That's not the problem. It's due to how it's implemented. There's no problem in other sports e.g. rugby where the VAR person is a referee and can freely have dialogue with the on field referee in charge of the match. They along with the touch judges (who are also referees) are an officiating team for the betterment of the game and the decisions. The referee is not hung out to dry he's aided in reaching an accurate decision
@@controversymedia4443 If the issue you suggest exists the issue is the system that creates an environment that facilitates or motivates that behaviour. If it's transparent then that will be visible to everyone. So then it just depends on what people want. No different to diving. Easily eradicated if that's what people wanted. But they don't! I wonder why ;)
Hi Charles, first time poster long time viewer: I do have to disagree on your points regarding VAR. The problems with VAR is the lack of consistency in officiating and the ability to explain decisions has exposed a level of naivety and laziness from the officials. Regarding match day experience, there is a sense of drama when you see that board come up and on the flip side, seeing Garnacho getting called offside was as great as a goal. I also feel people have forgotten how good VAR can be when first introduced in the World Cup 2018 and how well used it was. If the officials can maintain a standard of on field decisions and interpretations of the rules as well as reflecting on the times VAR has not worked and learn from those situations, this would help provide transparency. A5
VAR is a great tool in itself, they need to sort out how to use it more efficiently and absolutely sack everyone who has run it the last couple of years because they can't keep it consistent.
A lot of VAR tends to be on offside call. With PL employing the new semi automated offside technology from mid-2024/25 (like how Europe already use this technology), it will make these VAR decisions very quick and also takes the bias out (no one needs to draw a line). No one complains about the automated technology if a ball has crossed the line or not for a goal. Given we know this, this will vastly improve the VAR offside call and worth keeping this bit.
VAR is the best thing to be introdcued into Footbal since the they scrapped the back pass rule. Last week, Real Madrid got a winner that was immediately ruled offside. VAR intervened and it was on side - the fans went crazy and Real Madrid are justfiably in the final.
It seemed like it was offside, but that's not the problem. The lineman raised and the ref blew, that's why real Madrid stopped. They then crossed and shot and scored
Not very often I absolutely disagree with you, but on VAR, nothing worse than scrapping it and not forcing improvements in refereeing that are needed to ensure better overall experience.
Wasn’t a fan of the home kit when I first seen it, but it’s grown on me. I’m surprised to hear you say that you aren’t a fan of this years kit, I think this years was a banger and what a kit to win the league with. COYG AND COYI.
For me, Sesko is not a player that you could bring in, play him in pre-season and start him in August. He's more of a bring in and ease him in gently to the team in my opinion. There's definitely talent there, he gives me vibes of Kane and Lewandowski actually.
Extra Time: If we dont win league, what are your learnings from our title charges? For me its that we need to some how marry the two last campaigns: Come out the blocks flying but maintain the control/defensive solidity in the final run in. The only we can do that in my eyes is rotation rotation rotation. Is it more important to raise the level of our squad players to a Trossard level rather than buying 1st team players.
Hi Charles, I am a fan of your channel. On VAR, normally I am a fan of technology. However, in this case, I do think EPL has adopted a low tech VAR solution compared to the one used at Qatar World Cup. That particular system can recreate virtual model of players and the football in 3D and multi-frames to determine if the ball is in play or out of play beyond the line (similar to Tennis Hawk-Eye electronic line judge system). The game with Newcastle came to mind where the VAR refused to make any call due to insufficient cameras, inability to see the right angle and when it is quite clear to normal spectator that the ball was out of play at that corner(1st bad call). Then the human factor in VAR came into play which is another joke - VAR referees do not want to make an offside call (2nd bad call) and also Joelington's strong push on Big Gabby which resulted in him falling over and missed the chance to clear the ball away from the Newcastle player (Gordon?) (3rd bad call). The first bad call can be corrected by better technology which is already available. Being the best league in the world, EPL deserves the best and should invest in new system similar to the one used in Qatar. On the second and 3rd bad calls, these are human errors - I do not find many VAR referees willing to stand up to the on-field referee and put their feet down even though there are clearly fouls. UK referees must start standing up and uphold the rules rather than deferring to field referee due to his seniority or for the fear of making a fellow referee colleague lose face. If VAR referee did nothing to reverse a decision, only the on-field referee get blamed. So most fans actually believe VAR referees are sleeping on the job which led to this call to remove VAR completely. This culture must change if VAR continue to be used. What do you think? Avarta
Charles, the only positive to scrapping VAR, is to rule out the pauses. It is genuinely the only thing we really have to try to keep the players and (especially) the refs honest. If you think it's bad now, imagine going back to when players would blatantly con the ref by pretending to have been punched, diving constantly, or how every close offside call was simply a flip of the coin... never mind how many times "interfering with play" or "was it in the box?" needs to be checked. As much as I hate the impact on the live game, we're used to it now. We're also used to knowing that the refs have all the tools they need now to make the correct decision. Even if they do still make mistakes, they have no excuse anymore, and with every decision under the microscope, it takes a team of them to be incompetent, thus lessening the possibility for corruption. Once they iron out the kinks, the possibility for human error will have been mostly eradicated. The issue right now with VAR, is that the pure incompetency and inconsistency of the referees is being exposed, when in the past we might have assumed the ref simply didn't see it. That incompetency will still be there, VAR or not, but when we have a game-winning goal disallowed for offside in the 95th minute, I'd much prefer to know that it was genuinely offside, and not just given as such because that's the impression the linesman got at the time from his angle. We can't go back.
VAR isnt the problem. Its the people running it that cause the issues. We need better people on VAR and they need to follow the likes of rugby. They keep people in the loop and everyone in the stadium knows whats going on throughout the process. We have the semi automated offside coming in, which will speed things up for some decisions. If improvements are made and we still dont see an improvement on the performance of VAR, then i would scrap it after next season.
Sesko has world class potential for a combination of reasons. First and foremost is his ball-striking technique; he is able to conjure up lethal shot power from a short backlift. He also places his shots very well and has a great conversion rate from xG into goals. Not unlike Havertz he also has a combination of pace, aerial prowess, defensive work rate and great off the ball movement. He's raw in other aspects, but has shown glimpses of gud creativity and vision nonetheless. Not a finished product yet, but for his release clause he would be a fantastic, comparatively low risk investment for Arsenal.
