Arsenal's Viktory

23:30It's a good result, but it really just tells you where Liverpool are and what they are. The fact that they were down to nine men and couldn't keep the ball. Sorry, the fact that Spurs were down to nine men. And Liverpool were panicking. That's the thing that gets me. I understand that players can lose form. Because we don't know why, but we've all done it. And I understand that. but when the composure completely disappears amongst everybody, not just a couple of players, but everybody, I mean, you see the goal that Richarlison scores. You've got your most experienced, you've got your captain whiffling away, swinging at nothing.

24:15You won, Stephen. And that's the reason that happens. It's the same thing with Real Madrid, isn't it? No, it's not the same thing with Real Madrid. It's the same thing with Real Madrid. They're absolutely shocking to watch and they won the game. What's the difference? Liverpool are not good to watch. There isn't any difference. They're both struggling. There isn't any difference. Well, there's one difference. And they're the same. Well, there's one difference. Real Madrid are still in a title race. Liverpool are not. Aye, aye. But in terms of keeping the ball, they're both as bad as each other.

24:41Done. But hold on. Sorry, sorry. But the most important thing is, at least Real Madrid, for most of it, were playing against 10 men. Liverpool were playing against nine, and they couldn't keep the ball. And part of the reason they couldn't keep it is because they were just sticking their toe in it like a bunch of 10-year-olds just booting it. I mean, come on. That tells you where Liverpool are. The way this game finished, yes, it's a good result. They won the game, three points, magic, but a performance. Come on. It's not acceptable. I think social media would have went into meltdown if Liverpool had drew that game and everyone was waiting for Spurs to score a late goal just so they could potentially laugh at Liverpool.

25:23Can't even beat a nine-man Spurs side, but they did. but Stevie's right and Craig's right. When you look at the bigger picture and you analyse the game I mean unbeaten in five doesn't really tell the story because there's a couple of draws in there against Sunderland and Leeds as well, the 3-3 game and I'm sitting watching that game thinking this is going to be Leeds all over again. Like Spurs are going to score and when you've got 11 men it's very basic. You make the pitch as wide and as big as possible. You get all your defenders in a good position. You get the ball to Gravenberg into Curtis Jones.

25:53You make the extra two men count, you keep hold of the ball. You don't go back to Alisson, and then he's got to then launch it into a fight ball, and then all of a sudden, if Vecario or whoever gets a free kick for Spurs, they can then launch it back into your box, which causes chaos. Then you're giving silly free kicks away on the left-hand side and long throws and corners. It was like it was just, it was destined for Spurs to score. And obviously, Liverpool hung on and got the 2-1 win, which you'd be grateful of, but it was a struggle again. I mean, little downside. So Bozlai got his 50-year-old card.

26:23He's suspended for the next game, but it's only Wolves at home. So there's a chance for Liverpool to put a run together to get them closer to Aston Villa, but not convincing. Not when it was 11 v 9. Wouldn't it have been the Liverpool fans, Don, that would have been in turmoil had they given it away? Not social media. You're worrying about this social media too much. I just meant in general, everyone would have been laughing at Liverpool, wouldn't they? I mean, all these Muppets on social media, They have a meltdown every day anyway because they've got nothing else to do. Don, what did you make of Stevie's comments that Romero should be nowhere near that captain's armband?

26:59Yeah. I was correct. He's been a liability for the majority of his career. Listen, I played up there. I'd want to play against him every single week. I would have him sent off every single week because all you've got to do is get in amongst him. You've got to be brave enough to ride a tackle. You know that he's going to top you, so get him on a yellow card early. And then you know he hasn't got the discipline to then stay away from things. It's just in his nature. He's that type of player where you can suck him in, and he never seems to learn, even with his experience. It's like he's full-blooded, and I don't know if he wants to win that badly.

27:32I don't even think it's that. I just think it's in his nature to want to not even hurt people. I just think he's like, it's unnecessary. He can't help himself. And the older you get, you get wiser. You stay away from things. I mean, the second yellow, I mean, what's the point in the second yellow? Giving Canate a tap in the chest. What is the point? If it's a last-ditch tackle, and I go, oh, he's unlucky there. He's had to go in. He's had to make a tackle. The silly yellow cards that he's getting, and he doesn't seem to learn. It's his free kick. The referee's giving it to him. Pick yourself up.

