In short
The episode of ESPN FC focuses on Premier League results, mainly Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal, plus Spurs 2-2 Man United and Chelsea 3-0 Wolves, with additional discussion of other leagues. Sunderland held Arsenal’s league-leading run: it was a 10-game winning streak ended, and Arsenal conceded two goals for the first time in 18 games. Guests argue Sunderland succeeded through physicality and “going long” into the striker Isidore, using second balls and avoiding playing out from the back; they also forced many head-injury stoppages. Arsenal’s key claims: they were rattled early but responded with quality—Trossard scored, and Saka and Sunderland’s defensive giveaways/space created the other goals.
Notable examples
Sunderland’s long balls into Isidore; Arsenal’s stoppage-time pressure; Trossard’s explosive finish.
Guests
Don Hutchison (former Sunderland player), Stevie Nichol (former player/analyst), and Xhaka (Arsenal-focused 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 VOArsenal vs Sunderland Match Overview
0:35 to 1:30
Discussion on the 2-2 draw between Arsenal and Sunderland and its significance.
“His stop, there's only one place we have to start and that is the Premier League.”
Sunderland's Physical Approach
1:30 to 3:00
Analysis of Sunderland's physical play and strategy against Arsenal.
“all of those streaks that Sunderland managed to do.”
Arsenal's Reaction and Performance
3:00 to 4:30
Discussion on how Arsenal responded to Sunderland's play and their overall performance.
“when you wear that Sunderland badge on your chest.”
Key Players and Highlights
4:30 to 6:00
Highlighting key players and pivotal moments from the match, including goals.
“But, Shaka, from the Arsenal perspective, is it kind of a good or a bad thing that they suffer this sort of blow before the international break?”
Impact of the Draw on Arsenal's Season
6:00 to 7:30
Exploring the implications of the draw on Arsenal's league ambitions and future fixtures.
“But I thought in that first half, Sunderland were the better team at closing the opponent down.”
Sunderland's Game Plan Success
7:30 to 9:00
Dissecting Sunderland's successful game plan and its effectiveness against Arsenal.
“And so if you're a tether, you've got to look at the big picture and just put this one down to, But you know what?”
Arsenal's Attacking Challenges
9:00 to 10:30
Discussion on Arsenal's struggles in the final third and their need for improvement.
“You know, they had a really difficult fixture list.”
Upcoming Matches and Predictions
10:30 to 11:50
Previewing upcoming matches and potential outcomes in the Premier League.
“Domestically, it's always by a goal, no more than two goals.”
Upcoming Matches and Predictions
11:56 to 13:01
Previewing upcoming matches and potential outcomes in the Premier League.
“The one that makes buying so incredibly easy?”
Tottenham vs Manchester United Match Recap
13:39 to 14:01
Recap of the Tottenham vs Manchester United match that ended in a draw.
Show all 26 chapters
Analyzing the Draw: Manchester United vs Spurs
14:01 to 17:06
Discussion on the implications of the match result for both teams and key player performances.
“and in the end they had to split the points Alright, well I just want to say that I predicted this correctly I did go for a draw.”
Spurs' Home Struggles and Manager Decision
17:07 to 20:35
Exploring Spurs' performance issues at home and the crowd's reaction to managerial decisions.
“I did say it was giving air of the Europa League final.”
Unexpected League Position and Fan Expectations
20:36 to 22:19
Reflection on Spurs' surprising league position despite disappointing performances.
“I found it bizarre because I'm not sure I couldn't really get a handle on why they were booing were they booing the player that was going off or the player that was coming on or were they booing Thomas Frank?”
Chelsea's Performance Against Wolves
24:39 to 28:00
Analysis of Chelsea's convincing win over Wolves and standout players.
“Inevitable at Chelsea, we're going to win it.”
Evaluating Young Talent: Esteval's Development
28:00 to 29:10
Discussion on the right approach for bringing young players like Esteval into the game.
“If everybody's fit, I'm playing Neto or Cole Palmer before Esteval.”
Bayern Munich vs. Union Berlin: Match Analysis
29:46 to 41:48
In-depth analysis of Bayern Munich's performance against Union Berlin, discussing their lack of sharpness and mental focus.
“Maui, you will board my boat and restore the heart of Te Fiti.”
Atletico Madrid's Performance: Antoine Griezmann's Impact
41:48 to 42:05
Discussion on Atletico Madrid's match vs. Levante, highlighting Griezmann's contributions and overall team performance.
“And now it's one of the most vulnerable places that they got Atletico de Madrid in today.”
Atletico Madrid's Vulnerability
42:05 to 43:16
Discussion about Atletico Madrid's defensive struggles and upcoming matches.
“The one is looking around, checking all the ball, but never even giving a glance to what is happening on the second post to concede that first goal.”
Goal of the Week Contenders
43:16 to 44:14
Analysis of standout goals and their impact on the ongoing football season.
“they're going to be with a low block that Simeone likes, they're going to be thinking about, let's see if in a contestant weekend it's called that first goal who allowed us to get tight and let Inter to come on us.”
Extra Time Insights
44:14 to 46:11
The panel discusses Arsenal's recent performance and their resilience.
“And there has been a long-standing goal.”
Sunderland and Nottingham Forest Comparison
46:11 to 47:39
Debate about Sunderland's potential compared to past successful teams.
“That's it for this show, but don't worry.”
Title Race Discussions
47:39 to 50:40
Panelists discuss Chelsea's chances in the title race amidst skepticism.
“I thought you were going to tell us what you were on comms for.”
Early Football Experiences
50:40 to 55:29
Former players share their youth football experiences and realization of talent.
“It's like, you know, the Shaka with his Jamal Musiala voice?”
International Tournament Memories
55:29 to 56:00
Discussion about memorable youth tournaments and experiences from the past.
“Can you take challenges and people pushing you and all that?”
Recollections from the Air International Tournament
56:00 to 58:08
The hosts share amusing and nostalgic stories about their experiences in a youth football tournament.
“I want you to tell me about how it's here.”
Recollections from the Air International Tournament
58:12 to 58:31
The hosts share amusing and nostalgic stories about their experiences in a youth football tournament.
“It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50-page restoration block, or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00The
0:18part of the show.
0:25Participate at McDonald's for a limited time. While supplies last. All rights reserved. 2026 McDonald's at FIFA World Cup 2026.
0:34Hello everyone and welcome into the latest edition of ESPN FC with myself Alexis Ynez alongside Stevie Nichol and Xhaka. His stop, there's only one place we have to start and that is the Premier League. A lot of action today and look at this. This was an entertaining game for the neutral Sunderland holding the league leader's arsenal to a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light. and just look at the significance of this result and what Sunderland managed to do. It's a 10-game winning streak in all competitions for Arsenal's snap and it's the first time Arsenal are conceding two goals in 18 games. That was a streak that ran all the way back to May 11 when it was against Liverpool.