I wasn't sure about the kit - I thought it would look better with matching red rather than blue stripes. However, now I've spotted the blue flash on the side of the shirt, the way that it is continued into the shorts and the way the blue stripes go down the full length sleeve, I'm warming to it.
Said it from the start Eddie is a better striker than flo, nothing against him but I think Eddie would have put similar numbers to flo if he went on loan to French League
Also, I would prefer we sell ESR pure profit for FFP and Arteta has a history of buying wonderkids that are down on their luck after signing deals - Odegaard and Ceballos from Real Madrid, Havertz from Chelsea, even to an extent Martenelli who trialed at Man United. So I think he prefers working with them because they already had big club expectations/pressure sat on them.
Hi Charles - great show as always. Here's a question for you that's a little out there... With Zinchenko clearly going down the pecking order (you even floated the idea that you have a sneaky feeling he might be sold), our left back position with Tomi and Kiwior has been less inverted than before. We almost play with a classic left back/tucking in as third center back when White goes forward. Considering that, I don't think it would be a bad idea to keep Tierney after he comes back from loan. This season, if we had him in the squad, he would have 100% played ahead of Kiwior. He can play center back (he does for Scotland) and he is great at bombing forward the way White does. By having Tierney and White, we could be less predictable as to which side is going to have the full back pushing high, as opposed to now where we know that comes mostly/only from the right. I wouldn't have him as first choice, but he could be a great option to have. Although I know his injury record is poor.. What do you think? (Obviously I'm a massive fan of KT and never stopped loving the guy so I might be biased here..)
Spot on about VAR Charles. VAR favours big clubs v smaller clubs. So many decisions go in favour of the likes of Man City & Man Utd after VAR referrals when playing bottom half EPL teams
Notice how you say MANCHESTER city and MANCHESTER utd. Most refs are from the greater Manchester area. Bias is very real and evident in this league, might be corruption or not, might be incompetence or not, but biased it most definitely is.
Question for Sam and Charles. We are being linked with Sesko,Hato,Neves and Xavi Simons(not the most genuine link). All of them are hell of a talent and are much younger than the current squad. Does this mean Arsenal are considering in a more long term vision? They are young but they have the potential to deliver what we want.
EXTRA TIME - thanks for getting us to the final weekend Charles! Superb channel. On VAR - supporters near universally despise it and should make these views known loudly to their clubs prior to the vote. Frankly it is a vote of paying supporters that should carry the day. How can we achieve this?
If there aren't already standards of procedure for VAR, the standard process should be developed. VAR refs could have a checklist of things to confirm before moving on - check for offside, check for handball, etc.
Even though I agree VAR is bad right now at least there's hope it will improve eventually. If you're against VAR please offer alternatives. I remember how painful all the refereeing mistakes were even before VAR and there were Arsenal games where I would have said "postpone the game for hours if you have to to get the decision right, I don't care". I get the argument about not being able to celebrate goals but I prefer that to suffering unjust defeats. If there are better alternatives then sure replace VAR but if it's just going back to football pre-VAR I'm going back to not watching it.
Extra time: We are not city yet , we should be in a position where we bench Saka and Rice and still be confident and comfortable. Hope this summer be helpful for us to do that . Kudus and Bruno G can easily do that . And one suprise signing out of nowhere prediction? Like we used to do every year .
On the topic of VAR, if the premier league is the biggest, wealthiest league in the world, why don’t we hire the best VAR team from a lower league. They would have a track record of good decisions and we could have them overhaul the current system. Cheers from LA Charles
Charles, Along with your colleagues use your position of influence to call for an improved VAR. Everyone knows what the problems are and what needs to change lets get it right and improve the game for all of the fans.
#extra time why they don’t draw a line for city first goal against last Tuesday. I am feeling bad bcz every decision goes on city favorite every time please your both thoughs on it . keep the good work
Hi Charles and James, just want to say it’s a highlight of my week listening to your extra time segment. That and your daily videos Charles really help get through the week with optimism. Also loved the book you really captured the emotions we as fans went through. Fingers crossed luck is on our side this weekend and we get to see the Arsenal lift the trophy.
VAR needs to change, not be scrapped. The key changes would be to remove the 'clear and obvious' which is vague. Instead teams should be allowed challenges whereby the decision will be re-refereed. There should be other changes, such as transparency, but that would be the key one.
EXTRA TIME With clubs voting to abolish VAR but semi automated offsides coming in, will we see less controversy or was it more about corruption than the technology?
Extra Time: Hey Charles and James, great content as always! Just a quick one, would you take 35 million from Chelsea to sign Ramsdale. You'd be strengthening a rival but it's clear he needs to leave and there may not be a huge interest in him due to lack of game time. Keep up the great work from Holland! 🇳🇱💪
Just go back and watch a single episode of MOTD pre VAR. There are a fraction of the mistakes nowadays compared to then. Its not perfect but it's much much better. Don't let perfection be the enemy of very good.
While i do understand all your points on this, VAR has never been problem. The refs have always been the issue and continue to be whether they're on the pitch or in the backrooms doing the VAR thing. Plus VAR being scrapped would be the FA and PL admitting they were too incompetant to make a technology work that has been effectively implemented in dozens of other leagues and sports without any of the problems that we've seen here. Just don't see it happening and proposals like this aren't addressing the problems with VAR, so for me it's actively unproductive to suggest getting rid of it instead of working to improve the obvious problems with it's current implementation
Hello Charles, I'm a big fan from Nigeria and I always watch your videos I understand your views on VAR but it is based and weighing the enjoyment from a goal and massive reduction is the accuracy of refereeing in the EPL I think right now with VAR you can say they get about 70% right but without VAR it will be about 50% right decisions from the referee, I wouldn't take that risk
Hi Charles, great content as always! On VAR, do you know who actually makes up the “20” voting members? Three of those teams voting could in theory be the relegated teams that are then voting on a huge issue that, when they’re back in the championship without VAR, won’t impact them but will impact on the three promoted teams who won’t have been able to vote. Doesn’t really seem fair on a team like Wolves who are safe from relegation and are clearly are against VAR, but teams who won’t be impacted are deciding everyone else’s fate…
VAR - stands for virtual Assistant Referee, the issue is when non-virtual referees intervene. Next year, apparently we will finally have semi automatic offside, which basically the system tells the referee the decision without putting the lines themselves.
