formality

If the statistics that followed Friday's 5½-2½ scoreline lent weight to the belief that this was going to be Europe's year, Saturday's 6-2 demolition job has seemingly made Sunday a formality.

Today's announcement by the Tottenham board is viewed by individuals close to the matter as largely a formality.

On 15 October, the government announced plans to bring him a female companion, saying Zimbabwe and Botswana had shown interest and formalities were underway.

And then this formality is often followed by disappointment when the serious business starts at a major tournament.

Arne Slot's first season as head coach proceeded with Liverpool virtually unchallenged from Christmas onwards, sealing the formalities with four matches left and ending 10 points clear.