VAR in the spotlight again. New Premier League referees falling out with Pep Guardiola already. Just another weekend of action to unpick as Arsenal’s lead at the top shrinks. Tottenham fans may need a shrink. Liverpool supporters need a drink. Issue 68. Go.

The story is that of referee Farai Hallam and his debut performance as an official in the Premier League - one that will not be forgotten about for a while.

Not because it was a poor performance from the man in the middle - it was actually a very assured one for somebody who had yet to officiate at such a level, it was because he had the conviction to not overturn a VAR call from Stokley Park.

A real rarity it must be said, because when you are called to the monitor, this usually means one thing and one thing only. Whatever opinion you had before, you must soon take a different one.

One the only instances I can remember is when Graham Scott decided to go with his own decision during a COVID-era clash between Tottenham and Brighton and in doing so, gave a penalty to the Seagulls.

Therefore, credit must go to Hallam for sticking with his call. It may have drawn the ire of Manchester City Pep Guardiola but at the end of the day, you want to see the right decisions made and not trial by technology every time.

Some are saying that referee Hallam had an ego in doing so - wanting to make a name for himself under such a spotlight. I personally do not think the latter point is true, but I would agree with the former.

Why not have the conviction to back yourself in a situation such as that, truth be told I would rather see more of it. Crystal Palace fans will wish they saw more of it just an afternoon later.

As Chelsea were cruising to all three points at Selhurst Park, they also had a penalty shout turned down by Darren England when 2-0 up. However, as soon as that phase was ended, the official was called to the monitor.

One look after another, finally the penalty given. Not the biggest scandal but the line of commentary from Guy Mowbray was rather interesting.

"It seems as if VAR are pushing for a penalty”

Why where they so hot to punish the Palace handball when the on field referee was not?

Was it to try and make a point after what had happened the day before, could it also be classed as over-officialdom when you consider it was also noted as an accidental handball.

I guess it does not matter in the grand scheme of things as Chelsea cruised to victory but it does further highlight just how subjective the handball laws and the use of VAR is in this country.

Do you want it switched off for good? I’d be keen to get some reader feedback before the next issue.

Manchester United and Chelsea go down the interim route, have Liverpool and Tottenham now left it too late?

A lot of conjecture regarding the futures of both Arne Slot and Thomas Frank but who realistically is going to replace them if they are sacked before the end of the season.

Admittedly the Merseyside outfit have the more obvious presence of Xabi Alonso waiting, would he wait a whole season longer until Slot’s three year-deal comes to an end.

Probably not, unless the Spaniard is rather patient but you get the feeling that if Liverpool are to act on a change, they are going to act in the summer rather now.

Liverpool’s Champions League form arguably carrying enough weight to keep the status quo, certainly the case as far as Tottenham go but then where would they twist anyway?

Their stock is low - even lower than after last season’s success in the Europa League, there is a paucity of high-quality available managers at present, even a paucity of those unavailable.

So as much as it feels like a stick or twist dilemma, it does feel like both clubs are stuck in the mud for the forseeable.

However, this short-term boost that seems to come with hiring an interim does seem to be creeping into the ‘big six’ more and more. Maybe because of timing of replacements and what is out there.

Do you think both men will last until the end of the season? Let me know below

A look at the main stories from last weekend’s Premier League action. Get yourself some Tuesday night takeaway.

Where has this come from for West Ham? Admittedly not the only team you could say that about in the past couple of weeks but certainly a welcome pair of wins for the Hammers. Back-to-back now after making light work of Sunderland on Saturday, still inroads need to be made in terms of the relegation zone.

As for Sunderland, there is the sneakiest feeling that their season is starting to fizzle out now. No shame in that compared to how they started and they would much rather be in the position they are in compared to a team such as West Ham. A couple more wins and the beach towels could be out on Wearside.

The fixture computer has not necessarily been kind to Burnley these past few weeks but maybe ‘stronger’ opposition allows the Clarets to raise their game and be truly up for the occasion. A third successive draw for Scott Parker’s men, seconds away from delivering a near fatal blow to Thomas Frank’s managerial reign at Spurs.

This team is the footballing embodiment of Jekyll and Hyde, there is no other way to explain it. Fantastic in Europe, farcical in the Premier League. Once again their centre backs digging them out of attacking holes, take Micky Van de Ven and Cristian Romero out of their side and the picture would be even bleaker at present.

Harry Wilson in a true purple patch when it comes to form, how long until he is linked with a move away from Craven Cottage. The nature of the beast for any player outside the ‘big six’, it was Antoine Semenyo’s turn before he moved to Manchester City, the Welsh international Wilson now seems next in the pecking order.

Rumour or not, his freekick crushed Brighton hearts when they thought they had snatched all three points late on themselves. Danny Welbeck’s goal ruled out by the barest of margins due to offside. A double blow minutes later, it’s now no win in three in the league for the Seagulls. Victory at the weekend would be welcome.

Marc Guehi slotting into Manchester City’s defence as seemlessly as possible. Celebrating defensive blocks as if they were goals, his addition to the Etihad ranks should not be underestimated. A slightly underwhelming performance by his attacking cohorts but a return to winning ways - especially with the outcome at the Etihad, will put a pep in Pep’s step.