1:16Stadium of Light, I'm sure, was a very happy place and someone who knows exactly how that feels is our Don Hutchison, who is joining us right now. Now, Don, we'll get to you in a bit, but Stevie, I want to start with you because we just had a look at all of those stats, all of those streaks that Sunderland managed to do. How did they manage to do it when so many other teams have tried and failed to get at this Arsenal? Well, they did it because they are as big and as strong and as physical as Arsenal are. I said a couple of weeks ago that I thought Arsenal were the most physical side in Europe.
1:50And today, Sunderland matched that. And that's why they got the point. You know, they didn't get the point because they tried to match up and play silky soccer. They did it because they played smart. Other than the equalising goal that Arsenal got, Sunderland didn't try and pass the ball out from the back. They used their brains. They got the ball forward. And when I say they got it forward, they didn't just boot it. They actually dropped balls in to Isidore, the centre forward, who was actually fantastic at holding the ball up. Gabriel and Saliba were all over them, but he held them off and then he played people in.
2:23I mean, in that first half, that was absolutely in the face of Arsenal, physically, mentally. I mean, I've never seen a first half with so many stoppages for head injuries. That tells you how physical this game was and certainly what the majority of it was, which was balls in the air. And that absolutely played into Sunderland's hands. So Sunderland absolutely, I think, deserved the point in the end. But they got it because they had heart, they had soul, desire and fight. and they never, never at any stage let Arsenal bully them. Heart, desire, soul, fight, all those things that Don Hutchison knows exactly what it's like when you wear that Sunderland badge on your chest.
3:05Don, how did Sunderland do this? Have we just seen a perfect blueprint for how you can take the game to Arsenal? Correct. I think the only problem with that is there's not many teams in the Premier League that are willing to use that blueprint because everyone tries to play it from the back. As Stevie said, everyone's transfixed with goalkeepers playing at the centre-backs, going into midfield, taking chances. Sunderland just bypassed that. They went long. They played in the second half when they went 2-1 down. They actually played good football. They didn't just launch it in the box, but they played smart at the right times.
3:37I've never seen an Arsenal side so rattled. I think that's the takeaway from today's game. Arsenal really rattled today. Now, I would give Arsenal a little bit of credit for standing up to Sunderland's fight. Because they showed their quality. They were willing to get the ball down and try and go toe-to-toe with Sunderland. Match that fight. Then normally the cream rises to the top. And they got themselves in the lead with a trossard. Brilliant finish. Then it was all about can Sunderland react. And then because I think Sunderland did, it forced Miguel Arteta into changes. He took midfield players off.
4:08He brought Mosquera on. He realized at 2-1 it was going to be a fight for 10-15 minutes at the end of the game. They just couldn't hold on. But I have to say, Sunderland were brilliant today. I mean, you know, styles make fights. It was contrasting styles. And Sunderland were brilliant. And the atmosphere was off the charts at the stadium. So a fantastic game of football to watch. Yeah, that atmosphere, that stadium, you can hear it almost coming through the TV. But, Shaka, from the Arsenal perspective, is it kind of a good or a bad thing that they suffer this sort of blow before the international break?
4:38That they can have time to regroup? Listen, as ever with these things, time will tell. Well, it's all about how you respond to kind of give them the streak that Arsenal were on, not just in terms of winning, but in terms of keeping clean sheets. I know that's broken. How do you respond to that? This is an Arsenal team, I still think, are built to win the Premier League. It's still there to lose, but it's in these moments that this will be defined. How do you now regather your thoughts? How do you now go about your business as you did before? Now, there are absolutely no suggestions that Arsenal are going to crumble because of this.
5:17Let's be honest. I thought it was an outstanding defensive performance by them. But similarly, I just thought Sunderland were very good on the day. And it was an outstanding game of football that both teams played their part in. You get a little bit, I don't want to say unlucky, because Ballard was deserving. Sunderland were deserving to take a lead in that. It was a bit of a throwback, wasn't it? It was. It was. Good old days of football. Sorry, Sean. To that point, I thought early in the game, Sunderland closed Arsenal down. I mean, the free kick came with a closing down and then a foul on by Zubimendi that brought the free kick and then the goal.
6:01But I thought in that first half, Sunderland were the better team at closing the opponent down. We know Arsenal can do it, but I thought Sunderland were better than them, at least in the first 45. and credit to Al Teta because come on the second half the tables were completely reversed and Arsenal were deserving of taking the lead it's only as the game dragged on and you got later and later that answer started to drop deeper and deeper and then fourth official puts up seven minutes and the stadium of light just erupts and that was telling I felt so much of that talk about the crowd playing its part But Sunderland, I thought, in the end, deserving of their point.
6:44Arsenal should look at the big picture here. Now, Arteta, and like every other coach, thinks they're going to win every time they step on the field. But we know that's not realistic. That doesn't happen. And so you're going to drop points along the way. And if you're Arsenal and you're Arteta, you have to be rational about this. You dropped two points today because the opposition got two breaks when they needed it and you didn't. It's not about the structure was wrong, it's not about they were poor, it's not about anything other than Sunderland put some pressure on in their penalty box and got a couple of breaks with second balls.
7:23That's where the goals, Sunderland's goals didn't come from lovely flowing attacking football, you know, it was balls thrown in the box. And so if you're a tether, you've got to look at the big picture and just put this one down to, But you know what? Every other team has got to go to Sunderland and face the same thing. Today we didn't get the break. That shouldn't derail us from winning the Premier League title. Well, Don, I know that Sunderland is one of your former 3 ,500 teams that you played for. And our producer Mike says... 600. It's only the 600. I exaggerated a little. Our producer Mike says that you are absolutely annoying him, telling him that this was going to be a difficult game for Arsenal.
8:02Our Nader Manu also said the same thing. But you saw this coming. So this doesn't surprise you one bit, does it? I did. I think Stevie and Shaka might have been on the show with Ali last week. And I said, oh, this might be a test. And Ali Moreno laughed me off. He laughed me off thinking, oh, so we're going to roll up a rock up to the stadium light and just turn them over. Chances are they probably were. On another day, they might have when Zubamendi hit the bar. But what I was trying to say in the context of the next two or three, four games, a difficult away game with Sunderland at Stadium Light.
8:31So they've passed a little bit of a test by coming away with a point. the three games that they've coming up, which I was trying to allude to last week, three London derbies Arsenal have got. So after the international break, we've got to make sure, and I'm pretty sure, Nikola Teta will have eyes all across the world, hoping his players come back fit and strong for those three games. That's going to be the immediate test because as Stevie said, when you evaluate what's happened early on in the context of the first part of the season, Arsenal passed some serious tests. You know, they had a really difficult fixture list.
