GOAL gets the measure of all the latest from the football zeitgeist, from women's football's most expensive player to new boots and bad refereeing
Welcome to the Culture & Clobber Axis, where GOAL runs the rule over all the latest from the intersection of football and culture – from the sublime to the ridiculous, to what's fire and what misses completely.
January is drawing to a close, and by way of celebration we have plenty of new boots, a record-breaking new signing and some outstanding design work to reflect on, as well as some very dodgy refereeing.
But where do the week's biggest talking points from the football zeitgeist place in our comprehensive axis? Let's get into it…
GettyGirma becomes first million-dollar women's player
Naomi Girma, history-maker. The USWNT baller has become the most expensive women's player of all time having completed a highly-anticipated move from San Diego Wave to Chelsea for £885,000 ($1.1m).
This is a watershed moment as the defender's supreme talent is recognised with a blockbuster fee, and this could certainly set a precedent now as we see more and more investment in the women's game.
GOAL's shout: Blatant worldie
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMichael Oliver's howler
We've seen some terrible refereeing decisions this season; some absolute stinkers; calls that make you want to tear your hair out and scream. But we witnessed the worst of the lot at Molineux on Saturday afternoon.
In the very same fixture that he boldly showed Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli two yellow cards for two offences in the same phase of play almost two years ago, Michael Oliver gave Gunners youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly his marching orders for a cynical trip on the edge of the . The VAR inexplicably backed the on-field decision, and Mikel Arteta's men were down to 10. Inevitably, the call – and PGMOL's bizarre backing – has caused uproar. Decisions don't come much worse than this.
GOAL's shout: Blatant own goal
ProDirectNike Tiempo Luxe & bonus bespoke jackets
It's two for the price of one as Nike drop their new Tiempo Luxe, which has been accompanied by two sublime bespoke jackets for Tiempo athletes Leah Williamson and Jamal Musiala.
The boot arrives in a lovely, deep burgundy colourway with the Nike 'Swoosh' in striking red chrome. To mark the release and taking inspiration from the new-look Tiempos, leading football retailer Pro:Direct has teamed up with London designer Antonia Bronze to bless the Arsenal and Bayern Munich technicians with custom leather jackets, including their squad numbers, initials and the number 94 on the back in a nod to the first-ever Tiempo. Very, very good.
GOAL's shout: Blatant worldie
Getty Images SportNdiaye's bizarre yellow card
Oliver wasn't the only referee up to no good on Saturday; on the south coast, some good old-fashioned sh*thousing was needlessly punished by an overzealous Tim Robinson.
After coolly converting what proved to be a match-winning penalty, Everton's Iliman Ndiaye cupped his ear before flapping his arms like a bird in front of the Brighton supporters in reference to their nickname the Seagulls. Ref Robinson somehow took exception to this, booking the goal-scorer for inciting the fans. The game's never been more gone.
GOAL's shout: Maverick own goal
