Match Thread POSTPONED: Everton v Manchester City - Preview only

[GrandOldTeam]

And every single one could have Covid. Thats the issue. They literally do not know who may have it due to the timings of the cases they have found.

It's not the issue though is it?

It was revealed 3 days ago Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus had Covid, so their "bubble" had already well been breached.

So the argument of "any of them could have it!" was as relevant days ago as it was a few hours before kickoff.

The issue seems more players have Covid for a threshold for City to seek postponement because it was in their interest.

Sure, there's positives from Everton's perspective because we're walking wounded, have players missing etc but people seem to be overegging that and downplaying just how many would have been missing for City - hence them seeking the postponement.

 

[Tubey]

The Premier League said the rise in cases at City "created uncertainty" and that the competition's board "received medical advice that the match should be postponed".

A league statement continued: "The board agreed to rearrange the game as a precaution, and further testing will now take place tomorrow [Tuesday].

"The decision has been taken with the health of players and staff the priority.

"The Premier League continues to have full confidence in its protocols and rules, and the way in which all clubs are implementing them."



They have said why.

They haven't set a threshold as to what would constitute a reasonable request for postponement. Every bit of that statement is vague.

 

[tonka1878]

Second at the beginning of 2021.

Sodding Palace!!

 

[Connor]

It is understood the Premier League board then met in the afternoon and, following medical advice, took the verdict to postpone the match.

Everton were then informed after the call had already been made, with the health and safety of everyone involved in the match taking the highest priority in this situation.

The Blues are understood to be seeking full information from the Premier League about the process leading up to the decision being made.

From the Echo, sort of surprised that the league just said no, we have no say on it

 

[LinekersLegs]

Safety of our players and staff the priority so glad that we agreed to postponement.

Think it probably benefits us for the West Ham game too with the extra rest but even if didn’t still the right decision imo

 

[blue to the bone]

The Oil Rig have about 10 clubs abroad that they part own , so for a club with that much money they could have got a decent 11 together , i think this gives Guardiola an excuse for a mid winter break

No mate. Because none of them players would be registered.

 

[GrandOldTeam]

They haven't set a threshold as to what would constitute a reasonable request for postponement. Every bit of that statement is vague.

It seems it's OK if a manager has it and 2-4 first team players. Like West Ham etc.

But I've got no clue how many players need to have Covid to trigger a postponement.

Also the "SAFETY FIRST" shouts are odd to me given there wasn't a peep about it 3 days ago when Walker, Jesus etc were confirmed with Covid.

 

[RomanReigns]

Exactly, the players with covid played against Newcastle, wouldn't be duprised if their game on wed is called off

if the newcastle game isn't called off then does that suggest that everyone involved was negative at the time which means the covid tests work and that city could have still fielded a squad today if there were negative test results?

 

[gonetomorrow]

Hey we're only third!

 

[Tubey]

From the Echo, sort of surprised that the league just said no, we have no say on it

The missing info is City requesting the postponement from the league in the first instance.

If they have, and the league made the decision without informing us, we should be awarded three points as the league has then accepted a forfeit.

 

[Goat]

From the Echo, sort of surprised that the league just said no, we have no say on it

Could be because we dont run the League mate?

 

[Caolam]

Gives us a break before we play again, Richy back, Gbamin nearer a game. Could have been worse.

 

[Connor]

Could be because we dont run the League mate?

Cease, tit

 

[ParisToffee]

Disappointed its postponed but as it is City, with the issue, and not us what do we expect ;-(
look at positives, the players get a few more days rest before West Ham match on 1st and for the rescheduled match, hopefully we'll have Digne, Allan, James, Richarlison and others options with transfer window opening/other injured back

 

[Verbal Kint]

Initially disappointed at postponement, but probably for the best. Health comes first for all concerned. I've had long covid, it's no joke. Worse things in life than a football match being called off. Our players will be well rested now for West ham hopefully we capitalise.