Officially Speaking – with Keith Hackett
In his first article since becoming Honorary Patron of Far Post Header, here is Keith Hackett’s regular weekly review of the weekend’s football in the Premier League:
PREMIER LEAGUE REFEREE REVIEW 8TH/9TH FEBRUARY 2020
Well, this is the start of the staggered Premier League mid-season break. It is an opportunity for the players to rest and recover, the majority of them no doubt jetting off to find the sun.
This has created controversy when the Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp announced that his first-team squad would not be playing in their FA Cup replay vs Shrewsbury Town. He went ahead and the replacement players managed to win a place in the next round.
Saturday 8 February
EVERTON vs CRYSTAL PALACE RESULT 3-1
Referee: David Coote
Assistants: Lee Betts, Nick Hopton
Fourth official: Paul Tierney
VAR: Stuart Attwell
Assistant VAR: Andy Halliday
Referee David Coote is establishing himself as one of our top officials. His movement and dynamic sprinting is the foundation of his good decision making.
It was good to see a game played with the focus on players and goals and not talking about VAR.
The big question from this game is that Pickford the Everton goalkeeper gifted the Crystal Palace goal. England manager Gareth Southgate was in attendance and I think that he might want to take a look at the in-form Sheffield United goalkeeper to replace Pickford who I fear is going the way of Joe Hart.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION vs WATFORD RESULT 1-1
Referee: Kevin Friend
Assistants: Simon Bennett, Adrian Holmes
Fourth official: Simon Hooper
VAR: Andre Marriner
Assistant VAR: Andy Halliday
There were appeals for a Brighton penalty-kick early in this game. VAR checked and replays of the incident clearly show that there was no offence. Referee Friend was in a good position and should have given the appeals a big “NO”. There was no need for a VAR check frankly.
We must start to use VAR on clear and obvious errors by the referee, not every frivolous appeal.
Watford scored the opening goal after Brighton once again lost possession in midfield. Brighton were then unlucky not to get a penalty kick after one of their players was brought down inside the area, VAR check saying no.
Brighton equalised after an own goal by Watford’s Mariappa
Sunday 9 February
SHEFFIELD UNITED 14:00 BOURNEMOUTH RESULT 2-1
Referee: Jonathan Moss
Assistants: Marc Perry, Eddie Smart
Fourth official: Lee Mason
VAR: Peter Bankes
Assistant VAR: Daniel Cook
Bournemouth opened up the scoring with a goal scored by Callum Wilson. Sheffield United responded with an equaliser from goal poacher Billy Sharp.
Sheffield United’s goalkeeper Henderson was once again pulling off some terrific saves. United scored the winning goal with seven minutes to go.
Referee Jon Moss delivered a good performance in difficult weather conditions.
MANCHESTER CITY 16:30 WEST HAM UNITED
Referee: Graham Scott
Assistants: Neil Davies, Richard West
Fourth official: Chris Kavanagh
VAR: Craig Pawson
Assistant VAR: Constantine Hatzidakis
Due to the storms, an early decision to call off the match was made for safety reasons.
REFEREE APPOINTMENTS FOR 14th – 17th FEBRUARY
Friday 14 February
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS 20:00 LEICESTER CITY
Referee: Mike Dean
Assistants: Darren Cann, Mark Scholes
Fourth official: Robert Jones
VAR: Michael Oliver
Assistant VAR: Lee Betts
Saturday 15 February SOUTHAMPTON 12:30 BURNLEY
Referee: Simon Hooper
Assistants: Simon Beck, Derek Eaton
Fourth official: Kevin Friend
VAR: Michael Oliver
Assistant VAR: Gary Beswick
Saturday 15 February NORWICH CITY 17:30 LIVERPOOL
Referee: Stuart Attwell
Assistants: Simon Long, Sian Massey-Ellis
Fourth official: David Coote
VAR: Paul Tierney. Assistant VAR: Simon Bennett
Sunday 16 February ASTON VILLA 14:00 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Assistants: Daniel Cook, Stuart Burt
Fourth official: Anthony Taylor
VAR: Jonathan Moss
Assistant VAR: Simon Long
Sunday 16 February ARSENAL 16:30 NEWCASTLE UNITED
Referee: Lee Mason
Assistants: Ian Hussin, Harry Lennard
Fourth official: Andy Madley
VAR: Kevin Friend
Assistant VAR: Stephen Child
Monday 17 February CHELSEA 20:00 MANCHESTER UNITED
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Assistants: Gary Beswick, Adam Nunn
Fourth official: Stuart Attwell
VAR: Chris Kavanagh
Assistant VAR: Sian Massey-Ellis
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