In short
The episode is ESPN FC’s “Extra Time” holiday edition, centered on Premier League title pressure and AFCON opening matches. Topic 1: Arsenal vs Aston Villa top-of-the-table clash. Guests argue Arsenal must start fast and “kill games off,” with Saliba and Gabriel returning to stabilize defense.
Key claims
Villa’s Chelsea comeback showed Emery’s tactical counter plan (Watkins in the channel), but Arsenal’s possession and defending make a draw less likely to be “good” for Arsenal psychologically.
Notable examples
Chelsea vs Villa first-hour collapse and late comeback; Arsenal’s recent failure to convert chances; predictions include 2-1 (Mario and Steve) and 1-1 (Steve’s alternative). Topic 2: AFCON opening games. Morocco beat Zambia 3-0 (Alcabi, Brahim Diaz, bicycle kick; Hakimi returns from injury). Mali drew Comoros 0-0; Egypt drew Angola 0-0 with a rotated XI.
Key claims
Morocco are contenders; boos/whistling are normal at African home tournaments.
Notable examples
Hakimi’s “12th man” comments; Zimbabwe’s near upset vs South Africa; Egypt’s Salah-led threat despite limited depth.
Guests
Steve Nicholl (former Liverpool defender/analyst), Mario Melchiot (former Liverpool/Netherlands defender, pundit), Colin Udo (AFCON reporter/analyst).
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOPreviewing Arsenal vs Aston Villa
0:49 to 3:00
In-depth discussion about the upcoming Premier League match between Arsenal and Aston Villa.
“But we kick things off by looking ahead to the big game, of course, tomorrow in the Premier League.”
Key Players and Tactical Insights
3:00 to 6:00
Analysis of key players and tactical setups for both teams ahead of the game.
“Because the first hour, they were terrible.”
Implications of a Draw
6:00 to 8:10
Discussing the potential implications of a draw for both teams in the title race.
“Someone like Jokeres, who you can kind of know where he is and monitor.”
Predictions for the Match Outcome
8:10 to 9:30
Hosts share their predictions and insights on how the match may unfold.
“We're talking about a top-of-the-table clash, right?”
Chelsea's Recent Struggles
9:30 to 12:20
Discussion on Chelsea's performance issues and dropping points from winning positions.
“final third, missing chances, Villa score late on, and then we all sit here going, oh, it's happening again to Arsenal.”
Chelsea's Inconsistency Under Pressure
14:00 to 15:00
Discussing Chelsea's struggle to consistently perform and close out games.
“Everybody was like, wow, this is amazing.”
Manchester United's Formation Changes
15:00 to 17:10
Analyzing the recent formation changes at Manchester United and their impact.
“Yeah, like Pedro, it's like, what is he?”
Critique of Managerial Decisions
17:10 to 18:30
Debating the effectiveness of a manager's strategies and communication style.
“On the outside looking in, I haven't coached.”
Reflections on Newcastle vs. United Match
18:30 to 22:20
Reflecting on the contrasting performances between Newcastle and Manchester United.
“I don't understand half the time what he's trying to get us to think.”
First Goal Memories: Personal Stories
22:20 to 23:23
Sharing personal anecdotes about scoring first goals in professional careers.
“So now we'll start talking because you won too many trophies.”
Show all 29 chapters
Emotional Impact of Scoring
23:23 to 24:21
Discussing the emotional significance of scoring goals in football.
“I was over New Moon because I knew I was going to come back to Amsterdam.”
African Cup of Nations Update
26:38 to 28:00
Updating on key moments and performances in the African Cup of Nations.
“Okay, let's take it, shall we, to what's going on in the African Cup of Nations.”
Match Reactions and AFCON Updates
28:00 to 28:24
Discussion on the recent AFCON matches and Morocco’s performance.
“A strong right hand I guess is the term.”
Morocco's AFCON Journey
28:24 to 29:56
Colin reflects on Morocco's strong showing in the tournament and fan expectations.
“You know something special when Colin is here.”
Understanding Fan Reactions
29:56 to 30:50
A discussion on fan behavior and expectations towards African teams.
“Given how well they did in the World Cup, that bar is now set high.”
Group B Dynamics in AFCON
30:50 to 32:42
Analysis of the Group B matches and performances of Zimbabwe and South Africa.
“Going to Group B, Zimbabwe taking on South Africa.”
Egypt's AFCON Strategy
32:42 to 35:16
Colin evaluates Egypt's performance and strategic decisions in AFCON.
“Look, they changed their entire starting XI and played sort of like their B team in this game, and they struggled.”
Tournament Vibes and Atmosphere
35:16 to 37:24
Discussion on the tournament atmosphere and how it's perceived by teams.
“And of course the host Morocco have got the crowd behind them.”
Football Superstitions and Traditions
39:54 to 42:01
A lighthearted conversation about traditions in football, including tea breaks.
“There is a goalkeeper who was very cold, so he had a cup of tea to keep himself warm.”
Phil Neal's Whiskey Moment
42:01 to 42:31
A nostalgic recount of Phil Neal's surprising habit during matches.
“We had all kinds of stuff in it, including a wee quarter bottle of whiskey.”
Extra Time Preview
42:31 to 43:03
Discussion about upcoming Extra Time questions and New Year's resolutions.
“Where everybody say they don't make them.”
Liverpool's Best Attacking Setup
43:03 to 44:00
Exploration of Liverpool's attacking strategy during player absences.
“with Salah at the African Cup of Nations?”
Listening to Coaches
44:00 to 46:28
Insights into whether players ever ignore their coaches' instructions.
“So you're asking me if I ever disliked what the coach said?”
Memorable Late Goals
46:28 to 47:22
A discussion on the worst memories of conceding late goals in football.
“this question for you Stevie I can't believe they put this in in the holiday spirit Worst memory of a late goal?”
Holiday season for Players
47:22 to 48:27
Players share their thoughts on vacation and escaping recognition during holidays.
“It must have been the complete opposite.”
Player Performance and Bonuses
48:27 to 50:28
Discussion on contract bonuses and player performance at various levels.
“Because you had to pay Bayern a goal bonus if he scored an X amount of goals.”
Strikers and Team Dynamics
50:28 to 53:02
Insights on striker behavior and their impact on team dynamics in football.
“But Garnaccio, there's something about him that just is quite unlikable.”
Family Feud Team Picks
53:02 to 55:54
Light-hearted debate on which ESPN FC crew members would make a great team.
“It took him one minute, and you know, look, you can give the ball to anybody else, but you don't give it to him, and he goes nuts.”
New Year's Reflections and Top Goals
56:00 to 57:26
The hosts share personal New Year's resolutions and discuss top goals, showcasing their excitement and camaraderie.