EXTRA TIME: Hi Charles, I completely and utterly agree with everything you've said about VAR. I absolutely hate it, all it accomplishes is to show how incompetent the people who run it are. Scrap it immediately. Question for you and James: if Arsenal could pull off one realistic "shock" transfer this summer, i.e. Sol Campbell-esq, who would you want to sign? A signing you'd never expect in a million years, but would elevate the team to champions. Love the content! Vinnie P
Hey Charles, I completely get scrapping VAR but football needs some sort of technology. I can't see how the Hawk eye systems in both Rugby and GAA football in Ireland work so fast and well with their sports but VAR is so crap in the biggest league of the most valuable sport in the world. I think it was too many changes with VAR too quickly and then we get scenarios with rules changing, where an innocent that is deemed a foul in the first half of a season isn't a foul by the 2nd half and VAR is like a microscope looking over everything. I think the goal line stuff has to stay and the semi automated offsides need to come in too but maybe start with just that and a video official in the ear of the ref for help when he asks for it. Like a review system rather than anything else and it needs to be tested in the lower leagues first and work it's way up to the PL
I don't understand why Charles is not happy with kits. If its in the Red and White of Arsenal, the kit is okay for me. What's wrong with the goal keeper's kit? I like it as well. I like the canon budge.
Have been listening for a few years now and always enjoy your Arsenal Updates on my drive into work! I disagreed with your take on the keeper kit until I realized Adidas has basically copy and pasted Fulhams current Keeper kit 🤮I felt the need to come back and comment on this video lol Hopefully the keepers have a nice Alternate they can wear throughout the season 🤞Keep up the great work! #COYG #MakeSomeNoiseForMrMoyes #UpTheHammers
Neves release clause is £103m and Benfica won't budge on it in any window. Just like with Joao Felix and Fernandez at Chelsea they will eventually get the fee for Neves but not sure if it will come from Arsenal if so it will probably be next summer.
Extra Time: Hi Charles and James, do you guys have any information about what the team will wear on Sunday? The tradition seems to be to wear the newly released one for the next season but surely they should keep this season’s home kit seen as it is dedicated to the invincibles and the invincibles will be there on Sunday. Btw all people I saw on the Internet who bothered to draw the lines agree that KDB was off, so I highly doubt whether the PGMOL leak is genuine or just trying to save faces as they won’t be showing this anw.
Extra time: Regardless of Sunday, do you have any insights on when Pep might move on from City? This isn’t just a doom and gloom question, just feel the prem will be so interesting in a post Klopp, pep era.
Use VAR for offsides, as long as they remember to draw the lines. Digging for a minute reason not to give a goal, like Martinelli's foul 17 seconds before the goal against Yanited, is a ridiculous misemployment of VAR.
ET Q: Man City’s many charges. We frequently hear that sorting out 125 charges is taking ages. I wonder why they all need to be addressed at the same time. Couldn’t just a couple be addressed giving them just a little punishment? Say 2 to 3 points?
we love saka, his our star boy and a fan like us, but then i think with the amount of games he's played is much, left wing is a must for me in the summer, and olise is a good option, pl ready and quality threat, who would you love to go for in that position and other positions that are needed in your opinion for the team that are not spoke about in the media
Extra: Thanks Charles for the good work. I've fit your channel into my daily regime. My question is with the current squad what positions and particular players do you think can help us clinch the EPL and hopefully get to the CL finals next season
Do you think we should give the youth players extended playing time during pre-season ?I feel like we are missing the trick here with them not seeing the pttch enough then thrown in for carabao and then look out of place as they do not have the confidence to play their normal game
Hi charles. Following on from your discussion about maybe needing to buy an 8 rather that a striker now and also, zinny being one of the players that exits in the summer ... What do you feel is the reason why Mikel doesnt like the idea of Zinny playing there? Is it that he doesnt fit our system? Id like to know what you think. Great show ive followed you from day one COYG!
EXTRA TIME: Hi Charles and James, just a quick question on which current loanees you think could be featured on the USA pre season tour? My guess would be Nwaneri and Lewis Skelly. Walters and Okonkwo we know will both likely leave, Patino, Sambi and Biereth seem like they’re going to be sold too, the same applies to Nuno Tavares as well. Interested to get both of your thoughts on this?
EXTRA TIME Hey Charles and James, with the links with numerous number 6's...... Bruno G, Zubimendi etc, who do you think would be your choice and who do you think Mikel Arteta and Edu would more likely go for???? Me? I'm not sure that Zubimendi is big enough to last in the middle of the pitch in the Premier League.
Extra Time - Hey Charles love the content been around since lockdown love the consistency and these extra time shows with mr benj ! In terms of wing players who why is no one talking about kudus he would solve the saka replacement and midfield maverick role, in addition I know swap deals are difficult but Eddie and nelson for olise? What do you think ?
Hi Charles and James, Love the show! Just wondering what you think about the links with players on the younger side (Šeško, Neves, Hato etc.). I think given where we are now we need to be recruiting players in their prime who can make a difference now (Isak, Bruno for example)
EXTRA TIME: Hi Charles & James, If you had to choose one ‘Declan Rice’ level signing and one under the radar signing, this summer, who are you both choosing? For me: It’s Bruno Guimaraes & Desire Doue (Attacking Midfielder from Rennes)
EXTRA TIME: hello chaps, hope you’re well, fantastic day ahead and how blessed we are to experience a final day where there’s a chance. Wondering if you guys could talk about season review, in particular assessing the big areas - Edu (new signings, loans and sales), Arteta (and the coaching team), and player development (especially Saka, Rice, defensive unit, etc.). What did they do well this season but just as importantly what could they have done differently?
There should be a tennis like system with var. Have the manager be able to challenge 3 decisions a year or smth. That takes the subjectivity out of some decisions because although refs follow rules a foul is often subjectively decided.
