In short
Premier League Review covering multiple matchdays: Manchester United’s 1-1 draw at Fulham, Brighton’s 3-0 thrashing of Arsenal, Manchester City’s 5-3 win over Sunderland, Tottenham’s 2-3 home loss to Aston Villa, and Coventry’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
Key claims
Fulham deserved the result vs United; United were slow and only surged after falling behind, with Leno making key saves and a deflection helping United. Brighton were “fearless,” relentless, and bullied Arsenal, with set-piece concession being unusual for Arsenal. Arsenal’s loss is framed as a possible blip, but Brighton’s recruitment/data model is highlighted as a long-term advantage. City’s midfield spending and individual quality underpin their title push; Sunderland’s direct approach nearly derailed them. Tottenham’s problem is lack of clinical finishing and conceding easy goals; De Zerbi’s public tone is criticized.
Notable examples
Leno’s world-class save vs Hojlund/Umbermo; Brighton’s 3-0 at the Amex; Sunderland’s end-to-end response; Haaland’s Premier League scoring streak; Coventry’s 1-0 via a goal by John Hartson (mentioned as scorer in 2001 trivia).
Guests
Luke Edwards (president of the Alexander Isak fan club; football writer/presenter) and Clinton Morrison (former Premier League striker).
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOManchester United vs. Fulham Analysis
1:41 to 3:54
In-depth discussion of the match between Manchester United and Fulham, focusing on key moments and performances.
“I would like to start with a compliment now that Clinton's back on.”
Manchester United's Struggles and Future
3:54 to 11:06
Exploration of Manchester United's poor start to the season and upcoming challenges.
“Luke said they're gone, didn't he, in the last couple of weeks.”
Brighton's Dominance Over Arsenal
11:06 to 14:02
Discussion on Brighton's impressive performance against Arsenal, analyzing their tactics and team dynamics.
“Yeah, the first one of the season and probably the only one of the season, but it was a good point.”
Brighton vs Arsenal: A Shocking Performance
14:02 to 18:08
Analyzing Brighton's impressive victory over Arsenal and its implications.
“and they were actually forming almost in the middle of the pitch they were sort of forming a square around them and they just couldn't get out and Arsenal got bullied I mean they conceded a goal at a set piece.”
Brighton's Recruitment Strategy
18:09 to 21:04
Discussing Brighton's outstanding recruitment and player development.
“I thought he was brilliant at Old Trafford in the midweek and I thought he was outstanding.”
Arsenal's Title Race Concerns
21:05 to 23:04
Evaluating Arsenal's recent performance and its impact on their title hopes.
“occurred to me was that the sort of midfield trio of Odegaard and Rice and Gimreich didn't look great.”
Manchester City's Dominance and Sunderland's Resilience
23:05 to 26:04
Examining Manchester City's performance and Sunderland's unexpected challenge.
“the weekend before he does tend to start the seasons slowly fitness wise and I think he'll be in much better shape by the time he gets to the late autumn That's tended to be what happened at Newcastle.”
The Evolution of Strikers in Modern Football
26:05 to 28:01
Debating the changing role of strikers in football and the impact on teams.
“And I think there will be other Premier League teams looking at that and thinking, is this a model we can follow to try and get at Man City?”
Analysis of Recent Matches
28:01 to 29:34
Discussion about the performances and strategies of teams in the recent matches.
“I mean, famously, he's not getting that involved until he's sticking the ball in.”
Coventry's Historic Win
30:09 to 37:59
Reactions and discussions surrounding Coventry's first Premier League win in 25 years.
“the strangest and most shocking sporting crimes brought it to a grinding halt.”
Show all 15 chapters
Tottenham's Struggles and Future
38:00 to 42:00
In-depth discussion on Tottenham's current form, squad issues, and prospects for improvement.
“The embarrassing thing for Tottenham is, yeah, they spent loads of money.”
VAR's Role in Recent Matches
42:00 to 42:54
Discussion on VAR's performance in recent games, including a specific incident.
“Just because we spend so much time digging out VAR for being crap, I guess we should flag the fact that it did a good job, did what it's supposed to do in this game.”
Controversial Handball Incident
42:54 to 43:49
Analyzing a handball incident in the Manchester City-Sunderland game and VAR's involvement.
“Whoever Anderson is challenging with, it actually hits his hand first.”
Understanding VAR Decisions
43:49 to 45:06
Clarification on VAR's decision-making process and how it affects the game.
“because he's turning, and you're right, Rick.”
Premier League Review Wrap-Up
45:06 to 45:44
Concluding thoughts on the Premier League review and upcoming features.
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00Rick Edwards:This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK.
0:30Rick Edwards:up at Whole Foods Market. This January, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship takes over
0:35Clinton Morrison:the ocean. The inaugural Brews Cruise sails from Miami to the Bahamas aboard the Norwegian Jewel. Three straight days with pool deck bare knuckle fights in the Caribbean. Massive parties, beach events, DJs, cigars, tequila tastings, and nonstop action. The lineup reveals coming soon. Cabins are disappearing fast, and the prices won't stay this low. Reserve your spot with just $200 down at BKF S-E-A dot com
1:10Clinton Morrison:Hello and welcome to the Premier League Review on the Football Daily. So, Arsenal well beaten, Brighton sensational, Sunderland go toe-to-toe with Manchester City, Spurs rock bottom, Coventry get their first win, Manchester United squeak a point at Fulham. There's a lot to get into and we'll try and get into it, or as much of it as we can. Anything we miss, I'm sure they'll sweep up on the Monday nightclub. Joining me to break all the action down is the president of the Alexander Isak fan club, Luke Edwards, and former Premier League striker, still scared of lifts, Clinton Morrison. How are we both?
1:42Clinton Morrison:All right.
1:42Luke Edwards:All good. Very good.
1:44Rick Edwards:I would like to start with a compliment now that Clinton's back on. Someone said something absolutely not you, Rick, obviously. Someone said something lovely to me about Clinton. They said, well, I really love the podcast. I mean, you and Rick, you're entertaining, but you're very abrasive. Yeah, that's true. The pair of you are very abrasive. And Clinton is like the cool, soothing balm on the show. He is. And I thought...
2:08Luke Edwards:I am cool, isn't I? Soothing. I like that. Who said that? You're like Aloe Vera.
