Arsenal Late Show vs Wolves

19:58So the question is, if and when he comes back from AFCON, has that woken him up? Has what he did today on the field, has that woken him up to be close to the Mo Salah that we know? and if it has then you could probably still sell him in the summer and as I said I don't believe you're getting anything in January so you really need to figure a way out of getting Mo Salah at the very least what we saw when he came on today till at least the end of the season where you can rethink what you do going forward Just a quick word on Liverpool overall Do you agree with Don? Are you as positive as Don? No, I think the result was positive it was uncomfortable you know even at 2-0 you're still thinking if they can get one there's still going to be 15 minutes left there could be trouble yeah well that's just a fan in you Stevie well you know you can feel it though when you're watching it you can feel it and you know Alistair said it in the second half yes they had chances but it was all counter attacks I mean do we really want to see Liverpool at Anfield week after week playing on the counter attack No, we don't.

21:09We want them on the front foot, squeezing the life out of the opposition and taking control of the game. And they didn't have control of it in the second half. They just got a little bit fortunate that the half chances that came Brighton's way they didn't take. But also, somebody got close enough to put whoever it was with that final piece of the puzzle enough to put them off.

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21:44Steve Nicol:Everything you need to study and play with select Windows 11 PCs. Eligible students get a year of Microsoft 365 Premium and a year of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate with a custom color Xbox wireless controller. Learn more at windows.com slash student offer. While supplies last, ends June 30th. Terms at aka.ms slash college PC. MLB.tv on ESPN is your home for every out-of-market game. live or on demand. Catch your favorite teams and players, plus MLB Network and ESPN app features like Multiview, syncing your stats, key plays, bets, and fantasy, all in one place. Sign up now for MLB.tv in the ESPN app.

22:24Separate subscriptions required, blackouts, and other terms apply. Visit stream.espn.com slash MLB TV for more information.

22:36Paul Palmer back in the starting 11, back in the goals as well. He would open the scoring as Chelsea would be Everton by two goals to nil. A comfortable win for Chelsea, but an interesting press conference from Enzo Mareska. In terms of Mallow, he played very well with the assist and a goal. He hadn't scored a goal in his career until the Wolves earlier this season.

22:57Steve Nicol:He's got to assume that's not something you're asking him to contribute more. Yes, but again, it's the effort from the players. We said many times that Riz and Malu are both full-back and today they were both midfielder. So the effort, the open mind, the way they want to learn has been fantastic. And this is the reason why I praise the player because with so many problems, they are doing very well after a complicated week. Since I joined the club, The last 48 hours has been the worst 48 hours since I joined the club because many people didn't support us. So very happy for Malo in that moment, that the effort from Malo and from the rest showed that they are all there and they want to help this club.

23:49What do you mean in terms of the not people supporting you in the last 48 hours?

23:56Worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people didn't support me and the team. We've been speaking to our sources within Chelsea. Nobody really can get their finger on what he meant by the fact that he hasn't had support over the last 48 hours. Well, I have these 48 hours all the time. Greg comes into work and no one supports him.

24:18Steve Nicol:It's like a rolling 48 hours of people just not... I've never got a shoulder to cry on. I mean, I don't know. Is he talking... No, it's weird, isn't it? We can't really sit here. As you said, I can't speculate. I've got absolutely no idea what he's talking about. What we can talk about is the game. Much needed, of course, as I mentioned, a poor run going into this against an Everton side who are tough to break down. But in the end, you get the win. Listen, it was 2-0 at halftime, but Everton gave as good as they got. They got caught with two great bits of play. One from Gusto and Cole Palmer, and the other one from Pedro Neto, the wing play, which, by the way, he dropped Neto at Leeds.

24:55Steve Nicol:I didn't drop, he rested him, sorry, and they lost along with Rhys James. and then Gusto with the goal. That apart in the first half in particular, Everton looked as dangerous going forward. It was much of a muchness. It wasn't a great game up until 20, 25 minutes. Chelsea were in control in the second half until the last, I don't know, 10, 15 minutes, and Everton got their dander up, but it was all a bit too late. They hit the post, but it was just about getting the three points today, which they got. So if he's talking about board members or executives or the bigwigs upstairs and something's been said, then maybe he's got a gripe.

