Credit for everyone

0:00I tell myself, it's not about comparing. But then I start wondering, what can they lift? Are they adding more weight to their barbell than I am? And suddenly, I'm not training. Then I realize, my journey is not theirs. I've earned every step. So I smile. My smile is the shape resilience takes to keep me moving. To put more smiles out into the world, Colgate has supported female athletes for over 50 years with the Colgate Women's Games, the nation's longest-running indoor track and field series for girls and women. Colgate, your smile is your strength. Amazon Pharmacy presents Painful Thoughts.

0:35It's been a long bumpy road dealing with yet another bladder infection. And driving to the pharmacy to pick up meds, I went over a pothole and a little pee came out. So now I get to stand in line with pee-pee pants. Next time, skip the pain and get fast free delivery with Amazon Pharmacy. Healthcare just got less painful.

1:00This is Hannah Burner from Giggly Squad. Opill is the first over-the-counter daily birth control pill available in the U.S. Let's be real. Getting a birth control prescription is not always easy, and it's so much admin. In fact, about a third of women face barriers to access prescription birth control. Between scheduling appointments, missing work, class, or just trying to exist, it's a lot. But now Opill is putting birth control in our control. O-Pill is a daily birth control that's FDA approved, full prescription strength and estrogen free and 98 % effective when used as directed. Grab it online or at most major retailers, no prescription or doctor's appointment needed.

1:39So if you're thinking about birth control, check out O-Pill to see if it's right for you. Use code Giggly for 25 % off your first month of O-Pill at O-P-I-L-L dot com. That's code Giggly at O-P-I-L-L dot com. Birth control in your control. We love to see it. Introducing Home Care Plus, a new subscription service from Lowe's that helps make life easier by giving members a hand with home maintenance. Let Lowe's tackle the tasks you keep meaning to do, like electric dryer vent cleaning, replacing hard-to-reach light bulbs, and more. Subscribe to Home Care Plus for just$99 a year and consider your to-do list done.

2:15Members get more at Lowe's. Available in select zip codes only. Cancel anytime. Non-refundable fee. Product purchase required. Terms and service restrictions apply. Details at lowes.com slash terms. Subject to change. Have you ever been stuck on a weight loss plateau, trying everything and anything you can to lose that extra weight and reach peak health? We've all been there, but Noom's unlocked the secret to reaching the mountaintop. Go in micro. The Noom GLP-1 microdose program starts at$99 and is delivered to your door in seven days. Start your microdose GLP-1 journey today at Noom.com. That's N-O-O-M dot com.

2:50Noom. Microchanges. Big results. Noom GLP-1-Rx program involves healthy diet, exercise, and support. Individual results may vary. Meds and personalization based on clinical need. Not reviewed by FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality. No affiliation with Novo Nordisk Inc., the only U.S. source of FDA-approved semaglutide. Not available in all 50 U.S. states. As a woman entrepreneur, you know that every connection counts, whether it's with your customers, your team, or your community. Spectrum Business is here to help you build those connections stronger and faster. Imagine running your business with fast, reliable, fiber-powered internet so you can stay connected to customers, employees, and vendors without having to worry.

3:31We know flexibility matters. That's why select Spectrum Business Packages come with a three-year price guarantee so you can focus on running your business. Plus, enjoy savings on internet, phone, TV, and mobile services when you can bundle. With Spectrum Business, you get more than just internet. You get support with 100 % U.S.-based customer service. Real people who understand small business, ready 24-7 to help you stay up and running. Join millions of business owners like you across America who trust Spectrum Business for reliability, speed, and support. Visit spectrum.com slash business today to get started.

4:11Restrictions apply. Services not available in all areas.

4:16Luke Moore: Get your back off the wall, everybody. Welcome to the Football Ramble! Erling Haaland had a good feeling and Spurs were so close. It's Monday, 20th of April. I'm Marcus Speller. I'm Luke Moore. And I'm David Cartlidge.

4:40Luke Moore: Hello, everybody. In the word of the great Gordon Ramsay, wow. Wow. Wow. It was raw. Wow. Hello, darling. Go on. Name is? Yeah. Wow. I'll tell you what. We are going to get to the Premier League in just a minute. But we're going to talk, in a way, and you're going to think, what is he doing here? It's a day of announcements. It's a day of announcements. And we're going to talk just very, very briefly about international football. What is he doing? I hear you cry. Well, we've got some huge news and it concerns international football. The Football Ramble is hosting a watch-along party for England's first game at the World Cup.

5:17Luke Moore: Luke Moore! Come on! We're going to get a good feeling. Chaffgate, you're the one. You still tell me. That's not... That's the old one. He's gone, he's gone. Do you want to do the new one? Yeah, OK, go on. Too cool, you're the one. Churchill bombed your mum. Football's coming home. You asked for it, ladies and gentlemen. We gave you it. No one offered it. And we're giving you a watch-along. How about that? Come on! Oh dear Man City fans are going Would you just get to it For crying out loud Mancunian not English No that scales It's true We're going to talk about them later as well But if you're If you are an England fan Then join us At 40 Foot Brewery In North London On Wednesday 17th of June For England versus Croatia Our friends at 40 Foot Have brewed us a brand new World Cup lager My fizzy aunt Yeah We were all involved in that Well done to the chap who named it Which And that will be available on tap at the event.

6:11You're going to be able to get that out the pump and watch England fresh.

6:15Luke Moore: My fizzy aunt will be pumping. Basically, it's all our dreams come true and we'd quite like you to be there. Do you want a witness after having a bloody good time? I think you do and I think you will as well. There will be massive screens outside. We've got screens indoor as well. That's how you prefer to live your life if you are a vampire. Although it's a late kickoff so you'll be fine. You'll be absolutely fine. Exclusive merch will be available. Great food. Great food. There'll be a big barbecue. Apparently there's going to be a little live chat before the game. Yeah. That'll probably mainly be me.

6:46Luke Moore: If you guys can find another microphone, you're welcome to join me. Let's let you get on it. Why, because you aren't on tap? Don't think it'll be me.

6:55Luke Moore: It's going to be a big old party. Somebody's going to be playing music. I will be telling them what to play. Don't worry. Loads more. Loads more. So it's basically just going to be a massive party. I think it starts like 5 p.m. on that day, right? Yeah, 5 p.m. Because kickoff is 9 p.m. that day. Oh, that is going to test you. That's going to test you. That is going to test you. It's a 9pm kickoff. Live chat from us at 5 past 5. For crying out loud, pace yourselves. All right? It's a 9pm kickoff, isn't it? Yeah, it was nodding. Yeah, I thought I got it wrong. It's not one of them 2am ones. Yeah.

7:27Luke Moore: 5am. Give them the important stuff about the tickets, Marcus. Patreon subscribers get early access to this on Wednesday, the 22nd of April. This Wednesday. Yeah. It's going to be, it's out for grabs. Tickets going on general sale this Friday. so if you want to get early access to those tickets and the capacity is limited you should learn from this from the Football Ramble football shirts that we did they can go quick so get your seat over to patreon.com sign up and be ready at 10am on Wednesday for the ticket link this is live 26 last summer we had live 25 this is live 26 if you want to guarantee yourself to get in there your best chance is to sign up to the Patreon if you want to take your chances it's going to be Friday but 10am on both those days you need to be ready to go absolutely we're excited for it it's going to be brilliant it's going to be massive absolutely ruddy massive so get involved everybody the nearest tube station is Black Horse Road in case anybody on the Victoria Line which is the MVP of the London Underground David I'm sure you agree I completely agree with that yeah no we're all agreed on that I used it this morning just to prove it I skipped Green Park this morning I got an even quicker I did as well great stuff so yeah so near there you've no excuse unless you are a Scotland fan maybe still come we producer Roy is a Scotland fan he's still come yeah He's contractually obliged to be.