2:13Clinton Morrison:I need to message you. I'm going to start calling you Vera.
2:16Luke Edwards:Call me Vera. That's better than gravy shoes. Yeah, that's better than gravy shoes. Vera's a lovely one. Call me Vera.
2:21Clinton Morrison:Well, look, Vera, you've been at Craven Cottage today. You've just watched Fulham Manchester United. so I thought it was probably best to start there. In the end, I think United will be very, very glad to have salvaged a point. And Fulham, I mean, Arbeloa looked like a sort of haunted ghost at the end. I think he'd be gutted not to get the three points.
2:44Luke Edwards:Yeah, he'd be disappointed, wouldn't he? Because I think Fulham were outstanding. Listen, Man United had spells during the game, but in the first half in particular, they created numerous chances. Fulham and just weren't ruthless enough and making good saves. And then when they scored a goal in that second half, they're kind of, they're holding on. But you know what? It's just some of the subs because, and I understand you've got tired legs and you want to hold on because it could be your first win, but you just sit back defensively and you bring on more defenders. And the goal is so unfortunate because Leno's going to save that.
3:14Clinton Morrison:But that's the thing, like bringing the defenders on to try and protect the lead. I think you understand that. And also it's not like any of them did anything wrong. It wasn't because they sat back that they conceded. It's just unlucky. I thought they had a really good game and that deflection. It's horrible.
3:30Luke Edwards:You're spot on. But you know, at Fulham, you sit around the fans and the fans are like, oh, why is he bringing on defenders and taking off attacking players? He has to do that because they put a shift in for 70, 75 minutes. It's going to be hard. You need some fresh legs, especially when Man United, the last 15 minutes are piling under pressure. They're just unfortunate. But after that performance today, I've changed my mind. I think Fulham have got a good chance. Wait, yeah, it was Luke, weren't it? Luke said they're gone, didn't he, in the last couple of weeks.
3:58Rick Edwards:It turns out he's a bit flighty.
3:59Luke Edwards:It turns out after Auckland is a bit flighty. I never said they would go down. Why is this bomb burning my skin? It's the Vera.
4:12Clinton Morrison:But I, yeah, I think Fulham, I think Fulham played pretty well. And you're right, like United did. They were pressing. Leno, for a guy who gets a lot of criticism, I know from the Fulham fans, thought he was excellent today. I mean, he made that save from Umbermo quite quickly after Fulham's goal that was world-class. Another one down to his left from Cunha. I think on first watch, you were like, oh, that's an okay save. Then when you watch the replay, you're like, oh, no, that is really good. So you feel for him because there's nothing he can do about the goal. But I genuinely thought Fulham I thought Fulham played well.
4:52Clinton Morrison:I mean, the goal, the Fulham goal. Beautiful. Thing of beauty, that. It is an absolute... Because I think it's three horrible errors in the space of about a second, isn't it? Because the save from Lammons, he's sort of not quite put it in the right direction. That's maybe harsh. Maybe that's not really an error. but you want to be pushing it out probably rather than straight back in front of goal then I don't really know what Martinez is doing but then the really the worst element for me is why doesn't Lammers it's never a pass back just grab that with your hands mate isn't it
5:39Luke Edwards:Luke you know he's 100 % spot and I said it during commentary does he think it's a back pass it's not a deliberate back pass No, no. Use your arms. That's what your arms are for. You're not good enough with your feet to use your feet. And in the next place of time, you're not going to have quick enough reactions to do that. Unbelievable from Lamers. You're right. I do think there was three mistakes because I think the first one, Rick, you're spot on. He shouldn't have saved it like that back into danger. He should be shaving it, parrying it away from danger. So I think you're spot on. Three mistakes there.
6:10Rick Edwards:What about how weak Kunja was? Kunja even when he loses the ball, I mean, he's looking for the free kick. So it's actually four mistakes. Like, Manchester United were poor, pedestrian. I mean, they were so slow. And they only started any sort of urgency came in after Fulham went in front. Yeah, and then, you know, I get the thing about, you know, trying to send it on all the defenders, trying to shut up shop. But I was looking at, until they scored, and it's very easy to say, until they scored, I didn't think they were hurting Fulham at all. Hang on, what about those two saves from Leno? Before then, after Fulham had scored.
6:43Rick Edwards:Oh, there's the Membuemo save. But they were just pumping balls into the box. Was it all right? I don't think they were. All right, you may be embarrassed me there. I thought Manchester United were poor. But no, I take those points away. But they were shots from outside the box, weren't they? Yeah, they were. Yes, they were. Thank you. So I'm redeeming myself here. I'm rescuing my point I was making.
7:02Clinton Morrison:Clawing it back.
7:06Clinton Morrison:Rashford, I didn't really know what to make of his performance. Because on the one hand, he was a really good outlet on the left. and you sort of thought, if anything is going to happen for United, it's going to come from him. But then the end product just wasn't there, Clinton.
7:21Luke Edwards:No, you're right. And listen, and that's what he needs. He needs that goal, isn't it? I think his performances have been good, but he just needs that goal or an assist or something like that because you're right, he is causing problems. And you saw in the first half he had an opportunity which came into him. Kunja cut it back and it was on the volley and he blazed over the bar. But in form, Marcus Rashford probably scores or hits the target and works. But Leno, he is a threat. He is causing problems. But you're right. He needs a spark like a goal. And then I think it will give him major confidence moving forward.
7:51Clinton Morrison:It's one of those funny games, Luke, where you look at the stats and they don't really marry with the game that you've just watched. So I think United had 29 shots. And you go, did they?
8:05Rick Edwards:Did they? Most of them from outside the area.
8:08Clinton Morrison:Yeah, maybe just sort of speculative half chances or just blocked it. That suggests it's been an absolute siege on Fulham's goal.
8:16Rick Edwards:And it hasn't. And it wasn't. It wasn't. No. And Le Mons has made as many good saves in that game as Leno has. He made a really good one, a good two in the first half. Oh, yeah.
8:27Clinton Morrison:Actually, the one with his foot. Feet.
8:30Rick Edwards:Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's a great saying. So, no, that doesn't tell the story. And you have to remember Fulham were going into this. They're still winless, but we're talking about them as relegation candidates. They've not had a great start to the season at all, albeit they're encouraging signs with the draw at Anfield. But they don't offer a huge goal threat, I don't think. That's been a big problem when I've watched them play. And I think the fact that Manchester United were really struggling, you can sit there and there'll be a lot of relief from Manchester United's perspective, certainly Michael Carrick on his way back to Manchester.
