media with shouts of “corruption!”, “the league is biased towards Liverpool!”, and the most irrational claim of all: “the Premier League desires Liverpool to triumph.”
However, it's not only the supporters. Even Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's alleged tactical mastermind, has quietly entered the sympathy procession. His subtle jabs in post-match interviews regarding “teams receiving lucky calls” serve as thinly disguised attacks on Liverpool. Deep down, Arteta is fully aware of what’s occurring — his team has been revealed. Oh, we have injuries; so does every other team, so deal with it.
Once more. Liverpool, a team previously deemed “in transition,” has restructured, rejuvenated, and surged back to the forefront seamlessly. In the meantime, Arsenal remains psychologically affected by their collapse and now turns to outlandish conspiracy theories for comfort.
The irony is delightful. Around this time last year, Arsenal supporters were penning public letters about “how football was finally returning to North London.” At this moment? They’re left refreshing the VAR thread on Twitter, anxiously waiting for a controversial moment to undermine Liverpool’s supremacy.
But listen — if opposing fans feel the need to hold onto conspiracy theories and VAR fantasies to deal with things, who are we to intervene? In a few months, Liverpool will raise their 20th league title — and the widespread breakdown from the other teams will be just as spectacular to observe as the trophy.
Savor it, Reds. Their tears are more flavorful than before.
Perchy The Parrot, Anfield
Reasons why Ruben Amorim's Manchester United isn't succeeding…
I viewed an intriguing tactical analysis earlier about why Amorim's United are struggling so much, and the ongoing criticism directed at Højlund motivated me to share this.
In summary, it’s not especially his responsibility.
The video demonstrated how the movements should occur and identified where the team is failing. However, it is enough to state that the tactic's principle involves the wing backs and 10s advancing to generate space and subsequently passing the ball to the 9 for a quick finish.
Højlund is making his movements, he’s contributing, but as observed with Dalot against Real Sociedad (and in numerous other matches), the problem lies in the inability to deliver that pass and the runs from the 10s into the spaces.
A few intriguing screens displayed the passes made by the wing backs and Bruno in recent matches. None were played to the striker or generally into the box at all. It is extremely obvious. They are moving almost anywhere else, and often in reverse, after they’ve worked their way up the field.
The problem isn't that the forward isn't making the runs, because he truly is. However, even if he isn't, continue to pass the ball to the spot where he ought to be, allowing him to learn and feel at ease with the ball approaching. He possesses the speed and power to reach them. Currently, he's receiving approximately one touch in the box each game.
The most frustrating aspect is that player for player, it's impossible to argue that Sporting is a stronger team than United, even considering the current crisis. I don’t believe *in theory* you would say it about Forest either. However, what both possess are players performing their roles and adhering to the directives. Consequently, the team is significantly better.
Is Amorim to blame? Not completely, but he has a role. The manager cannot make decisions for the players once they are on the field. However, he can practice with them on the training ground and choose not to play them or substitute them if they disregard his directions once they cross the white line. If Dalot, Garnacho, or Bruno continuously decline to make the straightforward square pass to the open striker, they shouldn’t participate in the next game, that’s all there is to it. Even if it involves engaging with children. Currently, he’s putting up with these poor performances and thus nothing is improving. Only certain players receive the stick.
As analysts have noted, Højlund at Arsenal would be netting plenty of goals since they would be supplying him consistently.
Indeed, Rashford and Antony are both performing well in precisely the areas of the field where United is currently struggling. As was Mainoo during his previous appearance there. Therefore, they ought to be discarded.
Wolvesbane
Additional thoughts on Man Utd...
– Last week, there was a moment when, even though United hadn’t played football for days, the top 4 stories in the Guardian’s football section and your esteemed front page prominently featured them. For a team sitting in 12th place or so, it’s simply odd. That setting would overwhelm the majority.
– There are many rumors from Mainoo’s ‘camp’ that he wants a lot of money or he will leave. Clearly disappointed since he’s from the area and was said to be a decent guy, but it's vital for INEOS to decline. Kobbie has immense potential. He’s a central midfielder with a dubious stamina who has played 90 minutes of professional football only a few times. And he seeks high-level pay.
– If Garnacho can improve his decision-making, he has the potential to reach the highest level. However, nothing in the past year suggests even a small amount of progress in that area. It’s truly surprising. Between him and Dalot, there's a void of footballing intelligence.