9:02They passed one against Man City at home, only just. They passed one at St. James' Park when they could have lost that game, could have drew the game, but won it in the end. That was an amazing test for them mentally. And they've been on a terrific run. Then they've had about four or five games where they were expected to win and did. Now the test starts to come for them. So can they shake it off? I think they will, but the three London derbies will be a huge test for them. Well, we saw four goals overall in this one. And of course, the Ballard goal, as Xhaka was saying, just a striker's finish really as good as you'll see.
9:34But the Trossard goal, Stevie, that one was a nice one. Yeah, it was a beautiful goal. And, you know, Arsenal, if there was one part of Arsenal's game today that wasn't quite on fire was the final third because they had plenty of the ball. Certainly and definitely in the second half, they had Sunderland penned in. But they never really looked like breaking them down. That was the thing. and just that one occasion when the full-back didn't get close enough to Trossard, he drops his shoulder, he gets a yard and then you saw the explosive finish. I mean, what a strike. The goalkeeper had no chance.
10:09And again, that's the beauty of Arsenal. You know, if you want to fight, they'll fight you. But if you give them anything, they'll take advantage of it. And they did it with the two goals. Saka took advantage of a giveaway and Trossard took advantage of the one occasion where he wasn't closed down properly. But yeah, what a finish. The one complaint I'll have about Arsenal at this point, and I know I'm grabbing at straws here, is certainly domestically, Arsenal have not blown anybody out of the water. Domestically, it's always by a goal, no more than two goals. So even in the later stages, why Arsenal control the game so wonderfully well?
10:43One mistake, one bit of luck, and then all of a sudden, you know, it's game back on. Even at 2-0, you know, team gets a goal in 85 minutes and it's game back on. I would love to see Arsenal, I think they play good enough football to just absolutely batter somebody three or four, game be over after 65-70 minutes. But somehow, despite their dominance, they're just unable to do that domestically. They've done it in Europe, but just not against English opposition. Well, that was definitely an entertaining game for the neutral. But there's more entertainment to come in the Premier League tomorrow as Manchester City host Liverpool.
11:21These are the predictions from everyone on our show. And all of us, except for Xhaka Hislop, have gone for a draw. A lot of us saying 2-2. Don saying 1-1. Xhaka, though, going for a win for Man City. We'll see if Xhaka knows what he's talking about for once in a blue moon on tomorrow's radio ESPN FC. Lucky thing, Xhaka will not be here. You mean you don't know the answer? Greg Berlin will be back. 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.
12:02And 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. Shopify gives you a leg up with hundreds of beautiful, ready-to-go templates to express your brand style and forget about the code. Tackle all those important tasks in one place, from inventory to payments to analytics and more. Spread your brand's word with built-in marketing and email tools to find and keep new customers.
12:38And did I mention that iconic purple ShopPay button that's used by millions of businesses around the world? It's why Shopify has the best converting checkout on the planet. Your customers already love it. If you want to see less carts being abandoned, it's time for you to head over to Shopify. Sign up for your$1 per month trial and start selling today at shopify.com slash network. Go to shopify.com slash network. Shopify.com slash network. I like things my way. My coffee, my schedule, and my treatment. So I talked to my doctor about self-injecting with the Vivgard Hytrulo Pre-Filled Syringe, which contains F-Gartigamide Alpha and Hyaluronidase QVFC.
13:21It's injected under your skin subcutaneously. It means I can inject in my space on my time. It's my treatment, my way. Visit VivgardMyWay.com. That's V-Y-V-G-A-R-T MyWay.com. And talk to your doctor about Vivgard Hytrulo. Brought to you by Argenix.
13:42Els were in the Premier League Tottenham Hotspur took on Manchester United and it ended in a 2-2 draw Brian and Boma gave the Red Devils the lead in the 32nd minute but Tottenham managed to fight their way back to eventually take the lead they were leading 2-1 into stoppage time and then an equalizer came in the 96th minute from Matthias De Ligt and in the end they had to split the points Alright, well I just want to say that I predicted this correctly I did go for a draw. Our producer's calling me Don right now. Anyways, Stevie, let me start with you on this one as well. Who would be happier or more satisfied with today's result?
14:20Oh, my goodness. It's an honest question. I think at the end of the day, both of them have to be happy. Because Manchester United, at 1-0, you could not figure out where this spot's goal was coming from. I mean, you just couldn't. and then in a blink of an eye Spurs are 2-1 up and so if you're Thomas Frank you're going how do we do this because for 84 minutes I mean it took them 53 minutes to get a shot on tap, well a shot at goal but then for Man United then to equalise they both must feel as though you know what, we'll take this because at one stage we had it, if you're United at one stage we'd lost it, if you're United and then we get a point and then Spurs, again, flip-flop.
15:05I think you've got to say both should be happy with the point. I think right now the point feels great for Manchester United, but come Monday morning, they will recognise that they were the better of the two teams and should have won the game. This is not a great Spurs team. And I'm like Stevie, as this game went on, you had no idea what Spurs were going to do, where that goal was going to come from. My big criticism, Lamont lets the ball step on his foot after, what, three minutes or whatever it is. From the ensuing corner, he actually slips. And Manchester United get away with it. And at no point do Spurs put him under any pressure.
15:42Young goalkeeper, two mistakes very early on, and you just allow him to settle down. And that kind of spoke to Spurs' lack of any kind of punch. And now, mind you, this is a Spurs team with three up front. In Johnson, Richarlison, and Kulamwani. and Xavi Simmonds sitting in behind. Yet still, as Stevie pointed out, 53 minutes before Lamont had to get his gloves dirty. After that... And that was from Romero. Yeah, that was from the centre-by. After that initial kind of... I don't want to say nerviness because Lamont really has been outstanding for Manchester United. But test him out. You know, you see these kind of unforced errors.
16:28Test him out. At no point do Spurs do it. At no point do Spurs look like they could test him. So all of a sudden, now you're Manchester United. And while you're scoring at your time to get a point, it feels great. I think on Monday morning, you sit down and when it does settle, you think, how on earth did we take all three points in? Let's be honest. United didn't exactly test Vicario either. True. But they didn't have to. They were winning. Yeah. There you go. Don, why are Spurs struggling so much at home? You know, home is supposed to be a fortress. I tell you what, it was one of the worst games of football I've seen since the Europa League final.