25:29Steve Nicol:But if he's talking about the criticism that's maybe come his way from bad results at Leeds, from a mediocre result at Bournemouth, from a bad result in Italy, then that's something that he's just going to have to accept. So if it's something deeper and more worrying, and by the sounds of it, it could be, then fine. But if it's just about some back pages, then I think he's going to have to roll his sleeves up. But by the sounds of that, this is a little bit more internal. Did you ask Don about his sources? They've been cracking in the past. Harry Kane to Manchester City, of course.

26:10I mean, I'm trying to read into what he's saying. I mean, surely he's not criticising the hierarchy above him. Surely he must be on about the Chelsea fans. It sounds like he is, though, don't it? Because they've... What else would it be? I don't know. It might be the Chelsea fans because they must have been fuming when they got outplayed against Leeds. I think he's really loved the fans. and then the fans and the players have been great anyway on the pitch Don well David Moyes got asked the question what was the difference at the end of the game between the two sides and he went about a billion pounds so probably that was the difference because I agree with Craig I mean when they scored Chelsea Everton had a really good 15-20 minutes and then when they went 2-0 down Everton were great again so listen it was a bang job that I think Chelsea were going to beat Everton I think Everton haven't won there I think for something crazy like 31 years.

26:55So, yeah, that Chelsea hoodoo sort of reared its ugly head again. They'll move on Everton. It's a hard place to go. But with Chelsea, you just don't know what you're going to get. We've sat on here many a time and we've gone brilliant against Arsenal when they beat them 1-1. Can you really rely on them going to Leeds? No, you can't. And that's Chelsea for you. Just a reminder, plenty more action tomorrow in England as Manchester City look to close the gap on Arsenal at the top of the table. They're away against Crystal Palace. Elsewhere it's Forest Spurs. Sunderland, Newcastle, of course, the big derby.

27:26West Ham Villa, Brentford leads the late game. And Monday sees Manchester United against Bournemouth. We'll be looking back at those games and Real Madrid in action as well in the next edition of ESPN FC.

27:43Also, far from their brilliant best, but they got it done in the end, beating Osasuna by two goals to nil. Rafinha, impressive in the second half. His two goals giving Anzi Flick the victory. Here's the Barca coach. Today Rafinha played inside. I don't know what Rafinha gives you in that position, unlike what he does on the wing, and how do you assess his game with these two goals? Important for me that he scored these two goals. Also for him to make it on the next step, he's always a big part, a big help for our team. I think we saw it and they defend really deep in their own third. This was not easy to create spaces.

28:35But when we get this space, we used it. This is also the quality of Petri and Rafinha at this moment. This was very important for us because, as I said before, for the most important thing, the three points today. Barca then, top of the table. They are clear by seven points of Real Madrid, of course, in action on Sunday away against Alaves. We talked about this a lot, Craig, but what a difference, what an asset Rafinha is to this team.

29:07Steve Nicol:Yeah, and we wondered most of the summer whether with Rashford coming in and previous, you know, it was Nico Williams last year, but he didn't come in, whether he would move Rafinha a little bit more centrally, which he did today with Rashford on the left, with Luminuel and his usual position on the right. Ferran Torres continues through the middle. He's been in great form. He was a little unlucky. That goal got chopped off, but it was the right decision. Pedri, you know, Hansi Flick talked about it. What a ball. Yeah, great ball. It's just a world-class ball. But, you know, the struggle to get in these positions today, which was running at the back four, in behind the midfield, because also Suna did play deep.

29:44Steve Nicol:But he is a difference maker. whether you play him on the left-hand side and he's making runs or whether he's in the middle, which he played most of the game. He did move on to the left at the end. And Koundy's been a real asset getting forward from that right-back position, particularly in the last few games. But you can put this game down with most of the Premier League games we've discussed thus far. It was pretty drab, but it was getting the job done. I mean, they played some good football, Barcelona, but weren't really getting anywhere. But I think from Hansi Flick's perspective, He's got Lewandowski sitting there, who he didn't use.