8:39Luke Moore: I was about to say, yeah. We're all standing around and pointing and laughing. Yeah, I was going to say, if you want to lose to Haiti. If you want to enjoy us lose to Croatia, then fine. But up yours, if that's the case. You're all welcome. Limited tickets are available, as we say. It's going to be great. Now then, let's go to the Premier League. Manchester City 2, Arsenal 1. The day of reckoning went in Manchester City's favour. David, what did you make of this clash? And my goodness, it was a clash. City pissed over that little fire they had in training didn't they they did didn't think Arsenal would get any sympathy from you no it was honestly I thought it was a brilliant game I was a bit worried I thought it might be a cage but I tell you what they both went for it and credit to Arsenal because Zarteta did say we're not going here to draw we're going here to win and they absolutely did go out to win they had their chances to win as well but I think City's quality came through in the end I think the technical quality of City just came out on top of Arsenal but brilliant game really really yeah you agree with that I think immense credit needs to go to Arsenal, despite the fact they lost the game because they came to play.

9:41They came to do the business. And as a watch in public, we got to enjoy a great spectacle. It was a great pace for the game, great tempo, full of intrigue. And it was one of those games that, I mean, David sort of framed it in that way about technical ability. It's just about chances, really, wasn't it? It's about chances being taken and chances not being taken. I just thought it was great. It gave me a bit of nostalgia about 20 years ago. Because you had individual battles, you had tackles flying in. Weirdly enough, although of course when the writing was on the wall later on, it did slow down.

10:19It didn't feel to me like there was a lot of time wasting going on, a lot of stuff to frustrate the viewer, which is what we've seen typically throughout this scene. So it was hugely enjoyable. I just immense credit should be reserved for Ryan Cherky who basically just set the game alight with that goal I mean what you do need to have a brilliant game overall is you need a really good kind of hallmark goal as well and the way he danced through in that finish it was just fantastic to watch very cool basically came very close to getting me out my seat as a neutral which was a great thing to witness what did you think about it Marcus?

10:53Luke Moore: Well I'll agree yeah it was a wonderful game it's what we wanted I think is what you said and I think you know Arsenal will be very disappointed it was I mean you saw the the celebrations at the end of the game what it meant to Manchester City because they are right in it of course and I totally echo your your view about it felt like a game from yesterday I think as well that we've come to expect teams at the top of the league wanting control that's the thing that we've come to learn in the last I don't know 5-10 years whatever it is in football and I think at times maybe one side was on top and the other not.

11:30Luke Moore: That is the dynamic of most games of football. But it felt the way they set up, certainly with Arteta and Arsenal, is we can't give them control like they did in the Carabao Cup final. And I thought it was great. It was end to end. Anything could have happened. You had missed chances. There was one or two, which I think those who missed those chances, Kai Havertz being an obvious one, will look back and think, ah, that was it. And then there was such moments of quality and near misses. There's a hit in the post and so on. you couldn't take your eyes off this game. And I think what I'd add on to that, Marcus, is just the idea that sometimes when there's such high stakes involved, it's about players not wanting to make mistakes.

12:08And what we saw in this game, I think, whether it's Cherokee or Haaland or Doku or Havertz or Eza, they all wanted to make something happen, which makes such a massive difference. So refreshing to see.

12:20Luke Moore: It really, really is. I think we're ultimately saying that football and the Premier League were the winner. Well, Man City were the winner. Well, you could argue that. It wouldn't take me long. It's funny how the first thing you both said was, credit to Arsenal. And you weren't being patronised until, but ultimately they lost the game. In previous battles of this sort of magnitude, when Man City have played Liverpool, or Arsenal played Manchester United, if you go back many, many years, or Chelsea played Manchester United, whichever kind of ones you want to draw from. But Chelsea did play Man United.

12:53Luke Moore: They did. They were shit. Yeah, but in a title race of yesteryear, I don't think we would start by saying, well, credit to the loser for coming out and playing. It feels like it's a very, very specific comment about this Arsenal side at the moment. Well, no, not just that. It is that, but it's also the situation the league table's in. Credit to the side who were top for coming out and trying to play. No, because there's two ways of looking at it. Because Arsenal had something to protect. They could have gone, what we have, we hold. they could have gone let's not forget by the way Arsenal fans will probably be screaming this into their device as they hear this that's what Man City did at the Emirates that was a long time ago no of course but it was this season and it asked just a little thought experiment because it's about the context if Arsenal would come to Man City yesterday and did almost a variation of what Man City did to them at the Emirates so went a goal up and then defended it and got out of there with a one all draw we'd all be saying they're going to win the league so they had very they didn't do a massive invitation to do that.

13:55But Arsenal never led

13:56Luke Moore: on that game yesterday. But it doesn't matter. They didn't know that before the game, did they? No, but it could have played out like that. But look, OK. The fact is, Manchester City won the game. They deserve credit, Arsenal, but Man City deserve amazing credit as well. Man City deserve an enormous amount of credit. Let's dish out credit. We're like Oprah. Let's just dish out, you get credit. You get credit. You get credit. Donnarumma, you kind of get credit later on, but not at the start. Loan Sharks, you get credit. Oh, actually, hang on. No, no, no, no. Wonga. Wonga. Give Wonga all the credit.

14:23Sponsors of Newcastle for ages. Mike Ashley, give him credit.

14:26Luke Moore: Everyone gets credit. Infantino! You get credit. So much credit. We need credit to get your fucking ticket. It's beautiful credit. Okay, now, we've got... I said it before, it's beautiful credit. What are we talking about? Manchester City, yes, they get the most credit, though. Because before the international break, Luke, you said it's done. You know, and I think I was feeling very confident for Arsenal. I know Jim, understandably, not here today, is he, old Jim? No. He's either bottled it or gone on holiday. You make your mind up. Patreon subscribers will get the answer on Wednesday. He didn't bottle going on holiday, though.

15:09Luke Moore: No, he didn't. Yeah, exactly. So well done, Jim. I did say that. And look, so credit to Man City, because now look at where they are. Well, David, I know you were on the show when I said that. I don't know if you've heard it. but I don't know how you feel about it, but my take is just that, you know, you have to look at, say, the Wolves game. You have to look at the Bournemouth game. That's what I'm looking at. The title wasn't lost yesterday. No, they all play into what happened yesterday. And so therefore there are effectively, in those three games in recent, I mean, Arsenal have lost, what, four of their last six?

15:38If you take those three games at key point of the season, fold it into what Arteta's record is like in April generally, they've left you know three, four, five eight points on the table there they were in such they were in such they were in such a powerful position and I know it's easier said than done and I know Man City are kind of you know born like this to use like an MF Doom ism but all Arsenal needed to do was just keep on picking up points and this game wouldn't have mattered it wouldn't have mattered

16:09Luke Moore: I think you can go more recent than that because Man City themselves I think both of them have been dropping points and have had sloppy results I think you really can take it from the Carabao Cup final. Yeah, probably. And I look at that Bournemouth game, David, I'll get your thoughts on this because they lose the Carabao Cup final. Okay. Then they go into the Bournemouth game. Well, they've got Bournemouth at home, then they've got Sporting in the second leg, and then they've got Man City away. I think you look at the side that he picked, that front three, Jim said before, as a lot of Arsenal fans, and we've all made the point, Martinelli, Jokeres, and Maduechi just doesn't click.

16:42Luke Moore: Going into that Bournemouth game, a must-win game, I think Arteta, just went, yeah, that game will take care of itself. We'll do what we have to against sporting and then we'll be ready for Man City. And I think that Bournemouth game, they took their eye off the ball because you saw the performance. They absolutely did. But the players you just named there, there's enough there for them to win that game. There is. And they had to do more. But I think it goes further than back. I've got a list of the results. Liverpool came in a very vulnerable position against Arsenal. Arsenal didn't lay a glove on them.

17:12Sat back. Liverpool were in such a bad moment. Arsenal didn't lay a glove on them. Didn't beat 10-man Chelsea. didn't beat Wolves Bournemouth as he said Villa away didn't beat Brentford Sunderland Forest and the last well Forest they would have got

17:23Luke Moore: nine points clear there was the Man United game at home these all add up and I mean I know that game got build up yesterday absolutely as the title decider and all this but no they were in this position that that game had the magnitude that it did yesterday because of their previous results in previous games can I put something a little bit more mischievous in there and say that before the game on Friday I said Jim was saying that he needs to pick Havert He won't pick Havertz up front. I just don't think he will. And he did Arteta. So he deserves credit for that. Havertz gets a goal through pressing, closing down.

