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  • Bad language, worse jokes and riot police: What really happens in the tunnel

    Bad language, worse jokes and riot police: What really happens in the tunnel

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    “I’ll see you in the tunnel.”

    There was a time when that was more than a throwaway line on the pitch, even if some players found a way to make sure that they never showed up.

    “One of my standard challenges was to (jump and) head the ball and put my studs down someone’s back — which you’d get sent off for now,” Liam Ridgewell, the former Aston Villa, Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion and Portland Timbers defender, tells The Athletic. “I did it to the late, great Papa Bouba Diop at Fulham.”

    Ridgewell, now a coach with MLS side Portland, pauses as he thinks back to what happened next.

    “You know that GIF when Jim Carrey wipes his mouth and changes his demeanour? Well, Bouba Diop turned around, rubbed his back and went: ‘What. Did. You. Just. Do?’ And I thought: ‘S—.’

    “He said: ‘I’ll see you in the tunnel.’ I was like: ‘No you f—ing won’t!’ After the game, I stayed out there (on the pitch) so long, even clapping the home fans, so that I didn’t have to go back down the tunnel!”

    Tunnels in football, like most things in life, aren’t what they used to be. For a start, the more spacious layouts of modern stadiums mean that players are rarely rubbing shoulders with one another when they line up in them beforehand, taking away a lot of the tension.

    The fixtures and fittings have changed in the area between the dressing rooms and the pitch too – glass has replaced concrete blocks at Manchester City so the VIPs in the ‘Tunnel Club’ can rubber-neck – and so has the behaviour of the players.

    “Gary Neville and Roy Keane wouldn’t even look at their opponents – Gary didn’t even look at his brother,” says one current player, who has asked to remain anonymous to protect relationships, as he recalls the scene at Goodison Park when Gary was captain of United, with Phil wearing the armband for home side Everton.

    “It was about the bravado of ‘We’re going to war!’ But – and I’m saying this as someone who is old-school — football isn’t about going to war any more. You can barely make a tackle these days. So it’s a lot more friendly in the tunnel now.”

    In other words, it’s more a case of Jamie Vardy being the court jester, rocking back on his heels and mocking Kasper Schmeichel with his “Ooh, Danish friends!” joke based on a scene in UK sitcom The Inbetweeners as his Leicester team-mate palled around with then-Southampton midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, rather than Keane going nose to nose with Patrick Vieira, the “Crazy Gang” snorting Deep Heat or a couple of Nottingham Forest midfielders barking like dogs.

    “Exactly,” replies the same player. “When I was younger, if the cameras were there, people didn’t even want to be seen saying hello to opposition players. But everyone is hugging and laughing now, high-fiving mascots – it’s a lot more relaxed.”

    Ridgewell nods.

    “I saw the Goodison tunnel on TV the other day and thought: ‘That looks nice.’ There were pictures on the wall. But when I used to walk down there it was pure Goodison — dirty and dingy. It set the stage for what you were going into — it was like a dungeon walk.

    “But now you’ve got people asking for shirts before games, and asking how the wife and kids are doing. I wouldn’t have asked one of our players that!”

    It feels like a sign of the times that a minor incident just outside the tunnel involving Manchester City’s Kyle Walker and one of the Arsenal backroom staff, after the Premier League game between the two clubs at the latter’s Emirates Stadium last month, caused such a stir.

    Walker refused to shake hands with Nicolas Jover after the 1-0 defeat on the basis that Arsenal’s set-piece coach, who formerly held that job at City, refused to do the same when Pep Guardiola’s side beat them last season. A storm in a tea cup if ever there was one.

    Indeed, post-match feuds in the tunnel are rare now.

    In the February of last season, Leeds United thought it was disrespectful that Nottingham Forest had their dressing room door open and music blaring out after defeating them 1-0. In a classic case of tit for tat, Leeds did the same to Forest when they won the return fixture at Elland Road two months later. Forest head coach Steve Cooper wasn’t happy and a security guard ended up intervening in the tunnel.

    All of that feels rather tame, though, especially compared to the days when John Fashanu’s Wimbledon debut coincided with a 22-man brawl in the tunnel of their away game at Portsmouth or, from personal experience, when you looked across and saw the opposition striker being throttled before a ball had been kicked.

    “Don’t f—ing ruin our big day,” Jason Perry, the former Wales international defender, strongly advised Brett Ormerod, who was Blackpool’s star player and two weeks away from a move to the Premier League with Southampton when we lined up with Newport County, then in the seventh tier of the English game, away at Bloomfield Road for an FA Cup first round tie in November 2001. Perry had his hands around Ormerod’s throat at the time.

    It would be stretching it to say that managers and players thought games could be won or lost in the tunnel back then, but there was certainly a school of thought that a bit of intimidation could help.

    Aidy Boothroyd even put on an exercise before a play-off semi-final a decade ago where he divided his Northampton Town squad into two groups and the players had to practise leaving the dressing rooms and lining up in the tunnel.

    “It didn’t do us any favours, by the way. We got pumped (3-0 by Bradford City) in the final,” Clive Platt, who was playing for Northampton at the time and now works as a football agent, says. “I actually did that before with another manager as well — Martin Allen, when I was with MK Dons. Again, it was to gain that advantage before the game kicks off.


    Aidy Boothroyd wanted Northampton to use the tunnel as a weapon (Pete Norton/Getty Images)

    “Aidy did it slightly differently. Keeping you waiting was a tactic of some teams. But he (Boothroyd) used to make us go out early, especially in those play-off matches, and stand in the middle of the tunnel.

    “He was like: ‘Go and stand in the middle, pretty much on your tip-toes, jumping up and down, looking as big as possible, and also taking up as much room as possible,’ to kind of show that it’s our tunnel, not theirs.”

    Occasionally, the tunnel can be more intimidating than the opposition.

    Galatasaray, back in the 1990s, was a case in point.

    Chelsea travelled to Istanbul for a Champions League game in October 1999.

    A window on their team coach was smashed on the way to the stadium and that set the tone for what was to follow. Welcome to Hell, as Galatasaray liked to say at the time.

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    GO DEEPER

    Attacked, detained, deported: Inside Man United’s ‘Welcome to Hell’ game, 30 years on

    “I was in the tunnel a bit further back and you could hear the noise, which sounded like there was a massive hailstorm outside as you came up the steps,” Graeme Le Saux tells The Athletic. “I was thinking: ‘It (the weather) wasn’t meant to be like that.’ But then as you come out, there’s this roof of riot shields, like an extended tunnel, and people are launching all sorts of things at the riot police.”

    It was an extraordinary scene, which is captured in the picture below, and is seared into Le Saux’s mind.


    Riot police ‘protect’ Chelsea at Galatasaray in 1999 (Ben Radford/Allsport)

    “If the shields hadn’t been there, I don’t think they’d have thrown stuff at us. It’s all part of this build-up and I presume the riot police are in on it! Because as soon as you come out, they don’t carry on throwing things. It’s like the ultimate distraction and intimidation.

    “But once the game starts, you’re almost in an exclusion zone, you’re looking in rather than out. There was so much nervous tension in us going out but we channelled it into a performance and we took them apart.”

    Chelsea, inspired by Tore Andre Flo, won 5-0 and turned a cauldron into a cakewalk.

    Red Star Belgrade’s Rajko Mitic Stadium is another of those places where minds can easily wander in the tunnel — and not in a good way.

    With the changing rooms outside the stadium itself, it is a 240m walk from there to the playing surface — more than two football pitches end to end, by far the longest in Europe. The tunnel itself is not for the faint-hearted: anyone taller than 6ft (182cm) needs to stoop in places, just 15cm of concrete separates the ceiling from the ultras in the stand above it, and the riot police presence along the route is unnerving rather than reassuring.

    Gavin McCann played and won there with Bolton Wanderers in the UEFA Cup (today’s Europa League) in 2007.

    “There’s a good picture of Gary Speed leading us out,” the former Aston Villa and Sunderland midfielder says of the photo below. “It is a proper tunnel — long and dark — and then you’ve got the athletics track to cross as well when you get out of it. There were riot police at the top and they were also lined up in the tunnel.

    “They try to intimidate you, it’s as simple as that. But we went there and turned them over.”


    Gary Speed leads Bolton out through Red Star’s tunnel in 2007 (Michael Steele/Getty Images)

    The psychological side before a game is fascinating, especially as kick-off nears. Nerves and anxiety can easily take over, so much so that it’s not uncommon for players to vomit just before lining up in the tunnel — Per Mertesacker would often do that in his days with Arsenal.

    “As a player, you’re constantly overcoming the demons,” Le Saux adds. “The worst bit for me throughout my whole career was the journey to any stadium. It’s no man’s land. You can’t do any more preparation and you can’t get into the zone of being ready to play because there’s too long a gap.”

    In the tunnel, it’s different — it’s game time.

    “Then, it’s a fine line between focus, that bit of bravado and posturing, but there’s also that internal dialogue of getting ready to play,” Le Saux says. “Tunnels, for me, are sacred places — the Anfield sign at Liverpool is one of them. They’re waiting rooms where you come out onto the pitch, when you’re crossing that Rubicon and passing the point of no return.”


    Anfield’s tunnel, complete with its famous sign, in 2007, before redevelopment (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

    It’s almost a game before the game.

    For example, at Goodison, where the tunnel is narrow and goes down some steps and then back up again to the pitch, Le Saux would try to stand on one of the higher steps, especially if 6ft 4in (193cm) Everton striker Duncan Ferguson was around.

    “I was still shorter than him but at least I could look into his eyes as opposed to into his nostrils,” he says, smiling. “Even if you are nervous, you’ve got to put on a front.

    “Playing against Wimbledon, (John) Fashanu, the stuff they would say, the jumping up and down, the music, the shirts off, snorting Deep Heat and Vicks VapoRub – I wouldn’t be surprised if they were rubbing it in their eyes.

    “I remember we played Poland with England and they had what felt like the world’s longest tunnel. Their centre-back, who was 6ft 4in and a bruiser, jumped up and headed an iron girder on purpose – and then looked at us.”

    Le Saux can laugh about it all now, including the way that some players had no interest in engaging with the children serving as mascots after emerging from a dressing room that was full of adrenaline and testosterone.

    Some players overthink the game during those final moments and end up inhibited on the pitch. Others zone out and perform.

    “Ultimately, that’s what will define you in some ways,” Le Saux adds. “Coming back to Galatasaray and the build-up in the tunnel before the game, it would have been so easy to have felt my hamstring that day. But I think top-level players know that the outcome… that’s what we play for.”

    The referee always rings twice.

    Players are expected to be out and into the tunnel sharpish after the official sounds a bell for a second time. There is a 30-second period of grace before each half, and clubs will be fined if their players arrive any later.

    Amid all the tension and the thousand-yard stares back in the day, mascots occasionally lightened the mood.

    In 2006, Jake Nickless, who was a Chelsea fan and five years old at the time, put a thumb to his nose when Steven Gerrard went to shake his hand in the tunnel at Stamford Bridge. Nickless claimed years later that his father had put him up to the stunt and promised him some PlayStation games in return.

    As for Gerrard, he was thrown totally off-guard. “The only time I smiled in the tunnel was when the Chelsea mascot played a trick on me,” he wrote in his autobiography. “I went to shake his hand and he pulled a face at me. If it was an adult I would have wanted to wring their neck!’”

    Players can be childish too, though.

    “One of our first games of the season with Forest was against Arsenal away,” Andy Johnson says, recalling a match at Highbury in 1998. “We were lining up against Patrick Vieira and Emmanuel Petit, and Geoff Thomas said to me: ‘When we get in the tunnel, look at them and start barking and growling at them like a dog.’ So the two of us were doing that — barking like dogs — at two World Cup winners (with France, little more than a month before), who were looking at us like we’d gone mad.”

    For the game’s gym addicts, it’s the perfect time to flex.

    Danny Shittu had a reputation for emerging from the changing room with his shirt off – “19 stones (266lb; 120kg) of prime beef, letting out monosyllabic and neanderthal grunts and screams, beating his chest all the while,” is how Clarke Carlisle once described his former Queens Park Rangers team-mate.

    Others can get carried away with their own voice.

    “I think in the tunnel I was too excited — that was down to just childishness,” goalkeeper Joe Hart reflected after his England side’s dismal showing at the 2016 European Championship, where he was filmed before the group game against neighbours and long-time rivals Wales shouting expletives outside the dressing rooms. “I thought it was the right thing to do. I just let my emotions get the better of me.”

