the PL is very congested - more than ever before apparently - with the gap between third and 13th is only four points. Between third and 11th, it’s a mere three. interesting take on why .... https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league-table-standings-trend-b2644999.html
He's probably right that schedule and fitness of the teams is driving this consolidation. Liverpool's advantage is they have the deepest depth on the front line and there is minimal drop off in talent with players 16-24 in the squad. There is a fair argument to be had who has the best 11 or even best 15, but its pretty clear that once you start scratching the surface on those players, neither City or Arsenal have the deeper bench talent to maintain a high level, while Liverpool has suffered just about the same number of injuries with a barely noticeable change in performance.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c86q5qgg763o A Premier League footballer has been further questioned by police and remains under investigation for allegedly raping three women and sexually assaulting a fourth, the BBC can reveal. This comes a year on from a BBC News investigation, which spoke to five women who accused the Premier League player of rape, sexual assault or controlling behaviour. Despite four women reporting the man, who we are calling Player X, to the police for alleged sexual offences from 2021 to 2023, he has continued to play for the club. One woman told the BBC the lack of action from the club and governing body the Football Association contributed to her attempting to take her own life. "I didn't want to exist in a world where I'm constantly reminded that rape allegations can be ignored as long as you're talented enough," she explained. Another woman said they believe if Player X had been suspended after the first allegation she would not have gone on to be sexually assaulted. The football bodies say they take sexual misconduct very seriously. The BBC has confirmed that the footballer attended a police station on Thursday 7 November and was interviewed under caution - this was the first time he was questioned about an allegation of rape reported last year by a fourth woman. It has been two and half years since Player X was first arrested on suspicion of rape in July 2022, following a report from one woman. Shortly afterwards he was also arrested for an earlier allegation of rape from a second woman, who reported him to the police in August 2021. Player X was questioned by police in February 2023 about allegations of sexual assault made by a third woman. ============ I'm not going to name the player even though I'm 99.99% certain I know who it is. if you're wondering, take a look at the posts on the Arsenal board today.
What a load of absolute drivel. More evidence that the FA - and UEAF and FIFA - think the people who pay for their products are idiots. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/clyjj2zv9yqo The Football Association is still to decide whether it will officially endorse Saudi Arabia's 2034 men's World Cup bid at next week's virtual Fifa Congress. [I'll have a small wager I think. Now, which way will this go? Hmmmmm? eeny-meeny ....] Insiders have told the BBC that discussions involving the FA's board remain ongoing. It has been suggested that rather than a traditional vote, ratification might instead be confirmed by acclamation - with federations in favour asked to show their support by applauding. [oh do get to fukk] However, Fifa is yet to confirm this, and FA officials have sought clarification on the process. On Friday, the DFB - Germany's national football association - announced it would vote in favour of both the Saudi Arabia bid and a multi-nation bid for the 2030 event. The BBC has learned that FA officials are mindful of concerns over Saudi Arabia's human rights record.