We all believe we know the rules and laws of this beautiful game we call football, right? But take the handball rule for example. Could you explain to an unsuspecting listener what counts as a handball and what kind of contact of arm and the ball is enough for a referee to point to the penalty spot? We at Mozzart Sport Kenya admit we have no idea anymore!Manchester United got three important points in their bid to earn a Champions League spot with a 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest. They had better chances, more dangerous attacks and did more with the ball. But the game would have looked much different if the home team was awarded a penalty. If you ask Forest fans and the neutrals – they’d tell you that Steve Cooper’s team should have had two!Really have no idea what the refs/VAR are going to decide when there’s a handball shout at the moment. Surely this is a penalty?Maguire arm above his shoulder…away from his body… stops the ball coming to McKenna three yards out… no pen?! 🤷♂️#NOTMUN #NFFC #MUFC pic.twitter.com/CACrDTuhwx— Peter Smith (@psmithXI) April 16, 2023 The game left Nottingham Forest fans a lot to ponder. On a couple of occasions, apparent handballs by United players in their box were deemed unworthy of penalties. First, the ball hit Harry Maguire on the arm, then his head and then his arm again – but after a lengthy VAR check, ref Simon Hooper said play on.Players of Nottingham Forest expected a penalty from the ball hitting Diego Dalot’s hand #NFOMUN What do you think?pic.twitter.com/Ose8ve4iE2— FootColic (@FootColic) April 16, 2023 In the second half, a low cross into Manchester United’s box bounced up off Diogo Dalot’s foot and into his outstretched arm. Again, the referee remained silent to Cooper’s bewilderment.The opening goal was created by Anthony Martial. The Frenchman continued his good spell of form after returning from injury, escaped the defenders and hit a low shot, forcing Keylor Navas into making a good save. Sadly for the Costarican legend, the ball bounced nicely for the onrushing winger Antony to sweep into the unguarded net after a half-hour of play.Arsenal feel the heat! Saka’s blunder and a wasted two-goal lead give West Ham a pointIn the second half, United improved and could have scored a few more goals. Bruno Fernandes, who was on top form today, hit the post with a vicious shot from the edge of the area. Erik Ten Hag’s team made their second-half dominance count with 15 minutes to go then Antony played in Dalot to beat Navas and seal the points.A goal and an assist for Antony.Diogo Dalot is every Manchester United fan right now 🤗 pic.twitter.com/1to8uq6vQZ— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 16, 2023 Manchester United had a very good weekend because their rivals for the Champions League spots, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, both lost their games. Speaking just before the encounter at the City Ground, Ten Hag announced his team “has to” qualify for the UCL – and their recent form suggests they are very close to achieving that goal.Thank you very much, whoever is in charge of VAR in England.PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 31SaturdayAston Villa – Newcastle United 3-0 (1-0)/Ramsey 11, Watkins 64, 83/Southampton – Crystal Palace 0-2 (0-0)/Eze 54, 68/Chelsea – Brighton 1-2 (1-1)/Gallagher 13 – Welbeck 42, Enciso 69Everton – Fulham 1-3 (1-1)/McNeil 35 – Reed 22, Wilson 51, James 68/Tottenham – Bournemouth 2-3 (1-1)/Son 14, Danjuma 88 – Vina 38, Solanke 51, Outtara 90+5/Wolverhampton – Brentford 2-0 (1-0)/Costa 27, Hwang 69/Man.City – Leicester 3-0 (3-0)/Stones 5, Haaland 13(p), 25/SundayWest Ham United – Arsenal 2-2 (1-2)/Benrahma 33 pen, Bowen 55 – Jesus 7, Odegaard 10/Nottingham Forest – Manchester United 0-2 (0-1)/Antony 32, Dalot 76/Monday21:00: (4.70) Leeds (3.75) Liverpool (1.79)***odds are subject to change