    The notorious Keane-Vieira episode at Highbury in 2005 was unusual in the sense that tunnel altercations — and that one was a proper bust-up — generally happen after matches, not before them.

    Indeed, Manchester United and Arsenal have plenty of history in that department.

    “The Battle of the Buffet” at Old Trafford in that 2004-05 season’s reverse fixture the previous October goes straight in at number 1 here.

    Fuelled by a sense of injustice after United were awarded a controversial second-half penalty for the first of their two goals, and angry that Arsenal’s 49-match unbeaten Premier League run had come to an end, Cesc Fabregas hurled a slice of pizza (believed to be Margherita but the topping was never confirmed) that hit United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, of all people.

    Seventeen years later, Fabregas finally came clean.

    The Spaniard told UK broadcaster ITV Sport that he was both hungry and frustrated when he got to the dressing room after the game, and explained that he “took a slice of pizza” and then “started hearing noises” in the tunnel.

    “You started seeing (Arsenal manager) Arsene Wenger and players everywhere,” Fabregas said. “The first thing that occurred to me was to throw the pizza, because I didn’t have the power, or the courage maybe, to go into that fight. They were monsters in there.”

    The row that followed between Wenger and Ferguson, both in the tunnel and publicly, was box office.

    “In the tunnel, he (Wenger) was publicly criticising my players, calling them cheats,” Ferguson said three months later. “I was told about this when they came into the dressing room, so I went out into the tunnel and said to him: ‘You get in there (the away dressing room) and behave yourself, leave my players alone.’ He came sprinting towards me with his hands raised saying: ‘What do you want to do about it?’ He was standing right there.”

    Managers and coaches are every bit as likely as players to cause problems in the tunnel. Haranguing referees at half-time, as well as full-time, was commonplace in the past, but happens a lot less frequently now.

    Jose Mourinho had form for that, and more.

    Ridgewell hasn’t forgotten a fracas involving Mourinho at Stamford Bridge in 2013, when Chelsea were awarded a dubious late penalty that allowed them to avoid defeat against his West Brom side in the Premier League. In the melee that followed in the tunnel, West Brom defender Jonas Olsson claimed home manager Mourinho called him “a Mickey Mouse player”.

    “It still sticks in my brain now,” Ridgewell says, a decade later. “We were winning 2-1 and they got a naughty penalty. It all kicked off over that, and as we were going down the tunnel, you’ve got Jose Mourinho standing at the top of the stairs, leaning over one of their players, and Jonas Olsson was at the bottom trying to get to him.

    “I recall Mourinho saying: ‘You lot are just a Mickey Mouse club.’ If he said: ‘Micky Mouse player’, that would explain why he set Jonas off.

    “I love Jose Mourinho, but that left a sour taste, because we battered them that day. But it was a classic tunnel moment.”

    (Additional material: Phil Hay)

    (Top photos: PA Images via Getty Images & iStock; design: Samuel Richardson)

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  • We ranked every Premier League stadium so you could shout at us

    We ranked every Premier League stadium so you could shout at us

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    Welcome to The Athletic’s Premier League stadium rankings, an exercise in entertainment, creating arguments nobody can win and questionable mathematics.

    Before we start, we should beg for forgiveness. This is an almost impossible task and however we choose categories, weight categories and then mark the teams is going to annoy you. It’s a subjective topic and there isn’t a right answer.

    All we ask is that you know we have put far too many hours into all this, tried to make it as fair as possible, and are not deliberately trying to upset anyone.

    So take a seat — or stand, if you prefer — maybe get one of those squeezy stress balls and enjoy. Hey, you might even agree with some of it.

    Coming to this order has been a long, methodical process involving a working group that broke the scoring into four categories:

    • Matchday experience — including seat views, community feel, accessibility and amenities inside and near the stadium (40 per cent of the final total)
    • Match atmosphere — with consideration for home and away supporters (25 per cent)
    • Transport and location — how easy it is to get to and from the stadium (20 per cent)
    • Aesthetics — such as design, character, surroundings, history and other intangibles (15 per cent)

    The panel was asked to submit marks out of 10 for each stadium in each category, which were then averaged and weighted as above — giving an objective final ranking.

    There are complexities to each category. A ground’s atmosphere can depend on the form of a team, the status of the opposition and whether the floodlights are on.

    Equally, your matchday experience can be influenced by how safe you feel or how swiftly stewards deal with an abusive or racist supporter nearby.

    As for the aesthetics, stadium architectural historian Simon Inglis said most grounds “are simply an agglomeration of decisions made by different directors over different eras in different circumstances. I hold my hand up to extolling a shambles over a masterplan and prefer asymmetry and quirky angles to a uniform bowl, but I also appreciate that a uniform bowl will almost always be functionally superior”.

    Our working panel and consultation included Inglis, our own writers, which includes a broad cross-section of match-going supporters, and guidance from the Football Supporters’ Association.

    20. Vitality Stadium

    Team: Bournemouth

    Capacity: 11,307

    First used: 1910

    The main stand at what was originally named Dean Court carries the Bournemouth crest and below it, a slogan: “Together, anything is possible”. Few things could be more apt. Completely rebuilt in 2001, the stadium finally got its fourth stand in 2013 after the club survived administration. Since then, it has become a regular Premier League feature.

    Best bits: There is a neatness and conformity to the Vitality Stadium. The compact stands are close to the action and provide uninterrupted views and the whole ground does not try to be something it isn’t. Instead it is humble, which may explain its presence at the bottom of this list, but some will also view that as its charm.

    Where it falls short: There’s little discernible character. The support is welcoming but everything feels a bit temporary, like the real ground will be built at some point in the future. The images of past glories on the side of each stand are a nice feature but struggle to inspire.

    What I love about the place: “It is a cobbled-together ground and wouldn’t look out of place in the lower rungs of the EFL, with the club’s training complex adjacent to the Ted MacDougall Stand. That part of the ground remains a temporary building, put up quickly when Bournemouth were promoted to the Championship. The stadium is situated in a leafy part of Dorset and near a dog-walking route that cuts between the ground and Bournemouth’s compact training facility. The charm of the ground has contributed to them punching above their weight.” – Jacob Tanswell, football writer

    Verdict: If you are in the area and a game is on (with tickets available), then you should catch it, but no one is going to shame you if there are other grounds higher on your list.

    19. Kenilworth Road

    Team: Luton Town

    Capacity: 11,050

    First used: 1905

    Luton’s home for more than 100 years was one of the stories of the summer following the club’s promotion. Kenilworth Road, which last hosted the top flight in 1992, is like a football museum. A working example of how football grounds first established themselves with mostly wooden, low-roofed, shallow terraces that have since seen seats installed. Those stands sit alongside a new, temporary Bobbers Stand that enables the ground to fulfil its Premier League obligations. The Oak Stand entrance through nearby houses is now known globally. The ground’s days are numbered, with Luton set to build a new purpose-built stadium across town.

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    Best bits: There is nothing like the cauldron of noise that can be generated in a ground like Kenilworth Road. Everything feels so close. The sound consumes. It may be well short of the stature enjoyed by most Premier League venues, yet you won’t hear an atmosphere like it. The walk into the away end through neighbouring terraced housing really is fun, too.

    Where it falls short: There is limited legroom, posts galore and a roof that is likely to obscure your view. Accessibility was also considered poor, although improvements have since been introduced as part of the recent redevelopment.

    What I love about the place: “All its peculiarities and rough edges embody the Luton story and how far we have come. Each stand has a unique character. Draped flags lionise club greats and protest past wrongs inflicted on the club by over-zealous authorities. The re-jigged Bobbers Stand is just the latest example of the club being dragged kicking and screaming into the next phase of modern football.

    “But the individual stories and who you go with (parents, grandparents, partners, children) are what make it so personal. Your first game (Preston North End). Your worst game (Kettering Town). Your best game (Sunderland). They are the memories. Eventually, we will move into a nice-looking new stadium, which will bring financial security and less mockery from opposition fans. It will probably look lovely on TV, but it won’t be home. Not for a long time.” – Alex Brodie, content editor (and Luton fan)

    Verdict: Get there and soak up a rare atmosphere while you still can. Just don’t expect comfortable surroundings.

    18. Selhurst Park

    Team: Crystal Palace

    Capacity: 25,486

    First used: 1924

    One of the venues for the 1948 Summer Olympics, Selhurst Park is a traditional ground that has preserved its character while picking up enough updates. The newest part of the ground is the striking Holmesdale Road Stand, completed in 1994. You may well recognise the stadium as Nelson Road, the fictional home of AFC Richmond in Ted Lasso. Plans for a £150million ($185m) redevelopment of Selhurst Park are in place, with most of the formal barriers now cleared.

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    Best bits: Palace take pride in their home atmosphere. The Holmesdale Fanatics lead by example with flags and chants throughout the 90 minutes. The soul at Selhurst Park is viewed among the best in the country and there is a community warmth around the place that can be hard to find at other clubs in London.

    Where it falls short: Parking is a struggle. There will also be obstructions to your view — especially in the away end — and accessibility is poor in places.

    What I love about the place: “Selhurst Park is not the most glamorous stadium, but it has character and history. Next year will mark its centenary, just as work to replace the Main Stand is hoped to start. Combine that with an atmosphere often hailed as the envy of other Premier League clubs and there is something special about it. Just don’t try to drive there.” — Matt Woosnam, Crystal Palace correspondent

    Verdict: Selhurst Park is definitely a matchday atmosphere to savour and a classic ground to take in, whether you want to see Roy Hodgson or imagine Ted Lasso watching on from the dugout.

    17. Turf Moor

    Team: Burnley

    Capacity: 21,744

    First used: 1883

    Home to Burnley for 140 years and counting, Turf Moor is one of the world’s oldest football stadiums. Only Preston’s Deepdale has enjoyed longer unbroken service than Turf Moor and recent investment has raised the standards of the facilities after a few too many years of neglect.

    Best bits: Burnley is a proper football town and it feels like it. The stadium regularly averages crowds over 20,000 in a town with a population of little more than 90,000, making it one of the best-supported clubs per capita in England. There’s the tidier look, new video screens, painted wooden seats and a lovely backdrop of rolling hills. You may even get to catch some action at the neighbouring Burnley Cricket Club, which backs onto one of the stands.

    Where it falls short: All places get cold, but Turf Moor can feel particularly chilly. You may or may not get a good view of the pitch and two of the stands could do with the same renovation treatment as their opposite ends.

    What I love about the place: “There is a charm to Turf Moor that gives it an authentic old-school football feel. It has character, history, tradition, compact concourses and now digital advertising boards. The one feature that marks it out is the view. Sit in the press box at the top of the North Stand and admire the old mill town and surrounding area. A thing of beauty you never tire of and when the visiting team’s correspondent arrives, you can guarantee they will point it out. Combine that with ‘Kompanyball’ at its best and the atmosphere it can generate… quality.” – Andy Jones, Burnley correspondent

    Oliver Kay says: “I cannot understand how it’s so low. A functional stadium rather than an attractive one, but it has an old-world charm, slightly more rugged than Craven Cottage. I suspect a north-south divide here. That view from the top of the Bob Lord Stand of the chimneys and hills beyond is something to savour. And there aren’t many better away ends.”

    Verdict: Take a coat and enjoy one of English football’s oldest venues that still carries plenty of charm.

    16. The American Express Stadium

    Team: Brighton & Hove Albion

    Capacity: 31,876

    First used: 2011

    Situated in Falmer on the outskirts of Brighton, the Amex is not so much the home of a club as the sign of its rebirth. Brighton had been homeless for 16 years after the board of directors voted to sell the club’s previous Goldstone Ground home to developers without arranging a replacement. The club fought through the peril and earned Premier League football within six years of moving to its impressive, £93million home.

    Best bits: Your matchday ticket also acts as a voucher for free travel. The facilities for supporters include padded seats and ample legroom. The design is appealing and there is even the charm of depicting white seagulls among the sea of blue seats. The stadium’s accessibility has been awarded the gold standard centre of excellence by charity and stadium auditors Level Playing Field.

    Where it falls short: It just doesn’t feel or look right to have such small seating areas behind each goal. This is where supporters suck the ball into the net, don’t they know? Although transport is free, the remote location of the ground means there are no real alternatives when it fails. There are also limited refreshment options beyond the club facilities, which tend to be more expensive and don’t provide shelter from the weather.

