Big Match Talking Points...

Two big matches this weekend, both of them on Saturday, and both of them on TV. I found them both entertaining for differing reasons.

Liverpool against Manchester United is possibly the biggest derby match in the world. Alright, the two teams aren't right next to each other, but the two cities have an intense rivalry, as do the two clubs. It had the feeling of a local derby, with the passion, atmosphere and tension.

Howard Webb did a decent job of controlling it. Things got pretty fiery in the first half, but he rode the storm, and a yellow card for Carlos Tevez helped him to calm things down, and play settled down again. Manchester United played poorly, and deserved to lose. Their afternoon came to a bad climax at the end when Vidic was sent off for two yellow cards. The first was for a cynical foul on Robbie Keane, where some people think the card should have been red. I disagree. I think that there is sufficient doubt as to whether it was an obvious goalscoring opportunity, so I would let him have another chance, as Webb did. It was very close to a red, but not quite. In any case, Vidic used up that other chance with a stupid aerial challenge which saw him receive a second yellow and (eventually, when Howard Webb remembered) a red. It strikes me that the challenge was similar to Kovac's one on Joe Cole in the England game during the week. Anyway, a deserved red card and a good performance from Howard Webb.

The second big game didn't go quite so well for the referee. Manchester City, with their new found wealth and new signing Robinho, took on Chelsea. It was an open, entertaining encounter, with both sides trying to play football. Robinho got his dream debut goal, but Chelsea performed well and deserved their win. Mark Halsey didn't do so well.

He gave rather too many minor free kicks for little infringements, which was infuriating at times. He played advantage well, including on Chelsea's goal, but thats about the only positive. Chelsea should perhaps have had a penalty for a push by Richards on Anelka. Altogether, not ideal, but not disastrous. And then Halsey sent off John Terry.

This is a very strange decision. John Terry does bring Jo down with a cynical foul, a gentle rugby tackle I suppose. However, it is in the centre circle, and one or even two defenders are covering. If Vidic stayed on at Anfield, then Terry cannot be sent off for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity - there is massive doubt. But Halsey has said the sending off was for serious foul play.

That makes it even more mystifying. For serious foul play, a player has to use excessive force or endanger an opponent's safety in his tackle. The challenge, while cynical, did neither of these! I know some people would like to see fouls of this nature punished with a sending off, but the laws don't allow for it, and if the card is for serious play then I don't see how it won't fail to be overturned. A rather bizarre decision, and not a good evening for Halsey.

So, two big matches, one of which went well, the other not so well. The matches keep coming too, with the start of the Champions League group stages this week, followed by a West Midlands derby and Chelsea vs Manchester United on Sunday. Doubtless there will be something to discuss!