28:03Brush yourself down. Get the extra man in the box for the ball in. The decision's gone his way. He does a lot of very good things, but they're outweighed with all the bad things. He's ego. When that happens, when the good things that you do are outweighed by all the stupid stuff, you're then a liability. It's his ego that gets in the way. That whole thing is about his ego. Because he's been knocked down. And he can't help himself. He just reacts because of it. You can't do that to me. Kicks out, all of a sudden he's off the field. I mean, that's what it is. It's his ego that gets him in trouble.

28:34We've been critical of VAR, obviously, for some big decisions they missed. They got the Xavi Simons one right, though, yes? Oh, yeah, absolutely. And look, he wasn't trying to play the ball, because it wasn't there. and B, he takes an exaggerated step or stride. And I've heard this, oh, he's not that type of player. If you do this, you're that type of player. What else was he trying to do apart from rake Virgil van Dijk? So he's raked him halfway down the calf and maybe it's just a moment of red mist and madness. But he's tried to do it. There's no other rhyme or reason why he would extend his stride out and the ball was a yard away other than to rake his international teammates.

29:17So, absolutely. And I think Tottenham have a discipline issue at the moment. Well, they have many issues. Most of it is their sort of playing performance. But they have a discipline issue as well. And I lied to the fact Thomas Frank is under the pressure he's under. That's the last thing that he needs. But, I mean, when you're talking about captains, I mean, the only reason Van de Ven's probably not got the armband is because he's maybe scared he's going to miss seven or eight games with a hamstring injury. Because apart from that, who else would you? So, I mean, you've got two youngsters in Graeme Bergwahl.

29:49You're not going to give it to Kudos. Colin Wanny's not always on the team. There's not a lot of leadership in that Spurs side, is there? And, you know, Van de Ven as well is not a captain. He, to me, is a guy that needs to concentrate on what he does. Right. And not be responsible for other things that are going on around him. I don't think he's capable of handling it either. Did you say responsible? Yeah. What did I say? No, no, I'm just thinking, if he's not responsible, is Romero the responsible one? Well, that tells you where Spurs are as well. Don, do you want a last word on this? No, I think the boys have nailed it.

30:25Perfect, good man. Don, I'm back with us for extra time. One more game on Sunday in the Premier League. Aston Villa, of course, flying at the moment. What a good price that is for Villa, blimmin' heck. They take on Manchester United. What's that, you put 10 on, you win 11? You put 11 on, you win 10? You double your money. That's where you're at. Just over double your money. Oh, I'm not at home. Pardon? You double your money? Yes. What, 11 to 10? Yes. Just over double your money. So if I put on 10... I'm not very good. So if I put 10, I get 22 back, including my 10. Oh, right. Does that make sense?

31:01There you go. You'd actually don't know me 2 to 1 then. Well, you get... No, 2 to 1, you get 30 back, wouldn't you? Yeah, he used to work in the bookies. ESPN FC is back tomorrow. Villa taking on Manchester United. Good luck if you're having a bet. If you've shopped online, chances are you've bought from a business powered by Shopify. You know that purple ShopPay button you see at checkout? The one that makes buying so incredibly easy? That's Shopify. And there's a reason so many businesses sell with it. Because Shopify makes it incredibly easy to start and run your business. Shopify is the commerce platform behind 10 % of all e-commerce in the U.S., from household names like Mattel and Gymshark to brands just getting started.

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32:56The spotlight very much on Xavi Alonso for Real Madrid's final game of 2025. In the end, though, they'd win it by two goals to nil against Sevilla. Bellingham scoring with a header seven minutes before the break. And the Kylian Mbappe penalty would guarantee the win for Xavi Alonso's side. For more on this, let's welcome in, shall we, Luis Garcia. Luis, another win for Real Madrid, but another victory you feel that won't particularly silence Xavi Alonso's critics. Yeah, probably not. We heard a lot of whistling on the Bernabeu. I think that people still don't understand why this Real Madrid cannot find the rhythm, cannot find the way that Xavi Alonso wants to play.

33:39And I kind of today felt a little bit about what it was Sevilla trying to do. I think that they could have scored a couple of goals in their first 45 minutes, but it was Real Madrid the one who got the lead. In the second half, a little bit more of the same. When Sevilla was playing probably the best football, it was Real Madrid who found, again, the second goal. and Sevilla without one man. I think that even have more opportunities, maybe one or two. Once again, Courtois save this Real Madrid side. Three points, very important points just before this break of Christmas, but definitely not a performance that can put away all the rumors, all the sound and the noise about Xavi Alonso and his way of making this Real Madrid play.