    What I love about the place: “The Amex is neat, well-equipped and fit for purpose. A near-32,000-seater stadium set in a bowl on the eastern outskirts of the city. Above all, it symbolises the spirit of the club and its supporters. Together they fought back from two years of ground sharing with Gillingham 75 miles away and 12 years at Withdean, a converted athletics track that was supposed to be a temporary home back in the city before a drawn-out saga for permission to build the Amex. A facelift after 12 years has given the stadium a fresh feel for the club’s first season in Europe.” – Andy Naylor, Brighton correspondent

    Verdict: Brighton are on to a good thing; their stadium sums up perfectly where they have come from and who they now aspire to be.

    15. Craven Cottage

    Team: Fulham

    Capacity: 24,500

    First used: 1896

    Craven Cottage’s history of hosting Fulham dates back more than 125 years and it represents one of the more idiosyncratic stadiums in England. It is named after a cottage built by William Craven in 1780, which still stands in one corner of the ground. The ornate frontage of the historic Johnny Haynes Stand — the oldest remaining stand in English professional football — runs along the length of the ground. Now standing opposite it is the redeveloped Riverside Stand.

    Best bits: There is a lot to like and experience when visiting Craven Cottage. The walk from Putney Bridge along the bank of the River Thames is one of the most enjoyable journeys to an English ground.

    Where it falls short: Tickets are not cheap. Fulham supporters already feel like they have been asked to bear the brunt of the cost of that new Riverside Stand through higher ticket prices.

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    What I love about the place: “The walk to Craven Cottage sets it apart. A rite of passage. Across the bridge, through Bishops Park, along the rows of terraced houses and then, somehow, a football ground hidden behind a listed brick facade attached to the cottage itself, tucked away in the corner. There is no football stadium like it, especially now it combines the modernity of the new Riverside Stand with the tradition and history of the wooden seats opposite. But it’s the stroll on a sunny day that makes it unique. It’s why travelling supporters enjoy it and why Fulham fans have fought so hard to make sure developers could never touch it.” — Peter Rutzler, Fulham correspondent

    Verdict: There will be bigger, louder and more intense places to visit, but few are as warm and picturesque as Craven Cottage.

    14. Goodison Park

    Team: Everton

    Capacity: 39,414

    First used: 1892

    Goodison is iconic. No stadium has hosted more games of English top-flight football. It was the first purpose-built stadium in England when it opened and the first to introduce dugouts for managers. Everton were also the first club to have a church attached to its stadium: the cosy St Luke’s serves tea, toast and memorabilia to match-goers before games. A new stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock is set to replace Goodison during next season, with the old stadium redeveloped for homes and commercial use.

    Best bits: Goodison Park is football vintage. It holds in noise to guttural levels and provides an experience far closer and more stirring than others. Designed by Archibald Leitch, also look out for the criss-cross balustrades that underpin its architectural design and underline the ground’s enduring charm.

    Where it falls short: There is no avoiding the pillars obstructing your view. It is the Premier League stadium with the highest percentage of restricted-view seats. There is little room for supporter facilities other grounds can offer, or much legroom.

    What I love about the place: “If absence makes the heart grow fonder, then Everton’s imminent farewell to Goodison Park is already intensifying emotions among supporters. The Old Lady may be a pensioner among the top flight’s other modern super stadia, but it is a venerable old dear, bursting with history, tradition and memories to go with the fraying paint and obstructed views. Wedged into terraced streets on three sides, those matchday smells of chippies, beer and police horse muck are — like the ground itself — lingering reminders of a bygone age.” — Greg O’Keeffe, football writer

    Oliver Kay says: “By goodness, it has seen better days. It’s a relic now, a symbol of a club that has regrettably been left behind in the Premier League and its days are numbered. Everything about the place — the noise and smells as you walk down Goodison Road, the peeling paint in the concourses and stairwells, the appalling lack of legroom — feels like stepping back in time. And in the age of homogenised, identikit new stadiums, it is all the more appealing for that. Everton have to move on, but it will be a sad, sad day when they leave.”

    Verdict: The beloved ground will not be around for much longer and is worth a visit for that reason alone. It will be missed once it’s gone.

    13. Bramall Lane

    Team: Sheffield United

    Capacity: 32,050

    First used: 1855

    Bramall Lane is the oldest football stadium in the world still hosting matches. The four stands cling to the sides of the pitch and loom over the action — and that is despite being originally built to host cricket. It sits near the city centre, yet is a significant distance from the Hillsborough home of rivals Sheffield Wednesday. Steeped in history and character, it has its quirks but also comes across as pretty well-kept. The South Stand’s wooden seats were only removed in 2005.

    Best bits: There can be few more intimidating atmospheres in English football than the one generated inside Bramall Lane. The noise lingers and swells as if stuck under the roof and the authenticity of the place means it feels like little has substantially changed through the years. It is the stadium that defines what a “difficult place to go” looks like and being on the right side of that is always more fun.

    Where it falls short: Being on the opposite side of that atmosphere is not as enjoyable and the home support can make things intimidating for away supporters when the mood turns. Views can be interrupted by pillars and there is little to get excited about around the stadium itself. Accessibility across the stadium is limited and there is also the depressing sight of the stadium’s hotel, which has stood unused since 2020.

    What I love about the place: “In many ways, Bramall Lane is a throwback to the days before dozens of new stadiums came along looking exactly like the one before — other than the colour of the seats. And that’s a good thing. On a night, the atmosphere positively fizzes. The lack of fans in 2020-21 due to the Covid-19 pandemic goes a long way to explaining why Chris Wilder’s United tanked so horribly in their second Premier League season.” — Richard Sutcliffe, football writer

    Verdict: The sort of place the Premier League misses when it’s not there, a piece of history that continues to stand the test of time and home to one of the most vociferous atmospheres across English football.

    12. The City Ground

    Team: Nottingham Forest

    Capacity: 30,404

    First used: 1898

    All but the first 14 years of Forest’s existence have been at The City Ground. The stadium sits on the bank of the River Trent and there have been plans since 2019 to redevelop the Peter Taylor Stand. They were granted planning permission last year, although the stadium’s proximity to the river may complicate matters.

    Best bits: The stadium is in a beautiful spot at the heart of Nottingham, with the river a welcome neighbour. Trent Bridge crosses the river and is a hive of activity on a matchday. Then, inside the ground, the belting anthem of Mull of Kintyre sung just before kick-off is an iconic sound in English football, taking the entire ground right back to their English title and European successes of the late 1970s. The home atmosphere has been rejuvenated in recent seasons.

    Where it falls short: The City Ground has character but little comfort. The PA system volume can be erratic and there is a chance you will have a post obstructing your view. It has also ranked as one of the more limited Premier League grounds for accessibility.

    What I love about the place: “The City Ground has always been special, but it is the people, as much as the place, that has made it Forest’s biggest asset in recent years. Steve Cooper’s fist pumps, the spectacular Forza Garibaldi banners, Brennan Johnson, Ryan Yates and Joe Worrall helping fire their club to success. The deafening, almost physical wall of noise helped drive Forest into the Premier League and helped keep them there. For so long, it was a museum, a place of history. Now there is excitement for the future.” — Paul Taylor, Forest correspondent

    Verdict: There is little new and shiny about the place, just a powerful atmosphere and a deeply ingrained history.

    11. Etihad Stadium

    Team: Manchester City

    Capacity: 53,400

    First used: 2003

    Originally built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the City of Manchester Stadium was converted into a purpose-built football stadium at a cost of £40million. That conversion means it feels much more like a football venue than the London Stadium. In 2003, Manchester City moved in and, following the club’s takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008, the stadium sits in one of the most impressive football sites in Europe, with the Etihad Campus just across the road. The stadium design maximises sunlight and ventilation for the playing surface, which is regarded as one of the best in England. Expansion of the South Stand was completed in 2015 and there are plans for further redevelopment of the stadium over the coming three years.

    Best bits: It is akin to visiting a football theme park, with restaurants, stages for bands and activities for supporters spread around the site. Inside, the stadium carries an aura given City have set about winning every trophy going. With Jack Grealish, Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne on the pitch, you know a seat guarantees the very best in action, alongside all the facilities and connectivity of a state-of-the-art stadium, which was lso awarded Level Playing Field’s centre of excellence award for accessibility.

    Where it falls short: It is hard not to visit the Etihad and think about Maine Road. The club’s spiritual home saw a constant rollercoaster and delivered one of the great atmospheres in English football. The Etihad is many things but may never have that final piece of intangible soul that sits in the old stands. Away supporters being housed over three tiers does little to help the atmosphere.

    What I love about the place: “You’d have to say the Etihad is one of the toughest grounds to go to in top-level European football these days. Pep Guardiola’s team is a large reason for that, but the fans can generate an atmosphere for the biggest games that seems to give the players an extra push. Just ask Real Madrid. As for the physical building, it’s one that’s always evolving. The curious mixture of sky blue and concrete grey will look very modern once the North Stand redevelopment is concluded and the new live music venue next door is up and running.” — Sam Lee, Manchester City correspondent

    Verdict: Unfairly nicknamed ‘Emptyhad’ by rivals, the Etihad gets a harder rap than it deserves. Given the team’s trophy haul and the high-quality fan experience, we all know who is having the last laugh.

    10. London Stadium

    Team: West Ham United

    Capacity: 62,500

    First used: 2016

    London’s Olympic Stadium underwent a three-year, £274million renovation after controversially being handed to West Ham. The club was awarded a 99-year lease and pays an annual rent of £2.5million. The stadium is still used for other sports. UK Athletics has annual use and Major League Baseball games have also been hosted.

    Best bits: Set in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London Stadium has expansive surroundings and the genuine feel of a big, international venue. There is plenty of space, excellent facilities and a good atmosphere outside the stadium on a matchday.

    Where it falls short: The elephant in the room is the number of elephants you can fit into the stadium. The pitch feels distant and so does everyone else in the stadium. These are problems you will find in any football ground that also features an athletics track. Had Tottenham Hotspur’s bid to take over the site been successful, they would have knocked the stadium down and rebuilt it. Anyone who attended ‘Super Saturday’ in August 2012, when the British Olympic team won three gold medals inside the stadium, would vouch for the noise and atmosphere that can be created inside, but as hard as West Ham try, the experience of the London Stadium struggles to match the spectacle.

    What I love about the place: “It will never truly feel home to West Ham supporters due to their strong connection to the Boleyn Ground, but the electric atmosphere on European nights at the London Stadium is special. There have been so many memorable moments, from Andriy Yarmolenko’s winner in the last-16 Europa League tie against Sevilla to Michail Antonio’s goal in the Europa Conference League semi-final first-leg victory over AZ Alkmaar. Those moments make the place come alive.” — Roshane Thomas, West Ham correspondent

    Verdict: There are issues — it can offer one of the least engaging atmospheres in England’s top flight – but the amenities, facilities and experience of visiting an impressive venue in part make up for that.

    9. Stamford Bridge

    Team: Chelsea

    Capacity: 40,173

    First used: 1877

    Chelsea are one of only a few clubs to play at the same stadium since they were formed, but there is something utterly unrecognisable from the ground Chelsea were playing at just 30 years ago. Redevelopment of the stands, the removal of the greyhound racing track and the building of all manner of hotels and restaurants means the stadium itself is almost hidden inside the hodgepodge of buildings that make up Chelsea Village. Expanding the stadium or moving away have proven equally problematic.

    Best bits: There are few stadiums of the size of Stamford Bridge that make everything feel so close to the pitch, probably because it would now be almost impossible to design it alongside the required space and amenities. Still, that closeness creates an authentic feel inside the stadium despite its exclusive west London setting and opulent exterior.

    Where it falls short: There really is little to get excited about as you approach the ground. No view. No teasing floodlights. It just looks like you’re visiting a hotel shopping complex. Quite frankly, a club with Chelsea’s aspirations needs a bigger stadium and a future away from Stamford Bridge has been discussed. This is another stadium in a prime location where transport links can buckle on a matchday.

    What I love about the place: “As each year goes by, Chelsea’s ground shows more signs of age and is overtaken in size and facilities by new, shinier versions built by rivals… but there is no other place Chelsea fans would rather be. Stamford Bridge is unique: the supporters, courtesy of Chelsea Pitch Owners, actually own the freehold to the ground. The club cannot move sites and keep the name Chelsea without getting enough votes from the CPO first.

    “A club mocked for a lack of history are still at their traditional home. The team’s deteriorating form has dampened the atmosphere, but a blast of One Step Beyond by Madness after a big win gets people dancing in the stands like nowhere else.” — Simon Johnson, Chelsea correspondent

    Verdict: Given Chelsea’s journey over the past 30 years, this may be one club that needs to move if it is to maximise its future, but Stamford Bridge remains an archetypal stop on any tour.

