Football clubs and players are finding new ways to fill the hole left by postponed fixtures. The Covid-19 pandemic has left footballers stuck in their homes with little to do, and football Twitter teams are finding new ways to keep themselves (and fans) occupied. Here’s a selection of the highlights from this weekend.
Vardy finds new ways to work out
After Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and his girlfriend showed off their dance skills last weekend, Jamie Vardy and his wife Rebekah took up the social media challenge this time. Their coordinated core workout was certainly impressive!
Not a bad effort Jamie Vardy! 👌#bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/ApMWmWz33V
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) March 21, 2020
The Leicester striker is currently the leading scorer in the Premier League with 19 goals. We’re not sure whether this routine can help other players catch up with him.
Newcastle relive former glories…
To keep fans entertained during the break, Newcastle broadcast their famous match from February 2011 against Arsenal. The Magpies were 4-0 down at half time in that game but fought back to draw 4-4. Their Twitter account even delivered an entertaining commentary of the events as they unfolded, with the fans going wild as Cheick Tiote netted the equaliser!
Steve Bruce’s side went 4-0 down against the Gunners in February this year, but there was sadly no such comeback. Still, there’s always next season.
Around 5 minutes to play…
Keep pushing, lads! 🤞 pic.twitter.com/UutWdvi8lJ
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) March 21, 2020
..while their e-Sports player did Steve Bruce’s side proud
Without any real matches to compete in, English side Leyton Orient have organised a tournament featuring 128 clubs from across Europe, Australia and the USA. However, the clubs won’t be putting forward their real players. Instead, they have each selected one of member of staff to represent them on the FIFA 20 video game!
Newcastle’s resident e-Sports player earned his side a 3-0 win over Gillingham. However, some clubs have decided that some of their actual players should take part.
📊 A thread of full-time results!
Here's how it went down in the first day of action in #UltimateQuaranTeam pic.twitter.com/83W7dcrcjR
— Leyton Orient (@leytonorientfc) March 22, 2020
Tonight Andros Townsend will be playing as his club Crystal Palace against Reading defender Tom McIntyre. Is the Premier League winger as good with a console as he is with his feet? You can bet on the #UltimateQuaranTeam tournament on our site.
The FA Cup quarter finals go ahead – sort of…
Clubs weren’t the only ones to use the FIFA 20 game to fill the football void. This weekend was supposed to witness the quarter finals of the FA Cup. All eight participants were Premier League teams and fans were expecting some exciting match-ups.
In light of the recent postponement, the FA’s Twitter team delivered. They broadcast simulations of each game at their original kick off time using the video game. Odion Ighalo (or at least his virtual avatar) continued his fine scoring form as Manchester United beat Norwich 2-1. Arsenal won 5-0 at Sheffield United, which was surprising given that they have failed to beat the Blades this season.
Here are all the results from the weekend's virtual #EmiratesFACup quarter-finals, simulated on #FIFA20 🎮 pic.twitter.com/k0wNFCeMbX
— The Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 22, 2020