30:18Steve Nicol:He's got Ferran Torres sitting there next to me, Stevie. Hi, Robert. How are you doing? Continue to sit on the bench. Ferran Torres is playing well. So he's lively up front. You've got Rashford, who's still looking sharp. Obviously, you've got the threat of Laminya Mal. You've got Rafinha back fit again. Pedri back fit again. Frankie de Jong back available. And he seems to have settled on this back four at the moment. Of Baldy, Gerard Martin, who's a left-back playing centre-back. he looks a bit more comfortable there although they haven't had to defend a lot against some of these teams but him and QBAC seems to be the preferred partnership and after all the trials and tribulations thus far in the season this at this moment in time is the back four that I think he's going to go with and the longer he can make that happen the better chance they have of working better of a unit with Eric Garcia at the moment continuing to play a good role in the midfield So, yeah, a good three points.

31:17Steve Nicol:There's a seven-point gap now between them and Real Madrid. And we all know tomorrow, if he doesn't peg that back, Xabi Alonso, he can pack his suitcase. Yeah, of course. And that has been the big talking point over the last few days. The future of Xabi Alonso, of course, after that defeat against Manchester City. Our fault, basically. The players have come out and taken responsibility for what has happened over the last few weeks. But that doesn't really ease the pressure on Xabi Alonso. Here he is ahead of the game. I think if we were to write a script about what we thought Xavi Alonso would say ahead of this game, he ticked all those boxes there.

31:52Everything's fine, we're on board, we're looking forward to this challenge. But you lose, you're out. Yeah, doesn't matter what you say.

31:59Steve Nicol:The players can say, oh, we're behind them and it's our fault and all that. That's not a job. It's just what happens on the field. Will they win tomorrow? Away at Deportivo Alaves? I would imagine they'll drag something out, yeah? Right. Just to keep it going. But I get the feeling it's not far away for him, particularly with Bassa. The only way that I think I can see him surviving is if Bassa start dropping points. Yes. And, you know, Real Madrid's troubles are not so deep because Bassa are also having their struggles. But if they start putting a run together, Real Madrid are going to have to do the same.

32:38Steve Nicol:and they haven't shown the ability to put a consistent run of wins on the board. So I think tomorrow will be a win, probably. But I can't see them surviving too long, to be honest. Stevie? How bad is it when we're sitting here talking about we're not sure whether they're going to beat all of this? Yeah. I mean, that's just how bad the situation is. Yeah. You asked Craig the question, and he had like a pregnant pause because that's how bad Real Madrid are, that you're actually thinking. It's quite possible that they don't win and maybe get beat. I mean, that just tells you where they are.

33:24There we are then. That is it. That brings us to the end of today's show. Don Hutchinson returns for extra time as the boys answer your questions. Stay with us.

33:39Welcome to the latest edition of Extra Time. Stevie and Craig here. Craig's in a rush. He's got plans tonight. Other friends. You can definitely tell he is way better. He's back to normal. I'm feeling much better. When you said the Chelsea manager, I almost lost it. No, I didn't. Mascara. Mascara. Just add that to the list. How are you, Don? I'm good, mate. I laughed at your post every day when Stevie had a little pop saying, Yeah, look at his smug face. Yeah, me little smug face. That's when the boys know you're back. Yeah, indeed, Todd. Don's due to work New Year's Eve, and Don was like, do you think you can start earlier?

34:22What, here? Salah's reception when he came on today was unlike the one Trent got when he returned to Anfield. Does this mean that all is forgiven for Mo? Stevie? Were you surprised how good the reception was for him? No. No. I actually didn't think it would be as loud as it was. So you were surprised?

34:48Who's that? Well, I wasn't surprised he got a good reception. Right, but you were surprised how... I didn't expect it to be as loud because, you know, Liverpool fans, regardless of how good you've been if you have a go at their club it doesn't matter who you are they don't like it and so that's why I didn't expect it I was surprised how good it was I don't know what your answer is Don, you played for Liverpool I think they were first class today I think they were just showing Mo Salah how much they've appreciated what he's done, what he's won and the numbers he's been putting up for eight years or whatever, he'll go down, as everyone's probably said before, when you're putting Liverpool XI together, he will 100 % get in Liverpool as the best ever XI, and he will be ranked as one of their best ever players, and I think the fans were brilliant today, just letting them know that.