17:09Two teams played in the same game. I did say it was giving air of the Europa League final. Honestly, it was so bad. I mean, I've never seen a Spurs side. I mean, all right, they were really poor in their performance against Chelsea last week and got humiliated in that game, but I've never seen a Spurs side at home be so flat. like there was just nothing about them there's no energy there was no quality you look at probably Romero and you look at Van de Ven those two are like top class players I'm starting to look at the Spurs squad thinking where's the high-end players where's the top class players because none of them produce today there's plenty of youth but that youth should have enthusiasm that youth should have legs to run around and chase a game when you're 1-0 down and give the crowd swimming at home, it's almost like they just try to play fancy football and play nice football.
17:59And Tottenham fans don't want to see nice. When you lose on 1-0 against Man United and you're not showing any fight, take the Sunderland game today. Fantastic example from Sunderland, how they approach the game by willing to dig in, willing to go long ball. Dan Ballard willing to put your body and your head on the line. Brobby willing to take a knock off Gabriel or the goalkeeper trying to force something over the line. Watching Spurs like the boys today, you're just thinking they're just cruising to a 1-0 loss. Like their home form's horrendous. And then somehow they turn it around thinking, how on earth are they going to come out winning this 2-1?
18:31So the 2-2, in a weird sort of way, feels like the right result because no one deserved to win it. It was just two bad sides who you can't trust struggling their way at a 2-2 draw. But the form at home is a massive worry for Thomas Frank. Yeah, it is a massive worry indeed for Thomas Frank. And speaking of Thomas Frank, Stevie, when Xavi Simons was brought up and he was having a decent game, I suppose, until that point. By his standard. Whoa, whoa, whoa. By his standard. As we were saying, because we know anything was up at this point. But the crowd started to boo Thomas Frank's decision there.
19:06As a manager, how do you take this?
19:11You never. You can't let people sat behind you or a crowd of people in the stand. dictate what you should and shouldn't do. And 100%, I'm with Thomas Frank, why would you keep Xavi Simons on the field? Xavi Simons didn't. I mean, we're actually sitting here going, well, he was better. Well, hold on a second. For 70, what was it, 72 mil? And his job is to supply the front players, correct? And we're sitting here telling you that they never had a shot at goal for 53 minutes and it was from the centre-back. So what job is Xavi Simmonds doing? I don't understand what the Spurs fans were booing at.
19:57Because Thomas Frank, it would practically have not mattered who he took off. Somebody had to come off. Because what was going on on the field wasn't getting Spurs anywhere. So this time it was Xavi Simmonds, and rightly so. He's paid to supply, he wasn't supplying, so take him off and put somebody on and Odoo Bird for example a tell both of them came on and made a difference so why are you booing the manager but to answer your question if you start letting people sitting behind you giving you earache and telling you what to do or the crowd you start listening to it you're done Dan what did you make of it I found it bizarre because I'm not sure I couldn't really get a handle on why they were booing were they booing the player that was going off or the player that was coming on or were they booing Thomas Frank?
20:50I couldn't really get a handle on it because they've given Xavi Simons a really rough time of late, especially in the Chelsea game last week. He didn't have a good game today. So I think I agree with Stevie. I think when you look at the bigger picture because we don't know what's going on. I mean, Thomas Frank come out after the game and more or less answered it and said, listen, when I make decisions, it's either to shore a game up. So I've got to bring defensive players on. If I'm trying to win a game, I need to chase it. so I think you have to trust the manager but I think what you realise in or what Thomas Frank is realising now there's a big step up in the culture difference between Brentford fans who were happy to have Thomas Frank who trusted him with every single move he made now he's gone into Tottenham where it's a completely different ride and it's very emotional at Tottenham they demand wins they demand performances demand style he's not going to find it easy and I'm a huge fan of Thomas Frank so I hope he succeeds Do you know the strange thing?
21:43At the end of this game, before the later kick-offs started With this point today, Spurs were sitting third Isn't it? How strange is that? We're sitting here slaughtering Spurs Saying how they can't do this, they can't do that Thomas Frank's doing this The crowd are getting on Thomas Frank's way back If somebody had said to Spurs, I'll tell you what On November the 9th, I think it is in the mind You will be sitting third in the Premier League this season they would have snapped your hands off in a heartbeat. It's just strange. It feels like everyone's a downer. But as soon as that final whistle went, they were sitting third in the Premier League.
22:21Everyone's such a Debbie Downer sometimes. I'm trying to be positive. Well, speaking of positive news, look who is back. In some capacity, our Dan Thomas is back, working remotely from home as he continues his recovery. But look at him. Stevie, he was in good form today. Hi. That's over on our YouTube channel. So make sure to check it out if you haven't already. In today's world, planning ahead isn't always top of mind, but not having life insurance can leave families facing difficult financial uncertainty during already emotional times. In many cases, loved ones are left managing expenses, debts, or long-term obligations without a clear plan in place.
23:02Life insurance is one of those ways to help provide financial security and support when it's needed most. That's where Ethos comes in. Ethos makes getting life insurance fast and easy. And it's 100 % online. You can get a quote in seconds, apply in minutes, and even get same-day coverage. There's no medical exam. You just answer a few simple health questions online. And coverage options are flexible, with up to$3 million available and some policies starting at around$30 a month. Ethos has also earned strong customer feedback with a 4.8 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot based on more than 3 ,000 reviews.
Read the full transcript
23:40Help protect your family with life insurance through Ethos. Get your instant free quote at ethos.com slash sports. That's E-T-H-O-S dot com slash sports. Application times and rates may vary. Buster Olney here for La Quinta by Wyndham. Summer work travel can feel like extra innings, long days, late nights, and not a lot of room to stretch out, especially when your hotel room feels more like the dugout than the clubhouse. But when you stay at La Quinta by Wyndham, you can step up to spacious suites that give you room to relax, recharge, and get ready for the next day. I always feel like I need that when I'm traveling on the road covering ballgames.
24:22Plus, you can earn Wyndham Rewards points with every qualified stay. because when you've got space to unwind, you're always playing at your best. Tonight, La Quinta. Tomorrow, you shine. Book your next work trip at LaQuinta.com. Terms and conditions apply.
24:42Chelsea hosted a struggling and manager-less Wolves at Stamford Bridge and Cruz, a comfortable win one could say Malagusto, Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto all finding the back of the net for the Blues as they came out 3-0 winners. And take the three points. Don, what did you think of this game?
25:03Inevitable at Chelsea, we're going to win it. I mean, it doesn't take a rocket science to work out. When you play Wolves, there's every chance with no wins on the board for them this season. You're going to be, you know, high percentage chance of winning. The one player that, and I say this very loosely, the one player that I sometimes can't stand watching is Garnaccio because of his final product, his final delivery. No, no, no, I'm saying it for a reason because I thought the kid was outstanding today. and when you see that assist for the Neto finish when you see that assist for the Neto finish, that's what he has to do more of, he's got to make sure because he's a winger, he's got to make sure you go back to the olden days the dinosaur days where wingers take fullbacks on that's still a possibility and you see with his pace and you see the delivery, it was brilliant sensational, so if you're Enzo Maresco, you say to Neto and you say to Garnaccio when we get the ball wide you go and take players on because these two have got serious pace.