– Do you recall Luke Shaw? It has been more than a year since he last played for his club.
– Thursday night served again as an illustration of why I am tough on the Amor-IN camp. Even though they had to play Dalot, an aging Casemiro in a midfield duo with Bruno (!?) and Hojlund's lookalike who lacks football skills upfront, United still completely controlled the game and ought to have been well ahead. It’s not taking place right now because there are only roughly 3 available players, and they don’t perform well in this system.
– Will those in charge ever address the penalties? Statistically, there is an 80% likelihood of a goal awarded for even the slightest fouls these days. VAR identified that one in just a few minutes. Indeed, according to the strict interpretation of the law, it is a handball, so good job, guys, but that rule is foolish. Penalties are damaging football, and nobody will change my opinion. A penalty ought to be awarded solely for a denial of a definitive goal-scoring chance, as determined by the referee. Nothing additional. Tap the toe of a player moving toward the corner flag? Not an 80 percent objective. Did a ball accidentally bounce into your finger? Not a target of 80%. It is clearly damaged.
Ryan, Bermuda (Amorim has secured 1 signing so far. Let’s evaluate him with at least two, shall we?
Forest trophy celebration
Dear wanderlustsport,
Will Forest supporters be reaching out to joyfully commemorate a Fake Cup Final victory over Citeh? Isn’t that how it should function? Or must Nuno first spend £750m across ten transfer windows?
It will be intriguing to observe whether Forest fans bring out the 2002 Vintage Dom Pérignon for a celebration (though it’s presumed they probably have better tastes than that). It's intriguing that Nuno appears set to secure Top 4 Champions League football without any “processes,” phony pickpocket tricks, or £65m ashtrays. Forest ended up *59 points* behind Citeh last season, remember, and now they’re outpacing them and aiming for CL at Citeh’s cost. The complete overhaul of their summer team with 9 new players was cheaper than just one Declan Rice! And Nuno doesn’t earn £15m a year, does he? Strange.
In the meantime, we observe some average frauds distinctly diminishing at a high cost, and we are informed that it’s “generational.” Sure! Yummy, that Kool-aid is delicious!
Stewie Griffin (Which stage is Nuno currently at? Why didn’t the Forest MC perform “Humble”? Congratulations Forest, great season!)
Frank requires a break from the public eye.
Dear Con Kan (or would it be better to call you Frank?)
The primary reason there’s been no discussion about Frank’s (your) performance is that it’s the Championship, and 365 doesn’t provide much coverage on that (whether positive or negative – that’s a separate topic).
The unfavorable media coverage previously stemmed primarily from his apparent display of the least admirable qualities of a former player—primarily securing positions due to his name rather than genuine skill.
I believe he (you) would gain from some time away from the limelight to, you know, truly grasp the role.
I hope everything turns out fine regardless – he (you) appears to be doing quite well!
Craig, Glasgow
P.S. You might want to spend less time searching for him (yourself) – it feels a bit strange.
Con Kan inquires about the issue with Lampard, and here is my straightforward perspective. I assert no unique insights or information aside from being a longtime reader of wanderlustsport.
To quickly summarize from my viewpoint: He was dropped into one of the largest roles in football with minimal proof, and after not making an impact twice, he received another chance at it. While having vocal supporters. I suppose it’s a response to that.
It’s wonderful that he is now earning some respect and strengthening his coaching reputation, likely required much more of that in the beginning. However, the reality that we are discussing him rather than one of the other 23 championship managers is integral to the whole matter.
Collin (the fewer discussions about my team at this moment, the better) Hack
RE Con Kan – how many articles do you find on most football websites discussing Championship managers? Are even those who are doing well?
This is why individuals have a disfavor towards Frank Lampard; his admirers appear to believe he deserves praise for every little accomplishment he achieves. His status as a world-class footballer doesn’t entitle him to have articles about him published constantly.
Where can I find the articles concerning Regis Le Bris? Liam Manning? Tony Mowbray? Incluso Daniel Farke?
I would recommend that if you're looking for Championship coverage, you visit websites that consistently report on it, instead of those that concentrate on the Premier League and other top divisions. The EFL website likely contains numerous Lampard articles that you are eager to explore. Alternatively, compose something for the Lampard fan club of which you surely are a member.
Will
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