    8. Gtech Community Stadium

    Team: Brentford

    Capacity: 17,250

    First used: 2020

    Having enjoyed the compact home comforts of Griffin Park and a public house on each corner since 1904, Brentford’s switch to their £71million new home was quite the departure. Plans had been in the works for almost two decades, but the new stadium finally arrived in time for the remarkable rise to the Premier League.

    Best bits: The stadium is cleverly designed to fit into a triangle of land just off the M4. Space and comfort are all here and it is compact enough for the stands to feel attached to the action. Transport links are good and there is a community feel about the place.

    Where it falls short: The design is fun but unlikely to persuade you to visit. The transport links are good but you could be forgiven for using a map and compass to find your way there on foot or by car.

    What I love about the place: “It is one of the smallest grounds in the top two divisions but none of that detracts from its charm. Brentford’s home is close to the Thames and there is nothing better than stopping for a drink at one of the riverside pubs before watching Thomas Frank’s side take on one of the ‘Big Six’ on a roasting summer’s day. Just ask Manchester United fans.” — Jay Harris, Brentford correspondent

    Verdict: A proud home for Brentford, a mark of how far the club has come and a comfortable and enjoyable venue for football.

    7. Villa Park

    Team: Aston Villa

    Capacity: 42,530

    First used: 1897

    It is far from the biggest ground, yet there is something classically ornate and reliable about Villa Park. Villa’s home for well over a century, in the days before the new Wembley Stadium, Villa Park was used for more FA Cup semi-finals than any other ground. Significant redevelopment of the North Stand is on its way.

    Best bits: A proper ground full of tradition and character, the Holte End especially. It is as good to look at from the outside as it is to experience from the inside, especially on a good day. When Villa Park rocks, the whole of Birmingham shakes.

    Where it falls short: At times, Villa’s long and prestigious history has weighed heavy and when things are not going well, Villa Park can be quiet and unassuming. The ground comes with accessibility issues and has areas primed for redevelopment by its owners.

    What I love about the place: “A packed-out Villa Park, when in full voice, is a special place to be. The Holte End towers over the pitch and creates a wonderful, unique atmosphere. When it gets going there is no place quite like it and it’s little surprise more than 30,000 people are on the waiting list for a season ticket. While there are issues around the ground with public transport and the North Stand looks a little dated, its traditional charm is still warming. When cup semi-finals were held here, visiting supporters loved it just as much as the locals.” — Gregg Evans, football writer

    Oliver Kay says: “The tragedy of Villa Park is they demolished the old Trinity Road Stand, which was a thing of beauty. Of all the famous stands lost in the rush to modernise during the 1990s and 2000s, there were few more striking. Thank goodness they preserved the Holte End with its imposing red-brick exterior. Is there a more handsome stand in English football? And the upcoming redevelopment of the North Stand will enhance the old-meets-new feel of a stadium that is widely recognised among the best in the Premier League.”

    Verdict: Getting to Villa Park for a big game to watch an in-form Villa can be as good and authentic as it gets.

    6. Molineux

    Team: Wolverhampton Wanderers

    Capacity: 31,750

    First used: 1889

    Molineux has been home to Wolves for more than 130 years. It was the first stadium built for use by a Football League club and among the first to have floodlights installed and host European club games. Its name originates from Benjamin Molineux, who purchased the land during the 18th century. The modern stadium was built following Sir Jack Hayward’s takeover of the club in 1990 after serious financial issues. A new two-tier Stan Cullis Stand was opened in 2012.

    Best bits: Whatever Wolves’ issues with identity on the pitch, their Molineux home is truly distinctive, with warm, inviting architecture. It is a short walk from the city centre, the facilities are modern and the atmosphere is raucous. A quick walk around the ground is worth the effort, showing off how the stadium is cut into the land. Hopefully, you will also clock the statue of Wolves legend Billy Wright.

    Where it falls short: The home support can be intimidating and it may not be the best place to walk around on your own in your away shirt. It is another ground with limited parking nearby, too. There are a lot of pubs nearby but few allow away supporters inside.

    What I love about the place: “Let’s talk about the statues. The figures of Stan Cullis and Billy Wright, in particular, are among the best footballing tributes you will find anywhere. Let’s talk about the pre-match music. Hi Ho Silver Lining, obviously, but Kashmir is even better. When you have Robert Plant around, why not? Then there’s the location; a short stroll from the station and city-centre pubs, not stuck out of town on a retail park. It needs sprucing up in places but so do a few cathedrals, which is what Molineux is; a footballing cathedral at the centre of its community.” — Steve Madeley, Wolves correspondent

    Oliver Kay says: “Molineux is a gem, but that wasn’t always the case. When I first went in 1982, it was a dump with an inexplicable 20-yard gap between the pitch and one of the stands. Even to my young eyes, it was a total eyesore. But I love it now. The design is slightly eccentric but it works, as does the old-gold colour scheme. Inside, particularly around the media suite and the executive boxes, the club’s proud history is rightly flaunted. And it’s a five-minute walk from the city centre. Seriously, what’s not to like?”

    Verdict: Molineux has a perfect balance of modern facilities and an authentic atmosphere to rival anywhere in the country.

    5. Anfield

    Team: Liverpool

    Capacity: 61,276

    First used: 1884

    Apart from its first seven years when it was home to Everton, Anfield has served Liverpool from its perch on the edge of Stanley Park. It has continually evolved, adding tributes to legendary figures and more recently adding extra seats. That has seen off the need to move away from the club’s much-loved home. Now Anfield sits high above the trees and dominates the view as much as it does the lives of the city’s red-hearted residents.

    Best bits: There is a poignancy in finding a moment to reflect at the ground’s Hillsborough memorial, while watching and listening to the entire ground sing You’ll Never Walk Alone before kick-off is one of football’s special experiences. Anfield can take you on a wild ride you may not want to end.

    Where it falls short: The stadium has felt in a state of redevelopment for a few years and issues with the Buckingham Group, which was overseeing the rebuild of the Anfield Road end, have prolonged that perception. Once completed, Anfield will feel like it has been given another fresh lease of life. That is also likely to make matchday road congestion significantly worse.

    What I love about the place: “I’ll never forget the first time I walked up those red steps and gazed out at the sheer beauty of Anfield. October 27, 1990. Liverpool 2 Chelsea 0. There was no place like it as a wide-eyed 12-year-old and it’s still unsurpassed more than three decades later. The towering Kop, the noise, the flags and that unique ability to inspire and intimidate players in equal measure. Nowhere is capable of producing miracles like Anfield. Don’t take my word for it, this is what Pep Guardiola thinks: “The motto ‘This is Anfield’ is no marketing spin.” — James Pearce, Liverpool correspondent

    Oliver Kay says: “I get why people feel it is over-mythologised. The ‘famous European night’ cliche must sound pretty trite for opposition fans whose only experience of Anfield is a run-of-the-mill Premier League game on one of those Saturday afternoons when the Kop seems to be nursing a collective hangover. But I don’t think my ears have ever recovered from the semi-final second legs against Chelsea in 2005 and Barcelona in 2019. On nights like that, the place seems to take on a life of its own. One of the best things Fenway Sports Group did was scrap the previous owners’ plans for a new stadium.

    “From certain vantage points, it is almost unrecognisable, but when the Anfield atmosphere is at its most raucous, it is unmistakable — possibly unrivalled.”

    Verdict: A bucket-list item for any Liverpool fan and probably any fan of football.

    4. Emirates Stadium

    Team: Arsenal

    Capacity: 60,704

    First used: 2006

    Replacing the iconic surrounds of Highbury, the Emirates is now in its 18th season as Arsenal’s home. It cost £390million to build, which was funded solely by the club. Arsenal are yet to win a league title since it was opened — but are closer than ever.

    Best bits: Supporter facilities are excellent. Arsenal’s on-pitch performances have improved the atmosphere, too. One thing you do sense walking up to the Emirates is its ‘Arsenalisation’. Since 2009, supporters have helped bring club history and soul with murals and imagery. The stadium’s accessibility has also been awarded the gold standard centre of excellence by Level Playing Field.

    Where it falls short: At times under Arsene Wenger, it felt like the Emirates hampered Arsenal’s ability to improve on the pitch. Maybe that was unfair, but it made for an often unhappy stadium to visit. That feeling has eased in recent seasons, unlike the cost of refreshments. There are London Underground stations nearby but that proximity can also cause major congestion outside.

    What I love about the place: “Arsenal’s relationship with the Emirates is a funny one. It will always be held up against Highbury and for its first 15 years, it paled in comparison. Recently, however, the supporters have made it feel more like home. The atmosphere has improved since the return of crowds in 2021 and everybody seems to be benefiting. Memories are being created and additions outside the stadium, including Wenger’s statue and new artwork, have also solidified the connection between the club and its people.” – Art de Roche, Arsenal correspondent

    Verdict: The Emirates has its critics but it now delivers the atmosphere, facilities, accessibility and product any sports fan would expect from the Premier League.

    3. Old Trafford

    Team: Manchester United

    Capacity: 74,031

    First used: 1910

    The embodiment of Manchester United’s original Premier League success. The stadium ballooned to its current size — the third largest in the United Kingdom and 14th in Europe — due in part to their domination of the division. Redevelopments ceased in 2006 and Old Trafford is in need of renovation simply to return to its previous standards.

    Best bits: The scale of the place is mighty and it comes with a special atmosphere. Most views inside the stadium are excellent and outside, United’s rich history is embraced by statues of Sir Matt Busby, three of their 1968 European Cup winners (Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best and Denis Law), and a clock and plaque to remember the victims of the Munich air disaster.

    Where it falls short: There are clear issues — parts look out of date, roofs leak following heavy rain and a lack of commercial areas is hitting revenue. Not all of that is a supporters’ concern, but it will form United’s opinion on whether to renovate or relocate. Surprisingly, there are some areas of restricted view and most of the stadium provides legroom that even those below average height might find a squeeze.

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    What I love about the place: “Redeveloping Old Trafford is essential. The last major upgrades were signed off before the Glazers took control. Despite this, the stadium itself remains one of huge character and history. Appearing on the Manchester horizon, its structure is distinctive and striking. Once inside, the proximity of the seats to each other and the pitch generates a crackling atmosphere.” — Laurie Whitwell, Manchester United correspondent

    Oliver Kay says: “People were always a bit grudging about Old Trafford when it was in its pomp in the 2000s. A bit too shiny and perfect for traditional tastes. Stereotypes about daytrippers and corporate fans in executive boxes eating “their prawn sandwiches”, as Roy Keane famously put it. It was always a brilliant stadium though and it still is. It was so extensively modernised in the 1990s that it didn’t look, feel or smell as historic as Anfield, Goodison Park or Highbury. But it feels historic now. That’s one upside of neglect. The upside of a difficult decade on the pitch is a more raw, visceral atmosphere than commonly portrayed.”

    Verdict: Old Trafford is a temple of English football and for as long as it is standing, it will be worth a visit.

    2. St James’ Park

    Team: Newcastle United

    Capacity: 52,257

    First used: 1892

    The long-term home of Newcastle United, St James’ Park sits on a hill at the centre of the city. It is as if everything is drawn to the beacon that protrudes the skyline. The ground is lopsided given the vast redevelopment of two stands in 1998 and it can look architecturally cold and clinical, but it provides an atmosphere as authentic as any in the Premier League.

    Best bits: That big-game aura and the fact you can see the ground from so many points in the city establishes its sense of importance. The stadium is equally impressive inside. It is one of the more respectful welcomes travelling supporters will receive, especially if you return the respect. You can do that by visiting three of the statues outside the stadium that mark the legendary contributions of Alan Shearer, Bobby Robson and Jackie Milburn.

    Where it falls short: Away fans are put in a top tier as far away as possible from the action, which is unfair to those who make the trip and in conflict with rules that suggest away fans should be pitchside.

    What I love about the place: “I can’t believe there’s a better atmosphere anywhere than St James’ Park right now: paint-peeling noise, the sensory overload of Wor Flags and, after so much division, everybody in it together. What makes the stadium so special is its location, slap-bang in the middle of the city, looming over it, setting the mood and once again drawing people towards it.” – George Caulkin, senior writer (based in Newcastle)

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    Verdict: The pride in Newcastle runs deep. Hence some of our north-east contingent questioning why St James’ Park isn’t top. It is one of the country’s proper football cathedrals and a fantastic place to watch a game.