35:45That's why I thought it was quite emotional, thinking, do I really want to leave this at the end of the game when he's done his lap of honour?

35:51Steve Nicol:So it's all right for Mo Salah, and he gets a great reception, but not OK for the homegrown boy when he wants to leave. Rules for some and rules for others, I believe. I don't know. The hometown boy said he was wanting to leave. Ward didn't say he wanted to leave, did he? I think that's the difference. I don't think it helped Trent, Craig. I think that's the difference. Craig, I don't think it helped Trent when he said, I've not made up my mind. I don't know if I'm going. I'll let you all know when I've made my mind up. And then he rocked up in that press conference and spoke perfect Spanish. He was like, what's happened there?

36:31Of course you knew you were going.

36:32Steve Nicol:Yeah, I know. Players come and players go. Don, what's the percentage chance Mo Salah will be staying at Liverpool post-AFCON? I don't want to hear 50-50, lad. Wow. Impressive. No, no, no. Okay, lad. Who's that, Niaz? I'm going to say 80-20, he stays. Okay. Don, is Arsenal the most dulled team, top of the league? Oh, sorry. Don Is Arsenal the most dull top of the league team in Europe Do you want to have another go at that? It's easy for you to say I'll stick with that Go for it I want to hear it Do it properly Go on Don Is Arsenal the most dull top of the league team in Europe It's not that difficult You want to sit there There you go What's the question Dan?

37:20Is Arsenal the most dull top of the league team in Europe? Hey Hey Not really. I mean, we're going to go heavy on them because they were really average today, but they've not really been all season. I find it funny. I mean, when Liverpool won the league last year, on the radio stations over here, people were going, oh, they're boring. They're a little bit lucky. They're a little bit dull. Liverpool were beating teams by four, fives and sixes last season. All right, you know, in a Premier League schedule when it's busy, you've got to get by. And now Arsenal are sitting top of the league. People are going, oh, Arsenal are boring.

37:53Oh, it's a bit boring. I think people just get a little bit English sort of nature, really. People just get offended by someone at the top of the league by five points. All right, they weren't great today. They'll move on. Let's be honest.

38:05Steve Nicol:The people that phone in the UK sports radio stations, they've had their brains taken out, most of them, just after birth. I mean, they're just lums. You know, you hear some of it, it's just absolute nonsense. It's just bait. Craig, are Wolves in real danger of breaking Derby's record for the fewest Premier League points? I don't remember what Derby's record was.

38:32Steve Nicol:Well, they're in danger of doing it, yeah. Very much so. But I think there's enough bad teams around that they'll probably just beat it eventually. My question... Stevie's looking good. Oh, they're not going to play Arsenal. How have they gone to score a goal? They've scored one goal since October. They scored against the league leaders, though. Yeah, they did a lot of good at, didn't they? But two goals... What do you mean they scored one goal? Didn't they score against United? They've only scored one goal. They scored today. And they scored against United on Monday, didn't they? They scored United on Monday.

39:02Before United, they scored one goal since October. You didn't say that. I just slightly changed it. Before the one... All right, hold on a minute. They've only scored three goals since October. You didn't say that. I'm saying it now. Well, it's too late. No, it's not. It is. We've moved on. My question, Stevie, is whether do you think one of Jude, Kylian and Vinicius have to be axed from the Madrid starting line-up for them to be successful?

39:33Well, personally, I would absolutely ax Vinicius.

39:38Steve Nicol:Hold on, hold on. You can't be axing Kylian. You can't be sending a question in with a Barca boy tag saying, should you be sacrificing Kylian Mbappe, who's along with Erling Haaland, the hottest property up front in world football at the moment. Just utter nonsense. What about Vinicius? I'm looking at Wolves here. Get on with it. Hang on. Did Stevie just say it acts Vinny Jr.? Yes, he did. If I was getting rid of one of these three, it would be Vinny Jr. It could be a similar situation, right? With Salah. you know at the end of the day you've got to do what's best for the team and for the shape of the team and everything else to be more cohesive whatever whatever way you want to slice it and somebody has to go I think it's an easy decision that he goes he does nothing for anybody around him except himself it didn't work though did it?