17:53He loves Havertz, though. He's always going to select Havertz. But he's not. But no, no, because he's not. When he has played him more since he's come back from his injury, he's played him deeper. He's looked for an excuse to play Xhokariz a lot, right? And fair play to him. He picked Havertz up front. And it seemed to work for a large part of the game. Of course, I know Havertz misses chances later on, but he closes down Donnarum and he gets that goal. what's interesting I think is that we were all pretty convinced well I certainly was you guys can tell me if you disagree that whoever wins this game yesterday is going to win the league it felt like that it authentically felt like that right what I find curious is now if I'm being honest coming away from how Arsenal set up there coming away from how Arsenal kind of were on the wrong side of one that could have gone either way I don't know if I actually believe that

18:39Luke Moore: I'm with you I wonder whether It's not over has Declan Rice said it's not over? No, and I wonder whether if Arsenal can get out of their own way and take some confidence from this and look at the fixtures they've got left they might actually be able to do it still? That's the best they've played in a while they've played with a lot of intent yesterday and if they carry on and play the rest of the season like that if I was a Arsenal fan I'd be very confident of winning the title what they can't do is play like they have been before Yeah, so it's the kick up the arse that they've needed for a while, I think.

19:14Luke Moore: I mean, interestingly, you say that, Luke. Before that game, the Optus supercomputer... Here we go. Here we are. Boffins. This is the real stuff. The boffins getting involved. Yeah, I know you're a fan of this, DC. It's their weekend as well. It is, Luke. It's their Premier League crunch time as well. Indeed it is. We saw that robot win the half marathon in China. There's another robot who's going to destroy... I've got to say one, is it? Yeah. He must be knackered. There's a few of them in the Premier League. That's good, though. That's the thing. One of them in that half marathon, and one of the robots fell over and they brought out a stretcher.

19:42Why are you doing that?

19:43Luke Moore: They never. They brought a stretcher out for it. What's the point of that? Just pick it up. We are doomed, aren't we? It's not like, you're not going to hurt it a bit more. Robot up. Don't say that. You'll hurt its circuits. So anyway, one of our computers, eh? This is one of our own. Beautiful British computer. Absolutely. Before the game, had Arsenal at 85.2 % to win the title and Manchester City, obviously at 14.8%. After the game, Arsenal, 73%. Now, I think the computer's talking bollocks there. I do as well. But if you look at the running, I think it's, you know, we'll get to the running in a minute.

20:18Luke Moore: Let's go into the actual gubbins of the game. One thing that I think a lot of people enjoyed in this game was the battle between Erling Haaland and Gabriel. Old school. And that's what we, I don't think there was anybody. That's what I want to see. Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, ripped shirts, yellow cards and so on and so forth. Yeah, just a yes there from them. Yeah, both players go on at it. David, what do you make of the kind of... I'm going to use the... I mean, maybe it wasn't within the full postcode of a headbutt, but you could see it from where we were. Head push. A head push, maybe. What did you make of that?

20:47Because there was a little bit of disagreement on the old WhatsApp chat around whether that should have been stronger than a yellow for his behaviour. What did you make of that? I thought the referee was fantastic. I thought that was the absolute right decision. I think a lot of referees in the Premier League would have got carried away and given that red. Yeah. But I think game context, game state, I think the referees looked at it. It's been given to both each other back and forth all game. Yeah. Harland hasn't gone down and made more of it as well. I just think you look at - So everyone emerged from that with a little bit of credit.

21:15I think so. Would you like to see a man - Oliver and Gabriel. So our heads were together. It was a push off more than a butt for me. I thought it was great. It was brilliant. You would like to see a man bludgeoned to death before there's a red card. Absolutely. I want to see a bit of bone. You know what I mean? I mean, then we're talking, yeah. Not even blood. He's from the Neil Wadock school. He takes the life of the player, so it's fine. They both loved it, man, honestly. Like, look, Harland, again, Harland would have exaggerated and kicked off if he thought it was that bad, but he loved it.

21:48Yeah, so my take, I want you to spot on with your assessment. My take wasn't that I think he should have walked. Oh, no, actually, no. My take wasn't that I wanted to see him walk. I thought that the referee might decide to red card him. But having heard what you said, I think you know in context it's you know fine we want to see the battle continue and what I find super fascinating about these kind of personal individual clashes particularly when it's a striker against a centre back is that the centre back has only got to make one mistake

22:19Luke Moore: yeah that's it and that's it and it matters it's almost like when a bowler and a batsman and a cricket batsman's only got to make one mistake and he's out see you later and you know so it was it was amazing for Haaland to come out on top there's a proper like clash of the titans with regard to the red card I agree with David I think that we spoke the other day about referees when a decision needs to be made and they go to VAR and so on they get the rule book out and so on whereas you want a referee almost to get a feeling for the game that he's refereeing that's all I'm asking for now therefore you will potentially get inconsistencies yeah but that's just I think that's an inevitable part of football rightly or wrongly and I know a lot of Man City fans would be thinking hang on a minute how's he not got a red and let's be honest Mikel Arteta thought he was going to get a red as well.

23:05Luke Moore: White as a sheet, his face was, as you said, David. So with all that, however, I agree with David. I thought the referee did very, very well there because it's a head push, not a head butt. And people might go, oh, come on. That's my thought. I think it was the right thing, but credit to Haaland for not falling over. I mean, whether he'd have fallen over or not, I don't think that should change the referee's mind. But it was a proper battle. They were both booked. Pep Guardiola said, I would not like to be Haaland and battle against Gabriel. or Saliba I prefer to read a book given the option I think I don't think Ireland did have that option I also in terms of other kind of KMIs as the referee called them key match incidents for those who aren't a fan of the thank you for telling me that you did that did you?

23:48yeah I thought you were going to start talking about KPIs took them back my first office job we did it afterwards after the show Marcus take you through those after the show Eze's almost goal I mean that's a paint away and that shows you the margins, right? It does, it does. If he scores that, you're like, wow.

24:05Luke Moore: Well, that would have been for 2-1, of course. Yeah, quite, yeah. Yeah. I think both sides could have made a claim for the victory, obviously. I think on the balance of it, yeah, Man City probably shaded it for me. I think Man City shaded it, yeah. Yeah, and I think, you know, they had chance. I mean, Semenyo, poor touch, he's in otherwise. Arsenal will look to those chances. You know, the Havertz one where Donnarumma makes himself big. You know, Havertz will be disappointed he didn't put that one away, you know, and especially in a game like that, it's a very presentable chance. but the one at the end the header I think it was slightly more difficult I think everyone's being harsh about that I think it was slightly more difficult than people are saying because you can see but ultimately he gets a very good connection and I think that he is just going like I'm going to just power that into the net I don't know if he would have been able to get up and head it down necessarily but you have to say it's a presentable challenge It's quite a lot to think about in that moment in terms of from an instinct point of view But you can see Trossard, but he has time to look and he knows Trossard's going to swing the ball in.

25:01Luke Moore: It's a great ball as well, by the way. Oh, yeah. I think he did everything he could and it was just one of those. I think he's at full pelt. Portsmouth, last day of the season, they've got to get a result to stay up and your man misses that. Well, they did get a result to stay up on Saturday. Go with it. But I think, honestly, mate, I'm being totally honest, I don't think that's one that will stick in the mind. I don't think it's a shocker. I think the one that sticks in the mind more is when he's in on goal. Right. And it's a big save from Donnarumma, that. To me, it feels like, I mean, we're going to come on to the Villa game later.

25:28When Sunderland had that chance, they had to go 4-3. I think in that situation, the striker makes a ridiculous decision because I think there's so much for the goal open to try and dink it over the top of him, I think is a poor decision because Martinez is massive. In this situation here, I think he does everything pretty much right. He hits it as hard as he can and Donnarumma is just a massive presence. but I think that that is a much more scorable chance than the header is I haven't seen the XG on it but I think it's a much more scorable chance and I think the timing of the header in terms of what it was in the game just makes it stick in the memory more it's kind of the last big piece of action so people start it sticks in the mind more I honestly think he did everything he could I thought he had a great game and I just think another day it goes under the bar I mean it's not like he can get right over and head it down in a textbook fashion

26:19Luke Moore: I do agree with that I do agree with that. So, anyway. Well, there we are. I mean, I don't know if... Congratulations to Man City, because it makes for the next few weeks it's going to be amazing. It does. And what did you think of seeing Emmanuel Adebayor? Congratulating Pepper full-time. Did you enjoy that? That was lovely. I love that, because it's such a shit-ass thing to do. Ultimate shit-ass thing. Because any reasonable person would say, do you know what? Even if I internally prefer Man City, which is my own decision, I've probably got access to all areas to the tunnel. I could probably just go down there and give him a handshake afterwards.