    1. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

    Team: Tottenham Hotspur

    Capacity: 62,850

    First used: 2019

    The basics: London’s biggest club stadium was built on the spot of Spurs’ previous home for 118 years, White Hart Lane. A £1billion project to redevelop the north London site replaced one traditional football venue with a stunning, modern sibling. It was also built to become a London home for the NFL and includes a retractable gridiron.

    Best bits: The little details that point out the geographical relevance to White Hart Lane, such as a white circle on the floor that marks the previous centre spot. Then there is the 17,500-capacity South Stand. Despite being a bowl, the raking, double-tier stand draws attention, creates atmosphere and provides the perfect canvas for a supporter mosaic.

    Where it falls short: Modern can mean clinical and, at times, walking through the concourses you would be forgiven for thinking you were in an airport. Expensive stadiums often lead to expensive experiences and most Spurs supporters would lead their gripes with the cost of their matchday. Transport links on matchday can get clogged.

    What I love about the place: “Spurs’ on-pitch performances may not have been the envy of Europe over recent years, but nobody could fail to be impressed by their stadium. It increased the capacity from 36,000, gave fans more spacious concourses, incredible pitch views from every position and, famously, pints that magically fill from the bottom. It hasn’t been an entirely positive transition — there has been little improvement to transport infrastructure and ticket prices are ludicrous – but there can be little doubt Spurs’ new home is the best in the Premier League.” – James Maw, editor and regular on The View from the Lane podcast

    Verdict: Perhaps this is a victory for modern, commercialised football over the more organic qualities of its past. Still, sit inside the stadium and you soon realise its draw: an experience comparable to any live stadium sport across the world.

    Full stadium scoring and rankings

    Ranking Stadium Atmosphere score Atmosphere ranking Experience score Experience ranking Transport/location score Transport/location ranking Design/aesthetics score Design/aesthetics ranking

    1

    Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

    7

    9

    8.4

    1

    6.6

    11

    8.7

    1

    2

    St James’ Park

    7.4

    4

    7.6

    2

    8.1

    1

    7.9

    3

    3

    Old Trafford

    7.3

    5

    7.3

    3

    7.1

    3

    7.4

    6

    4

    Emirates Stadium

    6.7

    12

    7.3

    3

    7.7

    2

    7.6

    5

    5

    Anfield

    7.7

    1

    7.1

    5

    5.7

    13

    8.1

    2

    6

    Molineux

    7

    9

    7

    6

    7.1

    3

    7.4

    6

    7

    Villa Park

    7.2

    6

    6.5

    10

    5.7

    15

    7.2

    8

    8

    Gtech Community Stadium

    5.9

    15

    7

    6

    6.7

    9

    6.3

    13

    9

    Stamford Bridge

    6.1

    13

    6.4

    12

    7.1

    3

    6.6

    10

    10

    London Stadium

    5.8

    16

    6.5

    10

    7

    6

    6.5

    11

    11

    Etihad

    6

    14

    6.6

    8

    6.7

    9

    6.3

    13

    12

    City Ground

    6.8

    11

    5.8

    14

    6.8

    8

    5.8

    17

    13

    Bramall Lane

    7.2

    6

    5.7

    15

    6.3

    12

    6.2

    15

    14

    Goodison Park

    7.7

    1

    5

    18

    5.7

    13

    6.9

    9

    15

    Craven Cottage

    4.7

    18

    5.9

    13

    7

    6

    7.9

    3

    16

    Amex Stadium

    4.6

    19

    6.6

    8

    5.1

    19

    6.4

    12

    17

    Turf Moor

    5.8

    16

    5.7

    15

    5.5

    17

    6.2

    15

    18

    Selhurst Park

    7.5

    3

    4.3

    19

    5

    20

    4.3

    19

    19

    Kenilworth Road

    7.1

    8

    3.8

    20

    5.7

    15

    5

    18

    20

    Vitality Stadium

    4

    20

    5.3

    17

    5.3

    18

    4.3

    19

    (Top photo: Getty Images; design: Sam Richardson)

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    The New York Times

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  • How the sole of the foot sparked a tactical revolution in football

    How the sole of the foot sparked a tactical revolution in football

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    Antonio Vacca can remember the moment well.

    In truth, the Italian is unlikely to forget it anytime soon, given he not only gets to see his “little theory put into practice” every time he watches Brighton & Hove Albion play on television, but he also has Roberto De Zerbi’s initials tattooed on him.

    The story Vacca recalls goes back to De Zerbi’s time in charge of the Serie C club Foggia, between 2014 and 2016, and an incident in a training match that fundamentally changed how the Brighton manager viewed build-up play, and, ultimately, contributed to one of football’s modern tactical trends.

    As a keen futsal and five-a-side player in his home city of Naples, Vacca developed an instinct to use the sole of his foot as a method of receiving possession. “I found it easier to stop and control the ball that way,” he tells The Athletic.

    De Zerbi saw talent and intelligence in Vacca and believed he could play at a higher level, but there were also moments when he found the midfielder’s use of the sole of his foot frustrating. Sometimes De Zerbi would stop training and say to Vacca: “Sorry, if you need the sole, you have to use it. But if you don’t need it, you don’t.”

    The practice match in question threatened to be another of those occasions as De Zerbi urged Vacca to shift the ball more quickly, only this time the coach received a response that stopped him in his tracks.

    “My team-mates on the opposing side weren’t stepping out to press me, so the Mister (coach) kept telling me: ‘Pass it, move it’,” Vacca explains. “So I replied: ‘Mister, if our opponents on Sunday come here and play for a point and I move it without getting one of them to jump and press the ball, it’s no use’.

    “I argued that if I put the sole of my foot on the ball and lured my opponent out, I’ve invited him to press me. As he does that, we can break the line with a pass.”

    Some coaches could react negatively to a player disagreeing with them on the training pitch and making a tactical suggestion, but that was never De Zerbi’s way. Vacca and others would spend hours in the coach’s office talking tactics.

    “People who don’t know him might have another idea, but he’s really humble and a footballer can tell him anything,” Vacca says. “He’s the one who has the final say, but when you say something to him, he’ll go away and think about it.

    “I remember the following day he said, ‘Vacca’s right. When our opponents sit back, we need to put the sole of the foot on the ball and get them to come out, provoke them, because when a player sees you standing on the ball like that, it sparks something inside them’.”

    Many years later, during a two-hour webinar, De Zerbi credited Vacca with opening his eyes to the tactical value of using the sole of the foot as a means of inviting pressure and giving him one of his core build-up principles as a coach.

    The images below, which are taken from Brighton’s FA Cup tie against Liverpool last season, illustrate what that looks like.

    Adam Webster has his studs on top of the ball, enticing Cody Gakpo (circled) to press. Alexis Mac Allister comes short to offer an option…

    … Webster feeds the ball into the midfielder and Pascal Gross (circled) is the free man.

    Mac Allister passes inside to Gross and Brighton have worked the triangle perfectly.

    Vacca’s influence on De Zerbi feeds into a wider conversation around the increasing use of the sole of the foot in build-up play at other clubs, as well as the tactical game of cat and mouse that often sits alongside it.

    Sunday’s Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester City was a classic example.

    When Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya put his studs on top of the ball in the image below, it was the trigger for the City midfielder Rico Lewis (circled) to lead the press. For context, Raya had already received the ball twice from Arsenal defenders in this passage of play (City didn’t always choose to press Raya when he used his sole).

    The second of those Arsenal passes back to Raya was made by William Saliba, shown below. You can also see how City’s six-man press is narrow to stop Arsenal from playing through them.

    Raya ends up playing a ‘bounce’ pass to Jorginho, with the intention of dragging City’s press further forward and freeing space up elsewhere.

    But what’s interesting here is the home supporters’ growing anxiety, which could be heard loud and clear (and it was not fuelled by the moment when Julian Alvarez nearly scored after pressing Raya — that hadn’t happened at this point).

    A hurried clearance upfield from Gabriel follows — all that patience turns to panic — with Martin Odegaard (circled below with his arms outstretched) frustrated that the centre-back didn’t slide the ball into his feet.

    We saw Raya with his foot on top of the ball a lot on Sunday and taking time with his pass selection, in the hope that a City player would press him and leave an Arsenal player free.

    That was the plan but it troubled some supporters.

    “It’s all my fault,” the Arsenal manager said, referring to the crowd reaction. “They can boo me. He (Raya) was excellent. He’s got ‘big ones’ because with the crowd going like this, other players — I’ve seen it — they start to kick balls everywhere. I said to him, ‘You don’t do that’.”

    In this final example from Sunday, Raya had the ball at his feet for 23 seconds, which must feel like an absolute age when 60,000 eyes are on you in the stadium and City could jump and press at any given moment. As Arteta alluded to with his “big ones” comment, it requires a lot of courage to stay calm, ignore the background noise, and wait for the movement patterns to unfold, which is what happened here.

    Eventually, Declan Rice, circled below, comes from left to right to rotate with Jorginho and receive possession. Mateo Kovacic is briefly caught between the two Arsenal players and, arriving late, commits the foul on Rice that should have led to a second yellow card.

    The static element of the modern game is intriguing from a tactical point of view, even if it’s not everyone’s idea of fun in the stadium or watching at home on the sofa.

    “Playing with a pause is massive at the moment,” says a coach at a leading Premier League club, who was speaking on condition of anonymity as he is not authorised to give an interview.

    “As football has developed in the last 10 years, pressing and build-up has become the key feature. You watch a top-level game and a lot of it is about, ‘How well do you press the opponent’s build-up?’. So these more sophisticated ways of attracting pressure to take advantage… like Ederson, he’ll put the sole of his foot on the ball.

    “It’s basically bait… who is prepared to let a ball be completely static? That’s why it’s quite interesting now when you watch games against Manchester City — and it will happen against Brighton — when the ball will just be completely still and nobody will press anyone. That’s also the next evolution: if we know they’re trying to do this to us, what do we do to counteract it?”

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    How Football Works: Third-man combinations in the double pivot

    There is a technical element as well as a tactical benefit to receiving the ball with the sole during build-up.

    “If you receive the ball leaning to one side, you exclude yourself from a play,” De Zerbi explained in his webinar. “If you have it to the left, you could not play to the right. If you receive the ball with the sole and from the front, you can play to the side you want. There, you have total control of the ball.”

    The images below, taken from Manchester City’s Premier League win over Arsenal towards the end of last season, highlight that point. In this instance, Granit Xhaka chooses to press Ederson after Rodri passes the ball back to the City goalkeeper.

    By receiving with his sole rather than taking the ball to the left or right, Ederson gives no indication to Xhaka (circled) as to what he is going to do next.

    Ederson can still go either way right up to the last second.

    He eventually slides a pass to Ilkay Gundogan, who lays the ball off to Rodri (unmarked because of Xhaka’s decision to jump and press Ederson) and City are ‘out’.

    As well as keeping his passing options open by controlling with the sole, Ederson never took his eyes off his team-mates or Xhaka.

    “You don’t have to look down again for the ball,” says Paul McGuinness, who spent 25 years as a youth coach at Manchester United and is a big advocate of using the sole of the foot. “You have 360-degree control, you can look at your opponent and instantly play the ball. It’s the timing of it, it’s the milliseconds it gives you.”

    It also means that the opposition find it hard to co-ordinate their press.

    “They’ve taken the clues away,” explains Ian Cathro, who worked alongside Nuno Espirito Santo at Valencia, Porto, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur. “Usually, when the ball is in movement, there’s an indication as to where it’s going next and that also triggers presses. So if a centre-back receives the ball and takes it across his body, that’s indicating where the pass is likely to go.

    “If the ball goes still, you force the opponent to be the one who makes the decision. You then just need to be good enough to be able to act upon the decision (the opponent makes) and be willing to take that pressure.”

    In Brighton’s case, acting upon the decision is not random or spontaneous. Their passing patterns are largely determined by how and where opponents press and are rehearsed over and over on the training ground.

    “The sole-of-the-foot stillness element is to force the opponent to jump. Based on that jump, De Zerbi and the players already know: ‘Here’s my one, two, three patterns to take the space that’s been left by this jump’,” Cathro explains. “In Spain, they refer to it as ‘automatismos’.”

    Those moves are well choreographed. Even before Lewis Dunk put his foot on top of the ball in the still below, Billy Gilmour was signalling where the next pass should be played.