34:22So we'll have to wait and see. I think that Xavi Alonso is going to stay at Real Madrid for the next month, at least at the end of the season. when, as he may well mention, he will have to see the grades that people talk about him or at least the board decide what is the grade that he should have. But definitely another football that we are expecting from the talented team that the Real Madrid has got. So we'll have to wait and see. But again, three points, one point we have Barcelona. Good result for Real Madrid. 2-0 win, but we have to talk about the fact that we just have to. They've got a result, but Jude Bellingham was given man of the match.

34:57It could have been Alexis Sanchez. Could have been Thibaut Courtois. Could have been Thibaut Courtois. Could have been a 37-year-old forward who ran his socks off, who was always a danger. We were coming on and Stevie said, he's made four or five saves, he's made six or seven. And you were outplayed at home by 10 men. You were giving up possession to 10 men and they looked like they might go and get the equaliser 1-1. So 2-0, it actually flatters Real Madrid. And I kind of think that's where they are. this winter break, it's coming absolutely perfectly. Yes. Because he does not need any more football at this moment.

35:32Because they keep playing like that, they're getting beat. The only difference between the size today, yeah, in paper, Real Madrid, Superstar, Sevilla, you know, kind of average mediocre players with some guys like Alexis Sanchez that have been around the block. And the only difference between the team, well, there was two good goalkeepers, but Courtois made more good saves. But Sevilla were lightweight in attack. They made some good runs, they made some good passes, but when they got in the final third in the first 10 minutes and in the final 20 minutes, they were lightweight. Had they not been, Courtois wouldn't even have a chance to make those saves.

36:08They should have been dispatched. So Xabi Alonso will take the three points, but in terms of a performance, the second half, when Marcau got sent off, it was quite embarrassing, actually. Yeah, Luis, how do you explain that? If you were watching it and didn't know that Sevilla were down a 10, obviously you wouldn't know. Yeah, exactly. But again, if you see us, we all kind of follow Real Madrid every single weekend. You know what the Real Madrid is coming from. That lack of intensity, that lack of energy. When you see the players going forward to try to press, how easily Sevilla was passing and finding the gaps into the middle of the park and then make good transitions to put Kutuay in charge.

36:49So I think that we know what this Real Madrid is all about. So far, it's not about the system. It's not about the structure. It's not about the players who are on the field, the players who are injured, because also Sevilla had three very important players, one injured and two of them going to the AFCON. It's about the intensity that this Real Madrid needs to bring on the field. I think if they find a way to have that determination to put that pressure higher, to put that pressure for longer periods, I think it will erase any single team that is in front, because Kylian Mbappe is on fire. He's just finding the back of the net just for fun.

37:28You've got players like Vinicius, Rodrigo, Gonzalo, that they came on in the second half who can't find and capitalize the chances. But what you cannot afford anymore on today's football is to don't run, to don't be compact, to don't play as a team. In the moment that you just play individually, you are beat. You are beaten. Today, once again, it was a very disappointing performance by Real Madrid. they got the results but I'm not surprised that this Real Madrid is receiving so much stick because of the way they play at the moment Luis thank you very much much appreciated La Liga action of course continues this weekend Atletico Madrid looking to keep themselves in a title race away against Gerona that's the early game on Sunday followed by Villarreal against Barcelona those games back to back on ESPN Plus meanwhile in the Serie A Juventus with a 2-1 victory over Roma.

38:22That closes the gap between fourth and fifth to just one point. They're, of course, all chasing Inter at the top of the table, but it is really tight in Italy. And a lot more on that, of course, on the latest edition of the Gavengels podcast that will drop on Monday. Now, in case you didn't see it, FIFA announced their best 11 this week, and, of course, there was one omission that we discussed at length, and it was one that Hansi Flick brought up in today's press conference.

38:52I'm not happy that you are not asking me because I think there's one situation, you know. I know that for me it's not a big thing because I don't take care about the situation that who is the best, who is the best, and who is the best starting XI. But, you know, this FIFA, the best XI players, it's a joke, really a joke. When I see that there is no Rafinha inside, it's unbelievable. Rafinha was the player who, his influence in this team the last season was the greatest. And for me also, you know, in the Champions League, Novo has 22 scorer points. I'm not good in statistics, but he has 22 scorer points.

39:42The best in the Champions League. When you see the matches he played and how many goals he scored, how many assists he has, it's unbelievable. For me more is the influence about the team. and this is really not fair to him and for me it's a joke. I can't believe that he's not in the best XI of the world because after this season he deserved it and I think you agree totally with me and it's unbelievable. Rafinha will be in the starting XI tomorrow as Barcelona take on VRL in their final game of 2025, that game live on ESPN Plus at 10.50 Eastern. These are the end of match scenes between Coventry and Southampton.