26:48I'm doing it outside for everyone to see and the second thing I'd say is the second post-match incident I loved was the little Haaland look to the camera

26:56Luke Moore: that was so good well then he sung to us didn't he but the little side eye the face was so fun he was going around the crowd as well just going it's so memeable so the feeling there is from that and the way they celebrated Man City look like they've got the bit between the teeth they're a goal behind Arsenal aren't they they'll beat Burnley away and they'll beat them probably by more than one so Arsenal have got a hope that it's only, you know, it's unlikely it'll just be by the odd goal but they've got, I think if you're an Arsenal fan you'd probably say if Man City won 2-0 you'd take that now because that last thing they want is, you know, Man City to win 4-0 or something like that.

27:31Luke Moore: But if they win, even if they win 1-0 they go top on goal scored. Indeed. But this could go down to goal difference. It could, but the issue is more of a psychological, I don't know how you feel about David, but the issue for me feels like more of a psychological one. Arsenal now, for the first time since, what, August, are going to now go into their next game not top of the league unless in some way Arteta said it's a new league now and he's right he is and people laugh at that statement and go oh it's a new league but no he's right it all changes now the context of everything absolutely changes and I think if you were to try and frame this ever so slightly positively for Arsenal and they're not going to feel like that today and there's obvious reasons for that but they have to now go hell for leather in every single match they've got left none of this let's pace ourselves Newcastle United are home we know Newcastle will love to get in amongst them you've got to put them away Arsenal have the reason why the old Optus supercomputer is saying what it is saying is that Arsenal have I would say slightly favourable running than Manchester City I don't think hugely favourable I think it's slightly favourable on paper both sides should win every game and if that's the case then then you're looking at goal difference yeah and so Arsenal Newcastle United at home you've got to put them away you can't dance around and hope for the corner and all that bollocks you have to you have to go at them now and that psychological that change in the in the mentality of Arsenal is something that probably should have happened a number of weeks ago at least at the very least in that Bournemouth game when you had the chance and they had the chance to go 12 points clear yesterday they'd have had two games it seems light years away now Manchester City we know what they're going to do they're going to continue playing the game is it conceivable that both teams go and win every single league game that they have left of the season?

29:18Luke Moore: Yes. Is it conceivable that either side or both sides drop points from now to the end of the season? Yes. Arsenal have got to go into every single game two-footed and no messing around now. Yeah, it's like we said, the blueprints there. Play that way they did yesterday for the rest of the season. None of this reductive mud ball shite. Just go out there and go to win that league, score goals, blow teams away. You've kind of got, I know there's lots to lose, you've got nothing to lose in a way. Just go out there and just go for it. But what you said there, David, go out and win that league. They can still do that.

29:48Luke Moore: Yes. You can still go out and win this league. But they have to show the right mentality to do that. Well, indeed they do, because if they win every single game left this season, which really on paper they should, Can I ask you a question? Then they're right in there. If I were to draw up a theoretical list of distractions that you don't want towards the end of trying to win a Premier League season, where would two legs against a Diego should be able to decide to sit in the list? Because to me, it might well be tough. There is that. It might well be tough. You know what, but even that, Luke, could be worse because I take your point about this.

30:16Luke Moore: There were part of this in the studio yesterday when Roy Keane mentioned how emotionally, physically, mentally tough it was going to be. You could see him sitting there, all of them going, yeah, I played against Diego Simeone. It's a fucking nightmare. And you are right to say that. However, even that could be worse because it would be tougher if they were playing Bayern or PSG or even Barcelona. They go into that game with Atleti. They are a better side than Atleti. What, you don't want it there, do you? No. You've got to play a semi-file against someone. You know when someone said about Boris Johnson, he wanted to be Prime Minister, and he wanted to have been Prime Minister, but he hated the actual actor.

30:53It's like this. You want to be the semi-file of the Champions League against Leverage and Drew. You want to have been in one, but you don't want to actually do it.

31:01Luke Moore: Fine. Yeah. So that's it. I just think it's a really difficult logic puzzle to solve for Arteta. it presents it presents I don't want to use the term distraction because that's disrespectful to the Champions League and to what Arsenal are trying to achieve and for them to be their Champions League final again would be magnificent of course but it's kind of interesting that they have to really decide whether they want to just go because you guys are sitting here saying they've got to go gung-ho for every fucking league game right well the reality is they're going to play at least 180 minutes more top level intense football the Man City are going to play at least right that's not with extra time and not with the final.

31:43They have to decide how they're going to approach that because they have had players missing for injury. They have got a lot of load. A lot of players are going to be red zoned. So how he sets about solving that puzzle would be really interesting because he's not won a European trophy as a manager and he's not won a league title as a manager. So he's going to have to solve that problem as well. So I think I would have Man City slight favourites at this point. But I do also agree with something you said last week, Marcus, which was Man City are definitely capable of fucking chucking a draw in there somehow or losing the game.

32:17So that's what makes it even more interesting. But as things stand right now, I now have Man City slight favourites, but I don't have them as big a favourite as I thought I would have done if I was told they were going to win this game. I think that's fair. I'd agree with that. I'm still saying Arsenal will win the league, but they'll get knocked out of the Champions League by Atleti. Right, okay. If I put my cards on the table. Do you know what?

32:36Luke Moore: And Arsenal have now got to stop this kind of mentality. Maybe it is just a lot of the fans of, oh, we'll take that, we'll take that. No, go out and win it. And I understand that they're not on the pitch and, you know, what fans say is maybe not what players are thinking. But, you know, I think now if you offered just one trophy to Arsenal fans, they would bite your hands off. Go and win. Go for both. It'd be interesting to see what they would want. But I think it has to be the Premier League. You want to win the Premier League first. I think the Premier League is always your priority. But there we are.

33:06Luke Moore: Anyway, let's get in there. It was a great game. It was a great game. It's really delivered. I mean, the fact that we talk so much about it and there's so many ramifications speaks for itself. But ultimately, credit to both teams. That's what I think. Yeah. Credit to both teams. Particularly the side that won, though. Yeah, absolutely. We need to stay for the round. I don't think they need me to tell them that, though, do they? Oh, you've won, by the way. No, but I think they like it. That's three points. I think they like it, Luke. Yeah. You know, everybody likes a pat on the back, no matter who it's from, within reason.

33:30Luke Moore: Right, can we go after this? Ah, Spurs miss out on their dinner.

34:07We'll be right back. slash audio and use code audio for 20 % off your first purchase. That's Bombas.com and use code audio. Immersing yourself in all things soccer ahead of this summer's World Cup? I'm Alex Abnos, Senior Sports Editor from The Guardian.

34:20Luke Moore: Whether you're a soccer beginner or you know the game inside and out, we've got you covered. From one of the fastest-growing soccer newsrooms, The Guardian brings you in-depth World Cup coverage that gets into the winners and losers on and off the pitch. Read, watch, and listen as our journalists connect the dots between the games, the cultures, and this political moment. We'll have daily newsletters throughout the tournament, a global perspective, and a squad of Americans, including me, on the ground with the U.S. national team. Plus, if you want to test your soccer knowledge, try On The Ball.

34:49Luke Moore: It's a game in the Guardian app, and it's really, really fun. And if you're into stuff like this... Well, I think the problem is, if you give footballers an inch, they will take a mile. Is it too much when it's this close? It's a bit much. It's a bit too real. Maybe you could just talk with a slight delay. Be sure to listen to our football weekly podcast for on the move expert analysis. The Guardian, bringing you the whole picture on soccer. Search Guardian Soccer for more.

