This was not Match of the Day. By axing the opening credits, the BBC made that much clear from the outset. Instead a voiceover provided a pithy apology and a budget graphic popped up saying Premier League highlights.
Then there were goals, a save or two, a VAR check here and there. And basically nothing else for 20 bizarre minutes soundtacked by crowd noise and nothing else.
We had known for more than 24 hours that it would be a highlights package like no other. From no presenter to no pundits. Then to no commentators and key production staff. Let's hope the last one left in Media City’s football department turned the lights off.