“My New Year's revolution will be just enjoy my family even more than I already do.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:01Colin Udoh:The world moves fast. Your work day, even faster. Pitching products, drafting reports, analyzing data. Microsoft 365 Copilot is your AI assistant for work. Built into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft 365 apps you use. Helping you quickly write, analyze, create, and summarize. So you can cut through clutter and clear a path to your best work. Learn more at Microsoft.com slash M365 Copilot.
0:35Colin Udoh:Welcome in to the latest edition of ESPN FC. I'm joined by former ex-Liverpool legend Steve Nicholl. Mario Melchior joins us as well. We'll be hearing from Mario in a moment. Colin Udo with us later on in the show as well to look back at what's been going on at AFCON in the opening games. But we kick things off by looking ahead to the big game, of course, tomorrow in the Premier League. And what a match it should be. Arsenal taking on Aston Villa in the top of the table clash. Here's Mikao Arteta talking about their opponent's tomorrow.
1:28Colin Udoh:have a really tough match. We know their level, what they are doing. But beautiful game as well to prepare and play. As promised, Mario is with us. Mario, big boy time for Arsenal, isn't it? You get a result against Aston Villa. All those doubters are certainly silenced, aren't they, for a bit?
1:47Mario Melchiot:No, definitely. Because, you know, I think it's, yeah, what you said, it's a big game for them. You know, like, if you want to be champion, this is a time where you make the difference in silence. A lot of people that have doubt in you, especially because this is a time when normally you get to see Arsenal maybe drops away a little bit, but you're facing a team that has been winning 12 games in a bounce, so it's going to be a really interesting game.
2:11Colin Udoh:Can't wait for this, Thierry. Yeah, it should be a great game. For me, it's all about Arsenal to be honest with you, because even the game they played two or three weeks ago, I thought Arsenal were the better side, but But the thing we've been complaining about them, certainly recently, is not killing games off and not taking advantage of all the situations they've created. And so, again, yes, you could say, well, they may do the same tomorrow. But I think the key for me is they've got Saliba and Gabriel back as a centre-back pair of chip. You know, the first game, Aston Villa had plenty of chances.
2:47Colin Udoh:I don't think that happens with Gabriel and Saliba there. And so that means that it really is, can Arsenal take advantage of the chances that they will create? And I think they will. You know, I think the fact that Villa came back so well against Chelsea has hidden over the first hour. Because the first hour, they were terrible. They got mauled. And unfortunately, Chelsea couldn't take advantage. So really, to me, it's about Arsenal taking advantage of the possession that they will have. because they'll have more than Villa. That's the key for me. Looking at it from a Villa perspective, Mario, do they go in not with nothing to lose, but obviously they're not under the same pressure as Arsenal?
3:32Mario Melchiot:No, they definitely don't have the same pressure. But when I went to the bridge, right, I thought Emery had a tactical setup. They didn't maybe start it well because people will say like, oh, it didn't start it well. But I felt like he was clever. He put some speed in the team, hoping to play on the counter-attack the first half. They didn't turn up here like Stevie said. No, it didn't work out well for them. But then the second half, when they kind of like gave Chelsea a kind of feeling like we are there, and then they put Watkins in. When Watkins came in for Buendia, he just kept on asking the ball in the channel.
4:02Mario Melchiot:And you see that Chelsea still struggles with that. And that made it dangerous. So coming to Arsenal, when you look at Arsenal, yeah, the two defenders are back, but they're not back to their best rhythm. So it's going to be an interesting task to see them face Watkins because this kid is like now in full of confidence and Rodgers at the moment, that's the joy to watch.
4:22Colin Udoh:It must be fun from a Villa perspective playing out what it has over the last couple of months. Yeah. There is nothing better than having a tough game and then you pull it out right at the end. And that's basically what Villa have been doing. And so when you do that, you leave the field. You are absolutely fired. Because all other sins are forgiven, yeah? As you're saying, the first hour of the Chelsea game. Yeah, absolutely. And I guess really the only person that needs to look at that more than anybody is the manager. Because the players understand that they got pummeled. But they don't care because they know that they came back.
4:57Colin Udoh:And that's the most important thing inside them that they feel. So, yeah, Unai Emery has to get it right from the start. He has to get it right from the start. He cannot afford to let Arsenal get the momentum early on in the game and get ahead. Because Arsenal are different. When it comes to defending, Arsenal are different. And yes, I agree with Mario that maybe Saliba and Gabriel are not back to what we saw the first few weeks of the season. But I tell you what, just the fact that they're there. If I'm playing in front of them and I look behind and I see the two of them there, that makes me feel really comfortable.
5:31Colin Udoh:What about the other end? Well, the other end. Is there any argument to say you start Jesus? I don't think so. You know, this is, yes, a big game. I think Jokeres, you know, we heard Arteta talking, what, 10 days ago about how he didn't start well, but then he came good, but then he got injured. And so Jokeres is only a couple of games back from being injured. And I think 100 % he will start up front and it will not be Jesus. Mario, as a defender, who would you prefer to be up against? Someone like Jokeres, who you can kind of know where he is and monitor. Or someone like a Havertz or Jesus, who don't quite have those same sort of instincts as a centre forward, but positionally they're different.
6:13Mario Melchiot:Yes, but I think still Jokeres, when we don't see it, because I'm sure a lot of people will say, okay, you want to see the goals, but it's still a handful to play against because he doesn't stop running. So you can play against the other ones, and they may be lower sense of gravity like Jesus' trickery, and Harvard has to have it from his intelligence. But when it comes to a battle, I think Jokeres is still the main guy to battle with you. And I think at the moment I would play him. Why? because I think the speed-wise, the fitness-wise, for this game, I think he has to be ready for that. The only thing, what I think the difference with him is sometimes he needs to gamble more because if you don't gamble at all as a striker, you don't make it hard for the defenders.
6:53Mario Melchiot:If you always wait for the perfect ball, it's not happening. Go for the ugly ones because that is only going to make him score goals that people are waiting for.
7:02Colin Udoh:It's a draw, a disaster.
7:09Colin Udoh:I don't think it draws a disaster City beat Sunderland on New Year's Day City are top I don't think it draws a disaster what I would say is though is that all of the questions that are starting to appear that we're asking about Arsenal will just get will just be more questions as opposed to you're talking about City City are answering all the questions right now regardless of which way you want to go at them, whether it's defensively, scoring goals, who else is going to score goals. Well, they've answered that. So, yeah, I don't think a draw is a disaster for Arsenal. Certainly not a disaster for Villa, but for Arsenal it's not a disaster.
7:49Colin Udoh:But I think it just knocks another little tiny chip away at what we all thought should have been a really dominant season for them.
7:58Mario Melchiot:Stevie, it's some pressure, though. Stevie, it's some pressure if they draw. If Arsenal draws, Stevie, you know that city is smelling some blood there. Yeah, it's not a disaster.