    As soon as Fred (circled) motions to step forward, Julio Enciso comes short and…

    … Gilmour (circled) is now free on the other side of Fred.

    Of course, it still needs a high level of technical ability to execute the passes and, as we saw in Brighton’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool on Sunday, the consequences are severe when a mistake is made deep in their own half.

    But there’s also another question to ask here: what happens if the opponent doesn’t take the bait?

    West Ham refused to press and adopted a low block in their 3-1 win over Brighton in August, leading to De Zerbi’s team slowly probing, which isn’t quite the same as the “stillness element” that Cathro talked about. In the latter scenario, the team trying to provoke stands its ground when the bait isn’t taken.

    If you are wondering what that looks like, watch this moment from England versus Israel at the Under-21 European Championship in July. Levi Colwill had the ball at his feet for 32 seconds, then 12 seconds, then 14 seconds, all in the space of less than a minute and a half. It was a bizarre passage of play, genuinely uncomfortable to watch — there were loud whistles in the stadium — and made you wonder if the TV had frozen.

    Something similar happened when Burnley played Manchester City on the opening day of the Premier League season and Vincent Kompany instructed his team not to press Ederson so they could keep the ‘outfield’ game 10-versus-10. Burnley’s supporters got more and more annoyed as Ederson (pictured below) stood alone with his foot on top of the ball.

    There is a theory that some ‘lesser’ teams may find it easier than others to employ the deep block that Burnley and Israel Under-21s used.

    “One of Brighton’s real benefits is that they are a ‘smaller’ club — there are at least seven teams who go to the Amex feeling a responsibility to press and attack them,” says the Premier League coach who spoke earlier.

    “If you are Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, you can’t go to Brighton and sit back — it wouldn’t be accepted.

    “If you imagine that you’re a United striker and a Brighton player has actually stopped the ball dead on the pitch, your reaction would be: ‘I have to engage with the ball. We are Man United. We can’t have a Brighton player standing with his foot on the ball’.

    “But that’s exactly what they want. They’re waiting for that moment and the minute you jump, someone is free and they play these really well-timed combinations in midfield and play around you.”

    Cathro nods. “It’s difficult for the stadium to accept, that’s true,” he says. “It becomes a much bigger test for the strength of character of both coach and players — but probably more so the players because they’re the ones who are on the pitch and going to feel the heat.

    “It always comes down to simple things, like the dynamic between players and fans, the score and then you’ve got the other bit — the things that are in your mind: ‘Have we lost in the last eight games? Have we won in the last eight games?’.”

    Higher up the pitch, the use of the sole of the foot as a receiving method divides opinion. One of the criticisms from some coaches is that controlling the ball with the sole can become a default setting for players irrespective of how each phase of play looks and slows decision-making as a result.

    It was identified as a problem with Bruno Guimaraes before his move to Newcastle from Lyon in January 2022. Performa Sports, a consultancy based in Rio that provides bespoke performance analysis, started working with Guimaraes in September 2021 and highlighted an area of the midfielder’s game that needed to improve.

    “At the start, we had one strong perception with Bruno: that he had a lot of vices from futsal,” Eduardo Barthem, an analyst for Performa Sports and Guimaraes’ main point of contact at the consultancy, told The Athletic in August.

    “He had played it (futsal) for a long time — longer than most kids in Brazil — and you could tell. The main one was his first touch: every time he received the ball, he’d put his foot on it like they do in futsal. Only then would he start to open up his body. It meant he wasted a lot of time.

    “We showed him a few videos that demonstrated this really clearly. You have to control the ball in a way that gives you time and allows you to make the most of the space that is there. The way he did it, he missed out on a lot of passing opportunities.”

    Barthem described the videos they showed Guimaraes as a “lightbulb” moment for the player, and the Brazilian adapted his game accordingly.

    Equally, it feels like there is a balance to be struck, bearing in mind there are clearly times when receiving with the sole of the foot, even in advanced areas, can be beneficial, especially as a form of disguise.

    The example below shows Philippe Coutinho, during his Bayern Munich days, threatening to shoot, controlling with the sole, then threading a clever ball down the side for Ivan Perisic.

    Coutinho’s use of the sole of the foot had a big influence on Adam Lallana when they were team-mates at Liverpool.

    It says much about the way players are — or were — developed differently in other parts of the world that Lallana said the first time he ever came across players regularly using the sole of the foot to control the ball was when he watched Coutinho and Roberto Firmino at Liverpool. Both Brazilians played futsal when they were younger.

    “I wish I’d learnt it off them sooner,” Lallana told The Athletic last year.

    Sold on the benefits of using the sole of the foot, Lallana has brought up his son, who is with Southampton’s academy, to receive the ball in a way that he was never coached to do himself. “I’m saying to him: ‘Control it with the sole of your foot, it will buy you an extra second’. Not every time, but in moments. You need to keep doing it to know when you can do it and when you can’t.”

    The extent to which that is being coached more widely is difficult to know, but some working in the game are sceptical.

    “It’s good that people like De Zerbi are coming in — a bit more progressive. But there’s still a lot of people in English football who are very stuck in their ways,” says Saul Isaksson-Hurst, a one-to-one coach who works with elite footballers at senior and academy level.

    “The key thing is challenging players to stay on the ball. Normally it’s, ‘Get the ball, get rid of it, play forward quickly’. That’s always been how we play. So players tend to develop these skills autonomously. But the reality is that we should be challenging all of our players to have these assets, not just some of them.”

    Interestingly, Brighton’s academy recently added “provoke the press” to their core coaching principles.

    “Each year we do a review of our coaching and playing philosophy,” explains Dan Wright, Brighton’s academy coaching and pathway manager. “It’s a principle-based programme that we use — that’s important. So it’s not like, ‘(former manager) Graham Potter played like this, so we play like this. De Zerbi plays like this, so we play like this’.

    “We have principles from pre-academy to under-nines and all the way through. ‘Provoke the press’ is now one of those principles. How you do that would involve the use of the goalkeeper and the sole of the foot.”

    It takes courage to play that way and, invariably, mistakes will be made at times by academy players, especially when it comes to knowing the right time to release the pass. To make the concept easier to understand for children, Wright says one of his staff makes a comparison with taking your bread out of the toaster before it burns.

    “Interestingly, this year, probably because of De Zerbi, teams are coming to our training ground and sitting in a block on the halfway line — that’s at under-11s and under-12s — and letting us have the ball,” Wright adds.

    “So the whole idea of provoking a press is to get in behind. It’s like an artificial transition, creating a counter-attack even though you already have the ball and that works.

    “But now some of the coaches just park and put a bank (of players in a low block), so the kids are really waiting, putting their foot on the ball and saying: ‘No one is coming!’. So that’s a new football problem for us: how do you play through a block?”

    Maybe Vacca has a solution up his sleeve for that, too. For now, though, the 33-year-old is enjoying seeing De Zerbi and Brighton benefit from his moment of wisdom on the training ground all those years ago.

    “It gives me great pleasure to see the Mister put my little theory into practice,” Vacca says. “I often watch Brighton — no, scratch that. I always watch them. When they lose, I feel like I lost, too. I really care.

    “I’ve been over to Brighton to see the Mister. I was there with him for five days, dining at his house, in his office, at the training ground.

    “I have a tattoo of his initials, RDZ. He left a mark on me, on my skin but in my head, too — because now I can’t watch football any other way than his football.”

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    Ignore the league table: Here’s how the 2023-24 Premier League is really shaping up

    (Additional reporting: Jack Lang)

    (Top photo: Getty Images; design: Eamonn Dalton)

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  • Manchester City’s World Cup Call-Ups Could Give Arsenal Edge In Title Race

    Manchester City’s World Cup Call-Ups Could Give Arsenal Edge In Title Race

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    Arsenal are top of the Premier League at Christmas.

    Although the World Cup break means far fewer games would’ve been played by that point than in other seasons, being top at Christmas is often seen as a good omen for a team’s title chances.

    However, fourteen teams have failed to win the Premier League since 1992 after being top at Christmas, including Arsenal in 2002 and 2007.

    This season though, Arsenal go into the World Cup break with a five-point lead over Manchester City in second place.

    And while that break could hurt Arsenal’s momentum, the World Cup itself could hurt Manchester City.

    With most of the World Cup squads already announced, Manchester City have the most call-ups of any side in the Premier League.

    Sixteen players from Manchester City have been called up for the 2022 Qatar World Cup, compared to just ten from Arsenal.

    Predicting who will win the World Cup is no easy task, but City’s players generally play for countries that are likely to go far in the tournament.

    Based on OPTA’s odds of winning the World Cup, Manchester City have 15 players who play for countries with a more than 5% chance of winning the tournament, including five players from England and three from Portugal.

    All these call-ups might have already affected Manchester City, with some pundits suggesting that City’s players had their minds on Qatar during their loss to Brentford at the weekend.

    Arsenal on the other hand have just six players from teams with a more than 5% chance of winning the World Cup, including Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli from favorites Brazil.

    They also have one player from a team with between 1% and 5% chance of winning (Switzerland’s Granit Xhaka), and three players from teams with a less than 1% chance of winning.

    This means Arsenal’s players are less likely to be fatigued when the Premier League returns after Christmas, and that head coach Mikel Arteta will have more first team players to work with during Arsenal’s training camp in Dubai.

    Manchester United’s team is in a similar situation as their cross-city rivals. United have 14 players at the World Cup, including twelve from teams likely to go far in the tournament.

    Newcastle United on the other hand have just five players at the World Cup. Eddie Howe’s side have got off to a great start this season, but often sides outside the so-called “Big Six” have less squad depth and start to fall away later in the campaign as fatigue and injuries take their toll. The World Cup break could give Newcastle United a chance to refresh themselves so that they don’t suffer as badly from fatigue as the season goes on.

    Liverpool also have relatively few players at the World Cup. Their seven call-ups are the fewest of any of the “big-six” sides. Having so few players at the World Cup could help Jurgen Klopp turn his side’s fortunes around in the second half of the season.

    Every team in the Premier League has at least two players at Qatar 2022, but for many sides, this World Cup will provide a much-needed chance to recover from a tight Premier League schedule, so that they are ready to go again at the end of December.

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    Steve Price, Senior Contributor

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  • Fenway Sports Group’s Potential Liverpool FC Exit A Sign Soccer Has Peaked

    Fenway Sports Group’s Potential Liverpool FC Exit A Sign Soccer Has Peaked

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    As reports emerged claiming Liverpool FC owner Fenway Sports Group was considering selling the club, it was not manager Jurgen Klopp who faced the media.

    Just a few weeks back the German went out of his way to highlight the ‘ceiling’ the Merseyside giants faced in comparison to clubs like Newcastle United and Manchester City.

    So it would have been interesting to know whether he viewed the statement that FSG “under the right terms and conditions would consider new shareholders” as a validation of this stance.

    Instead, Klopp’s assistant, Pep Lijnders, was tasked with staring down the mass of cameras ahead of the Red’s Carabao Cup game versus Derby. The coach made an interesting concession; the managerial team was aware of the club’s position before the news broke.

    “We knew before, of course,” he added, “one and a half weeks ago or something.”

    This season, more than any other, soccer players and coaches have faced questions that go way beyond their regular remit.

    Whether discussing financial disparity, as Klopp was ahead of the Manchester City game, or the ethics of hosting the World Cup in Qatar, which Liverpool’s manager also got hot under the collar about, the news agenda has often been far from the soccer field.

    Even then you had to feel for Lijnders who took the brunt of the initial media attention and towed the regular party line well.

    “First of all, everybody who saw us in the last years realized who we are as a club [and that] we have a strong relationship with the owners,” he said, adding later “what I would like to say is that I always know the owners act in the best interests of the club and they always did. I believe they always tried at least. This relationship was very important for us.”

    Why now?

    Soccer is a sport where the thinking is often frustratingly short-term. As news of the potential sale of Liverpool broke, discussions inevitably turned to this season’s patchy form and suggestions of a major playing staff rebuild.

    Also present was the theory that facing the financial might of rival owners FSG felt it had reached its limit.

    “FSG perhaps acknowledge they have taken Liverpool as far as they can in their current state. Indeed, their ownership came with an accepted exit strategy,” leading writer Ian Doyle of the Liverpool Echo told readers.

    “Like almost every other European club, simply cannot compete with that level of backing, as has been exposed by their unwillingness to spend beyond their means in the transfer market. It has prompted frustration among certain supporters, with boss Jurgen Klopp indicating he would prefer a little more risk being taken in hope of greater reward,” he added.

