I hadn't realised until relatively recently that the rake at the Emirates isn't considered 'optimal' - as you say, it's shallower than the ideal. This all stems back to the overall height and capacity constraints imposed by the Planners, which presumably still apply. On standing though, I can't see that the rake would make much difference; it it's acceptable (though not ideal) for seated viewing, it must be the same for safe standing, the only difference being that eye-level is maybe 80cm higher.

Personally, I'm not convinced that there's much of a case for safe-standing. I think there was safe-standing in the old Olympic Stadium in Munich when I saw the Arse play BM there many years ago. I stood in a sort of tubular steel cage with a small shelf to perch yer arse on if you felt like it. I didn't find it a particularly liberating, comfortable or indeed enjoyable - and it seemed to take up pretty much the same personal footprint as a seat would. By the way, that old stadium had very shallow sight-lines and the pitch was miles away across a running track, not that anyone was particularly bothered. As I recall, it pissed down that night; we were under cover but most of the stadium wasn't so their lot got soaked. That was about the only pleasure I took from that game.

To sum up, I can't see that safe-standing would create any additional attendance, given the capacity limit imposed. The current seats aren't close to needing replacement so in terms of capital expenditure, it would be an unnecessary and expensive change. I can't see tickets being any cheaper for the spectators either.

Lastly, I think we've all grown accustomed to seating. There are far fewer instances around me of people leaping to their feet whenever something happens; it used to be a pain but it doesn't really happen now.

On your other point, they lowered the pitch at Barcelona and most recently at The Etihad, both times to increase capacity. I don't think it would be that easy at The Emirates given the basement uses - there are car parks just below the pitch. Where would all those Ferraris and Astons go?

Thanks for your considered answer. I think ultimately I miss Highbury and the way the stands were closer to the pitch. The present stadium is nice and all but it has never felt special. Its just a bit too bland and I cant help but feel the combination of design and ticket pricing has been detrimental the atmosphere.

Worst away ground that comes to mind for insufficient rake was the standing area behind the goal at Nottingham Forest in the 70’s. I’m over 6 foot tall and vision was impossible. I watched for an attack and then tried to estimate when the ball would in in the area so that I could time a jump for a couple of seconds of sight. We lost 2-0 and I never went back.

Derby County (Baseball Ground) was pretty poor too. They kind of sorted the rake out by having the front of the standing area below the pitch level.

Our seats at Highbury were behind the goal at the Clock End - about 6 rows back so our view of the game was largely framed by the goal. We never sat much in those days. It was a real mosh pit - great for atmosphere and involvement but not so good for following the play. Not so great either if a fag was stubbed out on your head when we scored.

My first seats at The Emirates were a real disappointment. There wasn't much choice if you came from the cheap seats so we were high up towards the back on the upper tier. I mentioned the Planners' height restriction and that's the reason the roof slopes down towards the pitch. This means that from our seats, you could see the pitch but you couldn't see the stands opposite. My current seats are much lower down, above the away bench and just above Club level. You get a much better appreciation of the scale of the stadium but you still can't see the tops of the stands opposite. I understand the reason but to me it's a missed opportunity.

Not many of the old stadiums bothered much about sight lines, particularly for those on the terraces. I remember the old Baseball Ground mostly for their ploughed field of a pitch. First time I went to Villa, we stood on a mud embankment. I think Chelsea was the same. Worst sight lines though for me was poxy old Wembley - miles away from the action and the barest of slope on the terraces.

Not feeling that anxious about this evening’s game. Mostly because I think it’s a foregone conclusion that we’ll lose pretty uninspiringly. 0-3 seems to the the traditional result against that lot recently. Best outcome heroics from Leno to keep it more respectable.

Oh Hector. I like the sentiment at least.

I agree the view at Old Wembley from the lower tier was awful. The away end at Stamford bridge was crap too and there was that weird parking area behind the goal!

Ah yes. Wembley was truly awful unless in an expensive seat (which I was for the Newcastle final).

Highbury seating was bad in the back two rows of lower East stand. Like looking through a letterbox and with pillars in the way.

Watching this Villa game and having missed the start, anyone know if there any way I can turn off the pasted-on crowd noises?

The noise is on Main Event and also on 4K.

But not on Sky Sports 1

No ball boys. Never thought of that. Potentially you could buy a few more precious seconds for defensive organisation than usual if you boot it into row whatever.

Didn’t take long for the first technological nonsense then. Looked over the line but not given.

Clear goal there scored by Sheffield U. Goal line technology has most obviously failed.

This is important.

The German league has multiple balls by the side. Can’t see any here though.

Ta

That was a goal

The ball was being pushed onto the post by the goalie but before he did that I thought I saw daylight.

Is the post the same width as the line?

Goalie was holding the ball tucked into the net behind the post. How has that ball not crossed the line?

Edit: Clear daylight. Obvious goal. Not given.

Should be interesting to hear the official response.

Seen the hilarious standing 2 metres apart punditry, it unequivocally is over the line.

But no watch vibrate. Post truth society strikes again!!!

Fake news!

Third world decision, that. Clearly wrong but let’s bull it out as if it didn’t happen.

Paradigm for our current circumstances really.

Hilarious

So we're back for the second half - Michael Oliver looks rather sheepish bringing the ball back out, and well he might because we're hearing he did get alerted for that "goal" - but not until he was in the dressing room at half-time!

We're back underway, anyway. Apparently Hawkeye is all fixed. Well, let's hope so.

Mari starts! Wow.

And Tierney

1Leno
2Bellerín
22Marí
20Mustafi
3Tierney
34Xhaka
29Guendouzi
30Nketiah
28Willock
77Saka
14Aubameyang

Substitutes
8Ceballos
9Lacazette
15Maitland-Niles
19Pépé
23David Luiz
24Nelson
26Martínez
31Kolasinac
35Martinelli

Referee:
Anthony Taylor

Shouldn't VAR have stepped in?

How did VAR miss the tug on a Villa players sleeve, and

Wtf happened with Hawkeye notifying Oliver at half time, was it on EU time?

We need answers ffs...................

Any links for the game?

Arteta says he will address Özil not being in the squad after the game. Sounds ominous. If it was an injury or lack of fitness surely he'd just say so.
Arteta also spoke about Luiz. There are a few things that have happened in recent weeks. I have to pick the team that is best to compete today

Sounds interesting. Wonder what’s happened?

Why were city playera in our wall? I thought that wasn't allowed???

Not a good start.

Ceballos should have been ready to come on. Why was he still in the dressing room?

Didn't see it but the new rule is attacking players need to be 1m away from any player in the defensive wall

A player off injured after 5 minutes. That feels all very familiar

We're playing Taylor's rules didn't ye know..............

Plenty still to come for all clubs, probably. Seems injuries have gone up 250% in the Bundesliga since it restarted.

But we are 19 minute in and not 2 or 3 goals down. Astonishingly novel. Touch wood.

Mari now down with a calf or hamstring injury

We’re going to need to bring on 8 subs at this rate.

Shite Mari achille's damage?