25:55And then you look at the team compared to the Wolves team today that Chelsea started with. Inevitably they were going to win. So, a brilliant win and you fast forward two or three weeks, the big game is going to be against Arsenal. That's going to be their big test. Were you guys entertained by Chelsea? Entertained is a strong word here. That's what I was kind of getting at, but I didn't want to use the word. Yeah, I don't think it was an outstanding Chelsea performance by any measure, but let's be honest, Wolves are not an outstanding team either. And probably the biggest surprise is that it was nil-nil at halftime.
26:28But you just figure Chelsea, Chelsea with the class that they can call on and Wolves with the season they're having, it was inevitable. It was going to crumble sooner rather than later. And that's exactly how it happened. But otherwise, 90 minutes that I probably can't get back. When you're playing against teams like Wolves, all you've got to do is score the first goal. because then after that it just comes well they're in that position the position they're in is because of a lot of things and one of them is that they just they run out of ideas and fight and so when that first one goes in you know they're not getting back in the game and you know it's only a matter of time before you score more so yeah don't say crumble well like I was talking about in the highlights Stevie when we saw Esteval come in and we know exactly how special this is and of course everyone's saying you know, don't put the cart before the horse, don't put too much on this young man's shoulders just yet.
27:25But when you see the instant impact that he has, he's obviously high on confidence, he has been scoring for Chelsea. Do you think he's ready for a start?
27:36No. But to start every game. Because of what they have. Because of what Chelsea have. Oh. I'm not starting him before Neto. I'm not starting him before Cole Palmer if he's fit. So, you know, he's going to have to, by his play, get himself in a position where the manager is picking him before, well, whether it's Neto, Garnaccio, Cole Palmer, or anybody else. I don't think he is ready to start. If everybody's fit, I'm playing Neto or Cole Palmer before Esteval. But that doesn't mean that Esteval is not magic. Imagine being able, in a game where you're struggling to break the opposition down, which they will.
28:14Imagine being a left wing back. Yeah. Yeah. Imagine if he's a fullback. I've seen enough Nettl. Nettl goes on. This kid comes on. What have I done to desert? So, no, I think what Mariska's doing with him right now is absolutely the right thing to do with a young player. And he's bringing him on in situations like today where he's going to succeed all the time. You know, you're not sticking him on in a situation where you're two down, you're up against the best team in the league and you're maybe not going to see much of the ball. You know, he's putting him in situations where he's going to succeed.
28:54So for us sitting back watching him every time he comes on and doing so well, that's when you start thinking, should he start, should he start? But right now, I don't think he should. All right, well, after the show, make sure to not go anywhere because these boys will be answering your questions over on Extra Time. As you know, managing maintenance, repair, and operations is never easy. But for the ones who always rise to the challenge, Grainger has your back. From professional-grade products you can count on to fast, dependable delivery, they're there to help you keep things running smoothly.
29:28Plus, their technical product specialists are here to help answer your toughest questions. And because Grainger knows safety is always a priority, they're committed to being your partner in protecting both your people and your facilities. Call 1-800-GRAINGER. Click Grainger.com. Or just stop by. I am one of Mochanui. On July 10th. Maui, you will board my boat and restore the heart of Te Fiti. And here we go. The journey begins. See her light up the night in the sea. She calls me. The ocean chose you. Let's go save the world. I got your back chosen one. Disney's Moana. Boatsnark. His name is Heihei.
30:09His name is Yum Yum. When he goes in my tum-tum. Game theaters July 10th. Rated PG. Parental guidance suggested. Bayern drop points to Union Berlin in a game where we saw mistakes from both Manuel Neuer and Harry Kane. What does it mean? Well, it means their 16-game winning start to the season in all competitions ends here. It is still a record, though, in Europe's top five leagues. As for the Bundesliga, they are just one shy of 10 straight wins to open the season. It stops at nine. the record was set by Vincent Company's old coach Pep Guardiola back in 2015-2016. I wonder what Vincent Company and Harry Kane had to say about it to Archie after the game.
30:54Vincent, a team has earned the right against you, would you say? How was it today? After such an amazing run that you've had, where do you land after this one? So I'm totally uninterested about the record. I look at this game and the merit of this game. I think the first half an hour we just lacked sharpness, mental sharpness for me more. You know, just understanding what is the game demanding, landing on second balls, trying to free the ball and if you free the ball trying to turn it into an attack and just staying active as well in possession. So all of this we lacked in the first half an hour.
31:37And then the way Union were dangerous was fairly consistent throughout the game. You know, so they, I've obviously been, I've had a great time in the championship. So I know exactly about all this, you know, it's down the line, throw wins down the line and then throw it into the box, corners, second balls. And they did it really well. but I would say that after the first half an hour we did grow into the game, we had some good chances and we just couldn't take fully the threat away from Union Berlin but I'm happy with the goal in the last minute, I think it's a great show of character as well.
32:13They make it difficult, they play a lot of long balls, they get set pieces, they're a tall big team and you have to fight for every moment and probably the first 30 minutes were disappointing from us we didn't quite have our rhythm, they made it tough. After that, the last 10 minutes of the first half, we was the better team, could have gone 2-1 ahead. And then going behind, you have to find a way to get something out of the game like we did today. And obviously, the winning streak is finished, but overall, we still take a little bit of momentum going into the international break in the manner that we scored last minute.
32:42Do you think Vincent Kompany made it clear that he's totally uninterested in that winning streak there, Ale? It has come to an end. It was only on Berlin. However, as he did mention, they did show that character at the end to get something. One of the things that Vincent Kompany mentioned there was lack of mental sharpness in the first 30 minutes of the match. It was to be expected that there was going to be a physical and mental letdown from Bayern Munich after what was a very grinding and taxing performance against PSG, particularly in the second half. So it was the responsibility of Vincent Kompany to give this team a fresh look, a different type of energy.
33:18players that perhaps were not stressed from that game against PSG and if there was ever a time to rotate the team was today well he didn't rotate the team and again it wasn't a surprise that the same players that were struggling in the second half against PSG that were barely hanging on that were fighting that were grinding today in the first 30 minutes well didn't quite find the rhythm that they would have wanted didn't quite find the energy it was a flat performance to begin with from Bayern Munich. And honestly, I really think it has something to do with the fact that there is a hangover from what was a taxing performance, as I just mentioned, against PSG, and that you're unable to get excited to play away from home against Union Berlin.
