Skiddle's Open Goal: A Weekly Roundup of Football news and events

There was plenty of controversy and drama in this week's latest round of football fixtures. We'll start with the biggest game of the weekend which was Liverpool vs Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final. Both teams sit next to each other in the Premier League table and are both still title contenders which meant that nobody could really tell which way this one was going to go.

It was a game where the two sides kept trading momentum, with Chelsea dominating the openings of both halves before Liverpool got stronger and stronger. Both sides had chances ruled out with a Joel Matip goal being ruled out for a Van Dijk obstruction despite him clearly not impeding the defender too much. There was also a debatable offside given by VAR for a Lukaku goal.

So, both sides slogged through extra time to penalties in what was one of the most entertaining 0-0 games ever. When it came to the penalty shootout every outfield player scored. It was down to the keepers with Chelsea subbing on Kepa especially for the shoot-out. Liverpool's young keeper confidently scored his before so-called penalty expert Kepa blazed his shot over the bar to give Liverpool the win.

Why the world-class Edouard Mendy wasn't kept in the net for the shoot-out is a complete mystery. In the Premier League Everton were robbed by VAR after Rodri clearly handballed in the box, meaning that Everton left with nothing when they should have secured a point in the last few minutes. Yet again we find ourselves debating VAR's usefulness after some shocking calls.

In other news, Marcelo Bielsa was sacked after Leeds shipped the most goals of any side in one month in Premier League history. The manager was idolised by the fans and rightfully so but being slapped about every week has found them hurtling towards the relegation zone.

If you're a fan of all things football then these events might be for you...

 

An Evening With Ivano Bonetti

When: Friday 18th March

Where: McMenemys, Cleethorpes

If you're a Grimsby Town fan then you'll be jumping at the chance to be at this conversation with Ivano Bonetti. Even if you aren't a Grimsby fan, it will be fascinating to hear how a player who played for so many teams in Serie A including Juventus before ending up in the most unlikely of places in England.

 

Find tickets for An Evening With Ivano Bonetti - here

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Hanley Town vs Boldmere St Michaels

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When: Monday 18th April

Where: Hanley Town Football Club, Stoke On Trent

Hanley Town are absolutely flying at the moment having only lost once in the entire season. It'll be up to Boldmere St Michaels, one of their closest challengers to try and come away with a win. Yet it will be difficult with the home crowd firmly behind Hanley and you can be there to cheer them on.

 

Find tickets for Hanley Town vs Boldmere St Michaels - here

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Manchester United vs Brentford Hospitality

When: Saturday 30th April

Where: Hotel Football, Old Trafford, Manchester

Manchester United will be hosting Brentford in this fixture and you can enjoy it from hospitality where you can also enjoy a fine selection of food and drink being provided. Manchester United will be looking at this as a winnable game against a side who may end up fighting against relegation. The home side needs the points for their Champions League push.

 

Find tickets for Manchester United vs Brentford - here

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Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.