Trouble at Anfield

25:37Let's take a look at the attacking prowess they should have. Yet if Haaland doesn't score, Foden can't hit the target. Doku has his off games, his good games. Savio come on. No one seems to be able to hit the target. No one seems to be able to test the goalkeeper. If Haaland's not getting you goals, then you don't really know where they're coming from, City. And that was really exposed today, I think. Well, he had that chance very early on Haaland when he was through on Pope and Pope came out and I don't know what he was trying to do, to be honest with you. And then Foden should have scored the side footer.

26:07How many Cherokee can he try to play this revolving number 10 role? The two of them played a little narrow in there. And to be fair, there wasn't a lot of space. Gimarese, Joe Linton and Tonali did a good job. To be fair, they broke up play and they broke quick. But yeah, look, when a guy scores as many goals as Haaland, I suppose you are kind of relying on him. But, you know, the finishing today was poor. But that's not why they lost. There was a bunch of Newcastle chances that was not in that clip. so they also, Volta Madre had another two or three good opportunities we saw the Harvey Barnes one, there was others Newcastle with less possession did more and looked more dangerous and I thought deserved their win You kind of wonder why Newcastle are in the position that they are when you see this sort of football from them Yeah, but we were talking about this yesterday we said that this set up for Newcastle you know, they're dynamic going forward but all season long they've never really controlled games I mean, to be honest, if anybody at times controlled this, it was City.

27:08But every single time Newcastle got an opportunity to get after City, they went at pace and numbers. And so, for me, this really played into the hands of Newcastle. So, if you're looking for Newcastle next time out to be in control, creating lots of chances the way they did today, it's not going to happen. They're a team that are better on the counter-attack. And so this was set off for them. City, I mentioned that, they played so narrow at times in the first half with Cherokee and Foden and Bernardo Silva. They were all sort of trying to find that little space in behind the midfield. There was a start, I think, come up on the commentary that the two full-backs of Newcastle had touched the ball the most in the first 45 minutes.

27:50Livermento and Hall, they were the out-ball all the time and getting forward, Livermento was bombing forward. So was Lewis Hall because City were very narrow, were trying to pick those little pockets. And when they lost it in the middle of the park and they coughed it up, Newcastle were able to shift it out to the full-backs and they were able to double up and get forward. I thought they were really, really good. I didn't think City were poor. I just think their finishing was poor. And they got exposed at the back. But I thought Newcastle, who have played like that at home, they played well against Liverpool.

28:18They played well against Arsenal and lost. They played well in a period against Barcelona and lost. There's been some signs in the home games from Newcastle. And today they finally got their just rewards. Macca, it's difficult, isn't it, if you're a betting man, to think, right, I'm going to put my money on City because I see enough from them that they're going to push Arsenal all the way? I actually thought before today's game that they were going to push Arsenal all the way. And I saw Newcastle beat Athletic Club in the Champions League and they won quite comfortably. But I thought City would go there today and just roll them over like the City of old.

28:56so when I saw the result and I spoke to Naram afterwards it was a real surprise for me so you're right you're absolutely right I mean the Premier League this year everybody seems to be and as the table suggests everybody seems to be beating each other it's just that Arsenal seem to be sitting loud and proud at the top and if they go to the North London derby tomorrow and beat them it's a huge, huge, huge advantage because when you look at Liverpool of course Liverpool are now in the bottom half of the table you're not necessarily worried about them as far as I was concerned they're serious title challenges with Manchester City and they lost today Chelsea I think will always draw games I know they're winning games and I know they're sitting where they are but I always think they're going to draw games where I always thought Arsenal and Manchester City were the ones who were going to win and win and win and put runs together so the City result really today surprised me and it's up to Arsenal now to go and really put the stamp on this league and they put the stamp on this league to a certain extent already but if they can go and beat Tottenham tomorrow, imagine the gap they've got before Christmas.

30:00It's amazing. I think the thing as well, if I can jump in there, is this week for Arsenal will make a big difference because they're playing Spurs tomorrow. Then I think they've got Bayern Munich midweek and then they've got Chelsea at the weekend. If they can get through this spell with three wins, the confidence and potential gap at the top of the league will put them in a position to where, you know, I don't necessarily want to jinx from anything, but it's almost like it's theirs to lose because they'll be playing some top quality opposition and the emotional side of, say, the North London derby tomorrow.