34:02Now, this may be a surprise to people, but guess what? It's not nearly as exciting for Bayern Munich to play at PSG in Champions League as it is to play at Union Berlin in Bundesliga. And so that mental sharpness that he's talking about, he could have helped had he rotated the team, and he didn't. They're right. After the 30th minute, there was a different version by Munich. But that didn't actually translate into clear chances. It didn't translate into an actual overwhelming performance. There was a chance by Luis Diaz after his goal. But beyond that, the rest of it was kind of half chances here, half chances there.
34:37And it felt like Union Berlin were always in the game because of the set pieces. I believe the best thing that could have happened to Bayern Munich is get that second goal, create and generate some momentum going into the international break, and feeling good about themselves. And now they can just say, look, we were never going to win every game. But this is perhaps not the game that you would have thought about dropping in terms of points. I just think that Bayern Munich, in the first 30 minutes, they allow Union Berlin to be part of the story where they shouldn't have been. had Vincent Kompany change the team.
35:14When we talk about chances, you would have thought that there was zero chance that Luis Diaz was going to score the goal that he did. And what a goal it was. Of course, Archie had to ask Kompany and Kane about that too. Yeah, incredible, to be honest. It was the way he kept the ball in and got past his defender and then scored was just a special goal to me. It's a really, really special goal. He's been pulling stuff like that out all season, but I reckon that was probably his best goal tonight. He's obviously the one as well that's one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
35:48But his energy throughout the game, throughout the season, has given us a lot. And in these moments as well, he's able to get us goals. But of the chances he had, that was definitely the most difficult one. Vincent Coveney bringing it right back down. He did also have a chance after that that he didn't put away. Thanks, coach. Appreciate the love, coach. He's right. He's right. Look, it was a great goal by Luis Diaz, a tremendous goal. And when you see that sort of goal and that sort of magic, it's hard to wrap your head around the fact that he misses the second opportunity. But there is no denying that what Luis Diaz did in this goal is absolutely outstanding.
36:27It's magical. There are so many things to get right. Once you save the ball, now you have had to have made that decision to get around the defender even before the defender got there. And once you get past the defender, once you're getting up from the ground, and what's already a difficult play, you're thinking maybe he's going to drop it off. No, he's already made up his mind that he's going to find that far post. And then in order to find that far post, you have to have exactitude with the finish, and he did. Yeah, there we go. This is the other one that Vincent Pompany was talking about. Yeah, and look, he almost has too much time to think about it, but that second touch is what I think creates problems for him.
37:05And Renault is just holding his line, holding his line, hoping that defenders get back. And it allows then Luis Dia to take an additional touch. That additional touch was not good enough to set his shot. And when he did not set himself perfectly, then what he's trying to do is trying to, I'm going to find some way to get around this ball so I can find that far post. And there was no way to do it. So he ends up tripping all over himself. And let me just say, it's not ideal when you do that, when you're about to finish. What isn't ideal is you're not on Monday's FC. I say this because king of the pitch comes up on Monday editions of FC.
37:40There has been a longstanding number one goal there, but no one has been able to knock off the perch. You are making your case for Luis Diaz tonight. Well, I am. First of all, because it's an actual 11 v 11 game, as opposed to the West Bengal goal, who seems to be, it seems to be 5 v 5 playing in somebody's backyard. That in itself should be a case. But the goal by Luis Diaz is something special in the sense that there are so many elements to it. Being able to save the ball, dribble while you're essentially on the ground, and then it's the tightest angle to find. If there weren't a goalkeeper there, it would be hard enough to put it where he put it.
38:17But there was a goalkeeper, and he actually hits it over the shoulder of Reno from the tightest angle of all. It is a great finish, and for my liking, it should be king of the pitch. There you go. He's just letting you all know that. Antoine Griezmann came off the bench for Atleti to win the game for his side against Levante 3-1. It would finish at the Metropolitano and it means that the Metropolitano remains a fortress this season for Diego Simeone's men. Luis Garcia with us now. I suppose we've got to start by talking about Antoine Griezmann. He's eternal, Luis. Yeah, exactly. And that's what Atletico Madrid has been for quite a few years.
38:57not only what you got on the field, but also the replacement. When you go look into the bench and you have players who can change the direction of the game in just a split of seconds, it's what makes this Atletico Madrid so strong. And we've been talking a lot about that, that Diego Simeone can manage to have one and even two teams strong enough to beat any single player of the league. Today it was Antoine Griezmann. Together we give that fantastic pass to Antoine Griezmann's first goal. But it's about Atletico Madrid believing in themselves. We saw from the first minute that this Atletico de Madrid against Levante was not going to have problems.
39:30But at certain points, there's always going to be a drama. Griezmann has been the one who scored two goals. But it's the Atletico Madrid performance overall who won the one who gave an important moment. For this Atletico Madrid, they need to continue growing. Needs to continue solidificating what he's been doing in the last three games. I think it's been 11 goals and only two conceded. And that's what Simeone wants. a solid team at the back, but also creating chastity and scoring up front. Are Griezmann robbed of the MVP today, LA? Absolutely he was robbed. Up until that point, the chances were not exactly all that clear for Atletico Madrid.
40:07And I mentioned at halftime, and it's not picking on a player. But Alexander Sorlott could not have looked any more disinterested in attacking the ball inside the thin yard box. In the first play that Anton Griezmann has, he's actually attacking the ball. He's already anticipating that this ball is going to be played through. and now I'm going to put myself in a position where I'm ahead of the defenders. I'm going to get on the end of a cross. I'm going to go and attack it. I'm going to believe that the ball is going to be coming from the right-hand side and I'm going to finish. And then once Levante turns the ball over in a bad area, it is the patience of Anton Griezmann that allows the movement of Julian Alvarez who gets himself free.
40:39Ryan comes up with the save. But then again, Anton Griezmann follows his path, understands that there is the possibility of maybe there is a rebound and if there is a rebound, I'm going to jump on it. It's a sliding finish, tapping from my kind of range, but he made it happen. And they needed it. Atletico Madrid needed this sort of influence and impact from Antoine Griezmann because it wasn't happening naturally from Alexander Zorlo. Now, what I would say about Atletico Madrid is that you get the three points. I think in the totality of the performance, there are some positives, but there are certain things that you have to address and have to address right now.
41:14Defending set pieces is an issue for Atletico Madrid, which never used to be. It used to be a strength of this team. and attacking set pieces, 21 corner kicks, and they never look even close, I mean, even close to scoring a goal from a corner kick. And that was an area of strength of Atletico Madrid in years past. They have to address these things so that it can be more effective, more efficient, and therefore less stressful going forward. It sounds almost foreign, doesn't it, Luis, to talk about Atleti not being good at set pieces at both ends of the pitch. Yeah, exactly. We get used to a very strong and in defending set pieces.