For Inside Arsenal: Extra time - Proud of what we achieved this year, no matter what happens on the last day. But we must improve our squad in the summer to compete with City. My transfer wishlist - Olise as the X-factor player. (also back up to Saka). Kimmich as an experienced no. 6. (Replacing Partey) Sesko as the young promising striker. (Havertz will continue at 9/false 9 next season at least). No idea who the second choice goalkeeper would be. Do you think with those additions..we will have the team to compete with City next season?
EXTRA TIME Do you think we could see a era for Arteta. Like you, I don’t see him staying for the same length as Wenger but could you see him staying for another 5+ years to try and create a dominant team in Europe. If I’m honest I feel like he is such an integral part of this club now (gladly so) and I’d be worried about our chances if he left, no matter the players we still have.
EXTRA TIME Hey Charles! Do you think there’s much scope for some of the biggest academy prospects to get minutes next season? (Biereth, Patino, Nwaneri, Cozier-Duberry, Lewis-Skelly, Martin Obi) And do our most publicised transfer rumours affect some of those pathways?
Instead of spending money on Sesko they should being Mika Biereth back and try to bed him in gradually. I think he has potential to be a super premier league striker.
Hi Charles! Love the content, keep up the good work as always! With the recent press that Chido obi-martin has been getting and rightly so, which youngsters do you think might be in and around the first team next season? Obviously there's a few that might get a mention like Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly, Walters and Butler-Oyedeji. But are there any youth players that look like they might make the step soon? Also, has there been much word on the young Max Dowman? Not only breaking into the under 18's team but having a decent impact as well while only being 14! Love the work and hopefully we'll be celebrating come Sunday though I'm not getting too excited just yet... COYG Lewis
Extra Time with James Bengino: Hi Both, with the new home kit being announced I was wondering what your favourite and least favourite Home, Away and Third Kits are of the emirates era? Some of those spray on puma ones give me nightmares
Benfica and selling average players for crazy amounts..... Enzo and Darwin are perfect examples, Arsenal should not involve in any crazy deal with Benfica
As an occasional fan, rather than a football junkie (I don't watch other team's games for instance) I want entertainment, alongside my passion for The Arsenal. In the old days 'Match of the Day' type programmes would show highlights of goals and game play; now they are heavily focussed on decisions and margins, which is all a bit boring . VAR needs to be improved to bring back the emotional enjoyment of scoring a goal, and for me, Offside should be clear daylight. If they can't achieve that, then junk it.
Extra Time: Hi Charles and James, great shows as always i dont know why but i dont think the league is over and i know everyone has already crowned city but i cant help but feel they finish 2nd this season, so dont lose hope we may party yet.
14:00 in cricket they have umpires call where the onfield decision stands unless it was a howler eg Aubas disallowed goal. For me i stopped enjoying going to matches in the first season it was introduced i remember we had 2 goals from corners by our CB disallowed after a few mins. I was sitting in the clock end near the away fans and celebrated the goal in front of them only to get the abuse back from the away fans a few minutes later
Joao Neves sounds more like one they're setting up for a summer or two down the line, rather than now, if you ask me. As for Šeško, the form he is in at such a young age, in one of the best leagues in the in the world, speaks volumes. I'd gladly take him to have him compete with Havertz. We can then lose Nketiah and Nelson, and use Jesus for the versatility he can provide the squad with, hoping he too can come back to his best.
EXTRA TIME - Hi Charles and James, what do you think about Gabriel Jesus playing left 8 for Arsenal next season? I think he has the duel winning ability that Mikel likes and can combine very well with the left winger be it Martinelli or Trossard or Leao 🤞🏾.
Extra time! Charles a quick one, I really like sesko signing , I feel like he’s similar to Haverts but with better finishing, problem is if we sign sesko does havertz go to the left 8 or we sign a midfielder ??
Extra time question. If Man City do lift a 4th title in a row and with the charges looming and his most consistent rival klopp leaving I think it is possible pep could potentially walk this year. Do you think if we win the title next year under these circumstances the media narrative around Arteta and Arsenal will be that we wasn’t good enough to do it during the pep era and can now only win it is as the standards are lower. And why do you think Arsenal are put under more scrutiny than other clubs like Chelsea. They seem to get cut a lot more slack than Arsenal for how they are performing in the league to when we were performing similarly
The people running VAR are the same people on the pitch🤦♂️ that’s the problem
That's not the problem. It's due to how it's implemented.
There's no problem in other sports e.g. rugby where the VAR person is a referee and can freely have dialogue with the on field referee in charge of the match. They along with the touch judges (who are also referees) are an officiating team for the betterment of the game and the decisions. The referee is not hung out to dry he's aided in reaching an accurate decision
Couldn’t have said it any better
@@fuzzywuzzy599if your looking after your mates then there’s an issue
Correct and they won't undermine each other
@@controversymedia4443 If the issue you suggest exists the issue is the system that creates an environment that facilitates or motivates that behaviour. If it's transparent then that will be visible to everyone. So then it just depends on what people want. No different to diving. Easily eradicated if that's what people wanted. But they don't! I wonder why ;)
After the first injustice in a game, they'll be crying for VAR to return.
Hi Charles, first time poster long time viewer:
I do have to disagree on your points regarding VAR. The problems with VAR is the lack of consistency in officiating and the ability to explain decisions has exposed a level of naivety and laziness from the officials. Regarding match day experience, there is a sense of drama when you see that board come up and on the flip side, seeing Garnacho getting called offside was as great as a goal. I also feel people have forgotten how good VAR can be when first introduced in the World Cup 2018 and how well used it was.
If the officials can maintain a standard of on field decisions and interpretations of the rules as well as reflecting on the times VAR has not worked and learn from those situations, this would help provide transparency.
A5
VAR is a great tool in itself, they need to sort out how to use it more efficiently and absolutely sack everyone who has run it the last couple of years because they can't keep it consistent.
A lot of VAR tends to be on offside call. With PL employing the new semi automated offside technology from mid-2024/25 (like how Europe already use this technology), it will make these VAR decisions very quick and also takes the bias out (no one needs to draw a line). No one complains about the automated technology if a ball has crossed the line or not for a goal. Given we know this, this will vastly improve the VAR offside call and worth keeping this bit.
Video is 24 frames per second.Which frame are they using to determind ball kick/release?