30:23I think that will make a big, big difference. And I think for this Arsenal side, it's starting to feel like maybe this could be their year. Chelsea's second in the table now after a 2-0 victory away against Burnley. Wasn't particularly pretty, but it's three more points for Chelsea as they move to be the title challenger, certainly at the moment, with Arsenal. Well, I don't honestly think we'd look at Chelsea as good a position as they are. And Maka was saying a minute or two ago, I don't think you could sit here and say, you know what, they could put a title challenge up. I really don't. But they're in a decent position.

30:57But they've done what Liverpool would be desperate to do, is just go somewhere, go to home or away, grind something out. And that's what they did today. They ground it out. They got that second goal late on. That just killed it off. They've got back on the bus or the plane, back to London, three points. Thank you very much. Not the best performance, but thus far, job done. Are they good enough to go all the way? I don't think so. Stevie's shaking his head if you're listening on the podcast. No. Thank you, Stevie. Don, I've ignored you, mate. I'm sorry. Do you want to say something optimistic about Chelsea?

31:31I feel always when Chelsea comes up, everyone's just a bit... Well, yeah, because I think the eyes of the lads, they don't lie. I mean, Arsenal are cut above them. I mean, I remember them being in this position last season and Maresco asked the question, are you in a title race? And he said no. And he downplayed it and he was actually right all along. I don't see them ready. That's not positive, Don. I was expecting something optimistic for Chelsea. No, I think you look at the side, I think there's a better goalkeeper out there than Sanchez. Oh, this is not positive at all. Down in his chair, he's been eating hospital food for six weeks.

32:05Hey, dear, I mean, it's good to have him back. Argumentative, Dan's back. No, that's right. But he's bored. Nadam, you're optimistic. Say something nice about Chelsea.

32:18Well, they won against Burnley. Yes. That was a good result. It's a clean sheet. I think Cole Palmer will be back in a couple of weeks after somebody's tell. So, yeah, they're very much in a great position to start the title charge. Yeah, don't listen to all these naysayers. Chelsea are all the way in. I think the only thing about Chelsea, Dan, is that I think me, Nathan, maybe Bumper, Craig, yourself, we would never pick the starting 11 of the Chelsea team, the strongest starting 11, all the time. We have no idea what this strongest start. And some people may think it's great they have an extended squad, a healthy squad.

32:57But I just think that when push comes to shove, they will fall. They will fall. And I think that, you know, Arsenal are going to be stronger. Arsenal's strongest 14, Manchester City's strongest 14s are going to be better than Chelsea. And I think that's what will affect them. I think they'll get in the Champions League, of course. But when you spend that much money on them, you always want to win the league. And I just think they'll fall short because they don't know they're strong as the Levan. Yeah, I think as well, from the Chelsea standpoint, it's been a while since we've seen them be involved in a title race properly towards the back end of a season.

33:29Whereas, say, we look at Arsenal, they've been involved in one. We look at Liverpool, they've obviously come off winning it last year. And for Man City, we've seen it for many years as well. So that's why you always lean that way. But this Chelsea side, they're capable of winning, you know, some of these one-off games. But, you know, to stay there for the full course, that's the issue, especially with the young side, the way that they have it now. I just want a bit of fun, entertainment. Chelsea do not take those boxes at the moment Well it's good news it was the early game as well I know North London derby then tomorrow will be very much the focus of our show as Arsenal have the chance then to stretch their lead at the top of the table and make a huge statement against their North London rivals Don will be joining us for extra time be sure to stick around for that as always you can catch up on the latest episodes over on our YouTube channel Barcelona returned to the Camp Nou and did so in style with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Athletic Club Lewandowski with the opening goal and he spoke to Gemma Salah after the game.

34:27Yes, we are with Robert Lewandowski. Robert, take us to this emotional trip going back to the Camp Nou, this perfect score, the atmosphere, being captain for the first time for Barcelona and scoring the first ever goal at the new Camp Nou. Yeah, that was not only for me but all of us, a great evening, you know, also I'm very proud because we came back to Camp Nou. I was the captain of the team and I scored the first goal. So for me it's also a historical moment. I'm very appreciated this and not only because of my goal but how we did today. We scored four goals, we had everything under control and it's, I have to say, something special if you play in Camp Nou and you cannot compare in a different stadium.