35:32Our best lineup is here at Lowe's. Valid through 422. While supplies last. Selection varies by location. See Lowe's.com for details. Soil offer excludes Alaska and Hawaii. There are moments that reveal who we are and who we're meant to become. For those born to lead, such moments call for a vehicle of equal distinction. Dynamic by design, uncompromising in execution, the Range Rover Sport was engineered for those rare individuals who demand the world and possess the conviction to claim it. When your time to lead arrives, you need a vehicle that rises to meet it. The Range Rover Sport. Exclusive offers available now.

36:09Explore further at rangerover.com.

36:19Oh my goodness me! Slumped!

36:25Luke Moore: We're about to put the ramble, everybody. little Gary Neville orgasm there I thought that was that when Donnarumma was closed down was it really? yeah it was yeah interesting we didn't talk about that did we? well you did mention it it's one of those isn't it? yeah fine thanks to Friend of the Ramble Michael for sending us that clip on our Discord we have a Friend of the Ramble too search patreon.com slash football ramble or click that join button on YouTube to get involved and remember tickets go on sale on Wednesday at 10am don't be a fool and miss out right Tottenham Hotspur 2 oh Brighton 2 Spurs remain in the relegation zone.

37:00Luke Moore: Speaking of celebrations, Xavi Simmons. Did he think it was the 87th minute rather than the 77th minute? Can I please just wade in here and say, and I'll chuck over to David after this, but I really want to get this off my chest. I am not the kind of person, and you can run the tape if you want, that would ever criticize someone or a team, a player, whatever it may be, manager, for celebrating really vociferously when they've done something good. I think that's the joy of football. Completely agree. I dislike the celebration place immensely. Yeah, exactly. Completely agree. But this has pushed my resilience to that.

37:35Pretty much the breaking point, right? I know Simmons has found it hard to adjust to the Premier League. I know he's a really good player. I know he's perhaps not had certain sections of the fan base at Spurs be as patient as he'd like. And I know in key games under five million different managers, he's not always been picked to start. And it's frustrating. and I know it was a really, really fucking good goal. I know all that stuff. But to me, when you've already conceded a poorly timed equaliser in injury time in the first half and you've been criticised all season for your concentration as a group not being that good and the fact that you are far, far less than the sum of your parts, I think the message that sends is catastrophically bad and I think Spurs have got a track record of doing it, usually River Charleston.

38:25And I'm not saying it's the main reason they're in the shit they're in, but I think it might be a contributory factor. And I would have put any money I could get my hands on that they would not have won the game after that 2-1 goal based on what I saw. It was, I just honestly thought it was absolutely extraordinary the level he went to because he scored that goal. That's off my chest now. I want to hand it over. I'll probably get pelters from Spurs fans all over the comments. That's fine. But that is how I felt at the time and it's how I feel now.

38:59Luke Moore: David, are you going to put your tin hat on and get in the trench next to Luke? I am doing that, yeah. Did you find it odd? I'm about to stand in front of him and take some pelters as well to protect Luke Miller. He's completely right with everything he said. I could not believe how over the top it was. and yeah I'm happy it's a big release and you can see at the end of the game by the way how good he was he's so good when they can see the equaliser my god he was going to cry well he looked like that Instagram filter you know when you make mates cry he literally looked like that I haven't got any mates so yeah I thought it was completely over the top and it was just like and you can see if they do go down everybody's going to be like oh wait at least you got your little celebration at least you got your little moment classic Spurs everything's going to be geared towards that and it's a shit because he I think he's got a lot of undue criticism as well I think he's been their best player quite often I think he's been very very good he's been trying things he has intent there and we've seen now small sample size under the Zerbi that he's relishing that as well and he said as much after so fair play of that but yeah you just were like oh come on there's a job to do come on see the game out David I think Marcus might disagree so this will be interesting go on no I don't necessarily disagree I have in almost sympathy for Simmons in that moment because it's been such a shite season for Spurs.

40:17Luke Moore: And as you said, the criticism that he's had personally and so on and so forth. And again, I agree with the point that perhaps a little bit harshly at times. To score a goal like that towards the end of the game, I think it wasn't just that. It was the fact that Spurs were playing a lot better. Yeah, they were. And you can see De Zerbe. That's the irony. They did okay. Well, indeed. And I think the one thing that you might say about Spurs is if they play like that for the rest of their matches this season, then you might make an argument that they'll be okay. I agree with the caveat that it's not up to them though, is it?

40:47Luke Moore: Well, there's that, Luke. And also as well, what kind of a psychological blow is this? I think this is massive damage. Because you play well like that, you produce a moment of quality like that and you still don't win the game. But on Simmons and the celebration, if I may, just to finish that little chat up, I just think for all those reasons, and he's probably a more emotionally led character, as a lot of people are, I think when that crashes in he's thinking yeah right come on and he's just been caught up with it so I think I don't think it's a premeditated celebration at all I think he's just gone with it and it's just gone a little bit over the top and I think it's a bit difficult to pull yourself back in it's not like that one he went back after to pause again exactly and it was that I was like alright okay and again I hate being celebration place I really dislike it immensely and I hate to be that guy but I think with that With the equaliser...

41:41It wasn't even the best goal in the game.

41:43Luke Moore: No. No. With that Rutter equaliser, we suddenly, you know, we talk about this. If that one doesn't go in, if they just hold on, but they don't, and the equaliser goes in. And it was gutting for Spurs, Luke, because they were a lot better in this game. They were much better. And Simmonds himself had a great chance for Spurs to go two-a-lap. He hits the post. He should score. He could even square it to, I forget who it was coming in. It was a massive chance. And this is the thing. It's a massive moment in the game. It's contextual as well, right? because all I can think about if I'm in that situation as a fan of that club is what I want to see.

42:17And if Simon Schools had to go 2-1 up against Brighton at home and it's going to be their eighth winning the row at home, fight, whatever. Do what you want.

42:25Luke Moore: He's not going to celebrate like that, is he? Well, he might. It's a great goal. He might do. He's emotional. I think it's the context and everything that goes into it. But allow me to make the point. Okay. What I want to see as a fan is I want to see, fucking hell, you scored a great goal, get in there, you know, whatever. But I'd love to see, I don't want to go full Roy Keane because that's a mistake to go full Roy Keane. Seasonally you put you out with a bit of Roy Keane but then we go full Roy Keane. Right, right. I want to see him like, right, lads, let's get this done. Let's see this out.

42:51There's 15 minutes to go. We haven't won at home for about 45 years. Yeah. Let's get this done and then, do you know what? You want to take your shirt off and go in the crowd at the end of the game, fucking go for it. I'd just go around all the other players. I'd almost, I mean, I'm not a big fan of hoodles either but I'd get everybody. What would Liam Rossini do? Exactly.

43:11Luke Moore: I don't think even Liam knows at this point quite frankly. I want to mention before he gets lost in all this, Mitoma's goal. Oh, it's a beauty. That is a signal where you've played well and then the opposition pull out something like that and you're just like, can we get a break here? You've had an absolute nightmare of a season and you are still at this point in the middle of April legitimately allowed to go, how has he scored that? Why has that happened to us? You still can be within your eyes to say that should not have happened to us. That first half of football that the stadium was... They were up.

43:45Luke Moore: What a goal. They were up. They were a goal up and then that right at the end of the half. When that goes in, I'd love to have seen Roberto Deserby get on the stadium mark and go, well, that wasn't our fault. Yeah. You can't blame us for that. Yeah, I know. It was incredible. It was a really good goal and I think, ironically, Spurs did play pretty well. This stuff about the stadium out to do in this speech, they've been doing that for weeks at Spurs. They really have. I mean, I was there before the Arsenal game before they were quite in the trouble they're in now and they were doing it then. You know, there's a montage.

44:10You cannot move for montages around Spurs. Honestly, it's montage central, montage FC.

44:15Luke Moore: Do you feel that in North London they've gone a bit mad with montages and psychological battles and so on and so forth? I think it's going to be psychological advantages and mind games are going to replace football as the main thing to do. Do you think so? Absolutely rubbish. Just put a performance in on a bloody piss. Take responsibility for yourselves. Exactly. But what does AI think? Is essentially what you're asking. Spurs, yeah, they... Marcus, the thing about you talking about them playing better and if they play like that again throughout the season with the games they've got, they'll be fine.