40:40It finished 1-1. Frank Lampard going over to the away fans to celebrate. This upset some of the Southampton players. They weren't very happy, wanting them to get off the pitch. A little bit of a furore would happen afterwards. Frank Lampard inevitably would be asked about these scenes at the end of the game. I've got no problem with Taylor. It's fine. You know, I understand when a player defends in front of their own fans, defends the situation. But we've got this modern-day phenomenon where I think fans can say anything to you for the last 10 minutes on the line and you're not allowed to walk onto the pitch when you've got emotions high.

41:17That's how I am, heart and sleeve. I feel a bit calmer now. And apologies for language. Maybe that stand will apologize for their language. I'm well and truly over that one and it got a bit heated but I think you know sometimes you take that 99 minutes and you're hanging on and seeing the players do what they do I feel it will live it with them and you know when on the pitch is my prerogative you know I can look back and reflect on it but yeah as I say you know fans can say one thing but we're the ones in the arena fighting for something and we've got a point. Takes you back to when you and Paul did a special salute to the fans back in the day.

41:53Chicago, yeah

41:58We all know that we can't do stuff like that We all know How much did you get fined for that? No, we got away with that one What's Frank Lampard done that we can't do? He went and swore at the Southampton fans who were having to go at him during the game That's basically what the the furore was about And Paul and I, in tandem made a gesture that I'm sure you can work out but we got away with it but we all know we can do it but when you've got people in your ear constantly calling you all kinds of things and talking about your family and just I mean you just sometimes it's worth a fine sometimes it's worth a fine and that would have been worth it I don't always see why you have to be seen to be rising above it I just don't you know because if it's good enough for the goose it's good enough for the gander These people are doing it by the thousands.

42:54They pay their money, they think they can... They pay their money and they think they're entitled. And I know there's a line you can't cross, but a little bit of profanity from a manager back to some idiots in a crowd, and then the Southampton players getting involved. I mean, what's all that about? I mean, seriously? It's defending your people instead of defending your fans. Cobbentry are six points clear at the top. He's doing a great job. Sometimes you just get carried away, but I don't I mean come on Don he's your mate Super Frankie Lampard No they're flying No they're flying I mean he's doing an amazing job isn't he I mean he's he's got them what five or six points clear they're scoring goals for fun Yeah we know that Don I agree with the lads It's alright you have to Don wasn't necessarily That's all Don's friends from social media that were shouting up Just allow him to give a little bit back.

43:53Yeah, exactly. It's the end of the world. That is it. That brings us to the end of today's show. Don's glasses. Hey, you know why these glasses are on, don't you? Because he was reading something else on social media. He's already stretched. He wasn't listening to Frank Lampard's obscenities. Somebody think of the children. Be sure to stay tuned. Frank is back. What's his name? Don is back. Fred. Fred's back. To give us a percentage chance of Manchester City winning the league. Stay with us.

44:25Welcome in today's edition of Extra Time. Stephen. I was just thinking there. Stephen's thinking. Is that why you're late? We were playing. Aye. Bang. So I put him to contact. We were playing. Aye, go on. We were talking about Frank Lampard getting emotional at the end of the game, swearing at the Southampton fans. We were playing Colorado away and I was on the bench. And the stand is about three or four yards behind. And in the middle of the first half, a policeman came over. So I was like, how are you doing? He went, good. He said, could you please stop the profanities, please? There's children behind you in the stand.

45:05Are you serious? Honestly. That's brilliant. I came home and told me he stopped swearing. Wow. Did you? Did you tell him to? Well, initially. Off. Initially, I'm thinking, how do I stand here? Yeah. I mean, could he do anything? And so for the rest of the half, I was very quiet. That's not very good. I was very quiet, but second half, I think I got back to normal. Wow. Come on, Rebs. Come on, the Rebs. Come on, chaps. That wasn't very good, was it? Oh, damn. Blast. Damn and blast. I don't think we've got upper-class English. For goodness sake. Question for Craig. Would it be fair to say that Mbappe and Courtois are the ones keeping Xavi Alonso in the job?