As for Wolves, their unbeaten run in the league comes to an end but they did give a good account of themselves on Saturday. Always going to be a free hit there, going to be a free hit anywhere between now and May. The first target will be to wind in Burnley if possible, then who knows if the unthinkable can happen. I don’t think it will.

Both of Bournemouth’s last two home league encounters have ended with 90+ plus winners for the Cherries. Each of those dramatic victories have seen Andoni Iraola’s men win 3-2. Not good for any cardiac issues that supporters may have at the Vitality Stadium but at least you cannot accuse this side of being boring at present.

A tag that you may have to attach to Liverpool, their Premier League unbeaten run finally comes to an end. In fairness, it felt like it ended weeks ago. A level of purgatory for those who follow the club, the Reds now out of the Champions League places and you almost wonder on current form how they were there in the first place.

Another defeat for Crystal Palace, food for thought as far as Steve Parish is concerned. Does he pull the emergency lever and parachute Oliver Glasner out of the club earlier than planned? You would not blame him for doing so. The usually vibrant Selhurst Park was far from bouncing on Sunday, why would it be considering their dip in performance.

As for Chelsea, it is back-to-back league wins for the Blues under new boss Liam Rosenior. Their showing at Crystal Palace looking even more assured than the victory over Brentford the week before. What is to come for this Blues outfit under their current boss? What do they do about Cole Palmer’s recurring injuries? Is their cold star starting to melt?

Newcastle tend to win away and lose at home, they broke their own code on Sunday after their 2-0 loss to Aston Villa. A bright start with Sandro Tonali testing Emi Martinez, about as good as it got for the Magpies. A point from their last six on offer, two missed opportunities to make serious headway in terms of earning a Champions League place.

As for Aston Villa, their Pincer movement of pressure with Manchester City seemed to do the trick, they like their Etihad counterparts are now four points off the pace. They can now finally add Tammy Abraham to their ranks. If there is one criticism of Unai Emery’s men, it is not enough goals, that criticism could be nullified with this new personnel.

Back-to-back defeats for Brentford after their loss at home to Nottingham Forest. The most interesting thing about this game from a Bees’ perspective was Keith Andrews’ decision to make a double sub after just 37 minutes. A simple admission of him getting it wrong? If so, fair play to him. Other Premier League bosses would not have reacted until the hour.

While Nottingham Forest offered the perfect reaction after West Ham’s win the day before. Everytime the Hammers seem to try an land a connecting punch in terms of this relegation clash, Sean Dyche’s men push them back towards the ropes. If the two teams continue their current uptick, it could drag others into the mire.

Arsenal going ahead on Sunday, 1-0 to the Arsenal and all that. Then they stopped playing the way that has seen them pull clear at the top. Two points from nine after their defeat to Manchester United. Is it pressure getting the better or in the grand scheme of things, does this defeat not actually matter due to the buffer they still possess?

As for Manchester United, two massive games and two massive wins. Fuelled by new manager bounce, there was always going to be an obvious lift. The real litmus test is ho they perform across their next three league outings. All winnable on paper, Patrick Dorgu’s injury a blot on their copybook but the next chapter certainly looks exciting.

Have Everton now got another cult hero amongst their ranks. Thierno Barry’s goalscoring prowess was hidden in the first few months of his time on Goodison, now the French forward is finding his feet. Five league goals to his name, that equates to 20% of the Toffees’ overall efforts this season.

They had to make do with a draw at home to Leeds and were perhaps unfortunate not to win. Then again, you could say the same about the visitors, Dominic Calvert-Lewin foiled in his bid to net against his former employers. Daniel Farke’s men have only lost one of their last six league outings, they need that form considering the two sides directly below.

In the previous issue I referenced that Andy Robertson was set to move to Tottenham for £5m. That move is now not happening, or at least certainly not for now. Too many injuries for the Reds, they cannot afford to let a player of such experience walk out the door.

A blow for Tottenham, even his wages and his age were not the most profitable combination. That though is perhaps where Spurs are going wrong, a senior head or to may actually be of great benefit rather than the tomorrow, tomorrow transfer approach.

Hearts and Celtic play out a 2-2 draw on Sunday (A pat on the back for me). A frenetic game at Tynecastle which needed a Claudio Braga leveller to snatch a point for the league leaders.

Derek McInnes’ men may be six points clear of Celtic but they are now only four clear of Rangers. A genuine three-horse race, you would not have said that even just two months ago.

Adama Traore looks set to move to West Ham in the next few days. There is a definite ‘Nuno getting the band back together’ feel with this one. Does the former Wolves winger still know the words to his greatest hits?

Harry Kane is out of contract at Bayern Munich at the end of the season, it is no suprise that the club want him to sign a new deal as soon as possible.

Does the England international stick or twist? He is already made Bundesliga defences weap with his attacking prowess, what price him doing the same for Barcelona at the start of next season?

18 Champions League fixtures all kicking off at the same time on Wednesday night. I know there is too much football in the modern game but sometimes you just have to make an exception and enjoy as much as you can. So make sure you get stuck in.

Right, that’s the end of issue 68 as word continues to spread around the football world.

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Issue 69 drops Friday and I’ll be back with another round of insight, analysis and trends that matter. Any feedback or comments on this issue, contact me below:

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