8:07Colin Udoh:Come on. It's not a disaster. We're talking about a top-of-the-table clash, right? Yes. So it can be a disaster in the top-of-the-table clash where you draw. I mean, you can't turn around and see, oh, that's a disaster. That's it. The title challenge is over. It's not. It just means that there's another tiny little chip that we will take out of Arsenal and another tiny little chip that psychologically they will think about as well. Yeah. Mario, you think this could be more of a disaster than Stevie suggests?
8:39Mario Melchiot:Yeah, because look, I mean, look, you know, when you want to become champions, and Stevie knows all about it, you understand? Me as well when I was black, oh, the one that's going after you then, you want to be in control all the time. And that is, I think, Arsenal wants to be in that seat, especially because they know all the eyes are on them because they have more pressure than Villa. If it becomes a draw, Villa goes away with a smile because they're thinking away from home, twice in London and getting a draw out of it. There is a better advantage for Aston Villa. But for Arsenal, no, you're at home.
9:15Mario Melchiot:You've got to win this game if you want to be champion.
9:17Colin Udoh:Let's take a look at everyone's predictions, shall we? A familiar feel, certainly when it comes to Mario and Stevie's thoughts on how this game is going to play out tomorrow. Both going for 2-1. I reckon it's going to be 1-1. I can see Arsenal 1-0 up early, controlling the game, final third, missing chances, Villa score late on, and then we all sit here going, oh, it's happening again to Arsenal. Arsenal's bought one. Yeah, exactly. But you think I'm wrong. Stevie? I do. I just... As I said, it's great when you're Villa and you've come back so many times, but you can't keep relying on... And you certainly can't keep relying on it when you're going to the team at the top of the table who are everybody's favourites to win the title.
10:03Colin Udoh:You can't rely on coming back. Is this going to be an open, entertaining, end-to-end game? We're not normally used to that with Arsenal in big matches because Arteta plays at times. It's not going to be a Man City-Liverpool of four or five years ago. It's not going to be that. It's going to be Aston Villa drawing a line in the sand, depending on how deep, depending on how high they want to make it. And Arsenal are going to have possession of the ball. and then when they turn the ball over, Villa are going to get after them. Right. Again, I think the problem Villa have is they're away from home and when Villa were at home, a lot of the problems Villa caused themselves by trying to play out from the back and giving the ball away.
10:41Colin Udoh:So if they're doing that at home, what are they going to be like? They're going to be more nervous away from home. I'm sorry, I just see a national win. Mario, you've gone for the same scoreline, 2-1.
10:54Mario Melchiot:Yeah, because I feel like, you know, Arsenal is at home. And I feel that they, first of all, like I said, they need to win. But I also feel like they will take the lead in the sense of like, if Fila sits back, I think they can play the game better than the way Chelsea played in the first half. But if Fila, you understand, has a better answer than what they had at Chelsea, because I don't think the first half they had a great answer. The second half, yeah, of course. But the first half, they didn't really have a good answer because their counterattack didn't work. and that's why if they play Arsenal and they want to hit them on the break and Arsenal sits well defensively it will be fine but that is the team that can play you you know, that can pass the ball open and open them up and that is going to be very important for Arsenal they got to start well with good energy because Villa, they peaked one time against Chelsea can they peak again?
11:42Mario Melchiot:and it's two big games for them and most of the time when I watch the Premier League the big, you know, the teams that have to win they struggle with peaking twice in a row.
11:52Colin Udoh:Of course, there's quite a few matches away from what's happening between Arsenal and Aston Villa, including Chelsea against Bournemouth. Of course, the stat that we've discussed recently on the show is Chelsea dropping points from winning positions. That's 13 in total. Crazily, 11 of those points have been at Stamford Bridge. It was so crazy in that match, obviously, against Villa. They were in control for the first hour, Mario. And then, for half an hour, your goalkeeper is the best player.
12:22Mario Melchiot:Yeah, and that was the guy that we were talking about that had big problems, but he kept them in the game because he saved so many great opportunities for Villa. He made some good saves. You know what the thing is with Chelsea now at the moment when I watched? First of all, in the beginning, it was the wingers that were struggling to get him on the ball. Now it's starting to open up and giving, like, you know, Watkins comes on. And the way Watkins came on, you understand, it was more like I've come with a lot of traditional English strength. and the way he played the game, and some of the guys didn't have an answer.
12:53Mario Melchiot:And how can you let one of the, I mean, in the air, he's definitely one of the stronger ones, you allow him to have that run-up on you? No, you can't do that. So that's why for me it feels strange. Also, Palmer came off. There's going to be a problem because what are you going to do? Are you going to play Palmer as a 10, or are you going to play him on the outside right? That's going to be the question because if you put him on a 10 and he might not produce what Maresca is looking for, then you've got to look on the outside, but there you got maybe other players. So it's going to be a question to see what you're going to do because some of the Wiggas, they don't produce exactly what you're always looking for because they don't score enough for me.
13:30Colin Udoh:Mario, who do you blame for this? Dropping 11 points in winning positions at home. Is it down to the tactics, the substitutes or the players?
13:39Mario Melchiot:I mean, it always comes. You got to look at the players always because I think as an individual, I always looked at myself and I asked that. of course, you know, you're not in charge of playing yourself. But away from that, I said, like, you need more goals and you need to make sure. But I think Chelsea struggles. From the moment they played Barcelona, we were raving about them. Everybody was like, wow, this is amazing. And after the Barcelona game, it did not go the direction that we expect them to be. Because after that, they needed to perform again. And it just came going backwards. Why? Because I said it just a second ago.
14:15Mario Melchiot:I said picking again is a lot of teams at the moment they struggle to peak really Continuously to keep on peaking if you're a young boy like as the foul I don't expect you to pick every game But I expect you to build and get better But when you are more like I call it the more seasoned they're more you know developed guys because people can call It's a young squad stop the young squad now to have enough experience You gotta win games
14:40Colin Udoh:Mario, how frustrating are they to watch as a supporter? And how do you think they can kind of turn this corner and get games done?
14:49Mario Melchiot:How you get games done? It's like you got strikers, man. We talked about Jackson last season. We were complaining. Look at us now. You understand? Yeah, like Pedro, it's like, what is he? Is he the striking position? Sometimes he score goals on her. But, you know, like, for me, the biggest thing I'm looking for is that you've got to finish games off. And I don't want Chelsea to sit and wait all the time. Be in charge. Control the game. And sometimes it's okay if you win 1-0. But make us feel that you can do that. And now I'm a little bit worried if they don't score enough, they might not win games.
15:27Mario Melchiot:That is the thing now, what's happening. Because they cannot close games off.