9:02Rick Edwards:But I thought they were really poor again, and I thought they were slow, they were sluggish, there was no urgency, there was no zip in their play. And they were playing, and let's not forget, they were playing a team that was really under pressure as well. So it was billed before the game as a must-win for Michael Carrick. That was how people were sort of talking about it and describing it. So he's rescued a late draw with a deflected goal. I don't think that is going to particularly soothe anything. It's not going to do a Clinton on Manchester United's concerns.
9:30Clinton Morrison:No, but it is just a different feeling to three defeats on the bounce, isn't it? Three defeats on the bounce going into an international break. Yeah, I get that. That is very poor. Whereas this is sort of like, well, you know. Scrape to draw at full. Not ideal, but, you know.
9:50Rick Edwards:One win. They've had one win and that was against Ipswich at home. That's all they've done so far. So it's been a bad start to the season.
9:56Clinton Morrison:They've got Tottenham, Leeds and then Bournemouth in the league next after the international break. Tottenham is interesting, isn't it? Because obviously we'll talk about them a bit later on, but they are bottom of the Premier League table. They look slightly better than the results are, I would say. We'll talk about them later. It's not an absolute gimme. You sort of think, well, bottom of the table, that should be easy points. I'm not sure it is for Manchester United. Leeds are doing really well. and then Bournemouth who have actually had quite a bad start but are not a bad team. So I think that's not a particularly friendly run of games for Manchester United when they're looking to pick up some more wins.
10:41Luke Edwards:No, I agree with you. They're tough games. They are tough games. Man Utd's run of games that they have are really tough games and you're right, even though Tottenham are bottom of the table, they played well but just not being clinical enough and the same problem letting goals in like they did yesterday. I know we're going to talk about them, but yeah, they've got some really tough games on Man United coming. I actually think this point could be huge for them because at the end of the day, a point's better than no points. Luke made a good point. They were passive. They were slow again. Yeah, the first one of the season and probably the only one of the season, but it was a good point.
11:18Luke Edwards:Don't join in with that, Clinton. You're the soothing balm. Sorry, sorry. You don't want abrasiveness. All right, all right. They were slow, though, and I watched them in the midweek against Brighton, and it was the same kind of performance today. You're looking and you're thinking, if Bruno Fernandes doesn't spark them, who else is going to spark Man United? So I think what they've got now is they've got this, obviously, a three-week gap, but a lot of the players are going away on international duty. So you can't really work with that squad, can you? But what you can do is get players like Belieba up to speed because I think it'll be important for United.
11:50Rick Edwards:It's a refresh moment, isn't it? They can reset. They've got this block of the five games out of the way and all the Premier League teams will be thinking exactly the same thing. It just quietens the noise for a few weeks where they can take a breather, they can refocus, they can work on ideas, they can work on plans and just take the spotlight off them a little bit. And I think the international break has probably come at a very, very good time for Michael Carrick and Manchester United.
12:14Clinton Morrison:Listen, all I really want to talk about, if I'm honest, is Brighton. I thought he was going to say Liverpool.
12:21Luke Edwards:No, I don't want to talk about Liverpool.
12:23Rick Edwards:He does want to talk about Liverpool,
Read the full transcript
12:25Clinton Morrison:but he's doing his job as a presenter. Honestly, what I want to do is talk about Brighton because they were so good on their 125th anniversary, so 125 years after their very first game. 3-0 at the Amex, completely outclassed Arsenal, the team that we've all been saying, I can't really see how they lose it. I mean, we literally were like, where are Arsenal going to lose points? And they were just better than them everywhere. And we will come on to Arsenal in a minute. But I think you just have to say Brighton third, going into the international break. Just so much energy, so much. The word that comes to mind is fearless for me.
13:11Clinton Morrison:They just push forward and they're just not scared of doing it. and they'll just harangue you and harass you and turn the ball over. And it's just, oh, it's great to watch. It's probably horrible to play against.
13:25Rick Edwards:Yeah, I agree. Go on, Luke. Go on, Tim. No, you go, you go. I think they are a phenomenal unit. I think that was what really came across. The way they hunt in packs for the ball, the relentlessness, the intensity, the work rate, but also the understanding of the plan, of working. you know it sounds simple to say hunt the ball in packs but actually it's not you've got to know the triggers you've got to know when to go you've got to know how many of you to go and what and I thought the analysis on match of the day was really really good but what really struck me was how many times did Arsenal players get the ball and there were four Brighton players around them and they were actually forming almost in the middle of the pitch they were sort of forming a square around them and they just couldn't get out and Arsenal got bullied I mean they conceded a goal at a set piece.
14:12Rick Edwards:I thought Brighton were, I think that's probably, I'm going to cast my mind back, it's certainly one of the best performances we've seen so far, if not the best from a team, given the opposition. And Arsenal, you know, I still think they're the best team in the country. I think they're one of the best teams in Europe. And they got absolutely battered by Brighton. It could have been more. And I haven't seen a team do that to Arsenal, funnily enough, since I think Brighton did it to them. I believe in 2023 was the last time they lost by three goals to nil. That just doesn't happen to Arsenal anymore.
14:43Rick Edwards:I just begs the question, how much longer, we can't say we keep being surprised by Brighton because they are... I don't think anyone
14:51Clinton Morrison:is surprised now.
14:53Rick Edwards:So where do they go from here, Brighton? Are they capable of doing an Aston Villa? Are they capable of doing a Newcastle? Are they good enough to get into the top five? Are they good enough to get to the Champions League? If you look at the way
15:06Clinton Morrison:that game, you go, absolutely. Yep, definitely.
15:10Luke Edwards:And you know what? They're relentless. Luke, you're a spot on. Just the tempo, the way they're close. I've never seen Arsenal like that, ever. And it could have been more. It could have been more. They were creating more chances. Rhea didn't have his best afternoon, but he made a few very good saves as well. And conceding from set pieces is very unusual for Arsenal. They're usually the threat, but I thought the tempo, the style they played at. And you know, Brighton did that without three of their best players. Hinslewood, Matoma and Minta and they're still winning football matches but I've always said it and I'll keep saying it Brighton's recruitment is outstanding they bring in players that you've not heard of and they just make them into gems and then sell them on they're fantastic what they do Look at Kostoulas Exactly A 19 year old and you're like
15:54Clinton Morrison:who's going to Danny Welbeck's led the line for Brighton brilliantly amongst others to be fair and this kid just comes in And he's scored four already, three assists. And he's an absolute nuisance and a really sort of effective nuisance.
16:14Rick Edwards:They have this data system, Tony Bloom's data model, which is the envy of the Premier League. I mean, everybody is now trying to replicate what Brighton do. You've seen it. Fulham have gone down a younger route. Bournemouth use very good data as well. But I know Newcastle have looked enviously at what Brighton do in their data model. And it is incredible. and you know the geek the geeks are winning they are taking over football because it's the algorithms it's it's data analysis it's all of those things but they have mastered it and they've got this you know they've been doing it for a decade now of buy low sell high and then they already know so when Welbeck went they would already have known who they were going to replace with before he went sorry they would already have known who they were going to place him with so when Belieber went they would have already known if they didn't have somebody in the building already they would know they would have one or two maybe three targets who were ideal to replace him they they are the best run football club in the country and i just i would really like it now if we've seen aston villa and newcastle disrupt they're the disruptors but they did it they did it by spending quite a lot of money to be honest at the start anyway um and they had a really good run and we said it's really good for the premier league that newcastle and aston villa have done that they've both had a problem maintaining that because of scr and all the financial or strictness in place.
17:26Rick Edwards:I'd really like to see Brighton do that this season. What I do worry is they tend to have these really good runs and then they also go on a bad run. And then they have long dips, don't they? Yeah. So to go to that next step now, they need to probably get a top six, a top five finish and get into the Champions League.
17:44Clinton Morrison:For all of the chat about them bringing in young players you've never heard of, Pascal Gross is 35, gets a goal and an assist. Just come back from Dortmund in January. Brilliant in midweek as well against United. He's playing better than he ever has.
18:08Luke Edwards:Yeah, I thought he was fantastic. I thought he was brilliant at Old Trafford in the midweek and I thought he was outstanding. The goal he scores, that's the only place he can put the ball. Because if you try to whip it into the two defenders and it's to be one of the best goalkeepers around, David Reyes. It's a fantastic. And you know what? Everyone says, oh, he's 35. He can't cover the ground. Doesn't need to cover the ground anymore. He's so intelligent. He's on a different level to other people where he's one and two touch. I thought when they brought him back to Brighton, I thought it was an outstanding sign.
18:37Luke Edwards:And you know what he is? They lost Welbeck and Milner. And what they've got in Gross is one of the leaders that Herzler has. You know, that's what Herzler has. And he is one of the leaders. When I was at the game on Wednesday night at Brighton, I mean, Man United, and the way they started, he was going mad at his players and his defenders for playing out from the back and that's what you want, leaders and characters and I thought he was outstanding, he's had a great start to the season.
19:01Clinton Morrison:Let's think about where this leaves the title race, obviously it's very early but Arsenal's first league defeat of the season, they're now three points behind Manchester City after City beat Sunderland 5-3 at the Etihad which is a really good game and annoyingly not one I watched Me neither. Do we think that this is just a you just write this off I was talking to an Arsenal fan earlier on today and he was like, well, look, yeah, it wasn't great, but I think you can just say it's a bit of a blip. Everyone's entitled to have an off day and you just move on.
19:36Rick Edwards:It's a one-off. Of course you can do that. Yeah, you can brush it off. When you've had the sort of 12 months that Arsenal have had up to this point, I think you can just brush it off. It will obviously be far more of a worry if they come back and serve up another sort of two or three performance like that before the mid-November and the next international break. because then they you know I can't see it who else can
19:55Clinton Morrison:brighten them
19:57Luke Edwards:well Premier League
19:58Rick Edwards:is tough Rick
19:59Luke Edwards:yeah you know their next games Leeds I know Leeds are not but it's at the Emirates so it's going to be more difficult is that Ellen Road but Leeds are good
20:07Rick Edwards:see Leeds are one of those teams who've emerged this year so you can't take anything for granted what will worry them is what Arteta will be guarding events is was there any complacency was there any arrogance was there any of those things creeping into the group because it has been such an impressive start to the season. But they had 10 points, I think, at this stage last season. They've got 12 now. They're only three points behind Manchester City. All the usual caveats apply. They've got to play Manchester City twice. It was a bit of a... It was a slap around the face, but it wasn't a knockout blow or anything like that.
20:40Rick Edwards:It's far too early in the season and they have been very, very good up to this point. But I think having praised them for their fighting spirit in the victory over Sunderland when they really had to scrap, those things were lacking. at Brighton and they didn't like somebody doing to them what they like to do to other teams. It will be a little bit of a concern but I still think it's going to be a two-horse title race between them and Manchester City.
21:03Clinton Morrison:One thing that occurred to me was that the sort of midfield trio of Odegaard and Rice and Gimreich didn't look great. It just didn't... and that's three superb players, unquestionably. But it didn't seem to click as a unit to me.
21:26Luke Edwards:Do you know why? I think Brighton made sure it didn't click. I do think that's the best three that they probably have. I know Lewis Skelly's gone and started the season ever so well, but I do think that can click and it's going to take time. Remember, we're still early on in the season, so I still don't think players get up and running until about six, seven, eight games and then you see everyone at their best. And I think it's going to take time. Bruno Gimorais coming, he's had a few injuries, hasn't he? That was the first game I think he's started so far this season, in the league anyway, that's for sure.
21:57Luke Edwards:But yeah, so it's going to take a bit of time, but you're right. I think Brighton players made that midfield three not so good. Even Declan Rice at the end where he loses his head and he's probably luscious. Yeah, he does. And that's unusual. Very petulant. Yeah.
22:10Clinton Morrison:Did not enjoy getting a football lesson. There you go.
22:13Luke Edwards:And he didn't, that's the problem. Because Arsenal are so used to winning football matches, they don't like it when they're losing football matches and sometimes you've got to take your medicine and move on and he was disappointed, Declan Rice but I still think... Was he a bit lucky? Yeah, I think he was. I think so, yeah. I think he was lucky, sorry, lucky, not unlucky, he was lucky. He ran after him and kicked him.