The point of VAR isn't to lessen debate, it's to improve the number of correct decisions which it has. Your opinion is truly insane.
It's sorted out the offside issue for the most part. They've had a few issues but var offside have more success than failures.
VAR is the best thing to be introdcued into Footbal since the they scrapped the back pass rule. Last week, Real Madrid got a winner that was immediately ruled offside. VAR intervened and it was on side - the fans went crazy and Real Madrid are justfiably in the final.
But the Munich goal was onside - and should have made it 2-2 - var said it was offside
It seemed like it was offside, but that's not the problem. The lineman raised and the ref blew, that's why real Madrid stopped. They then crossed and shot and scored
I like the kit alot and that GK
@@theenglishman3368 Var didn't intervene for the Bayern goal. The linesman flagged too early, the ref blew his whistle. So VAR was not allowed.
Not very often I absolutely disagree with you, but on VAR, nothing worse than scrapping it and not forcing improvements in refereeing that are needed to ensure better overall experience.
100%
TNAT X Watts is what the fans need!!!
I've seen him play a couple of times in person over here in Portugal, and he's a tidy little player and good under pressure
Wasn’t a fan of the home kit when I first seen it, but it’s grown on me. I’m surprised to hear you say that you aren’t a fan of this years kit, I think this years was a banger and what a kit to win the league with. COYG AND COYI.
For me, Sesko is not a player that you could bring in, play him in pre-season and start him in August. He's more of a bring in and ease him in gently to the team in my opinion. There's definitely talent there, he gives me vibes of Kane and Lewandowski actually.
Extra Time: If we dont win league, what are your learnings from our title charges?
For me its that we need to some how marry the two last campaigns: Come out the blocks flying but maintain the control/defensive solidity in the final run in. The only we can do that in my eyes is rotation rotation rotation. Is it more important to raise the level of our squad players to a Trossard level rather than buying 1st team players.
Hi Charles, I am a fan of your channel. On VAR, normally I am a fan of technology. However, in this case, I do think EPL has adopted a low tech VAR solution compared to the one used at Qatar World Cup. That particular system can recreate virtual model of players and the football in 3D and multi-frames to determine if the ball is in play or out of play beyond the line (similar to Tennis Hawk-Eye electronic line judge system). The game with Newcastle came to mind where the VAR refused to make any call due to insufficient cameras, inability to see the right angle and when it is quite clear to normal spectator that the ball was out of play at that corner(1st bad call). Then the human factor in VAR came into play which is another joke - VAR referees do not want to make an offside call (2nd bad call) and also Joelington's strong push on Big Gabby which resulted in him falling over and missed the chance to clear the ball away from the Newcastle player (Gordon?) (3rd bad call). The first bad call can be corrected by better technology which is already available. Being the best league in the world, EPL deserves the best and should invest in new system similar to the one used in Qatar. On the second and 3rd bad calls, these are human errors - I do not find many VAR referees willing to stand up to the on-field referee and put their feet down even though there are clearly fouls. UK referees must start standing up and uphold the rules rather than deferring to field referee due to his seniority or for the fear of making a fellow referee colleague lose face. If VAR referee did nothing to reverse a decision, only the on-field referee get blamed. So most fans actually believe VAR referees are sleeping on the job which led to this call to remove VAR completely. This culture must change if VAR continue to be used. What do you think? Avarta
Charles, the only positive to scrapping VAR, is to rule out the pauses. It is genuinely the only thing we really have to try to keep the players and (especially) the refs honest. If you think it's bad now, imagine going back to when players would blatantly con the ref by pretending to have been punched, diving constantly, or how every close offside call was simply a flip of the coin... never mind how many times "interfering with play" or "was it in the box?" needs to be checked. As much as I hate the impact on the live game, we're used to it now. We're also used to knowing that the refs have all the tools they need now to make the correct decision. Even if they do still make mistakes, they have no excuse anymore, and with every decision under the microscope, it takes a team of them to be incompetent, thus lessening the possibility for corruption. Once they iron out the kinks, the possibility for human error will have been mostly eradicated. The issue right now with VAR, is that the pure incompetency and inconsistency of the referees is being exposed, when in the past we might have assumed the ref simply didn't see it. That incompetency will still be there, VAR or not, but when we have a game-winning goal disallowed for offside in the 95th minute, I'd much prefer to know that it was genuinely offside, and not just given as such because that's the impression the linesman got at the time from his angle. We can't go back.
VAR isnt the problem. Its the people running it that cause the issues. We need better people on VAR and they need to follow the likes of rugby. They keep people in the loop and everyone in the stadium knows whats going on throughout the process. We have the semi automated offside coming in, which will speed things up for some decisions.
If improvements are made and we still dont see an improvement on the performance of VAR, then i would scrap it after next season.
Sesko has world class potential for a combination of reasons. First and foremost is his ball-striking technique; he is able to conjure up lethal shot power from a short backlift. He also places his shots very well and has a great conversion rate from xG into goals. Not unlike Havertz he also has a combination of pace, aerial prowess, defensive work rate and great off the ball movement. He's raw in other aspects, but has shown glimpses of gud creativity and vision nonetheless. Not a finished product yet, but for his release clause he would be a fantastic, comparatively low risk investment for Arsenal.
Hi, Watts. Always like listening to Arsenal updates.
Walter from 🇺🇬 🇺🇬 Uganda.
9:04 the olde-skool cannon (facing correct direction) ftw
I wasn't sure about the kit - I thought it would look better with matching red rather than blue stripes. However, now I've spotted the blue flash on the side of the shirt, the way that it is continued into the shorts and the way the blue stripes go down the full length sleeve, I'm warming to it.
Extra Time:
How has Folarin Balogun done this far, was it really a mistake selling him thus far? Not exactly lighting up the French League.
Said it from the start Eddie is a better striker than flo, nothing against him but I think Eddie would have put similar numbers to flo if he went on loan to French League
Also, I would prefer we sell ESR pure profit for FFP and Arteta has a history of buying wonderkids that are down on their luck after signing deals - Odegaard and Ceballos from Real Madrid, Havertz from Chelsea, even to an extent Martenelli who trialed at Man United. So I think he prefers working with them because they already had big club expectations/pressure sat on them.
Very interested to know who Charles and James would choose if they had to choose one between OLISE , KUDUS and Simons ?
