Who'd have 'thunk' it, the much maligned London Stadium may well become the visual template for behind closed door matches being played to complete the 2019-2020 Barclays Premier League season, with a requisite for venues to be away from densely populated areas but with ample provision for public access. Brighton – Amex Stadium. Southampton – St Mary's Stadium. Leicester – King Power Stadium. Aston Villa – Villa Park. Manchester United – Old Trafford.
Manchester City – Etihad and possibly Arsenal – Emirates although there are particular transport issues that would need to be resolved for the North London stadium.
Some might say that for the Irons it is a situation that gives the club significant advantages, but seeing that five of the nine remaining matches were due to be played at home anyway that advantage is diminished, especially bearing in mind the toxic atmosphere that was present from the home crowd at the London Stadium for most matches.
Playing behind closed doors in the 2nd biggest stadium in England will take some getting used to, with Stadia like the Amex being viewed far more favourably due to their relatively small capacity. Anyone who has been watching the Bundesliga's tentative season restart will tell you that some teams have adapted really well and others haven't. Interestingly with games being played on a home and away basis, it is the away teams who seem to have emerged successfully because there is less of an onus on them to perform well thus freeing them up to play with 'expression'.
Perhaps David Moyes will manage to instill the need for 'expressiveness' in his squad, they have to hit the ground running, but a couple of wins and everyone will be looking forward to when 'real' football starts again, if things don't go so well that will be another story, but until then there is still an awful lot of hope that the club retains it's premier league status, especially if the youth policy is adhered to. - Ed