    Former Reds defender Jamie Carragher, went even further, speculating about an even shorter timeframe of events.

    “Maybe they woke up on Monday morning and read about how much Manchester City have made commercially and thought, ‘you can’t stop it, can you,” he said referring to the continued rise in revenues at the Citizens.

    The truth is organizations like Fenway Sports Group aren’t responding to a recent set of financial results or a drop-off in form. These businesses make decisions based on projections over decades.

    The connotations of a potential exit therefore should be viewed as a serious statement about the future of the game.

    FSG’s stake in soccer’s most successful league would not be relinquished if it thought there were substantial riches to be unearthed.

    The decision to explore a potential sale could be a sign they think the value of the club has peaked.

    The Super League project failure

    The greatest indication soccer is set for something of a downturn or at least a plateau can be found in the words of the leader of the game’s most famous club.

    Speaking just a couple of weeks ago, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said “our beloved sport is sick, especially in Europe, and, of course, in Spain.

    “[Soccer] is losing its position as the world’s leading global sport. The most worrying fact is that young people are becoming less and less interested in [soccer]. The current competitions, as they are designed today, do not attract spectators’ interest, except in the final stages,” he added.

    Perez’s remedy to this predicament is of course a plan FSG was very much backing, the creation of a European Super League [ESL], the ill-fated breakaway competition which fell apart after fan anger prompted a flurry of English clubs to drop out.

    The debacle prompted an extensive apology from owner John W Henry to Reds fans. “I’m sorry and I alone am responsible for the unnecessary negativity brought forward over the past couple of days,” he said in a video posted online, “it’s something I won’t forget. And shows the power the fans have today and will rightly continue to have.”

    But were the ESL to have been created you have to wonder; would Henry and FSG be weighing up a sale now?

    According to The Athletic, one of the titles which broke the story originally, the answer is no. “It is fair to say that had the European Super League got off the ground, FSG probably wouldn’t be looking to sell now,” the title wrote.

    Predictions that the soccer bubble was ready to burst have been frequent since revenues in the sport began skyrocketing in the late 1990s.

    However, history has shown the game to be economic recession-proof and now global pandemic-resistant.

    It may be that FSG has called the market wrong and the next owners will oversee another equally lucrative period of growth.

    But if Florentino Perez is to be believed, the sport may be approaching a high watermark where Liverpool’s owners should cash out their chips.

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    Zak Garner-Purkis, Contributor

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  • Youssoufa Moukoko Keeps Impressing For Dortmund But What Is Next For The 17-Year-Old

    Youssoufa Moukoko Keeps Impressing For Dortmund But What Is Next For The 17-Year-Old

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    It could have been the moment to decide the game. It is the 37th minute between Dortmund and Manchester City when Karim Adeyemi breaks through on the right; his low cross finds teammate Youssoufa Moukoko, but instead of tapping the ball home, the 17-year-old misses, and the ball goes wide.

    That goal would have secured Borussia Dortmund the win over Man City. Ultimately, it did not matter, however, as the two sides could not be separated in a 0-0 draw that saw both of them advance to the round of 16 of the Champions League.

    As a result, the moment will not even be a footnote in the career of the 17-year-old striker. In fact, it will not even make it into the annals of the 2022/23 season.

    But it did highlight something important after all. Moukoko is increasingly getting into scoring key scoring situations at crucial moments against tough opponents. An ability that has earned him the starting position for Edin Terzic at the Black and Yellows but also has gotten him on the list of the initial 44 players for Germany’s World Cup squad.

    That is surprising, considering where both Moukoko and Dortmund were at the start of the season, when the Black and Yellows reacted to losing Sébastien Haller by signing Anthony Modeste for $6 million and a yearly salary of an additional $6 million.

    Modeste has, however, struggled, scoring just two goals in nine games. Nonetheless, the Frenchman would initially start over Modeste, but that would change when Moukoko headed home the winner against arch-rivals Schalke on matchday 7.

    “Adeyemi and I came on and were able to bring a fresh wind to our side,” Moukoko said after the derby victory. “I am very much relieved,” Moukoko said when asked about his header that ended up winning the game for Dortmund. “I have been training with Terzic for this very situation, and I am elated that it worked out in that situation.”

    Another crucial goal against Bayern Munich followed Dortmund’s 2-2 comeback. The 17-year-old also scored a goal and an assist against Stuttgart on matchday 11—another crucial game after the Black and Yellows lost on matchday 10 against Union Berlin. Still, without a goal in the Champions League—where Moukoko can become the youngest German scorer in history with a goal against Copenhagen—the striker did have excellent performances against Sevilla and now against Man City.

    Those performances have brought up crucial questions. First, what is going to happen with Moukoko’s contract? The current deal will expire at the end of the season. The understanding here is that his 18th birthday on Nov. 20 should bring some resolution to Dortmund’s three-year $10 million offer. Hence, as pointed out on Gegenpressing, chatter about a move to Liverpool or elsewhere seem premature.

    Crucially, the day of his birthday is also the start of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. With Germany boss Hansi Flick struggling for a true no.9, Moukoko has now become a serious option to make the World Cup squad.

    Reports in Germany have indicated that Moukoko is on the initial 44 squad submitted by Flick this week. On current form, it would be difficult to imagine that Moukoko will not be in Qatar.

    Manuel Veth is the host of the Bundesliga Gegenpressing Podcast and the Area Manager USA at Transfermarkt. He has also been published in the Guardian, Newsweek, Howler, Pro Soccer USA, and several other outlets. Follow him on Twitter: @ManuelVeth

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    Manuel Veth, Contributor

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  • Haaland penalty claim, Wilson foul on Lloris lead the VAR Review

    Haaland penalty claim, Wilson foul on Lloris lead the VAR Review

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    Video Assistant Referee causes controversy every week in the Premier League, but how are decisions made, and are they correct?

    After each weekend we take a look at the major incidents, to examine and explain the process both in terms of VAR protocol and the Laws of the Game.

    – How VAR decisions affected every Prem club in 2022-23
    – VAR’s wildest moments: Alisson’s two red cards in one game
    – VAR in the Premier League: Ultimate guide

    JUMP TO: Tottenham 0-2 Newcastle | Chelsea 1-1 Man United | Everton 3-0 Palace | Douglas Luiz wins red-card appeal

    Possible penalty: Sanchez foul on Haaland

    What happened: In the 19th minute, Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Robert Sanchez appeared to catch Erling Haaland as the striker attempted to take the ball around him. Referee Craig Pawson gave a goal kick.

    VAR decision: No penalty.

    VAR review: Sanchez clearly catches Haaland, which makes this about that level of contact being enough to make the striker go to ground in the way he has.

    Most would expect the VAR, Lee Mason, to award a penalty, but he chose not to because the ball was going out of play and he deemed there to be minimal contact.

    The argument that the ball was going out doesn’t seem to hold water, as a foul remains a foul — although it can of course be used when deciding upon a yellow card, or a red card for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. Minimal contact should only be a consideration when the challenge is shoulder to shoulder or a regular tackle. When a player catches an opponent with the sole of the boot (studs) leading, then it should result in a penalty kick.

    VAR overturn: Penalty for Dunk foul on Silva

    What happened: Bernardo Silva ran through the area in the 39th minute and clashed with Lewis Dunk. Pawson ignored the appeals.

    VAR decision: Penalty, scored by Haaland.

    VAR review: Play continued while the VAR reviewed the incident and came to a decision (2 minutes, 15 seconds from foul to the penalty being awarded), in line with the protocol. If the ball had gone out of play at any point in this period, Pawson wouldn’t have allowed play to restart. This happens in most games, so a match can carry on while a review takes place and not be interrupted if the VAR clears the incident.

    One of the key things a VAR should look for is whether a player has initiated contact to draw the foul, which makes this VAR overturn confusing.

    Mason felt it was more of a foul from Dunk, rather than contact initiated from Silva (no push was considered in the review.) It’s subjective whether you believe the Manchester City forward did position his leg or he was caught by Dunk, but for that very reason the VAR getting involved seems wrong.

    Had Pawson given the penalty himself, then there is enough doubt for the VAR not to get involved to overturn too. It should have stayed with the on-pitch outcome. For the VAR to be the one to overrule the referee on such a subjective call doesn’t seem to fit with the Premier League’s overriding protocol for reviews. The referee will have the final decision at the monitor, but the VAR will usually show the evidence to support the overturn, rather than to have another look from several angles.

    There are similarities with Bukayo Saka‘s booking for simulation against Southampton, although it was a harsh decision from referee Robert Jones to show the yellow card. Duje Caleta-Car made an attempt to tackle Saka outside the area, so the VAR cannot review, but the Arsenal forward placed his leg into the defender’s to initiate the contact.

    The best decision in both cases would have been no action and for play to continue.

    Possible foul: Wilson on Lloris before scoring

    What happened: Newcastle United took the lead in the 31st minute when Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris came out of his area and attempted to take a touch on the ball, then collided with Callum Wilson. The striker picked up the loose ball and lofted it over the Spurs defence to score (watch here.)

    VAR decision: Goal stands.

    VAR review: The VAR process took 2 minutes, 11 seconds because Stuart Attwell had three things to check: offside, the foul and handball by Wilson.

    Referee Jarred Gillett decided it was a coming together between striker and goalkeeper, with Lloris having rushed out of his area to intercept the long ball over the top. There was no offside or handball.

    The only evidence of a possible foul, rather than an accidental clash, was Wilson’s left arm coming out as he bumped into the Tottenham keeper, but it feels as though that would be searching for a reason to disallow the goal. Remember Jarrod Bowen on Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy?

    The same applies to Haaland’s challenge on Adam Webster before his first goal on Saturday. The City striker showed great strength and some referees might have given a foul at the time, but the VAR shouldn’t be disallowing a goal in situations like this.

    As discussed in last week’s VAR Review around the disallowed Man City goal at Liverpool, decisions are far better when they are keeping with the way a referee is managing the game. Gillett was allowing the play to flow, so to disallow the goal for what was a questionable foul situation wouldn’t fit.

    This incident might also show us how the VAR process is being improved. There are similarities to the goal West Ham United‘s Maxwel Cornet had disallowed last month for the foul by Bowen; there was contact between attacking player and goalkeeper and the match referee deemed it not enough to rule out the goal, but it was cancelled through the VAR (who just so happened to be Gillett.) PGMOL then deemed it a mistake for the VAR to get involved.

    Possible penalty: Handball by Royal

    What happened: In the 51st minute, Joelinton attempted to head a cross back across the area, and the ball hit the arm of Emerson Royal.

    VAR decision: No penalty.

    VAR review: We discuss handball on a weekly basis, and there is a tendency for supporters to take individual aspects of certain decisions and apply them exclusively to other incidents rather than as an assessment that takes in all criteria.

    For instance, while proximity could be the same on two handball decisions, that doesn’t mean arm position itself might not be the overriding consideration on one compared to the other.

    All handball decisions are subjective, and each one has its own unique factors — how has a player made a challenge, ergo is he taking a risk with his arm in that situation? Would you expect a player to have his arm in that position? Has the ball come at the player from a short distance with no time to react? Has his arm moved towards the ball?

    Royal had his arm in a position that would be expected when jumping to block the ball, even though it was out from the body. If the ball had hit his leading arm, or the arm it hit had been above shoulder level, there is a far greater chance it would have led to a penalty.

    Compare this with two other incidents this month, both with Michael Oliver as referee. The first involves Arsenal defender Gabriel against Liverpool when no penalty was given due to proximity — although while Gabriel was using his arms as balance, a penalty through VAR might have been the better outcome.

    Then there’s Aston Villa‘s Matty Cash against Fulham this past Thursday. Although proximity might be similar to with Gabriel, it’s the way Cash is making the challenge with arms away from his body that creates an obvious barrier to the cross and is high risk. There’s very little doubt the VAR would have advised a penalty if Oliver hadn’t awarded it, but the Gabriel incident is more subjective.

    Possible offside: Kane when scoring

    What happened: Tottenham pulled a goal back in the 54th minute through Harry Kane, but there was a possible offside to be reviewed (watch here.)

    VAR decision: Goal stands.

    VAR review: While Kane was onside from Clement Lenglet‘s initial flick on, the VAR review was about a possible touch from Davison Sanchez before the ball reached the England captain, which would have made him offside.

    There was no definitive proof that the ball had touched Sanchez on the way through, so the VAR cannot intervene to disallow the goal.