44:46Unfortunately, we're sitting here now before West Ham play Palace. We don't know how that's going to go, obviously. But, you know, if West Ham win that, which they're capable of doing, I think, obviously, Palace will probably be slight favourites, if not big favourites. but West Ham are capable of winning that game.

45:02Luke Moore: I mean if they win that. Spurs are in the muck. If they win that they're four points in it with five games left. Palace score a couple of injuries and eye on Europe as well though. Yeah exactly. So you've got to throw that in. You can make a case for West Ham for sure. I am making a case and yeah I think they'll win. Yeah. Is it fair to say that Spurs' next game at Wolves away is a must win? Yeah Wolves. How many times do we say it's must win? That is the dictionary definition of must bleed and win. The best team in the league didn't win at Wolves. The team were top of the league didn't win against the Wolves.

45:36Luke Moore: So you know. But if you look at the Spurs' fixtures, I mean, Wolves away, okay. I'd like to say that's three points for Spurs, okay. But Wolves are already relegated and some people just want to watch the world burn. Then they've got Villa away. It's not somewhere you want to go. They were hitting their strap. Leeds at home. Well, Leeds are up for it. And also, let's be honest, Leeds are fucking petty. Luke, I have a nasty bastard. Luke, save all that for what I'm about to say next. Let's also be honest in that a home game for Spurs is essentially a way game. It could be frosty in there. Chelsea away.

46:07Please stay in your job, Liam. That's what they're saying.

46:11Luke Moore: Chelsea away. And then Everton at home. I mean, I'm sorry, Spurs fans. Well, as if you don't know the situation, but that equalising goal for Brighton, I think it's not even the... It is, there's a psychological blow behind it. But I think, you know, you can take some kind of positivity from the way they played. I think it's more actually the fact that those two points are not in the bag. Yeah. And I just, I really wonder if, because you turn your attention, you think, well, look at Forest. Okay, Burnley at home, fine. But they win 4-1. Good feeling. That good feeling that Erling Haaland sung about.

46:48Luke Moore: They're black eyed peas. They're black eyed peas. With or without Fergie. It doesn't matter at this point. It does matter. Well, she was still there at the time, wasn't she? Yeah, she was. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. Probably, probably. They started the game so badly, Forrest, as well. But it was a perfect weekend for Forrest. Well, nearly perfect, because obviously Spurs didn't lose. But for Forrest and Leeds, Burnley and Wolves, they put those games to bed, winning by three goal margins, and then Spurs dropped points. Wonderful weekend for those teams, David. Absolutely. Oh, absolutely. I was going to say, let Spurs make their own mistakes, essentially.

47:18Yeah. And, I mean... Well, it could be a situation... I mean, Leeds, you know, it's six points clear.

47:23Luke Moore: Five games to go, my goodness. I don't know what you think. They're eight points clear. They're eight points clear. Sorry, eight points clear? What am I talking about? Flippinick. I forgot those two points that Spurs dropped. I'm thinking they won the game. I don't know what you think about it. You talk about small margins, small details and such, but Kevin Dansot, what's he doing there? I saw Glenn Hoddle really go in after him. You said, when you're in that situation at the bottom of the league, just put your foot through it. Obviously, the abuse that he's taken is disgusting and horrible. Yeah, of course.

47:47Luke Moore: But we are literally just talking about the moment, and you're right, David. Foot through that. I just don't know what goes through your head to do something like that in that situation. The thing that offends me most about this game is that the very understated producer Rory just put in the running order, Caro Matoma scored a volley just before half-time. Does that do it justice? Very subtle. Yeah, just knock that off, that's fine. The real jerky of production, just very nonchalant. Just slip and they're in there. Just waft that one into the back of there. What was it like if it was just a volley before half-time?

48:16Yeah, jobs are good.

48:18Luke Moore: But yeah, Spurs, they are in the muck. And you do worry for them. all eyes go I must have been worried for them for some time now yeah all eyes on West Ham against Palace tonight gentlemen the Merseyside derby happened on the weekend as well Liverpool spoiled the party at the Hill Dick Stadium winning 2-1 a very very late goal from Virgil van Dijk won it I thought Liverpool I thought Everton were going to win this game I did too I thought they were actually felt they were favourites before I thought it was interesting that Mo Salah scored van Dijk getting that header in the 100th minute whatever it was felt a bit inevitable when it actually happened.

48:53That's the thing, yeah. I didn't think Everton were going to win. I just knew something bad was going to happen because it always happens to them in this particular game. And I think that's really sour. You're in that new stadium and you want to start off your biggest rivalry on the right way and for this to then continue to hang over you, it does nothing for your mentality to try and get out of that block of Liverpool just being superior. Well, the good news is they haven't got to play them again for the rest of the season, have they? It doesn't matter.

49:17Luke Moore: Well, I mean, you're kind of, you're slightly channeling your inner Curtis Jones there because he said I haven't seen this he was talking about the importance of the result or asked about it and he said I mean look it shows the team that we are and the team that they are they are celebrating that they are two points behind us in one of our worst years if that's what they take as a stepping stone or a step in the right direction then I don't know oh he's sticking the boot in there is Al Kirk I think fair enough mind you he's probably had 90 well 100 minutes of utter abuse from the home fans yeah and he's also a Liverpool guy through and through you know that's his team I've got no problem with that at all I think it's fair enough But I think, you know, the kind of mental block that David mentions to one side, what Moyes will be really good at is just putting that to the side and saying, look, we've got a really good opportunity here.

50:04It's wide open for us to get into Europe. We've got a nice new stadium. We can, despite what Curtis Jones says, we can see this as a really positive season. Put that to one side. Liverpool were kind of on there. Haunches a bit. It was there for us. We didn't do it. We've got to move on. I thought it was a really interesting game I thought it felt like not just because of the form Liverpool have been in but the way that Mamadashvili got injured had to go off and his goalkeeper comes in incredible credit to young Freddie Woodman massive credit to him because he managed the situation really well what a situation to come into yeah exactly making his debut for Liverpool and all that so ultimately Liverpool got the win they needed they are desperate to get Champions League as a minimum as I keep saying every week I don't mean this personally about Arnest Lott but I think he's going to lose his job anyway they're looking good

50:53Luke Moore: for Champions League though they are I think your top 5 is there now I don't think that's a controversial take considering it's 7 points between 5th and 6th as well what the fascinating thing is that Chelsea legitimately could finish in the bottom half of the table I think Wales have fully come off there we'll get around to that and everything but yeah I completely agree I think it's a really interesting discussion Liverpool aren't particularly good at all I think they'll just claw it over the line but Chelsea full wheels off territory, I think. Yeah, indeed. I mean, for Everton themselves, yeah, I mean, when even a point would help them, they're still in the hunt for European places.

51:24Luke Moore: It's jam-packed in there. Between sixth and twelfth, it's just three points. I mean, if you want to go all the way down to 14th, it's just six points, but really it's jam-packed. I was pleased for Beto that he scored. I did find it interesting when he put that one way wide of the post. When he ran through, you know, you hit the corner, not the actual corner of the pitch. Remarkable moment. So, yeah, gutting for Everton, but great for Liverpool. And if you're a Liverpool fan, you must take a lot of joy and celebration of the fact that Salah scores and then Van Dijk gets that one at the last minute.

51:56Luke Moore: But there we are. That's how derbies can go. Right, coming up after this, a thriller at Villa.

52:16Make your landscape stand out with three free bags of Miracle-Gro 3-4 cubic foot garden soil when you buy three. Plus, get up to 40 % off select major appliances to keep clothes, food, and dishes fresh all season long. Our best lineup is here at Lowe's. Valid through 422 while supplies last. Selection varies by location. See Lowe's.com for details. Soil offer excludes Alaska and Hawaii. As a woman entrepreneur, you know that every connection counts. whether it's with your customers, your team, or your community. Spectrum Business is here to help you build those connections stronger and faster.

52:53Imagine running your business with fast, reliable, fiber-powered internet so you can stay connected to customers, employees, and vendors without having to worry. We know flexibility matters. That's why select Spectrum Business packages come with a three-year price guarantee so you can focus on running your business. Plus, enjoy savings on internet, phone, TV, and mobile services when you can bundle. With Spectrum Business, you get more than just internet. You get support with 100 % U.S.-based customer service. Real people who understand small business, ready 24-7 to help you stay up and running.