35:13Usually you take the ball home when you score a hat-trick. Can you show us the ball and say why do you decide to take this ball home? Yeah, I think that because first goal and the new camp now is something also special. Even though I didn't score the hat-trick, but you know, it's for the... Remember this ball and historical ball, maybe the historical game for me and goal for me as well. So I'm very proud and I'm very happy. you. Christmas is coming. Bosh, there you are. You have a ball, you have a ball. Not much to talk about, really. Laminya Mark Gray, obviously, he'll grab the headlines for those assists.

35:47They kept a clean sheet. Back at home, 4-0. Well, when you were off in hospital, their back line, their defending actually got worse. Yeah. I mean, it was... I saw the Bruges game. The Bruges game. That was unbelievable. The Celtic Vigo game, which they won, but it was incredible. Now, you know, a handsy flick isn't going to change, but it just kept us talking about what they were trying to do. Athletic Club, nobody sent them the memo about clipping the ball in behind, how to cause problems to this back four. It was pathetic. And so it was a very easy day at the office for Barcelona. But yeah, perfect for them.

36:26Back at the camp now, you know, four goals, clean sheet. put some little bit of pressure on Real Madrid tomorrow, who are obviously playing Elche. That's why the boys are there. So we'll see what happens in that one. But yeah, thoroughly deserve the win. It's a head scratcher, isn't it? You've got Williams with the pace that he's got and you never, ever use it. They've just not been good this season. They've just not started well and they're kind of epitomised by the mistakes they made today. As Craig mentioned, of course, Real Madrid in action tomorrow. They have the chance to stretch their lead at the top of the table.

36:58Of course, level on points with Barca. After today's game, it's a game you can see it live, of course, as always on ESPN Plus and ABC. And there for us, we've already seen Nadam and Maka. And Kay Murray joins us from Alicante as well to look ahead to Real Madrid's clash against Elche. Does she carry that same word? Yes, she does. It's a nightmare. Nightmare for security. You and I would never do that. I'd put it in the hold as well, guys. You look cold. Maka sounds terrible. I had to check in Dan it's great to see you back in the studio before we even start I'm sure the boys have said it it's lovely to see you back oh don't lie it means I get to be in Spain so it's great to see you back yeah exactly you're away from the kids and not the husband there you go he knows how it works but listen guys fact is though as I was saying we can see what the table looks like but Real Madrid are coming back from this international break having lost to Liverpool and having dropped points against Rayo Vallecano They've got to put things right tomorrow.

38:01Yes, and I think they will. I think the Rayo Vallecano game, as everybody knows, that when you go there, it's always a difficult game. Iñaki Perez is a wonderful manager. He's going to be seen, I think, in the Premier League, certainly in the future when he's trying to learn his English language, which he is at the moment. He has his teams working really hard. It's a difficult game. Madrid played very well that game. They just couldn't break them down. I think they'll go back and hopefully, with everybody coming back from the international break, perform really well tomorrow. It's always difficult when you've got an away game after the international break, but I presume that the size of Real Madrid and the team that they're playing Elche, they'll put things right tomorrow, but it will be difficult.

38:40It will be difficult. I think you make a good point there about the international break because for, say, some sides like Real Madrid, most of your players are away, whereas, you know, as you look, say, further down the table, unless you're giving your players time off, you've got time to prepare for this type of game. I think for Elche themselves, they'll be, you know, it's always a big deal when Real Madrid comes to play next year. But as you said, you do fancy Real Madrid quite heavily to go and do something there. But it might not be, for me, as straightforward as potentially it would be if this was in a couple of weeks' time.

39:06Because they've talked about, obviously there's a few injuries with Real Madrid, but the big news for them is the fact that Jude Bellingham and Bape, who's looking all right now, and Vinny Jr. are all unscathed from the recent international action because they're going to be relying on these boys. Yes, they are going to be. And, you know, Trent Alexander-Arnold is back in that right-back position and he's had a couple of weeks in Dubai trying to get himself fifth. Ferry Valverde struggled at the end of the game at Real Vallecano, but he missed the Uruguay games and he seems to be OK as well. So you would think Real Madrid should be strong enough to get the job done tomorrow.

39:37There's always question marks, of course, but I'm really looking forward to seeing what 11-shabby Alonso picks because in reality, Dani Carvajal being out, Ferry Valverde struggling and actually being better in the central midfield position. I'm looking forward to seeing whether Trent does play tomorrow because, of course, the Liverpool connection, I know him very well as well. And I'm here, so I want him to play and I want him to perform really well. And a good thing, if Trent's playing, you're meaning to get in Valverde further up the pitch as well. Yeah, absolutely. And I think it's something that we can say that he's been crying out for as well.

40:09I think, in fairness, I think he has done a good job at right back. I will say that. It's not the best out of place at all. But I think when you have somebody that has that type of energy, like for me, for example, in the game against Liverpool, I felt like that's what they needed in that midfield area. So for him to be able to go back into midfield, if that's possible, and I think also as well we've seen sometimes where maybe he drives with the ball, sometimes you'll sort of find a moment to have a shot but to set the energy and I think that really sets up that front line of Real Madrid because they have so much quality and when you have somebody like that that can link the play in so many different ways, I think it's great to see him further up the field.

40:39Absolutely. Now I know you've been speaking about this this week on the show, Nadeem. It's the Jude Bellingham situation so I'm going to start with you on it, Makarim but feel free to wade in as well, Nadeem, when we do talk about it. Obviously it's a different surrounding for Jude Bellingham with Real Madrid to what he's dealing with when he's at England right now and the media that are around him and this whole situation. What do you think of what's going on there? Do you think it will have any impact at all, Maka, on what's going on with him at Real Madrid? Do you think it will spill over in any way?

41:05In what the... In everything that's been said about Jude Bellingham by the media, by the English media in particular, and what's been said by Thomas Tuchel as well. Okay, no, not at all. I think a lot of what... I think Thomas Tuchel has said what he's said. He's a German man. And of course, interpreting English, he speaks very good English, of course, but he probably doesn't know the connotations of what he says at times. I think the English press has been absolutely nonsensical about what he's said. I think Jude Bellingham is a starter for the English starting XI. I think he's an amazing player.

41:34I think he's way better than most of the players we've got. And he started my starting XI. So I think it's a load of fuss about nothing, to be very honest. I think he's an incredible player. He plays for Real Madrid. If you see him play and you see... I mean, the problem, I think, in England nowadays is that you don't see Real Madrid every single week unless you subscribe to a certain channel. And actually, we see Duke Bellingham play, and he's an outstanding player, and he stars most of the time. So as far as I'm concerned, it's a non-subject, to be honest. If England play in the World Cup, he starts in my 11.

42:12Forget about whether he gets in the 24, the squad. He plays in my 11. He's one of the best players around. him and Harry Kane and then you pick the other nine as far as I'm concerned so I don't even take umbrage to anything that anybody says I watch what I see I watch enough games like Natham does we watch enough games all around Europe and we say it as it is and he's one of the best around for me, he's a superstar he's not just a good player, he's a superstar but he's also a superstar for Real Madrid so for all the grief that maybe he's receiving back in England that's his identity, that's his country he can still come to a place like Madrid and know that the team is still going to have a big part that runs through him.

42:50And we're talking about probably the biggest club in all of football. When you think how big football is, that says so much. And he's a star within that. So I think maybe he's in a position to where he comes back to the club football and he feels more appreciated by the people who sit in the stands and see him and so on. Because it's a different sort of pressure. I think that's what it is. He feels appreciated by the people who see him week in, week out, rather than the people who see him once every international break. Yeah, for sure. there are certain things that we could critique about him I'm sure of that but the fact is from my perspective I'm sure the perspective of many people including Steve if England for example had to win a World Cup next year I'd imagine Jude Belling would be a big reason for that that's how big of a superstar he is and I think we'll probably see some great form for him between Nani and the season with Real Madrid because he lives for those moments as we've seen in his very short time in Madrid already we've seen it before already at a younger age and he's only going to get better and better and better so all he's naysayers now it just it just I mean we play the game we take no and the boys have seen it in the studio we take no interest in these short term people who just want to critique it's nonsense absolute nonsense yes and we're looking forward to seeing Jude Bellingham and his fellow superstars with Real Madrid and see if they can get back to winning ways against Elche tomorrow and we'll be with you for it back to you thank you very much Kay Saturday night in Alicante and I hear the party animal that is Stuart Robson is flying in what an evening you've got ahead of you