45:44Yes. Yeah, I think so. Yes. One at one end, one at the other. Absolutely. It's every game, isn't it? It is. Yeah, that's why he's keeping them in a job. Don! Don, percentage Manchester City win the league? Ooh. Ah, same as last week. 50-50. 50-50. Wait, it's not going to change. No, last week it was 60-30. It's not going to change. They've still got to play City. Right. They've still got to play City. It's 50-50. 50-50, Craig? What? 50-50. 60-40 Arsenal Steve you don't say it? 60-40 60-40 How long can Arsenal run from their inevitable bottling of the season Don?

46:27I mean I got asked this question the other day about the wobble that they've been on I mean it's some wobble I mean they were unbeaten in 11 before they lost against Villa and the game after that I think they won against Wolves so I mean hardly a wobble and hardly bottling it I mean, time will tell if they do bottle it. I mean, only a couple of points clear. It's not like they're 10 points clear and they bottle it towards the end of season. I don't think they are bottling. I think they're getting the job done. They're not riveting to watch. They're not amazing, but they're winning games. It's the most important thing.

47:00It's already started, did you? Do you think so? Sorry? Do you think so? What? They've started to bottle it. I said it's already started. He said it. He said it. I said it's already started and you went, do you think so? Oh, sorry. I thought it's already started. No. I've got the proof he doesn't listen. Honestly, you're right. I've got the proof. What's the point of talking to you? If needed. Hold on, you read a start. I read a start today. Right. And he said, if Arsenal are top at Christmas, this will be the fourth time since Arteta's been in charge that they've been top at Christmas. Wow, and how did...

47:31And yet to win the league. Yeah, there it is. Stuck on. I'm just telling you. Just giving you a bit of info. If you're listening this time. Don, is Phil Foden back to his best? Do you see him finish the season on a high and challenge the likes of Palmer and Bellingham for a starting spot in the World Cup? Yes, he is back to his best. I mean, I've got no idea. I mean, why he had such an off-season last season is baffling, really, because the talent is there. The season before, he was amazing. Last year, whether it was injuries or lack of form or playing under the pep or the intensity, I don't know why it didn't happen for him, but he couldn't get going at all.

48:12This season he's flying. I think probably with Kevin De Bruyne I'm moving on. Maybe Pep sort of said to him, listen, you're going to play number 10. I'm not going to play on the wide anymore. You're going to be the central man. That Cherky goes one side or Doku or Savino on the flank. So you've got no problems in terms of where you're going to play. You're just going to be central, number 10, scoring goals. I think he's the best in the league at taking the ball on the back foot. I think he's a lesson to any youngsters in close control. and his balance. I think he's playing amazing football. Palmer's yet to get going since he's been injured.

48:45He looked a little bit a yard off the pace today, but he'll come good and the lads are no better than me how Jude's playing, but he's always consistent. Well, the length of that answer means that we missed the World Cup, but thank you, Don. Who won it? Canada won. Big surprise. Canada. Don, which form of Premier League stadium do you miss the most? Highbury, White Hart Lane, Goodison Park or Upton Park? Upton Park. Upton Park by a mile. I mean, very quickly, Daniel Levy wasn't loved at Spurs. We left the legacy behind building them a stadium. I mean, David Sullivan and Karen Brady, I mean, come on, man.

49:20Just do the right thing. Build West Ham a stadium. It wouldn't happen anywhere else. It wouldn't happen at Anfield or St James' Park. No one would sell their stadium and rent an athletic stadium. Come on, build them a stadium. There was a bit of a dive, though, up in Park in the end, wasn't there? Build them a new one, though. Highbury. Look at Everton's new stadium. Highbury. Yeah? You like playing at Highbury? Yeah. Goodison was good, but... Upton Park. Yeah? Yeah. Upton Park under the lights, though, boys. Come on. Yeah, and we always won. There was no lights at the others. We always won. I didn't enjoy playing at White Hart Lane, by the way.

49:58I didn't... I just didn't... I don't know what it was about the place. I didn't ever enjoy playing there. Right. But I did enjoy Upton Park. Good. Repeat after me. Who did I like? I did enjoy Upton Park. He's listening now. He's listening. What did you guys typically do, Don, for the rest of the game after getting a red card?

50:22It's not a nice feeling, to be fair. If you've got anything about you, I think I had five or six in my career. And you sit there and you just think, like, I hope the lads win. You sit there, you get ushered down the tunnel. When we played, there was no TVs inside. the away or home dressing room so you had no idea apart from crowd noise how the game was going and you just wished that your teammates could get you out of the mire and then obviously you would apologise to the gaffer and the teammates when they come in after the game but it's if you've got anything about you it's quite soul destroying just sitting there on your own thinking you've let your team down I know where you're going with this yes we're talking about crowd noise even if there was a TV in the dressing room in St Etienne.