53:30Join millions of business owners like you across America who trust Spectrum Business for reliability, speed, and support. Visit spectrum.com slash business today to get started. Restrictions apply. Services not available in all areas.

54:08Visita Cologart.com para más información. Pide la prueba de Cologart Plus a tu médico.

54:12Luke Moore: Para más información en español, visita Cologart.com diagonal prueba.

54:38Luke Moore: It seemed remarkable that when there were three one down with only a few minutes remaining. They could have won it. But they really... There's a wide range of emotions that went through and about 50 in 10 minutes. If they had won that game, they would be in sixth place right now. Yeah. And I think they genuinely should have won it. I mean, that is the dictionary definition. Just put it in the net! That's a reference I made earlier about the fact that he tried to lift it over Martinez, who already stumbled to gift Sunderland a goal. I mean, obviously... He made the striker's mind up, didn't he, for the third goal?

55:04Luke Moore: He did. I think there was a mistake from a player in the build-up as well. might have been matched I can't remember I think Sancho received the ball Sancho was central to both he did it twice twice yeah yeah and then suddenly that chance to go 4-3 ahead I mean my goodness me what a game though it was extraordinary honestly at one point it's weird at one point you kind of like well this is gone okay Ollie Watkins is on it they're comfortable now they'll ride this out and then Sunderland just gradually came back into it and then when the errors occur and you get back into it and then obviously that chance occurs you go away from accepting defeat to going oh my god I'm absolutely gutted it's bizarre it would have been one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the Premier League you could argue being 3-1 down with 3 minutes to go or 4 minutes to go I mean a slightly similar feeling when Fulham when they were 5-1 down to Man City way back in the winter whenever it was and a 5-4 missed the chance of 5-5 and you go away thinking everyone would talk about that for a long long time but you're a whisker away and not only did they not get the win they flipping lose it.

56:07Luke Moore: Yeah. With Tammy Abraham scoring late on as well. Yeah. I mean, yeah. I feel like it shows... Strange old game, but what drama. It actually showed in my cosmo the fact that Villa can be really soft-centred. If you look at the... Yeah, it's an Emery side. You've always got a chance. Yeah. The manner in which they lost against Wolves, they got pumped by Chelsea. A Chelsea team who can be got at, to say the least. They've got that in them. They really have. Emery's a great coach. Don't get me wrong. No, sorry. He's a very good coach, but they've got that in them. Yeah, you say it's an Emery-side.

56:37Luke Moore: What is that then about Emery? They've got that bit of, just a little bit of a soft insight. So you feel that when it comes to kind of, right, let's just consolidate now. We're 3-1 up. There's only a few minutes left. Put your foot on the ball. His team just can't do that. I've seen it all too often ever since he started out as a manager. Valencia, everywhere, Sevilla. Struggles to see it again. Yeah, there was a season when they won the Europa League that they didn't win a wheel for the rest of the year because they just sacked it off. And it was, there's things like that about him. but no he is a good guy he's done brilliant work at Villa so I'm not taking anything away from him and yeah it seemed David it seemed I didn't watch this game in great detail but it seemed like when they went 3-1 up Villa they made changes about 20 minutes from the end a lot of changes the McGinn one was strange yeah including McGinn came off about 10 minutes to go didn't he yeah yeah and he's been their best player I think over the last couple of years quite metronomic isn't he I think he's got like six goal involvements in the last seven games or something like that And he's such an influential character at the moment.

57:36And I think when they took him off, they lost a bit of the kind of, I don't know, inspiration they have in midfield and the energy that they have. And Son really rallied and capitalised upon that.

57:46Luke Moore: You mentioned Oli Watkins got a couple of goals. He is responding to the kick up the arse that Thomas Tuchel gave him, I would argue. I'm a big Oli Watkins fan. I really, really like Oli Watkins. Interesting, because I think, would I be right in saying Luke and maybe one or two others on this pod are not sure about Watkins. He's a very confident... Well, no, I said... Well, I think Vichita said that specifically. My feeling is that he's just not a brilliant footballer, right? And I think the way that England play... I'm not going to devote this entirely for England, but the way that England play, you know, does involve the striker because we've got Kane just involved and being a good footballer, which Harry Kane unquestionably is.

58:28And I think I'll give you an example, actually. the goal that Morgan Rogers scores is a lovely move. Ollie Watkins almost fucks that pass up. Like if you see the pass that comes through, he's asked to play a first time pass through the line in between two defenders. For a top level footballer, it's a really simple pass. He fucking spoons it right up to Rogers. He's like shin. And Rogers, because he's such a good player, he can react and score anyway. And no one's ever going to talk about that. But the pass is dreadful. It's a really poorly executed pass. And I just think Watkins has got that in his locker.

58:56And if we're focusing on what he's good at and not what he's bad at, because he is coming to form at the right time. He's going to be the, he's going to be the top scoring English player in the league now. And he'll probably, again, and he'll probably go. And his goal scoring record for Villa, I think he's got at least 10 in every season or something like that. So the positives are there. He's a brilliant strike on the shoulder. He's a brilliant finisher. He's a grafter as well. And he works his fucking body. But as an all round footballer, you cannot tell me he's anywhere near as good as the top all round footballers in the league.

59:25He's just not. He's so obviously not.

59:27Luke Moore: David I completely agree with that about him playing football but there's just lots of aspects of his game that I really really like Fiona Bruce there trying to make it a row no I agree with a lot of that I really do I just think I think he should absolutely go if the question is that yes I absolutely do think he should go this summer I'm always having a and he's coming to form at the right time you have to say that he's shown before in tournaments he can get important goals as well I'd like that presence and the energy as well who knows Kane's had a very hard long season with Bayern as well and already creaking a little bit I'd like Olly Watkins there Marcus imagine Olly Watkins scoring the winner against Croatia at 40 foot brewery in North London.

1:00:01And we're all there surrounded by a load of Ramble friends.

1:00:03Luke Moore: Yeah, I think that's... Pour that fizzy hand over my head. Throw it in the air. On Wednesday 17th of June. Absolutely. Is that the one you're talking about? That's when the game's happening, so it has to be then. That'll be it. Yeah, no, I think on Watkins, if I may finish, is I take your points and I agree with what you're saying, but at no point am I saying all competition for Kane. We're talking about who's going to be the best. Oh yeah, it's not that. It's about back up. I mean, look, you're the captain of this, you're the pilot of this plane. Correct. I always go to you when I'm saying, does he go to this summer?

1:00:29I mean, does he go for you? I always go to you and say, why is there more turbulence? Does he go?

1:00:34Luke Moore: You've given me an idea. To try and get involved in the England... Patreon plane? Yeah, I've got to get my stripes, haven't I? Yeah. I think at the Croatia game, you should wear a pilot's hat as well. Well, I was going to go in fancy dress. Far be it for me to derail this, because this is a very interesting scene to be mining. But it's why I come back to saying, I think it's such a shame, the decisions that Ivan Toni's made. Oh, totally, yeah. Because he is far more suited to just slot in there. Yeah. Fresh pair of legs, not as good as Kane, but at his best, brilliant. He's another little joker in the pack, though, I'd take.

1:01:06How good was it, though, just having both him and Watkins just on that bench? He's a joker in the pack. I'd have him in. He's a bit of a character as well, man. I love it. I'm getting carried. Look what you've done to me. Look what you've done to me. By the way,

1:01:20Luke Moore: you've mentioned Harry Kane there. Scored in Bayern's 4-2 win over Stuttgart. Bundesliga title. Thanks very much. The numbers that Kane is posting now, the numbers that Kane is posting now, they're biblical to use Liam Gallagher. See his ex post as well, just a little trophy emoji. Love it. Love that. He deserves that. Do you know what year you have to go back to to find an Englishman scoring this many goals in a season? Tell me the year, guess the year. I know what it is. You are going back, it's 95 years ago. It's 1930s. Wow. Oh, is it 1930? That's the number. I don't know who the player is, but I suspect it's probably Dixie Dean.

1:01:59Probably. Remarkable. Yeah.

