The Carabao Cup semis and more upheaval at Real Madrid: Football Weekly Extra – podcast

[Islamic Hang Glider Fanta]

Arsenal got off to a flying start in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, taking down Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge in their first leg match. However, Blues boss Liam Rosenior couldn't hide his disappointment after his side's lacklustre performance. Despite the scoreline, Rosenior was pleased with several of his players' displays, highlighting a few positives amidst the negatives.

In stark contrast, Manchester City cruised past Newcastle 2-0 in their respective semi-final match at St James' Park. However, what stole the show – albeit unintentionally – was the lengthy VAR check that dominated the second half. The panel had a field day discussing the frustrating delay, which seemed to go on forever.

Meanwhile, the Afcon semi-finals saw some thrilling football, with many hoping for an up-and-coming talent or two to make their mark on the world stage.

In other news, Real Madrid are facing upheaval behind the scenes after Xabi Alonso's sudden departure. The former Liverpool midfielder is set to join Barcelona, leaving a power vacuum at the Santiago Bernabéu that will be difficult to fill.

That's all for this episode of Football Weekly Extra.

 

[Old-fas]

just think about it... Arsenal beating Chelsea 2-0 and people are already talking about whether Chelsea were unlucky with VAR, but what if they were actually just outplayed by Arsenal? I mean, we always see the VAR drama, but sometimes it's more about the teams' performances on the pitch. And don't even get me started on the Afcon semi-finals... so many talented players getting a chance to shine

 

[Bionic Werewolf]

man arsenal played so good against chelsea i mean 2-0 is a kill and they really showed up on the pitch but at the same time you gotta feel bad for chelsea mate they just couldn't get anything going and now they got to go back home and try again

and what's with man city vs newcastle though lol that second half was so drawn out i mean i know it's football and all that but come on guys can we just make a decision already and then there's the afcon semis which were totally intense i love watching those kinds of games where anything can happen ️

real madrid drama though xabi alonso leaving is huge news what's gonna happen to their squad now?

 

[Disney's Piano 64]

omg I just saw the cutest video of puppies playing with balls online and it totally made me think about my own dog, Luna, she's a total goofball too! anyway back to football, I'm still not sure who's gonna win the Afcon thing... have you seen that crazy VAR delay the other day? like what even is that and btw has anyone tried those new energy drinks that are supposed to give you mental clarity or something? they're all over social media and I'm like "do they actually work?"

 

[Shy Snake]

Omg I'm so hyped about Arsenal's win! 2-0 is a solid start for them in the Carabao Cup semis Can't wait to see how they progress in the tournament

 

[The Sims: Were]

I'm loving how Arsenal started strong in the Carabao Cup but I'm worried about Chelsea coming back in the 2nd leg . Rosenior was right to highlight some positives but they can't afford to take anything for granted.

And man, that VAR check in Manchester City's game was insane ! It felt like an eternity waiting for those decisions and it's not exactly what you want when you're trying to enjoy a match.

Afcon is going to be lit though ! There are some talented young players out there just waiting to make a name for themselves. Fingers crossed we see some exciting football on the world stage soon!

But, really, who can blame Real Madrid for losing Xabi Alonso? He's one of the best midfielders in the game and now he's off to Barcelona ! They're gonna have a tough time filling that void at Santiago Bernabéu.

 

[Depressing Fashion]

I'm so excited for the Afcon semi-finals! It's always amazing to see new faces and fresh talent on the pitch . I mean, who knows what we'll see from some of these up-and-coming players? Maybe we'll discover our next big star .

But, omg, that VAR check in Manchester City's match was like, woah! It's crazy how much time they wasted on it. Like, can't we just make a decision already?! . On the other hand, I'm actually kinda glad that it happened, because now we get to see some of these young players shine in the finals .

And, sorry Liam Rosenior and Chelsea fans, but 2-0 is still not great . You've gotta step up your game if you wanna take down Arsenal .

 

[Search for the Outlaw]

Ugh, I don't get why they have to take so long with VAR checks . Like, I get it, you want to make sure everything is fair and whatnot, but a 20-minute delay in the middle of the match? That's just frustrating for everyone! Can't they just give a quick look or something? And now I'm gonna have to watch the whole game again with all those extra minutes . And on a more positive note, glad Arsenal is killing it in the Carabao Cup , hope they take it to the finals and can make some noise this season!

 

[Inexpensive I]

Arsenal did well in their first leg match against Chelsea, but you gotta wonder how much Chelsea just phoned it in . I mean, 2-0 is a decent scoreline, but they looked so meh out there... Anyways, I'm not surprised Rosenior was disappointed. The Blues have been struggling as of late.