15:31Colin Udoh:Manchester United, meanwhile, have taken on Wolves. I've brought all their players in with my free hit for fantasy. so that's going to screw them over. Wolves obviously come into the game off the back of that tight defeat at Anfield against Liverpool. Meanwhile for United of course if you look at their form 2024-14, 2025-15, a lot of talk about the change that we saw in the formation that Ruben Amarine made of course for that victory against Newcastle. This is what he had to say.
15:59Mario Melchiot:First of all, it's a process. When I came here in the last season, I understood that maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of the process. We are trying to build an identity. Today is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players we need to adapt, but they already know that they understand why we are changing. It's not because of the pressure of you guys, of the fans. It's because now we understand the way we want to play and the principles are the same. We can change the system. And I think we are going to become a better team because when all the players return, we are not going to play all the time with three defenders.
16:45Mario Melchiot:We are going to improve. But that was something that I was talking about. But then when you talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand that I'm changing because of you. And I think that is the end for the manager. So when we are playing well in our system, I think that is the moment to change. If it's the better thing to win the next game, and that's what we did today.
17:14Colin Udoh:On the outside looking in, I haven't coached. I think, why has it taken you this long to change the system? when you've already stated that you didn't have the players to play the original system in the first place. What's he saying? I don't know, but he's talking a lot. Reuben, Reuben, you've got to stop talking. You've just got to stop talking. I mean, absolute gobbledygook. Did he watch the second half last weekend with a back four? Did he really watch it? They were absolutely awful. How Newcastle never scored is beyond me. I mean, what's this improving, Pat? I mean, come on. I don't... They did beat Newcastle.
17:59Colin Udoh:They are sixth as opposed to 14th. They only beat Newcastle because Newcastle couldn't hit a band door from two yards if they were allowed to. I mean, it was just... It was unreal. They got completely, totally and utterly outplayed football vice at home in the second half. And he's talking about now's the time to change because we're doing well. I mean, come on. You might have got a result, but doing well. It was an absolute shambles. It was just the ineptitude of Gordon and anybody else in a black and white jersey that they actually won this game. So, I mean, he just keeps talking. I don't understand half the time what he's trying to get us to think.
18:38Colin Udoh:Can you imagine what the players are thinking if he talks as much to them? Mario, are you as befuddled as Stephen?
Read the full transcript
18:47Mario Melchiot:No, Stephen is funny. I love it. Because Stephen was right. How can you play the game the way they started, right? They were fortunate. Honestly, I was watching that game and, you know, actually like working on that game, and I couldn't believe that Newcastle turned up, and they turned up that bad. When they kicked off at the start, they allowed them to be on the ball. And I was like, why are you guys waiting? You're normally the high energy, and you get in people and really make them on the second half. They're starting to put them under pressure. It made it hard for them. And, of course, he changed the game because prior to the game, He said that, you know, like the interviewer and saying like, oh, I'm going to stay.
19:22Mario Melchiot:I'm going to play four. Maybe at the back. I'm not sure yet. OK, we already knew he was going to do it. But then you also have to imagine you have a 19-year-old kid called Heaven playing at the back for you. You want to tell me that you're going to play three at the back, then four at the back, then three at the back. How are you going to school a young kid to understand how to learn to defend and play well in your team if you just keep on changing, changing, changing? No, stop thinking. The key thing for me is for any, like when I watch coaches, work with what you have. Don't work only with what you think is good because you cannot afford to do that yet.
19:58Mario Melchiot:So work with what you have.
20:00Colin Udoh:Meanwhile, Spurs won. Maybe Crystal Palace. We saw, of course, Archie Gray getting the goal. The first goal of his career, 19 years of age. And what I liked about this, some of the celebration is now a bit nonchalant. Not for him. He looked like a kid who just scored his first ever goal for Tottenham. And that was kind of really nice to see. And it got me thinking, Stephen, obviously. Can you? I hate these questions because you're going to say you don't remember. First goal. I do remember. Excuse me? I do remember. Excuse me? You heard me correctly. So who were you on the phone to when we were walking to the studio?
20:40Colin Udoh:I was confirming. You're right. I was confirming. I remember the goal, I just couldn't remember who it was against. Well, there we go. And it was in a huge game as well, Clyde Bank at home. Why is that a big game? Well, I was just, I was throwing a bit of spice on. Okay. This obviously wasn't when you were at Liverpool. No, I was at Air United. There was 1 ,576 people there. And do you remember the goal? I remember the goal, yeah. It was at the far post, it was a diving header, and I headed it about that off the ground. Wow. That's why I remember it. What were you doing down there? Well, I misjudged it.
21:14Colin Udoh:because I thought it was going to stay at a certain level. So I'd already got myself in position to header it and the closer it got to me, it was dropping. So I was getting lower and lower. I think I skinned my nose as well when I headed it, but it went in the back of the net. So, yeah, Clydebank, 1981. You're synonymous with the angry celebration. Yeah. Do you remember what the celebration was like? Was it more kind of archy grey? No, no, it wasn't. I'm pretty sure it was kind of... I think I've just scored. This is dangerous, because you haven't rung your biographer about this one. No. First goal at Liverpool?
21:51Colin Udoh:Yeah, that was the angry one. Yeah, that was an angry one. Who was that against? Queen's Park Rangers away on the Astro Tuff. One-two, Graham Sooners. Cleaned through on Hocker. He got his hand to it in the bottom corner. Couldn't keep it out. Too much power. Absolutely. And then the angry celebration. Yeah, then the angry celebration.
22:14Mario Melchiot:Mario, do you remember your first goal? I remember it. Stevie, I allow you not to remember it. Why? Because you won too much. So now we'll start talking because you won too many trophies. It's normal that you forget certain things. Don't worry. No, me, I was still at school actually when I scored my first goal. I was in the Champions League against Juventus. And Stevie, you know Zidane. I played against Zidane. I was a young kid. I was just in awe. I thought he was good, but I can tell you when I was playing against him, I thought, this guy is not good. He's great. So that game, he made us understand what football meant.
22:52Mario Melchiot:But I ended up scoring a goal and going to school the next day. Oh, my God. I felt like I was the most famous guy in the world. I bet you did, Mario. Talk us through the goal. Oh, it was actually like Archie Gray. The way he scored, it was like on a corner kick. They flicked it and I was standing in front of the goalkeeper. So I just flicked it in. That's the way I scored. I think it was 1-1 actually, that goal. But it was in Turin. And for me, you know, as a young boy, I was 19 years old or 20 years old. And scoring a goal like that, Dan, I'm telling you, I was over New Moon because I knew I was going to come back to Amsterdam.
23:28Mario Melchiot:I think I was still celebrating while I was flying back.
