Man City's Dream Derby, Amorim's Nightmare Continues, Ange's Dose of PL Reality

18:36Robbie Mustoe:He's won eight, drawn seven, lost 16.

18:39Robbie Earle:And he's probably trying to change it more than anybody's tried to change it before. So you've got to give him that little bit of leeway. But even so, at some point, right, whatever anybody says, listen, the results have got to get. He's got to start winning games. Just got to start winning games. Exactly, mate. And I worry. I worry next two or three weeks, to be honest with you.

18:54Robbie Mustoe:Well, good day for City. I just want to say, you know, Phil Foden getting his goals, I think, is so important. The big striker, the goalie, brilliant. Pep talks about the big goal. Yeah, you know, at both ends of the pitch, they've got monsters, mate. They've got a monster who, like you say, lying it down one end. They've got one at the other end who can outpower you like it is. Sharp as anything again. And then dink it over the top, a lovely little finish. So, I was pleased for City. They looked a bit more like the old City. Pep looked a bit more revitalised. And we'll see. we'll talk about who they play next week away at Arsenal a really important game for both those teams at this stage of the season we'll come to that one later my friend but yeah good day for City continuing questions I think will be the outcome of Ruben and Man United Rob we learn nothing do we we learn nothing more no

19:44Robbie Earle:well I learn a little bit more Rob it's not getting much better you know and Mateo Cunha is the last he's a bright player he's probably their best attacking player and Brian Ibermo's great but in this dysfunctional kind of set up and team you know doesn't get much of the ball so well we'll keep watching you know we're at FanFest next weekend mate I know they've got a big game next weekend as well they host Chelsea on USA Network next Saturday and we'll see we'll see well they're not in Europe

20:11Robbie Mustoe:so we can do plenty of work on the training ground absolutely

20:14Robbie Earle:well done

20:15Robbie Mustoe:let's go to the Emirates my friend where Arsenal hosting Nottingham Forest it was a Nottingham Forest that had got Hans Postacoglu as the new manager after the Nuno, the week we've had of that drama at the football club. Wondered whether it changed Forrest in any way. Would they be a little bit more open? A little bit of the high press. Didn't see that much of that. I think what we did see is an Arsenal team who weren't as fluent in the first half. Odegaard actually came off again with what looks like that shoulder, which is not great news. But they got the job done, Rob. certainly in the second half.

20:52Robbie Mustoe:They found themselves a little hero in Martin Zubomendi who was brought to stop goals and sit in front and do the jobs we say Man United haven't. And it turned out to be a pretty good day for Michael Arteta and his team.

21:06Robbie Earle:Really good day, mate. It's a whole new front line. A whole new front three from last season. And I just think there's an excitement that new players bring. There's Nani Maroike. There's a player that's found himself straight away. He's playing in Bukowski. sack of position. He can take players on, very effective at doing that. You've got Bertrand Ezzel on the other side who's a little quieter but made a lovely assisting cross for Victor Jokic to score their second goal. And that second goal, Rob, I'm in the studio, I'm like, that's what they need. That's what they need. You know, it's a goal that takes the pressure off.

21:38Robbie Earle:Arsenal last year scored, went up, you know, didn't have, just couldn't go off and kill games. This game was killed pretty early. And apart from Zubimendi's kind of heroics, a brilliant strike, by the way, for the volley, for the first goal. Mick and Marino, I like Marino as a number eight. It was a good call,

21:56Robbie Mustoe:actually, as well, wasn't it? He'd come off four goals midweek in the National Football and give Declan a rest and he brings a little something. I liked it.

22:03Robbie Earle:Of all the games this weekend, and that was the first game that we did way back, feels like a week ago now, Saturday morning at 7.30 in the morning Eastern time. You had a good stint this weekend.

22:13Robbie Mustoe:You guys and girls. Good old stint.

22:17Robbie Earle:So that still is the most strongest kind of impact on me is the excitement from Arsenal, those new players and what it brings to a team. Behind the front three, of course, is good at Arsenal. They've got everything else is kind of lined up. Mosquera looked okay. William Saliba, Robbins. I thought he did quite well. I quite liked him, yeah.

22:37Robbie Mustoe:I thought he did okay. Kid, you know, young, wasn't a big signing. So my takeaway is similar down the road, but the first was like looks like money well spent. in depth, Rob. So if Zubimendi gets a couple of goals that we didn't expect, but we know what he can do in midfield. Mascara, I thought, did okay. You know, filling him for Saliba. Ezekiel will have better days, but gets an assist. Madweki, I thought, was the best I've seen him play. Looks like he's playing with a bit of confidence, played into the national team. And Jokeres, my friend. I want to just hone in a little bit on Jokeres. Okay.

