The away goal rule
Discussion
Why exactly was it introduced? To settle a drawn tie? To encourage away sides to attack? To discourage defensive displays and please the crowd?
These may all be valid arguments in favour, but this week's European games seem all wrong to me. Liverpool were fantastic for most of their game, deserved to go to the second leg with a three goal advantage but now face a nervy challenge. And Arsenal were by far the better side for 90% of last night's game and ended up with what their manager says was the worst possible result.
These may all be valid arguments in favour, but this week's European games seem all wrong to me. Liverpool were fantastic for most of their game, deserved to go to the second leg with a three goal advantage but now face a nervy challenge. And Arsenal were by far the better side for 90% of last night's game and ended up with what their manager says was the worst possible result.
Roofless Toothless said:
Why exactly was it introduced? To settle a drawn tie? To encourage away sides to attack? To discourage defensive displays and please the crowd?
These may all be valid arguments in favour, but this week's European games seem all wrong to me. Liverpool were fantastic for most of their game, deserved to go to the second leg with a three goal advantage but now face a nervy challenge. And Arsenal were by far the better side for 90% of last night's game and ended up with what their manager says was the worst possible result.
Previously they just tossed a coin. They all know the rules. Liverpool screwed up letting in 2 late goals. These may all be valid arguments in favour, but this week's European games seem all wrong to me. Liverpool were fantastic for most of their game, deserved to go to the second leg with a three goal advantage but now face a nervy challenge. And Arsenal were by far the better side for 90% of last night's game and ended up with what their manager says was the worst possible result.
Wacky Racer said:
Would be far better if it is still a draw after the second leg to play on....winner who scores the first goal wins.
Sometimes the fans might not get home until 3am though.
They used at one time in the NASAL for all league games, no draws allowed. Games rarely lasted more than 15 mins extra and the average was really short, 8 mins or something. The whole attitude changes, because you either score or lose.Sometimes the fans might not get home until 3am though.
The great thing about away goals is that you can go from victory to defeat (or visa versa) with one goal, without going via a draw. So you can be thru, and then out, in the blink of an eye. That's what make it brilliant in my opinion.
Great when it works for you, but awful when it goes against you, but makes for unbelievable tension you just don't get otherwise.
Chelsea v Barca, 2009 semi. Drew 0-0 away, were 1-0 up at home, in injury time, and were thru, heading for the final. Then they score, it's 1-1 and we're out!
Great when it works for you, but awful when it goes against you, but makes for unbelievable tension you just don't get otherwise.
Chelsea v Barca, 2009 semi. Drew 0-0 away, were 1-0 up at home, in injury time, and were thru, heading for the final. Then they score, it's 1-1 and we're out!
A variation on this would be great for all games - the first goal in any game is worth 1.5 goals. It would encourage both teams to just go for it from the start and, once the first goal has gone in, there is no settling for a draw with immediate swings each way.
It might also minimise the boring grind-out-a-result type football played by the likes of Mourinho.
It might also minimise the boring grind-out-a-result type football played by the likes of Mourinho.
The T Boy said:
A variation on this would be great for all games - the first goal in any game is worth 1.5 goals. It would encourage both teams to just go for it from the start and, once the first goal has gone in, there is no settling for a draw with immediate swings each way.
It might also minimise the boring grind-out-a-result type football played by the likes of Mourinho.
Or it would encourage both teams to defend solidly to ensure they don’t concede. Whatever the approach there are two sides to the coin and it won’t automatically lead to attacking football. It might also minimise the boring grind-out-a-result type football played by the likes of Mourinho.
The OP is bemoaning the two European results, but both teams know the rules.
Liverpool, had the tie won, it by being unable to close out a game have left the door, ever so slightly ajar
Arsenal, may have been the better team for 90% of the match, but the same could be said for many teams in the PL who’ve ended up with one point instead of three, or even no points.
Gassing Station | Football | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff