Skiddle's open goal: A weekly roundup of football news and events
Skiddle's Open Goal is back ahead f the new season.
Date published: 7th Aug 2023
The football is back! It's a good time of the year for the millions of people who enjoy the beautiful game, as footy fans get excited to see how their team will do this season. There's always a sense of optimism as the ball gets kicked once more, no matter how well or badly your team did in the previous season.
The Premier League is back this coming weekend but we got the annual prelude with the Charity Shield taking place with Arsenal taking on Manchester City. It saw the introduction of new refereeing guidelines including a straight yellow for kicking the ball away, which seems as though it is going to get a lot of players pointlessly sent off this season. It really doesn't affect the game that much and should only be used when stopping a team counter attacking.
It fails to address the key issue which was referee abuse not a tw second delay from players lightly touching a ball. We want yellows for players surrounding the referee instead. At least they're halfway there with managers getting booked as Arteta got a yellow for asking for a booking.
In terms of the game itself it was low on quality and chances, with no excitement until Cole Palmer struck a sweet strike into the top corner of Ramsdale's net. There were then a surprising 11 minutes added on which we saw a lot of last season but seemed to stop quite quickly. The extra period was dominated by Arsenal wh pushed an d got a deflected equaliser.
Guardiola was dismayed at the added time and was even more furious when they lost the penalty shoot out not long after after they had looked to win the game. It gave Arsenal bragging rights over the team that chased them down last season as they look to renew the rivalry again this season.
The lower leagues kicked off too this weekend and it showed that you can never predict leagues such as the Championship where Leeds could only draw at home to Cardiff and Last season's high-flyers Sunderland lost to newly-promoted Ipswich. There will be plenty of thrills in the lower leagues this season.
Wrexham are the favourites t be promoted from League Two but were victims of a resounding 5-3 loss to MK Dons. With Hollywood backing, they will be the team everyone wants to beat this season. We can't wait to see what else unfolds this season. To get your footy fix, take a look at the events below.
Jermain Beckford & Luciano Beechio
When: Friday 13th October
Where: Crow Nest Golf Club, Brighouse
One of Leeds' golden eras revolved around the partnership of Jermain Beckford and Luciano Beechio. The pair racked up the goals and made plenty of memorable moments out on the pitch. Now, you can see the pair in conversation as they discuss their time at the Yorkshire club.
When: Saturday 12th August
Where: Hastings United, Hastings
Hastings United are back in action and their first home game this season will be against Cheshunt, who last season were relegated from the National League South. It means that the home side could make quite a statement by beating them. With a good home crowd behind them, anything can happen.
Liverpool Football Quiz: John Aldridge Special
When: Saturday 2nd September
Where: The Shankly Hotel, Liverpool
The Shankly Hotel will be hosting this quiz about all things Liverpool Football Club. This one will have more of a specific focus on club legend John Aldridge, who was a key part of some of the club's most exciting teams. Test your knowledge about the football club 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.