23:31Colin Udoh:Oh my god Mario you talk about how close you are to your mom what was what was she like when you scored? I imagine that she must just lost it
23:39Mario Melchiot:You know what the thing was look we lost then that's one but my mom was like over the moon like I was the first on the phone to her But you know what the funny part was that I take off my jersey and one of my school kids That joined me at Ajax when I was nine years old He was in the stand and I gave him my jersey He used to be my best friend growing up. And I ended up seeing him in the stands. His name was Wim. And I gave him my jersey. And it was just unbelievable. Honestly, that day, just thinking about it now, still brings joy in me.
24:09Colin Udoh:And what was your celebration? Do you remember it?
24:13Mario Melchiot:I couldn't because we had to win the game. So I was thinking about celebrating. I just get the ball and run back.
24:20Colin Udoh:Professional. Mario, thank you very much. Unprofessional, meanwhile, Gab and Jules. But you can still check them out. The latest podcast is available to listen to now.
24:55Colin Udoh:Tech app. Download today. Rich Eisen here. The April 15th tax deadline is coming fast, but don't worry. Hand off your taxes to a TurboTax expert today. You know how April feels. Everything speeds up. Games matter more. Hoops and hockey schedules tighten. Your phone won't stop buzzing. And somewhere in the middle of it all, there's that quiet little reminder. Taxes. You'll get to it tonight or tomorrow or after the weekend. And if you handle it the old way, you're refreshing your inbox like it's breaking news, waiting, wondering, hoping everything's squared away. That's a lot of mental bandwidth.
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26:34Colin Udoh:That's A-R-K-A-Y, beverages.com, R-K. All the flavor, none of the alcohol. Okay, let's take it, shall we, to what's going on in the African Cup of Nations. Zambia taking on Morocco. Hakimi of course has been injured up to this point. He would start on the bench ahead of this clash. Ten minutes in, it's Morocco who would take the lead. Alcabi here making it 1-0. Yeah, I mean he disappeared amongst all those jerseys. But he gets there first, gets his head. Keeper hasn't a chance. Rahim Diaz then would make it 2-0 in the 27th minute.
27:12beautifully taken just picks his spot gets his stride right opens his left foot up see you later into the second half more morocco now the bicycle kick scored here it was initially ruled offside
27:25Colin Udoh:but va would take a look now that's a great bicycle kick he's absolutely figured out what he's going to do weights on the ball gets him gets his body completely in the perfect spot That's off the laces by the way. You like it? Aye. That's a proper bicycle. Celebrations here. And smiles for Hakimi and the crowd. This Morocco star man would come on. And he'd have a chance actually here to mark his debut in the tournament with a goal. Look at this for a save, Stevie. Keeping us really well to Danai Hakimi. Whoa. A strong right hand I guess is the term. I don't think it's a fair term as well. Celebrations then for the hosts as they win by three goals to nil.
28:13Colin Udoh:So official then. Morocco are through to the knockout stages. Elsewhere, Mali would draw nil-nil against Comoros. Let's welcome in our Colin Udo is here. You know something special when Colin is here. Colin, of course, been keeping an eye on AFCON for us. Let's start with Morocco, shall we, and reflecting on what we saw from them overall in these opening three matches, Colin.
28:39Mario Melchiot:Oh, yeah. I mean, they've been one of the better sides. It was a bit of a surprise, actually, that they drew their second game because they looked like one of the teams that were capable of winning all three games, even without Hakimi in the side. He finally made his appearance today. But, I mean, Brahim Diaz has been absolutely amazing for them. He's practically carried that Morocco team all the way at this tournament. And they look like a team that really can compete. And it's been a pretty good year for Morocco all across from the under-17, under-20s, the women's team, and now the senior team.
29:19Mario Melchiot:They got a bit of whistling from the fans when they drew that game against Mali. But overall, you know, look, everybody looks at them and thinks Morocco are in with a chance. They want the contenders for this title.
29:29Colin Udoh:Yeah, let's talk a little bit more about those whistles after that draw with Marley. Hakimi, of course, came out and spoke publicly about it, saying, it's not normal for the supporters to whistle. We need the 12th man. We know the fans want us to win all the time since the World Cup. There's a new Morocco, but we mustn't forget to keep our feet on the ground. Having the AFCON at home helps us, but it doesn't make things easier. We need them behind us. And I suppose, as he mentions, Colin, they're almost a victim of their own success. Given how well they did in the World Cup, that bar is now set high.
29:59Colin Udoh:And that's where the fans' expectations are as well. But surely rightly so.
30:04Mario Melchiot:Look, I have no idea what Hakimi is talking about. This thing happens almost on the regular with African teams. Even in Nigeria, when you're playing at home, the team is not doing so well. The fans start chairing the opposing team. I mean, when you pass the ball, you hear, yeah, yeah. and then when Nigeria is not playing by, you go, ooh, they boo them. So it's normal. And, you know, any player who plays on an African team should be prepared to understand that this is always going to happen. So you've just got to get on with it. And once you start winning, once you start getting the rules, the fans are going to get right back behind you.
30:38Mario Melchiot:And I think Hakimi needs to understand that or just, if you can't stand it, he'll get out of the kitchen.
30:43Colin Udoh:Well, indeed. A bit harsh. People boo Nigeria right for the kickoff, Colin. What are you talking about? Meanwhile, let's look out what else has been happening. Going to Group B, Zimbabwe taking on South Africa. It would just take seven minutes for South Africa to take the lead. What a deflection this is to take it into the back of the net. Oh dear. Yeah, you've got to feel for the goalkeeper in this situation. Absolutely nothing he can do. He's committed to go for the first shot, that deflection. Tawandeau here would get the equaliser. Nice individual goal. What? Twinkle toes all the way through.
31:21Colin Udoh:Oh, twinkle toes. One, two, three, four defenders, then sticks it home. Magic. Into the second half, though, South Africa would take their lead back as Foster would make it 2-1. Oh, goalkeeper. That should be a goalkeeper's ball all day. Right here. Right here. It's way too deep, the keeper. Completely misjudged it. That's why it's in the back of his net. Once again, though, Zimbabwe would fight back. Medivir here with the own goal. Oh. Oh, it's your luck.
31:56Colin Udoh:That's where the football gods come into play, Dan. Well, the football gods, meanwhile, at the other end, would give South Africa a penalty. Now, take a look at the handball here.
32:09Colin Udoh:Oh, it's going wide as well. It's a foot wide. What's he doing? Oh, my goodness. And it's Apollos. Oh, what a disaster. And convert the penalty to give South Africa another victory. So what does all that mean in Group B? Well, Egypt will play out a 0-0 draw against Angola, but they were, of course, going into this game knowing that they'd already qualified. They finished top of the group, South Africa, then already advancing. Let's talk about Egypt a little bit, Colin. What have we made of them so far? Is this 0-0 a big deal today?