41:50And now it's one of the most vulnerable places that they got Atletico de Madrid in today. Until the last minute, there is always going to be the drama that we were talking. And it's that disallowed goal on set pieces, on one of the free kicks on the wide areas. But in corners, I mean, the first ball is a total mess. Everybody is ball watching. No one is defending in the back post. It's Jimenez. The one is looking around, checking all the ball, but never even giving a glance to what is happening on the second post to concede that first goal. But not even that one. In another two corners, it was Levante who was creating and almost scoring another goal.
42:26So that's something that needs to be addressed because if you put a good performance, if you score two goals or even three goals, and you're going to draw points just because of set pieces, it's something that really, really you need to work on. And I think that Simeone is going to mark him those moments because he used to be a very strong side for Atletico Madrid. And now it's one of the most vulnerable moments of Atletico Madrid during the games. The next home game after the international breaks in the Champions League, Luis, it's against Inter for Atleti. They're perfect so far, are the Italians, in the Champions League.
42:59How do you see it going? What are your concerns? Concern is that Atletico Madrid, when they play away, they always struggle. and they feel so comfortable when they play at home and when they play away. If the game goes to their side, and what I mean is they're going to be very conservative, they're going to be with a low block that Simeone likes, they're going to be thinking about, let's see if in a contestant weekend it's called that first goal who allowed us to get tight and let Inter to come on us. That will be fantastic. But in the moment that Inter, the Milan, the way that they are playing, very aggressive, very going forward and concede a goal, maybe it's when Atletico Madrid have the most problems.
43:38Atletico Madrid at this stage, I think that can beat any player, any team in Europe. And I'm really 100 % secure on that. But definitely they need to score first. If they concede, they are in problems. More to come on Sunday in Spain. No Ray Vallecano hosting Real Madrid earlier in the morning. And later in the afternoon, it is Celta taking on Barcelona. These games available on ESPN+. Alexis, back to you. Thanks so much, Kay. And let's just say, Ale Moreno, we heard you. We heard you because King of the Pitch is coming up on Monday. And there has been a long-standing goal. Heard you. That has been the king.
44:19But now the question is, it made us think, guys, didn't it? If that Lucho Diaz goal, because it was some finish from that angle, may be the contender. Shaka, is this good enough to displace your goalkeeper from West Bengali? Let me put it this way. It didn't make me think that hard. It's a fantastic goal. Give Luis Diaz his credit. I mean, this little sliding turn here, the little touch, and then from this angle, there's only one piece that Borg can do. Absolutely fantastic. Let's not take that away from Luis Diaz. But... But... I knew it was coming. Oh, look at that angle, man. I will let the suspense build a little till Monday.
44:58So I won't say... Because we're back on Monday. Yeah. I won't say who I'm voting for. All right. Well, before I get to Stevie, Don, what did you think? Because you're actually not back on Monday. This Motley Crue is definitely back on Monday. Louis Diaz, amazing goal. It reminded me of a canoe goal that canoe scored for Arsenal back in the day. I can't take it away from the goalkeeper, though. Off the crossbar and then a volley from what was, all right, it wasn't quite halfway line, but it wasn't a five-a-side pitch. I'm sticking with the goalkeeper's volley. Oh, goalkeepers union has got another member in, Don Hutchison.
45:34Stevie, what about you?
45:39Well, I've got to say, the goalkeeper's one is all down to him. Nothing to do with poor defending, poor goalkeeping, nothing like that. It's completely down to his skill twice. Yeah. On this occasion, the defender, I mean, the defender's just a complete embarrassment. And so it basically went like that after you. And you go. You go. No, it's a great finish from there, but no, it's not better than the goalies. Forget about it. No. That's it for this show, but don't worry. Extra time is next where we're answering your questions. Don't go anywhere.
46:28Welcome into Extra Time. Our Don Hutchison is still with us alongside Stevie and Shaka. Let's get into some questions. Thank you, everyone, for sending them in. First one, it seems like Arsenal got punched in the face and didn't know what to do. Well, you didn't say it was a physical game. Hold on a minute. They got punched in the face, then they scored two goals. They took a little punch in the face and then had a chance to win the game with the last kick. So I'm not quite sure. That they didn't know what to do. Yeah. I'll go with the first bet, right? Don, you were nodding over there. Do you agree with this?
47:05I like how you can try and get pushed into the face into a game of football. I quite like it. Don's a valid man. I think they did know what to do. If anything, it was a sucker punch, wasn't it, from Sutherland scoring the couple of minutes left on the clock? All right. We'll leave it at that. I'm with Stevie on this. That doesn't make any sense. That doesn't make any sense. All right. Well, if we wanted to confuse anyone anymore, the next question is for Don, and it's about percentages. Don, percentage chance. Don says he was, quote, on comms for that game. Don, you actually didn't even say it.
47:44I was surprised. I thought you were going to tell us what you were on comms for. He obviously wasn't. Mention one of the games today, Alexis. Chelsea Wolves. Spurs United. No. No. Everton? Oh, no, you did say that. Everton-Fulham. Oh, there it was. Everton-Fulham. I was on cums for that one. All right. All right. And you top you again, and I still win. One of your 3 ,500 teams. 100%. You know at the start of the show, where you said, oh, you were right, and he's like... Yeah. Can you imagine every time he was wrong, we went, you were wrong. Oh, no. We beat Cordon into the ground, and I never want to see a sad Don.
48:25Ever. Well, wow, he's a popular man today, because best believe the next question is for you as well, Don. Don, is Sunderland the new Nottingham? What? Nottingham Forest. I suppose with a lot of promise, remember that season that we saw Forest looking like they were flirting with a European finish? Yeah. Or are they the new Leicester? Are they going to win the league? Oh, Jesus. At one point, they were second when they were winning. All right. When they were winning 2-1 today, they were second at one point. I'm joking. I'm joking. Cool your jets. Cool your jets, everyone. Let's get the 40 points first.
49:04Oh, my days. I only wish Craig were on the show just so he could hear you say that. That would have sent him off in the 40s. No, you don't. That would have sent him through the door. No, you don't. There's no way you want to think of the field. You just say that. You just say that. No. Would you say that? No. All right. Next question for Xhaka. Ask Xhaka, does he think Chelsea are in the title race? No. That's a very Craig Burley response No Not even a little bit Not even a Winning with a shout It's still a lot of season left Should I give you a Don Hutchison percentage? Yes, give us some Shaq of power rankings percentages Come on Shaq 0.5 % Not even a Winning with a shout No No If you offered me a thousand to one a Chelsea would win the league like Leicester City I wouldn't take that out of bed right now alright well I will I will I will if she gives me a thousand thousand to one I'll put a pound on it you put a grand on it you put a grand on it put five grand on it you win five million no and you can reach it no see see no Stevie are you going to agree with Shaka and the boys saying absolutely not not even in it with a shout in the title race Well, you can't say never.
