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Football expert specialising in French and Scottish football. Contributor to Goal, Football Index, as well as FootballCritic.
Articles written by Robin Bairner
Player Ratings
Mason Mount: Player Rating and performance v Liverpool
The midfielder gave another virtuoso display as Thomas Tuchel's outstanding start as Chelsea boss continued at Anfield.
- 3 years
Premier League
Premier League must review the ludicrous handball law that could relegate Fulham
Scott Parker's side were denied a point by a decision that was correct by the letter of the law but not in the spirit of the game.
- 3 years
Predicted XI
Pedri suffers injury blow - How Barcelona could line up against Sevilla
After a 2-0 win over the same opponents at the weekend, Barca are suddenly hopeful of qualification in the Copa del Rey.
- 3 years
Player Ratings
Real Madrid 1-1 Real Sociedad Ratings: Vinicius saves Los Blancos
Vinicius Junior's late equaliser secured a point for Los Blancos - but it was an unsatisfactory night at the Alfredo Di Stefano
- 3 years
Player Rating
Lionel Messi: Player Rating and performance v Sevilla
Barcelona secured a landmark 2-0 win over Sevilla on Saturday that keeps their title hopes in La Liga alive - and the Argentine starred.
- 3 years
Premier League
Game changer: Did Brighton suffer from the worst piece of refereeing of the year?
Lee Mason gave a demonstration on how not to make a decision as Brighton played WBA in the Premier League on Saturday.
- 3 years
Ligue 1
Arsenal loanee Saliba has a tough night even as Nice beat Rennes
William Saliba has performed well in Ligue 1 since returning on loan from Arsenal, but his outing on Friday proved more difficult.
- 3 years
Player Ratings
Man City 2-1 West Ham Player Ratings: Ruben Dias superb again
Manchester City extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over in-form West Ham.
- 3 years
Player Ratings
Man Utd target Andre Silva stars for Frankfurt even in Werder loss
Eintracht Frankfurt suffered a blow in their aspirations for reaching the Champions League next season, but their hitman continued his hot form.
- 3 years
Ligue 1
The next Benzema? Nice ace Gouiri matches Real Madrid man’s record
Amine Gouiri is enjoying a remarkable season with Nice and shone as they defeated Rennes 2-1 away from home on Friday.
- 3 years
Player Ratings
Man Utd 0-0 Real Sociedad Player Ratings: Shoretire sets record on European debut
Man United had few problems as they eased into the last 16 of the Europa League on a record-breaking night for Shola Shoretire.
- 3 years
Player Ratings
Arsenal 3-2 Benfica Player Ratings: Saka shines to save Gunners' season
Bukayo Saka was again Arsenal's ace as they secured a dramatic passage through to the last 16 of the Europa League.
- 3 years
Player Ratings
Cristiano Ronaldo: Player Rating and performance v Crotone
Cristiano Ronaldo kept Juventus' Serie A hopes burning with a brilliant individual display against struggling Crotone.
- 3 years
Premier League
Concussion substitutes in the Premier League: What are they and how are they used?
Premier League clubs are trialling concussion substitutions, which are being implemented in a bid to aid long-term player health
- 3 years
Champions League
Why Atletico Madrid's slump is even worse than it appears
Atletico Madrid have found themselves out of form lately - and the numbers do not suggest a quick recovery for Diego Simeone's side.
- 3 years
Player Ratings
Southampton 1-1 Chelsea Player Ratings: Mount preserves Tuchel's unbeaten start
Chelsea had to come from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Southampton, with Takumi Minamino having given the hosts the lead.
- 3 years
Player Ratings
Memphis Depay sends Lyon top in impressive Barcelona audition
Netherlands international Memphis Depay continues to be linked with a summer transfer to Barcelona - and he is catching the eye with Lyon.
- 3 years
Player Ratings
Raphinha continues to prove himself as a £17m bargain for Leeds
Signed from Rennes in the summer, Raphinha continues to turn in exciting performances for Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds Utd.
- 3 years
Player Ratings
Benfica 1-1 Arsenal Player Ratings: Saka stars for Gunners
Mikel Arteta's men had to settle for a share of the spoils against the Portuguese side in their Europa League clash in Rome.
- 3 years
Player Ratings
Bruno Fernandes: Player Rating and performance versus Real Sociedad
Bruno Fernandes was at his brilliant best as Manchester United took a big step forward in the Europa League against Real Sociedad.
- 3 years
Player Ratings
Kylian Mbappe: Player Rating and Performance v Barcelona
The France star produced a virtuoso performance to score a hat-trick and eclipse Lionel Messi as PSG stormed to a 4-1 win at Camp Nou.
- 3 years
Premier League
Mendy or Kepa? Tuchel reveals who Chelsea's No.1 is
Speaking after Kepa kept a cleansheet against Newcastle in the Premier League, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel revealed his plans for the goalkeeping position.
- 3 years
Player Ratings
Chelsea 2-0 Newcastle Player Ratings: Werner breaks his duck
Chelsea continue to roll along nicely under Thomas Tuchel, with a 2-0 win over Newcastle marked by redemptive performances from Timo Werner and Kepa.
- 3 years
Premier League
Are Man Utd too reliant on Bruno Fernandes? Scholes gives his opinion
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes believes that Bruno Fernandes is a better offensive player than he ever was.
- 3 years
Player Ratings
Emi Martinez: Player Rating and performance versus Brighton
The former Arsenal goalkeeper scored a perfect 10 FC Rating after a heroic performance in goal for Aston Villa on Saturday.
- 3 years