32:44Mario Melchiot:Look, they changed their entire starting XI and played sort of like their B team in this game, and they struggled. Angola will be kicking themselves absolutely because this was a game they had in hand. Egypt were played off the pack, and Angola had a chance with a win to have made it through to the next round against this B team of Egypt, and they just didn't take advantage. They created opportunities, played them off the pack, hit the post, but just could not find the back of the net. So I guess it just shows you that this Egypt team is not as deep as teams of the past, but they've always got Mo Salah.
33:24Mario Melchiot:And so you've got to think that, I mean, they always have a chance with him.
33:29Colin Udoh:Right then, Colin, who should I put my Christmas money on? Who's going to win this thing?
33:33Mario Melchiot:The tournament?
33:34Colin Udoh:Oh, yes. Nigeria? Colin! Not vice at all, Colin. I told you not to have that eggnog. No, Brian's fair in Nigeria.
33:46Mario Melchiot:But seriously, we've got some really, really good teams at this AFCON. And not just the top teams. Things have changed in Africa. And I'm sure if you've seen any obsesses yet, but you've seen that the so-called smaller teams have gone toe-to-toe with the bigger ones and come away with either ties or even giving them a scare. I mean, look at Zimbabwe against South Africa. We know normally the South Africa always have problems against teams from their side of the point in Southern Africa. But, I mean, Zimbabwe could have actually got a point or even three from this. And Egypt have struggled. Morocco have struggled.
34:23Mario Melchiot:I guess so far Nigeria is the only team that hasn't struggled. But I'm sure even they, if they know, will be hoping that they don't win against Uganda. Because it seems to appear that every time they win all three games in the group stages, they end up making a very terrible exit towards the end.
34:37Colin Udoh:Yeah, we know, Colin, at some stage in this tournament, Nigeria are going to shoot themselves in the foot. So when they don't win it, who will win it?
34:46Mario Melchiot:Well, Cote d 'Ivoire looked really good. I mean, their game against Cameroon was absolutely top notch. Cameroon are looking good, but, you know, just like Nigeria, they have a tendency to self-destruct. And so I'm not sure if I want to put Cameroon in that bracket. and then of course you've got Senegal who are defending champions, sorry, who were previous defending champions before Cote d 'Ivoire. They are always a threat. And then Egypt, as much as you might like to rule them out, they're seven-time champions. They've shown that they might start slowly, but they have the capacity to go all the way and do it.
35:19Mario Melchiot:And of course the host Morocco have got the crowd behind them. Although I don't quite see this Morocco team as being strong enough to go all the way and win it. But I do think they are contenders.
35:27Colin Udoh:Good. I think you mentioned every team in the tournament. Thank you, Colin. One last point i wanted to bring up with you was this quote from uh hugo bruce the south african head coach saying in the ivory coast and in gabon every second of the tournament you felt that you were in a tournament the people were when we went with the bus to train the people were waving they're with flags and here you don't see any of that you see nothing so i don't know but yeah there is not no vibe there is no typical afcon vibe i don't feel it here is this a view that that's been shared by others as well, Colin?
36:02Mario Melchiot:Look, not many, to be honest, although, I mean, you've got to look at it and look at the bigger picture. This is a tournament that's being held in winter to start with. So it's cold and it's raining. It's hard to get out onto the stadiums and working when it's pouring cats and dogs. And this also makes the argument for moving the AFCON from this period in most of Africa to a summer period in Europe, which is June, July, because there are always heavy rains in sub-Saharan Africa during this period. And most of the hosts of this tournament are usually in sub-Saharan Africa. And then in North Africa, you've got the winter and the rains also taking place there.
36:46Mario Melchiot:So there is that to consider. But also at the same time, you've got to think about the fact that, you know, Morocco doesn't quite have the same kind of vibe as, say, Cote d 'Ivoire and, say, Senegal or even Nigeria. But for the folks I've spoken to who are there, even the Nigeria team that I've spoken to and the Ghanaians who are there also, even though their team didn't qualify. But people feel this vibe when they go out, whether in restaurants, in malls and other stuff. So to be honest, Hugo Bruce and his team are kind of in a bubble. So I'm not sure what he's talking about, to be honest.
37:21Colin Udoh:Good man, Colin. It's like most of our guests. Much appreciated. Colin, of course, will be back throughout the tournament to give us up to date with everything that's going on. ESPN returns tomorrow. It's a busy day, of course, in the Premier League. We'll be bringing you everything you need to know about all those big matches.
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39:58Colin Udoh:Application times and rates may vary. That's it. That brings us to the end. No, no, no. Something else has happened as well. There is a goalkeeper who was very cold, so he had a cup of tea to keep himself warm. Is this during the game? It can't be during the game. It's a coffee. It's got to be a coffee. Where's the ball? No. Somebody's put that there for him. That's nice. Now, what always surprised me when I talk to you boys is how much you enjoyed your halftime tea. I know. It was great. It was magic. Shaka said he'd look forward to it. Why? At first, he was like, what is this? I didn't. So we always had a cup of tea.
40:37Colin Udoh:Go on. Huge, big, old kettle. Big pot. Paul do it ready. and I'm with Sheffield Wednesday the end of my career and one of the doctors came up to me and said you know that dehydrates you drinking tea, I was like I won five league titles I got a kit I went like that and I went by the way I'm probably the other one he was like we shouldn't be doing that he's probably right though do you know what he may be right but in terms of what going on in my head, which no one is wrong. If it makes me go on the field feeling better, better prepared, and a better frame of mind, then... This sounds like a conversation you've had with Eleanor.
41:27Colin Udoh:Mario, did you ever have a cup of tea when you moved to Chelsea?
41:32Mario Melchiot:Oh, yeah, yeah. We had teas. Yeah, definitely. When it gets cold, you drink some teas. But I wanted to know if Steve made that time when they had something else than tea in the dressing room because at Chelsea, they talked about it. Some of the old school guys, they said like, ooh, there was some other drinks as well. But that was before my time.
41:49Colin Udoh:So we're talking a little whiskey or brandy? Phil Neal, for the game. I'd never seen it before. I'm sat there. I was 13th man, basically. I'm just sitting there waiting. We're getting ready to go out. And there was like a case thing in the middle. We had all kinds of stuff in it, including a wee quarter bottle of whiskey. And Phil Neal, the bell went, and Phil Neal walked up to it. Went and took the top off. Went like that. Had a swig. And off he went. Wow. I was like, ah. And he won league titles. That's what they told me. I tell you what. He had, I'm going to say he had 360 games in the trot.
42:26Colin Udoh:Never missed one. What would the doctor say to him? Have another whiskey, son. Thank you very much, guys. Just a reminder. Extra time is coming up. Questions about New Year's resolutions. Where everybody say they don't make them. But there we go. We will ask anyway. be sure to stay with us.