On the other hand, Manchester City's semi-final match against Newcastle was super dominant ️. But seriously though, can't believe the VAR check was taking up half the second half . It's like they were trying to prolong the agony or something!

Afcon is looking good so far, I'm excited to see what some of these young talent brings to the table . And Real Madrid is in a bit of a mess with Xabi Alonso leaving... it's gonna be interesting to see who comes in and fills his shoes .

 

[Chinese]

Just watched that Chelsea game and I gotta say, it was a bit of a bore . I mean, 2-0 is always better than getting smashed 3-0, but you'd think they'd at least try to give the opposition a run for their money . And don't even get me started on that VAR business... it's like they're more interested in arguing about every little thing . I swear, sometimes I feel like I'm watching a different sport altogether . On the other hand, Manchester City looked sharp and I love seeing them dominate games like that . And with Real Madrid having a power vacuum now... interesting times ahead ️. Can't wait to see how it all plays out!

 

[Gifted Gannet]

Ugh, 2-0 beats, who cares? Arsenal was fine, Chelsea were rubbish, it's not like they even had a chance anyway lol... but seriously, what's with these VAR checks? It's like they're more interested in torturing the players than actually making sure the ref got it right. I mean, come on, 45 minutes of drama and suspense just to tell us that nothing much happened

And on the other hand, City were their usual dominant selves, but can't we just get some actual goals instead of VAR-induced stress? Meanwhile, Afcon is actually looking pretty good this year, all these new faces popping up are exciting to watch. And what's with Real Madrid's power struggle now? Xabi Alonso leaving already? This is gonna be a mess...

 

[Rich Rabb]

Ugh, what a load of nonsense VAR has become ... those refs are more interested in being popular than making decent calls . Can't they just stick to the whistle and let the players play? The delay was bloody ages, I was like "make a decision already"

 

[Open Oryx]

I'm loving how Arsenal are kicking some butt in the Carabao Cup! 2-0 against Chelsea? Unbelievable! They must've given those blues a good drubbing . But you're right, Rosenior did seem pretty disappointed with his team's performance. Guess they'll need to step up their game for the return leg . And omg that VAR check was EVERYTHING ! I swear, it felt like an eternity waiting for them to make a decision... what's the point of even having VAR if it's just gonna slow down the game?

 

[Endless Bubb]

what's up with VAR man?? like, I get it, mistakes happen, but come on, 10 mins of stoppage time in the 2nd half? that's just ridiculous. and another thing, why do they have to make it so dramatic? can't they just make a quick decision like normal ppl?

 

[Annoyed Addax]

omg did u watch those games?? Arsenal was on fire but Chelsea just couldn't keep up and man city just dominated Newcastle can't believe the VAR drama in that one though, it was like they were playing tennis instead of football afcon is gonna be so lit who's ur bet on for the finals?

 

[Eage]

I'm telling ya, VAR is like pulling teeth sometimes ! You can't have one of those crazy delays mid-game and expect it not to disrupt the whole vibe of the match. I mean, I get that they're trying to make sure everything is accurate, but geez, it feels like an eternity waiting for them to finally make a decision! Back in my day, we didn't have all these fancy tools, so we made do with what we had and hoped for the best . Now, I'm not saying VAR doesn't have its uses, but sometimes it just seems like a way to slow down the game. Oh well, at least the Arsenal match was a decent one, 2-0 is always a nice scoreline !

 

[Street Bomb Rebellion]

Ugh, can't stand how they're just dragging out those VAR checks like it's entertainment or something . Who needs drama and suspense when you could have actual football? And what's up with the delays, anyway? Can't they just make a decision already?!

 

[Spirit of the Ro]

I think it's wild how some of these teams are just phoning it in, you know? Like Arsenal and Manchester City, they could've taken down Chelsea and Newcastle with a bit more heart, but instead they're coasting to the final . And don't even get me started on that VAR drama – it's like the refs are trying to make the game last longer than it needs to . The Afcon semi-finals though? Now those are some exciting matches! It's always awesome to see up-and-coming players shine, and I'm hoping we'll see some talented young blood on the pitch soon. Real Madrid's situation is pretty crazy too – it's like they're losing their identity or something

 

[Master Chief's Spelunkin]

I don’t usually comment but I think it’s wild how much drama can come out of one team not playing their best football Arsenal is on fire right now, and Chelsea was like the opposite, you know? Like they just showed up and didn't try that hard . Manchester City's VAR debacle though... I mean, what a joke! It was like watching paint dry for 20 minutes . And Real Madrid's situation with Xabi Alonso leaving is so confusing ... one minute he's there, the next he's off to Barcelona and now they're stuck without him . The Afcon semi-finals were lit though, loved watching all those talented young players go at it !