1:02:03Luke Moore: Or Carnu. But Bayern, though, themselves, I mean, again, we can... Have you got time to talk about Bayern? Well, just 109 goals they've scored. They've been incredible, and Kane has been the vanguard of that. Great. So well done, Harry Kane, and well done, Bayern. Aston Villa, though, I mean, they're going to be in the Champions League next season. They've got the Europa League to look forward to. much to look forward to there for Villa. They will have another Midlands side to play against in the Premier League next season. They will. Congratulations. Coventry City. Fantastic. Super Frankie Lampard, super Richard Keyes.

1:02:35Luke Moore: They're all there. Yeah. Come on. But who deserves more credit, Chris Kamara? I think we know what Richard thinks. You've done well, Frank, but are you the key to sport? Who? Richard Keyes, Richard. Yeah, Frank Lampard. Very emotional post-match interview he gave. It makes me feel emotional because the squad are so great to work with. and they deserve every second of celebrating. The league is hard. People think it's easy, and it's not. It's getting harder. I think it's a positive... He's done so well, Lampard. It's a positive story for so many different reasons. I think that you've got to be pretty hard-hearted to not have a bit of joy in there for Coventry after what they've been through as a club.

1:03:11It's disgraceful. It happens far too often to clubs of every size, really.

1:03:16Luke Moore: But give a bit of detail on that. Travelling to a different town. Yeah, they've been to Helenbach. Different city to watch your team play. Yeah, they've been to Helenbach. They really have. Bloody hellfire. Obviously, the Championship is a really difficult league to win anyway. And Frank Lampard has had, is an interesting situation because he's had, obviously, a lot of opportunities because he's had such a good playing career and because of the name and because he's so famous. But he's had to really... You've got to make that count, though. He's had to graft. And he's had jobs where he's done ostensibly a pretty good job, like at Derby, but he's come up a bit short.

1:03:46The Chelsea job coming along is too early for him.

1:03:48Luke Moore: Everton's tricky. I mean, they survived. Might be coming up again. Yeah. Bloody Nora. Can I also just add what I really liked about his post-match interview was that he took the time to give credit to Mark Robbins as well. He did a really good job in commentary. Yes, I was about to say. Because he was controversial for sure. I was about to say that. And in that moment, you would, you know, if a lot of people criticised Frank Lampard for lots of different reasons and if they were to be correct, they would say in that moment it would be all about him and he didn't make it all about him. He had to deal with Tim Sherwood fucking firing questions at him as well which I wouldn't wish on anyone and he spent the time Really kill my boss.

1:04:23And he spent the time.

1:04:24Luke Moore: He'd rather be questioned at Quantanamo Bay, wouldn't he? He took the time to mention the supporters over and over again and to mention Mike Roberts, which I thought was a really nice touch. They've been brilliant this season. They had a little wobble around Christmas and the chat among championship guys was like, you know, oh, is it actually going to run out? Is it pig too early? Yeah, yeah, yeah. But he actually managed to get a tune out of them and really double down. They've been the best team in the league. They've got by far the best points. They've scored the most goals. They've conceded the fewest goals.

1:04:49In all the metrics, they've been amazing. Yeah. and Coventry are for people of our age when you first start getting aware of the Premier League and what football's all about Coventry were there right and they've experienced everything you can experience right trust me as a Pompey fan I know and good on them this is a really positive story it's a fantastic fantastic thing for them to enjoy

1:05:10Luke Moore: it is for them to go so long without Premier League football but in the manner in which they've gone as you say with all the stadium you can read it up yourself you know but they really have gone through the ringer but I I'm delighted for Lampard, but more delighted for Coventry City in general because for all the reasons you've given. But David, like, they've been great this season. Yeah, absolutely fantastic. And like Frank Lampard said, I think you've got to look at the trajectory that Mark Robbins put them on. Just unbelievable coaching. And they went the right way from that. And obviously they felt that to take the next step, they would need to get Frank Lampard in.

1:05:45And the decision's been justified, I think.

1:05:47Luke Moore: Well, it certainly has. It certainly has. staying very, very briefly with the championship a huge win for Portsmouth against Leicester City that's a proper six point of that it was massive I think, you know a number of weeks ago Portsmouth lost 6-1 to QPR and it was it was absolute basement stuff and I think a lot of people thought that's probably going to be that and John Messinao has obviously used it as a massive sliding doors moment and said, look you can choose your future now, lads we can make something happen here or we can just go out of the whimper it looked bad then since then they've not lost a game they've won three on the bounce the last three yeah without conceding against Middlesbrough it's a funny word it takes doesn't it like you obviously Ipswich as well but Ipswich I know it's incredible you didn't go into that game and go oh I want to get an absolute thrashing but that thrashing has it's galvanising yeah yeah it's incredible the context is that Portsmouth have the second lowest budget for playing staff in the league the only team with less money is Sheffield Wednesday who are literally bankrupt they're not safe yet mathematically but they're seven points out of it for three games Yeah, I think that's probably that.

1:06:51When it counted, they really stepped up. To go three games in a row without conceding, I didn't think they had it in them, and I really, really mean that.

1:07:01Luke Moore: Well, going on the last three games, I mean, quite incredibly, in the league, only Southampton on a better run of form. Yeah, that's the... Southampton's still in the FA Cup and possibly going to get promoted automatically. They cannot stop winning. It's fucking pathetic. They're looking really good, aren't they, Southampton? Yeah, with a manager who I genuinely didn't know existed until about six months ago. What about Leicester, though? Wow. Yeah, it's... Bloody hell. It's bad. It is bad. Harry Wicks get me a little round with some fans as well, you know. It's 10 years to the... It'll be 10 years almost to the day of winning the Premier League.

1:07:34They're going to be going to the morning. Extraordinary.

1:07:35Luke Moore: It is crazy. Sad for them. But great for Bortsmouth, though. Right, everybody. Thank you very much for listening to the Football Ramble, part of the ACAST Creator Network. We're back tomorrow for the Mailbag. subscribe to make sure you do not miss it and do remember that on the 17th of June we're having our England watch along at 40 Foot Brewery in North London Wednesday 17th of June tickets go on sale for the Patreons on Wednesday at 10am patreon.com forward slash football ramble to sign up or Friday at 10am if there are any left of course there we are thank you Luke Moore how do we fit all that into an hour eh unbelievable great great show enjoyed it excellent thank you David thank you Marcus Buller and thank you Paul Smith yeah how have they got that what's happened there that's amazing and Southampton no yeah end on Southampton we can't end on Pondy the football ramble is a stack production and part of the Acast Creator Network

1:08:44There are moments that reveal who we are and who we're meant to become. For those born to lead, such moments call for a vehicle of equal distinction. Dynamic by design, uncompromising in execution, the Range Rover Sport was engineered for those rare individuals who demand the world and possess the conviction to claim it. When your time to lead arrives, you need a vehicle that rises to meet it. The Range Rover Sport. Exclusive offers available now. Explore further at RangeRover.com. If you've got spring fever, Lowe's has the cure. During Spring Fest, make your landscape stand out with three free bags of Miracle-Gro three-quarter cubic foot garden soil when you buy three.

1:09:27Plus, get up to 40 % off select major appliances to keep clothes, food, and dishes fresh all season long. Our best lineup is here at Lowe's. Valid through 422, while supplies last. Selection varies by location. See lowes.com for details. Soil offer excludes Alaska and Hawaii. ¡Bien! ¡Seliz cumpleaños, Rafa! ¡Sopla, sopla!

1:10:14This is Hannah Berner from Giggly Squad. O-Pill is the first over-the-counter daily birth control pill available in the U.S. Let's be real. Getting a birth control prescription is not always easy, and it's so much admin. In fact, about a third of women face barriers to access prescription birth control. Between scheduling appointments, missing work, class, or just trying to exist, it's a lot. But now O-Pill is putting birth control in our control. Opill is a daily birth control that's FDA approved, full prescription strength and estrogen free and 98 % effective when used as directed. Grab it online or at most major retailers, no prescription or doctor's appointment needed.

1:10:53So if you're thinking about birth control, check out Opill to see if it's right for you. Use code Giggly for 25 % off your first month of Opill at O-P-I-L-L dot com. That's code Giggly at O-P-I-L-L dot com. Birth control in your control. We love to see it. Thank you.