Who would you choose?
olise
Hi Charles - great show as always.
Here's a question for you that's a little out there...
With Zinchenko clearly going down the pecking order (you even floated the idea that you have a sneaky feeling he might be sold), our left back position with Tomi and Kiwior has been less inverted than before. We almost play with a classic left back/tucking in as third center back when White goes forward. Considering that, I don't think it would be a bad idea to keep Tierney after he comes back from loan. This season, if we had him in the squad, he would have 100% played ahead of Kiwior. He can play center back (he does for Scotland) and he is great at bombing forward the way White does. By having Tierney and White, we could be less predictable as to which side is going to have the full back pushing high, as opposed to now where we know that comes mostly/only from the right. I wouldn't have him as first choice, but he could be a great option to have. Although I know his injury record is poor..
What do you think?
(Obviously I'm a massive fan of KT and never stopped loving the guy so I might be biased here..)
Spot on about VAR Charles. VAR favours big clubs v smaller clubs. So many decisions go in favour of the likes of Man City & Man Utd after VAR referrals when playing bottom half EPL teams
Notice how you say MANCHESTER city and MANCHESTER utd. Most refs are from the greater Manchester area. Bias is very real and evident in this league, might be corruption or not, might be incompetence or not, but biased it most definitely is.
Question for Sam and Charles. We are being linked with Sesko,Hato,Neves and Xavi Simons(not the most genuine link). All of them are hell of a talent and are much younger than the current squad. Does this mean Arsenal are considering in a more long term vision? They are young but they have the potential to deliver what we want.
EXTRA TIME - thanks for getting us to the final weekend Charles! Superb channel. On VAR - supporters near universally despise it and should make these views known loudly to their clubs prior to the vote. Frankly it is a vote of paying supporters that should carry the day. How can we achieve this?
What I don’t like is the linesman not flagging straight away for offside. They let play continue then flag after the ball is in the net.
If there aren't already standards of procedure for VAR, the standard process should be developed. VAR refs could have a checklist of things to confirm before moving on - check for offside, check for handball, etc.
Even though I agree VAR is bad right now at least there's hope it will improve eventually. If you're against VAR please offer alternatives. I remember how painful all the refereeing mistakes were even before VAR and there were Arsenal games where I would have said "postpone the game for hours if you have to to get the decision right, I don't care". I get the argument about not being able to celebrate goals but I prefer that to suffering unjust defeats. If there are better alternatives then sure replace VAR but if it's just going back to football pre-VAR I'm going back to not watching it.
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
Extra time: We are not city yet , we should be in a position where we bench Saka and Rice and still be confident and comfortable. Hope this summer be helpful for us to do that . Kudus and Bruno G can easily do that . And one suprise signing out of nowhere prediction? Like we used to do every year .
No can't stand Bruno G. I'd rather D. uiz but Kudus for sure. Although i feel like west ham will be looking to rape us again 😒
On the topic of VAR, if the premier league is the biggest, wealthiest league in the world, why don’t we hire the best VAR team from a lower league. They would have a track record of good decisions and we could have them overhaul the current system. Cheers from LA Charles
Charles, Along with your colleagues use your position of influence to call for an improved VAR. Everyone knows what the problems are and what needs to change lets get it right and improve the game for all of the fans.
Bought the home kit already and love the gk shirt too
#extra time why they don’t draw a line for city first goal against last Tuesday. I am feeling bad bcz every decision goes on city favorite every time please your both thoughs on it . keep the good work
Hi Charles and James, just want to say it’s a highlight of my week listening to your extra time segment. That and your daily videos Charles really help get through the week with optimism. Also loved the book you really captured the emotions we as fans went through. Fingers crossed luck is on our side this weekend and we get to see the Arsenal lift the trophy.
The home kit looks great. The away kit looks like we’re Mexico fc but the 3rd kit is class.
VAR needs to change, not be scrapped. The key changes would be to remove the 'clear and obvious' which is vague. Instead teams should be allowed challenges whereby the decision will be re-refereed. There should be other changes, such as transparency, but that would be the key one.
EXTRA TIME
With clubs voting to abolish VAR but semi automated offsides coming in, will we see less controversy or was it more about corruption than the technology?
For FA cup and league cup only for 2024/25 I read somewhere could be wrong
Extra Time:
Hey Charles and James, great content as always!
Just a quick one, would you take 35 million from Chelsea to sign Ramsdale. You'd be strengthening a rival but it's clear he needs to leave and there may not be a huge interest in him due to lack of game time.
Keep up the great work from Holland! 🇳🇱💪
The flip side is keeping var will also save a lot of heartbreaks if you are on the beneficial side of a disallowed goal....
Hi Charles. I think I will keep the VAR and employ trained professionals to manage it, not premiere league referees.
And have no affliation with the onfield refs
Just go back and watch a single episode of MOTD pre VAR. There are a fraction of the mistakes nowadays compared to then.
Its not perfect but it's much much better.
Don't let perfection be the enemy of very good.
Hi Charles. What exactly is the hold up with the 115 charges?
The amount mainly, each charge takes time to check for accuracy
looks like crude oil 🛢 u know those sticky stuff
While i do understand all your points on this, VAR has never been problem. The refs have always been the issue and continue to be whether they're on the pitch or in the backrooms doing the VAR thing. Plus VAR being scrapped would be the FA and PL admitting they were too incompetant to make a technology work that has been effectively implemented in dozens of other leagues and sports without any of the problems that we've seen here. Just don't see it happening and proposals like this aren't addressing the problems with VAR, so for me it's actively unproductive to suggest getting rid of it instead of working to improve the obvious problems with it's current implementation
Hello Charles, I'm a big fan from Nigeria and I always watch your videos
I understand your views on VAR but it is based and weighing the enjoyment from a goal and massive reduction is the accuracy of refereeing in the EPL
I think right now with VAR you can say they get about 70% right but without VAR it will be about 50% right decisions from the referee, I wouldn't take that risk
Hi Charles, great content as always!