22:34Rick Edwards:I mean, it's not like... It's not even particularly a grey area, is it?
22:39Clinton Morrison:I mean, he ran after him and kicked him. That's against the rules, isn't it, lad? Yeah, you're not allowed to do that.
22:44Luke Edwards:I lost my head in the playground, I used to do that at school so yeah and I used to have a detention so he was very lucky
22:49Rick Edwards:nothing to see nothing to see here England's Declan Rice it's one of those decisions England's Declan Rice doesn't get a red card I will say about Bruno obviously seen a lot of him at Newcastle I think he's taken a bit of criticism this week from Arsenal supporters I mean he scored an absolute wonderful goal brilliant cameo the weekend before he does tend to start the seasons slowly fitness wise and I think he'll be in much better shape by the time he gets to the late autumn That's tended to be what happened at Newcastle.
23:18Clinton Morrison:On Manchester City, five wins from five. And, you know, there is a bit of a rebuild, particularly in midfield, but they have bought in real quality, Luke.
23:32Rick Edwards:Well, they've spent about£300 million on midfielders this summer, so you would need more than that, isn't it? How much is it? It's over£300 million.
23:39Clinton Morrison:As a Liverpool fan, I know that spending hundreds of millions of pounds doesn't necessarily equate to getting good players.
23:44Rick Edwards:Just ask Tottenham. But, no, it's not that surprising that they have some quality in midfield. What a game that was today, though. So, I mean, I put in the group chat, didn't I? This game is just absolutely nuts. And as much as I'd like to talk about Manchester City, we've also got to praise Sunderland. I mean, Sunderland went there and just went, do you know what? Sod this. We're not going to go for containment. We're going to play our game. We're going to have a proper go. And they rattled Man City. Every time Man City scored, Sunderland would go up the other end and get a goal back. Brian Broby, when he's in that mood, I think he's the closest to unplayable we've got as a centre-forward.
24:23Rick Edwards:Like, an all-round game. The way he just smashes into defenders, holds the ball up. Sunderland can just ping a ball up to him anywhere from the pitch, and it will just stick, and then people can play off him. And it caused Manchester City problems all game. Enzo Le Fay, what a player he is. I mean, just narrowly missed out on the French squad, I think, the France squad, sorry, this week. and he's just, you know, he was called the little magician in a national newspaper by a really talented journalist last week. Don't know if you've read it, probably not, but it was a really, really good piece.
24:54Rick Edwards:But that's got to be you then.
24:57Luke Edwards:Yeah, of course it's me, Clinton. Okay, well done, Poirot.
25:06Luke Edwards:What about the penalty you missed last week then, eh? Against Arsenal. Oh, you can't blame him
25:11Clinton Morrison:for that, by the way.
25:12Luke Edwards:I can blame Luke for that, can't I? Yeah, you can blame Luke for it, yeah.
25:16Rick Edwards:Okay. But they were brilliant and they just caused so many problems for the Manchester City back three. But Man City are frightening. I mean, they've got... I mean, it's not... I was taking the mickey out of myself and I sent this, but it's like, you know, hot take. Man City have got some really fantastic individuals in their team because they just punish you. Like, you know, Semenyo's goals. Just the way... They make sort of half chances effortless. And then you've got Haaland who completed his Premier League set. I don't know if you knew about that. So he hadn't scored against Sunderland. The only Premier League team.
25:49Clinton Morrison:He scored against every Premier League.
25:50Rick Edwards:Now he scored against 25 different Premier League clubs he scored against. And they eventually were overpowered Sunderland. But it was a brilliant game of football. That old cliche Premier League and it's very, very best. But it was. It was just end to end. But Sunderland scared them. And I think there will be other Premier League teams looking at that and thinking, is this a model we can follow to try and get at Man City? They went direct. They were physical. And I think attacking-wise, Man City got nothing.
26:18Clinton Morrison:You do kind of need an old-fashioned number nine. And there aren't too many. There's not many of those around because, like you say, if you're going to punt it up and then rely on your guy to hold it up for you. He's a player, by the way. It's not easy, but he can do it.
26:31Luke Edwards:He's a player. Probably he's a player. He's outstanding. I like him.
26:35Clinton Morrison:Calvert-Lewin's been doing a bit of it for Leeds. He has. He has. Yeah, he has. Different sort of player.
26:40Luke Edwards:Yeah, he is... Brovy is mad strong. Like, defenders hate playing against him. You know you've been in a battle. And he's not started the season the best, but I think that hat-trick moving forward will give him fuller confidence. But Man City, they can be like that, though. It's about winning football matches. They'll outscore a lot of teams, but they will concede goals because they do play a high line. And when you've got centre-fours like Brovy that can exploit that and Le Fay, they will cause you problems. But as I said, under Maresco, a lot of people are being critical of Man City but I do think they'll be in the title race everyone's like I still think Arsenal will win it but everyone was saying they'll win it by double digits I think it'll be a lot closer
27:17Clinton Morrison:Is Mureska going to do a slot?
27:21Luke Edwards:Why not? Why not? Well listen he's had the financial backing and he's had the backing to bring in the players that he wants I think their squad's fantastic the only thing I worry with Man City is if Haaland picks an injury up that's the only thing I worry with Man City other than that if they've got injuries to other players, I think they can cope with that, but not him.
27:41Rick Edwards:It was interesting in that documentary, wasn't it, on a TV channel where Pep was actually asking Harland, are you tired? Are you tired? And I was actually thinking to myself, I bet he is. Yeah, because he has to play. He has to play pretty much every game in a 60-game season. So I'd imagine he is pretty shattered.
27:57Clinton Morrison:He's putting in a different sort of shift to a lot of players, though, I would say.
28:02Rick Edwards:Are you saying he conserves energy? Yeah,
28:05Clinton Morrison:like in a good way.
28:06Luke Edwards:Yeah.
28:06Rick Edwards:Yeah. I agree.
28:08Clinton Morrison:He does. He does. He's not... I mean, famously, he's not getting that involved until he's sticking the ball in. And that's fine.
28:16Luke Edwards:He's paid to score goals and that's what he does. Scores goals, doesn't he? Just spot on.