44:13Thank you very much guys Can't wait What a crew, what a crew Tomorrow, Real Madrid stars return That's what Mbappe He just can't stop scoring Individual brilliance Unstoppable, Kylian Mbappe It's like a magnet to his boot A super zero goal For the brilliant Brazilian Militar, from there

44:49And of course, one of a number of games that are live on ESPN+. Tomorrow Monday sees Espanyol against Sevilla. A reminder that Elche Madrid game also available on ABC. see. Bayern Munich were 2-0 down against Freiburg, however what a comeback it would be. They would win by 6 goals to 2 in the end. Let's hear from Vincent Kompany and Harry Kane. I think we stayed calm in that moment. Obviously a really disappointing start to the game. Two set pieces against. Yeah, but not just the set pieces, I think just the game in general. We lost a lot of draws, we lost a lot of long balls, second balls, stuff that we've been really good at so far this season.

45:32then of course the two set pieces come and we concede. But it's not a time to panic. We have to go away, analyze and see if we can improve on certain aspects. But I think a lot of that comes down to just winning the ball one minute more and obviously a disappointing start. But as we've done a lot this season, we've bounced back really quickly. And to go in at halftime at 2-2 was a really important moment for us. In this game, I think both teams contributed to a very intense game. I think a game that showed a lot of positives for the Bundesliga, but of course the first two goals we conceded for us, that's not such a positive.

46:11But Freiburg deserved it as well, they played so well at the start, and we had to really find our rhythm, and once we had our rhythm, I think it was a good game for us. Of course, we love playing football, we love scoring goals and attacking, so that will always be a part, but there was a mix of frustration as well. I don't think we were happy with the two goals we conceded in the first half. We were not happy with the fact that we didn't win against Union Berlin. So today we wanted to show many, many good things. But after the two goals we conceded, of course, you saw the team had a reaction of this.

46:46We want to show. And they did that. Now there's a special Football W tonight. Of course, tonight the NWSL Championship game between Washington Spirit and New York. Be sure to check out the reaction, a full-time whistle live here on ESPN+. That is it then, that brings us to the end of today's show. Don is back though. Nadam and Mac and No, they're off to party with Kay and Ali Kante. No such luck though for Craig and Stevie, they're both here for Extra Time.

47:20Welcome in to the latest edition of Extra Time. Don is here, Craig and Stevie. I'll be disappointed if the questions are not all for you today. Thank you very much to everyone, by the way, who's reached out. And, yeah, very kind, your messages over the last few weeks. Thank you, Don. You were texting. Stevie, of course, you took me to the hospital. Craig even sent nice messages. One of Craig's messages, he signed CB, as if I wouldn't know who he was. Or he thought he had to kind of authenticate it as it was so nice. No, but I thought you had been like... Are we going to call him CB from now on?

47:51All right, CB. All right, CB. I thought you were maybe sedated. Right, OK. So just a reminder, just in case. Yeah, just in case you want to look. You could just send me a picture of yourself. You're a little blurry-eyed, you know, going, oh, who's this? I wonder who's this? Oh, it's CB. Right, start, bench and drop in terms of who finishes higher, Don? Chelsea, Liverpool, City. City will finish higher, so what is that? So that is start, City, bench, Chelsea, drop, Liverpool. Why are Chelsea going to finish below City? City are better. It's Don, I'm asking Don. CB. CB. CB. CB has just nailed it.

48:30You're a better team. CB has nailed it. Well done, CB. Stevie, loads of questions about Liverpool, obviously, and their failings. How big of a problem is Canati becoming at the back? Clearly, Slott has zero confidence in Gomez. So now it's imperative to sign Gaye or someone else in January to have any hopes of making the top four. 100%, I agree. He... I think we shouldn't forget that, I think I said this on one of his shows last week, Kanati, since he's been at Liverpool, last season was probably the first season where for the whole season he was at a great level. The previous seasons and the one we're seeing now kind of always had a mistake in him.

49:14But for some reason he's making so many this year. And of course, there's nobody to replace him. the young 18 year old whose name I can't remember is going to be out with a knee injury right Joel Gomez I think is fit now but how long is that going to last and Joel Gomez is a guy who can come in and play a game or two and then kind of reverse to what Canati already is so Liverpool just don't have any choices right now and unfortunately they're going to have to carry on with Canati and hope he gets better he'll play for France What mistakes did Canati make today? I don't know Did he make any more mistakes?