On VAR, do you know who actually makes up the “20” voting members? Three of those teams voting could in theory be the relegated teams that are then voting on a huge issue that, when they’re back in the championship without VAR, won’t impact them but will impact on the three promoted teams who won’t have been able to vote. Doesn’t really seem fair on a team like Wolves who are safe from relegation and are clearly are against VAR, but teams who won’t be impacted are deciding everyone else’s fate…
Aslong as we don’t pay more that £50m for Sesko it will be a good buy. I think he’s still very raw.
Frustrating as VAR is I will 100% keep it. It meeds major surgery though. Which I believe the club will do at the June 6th AGM!
VAR - stands for virtual Assistant Referee, the issue is when non-virtual referees intervene. Next year, apparently we will finally have semi automatic offside, which basically the system tells the referee the decision without putting the lines themselves.
EXTRA TIME:
Hi Charles, I completely and utterly agree with everything you've said about VAR. I absolutely hate it, all it accomplishes is to show how incompetent the people who run it are. Scrap it immediately.
Question for you and James: if Arsenal could pull off one realistic "shock" transfer this summer, i.e. Sol Campbell-esq, who would you want to sign? A signing you'd never expect in a million years, but would elevate the team to champions.
Love the content!
Vinnie P
I don't think VAR is the problem, but the official, It can easily be likened to a car knocking you over, the car is not the problem, the driver is.
Hey Charles, I completely get scrapping VAR but football needs some sort of technology. I can't see how the Hawk eye systems in both Rugby and GAA football in Ireland work so fast and well with their sports but VAR is so crap in the biggest league of the most valuable sport in the world.
I think it was too many changes with VAR too quickly and then we get scenarios with rules changing, where an innocent that is deemed a foul in the first half of a season isn't a foul by the 2nd half and VAR is like a microscope looking over everything.
I think the goal line stuff has to stay and the semi automated offsides need to come in too but maybe start with just that and a video official in the ear of the ref for help when he asks for it.
Like a review system rather than anything else and it needs to be tested in the lower leagues first and work it's way up to the PL
I don't understand why Charles is not happy with kits. If its in the Red and White of Arsenal, the kit is okay for me. What's wrong with the goal keeper's kit? I like it as well. I like the canon budge.
Have been listening for a few years now and always enjoy your Arsenal Updates on my drive into work! I disagreed with your take on the keeper kit until I realized Adidas has basically copy and pasted Fulhams current Keeper kit 🤮I felt the need to come back and comment on this video lol Hopefully the keepers have a nice Alternate they can wear throughout the season 🤞Keep up the great work! #COYG #MakeSomeNoiseForMrMoyes #UpTheHammers
Neves release clause is £103m and Benfica won't budge on it in any window. Just like with Joao Felix and Fernandez at Chelsea they will eventually get the fee for Neves but not sure if it will come from Arsenal if so it will probably be next summer.
Extra Time: Hi Charles and James, do you guys have any information about what the team will wear on Sunday? The tradition seems to be to wear the newly released one for the next season but surely they should keep this season’s home kit seen as it is dedicated to the invincibles and the invincibles will be there on Sunday. Btw all people I saw on the Internet who bothered to draw the lines agree that KDB was off, so I highly doubt whether the PGMOL leak is genuine or just trying to save faces as they won’t be showing this anw.
Extra time:
Regardless of Sunday, do you have any insights on when Pep might move on from City? This isn’t just a doom and gloom question, just feel the prem will be so interesting in a post Klopp, pep era.
As for away kit it’s simple. Have the black one from last year every year. That black n gold was the best kit I’ve seen in years !
Use VAR for offsides, as long as they remember to draw the lines. Digging for a minute reason not to give a goal, like Martinelli's foul 17 seconds before the goal against Yanited, is a ridiculous misemployment of VAR.
ET Q: Man City’s many charges. We frequently hear that sorting out 125 charges is taking ages. I wonder why they all need to be addressed at the same time. Couldn’t just a couple be addressed giving them just a little punishment? Say 2 to 3 points?
we love saka, his our star boy and a fan like us, but then i think with the amount of games he's played is much, left wing is a must for me in the summer, and olise is a good option, pl ready and quality threat, who would you love to go for in that position and other positions that are needed in your opinion for the team that are not spoke about in the media
Extra:
Thanks Charles for the good work. I've fit your channel into my daily regime.
My question is with the current squad what positions and particular players do you think can help us clinch the EPL and hopefully get to the CL finals next season
Seeing Both Sesko and Gyokeres, if you look closely Sesko is in the Haaland mold of strikers and the Other the Lewandoski type
Do you think we should give the youth players extended playing time during pre-season ?I feel like we are missing the trick here with them not seeing the pttch enough then thrown in for carabao and then look out of place as they do not have the confidence to play their normal game
The highlight of this summer is gonna be never having to hear people pretend that ESR is better than he is ever again
Hi charles. Following on from your discussion about maybe needing to buy an 8 rather that a striker now and also, zinny being one of the players that exits in the summer ... What do you feel is the reason why Mikel doesnt like the idea of Zinny playing there? Is it that he doesnt fit our system? Id like to know what you think.
Great show ive followed you from day one COYG!
EXTRA TIME:
Hi Charles and James, just a quick question on which current loanees you think could be featured on the USA pre season tour?
My guess would be Nwaneri and Lewis Skelly.
Walters and Okonkwo we know will both likely leave, Patino, Sambi and Biereth seem like they’re going to be sold too, the same applies to Nuno Tavares as well.
Interested to get both of your thoughts on this?
EXTRA TIME
Hey Charles and James, with the links with numerous number 6's...... Bruno G, Zubimendi etc, who do you think would be your choice and who do you think Mikel Arteta and Edu would more likely go for????
Me? I'm not sure that Zubimendi is big enough to last in the middle of the pitch in the Premier League.
Extra Time - Hey Charles love the content been around since lockdown love the consistency and these extra time shows with mr benj ! In terms of wing players who why is no one talking about kudus he would solve the saka replacement and midfield maverick role, in addition I know swap deals are difficult but Eddie and nelson for olise? What do you think ?
Nice kit … reminds me of the 88 classic
Hi Charles and James,
Love the show!
Just wondering what you think about the links with players on the younger side (Šeško, Neves, Hato etc.). I think given where we are now we need to be recruiting players in their prime who can make a difference now (Isak, Bruno for example)
EXTRA TIME:
Hi Charles & James,
If you had to choose one ‘Declan Rice’ level signing and one under the radar signing, this summer, who are you both choosing?