28:20Rick Edwards:There were so many chances in that game, though. Honestly, if you watch the highlights, there's so many chances. Both teams missed a sitter as well, including Haaland who missed a sitter in the first half. So it's a fantastic game of football.
28:30Clinton Morrison:Brilliant. Yeah, I'm looking forward to watching that on Matchday 2 later. Little plug there. Right, halftime teaser. You got a half-time teaser right last week, Luke. I believe so, yes. It was, I mean, yeah, I couldn't believe it.
28:43Rick Edwards:It happens. It does happen every now and again.
28:45Clinton Morrison:Very rarely. Once a season. Well, let's see. Coventry got their first Premier League win in more than 25 years against Nottingham Forest. Can you name the team they last beat in 2001? And bonus point, if you can name a scorer.
29:35Rick Edwards:We'll see you next time. Stock up at Whole Foods Market. The Midwest levels up. October 3rd and 4th, Future Play Festival takes over Peoria. Experience the$50 ,000 Collegiate Esports Showdown with interactive games, retro arcades, airsoft, and remote control racing. And Saturday night, it's the Future Play After Dark Party Takeover with explosive live performances by Lil Jon and James Hype. Experience what's next in games and entertainment. October 3rd and 4th at the Peoria Civic Center. Don't wait. Don't miss it. Get your tickets now at futureplayfestival.com.
30:37Clinton Morrison:the strangest and most shocking sporting crimes brought it to a grinding halt. Monica Silos has been stabbed by a spectator. This man stole her story from her. Sports' strangest crimes. Tennis' darkest hour. Listen on BBC Sounds.
30:55Rick Edwards:On the Football Daily Podcast, Premier League Review with Rick Edwards.
31:01Clinton Morrison:Welcome back to the Premier League Review on the Football Daily Podcast. Before the break, I asked this halftime teaser. Coventry got their first Premier League win in more than 25 years against Forest. Can you name the team they beat in 2001? And bonus point, if you can name a scorer. So I'll go with some team guesses first. I mean, this is categorically hard.
31:23Rick Edwards:I've read this over the weekend, though. I think I know it. But now I'm going to really embarrass myself if I say it's wrong.
31:31Luke Edwards:You need to have a guess then. Oh, I had a guess. Well, obviously they're probably not in the Premier League because you're saying it's difficult. Oh, they are in there now? No, they are in. Yeah, yeah, they're in there now. All right, I'm going to go Everton.
31:44Clinton Morrison:It's not Everton.
31:46Luke Edwards:Okay. Go on, Luke, you can have a guess.
31:47Clinton Morrison:Is it Sunderland? It is Sunderland. They beat Sunderland 1-0. And now, oh, wait, the goal scorer for Coventry. Yeah, goal scorer for Coventry. You have a guess, Clinton.
31:58Luke Edwards:Was Robbie Keane there? Was he there? I don't think Robbie Keane was there. No, I'm going to go Darren Huckabee
32:05Clinton Morrison:Darren Huckabee I think is not a bad guess Do you know this one? Did you read this Luke?
32:11Rick Edwards:No, I didn't know I've just absorbed that bit of information Over the weekend from reading stuff Give us a clue then Centre forward?
32:18Clinton Morrison:Oh yeah, yeah, yeah
32:19Rick Edwards:Would Clinton have played against him? He would have, wouldn't he? Yeah Is he Australian? No Not Dion Dublin
32:25Clinton Morrison:No, no Oh, did he play for Leeds as well? Leeds is not the first club I think of Associating with 2001.
32:34Luke Edwards:Wow, that's years ago.
32:35Clinton Morrison:Just thinking, no, no, not Leeds. You want to give some other clubs? Yeah, give us some other clubs. If I give you other clubs, then it's sort of Celtic.
32:43Luke Edwards:I said Robbie Keane. No, yeah, Keane, no, it's not Keane. West Ham. John Hartson.
32:48Clinton Morrison:Yes. Oh, well done. We'll get on to Coventry shortly, actually. But I think we do need to talk about Spurs. Winless in the Premier League. Lost 3-2 at home to Villa.
33:04Clinton Morrison:the strange thing is that he the Zerbi probably would have been quite pleased with a lot of what he saw like they created a lot Suzuki looks like a really really good goalkeeper he made some big saves I don't know what your assessment of it is fellas
33:25Luke Edwards:listen I think Spurs they were the better team in that first half and Suzuki made three or four outstanding saves, but I feel like we've been saying this a lot with Tottenham so far this season, dominating matches, not being clinical enough, and then getting punished. As much as they say, listen, Mickey van der Ven, when they scored the first goal, was off. His cheekbone was like he had a big black eye on it. It got cut on it, and they managed to capitalise on that Aston Villa. But then when Nicholas Jackson scores, Mickey van der Ven defending, no one near good enough. They conceded too many easy goals at the moment, Tottenham, and they're not being clinical enough.
33:58Luke Edwards:It's a recipe for disaster. But I do think they will turn it around. And I do think they still will have a good season. When it clicks for them, they're going to give someone a hiding very soon. You reckon? Yeah. Yeah, I do. I do. I do. I think they've got good attacking players. The only thing I was wary of them is, you know, when they were signing all these attacking players, why didn't you go out and get a number nine? A natural number nine who can score you goals. They probably have got that. They're top goal scorer. But he ain't going to play for them again. I'm Richarlison from last season because he's upset everyone there, hasn't he?
34:29Luke Edwards:I mean, are they hoping Solanke has a run?
34:32Clinton Morrison:I don't know. Solanke can't stay fit.
34:35Luke Edwards:And Mamouche is not a centre forward. I think he's better playing from the left.
34:39Rick Edwards:I will couch it in. For half an hour, they were very good. That's probably the best they've played under De Zerbe. And I think if you're a Tottenham supporter, you've got to cling to the positives at the moment because you're a cast adrift on an ocean of misery, basically. So they were good for half an hour and could have been, if they score the first goal, it's that classic thing when you're a struggling team, if you score the first goal, Villa haven't been in the best of form either. You know, it could have been a very different afternoon. There were encouraging performances, individual performances, but what worries me about them is when they concede and Clinton's hit the nail on the head there, you know, they concede one, well, they ended up conceding another two and they were three nil down at home.
