Aways Goal rule

by Spooony Wed Mar 21, 2012 6:21 pm

After seeing the Lyon APOEL game had there not been the away goals rule in play, APOEL would have felt freer to build on their momentum, continued to attack, and there would have been a much more entertaining match. Arsene Wenger said the following

“The rule was created in the 1950s when teams went away from home, with no television, played with 10 defenders and kicked every ball into the stand. “Now I believe that the tactical weight of the away goal has become too important. Teams get a 0-0 draw at home and they’re happy. Instead of having a positive effect it has been pushed too far tactically in the modern game. It has the opposite effect than it was supposed to have at the start – it favours defending well when you play at home.”

I think he's got a point and the rule should be revised or scrapped. What you think?

by hrealmadrid Wed Mar 21, 2012 6:36 pm

I personally love the rule.

I wish there were harsher penalties for time wasting to be honest.

by Tomwin Lannister Wed Mar 21, 2012 6:37 pm

I think the rule needs to be abolished. Partly because of your points and partly because it can kill matches. Especially in extra time where the away goal rule still applies. :facepalm:

If they don't remove it they need to at least make extra time neutral. The away side have a huge advantage.

by Zealous Wed Mar 21, 2012 6:41 pm

Arsene Wenger complaining about a rule that forces you to defend better.

:vagi:

by Jay29 Wed Mar 21, 2012 7:02 pm

Personally I've always thought the away goals rule makes ties more interesting as it lead to situations where a side would need to score two or even three to go through, which can be quite compelling to watch, and it's something that makes European football that much more fascinating.

People's opinions of what entertainment is differ. For some people, a free-flowing open goal with both teams going for the win is the pinnacle of football entertainment. For others, though, watching a team defend for their lives can be entertaining.

So I don't think the rules of the game should be heavily influenced on what people constitute as entertaining, but rather what creates a fair and competitive environment for these teams to play in. The away goals rule adds another tactical layer to games, but it doesn't make things unfair.