23:14Robbie Mustoe:In that, what I think, What I liked about Arsenal yesterday was it wasn't all a thing of beauty. He's brought a bit of ugliness. He's blunt. Four-team games they drew last season, often playing beautiful football. He's blunt. They play a long ball over the top. Ezer gets played in. Ezer squares the ball across. He smashes it in. That's what Arsenal need to do at the time and kill the games. Last season, that would have been a 1-0, 1-0. The other team started getting it. Hang on.

23:44Robbie Earle:Might get a chance, yeah.

23:46Robbie Mustoe:Yeah, let me do one. I don't mind Mikel having a bit of ugly. He's far too pretty with his black hair that's never got a touch of grey in it. He's always got his little jumper on and his little coat, and he's always at the side. And he loves beautiful footballers, and I love what he does. But there needs a mix. There needs now and then to beat Erlen Haaland as a mix for Manchester City's beautiful football. And I think Jokulis can be that guy for Arsenal.

24:13Robbie Earle:No, I agree. I agree. and just those numbers, he's going to rack up the numbers. We said this. You know, 20 goals, they win the league is my comment at the start of the season. And he's on his way to getting his 20 goals. They've got plenty of cover defensively. I just like the wide options now with Saka being out, even Odegaard being out, Ethan Waniere. I think every time I see him play, he looks more confident in midfield. He's super cool and very casual. He's collected, he's technical and he's precise. He doesn't give the ball away. He's like a little Bernardo Silva, knits things together. So I like his development amongst others that came off the bench.

24:48Robbie Earle:I mean, with these subs now, Rob, you can change games. Martellet, Trossard, Wannery, Declan Rice came on, Miles Skelly. So, you know, there's tons of options, adults, experienced players all over to come into the field. And there's no question that the strength in depth has helped this team. and the more, I don't know, it's early yet, but I favoured them to win the title this season and yesterday morning is like there. I can see there's something building there.

25:21Robbie Mustoe:I'm going to go to my own depreciated performer of the week, mate, and he was wearing the red of Arsenal, and it's Nonny Medueke, who was brought to the football club, Rob, and I remember seeing trending no to Medueke. hashtag no to Madueke was Arsenal fans almost saying we don't want this guy and part of what I kind of was reading people saying like what's he do he doesn't really do much he doesn't get goals he doesn't get assists which in fairness if you've been critical of him yesterday and maybe the goals and assists weren't there but I thought his threat his ability to run past people to go on the inside and outside to cause problems put a couple of lovely balls in and everything his numbers robbed most crosses are on the pitch of any player, most touches in the opposition box, most chances created, most successful take-ons.

26:11Robbie Mustoe:Like the most attacking threat on the pitch, he got a standing ovation when he came off. And the biggest thing, Rob, that he's playing with confidence, I heard his manager say he's playing with courage, he's enjoying his football, but the biggest thing, and you alluded to it, is that I think over time, the Kaio Saka's been a little bit overplayed. I think he's played in League Cup games, in this game, and that game, if you can have a Madweki who can come in and continue that level, that's a massive, massive positive for Arsenal Football Club. And we can now and then rest Saka or not start Saka because he's so good and he produces so much that you have to have him in the team.

26:56Robbie Mustoe:But if Madweki can keep that level, Rob, he could be an absolute find for Arsenal, either side of the pitch. Looks like he's a good kid. Looks like he's enjoying being at the football club. And I just think there was a lot of Arsenal fans who weren't really having him. And I've got to admit, I at times was a bit like, is he worth that kind of money? If he can produce that, if he can keep that level of consistency, that's a good bit of business.

27:21Robbie Earle:$70 million, Rob. And when you say underappreciated performer, maybe he was underappreciated at Chelsea. Chelsea had him. They got Alejandro Ganacho.

27:28Robbie Mustoe:23 years of age, mate. 23.

27:31Robbie Earle:Yeah, I know. They got Ganacho. and Arsenal have got Marueke. I can't... My notes, pre-season notes of Arsenal were, wow, another big call from Mikel Arteta. Not in Marueke. Hot and cold at Chelsea. Hot and cold, in and out. Some good stuff. Some casual and sloppy stuff. And he's gone to this football club, whether it's the manager, I don't know.