35:22Rick Edwards:I mean, half the stadium had left and then they score two goals and it puts a little bit of a gloss on it, a little bit of veneer of respectability. There are huge problems there. And I think they will be fine. They are not going to be... I don't think they'll be in the bottom five. I don't think they'll be in the bottom seven. But there's such a bad start. And Deserby worries me with his language he's using in the media. Obviously, that's a part of football that I take a huge interest in. But he's talking about mentally fragile. He had the tell thing the previous week where he's lambasting him on the pitch.
35:56Clinton Morrison:I was talking about not being in good enough physical condition, a lot of that stuff. Exactly.
36:00Rick Edwards:And it's just a bit like, it's too early in the season to be doing that. And they look like a group of players who need their manager to really be fighting for them at the minute, to be putting an arm around them. Or certainly in public, at least. Yeah. And I don't think he's doing that. And I'm not sure he's capable of doing that.
36:17Luke Edwards:Exactly. He's not like that. From what I hear, he's not like that. It's his way or the highway, basically. so you've got to produce for him. And listen, the hierarchy have backed him, they gave him the money, he needs to start getting results. Their run of fixtures they've got coming up are not too bad though. They're not too bad that Tottenham's run of fixtures. And I do think scoring the first two goals in a Premier League, even though it was a defeat, it helps moving forward.
36:44Clinton Morrison:I was personally very happy that Manzambi got his goal on his Premier League debut because I've been banging on about thinking he's really good. of the back of the World Cup. No, you're right.
36:53Luke Edwards:He is good, though. He was good at the World Cup for Switzerland. He's only a young player. He's been injured. He's a good player. He'll be a good signing. The Villa have changed it up and gone for young players. And I think the young players they've brought in have been outstanding. And they've got a fantastic manager in Unai Emery who will get the best out of Manzambi. So, you're right, mate. And Nicholas Jackson was good, I thought. He is good.
37:16Rick Edwards:Yeah. He's a bit misunderstood. He's... He's a lovely guy. He was never as bad as people sort of perceived him to be at Chelsea, I don't think. And I think he will be another one of those players who probably just needed a club to settle at and have a run in the team. And I think Emery will bring out the best of him. I think his teammates will get on his wavelength as well. I think he'll have a good season for Villa, Jackson. I've always quite liked him. I think it's slightly strange that other clubs didn't come in for him when it was obvious his time at Chelsea was coming to an end. So, yeah, Villa were very good.
37:47Rick Edwards:Great goals. But, yeah, they rode their luck as well. and that's just the way it is. And there was a good line I read over the weekend that the difference between Justin Villa and Tottenham is that Tottenham had a proper goalkeeper and a proper centre-forward and Tottenham didn't. That's what Tottenham should have done. The embarrassing thing for Tottenham is, yeah, they spent loads of money. They spent absolutely, you know, so much money and you still look at that squad and think, well, you haven't addressed that problem, you haven't addressed that problem. The main one being, as you all just said, the main one being they haven't got a prolific number nine.
38:17Clinton Morrison:and does this now kickstart Villa's season do you think that result?
38:23Luke Edwards:I think it helps I do think it helps I think they got a good win in the Champions League and yeah it does help it's going to take time they had injuries to key players when Zambi was out and it's now bedding in all these young players but you know what it's like Unai Emery don't throw these new players into the team straight away he makes them take their time to bed in and I do think it's difficult with the amount of good experienced players they had going out it's going to take time. Do you see Villa probably challenging in them Champions League places? No. But I still think they'll finish in that top 10 this season.
38:55Clinton Morrison:As mentioned a bit earlier, Coventry got their first Premier League win in more than 25 years, beating Nottingham Forest 1-0 at the city ground. As a former Coventry striker, that must feel pretty good.
39:07Luke Edwards:No, it was fantastic. Yeah, happy for Frank Lampard, the whole of the city, the Coventry City fans, because it's been... And everyone doesn't... You don't realise it's been a difficult start, They've played some tough matches like Arsenal, Man City. They've had difficulty with Brighton. We saw what Brighton done to them when they went down to 10 men. So it has been a difficult start. And I thought it was a big performance for them. Even having key players missing against Nottingham Forest, Frank could have easily gone there and sat back and just played literally eight or nine players behind the ball.
39:35Luke Edwards:But he went for it and the Silva scored a really good goal. So it's a big result. I think when you've come up from a championship, you need a positive result because you start second-guessing yourself. Are we good enough to play in there? not for Frank Lampard because he's managed and played in it and had a fantastic career but a group of players start thinking are we good enough for the Premier League a result like that going to Nottingham Forest a good team and getting three points will give them confidence moving forward Yeah you just feel like
39:59Clinton Morrison:in terms of morale just getting that win just before the international break it's exactly what Frank and the whole team and all of his staff will have wanted Luke
40:09Rick Edwards:Yeah because they had those two you know those two really painful results didn't they whole city at home which you know a newly promoted team, the one that you think you have to take points off if you're going to survive, then they got absolutely battered by Brighton, which as we've seen is not exactly a disgrace, but it would have felt like it at the time. You know, you get absolutely pummeled in front of your own supporters. You've lost to a newly promoted team. I think you've really gone into...
40:31Clinton Morrison:They weren't bad. That's the weird thing in that game. No, they weren't bad. They haven't looked bad in any of their games, don't they?
40:35Rick Edwards:But they were coming out the wrong side of them and that's a worry and that's a concern and Clinton and the SN, they would have questioned. This international break is the first time we've had it. It's a three-week international break. It's far, you know, a week longer than it normally is, but it's going to feel like a very, very long time, I think, for all of us, us in the media who recover football, but also for the football clubs. And I mean, if they'd have gone into that three-week break with no, you know, no wins, bottom of the table, I think it would have lingered and I think it would have been a really uphill struggle for them just to pick themselves up mentally and have that confidence that they can compete.
41:09Rick Edwards:But as Clinton said, to go to Nottingham Forest, to a competitive Premier League team and just get that 1-0 win. It's a really good goal. And the relief and the joy on the supporters' faces when I was seeing the pictures on television were great. I mean, it just meant so much to them after 25 years out from the Premier League. And they've now got three weeks to say, OK, we can belong. We found a way. We've got three points. We found a way that works for us. We learn from what we've experienced in the first five games and we will improve. And yeah, they'll certainly, I think they'll restart and they've got a, it's a home game against Newcastle, hasn't it, on the Monday night when they come back.
