Skiddle's Open Goal: A Weekly Roundup of Football news and events
On this week's Open Goal we'll start by focussing on the biggest game of the weekend which was the FA Cup final. It was a game that posed the question, will Liverpool and Chelsea ever stop drawing with each other?
Date published: 17th May 2022
On this week's Open Goal we'll start by focussing on the biggest game of the weekend which was the FA Cup final. It was a game that posed the question, will Liverpool and Chelsea ever stop drawing with each other? Neither side have been able to get on top recently and it didn't change in this final.
Yet, it was still an entertaining game that constantly felt as though it was on a knife-edge, both sides dominating in spells and glaring chances being missed. Luis Diaz and Trent Alexander-Arnold starred for Liverpool whilst Christian Pulisic had multiple chances for Chelsea. They couldn't be separated in 90 minutes and they couldn't in 120 either. Liverpool suffered the worst with their long season taking its toll with injuries to Van Dijk, Salah and Robertson.
So it came down to penalties, a game of chance. Azpilicueta missed for Chelsea, which made was for Mane to later take what most thought would be the decisive penalty but he missed. The nerves shifted, Thomas Tuchel slammed his fists on the floor as he thought it was the turning point. Alisson had other ideas, saving from Mason Mount, with Kostas Tsimikas stepping up to slot in the winner for Liverpool.
The domestic double secured, the unlikely quadruple is still on. Yet their league chances are slim even if Manchester City did draw with West Ham thanks to a comedy own goal from Coufal. Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa will have to beat Manchester City on the final day, but first Liverpool have to get to that stage by beating Southampton in the week first. At least we're getting final day drama.
Arsenal look to have blown their chances of Champions League by losing to Newcastle, clearly rattled by a pumped-up Geordie crowd. With Granit Xhaka giving a damning verdict of the character of the dressing room. Arsenal had Champions League in their hands and have likely thrown it away with Tottenham only needing to beat a poor Norwich side on the final day.
Everton lost from being in a winning position against Brentford, with two of their players being sent off. It meant that relegation will go to the final day with Everton playing Arsenal away. With three points separating Burnley, Leeds and Everton, Leeds will have to beat Brentford and Burnley would have to beat Newcastle to send Everton down. Yet the Merseyside still have another game to play beforehand so could be free of any anxieties by the time Sunday comes around.
With plenty of exciting football yet to come this year, check out these exciting events below.
Hanley Town were league champions last season, blowing away all of the competition. You can pick up a season ticket for 2022/23 early to give them some support ahead of the new start. There's no doubt that they can produce some entertaining football, so get down and support your local club.
Find Early Bird Season Tickets - here
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When: Saturday 28th May
Where: Grand Central Hall, Liverpool
The stage is set for the Champions League final and you can watch it from Liverpool's magnificent Grand Central Hall. It feels as though the city will be at a standstill on the 28th May as everyone pours into the local venues to watch their team go for glory. Well, apart from Everton fans of course.
Find tickets for Champions League Final - here
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World Cup Fanpark- England vs Iran
When: Tuesday 29th November
Where: Secret Space BHX, Digbeth, Birmingham
England will be playing Iran in this group stage game of the World Cup, which on paper is their easiest game but football is never that simple. Get down to this fan park in Birmingham which will be hosted by Stewart Downing who will be on hand to offer his analysis on the game, whilst you get into the spirit of it.
Find tickets for World Cup FanPark- England vs Iran - here
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When: Saturday 28th May
Where: 54 Liverpool
Champions League events are popping up all across Liverpool, if you're a scouser then no doubt you've been invited around to everyone on the street's part too. You can come to this event at 54, where you'll be amongst your fellow fans in what will be a brilliant atmosphere.
Find tickets for Champions League Final - here
Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.