50:26You can't say that. There we go. Shaka just did. There you go. I don't expect. I would be very surprised. When you turn politician, you can't say never, but I'll be very surprised. Stevie was... One version of Stevie the Clasar. I know. Who is that, Shaka? Who is that? He's a poster, Shaka. He's this imposter. And you notice his shoulders went back. his voice dropped a little bit. It's like, you know, the Shaka with his Jamal Musiala voice? What? I don't know what you're talking about. This is Seamy's percentage. You can never say never. You can never say never.
51:07That's what we do here. We make bold statements and get it wrong. You said. All right, next question. Dan. Oh, as in our Dan. No, but Dan was known for being one of the best soccer talents in Cornwall at the under-9 level. What? A very pacey striker before hitting his peak at age 11. What were you guys like as young talent? And how early on did you realize that you were a cut above? I never thought that we would have three former professional footballers who have played at the highest level, and they would now have to compare their young talent to Dan Thomas. Wow. But here we go. Someone who's won the European Cup when it was that back in the day.
51:56I was a left winger when I was nine. I was a jinky winger. And how did you make the transition? It just kind of materialized. He came up against Dan. Dan in the Cornwall v Scotland derby. There was a position on the wing You're a pacey, dribbling, up-and-coming young talent. Oh. And Dan beat me into it, so I had to go play something else. Yeah, to go play something else. How early on did you realise that you were a cut above, that you were like, you know what, this could be my career?
52:39I don't think you ever really think this could be your career. No, but there has to be a point where you take it seriously, where your parents are actually invested in it, because if not, they'd force you to stay in school. Well, back then parents weren't invested in it. Oh, okay. Wow. Thanks, Mum and Dad. Thanks, Stevie's Mum and Dad. Well, I'll tell you what, back when I... I can only talk for me, but back when I played, hardly any parents went in again. Aw. The only reason you wanted them to go was so you could give everybody a lift. Little carpool. Love that. Nobody complained. Any parents that did go were just quite happy that you were playing football.
53:15They weren't sitting on the sideline. We had one guy, beg your pardon. Who sat on the sideline? A friend of mine I went to school with, his dad used to be a professional goalkeeper. And after we played, he would take him back home and take him straight out the back garden and start telling him what he should have done and what he didn't do and all that nonsense. But apart from him, everybody was like... Play for fun. Who's your score? My parents used to come to watch me play. Did you score? Well done. Who are you playing next? So, wasn't any of this nonsense today? But Shaq has been. My parents used to come.
53:54My mum and dad, me, you rest in peace. He used to come and watch me play. Oh, bless. Don, what about you? Nah, they were the glory days when you play for your school team and, you know, you're scoring like six and nine goals or you're just playing well and you're playing with your best mates. but you never believe that you're like a cut above because the lads that you were playing with, believe it or not, were just as good. It's just sometimes your path and how dedicated you are, you start to see boys that just go on a slightly different path when they start meeting girls and going out with the lads.
54:29Oh, hello. They go on a little bit more than you. Yeah, yeah. And you stay that little bit more dedicated, I suppose, and then you get to sort of teenage level, then you reach county level. That's when you know you're pretty good when you start playing for your county. but again it's like you never really believe because it's like imposter syndrome it's like it's like you're playing well and you play for your county but you always believe that the other lads are better than you are going to make it or not even that they just look better than you more stylish than you and i could i come through redshirt boys club me and gaza came through redshirt boys club and walls end boys club where like steve stone and alan shearer and michael carrick and all the geordie lads came out of walls end you never quite believe you're going to get there but it's just like fate you just i don't think you believe it as a kid or your teenage years it's when you get into sort of 16 17 18 if you can start making it then that's when you think you've got a chance just remember the story when i was nine so my school team everybody was 11.
55:32so i was two years younger than everybody else and so when i found out and when everybody found out what the team was going to be or the squad was going to be for the upcoming game against whatever school, in the playground, a guy called Craig Fraser, who was the captain of the team, came up to me. So he was 11. I'm two years younger. I'm nine. And he said, it's hard, you know. Can you take challenges and people pushing you and all that? I was like, yeah, absolutely. He says, what if somebody kicks you? Can you take that? I was like, yeah. He said, all right. He said, stand there. I'm going to kick you in the shin.
56:12I want you to tell me about how it's here. I went, go on then. So he kicked me in the shin. And I was like, ah.
56:23He's like, what's that? And I went, it's all right. And I walked away. That's why we don't see Stevie anymore. Kick me right in the shin. Alexis, a little bit off-piste, but Stevie, did you play in the Air International tournament? I did, yes. I did, aye. Amazing. Yeah. One of the best tournaments ever. So, Alexis, when you played for your little boys club, Reggie Boys and Gateshead, we went up to a place in Scotland called Air, and you're playing against, like, Ajax, Rangers, like Celtic, like, not Liverpool, but some teams down in England, and you're just playing not even county level and you're playing against all these clubs.
57:07It was amazing, wasn't it, Stevie? Yeah, but you were absolutely shattered because if you were any good, you would keep playing. And you were playing, like, two games in one day and then you had to come back the next day and play another game. So by the end, you could hardly walk. People were collapsing, we cramp and everything. It was mental. They don't make them like you anymore, Stevie. I'm telling you what. I'm telling you. The game's gone. What? The game's gone. Game's gone. But either way, we'll be talking about that game. The game's gone. The game's gone. Everyone's like, the game's gone.
57:38But there's still a lot of games to come tomorrow. Remember, it's the big one in the Premier League. Man City up against Liverpool. We'll see if they can gain some ground on Arsenal. We'll talk all about it on the show tomorrow. Please join us then. And thank you for your questions.
58:08This episode is brought to you by Google Chrome. You think you know a browser, but Gemini and Chrome? That's new. It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50-page restoration block, or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks. Gemini and Chrome is here for it. Ready to make anything online make sense? There's no place like Chrome. Check responses set up required. Compatibility and availability varies 18+.
From the publisher
The FC crew react to Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Sunderland and break down how the Black Cats were able to finally score on Mikel Arteta's side. Plus, the guys question who was happier with the result after Man United and Tottenham's draw. Kay Murray and Ale Moreno also join the show to break down Bayern Munich's historic win streak finally coming to an end.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