41:41Luke Edwards:Yes.
41:42Rick Edwards:They will now be thinking we've got a perfect chance to try and get our first home win of the season as well. And then suddenly, six points, they're mid-table and people like me who said they would go down would be looking stupid, wouldn't they?
41:53Luke Edwards:Yep.
41:54Rick Edwards:Clinton, Mr. McClinton, who was very bold in his prediction that they would be fine a couple of weeks ago, would be proven correct.
42:00Clinton Morrison:Yeah. Just because we spend so much time digging out VAR for being crap, I guess we should flag the fact that it did a good job, did what it's supposed to do in this game. Kant's chalking out that late equaliser, what would have been a late equaliser for Forrest. And you're like, yeah, good.
42:21Luke Edwards:Yeah, you're right. He catches your rank, doesn't he? He does catch him. I'm thinking to myself, why are you stumbling? Like, there's no one near you. And then I realise when you see the replay, he does get caught. But the thing is, you don't realise it because he doesn't go down straight away. After he takes two or more steps, then he goes down. So you're right. We should credit VAR. They've got a lot of stick over the last week or so, but they got the right decision there.
42:43Rick Edwards:Well, can I add to it then? Because I meant to talk about this earlier, but they did miss a pretty blatant handball in the Manchester City-Sunderland game when Elliot Anderson stopped.
42:52Luke Edwards:It's a sort of weird one.
42:53Clinton Morrison:I haven't seen that.
42:54Luke Edwards:Sorry, I haven't seen that at all. Yeah.
42:57Clinton Morrison:Is it Le Fay? Whoever Anderson is challenging with, it actually hits his hand first. And I get that that is accidental. So maybe that doesn't matter. Does that nullify it? It's like an odd sequence, isn't it? Because it sort of hits his hand. He does slap the ball away. But then Anderson, yeah, he definitely does. He looks like he's playing a handball.
43:17Rick Edwards:Yeah, it's a bit like Declan Rice running up and kicking someone. I don't think you're able... I don't think you're able to slap the ball away with your hand inside the penalty area and divert the ball away from that player. He got the benefit of the doubt because I think he was turning and it was bouncing off both of them. But the last movement is him slapping the ball away.
43:34Clinton Morrison:Is that the sort of thing that VAR does look at? That kind of incident?
43:40Rick Edwards:Yes, they look at everything.
43:41Clinton Morrison:So they look at everything.
43:42Rick Edwards:Particularly a handball shout, because the Sunderland players appealed for it as well, so they will have definitely looked at it. He's got away with the benefit of the doubt because he's turning, and you're right, Rick. What was the score at that point? It was 3-2. So I think Sunderland supporters are quite incensed about it, so it'll be interesting to get...
43:58Clinton Morrison:Sorry, where on the pitch was it? Would it have made that much difference if it had been given?
44:02Rick Edwards:Well, it would have been a penalty, Rick, yes.
44:03Clinton Morrison:Well, there you go. I've just got to see a tight, thank you I sort of understand that more all you sent me was just an I think if that's happening in the middle can you see, from my point of view I'm thinking is that happening in the middle of the picture I'm like yeah alright
44:17Rick Edwards:I would send you a picture of that, that wouldn't be a talking point would it? You sent me a picture but I cannot
44:23Clinton Morrison:see where on the picture she is I need that additional information
44:26Luke Edwards:I was thinking if he's saying a humble it's got to be penalty other than that it's a needless conversation
44:33Clinton Morrison:I've had a lot of needless conversations with Luke
44:38Rick Edwards:unbelievable where did this happen
44:41Clinton Morrison:prefix everything with they missed what should have been a
44:45Rick Edwards:I think I said that when I introduced it into the conversation
44:49Clinton Morrison:you two are the best man you did right well we've cleared that up and yes now I can understand I only twigged when you said Sunderland fans were incensed I was like what about
45:01Rick Edwards:I do well I'm glad we got there in the end brilliant well done Rick really good
45:08Clinton Morrison:that is I think that's all we've got time for actually thanks very much Vera thanks very much Luke pleasure
45:14Luke Edwards:thanks very much I just want to before you go Isak very good for Liverpool
45:18Clinton Morrison:it's good finish it's good finish you must have enjoyed that actually
45:21Luke Edwards:I loved it I loved it the hard volley finish it's a fantastic finish Luke enjoyed it as well Luke yeah you liked it Luke you there mate
45:28Clinton Morrison:he's gone he's gone that is all we've got time for on the Premier League review lots more analysis and debate coming up on the Monday Night Club
45:38Rick Edwards:with 5 Live Sport and BBC Sounds hear all the live exciting action from the WSL and it's bigger and better than ever before get all the latest
45:52Luke Edwards:news and interviews from the biggest stars of the women's game Alexa
45:56Rick Edwards:Bates welcome to the Women's Football weekly. I love competition, I love football, I love training, I love to improve. To win a league like the WSL you have to be at your best every single week. Listen with the BBC Sounds app.
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46:44Rick Edwards:With a subscription to the BBC website and app, you can now get early access to your favorite BBC podcasts. Listen to shows like You're Dead to Me, In Our Time, Good Bad Billionaire, and more. Plus, there's all the other great benefits you get with a BBC subscription, from live streaming the BBC News Channel and acclaimed documentaries to in-depth analysis and features. Visit bbc.com forward slash subscribe to find out more.
From the publisher
Rick Edwards is joined by former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison and The Telegraph’s Northern Football writer Luke Edwards to sum up the weekend's football. They dissect what was another disappointing game for Manchester United as they narrowly avoided three losses on the bounce at Craven Cottage. Arsenal were blown away by Brighton at the Amex - how will this affect the title race with Manchester City going three points clear at the top? They chat Spurs as they remain winless after falling short at home to Aston Villa. Plus, Coventry City get their first Premier League win in 25 years.
TIMECODES 1’20 - Reflections on Man United’s draw at Fulham 6’00 - Why does Rashford lack end product? 11’24 - What makes Brighton SO good? 18’11 - How Brighton result leaves the title race 22’30 - End-to-end at the Etihad 30’50 - Spurs remain winless and can Villa now kick start their season? 37’00 - Coventry’s first Premier League win in 25 years 40’40 - Should Sunderland have had a penalty?
