I’m not going to stop going on about the fact that Arsenal’s success at corners is built on having two of the best corner takers in the game and they both play for England so you’re going to see it in this tournament and you’re going to be forced to accept it 👍
🚨📲 NEW: The Algerian defender, Assa Mandi, has taken to Instagram to complain about the refs' decision in the match against Argentina.
"If I’d fractured my ankle last night, the guy who did it would’ve walked away with no card. Refs need to do better. The whole world is watching."
As brilliant and utterly irrepressible as Lionel Messi is, there have been a few occasions during his illustrious career when opponents — and certainly opposition fans — have suggested that he has received “special treatment” from referees.
What is certain is that, between scoring his first and second goals against Algeria, he got lucky. A challenge on Algeria captain Aissa Mandi, who was caught by Messi on his right calf and Achilles tendon, could have earned at least a yellow card — and plausibly a red card — but Polish referee Szymon Marciniak was content to award a free kick.
It was a strange incident. Mandi was in control of the ball, going nowhere fast, and there was little prospect of dispossessing him from Messi’s position. To make a lunge like that, with his studs up, seemed incomprehensible, never mind dangerous.
Special treatment? At the very least it was lenient refereeing. A yellow card would perhaps have been the most widely expected outcome — a red card second — but Messi was certainly lucky to get away scot-free.
✍️ @OliverKay
FREE TO READ: https://t.co/qmXtQ0ErQN
Brilliant performance by Messi last night - but he should have been sent off for this outrageous studs-up foul on Algeria’s Mandi. The fact he didn’t even get booked is ridiculous - could have broken the guy’s leg.
Chelsea have been pleading with Morgan Rogers to showcase their plan for him, but his response so far has been 'Arsenal'. (@HandofArsenal, retweeted by Kieran Gill)
Morgan Rogers Update
• Morgan Rogers has given preference to joining the English champions. Other clubs are still actively in the race but acknowledge the player's current preference.
• Morgan Rogers has respectfully communicated his desire to leave to senior figures at Villa (significant).
• Personal terms have been explored and are not a hindrance at all.
• Morgan Rogers is sold on the Mikel Arteta project and plan for him.
• Morgan Rogers was on the shortlist of attacking reinforcements Arsenal discussed last summer.
• My understanding is that Villa and Arsenal are in contact through unofficial channels regarding any potential deal. Remember my words: the fee is key to this deal. The player is fully on board.
• Andrea Berta has asked to be kept fully informed about any other club making a move for Morgan. If Arsenal do make a move, there will be another update.
Chelsea, in particular, have been pleading with Morgan to showcase their plan for him, but as of today, the response is "Arsenal." Manchester United have also explored the situation of Morgan, with Carrick being a big fan.
Bradley Barcola and one other player are also of interest to Arsenal. Details on that in due time.
Arsenal are also in direct contact with multiple midfielders, as recently as a few days ago. The likes of Bouaddi, Scott, Kone, Larsson, and two others. As I mentioned yesterday, we are yet to make contact with any club officially while Berta explores personal terms with all of them. One of these players is convinced he is joining Arsenal. It's important to remember that Livramento also felt the same way, but it highlights how strong the conversations are.
Arsenal are also monitoring the Madrid midfielder situation. Tonali was offered to us in January; talks have never surpassed personal terms as of today. These clubs are using Elliot Anderson's deal as a market scale. Newcastle want crazy money, as do Palace for Wharton.
Personally, I hope its Ayyoub Bouaddi we accelerate a move for!
Taking a very short holiday. I'll be back!
HandofArsenal
https://t.co/FlJpEu3RFz