27:51Robbie Mustoe:Just all the change of environment.

27:53Robbie Earle:He was brilliant for England. I saw his England games. Marueke was the standout player along with Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest who, yep, strangely played in this game as well. but it's a good shout, underappreciated 70 million dollars, I wasn't sure the only thing I'd say Rob, before we move maybe just a little line on Nottingham Forest what's happened there, I mean if he's this good and he keeps, I mean what do you do? Like Saka, I mean Mademoiske is so good on the right, I don't know whether he's anywhere near as effective on the left hand side does Mademoiske have to sit when Saka's back or would you squeeze them both in?

28:24Robbie Mustoe:I'd squeeze, listen if he's playing that well Rob, I'd squeeze him in on that left hand side there's no way you cannot take Saka then

28:31Robbie Earle:You can't play both of them on the left. Saka or Maldiweke?

28:35Robbie Mustoe:Saka's on the right, isn't he? Because he comes in. Sorry, on the right. Sorry, you squeeze him on the left.

28:39Robbie Earle:You put him on the left. I squeeze him on the left, mate.

28:40Robbie Mustoe:Yeah, I squeeze him on the left. And he comes inside. Looks like he can come out of the side.

28:44Robbie Earle:Yeah, but he's lefty and he loves... I mean, the ability to go pass...

28:46Robbie Mustoe:Listen, I'm just saying, I look at it. And if he's producing there, I leave him in my team. That's what this squad's about now. This is what... I think one of the players, one of the journalists at the beginning of the season, said to Mikel, and he said, I've got what I wanted now. And he said, and somebody said, is it going to be difficult keeping people happy? And he said, yes, but that's what big managers and good clubs have to do. That's kind of part of, you know, if Madweck is playing as well as he's playing, I'm not sure you sit in Saka. You don't have to rush Saka back as much, but once Saka's fit in playing, you find a spot for him, mate.

29:20Robbie Earle:You find a spot. Two weeks at Robbie Earl is a long time in football. It's like an eternity at Nottingham Forest. I mean again I'm not sure we're going to give too much to it but my goodness a change Nuno Espirito Santo brings the club into European football blimey and says the wrong thing in an interview falls out with the director of football gets his nose pushed out does that pretty bad interview wasn't it where he's talking about the relationship with Maranacesti not in the forest flamboyant demanding owner and he's out and Ange Postacoglu is in quick give me a quick a quick how you feel about Nuno getting fired and a quick how do you feel about Ange being hired

30:00Robbie Mustoe:my quick Nuno being fired is I'll give you three letters E D U

30:11Robbie Earle:well Edu

30:12Robbie Mustoe:that relationship has changed the flow at the football club don't know what's going on don't know who's at fault or if anybody's at fault But him coming into the football club has changed the dynamic and there was only going to be ever one winner.

30:30Robbie Earle:Well, I hope it all works out for Edu, by the way. For a manager that does the really most important thing of a club and gets that team, he brings them very close to getting the Champions League and you're going to back a director of football. You know what, Nuno, you don't agree with Edu. He's our guy. Yeah, you might have to, you're going to get pushed out.

30:48Robbie Mustoe:The thing with Nuno, Rob, it was like, and it happens in a number of cases, I think I played with the manager, same as certain managers suit certain players and ways of playing, and Nottingham Forest are getting the very best out of that group of players under Nuno. Now, I think Ange is a good manager, he plays in a different style, often he'll bring that in, I think, a bit slower maybe than people think, but there's no guarantee that that works with Ange.

31:15Robbie Earle:So Ange, when he got hired?

31:18Robbie Mustoe:The players might not be as good as he expected, they're not possession based the times that Nottingham Forrest want the ball, they played against West Ham West Ham let them have the ball, Forrest didn't know what to do with it, they were like oh we don't really want the ball, we'd rather sit back and counter attack and break down

31:35Robbie Earle:and turn over and some of these players might not be suited

31:39Robbie Mustoe:to that Rob and so now we have a bit of a problem

31:42Robbie Earle:I think when you do think of the likes of McAtee that's come into the football club

31:50Robbie Mustoe:Gibbs White I know what you're saying.

31:52Robbie Earle:Elliot Anderson's a brilliant player. Hudson-Odoi can...

31:55Robbie Mustoe:You know, if you're playing... We used to play, you know, we were like the high press, getting people's faces, winning the ball. Then every now and then, we used to think we were better than that. We used to say, Gaffer, can't we play a bit? