I don't want to talk about Arsenal's failings in big games, that has been done to death by others and after every one of these losses.
I wanted to talk about Alonso's goal and to what extent his collision with Bellerin was or wasn't a foul, and more generally what should considered to be a foul in that sort of situation. I'm not really coming down on either side, just thought it was an interesting discussion point from the match.
The general consensus by the punditocracy and associated media is that Alonso's goal was a fair challenge and entirely legitimate. Both players only had eyes for the ball, but given Alonso larger frame, and run up compared to Bellerin's standing jump there was really only ever going to be one winner. However, he had to come through Bellerin to meet the ball, making contact with his elbow before reaching the ball, and resulting in Bellerin's precautionary sub.
We've reached a point where often regular challenges elsewhere on the pitch where a player wins the ball but subsequently makes contact with the opponent are penalised. It also seems like that were Bellerin a goalkeeper, a foul would have been given as a result of the addition protections they are afforded. The counter arguments are as stated, and that football is a contract sport and hence these situations will arise. Either way, I'm not sure this was clear cut.
Anyway, enough ramblings, was interested in people's thoughts as to where the line should be drawn on these sorts of incidents.
Alonso's goal
posted on 6/2/17
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 6/2/17
Yes, It was all about the Spaniards for the opening goal yesterday. I dunno, but I think Alonso didn't raise the elbow to hurt Bellerin, you could see him making a jump fractions earlier than Bellerin. Then it's dificult once you are up in the air you have less control of your movement. Alonso was there first to meet the ball and had his eyes firmly on the flight of the ball.
posted on 6/2/17
I don't think he wanted to hurt him either - intentional elbow to head is a bit psycho if you ask me.
Regarding the timing of each player's jump, there is really very, very little in it. As said, in all the action was too fast imo to pin the blame on the ref if you do think it was a foul. It's ludicrous to expect them to see everything that happens on the pitch.
posted on 6/2/17
If the roles were reversed and the defender had made a clearance with a similar header, we would never expect a penalty to be given. Alonso wanted the ball more than Bellerin, who poor bstrd, was all alone in the centre of the penalty area with Costa and Alonso! That's the real crime!
posted on 6/2/17
You do know one of those Spaniards is Brazilian? 😉
posted on 6/2/17
Only when he gets things wrong.
posted on 6/2/17
comment by itsonlyagame (U6426)
posted 15 minutes ago
Only when he gets things wrong.
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posted on 6/2/17
comment by The Droog (U17596)
posted 19 hours, 40 minutes ago
There was of course and entirely intentional elbow direct to the face of Hazard.
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Exactly! I can't believe we are talking about Alsonso's non-foul. The only elbow in the game (which was also intentional!) was Gabriel's on Hazard. However, I would prefer him to continue playing in the team - so I hope he does not receive a retrospective ban.
posted on 6/2/17
Only mentioned in the context of their whining. Let them look for excuses while we get on with winning the league. Haven't really hurt much on the elbow to Hazard which was so blatant, not really any need to but if they're going to have the cheek to look for such poor excuses, let's actually look at things with some balance.
Chelsea would've scored as many goals as necessary to win that game regardless, never got out of second gear. They'd rather point fingers anywhere but their own team to take attention away from such a pathetic mentality within the club.
posted on 6/2/17
comment by The Droog (U17596)
posted 13 minutes ago
Only mentioned in the context of their whining. Let them look for excuses while we get on with winning the league. Haven't really hurt much on the elbow to Hazard which was so blatant, not really any need to but if they're going to have the cheek to look for such poor excuses, let's actually look at things with some balance.
Chelsea would've scored as many goals as necessary to win that game regardless, never got out of second gear. They'd rather point fingers anywhere but their own team to take attention away from such a pathetic mentality within the club.
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Well thats because they cant find their big players to point at them