49:54There was one he got away with Who made more mistakes today than Van Dijk? Yeah but he looked shaky though Craig I think the point is that Steve's making Yeah but Van Dijk's not shaky Van Dijk's got a new left back alongside him Canati's not playing well to his right side I thought Steve was a little bit harsh on the show about Kravendam but I'll give him that but Canarte's just got a mistake in him. I mean, he was weak for the... What was the goal he tried to flick on the other week? Was that against Man United? No, Man City. The goal that he tried to flick on when he never jumped. He was weak for the goal that should have stood today when Jesus scored.

50:31He was weak there. And he just looks like he's shot to bits. What I'd like to know, I'd like to know the make-up of someone like Joe Gomez. I'd like to know what character he is because I know one of us three, if we're sitting on a bench at Liverpool and we're centre-backs, we would be knocking on Arnestad's door first thing tomorrow morning, demanding a start in the PSV game midweek. I'd like to know where these characters are behind the scenes sitting on the bench in the door. Who's there? CB!

51:00JG has been injured most of the season. In Slott's performance this season, more of a sign of his tactics, Craig, or the regression of his players? Well, the players have regressed. Yes. Everyone has, hasn't they? But he... We had this discussion the other week. He has to figure it out. If we had a... Listen, I'm not going to go. If we have a pile-on on Ruben Amarim, as we have, why would Arne Slott or anybody else escape? Because Slott won the title. He won the title last season. Amarim hasn't, has he? I know that. It does matter a bit, Don, surely. It's a different argument to question Alan Reid.

51:46Anneslot Anneslot's got money in the bank what wouldn't happen he's not getting sad but he's still got to stop he's still got to stop the slide no he does but we didn't pile on Armoury after 11 games did we? yes Dan ask yourself the question what would happen at Bayern Munich if they lost 6-7 or Real Madrid or Barca yeah but it's a different conversation with Liverpool isn't it? it ain't it ain't the champions Liverpool are champions they lost 6-7 this should never ever happen to a top 3 team So you would sack Arnie Slott? No, no, I wouldn't sack him. You just said if he was a bigger club, he'd get sacked.

52:21Hold on, was there not a pile on in Pep Guardiola last year? They were champions. I think it was the manner in which they completely fell off a cliff. What difference is that to Liverpool? No, but what I'm saying is... Except if you were champions, you fell off the cliff. Liverpool were champions, you fell off the cliff. I think you made the mistake when you brought up Amarine. No, I did make a mistake. Because Amarine has done nothing at United. Slott has won the title there, hasn't he? So therefore, Slott has got money in the bank. Pep Guardiola has got a load of money in the bag. By the way, what did he change last year?

52:48What did he change? What did Pep Guardiola change? No, he went in, Arne Slott went in, and he worked with the players that were already there. Absolutely. Right. Now he's been asked to make changes, and he's struggling. Yeah, and that's the big question around... I'm not comparing Arne Slott and Ruben Amarillo. Well, you brought it up. I'm saying if you pile on one manager and say it's all on him, you can't then go to Liverpool and say it's all on the players. You've got to give me a lift home, so that'll be nice. Slott, will he be sacked before Christmas? Just stop leaving. CP's not giving you a lift up.

53:15Leave him. CP's not giving you a lift up. Walk home. No, unless there's some sort of miracle where Jurgen Klopp might fancy going back into the job, I don't see it. I think he has to be given time to fix the problems. I think, you know... So you would bring Klopp back tomorrow, Don? Of course you would. Really? Of course you would. Stevie, of course you would, wouldn't you? Every Liverpool fan would. Ooh. But you're a Newcastle fan. When it suits, when you cast a wounded eye on you. What do you reckon, Stevie? Sacks slot, bring Klopp in tomorrow? No. Pardon? I don't know. Not yet. No. Don says every Liverpool fan agrees with him.

53:55Stevie's not even convincing himself there. Speak a bit louder there, Stevie. No. No, he's great. No. The reason I was hesitating was, as great as Klopp was, after living games, that's really what you would do. For a guy who won the title in his first season? No. OK. Stevie, percentage chance that Liverpool offload Salah to the Saudis next year and buy some menu, especially if they go on a winning streak while Mo is at the AFCON. Percentage? Well, has that ship sailed now? I don't think so. I mean, Salah's... Salah's reputation there would be just... I don't know, Stephen. They don't care how he's played.