For me:
It’s Bruno Guimaraes & Desire Doue (Attacking Midfielder from Rennes)
EXTRA TIME: hello chaps, hope you’re well, fantastic day ahead and how blessed we are to experience a final day where there’s a chance. Wondering if you guys could talk about season review, in particular assessing the big areas - Edu (new signings, loans and sales), Arteta (and the coaching team), and player development (especially Saka, Rice, defensive unit, etc.). What did they do well this season but just as importantly what could they have done differently?
There should be a tennis like system with var. Have the manager be able to challenge 3 decisions a year or smth. That takes the subjectivity out of some decisions because although refs follow rules a foul is often subjectively decided.
For Inside Arsenal: Extra time -
Proud of what we achieved this year, no matter what happens on the last day.
But we must improve our squad in the summer to compete with City.
My transfer wishlist -
Olise as the X-factor player. (also back up to Saka).
Kimmich as an experienced no. 6. (Replacing Partey)
Sesko as the young promising striker. (Havertz will continue at 9/false 9 next season at least).
No idea who the second choice goalkeeper would be.
Do you think with those additions..we will have the team to compete with City next season?
What if they are busy training AI to do VAR in the future? Would you take it if it was say 85% accurate with decisions?
EXTRA TIME
Do you think we could see a era for Arteta. Like you, I don’t see him staying for the same length as Wenger but could you see him staying for another 5+ years to try and create a dominant team in Europe. If I’m honest I feel like he is such an integral part of this club now (gladly so) and I’d be worried about our chances if he left, no matter the players we still have.
EXTRA TIME
Hey Charles! Do you think there’s much scope for some of the biggest academy prospects to get minutes next season? (Biereth, Patino, Nwaneri, Cozier-Duberry, Lewis-Skelly, Martin Obi) And do our most publicised transfer rumours affect some of those pathways?
Also not having Thomas Partey playing was the difference between winning against Villa at home and too much rotation due to champions league games
Instead of spending money on Sesko they should being Mika Biereth back and try to bed him in gradually. I think he has potential to be a super premier league striker.
Hi Charles! Love the content, keep up the good work as always!
With the recent press that Chido obi-martin has been getting and rightly so, which youngsters do you think might be in and around the first team next season? Obviously there's a few that might get a mention like Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly, Walters and Butler-Oyedeji. But are there any youth players that look like they might make the step soon?
Also, has there been much word on the young Max Dowman? Not only breaking into the under 18's team but having a decent impact as well while only being 14!
Love the work and hopefully we'll be celebrating come Sunday though I'm not getting too excited just yet... COYG
Lewis
Extra Time with James Bengino: Hi Both, with the new home kit being announced I was wondering what your favourite and least favourite Home, Away and Third Kits are of the emirates era? Some of those spray on puma ones give me nightmares
I feel like they’re going to get 18/20, with both Manchester sides being the only ones not voting to get rid of
How likely do you think it is that we could loan back Declan to West Ham for the rest of the season?
Bring automated offsides in immediately.
Extra Time
In a situation like the Tottenham vs Mancity game last Tuesday, who gets credited with the clean sheet between Ederaon and Ortega?
Benfica and selling average players for crazy amounts..... Enzo and Darwin are perfect examples, Arsenal should not involve in any crazy deal with Benfica
As an occasional fan, rather than a football junkie (I don't watch other team's games for instance) I want entertainment, alongside my passion for The Arsenal.
In the old days 'Match of the Day' type programmes would show highlights of goals and game play; now they are heavily focussed on decisions and margins, which is all a bit boring .
VAR needs to be improved to bring back the emotional enjoyment of scoring a goal, and for me, Offside should be clear daylight.
If they can't achieve that, then junk it.
Extra Time: Hi Charles and James, great shows as always i dont know why but i dont think the league is over and i know everyone has already crowned city but i cant help but feel they finish 2nd this season, so dont lose hope we may party yet.
14:00 in cricket they have umpires call where the onfield decision stands unless it was a howler eg Aubas disallowed goal. For me i stopped enjoying going to matches in the first season it was introduced i remember we had 2 goals from corners by our CB disallowed after a few mins. I was sitting in the clock end near the away fans and celebrated the goal in front of them only to get the abuse back from the away fans a few minutes later
I don't agree with you on VAR, Charles. I do not like the people running it but I like VAR.
I'm the same on the kit, the cannon will take some getting used to as i like the crest but maybe im just a bit too old school
Joao Neves sounds more like one they're setting up for a summer or two down the line, rather than now, if you ask me.
As for Šeško, the form he is in at such a young age, in one of the best leagues in the in the world, speaks volumes. I'd gladly take him to have him compete with Havertz.
We can then lose Nketiah and Nelson, and use Jesus for the versatility he can provide the squad with, hoping he too can come back to his best.
Extra Time
Any last few weeks info on Cozier-Duberry signing a contract extension with the club ?
@@RichardStone-xk2px expires in 40 odd days, mad that a contract hasn't taken place yet, could of loaned him to a championship club.
EXTRA TIME - Hi Charles and James, what do you think about Gabriel Jesus playing left 8 for Arsenal next season?
I think he has the duel winning ability that Mikel likes and can combine very well with the left winger be it Martinelli or Trossard or Leao 🤞🏾.
Extra time!
Charles a quick one, I really like sesko signing , I feel like he’s similar to Haverts but with better finishing, problem is if we sign sesko does havertz go to the left 8 or we sign a midfielder ??
Extra time question.
If Man City do lift a 4th title in a row and with the charges looming and his most consistent rival klopp leaving I think it is possible pep could potentially walk this year.
Do you think if we win the title next year under these circumstances the media narrative around Arteta and Arsenal will be that we wasn’t good enough to do it during the pep era and can now only win it is as the standards are lower.
And why do you think Arsenal are put under more scrutiny than other clubs like Chelsea. They seem to get cut a lot more slack than Arsenal for how they are performing in the league to when we were performing similarly
Extra time Q- Any news on Amario COD? What are plans to integrate the youth players to the first team?
We'd also be Champions League winners if VAR existed in 06. Can work both ways....