Tag
Media
Often heard by commentators during big European, international or nighttime domestic fixtures during midweek, ‘Under the Lights’ is a term that refers to matches played under artificial floodlights. When compared to regular weekend, daytime matches, ‘Under the lights’ is used to describe the big-match feeling and excitement that accompany such matches and the bright lights and colours that are on show.
“Welcome to Anfield for Liverpool v Real Madrid. Are we in for another famous European match under the lights?” [Generic TV football commentator]
A way of rating overhead kicks by comparing them to Trevor Sinclair's famous effort for QPR against Barnsley in the 1997 FA Cup. Sinclair's volley was hit from outside the box, and flew into the back of the net. It's the gold standard. So when someone pulls off a bicycle kick, you place it on the Sinclair Spectrum to judge how good it actually was. Popularised by Max Rushden on the Guardian's Football Weekly podcast.
Nice overhead kick from Alejandro Garnacho but where does it sit on the Sinclair Spectrum? It's no Sinclair but it's up there.
Fabrizio Romano's catchphrase for confirming a transfer is done. When he posts on social media "Here we go!" it's a sure fire way of knowing a deal is agreed. It's become the unofficial official announcement in football - fans refresh his account constantly during transfer windows waiting for those three words.
"Erling Haaland to Manchester City, here we go!"
Scoring two goals in one game. The word originates from hunting, where a brace meant a pair of birds. Less celebrated than a hat-trick but still a strong individual performance.