GettyimagesThe Donald Trump tweet that sums up some fans' feelings about a video game
Meanwhile, Chelsea hit all the right notes against Arsenal in the WSL
Just because it’s the international break, that doesn’t mean there wasn’t any football over the weekend.
As England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales all continued their Euro 2020 qualification campaigns, to varying degrees of success and heartbreak, Non-League Day saw fans celebrate their local sides.
Here’s what people are saying about the weekend’s action.
1) Czech, 1-2
England fans experienced something totally unfamiliar to them over the past 10 years as they suffered their first defeat in qualifying in over a decade.
Harry Kane’s fifth-minute penalty wasn’t enough as the Czech Republic fought back to win the game, but it did mean the Spurs striker added to his international tally.
After 27 goals for his country, we finally understand his celebration.
At least it means we can dust off that old debate once more: how would England do in the Premier League?
2) The next step in the journey
Many fans would have been disappointed to load up FIFA 20 to find that this year’s edition of the game did not feature any updates on the life of Alex Hunter and co with The Journey concluding in FIFA 19.
3) Sing when you’re winning
If you’re going to win a London derby, you could do worse than replicate Maria Thorisdottir’s effort to take all three points for Chelsea against Arsenal.
That win means defending champions Arsenal have dropped points in the league for the first time since the last time they played Chelsea, who are quickly becoming a nuisance for the Gunners.
Chelsea boss Emma Hayes certainly seemed to enjoy the win, busting out a tune to thank the fans for their support.
4) Cech out the new guy
One person who would have been happy with the result in that game regardless who won is Petr Cech, who togged out for both Chelsea and Arsenal during his playing career.
On Sunday, he made his ice hockey debut for Guildford Phoenix and paid tribute to both of his former teams.
It was pretty much the dream debut for Cech, who saved two penalties in a shootout to give his new team the win. Of course, Arsenal fans still found a reason to complain.
We checked the stats - it's actually 18 penalties and one save.
5) You’ve got to start small
As for Scotland, they bounced back from a disappointing 4-0 defeat at the hands of Russia during the week to record a famous 6-0 win over the mighty San Marino, who find themselves dead last in the FIFA world rankings.
6) No league, no problem
Saturday saw fans up and down the country celebrate Non-League Day by going out and supporting their local sides. Though their stories may not be chronicled week in, week out through countless news reports, there is still a rich history in the lower tiers of British football.
Take, for instance, Sheffield - a city which boasts some pretty significant markers in the history of the game.
Sheffield Football Club is reportedly the oldest football club in the world and Hallam FC the second, dating back to 1857. The oldest stadium still hosting football matches is Bramall Lane and the oldest derby is between Sheffield FC and Hallam FC.
Non-League Day gives teams an opportunity to make their case to local fans and gives supporters a chance to engage with their teams. In the end, it’s about building the community.
Just kidding, it’s about the superior matchday snacks on offer.
7) Desperate times
The international break provides a chance for Premier League sides to correct some of the early season struggles, with some teams really needing to get creative to right the ship after a slow start to the campaign.
8) Getting out the crystal ball
While some football fans will be counting down the days until the international break is over, Crystal Palace won’t exactly be rushing to get back to action with a tough run of fixtures awaiting them.
9) Here for a good time, not a long time
It’s no secret that times have seriously changed in football. While the likes of Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were able to stick around in one place for more than two decades, nowadays anyone who manages to make it more than two seasons is seen as long-serving.
10) Gaffer, put you in
Rangers fans were treated to some of the best midfield play they’ve seen all season at Ibrox as manager Steven Gerrard helped run the show for Liverpool Legends against Rangers Legends.
Gers fans have often joked that Gerrard could maybe do a job in the middle of the park and they finally got to see the 39-year-old don the blue shirt over the weekend - as well as getting a sneak peek of the next generation.
First published 14 October 2019