51:07It was on French, so I don't know why. But anyway, when I got to the dressing room... Was there something wrong with your eyes? What?

51:16Well, you don't listen to TV? Never mind. It was just a nice little cup of tea. Right. It was still lukewarm from halftime. Just pour a little cup of tea, a little soul-destroying, as Don said, and the crowd noise. Just at that point, as I was filling the cup out, A roar went up Right What was the score when you got sent off? 2-0 Okay so A roar went up And I was trying to figure Which team would score Right But you looked at the TV And thought it's in French I looked at the TV And went it's in French I have no idea 3-0 French I don't understand French Who scored? And then I just What was the question?

51:57And then I didn't go back You can't go back I just sat in there Waiting for the Adulation when the lads go in And Stevie, you never got sent off? Never got sent off, I have no idea. There we are. Oh, goody tushies. Will Harland break his record of 36 goals this season, Stevie? He's on 19 already. Yeah. No, he's not. He's on 25. We're talking about Premier League goals. Does the rest of them not count? No, not in this question. You can't bet. You weren't back against it, would you? No, no. No, you weren't. How many has he got? 19. And the record is? Well his record is 36 Yeah 17 The Premier League thing drives me nuts Okay It's goals Goals are goals Goals are goals Finally Did you manage to succeed in your 2025 New Year's resolutions?

52:48I have one I'm sure everybody made them What 2025? Yes I can't even remember I can't remember I'm sure we asked an extra question Which resolution you told me to shut up probably Yeah I imagine this is My resolution Normal Yeah The usual answer Yeah Yeah. Usual answer. Don?

53:09Don't make him. Don't make him because I can't stick to him. That's it. Just before we go, Alex Kirkland has been hanging around. He wants to join us. Alex, do you want to talk about New Year's resolutions or Xabi Alonso? Let's talk Xabi Alonso, shall we? Yeah. Go on then. Cool. Cool. I just heard him in his press conference he admitted look we are not at our level Real Madrid did not play well but he said we need to improve we will improve really stressing I think he said 9 or 10 absentees injuries and suspensions tonight but I'm not sure how much that holds water you look at this Real Madrid team it's a strong team you've got Mbappé, Vinny, Bellingham, Tuomeni, Hausson, Rudiger Courtois it's a pretty strong team but he pointed to the injuries and the fact that with the injuries the other players who are fit are having to play even more and therefore they're also picking up problems he said one or two players were playing today and they weren't fully fit but yeah I'm a little bit short one or two answers from um from him from the the journalists you know you can see that this some of this tension is starting to to get to him but like I say fair enough he admitted yes we are not at the level we should be at.

54:17Were the whistles when Vinicius Junior got subbed off for Vinicius Junior or for Xavi Alonso? I think it was a bit of both it's been taken here mostly as being aimed at Vinny with the crowd being unhappy with how he played but I think it's also they're not happy with the team or the coach and any opportunity to whistle the coach as well I think will be taken. A bit of both Xabi Lonson was asked about that and he said the fans are free to express their opinions he was asked if he'd spoken to Vinny and how Vinny was after the game he said no you know we sort of said goodbye ahead of the Christmas break but we didn't talk about the whistles but I think it was aimed to be honest at both and there were whistles right the way through the game for this team.

54:53From very early on, right the way through to the end, despite the win, there were plenty of whistles from the crowd. The most whistles I think we've had at a game this season. Last question, Craig wants me to ask on his behalf about Kylian Mbappe matching the record goal-scoring record for Real Madrid in a calendar year. Yeah, and Mbappe was really happy. Don't forget Cristiano Ronaldo was his idol as a kid. There are photos of a young Mbappe with Ronaldo when he came here for a trial. So it means a lot. And that's why Mbappé didn't do his usual goal celebration. He did the Ronaldo goal celebration set after.

55:27It was for him. I think it means a lot. I think it means a lot for Mbappé, given the fact that it's Ronaldo in particular. Good man, Alex. Merry Christmas to you. You're off now, obviously. Winter break for Spain. You're going to England. Merry Christmas, guys. Yeah, home to the UK on Boxing Day. So here for a few days, yeah, but not working. Lovely. Well, enjoy yourself. You deserve it, Alex. Much appreciated. That is it. That brings us to the end of today's show. Thank you very much, Don, and to Craig, and to Stevie. We'll be back tomorrow to reflect on Barcelona against Villarreal and Aston Villa, who take on Manchester United.