42:48Colin Udoh:Welcome then to the latest edition of Extra Time. Thank you as always for your questions. Stevie is here. Mario joins us as well. Stevie, with Vert possibly hitting form and Gagpo back from injury, what is the best attacking setup for Liverpool with Salah at the African Cup of Nations? Ooh, that's a tester. Well, obviously, he sacks injured, so it's Gakpo, Eketiki and Wers. The question is, who do you put on the right? Yeah. That's the question I'm now going to follow up with you. Well, if I was slot, I would put... I know Wers hasn't played on the right, but I think you have to try it, because there's no question Gakpo is better when he comes off the left onto his right.
43:33Colin Udoh:Okay. He scored a lot of goals coming in there. He scored a lot of goals at the far post with balls coming from the other side. So I think I would try this to begin with on the right hand side. Really? And then see what happens. See how it goes. Have a little test. Mario, have you ever not listened to a coach? Because Pep wanted Grealish to stay wide, while Shirky disobeyed his demands recently. Advice to Shirky, does Pep like Shirky because of his rebelliousness?
44:02Mario Melchiot:So you're asking me if I ever disliked what the coach said? Yeah, did you ever not listen to a coach? I think we all have moments where we don't listen to coaches You understand? I don't think If you want to be, like, if you play professional football It's always going to be, you know, sometimes You know, your ego is stronger than yourself But then you figure out that sometimes the coach is right And you've got to put him aside again But no, definitely I had moments like that So I totally understand that things like this happen When I had it, well, let me say I had it, for example, when I came in the national team of Holland you always have to put your jersey in your shorts.
44:38Mario Melchiot:Back in the day I'm talking about, not now. And what I did, I put it in the front, I put it in, and at the back I left it out. Half time comes, Louis Valgaard calls me and he goes, hey, I can see that you put in the jersey in from the front and you leave it out on the back. He said, tuck it in really well, and if not, come and sit next to me. Okay, coach, I'll tuck it in for you. Back in front, everywhere, tight, perfect.
45:02Colin Udoh:Who would have thought they'd be worried about such little things when obviously bigger things matter. Yeah. The best coaches, though, the best coaches will tell you what they're looking for. Yeah. But the best coaches also understand that when the game's going on, you have to play what the game gives you. And so if you've got a coach who's telling you to do one thing, but the game gives you something else and you go and do it, and then he gives you earache, that tells you more about the coach. You've told many stories about your time at the revs where you've told players things and just completely ignored you all in one ear while out the other Well, I have to say they didn't ignore me right?
45:45Colin Udoh:They just weren't capable of It's amazing What happens to players when the whistle goes it's almost like Nobody's spoken to them ever before right? You know you sit you stand with somebody before five minutes before the game before they're going out or whatever it is you say right when this happens I want you to do that if there's only two things you need to do today it's that and that okay and they're like yes coach right coach no three bags full coach and then the game will start and after about five minutes I'll turn to Paul and go what was the last thing I told him? Yeah yeah yeah yeah Honestly He's right Oh my God Well I think we can all answer this question for you Stevie I can't believe they put this in in the holiday spirit Worst memory of a late goal?
46:36Colin Udoh:Cheers. Thanks for that. Yeah, I can't remember. No, 1989. You've got to take the good with the bad. There you go. Also, of course, winning the league at Anfield on the final day of the season. Mario, for you, worst late goal you remember conceding?
46:56Mario Melchiot:Yeah, Ireland. They kicked us out of the World Cup qualification. It was like the last game fully and I did not go to the World Cup. Got it like crazy, I'm telling you Dan. Oh man, I would have been World Cup. I knew van Gaal was the coach. I was in, I was a young talent. I was ready to go. Bam, they knocked us out.
47:17Colin Udoh:Mario, you mentioned the euphoric feeling when you scored in your Turin, coming back. Obviously what a feeling that was for your first goal as a 19-year-old. It must have been the complete opposite. being around after playing against Ireland, not making it to the World Cup. You must have just wanted to stay in your room.
47:36Mario Melchiot:No, definitely. Look, you know what people have to understand? Sometimes when you're in your holiday period, you want to leave the country. It's not in your room then, I'm telling you. If you can afford to go on holiday, you're out of the country because you're leaving as quick as you can because you know that... Some people, I don't understand, They like all the time to be recognised and spoken to. Sometimes I didn't have that feeling because I loved being away from it. That was also one of the biggest reasons why I moved to Los Angeles.
48:07Colin Udoh:And the weather, of course, isn't bad either. That helps. Oh yeah, definitely, that's for sure. Did you ever know for a club telling a player not to perform like Barcelona, supposedly have asked Lewandowski not to score?
48:27Colin Udoh:Ask him not to score, what's this? Because you had to pay Bayern a goal bonus if he scored an X amount of goals. No. Not at that level? No. Not at that level. Lower down? No. Lower down there are certain... You know... Lower down... Clever chairman who think they know better than everybody else... Right. Put all kinds of different things in contracts. And one of the main ones is after a certain amount of games, the player gets a bonus for playing a certain amount of games. And further down, where the chairman or the owner, whatever you want to call him, really has the manager by the you-know-what.
49:12Colin Udoh:Right. And he'll say, look, I'm not paying this guy a bonus. He can't play. You can't play him. That's for lower leagues. That's lower leagues. Not low and dust. Friesman Atleti, they had to manage his time because they didn't want to pay. Yeah, there's always that one. Harvey Elliott, Aston Villa as well. Meanwhile, Mario. Well, it was his none. Say again? Did he have to play one game and get a bonus? Who was that? Harvey Elliott. I just heard earlier in my ear. I didn't really know the context. I was just moving on. I don't think Harvey Elliott's played a game, has he? In games, apparently. Well, that's stupid.
49:46Colin Udoh:Mario, if you're Maresca, would you bench Carnacho to play Esteval on the right and Neto on the left?
49:58Mario Melchiot:I'm going to tell you then, whatever makes my team win, I'm going to play that player. So I will give you the opportunity, like how they get the chances, right? Ganacho, they're all getting chances. But at the end, I'm going to put in the player that at that point, he performs for me, scores the goals and gives the assists that I need, you're playing. And the rest, they all just have to compete with each other. and that is the best you're going to get out of them. So what's the answer then, Mario? Because if you don't do that, What's the answer?
50:27Colin Udoh:Oh.
50:30Mario Melchiot:I would bench him. Yeah, I would bench him. I would bench him.
50:37Colin Udoh:I don't mind Chelsea. I don't support them. But Garnaccio, there's something about him that just is quite unlikable. Is that easy enough to say? A bit like Emi Martinez. I was kind of thinking, who's got it? And Arjun... I don't... No, I don't have anything against ganache. As a Chelsea supporter, you don't have that same sort of feeling?
51:02Mario Melchiot:No, I don't have that with ganache. I think, you know, look, you've been a player yourself then, so you don't look bad at players if it makes you a match. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
51:11Colin Udoh:St Michael's under-11s will appreciate that. He's a lot of things.
