paulhayward.bsky.social - Profile | ThreadSky | a Reddit-style client for Bluesky

My theory about Arne Slot is that he's recognised the individual ability of these Liverpool players on the ball - and given them more chance to think and play. Which is not to disparage Klopp's great work. They were probably just ready to switch from high intensity running to a more crafted style.

submitted 14 hours ago • 4 comments

Eternal domination is a myth, but to see Man City lose their heart, purpose and identity so graphically is unusual. Liverpool, who've recalibrated under Arne Slot, are 20 points clear of the mostly immovable object they faced in Jurgen Klopp's time.

submitted 15 hours ago • 4 comments

This is a stunning piece on one of the human costs of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Football as mirror - and salvation. By @tomhamiltonespn.bsky.social www.espn.com/soccer/story...

submitted 15 hours ago • 0 comments

The 250 year backstory - it’s all in there. The authoritarian strain, the flaws of the constitution which Trump is exploiting, the long history of demagoguery and political violence.

submitted 1 day ago • 6 comments

From a review of Katherine Stewart's book 'Money Lies and God - Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy' (via @nytimes.com )

submitted 2 days ago • 2 comments

Aspiring novelists (and football club owners) can launch their careers here... The Rooker Prize, with a former Booker Prize judge as chair, is another great initiative by @Lewesfcmen and @lewesfcwomen.bsky.social lewesfc.com/news/booker-...

submitted 2 days ago • 1 comment

Elvis Costello fans may remember him starting 'Brilliant Mistake' in 1986 with the line: "He thought he was the King of America."

submitted 3 days ago • 3 comments

There are endless reasons for Everton to move to a new ground, but those aerial shots of Goodison Park at night still stir a sense of loss. First went there as a 12-year old on a coach from North Wales when you could pick a weekend game to go to and hand over the coins.

submitted 11 days ago • 2 comments

Arne Slot's intelligence shines through in every media appearance. He acknowledges the 'narrative' around each game without allowing himself to be sucked into it. Cool detachment goes a long way in a hot trade.

submitted 11 days ago • 11 comments

Interesting piece. There's a vital measure of a sport's health that is obscured by deals and money: the feeling it stirs in people. Beyond its heartlands, I would argue, many floating viewers now see it as debased and distasteful. www.bbc.co.uk/sport/golf/a...

submitted 12 days ago • 2 comments

Congratulations to Plymouth Argyle. But this is still my favourite underdog win against Liverpool, from 2002... #lewesfc

submitted 14 days ago • 1 comment

A dilemma many are doubtless grappling with. Sanity-preserving disengagement vs that voice in the head that says - tuning out is what they want you to do, so they can destroy more easily... www.nytimes.com/2025/02/08/o...

submitted 14 days ago • 0 comments

Ignore those who say this film is "context-light." It's a fascinating depiction of tragedy as TV 'event' in Munich in 1972 and shines a light on the broadcast journalism of then and now. Highly recommended.

submitted 14 days ago • 2 comments

0.43% increase in UK GDP by 2050 if a third runway is opened at Heathrow. 12% fall in world GDP for every 1C rise in global temperature.

submitted 18 days ago • 6 comments

🌊 #StopDumpingOnOurReef 🌊 @sascampaigns.bsky.social

submitted 19 days ago • 1 comment

The new function of sport: to persuade private equity and billionaires to pay way over the odds for, as Jon Liew says here, "any old shit." www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/f...

submitted 20 days ago • 2 comments

Explained....

submitted 21 days ago • 1 comment

As Saudi Arabia has a stake in Elon Musk's X, maybe Newcastle's owners could intervene directly on social media abuse?

submitted 21 days ago • 0 comments

The best player on the pitch in that first-half by a considerable distance (Forest 3 Brighton 0).

submitted 22 days ago • 1 comment

Morgan Gibbs-White is an excellent player. Not only talented but aggressive and hard-working too.

submitted 22 days ago • 3 comments

So sorry to see this very stark news from Joe Saumarez Smith. Best wishes to him and his family in the precious days ahead.

submitted 24 days ago • 0 comments

In case anyone feels like romanticising the Abramovich era at Chelsea... www.theguardian.com/world/2025/j...

submitted 25 days ago • 6 comments

Spurs.... the common denominator is - Daniel Levy.

submitted 28 days ago • 8 comments

An optimist would say Trump has initiated his own downfall by acting like a rampant king and shredding 250 years of American history. A pessimist would say America is now too dishonest and deranged to stop him. Good summary here by Jonathan Freedland. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

submitted 30 days ago • 3 comments

This is very funny on the Brits who thought they'd get ringside seats for Trump's inauguration, only to find themselves watching it on hotel TVs.

submitted 30 days ago • 4 comments

Plenty of managers have tried and failed to toughen the mindset of PSG in Champions League football - but they weren't fragile tonight. 2-0 down v Man City, won 4-2. João Neves, 20, outstanding.

submitted 32 days ago • 1 comment

That dash by Barcola to set up PSG's first goal v Man City was a great advertisement for youthful, aggressive breakaway running (in an age of micro-managed ball circulation). Then he scored the equaliser.

submitted 32 days ago • 1 comment

A Washington police officer says...

submitted 33 days ago • 1 comment

Conservative peers from the party that proposed regulation in the first place.... An intriguing power play...

submitted 33 days ago • 1 comment

The day insurrection was legalised...(NY Times)

submitted 34 days ago • 0 comments

The sycophancy of the previously "liberal" tech moguls at Trump's inauguration is an icy dip in the reality of who they really are. Once seen, never forgotten.

submitted 34 days ago • 4 comments

You can tell Andoni Iraola is an outstanding coach because virtually every Bournemouth player has improved in ways even they couldn't have imagined. In any team you can count those who have progressed or regressed as a measure of the coaching.

submitted 36 days ago • 6 comments

It's sobering that six members of England's 1966 World Cup winning side died with dementia, as did Alf Ramsey. It also cursed two of Man Utd's Holy Trinity: Bobby Charlton and Denis Law, a footballer and man of the highest class.

submitted 37 days ago • 4 comments

"The world's five largest tech companies" have all donated to Trump's inauguration. By their friends you shall know them, etc (via @theguardian.com)

submitted 37 days ago • 1 comment

Framing a question with "Elon Musk says you're utterly incompetent" is the road to hell for journalism. Challenge, cross-examine - yes. Employ Musk as the reference point and authority for all political issues - disastrous.

submitted 42 days ago • 3 comments

While LA burns too...

submitted 45 days ago • 1 comment

Good luck to Graham Potter at West Ham. He has a fine body of work (pre-Chelsea.) A civilised and thoughtful coach. Just needs the players and owners to properly commit to him.

submitted 46 days ago • 2 comments