40:36I'm just I'm just saying right now that if if Xavi Alonso wanted to do what Arnaz Lott's done and decided to just start from the back and be solid and then go from there, then Vinny would be my absolute vote for getting rid of... If it was one of those three, it would be Vinny.

40:53Steve Nicol:Well, look, there is recent history. Vinicius Jr. has been left out to start the line-up this season. His team, agents and advisors, they complained to Real Madrid about his minutes. So he's already been sacrificed. Yeah, but he didn't change the way they tried to play, though. That's the key. See the way I swung round there? That's the key. It's being serious. If they say that you go defensive, like, swap, then that would be him. Don, Maynou, stay in the Premier League and other clubs, stay at United and bench, move to Serie A with Napoli. What should his priority be? Well, that's where everyone goes, isn't it?

41:32Look what happened to McTominay. I think the rumours are he is going to go to Napoli. I think their sporting directors made a comment the other day that they're going to try and look at that in January. I think the kid just needs to go and play. I mean, I'd take him at Newcastle in a heartbeat. I think he's an exceptional player. And he'll be another one when he leaves Man United that'll go and do really well. He just needs to play, get into a rhythm, play games. Would you play him before the three that you've got right now? Joe Linton's struggling a little bit, Stevie, lately. Joe Linton's the one that's struggling a little bit.

42:08Steve Nicol:I'm taking a Joe Linton who's not quite playing well over I mean, I don't see how you can be an outstanding player Spin round again

42:23Steve Nicol:Outstanding players and I know there might be a bit of a difference with a manager This is extra time, I'm relaxed You are very relaxed But outstanding players are not struggling for game time at Manchester United albeit there might be a beef with the manager but the manager's been under so much pressure that if you're an outstanding player then you're in that United side so there are some rough edges around this young fella Stevie, start, bench, drop, these British comfort foods beans on toast, chip butty, crisp sandwich chip butty, you know what chip butty is? it's basically a french fry sandwich It's french fries on a sandwich or a roll, a red roll?

43:05Steve Nicol:Yeah, a roll. On a sub. On a roll. Oh, that's a tough one. That's a tough one. What would I have first? I would have, I have to be honest, first I'm having a chip body with brown sauce on it. Then beans on toast. Yeah, a crisp sandwich I've never really... I'm not into a crisp sandwich, but I know a man that likes chips. I used to have a crisp body for my lunch every day when I was at school. Did you? That was my lunch. Because they were cheap. Yeah, two rolls, two bags of crisps and a can of cook. That was my lunch every day. Nice. It's good to see you've never changed. Don, do you want to jump in as Stevie's really taking this seriously?

43:46No, I think I will. I think I'll go with a chip body. A chip body? Proper chip. Do like beans on toast. Yeah, beans on toast. Cheese on top. Not french fries, proper homemade chips. Yes, yeah. And a good roll. Yeah. Aye. And second? Second, I would probably go with beans on toast. Beans on toast? Aye. Okay. Yeah. Don? Get rid of the crisp sandwich. Right. That would get dropped in a heartbeat. That's done. That would go. Yeah. I do like a chip butty with loads of butter on. Yeah. But I've got to admit, I must have beans on toast even now with loads of pepper on and a bit of brown sauce at least once a week.

44:27Okay, there you are then. Recommendation from Beans on Toast. Final question for Stevie. What's triggering you more? Dan pressing you by saying you said, or Dan giggling in your face with a giant smirk?

44:47Yeah, the old you said. Yeah. Yeah, the old smirky face is... I don't really mind the smirky face, at all. Sometimes you do get annoyed when you're like, well, you said it. You normally do. And then the lies just start spilling out your mouth. Well, you said Wolves have only had one goal. You said Wolves have only scored one goal. Yeah, that was a mistake. He does it on purpose. OK, we're good? You intentionally do it, yes. We have a lovely time in Marshalls tonight, Stevie. Thank you very much, Don. Much appreciated. ESPN FC back on your screens tomorrow to look back at Palace against City and of course, Alaves Real Madrid.