    Possible penalty overturn: McTominay foul on Broja

    What happened: Chelsea were awarded a penalty in the 84th minute when Armando Broja was held by Scott McTominay as the ball came over on a corner routine. Referee Stuart Attwell pointed to the penalty spot.

    VAR decision: Decision stands.

    VAR review: This situation provides the perfect example of how VAR protocol, and the edict that the decision on the pitch carries most weight, will never give the game consistency of decision-making.

    Attwell gave the penalty to Chelsea because the Manchester United midfielder had both of his hands around Broja’s body, enough to restrict the forward’s movement and his ability to challenge for the ball. But if the referee hadn’t seen it clearly, it’s unlikely to have been a situation in which the VAR, Michael Oliver, would have advised a penalty kick.

    We can look back to Southampton vs. Arsenal, with Gabriel Jesus going to ground after holding from Caleta-Car, who initially got a touch on the ball. It’s far less prolonged than McTominay on Broja, and while Arsenal fans might believe the defender having both arms around Jesus should result in a penalty, it really is a decision that is not going to be given by the VAR. Again, the pitch decision carries the weight.

    We can also compare it to the incident from last weekend, when West Ham United boss David Moyes accused Southampton‘s Romain Perraud of producing a “judo move” on Tomas Soucek. The referee didn’t give a penalty in that game, nor did the VAR advise an overturn.

    If you take each incident in isolation, most would say the Perraud foul was a clear penalty and Broja/Jesus were less certain, but the more obvious foul isn’t given.

    The VAR’s role is purely to assess each individual incident based around the referee’s original decision rather than to take precedents.

    VAR overturn: Gordon onside for goal

    What happened: Everton thought they had scored their second goal in the 63rd minute through Anthony Gordon, but the flag went up for offside.

    VAR decision: Goal awarded.

    VAR review: Sometimes an assistant just gets it badly wrong. It doesn’t happen very often, but we do see situations when a player is a long way onside (or indeed offside by a large margin) and the flag goes up. It’s the exact reason why we have the delayed flag, as frustrating as that might be sometimes.

    Gordon was well onside, and the VAR was quickly able to advise that his goal should stand.

    VAR overturn: Luiz sent off for violent conduct against Mitrovic

    What happened: In a game played Thursday, Douglas Luiz and Aleksandar Mitrovic squared up to each other off the ball in the 61st minute.

    VAR decision: Red card, three-game suspension overturned by an independent regulatory commission.

    VAR review: The three-man commission — usually made up of a chairman and two former players who are members of the Independent Football Panel — isn’t deciding whether the red card is right but judging only the suspension and whether that should be removed. It came as a huge surprise that Aston Villa won their appeal against Luiz’s suspension for wrongful dismissal.

    The VAR, Paul Tierney, told referee Oliver he should visit the monitor to review a red card as a serious missed incident, meaning the officials hadn’t seen it. While both players went chest-to-chest against each other, Luiz appears to make contact with his head on Mitrovic’s (whatever you might think of the Fulham player’s reaction.)

    PGMOL hasn’t yet received the written reasons behind the decision, but the only possible explanation is the panel either didn’t feel there was head-to-head contact or felt it was accidental due to the way they confronted each other. Either way, exonerating Luiz when there is no obvious evidence that the officials made a mistake was very unexpected.

    It’s rare that a red-card appeal is won when there is evidence in support of the referee. Take the VAR dismissal of Everton midfielder Allan against Newcastle last season; it was a very harsh dismissal for serious foul play that Frank Lampard’s team appealed but ultimately unsuccessfully.

    Information provided by the Premier League and PGMOL was used in this story.

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  • Jurgen Klopp Is Wrong: Liverpool FC Has No ‘Ceiling,’ But Newcastle United Did

    Jurgen Klopp Is Wrong: Liverpool FC Has No ‘Ceiling,’ But Newcastle United Did

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    Liverpool FC manager Jurgen Klopp is no stranger to the passive-aggressive jibe about an opponent.

    Through trademark gritted teeth and sarcastic tone, he’s fond of the barbed comment dressed up as fact.

    But in the pre-match press conference for the game against Manchester City, the German was almost theatrical in trotting out a well-worn complaint about rivals’ spending power.

    To a relatively innocuous question about whether Liverpool could “compete” with the Mancunians Klopp replied: “City won’t like it, nobody will like it, but you know the answer. What does Liverpool do? We cannot act like them. It’s not possible, not possible.”

    “Nobody can compete with City. You have the best team in the world and you put in the best striker on the market. No matter what it costs, you just do it.”

    Clearly wanting to press home his point about finances, Klopp roped in the other two clubs known for their vast resources, Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United.

    “It’s just clear: there are three clubs in world football who can do what they want financially. It’s legal, everything is fine, but they can do whatever they want. Competing with them? It’s not possible to deal with that,” he added.

    Most curiously he then preceded to reference a comment by Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth that there was “no ceiling for the club.”

    “He’s absolutely right. There’s no ceiling for Newcastle,” Klopp said, adding sarcastically “congratulations – some clubs have ceilings.”

    It’s not the first time Klopp has taken aim at the club, who finished 43 points behind the Reds last season, in somewhat strange circumstances.

    As Liverpool FC was still recovering reputationally from being one of the driving forces behind the ill-fated European Super League, the German bizarrely compared the debacle to Newcastle United being taken over by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund [PIF].

    “With the Super League, the whole world was justifiably upset about it. It’s basically like the Super League now – just for one club. Newcastle is guaranteed to play a dominant role in world football for the next 20 or 30 years,” he said.

    Klopp appears to be more preoccupied with commenting on finances than any other Premier League manager, the question is why?

    Where’s Liverpool’s ‘ceiling?’

    The strangest part of Klopp’s ‘ceiling’ comment seemed to be the suggestion that Liverpool somehow had limits that were restricting its ambition.

    Reaching the Champions League Final last season and challenging for an unprecedented quadruple until the last minutes of the campaign is pretty much the opposite of having a barrier to what a club can achieve.

    Subsequently strengthening that squad with a record-breaking $95 million striker and making your 30-year-old star player the highest-paid employee in the club’s history, with a $60 million contract, are also not the actions of a club with a ceiling.

    Liverpool did let Sadio Mane depart this summer, but the economic case for any club, regardless of resources, spending more than $100 million on contract renewals for stars in their thirties is hardly a strong one.

    Five years ago it might have been possible to argue Liverpool had a ceiling when Phillip Coutinho left to join Barcelona feeling he couldn’t do what he wanted at Anfield.

    But today it’s simply not true and history shows us wealthy new challengers can be a good thing for elite sides like Liverpool.

    A ‘Big Two’ to a ‘Big Six’

    While it would be wrong to argue that heavy investment or the presence of a wealthy benefactor is bad for a club, it is totally incorrect to suggest it guarantees lofty ambitions.

    For example, since Chelsea was taken over by billionaire Roman Abramovich in 2003, it has been the Premier League’s biggest spender in seven of the subsequent 19 seasons.

    The noticeable thing about this investment is that it hasn’t resulted in Chelsea dominating the division. Five titles have been achieved, but sporadically, nothing like Manchester United’s sustained success of the 90s or Liverpool’s in the 80s.

    With well over a billion dollars spent, Manchester United has also matched rivals Manchester City’s outlay over the past decade. But as is often highlighted the club has no title in that time and has rarely mounted a sustained challenge.

    On the other hand, Manchester City, who’ve topped the spending charts six times, since its 2008 takeover by the Abu Dhabi Group, has earned six titles four of which came in the last five years.

    But if investment capability or money spent always resulted in success then Chelsea and City would have monopolized the division.

    In fact, the emergence of these two new powers did not lower the ceilings of any of the traditional giants, if anything the greater depth of competition has benefited the league overall.

    Before the investment in Chelsea, the Premier League had a ‘Big Two’ Arsenal and Manchester United.

    When the West Londoners began splashing the cash in the early 2000s Arsene Wenger, who’d just led his side on an unprecedented unbeaten run expressed concern: “It is very difficult for any club to cope with that kind of competition when there is financially no logic between what comes in and what goes out,” he feared.

    Ultimately, however, Chelsea’s cash-boosted rise to the top table of the Premier League did not destroy the competition.

    What happened was the number of teams challenging at the top expanded, largely thanks to increases in Champions League revenue, Chelsea and Liverpool made it a ‘Big Four.’

    Fears were raised once again when Manchester City was purchased in 2008 and supercharged its spending to join the elite as soon as possible.

    The result, again, was an expansion of the most powerful teams, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City made it a ‘Big Six.’

    Newcastle United and the real ceiling

    At the top of the league, competition has not suffered from the investment, arguably it’s improved.

    No side has held the title for three consecutive years since Manchester United did between 2007 and 2010. While the two back-to-back titles achieved by Manchester City in the past five years have both been earned by single points.

    Spurs and Liverpool, neither of whom have been bought by billionaires, emerged as challengers for the title during that time and famously Leicester City lifted the crown.

    The ‘ceiling’ that emerged in this period was not for clubs like Liverpool, whose revenues had been raised by the Champions League in the noughties, it was for teams like Newcastle United.

    Until it was bought by PIF, Newcastle could not really have any hope of joining the elite, the gap in revenue and on-pitch investment was too big.

    If they produced a talented player, like Andy Carroll or Yohan Cabaye, wealthier clubs with bigger ambitions hoovered them up.

    Fans of sides like Newcastle may have held wild dreams that they could replicate the Leicester miracle of 2016-17 and win the title but the brutal truth is the ‘Big Six’ has held a monopoly on the Champions League places for the past decade.

    So when it comes to ‘ceilings’ Jurgen Klopp should welcome Newcastle United’s burgeoning ambition, history shows the disruption caused by investment in a club outside the established elite has been beneficial.

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    Zak Garner-Purkis, Contributor

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  • Transfer Talk: Manchester City to give Haaland new deal to thwart Real Madrid

    Transfer Talk: Manchester City to give Haaland new deal to thwart Real Madrid

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    The summer transfer window is closed for the major leagues in Europe. However, with an eye on January, there’s plenty of gossip swirling about who’s moving where. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!

    TOP STORY: Man City to stop Madrid swoop for Haaland

    Real Madrid want to sign Erling Haaland from Manchester City by utilising a release clause that will become active in 2024 but the Premier League champions will aim to thwart the plan.

    According to El Chiringuito TV, the 22-year-old striker can be signed for €200 million in 2024 due to a clause that was negotiated in his contract when he joined City from Borussia Dortmund.

    However, Mundo Deportivo reveals that Pep Guardiola’s side are already working on a move to hand Haaland a new deal that would void the future clause. Given that he earns in the region of £375,000-per-week, the Citizens may have to make the Norwegian star their highest earner if they are to persuade him to stay.

    Haaland scored a hat-trick against Manchester United on Sunday for a total of 14 goals in just eight games so far, just six shy of equalling last year’s Golden Boot-winning tally.

    – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, more (U.S.)

    PAPER GOSSIP

    – Discussions regarding a potential swap deal between AC Milan and Chelsea for Rafael Leao could take place, according to Calciomercato. The Rossoneri are interested in both Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi, but it is reported that they would also want an €90m fee included as part of a deal to send Leao to Stamford Bridge. Leao, 23, has contributed to eight goals in seven Serie A appearances this season, and was on the radar of the Premier League side towards the end of the summer transfer window.

    – AS Roma are confident of signing Nicolo Zaniolo to a new long-term deal, reveals Gazzetta dello Sport. Interest in the 23-year-old attacking midfielder has seen Jose Mourinho’s move quickly to secure his future, and it is understood that they are now close to reaching full agreement over a new five-year deal that will see Zaniolo earn €4m-per-season until 2027.

    – The race is heating up for Ajax Amsterdam star Mohammed Kudus, according to Bild. Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham Hotspur, and Everton are all linked with interest in the 22-year-old forward, who has been in impressive form this season. Kudus has scored seven goals in five starts in the Eredivisie and Champions League, and he could be available for a transfer fee of around €10m.

    – Gael Kakuta is set to make a switch to Amiens, understands Radio France. The 31-year-old Lens winger has found it difficult to garner regular first team minutes this season, having made just three appearances across all competitions. Kakuta is understood to have already reached an agreement with the Ligue 2 club, where he previously enjoyed a successful spell in the 2019-20 Ligue 1 campaign.

    – Victor Wanyama will leave Major League Soccer side CF Montreal at the end of the season, reports MLSoccer.com’s Tom Bogert. The former Tottenham midfielder has been a key contributor for the Canadian side since joining in 2019.

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