54:52If you're Liverpool, right? Which is what you bring people in. If you're Liverpool, and you get... You'd take it... 40 million? And get him off the wage bill? Yeah. You'd do it in a heartbeat. Yeah. You'd do it in January in a heartbeat. You would do it in January as well. How much? How much? 40 million, Don. but it's the remember who we're talking about we're talking about Saudi who will pay triple double quadruple whatever you want above what somebody's probably worth so why would it not be 40 why would it not be don't get higher I reckon seems really low yeah for a guy that just gave a brand new contract to I mean if you're talking I mean well who's going to pay 100 million for heaven I mean I'm mentioning Semenyo there but if you want to be serious mentioned Michael Alisa.

55:40He's the baller that could play on the right side for Liverpool if they've got the money, if you've got fantasy football money. No, I bet. No, I bet. Well, they spent their fantasy football money on Verts and Isaac, man. Yes. And it's not a fantasy, is it? No. Sign CB. Well, while he's at the AFCON, Stevie, while he's at the AFCON, would you not play Verts on the right-hand side in Salah's position? No, I would play Verts on the left and put Gakpo over the other side. Put the ball away. There's no soccer show there. There's a time and place for football questions. Come on, John. By the way. Sorry, Sakharin.

56:13He went a little early with the... What was your message you sent me last week? Glorious failure again. Oh, for Scotland. For Scotland. With 2-2. With 2-2, I sent him a text. Glorious failure. With 2-2. The irony of you lot moaning about it being a World Cup with 48 teams, yet that has opened the door for mediocre sides like Scotland. They won the group. They wouldn't have been in it with... Because not one of us would disagree with you. Not one of us would disagree with you. Is he disagreeing? No, he's not. He's just saying they won the group. Just have won the group. That's what he did, actually.

56:50That's how good a group it was. Scotland won the group, did you realise? I just knew when you said that. All right, where are we going? What's going on now? For Stevie, was last year's title really a clock title? This is Liverpool. No. But really a Klopp title based on what we've seen from Slott this season? No, absolutely not. No, they played a different style of football. Right, and what says you, Don? That's a myth anyway. Everyone that says that's a myth, I think Klopp finished fourth the season before. But you want to bring him back? What's that got to do with a question? I'm just going back to something you said.

57:25Well, he won the title and he was fourth, but you want him. You've got to do the question. In a heartbeat. In a heartbeat. I would bring him back, but that's not the question. Forget the facts. Don, where has this side of Newcastle been hiding? What was the percentage chance you knew they were going to win all along? No, when I was listening to Maka before and he said he was stunned by the result, I actually wasn't because, listen, Newcastle are phenomenal at home. I mean, the two games that they've lost, they lost in the last second against Liverpool when Ingemoa scored, when they were down to 10 men, lost in the last minute against Arsenal when they were winning that game.

58:00So, Newcastle, Dan, are just a different animal at home. The crowd demand that they're on the front foot and they try and trample all over teams. And that's why they're so good. The test is, away from home, the next two games is Marseille away, Champions League, Everton away. And they are, for whatever reason, a different side, whether Eddie Howe tries to have them a little bit more tactical or they try to play a different game. At home, they can beat anyone. Sebi's red, miss. Excuse the pun, but you missed that. I'm not getting involved in that. That was brilliant. I'm not getting involved. It was one of my favourite things.

58:33Well, you're not getting involved. In light of today's results... What's the problem? Who do you think will push Arsenal the most for the title, Don? City, still. City? Yep. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, yeah. City all round? Yeah, probably. Probably. For all the Scotsmen on the panel, what's been more enjoyable? Welcoming Dan Backelsey in Scotland qualified for the World Cup. Oh, see Scotland qualified. Oh, Scotland. I know, I saw you, Don, pretending you were Scottish again with the kit and stuff. Well, you know, when the results come, there you are. What do you have on? He added Scotland, his framed Scotland thing from where he scored that lucky goal against England.

59:15That one over there, Craig. Yeah. That one over there somewhere. There he is. Yeah, another glorious failure. That is it. Then that brings us to the end of today's... 1-0. ESPN FC returns tomorrow, North London derby.

59:30Plus, tomorrow who will Don have managing Liverpool?