51:14Mario Melchiot:OK, no, no, no, no, no. I'm talking about myself. I'm not talking about that. He's been a lot of things for not once we've ever been with. Oh, man. OK, Stevie, Stevie, I'm sorry. Maybe I made a mistake by what I said, but I didn't mean it like that. I meant to say I've been a player myself. So I have nothing against him and I would not want anybody to have anything. No, Mario Malkiot says I used to be a player. I know you're me as well.
51:41Colin Udoh:I'm with you. Isn't it weird? There's something unlikable. He's never done anything wrong to me. No, it's not. There's something unlikable about him. I'm sure he's a lovely chap. He probably is. fan club come from there's loads of players i like that on the field that yeah that that you know will kick you will trip you will do anything to get up your nose yes and just annoy the life out of you but they're the nicest people off the field i an old an old guy i used to play against norman whiteside right manchester united legend manchester united legend norman on the field was a brute yes i mean he would have done anything to you look he would have chopped your head off if He meant he would get the ball.
52:18But off the field, the nicest man of life.
52:21Colin Udoh:Mario, Xhaka says that about Jimmy Floyd Hasselbein. Like, on the pitch, he'd just do anything to wind you up. But off it, he was lovely.
52:30Mario Melchiot:Oh, yeah, but most of us, I think a lot of the players, but Jimmy definitely, like, I play with Jimmy three seconds, I will fall out with him. But after that, he comes after the game, hey, where are we going to eat? Where are we going to eat? Come on, man, let's go and get some dinner. Yeah, but he was always like that. But there were so many more players you played with, they were identical to that. I think strikers, for me, are one of the worst guys to play with. If you don't give them the ball, if they don't score, they are moody as crazy.
52:57Colin Udoh:So that's what Jimmy would be angry at you, even though you were teammates. He'd be frustrated because you didn't pass to him. Exactly that, you get it.
53:07Mario Melchiot:It took him one minute, and you know, look, you can give the ball to anybody else, but you don't give it to him, and he goes nuts. And I'm like, dude, chill, man. We play with, what, 10 more guys around me. No, he wants the ball for himself.
53:21Colin Udoh:Yeah, I'll tell you, Paul was like that. Maris? Maris was like that. Was he? Maris is broken. A good number of centre-halves knows he's in his time. Okay. But he'd be the first one to buy them a beer after. It's funny, isn't it? Aye. Well, he used to sharpen his elbows for a game. Get them ready. Steve. There we go. Wow, what a question this is. If the ESPN FC crew were invited to field a team for Family Feud, who would you pick to be on your five-sided team? Okay, so you're the captain, Stevie. Right.
53:58Colin Udoh:Well, Shaka, Mr. Nasser would be. Okay, but it's not really a Nasser sort of programme, is it? No, he's got to be. He's a smart lad. Yeah, no, Shaka's smart. I'd go with Shaka. But then Gab is smart, but do you want him on this sort of show because he'll try and be too smart? No, doesn't he? We want to win. No, but the thing is, Family Fortunes or Family Food is all about what do the public think? Do you know what I mean? We asked 100 people... Let's be honest, Gab knows all kinds of things that nobody's even interested in. Yes, but I don't think you're getting my point. No, I know you're... He's not the common man.
54:31Colin Udoh:No, he's not. He's in my team, though. Okay, alright, so you've got yourself, Shaka, Gann. Key. Kay? Yeah.
54:49Colin Udoh:Erm... I'd have Craig. You'd have Craig over me? Aye. Why? I guess the Cornwall, wouldn't you? What do you mean? I am the epitome of the common man. Ask 100 people, I am right in the middle of that. If we get... Really? We just get angry. We get a question about the weight close to Dober, you might come in handy. What, sorry? Sorry? What did you say? Nothing. What did you say? Well, you're down that way. You're down that way, right? And who would be my last pick? No, you've had them, haven't you? Burnley, Gab, Shaki, yourself, and Kay. That's five. Yeah, that's a good team. Mario, I apologise.
55:27Colin Udoh:We'll have our own team. He can bring the drinks. He can be the drinks boy.
55:32Mario Melchiot:Don't worry, really quick. Me, Dad, you be in my team because I want to laugh. Stevie, you be in my team because I want to laugh. Ali, you be in my team because I want to laugh. Sucker, you be in my team because I want to laugh.
55:47Colin Udoh:Yeah, not pearly.
55:48Mario Melchiot:Craig, I just want you to be angry so you can be in my team too. Just make me laugh. Just be angry.
55:56Colin Udoh:Final question. Any New Year's resolutions, Mario?
56:03Mario Melchiot:My New Year's revolution will be just enjoy my family even more than I already do. That's the best revolution for me because I enjoy it. That's why I'm here. I love it more than anything. Anything can be taken from me except that.
56:18Colin Udoh:It's beautiful, Mario. I won't ask you. One thing obviously you enjoy as well, Mario, is top 10 goals. We actually had a camera on you during it because your face is just brilliant throughout these goals, if we take a look through them.
56:36I love it.
56:39Mario Melchiot:Oh, man. Hey, oh, yes, yes, yes. Woo. You guys are bad. You guys are bad. No, that's brilliant. Hey, this is a mix. This is not just one. This is a mix.
56:58Mario Melchiot:You guys are bad. I get you. Tell, please. Mike, you got me, man. You got me. Oh, my God. From one former player to another.
57:09Colin Udoh:Stevie, look out for me now, please. I didn't know he was coming either. Fantastic. Mario, thank you very much. Former players, we can enjoy New Year's. We look forward to that. Stevie, are you back before the end of New Year? I'm back tomorrow. Are you? Good show, Tamara. Lots to talk about. I won't be here. ESPN FC, then back on your screens tomorrow to reflect on Arsenal against Aston Villa. Of course, Chelsea in action as a Manchester United. Look for playing tomorrow as well. I don't know. I'm concentrating on the big one. There you go. Good man.
57:46Mario Melchiot:Hey, sweetie. Your mother showed me this Carvana thing for selling the car. I'm going to give it a try. Wish me luck. Me again. I put in the license plate. It gave me an offer. Unbelievable. Okay, I accepted the offer. They're picking it up Tuesday from the driveway. I haven't even left my chair. It's done. The car is gone. I'm holding a check. Anyway, Carvana, give it a whirl. Love ya.
58:09Colin Udoh:So good, you'll want to leave a voicemail about it. Sell your car today on Carvana. Pickup fees may apply.
From the publisher
The FC crew look ahead to Aston Villa's visit to Arsenal and argue if Unai Emery's side can upset the league leaders off the back of their sensational run of form. Plus, Mario Melchiot tries to explain why Chelsea continue to squander leads at home. Colin Udoh also joins the show to react to Egypt and Morocco winning their groups at 2025 AFCON.
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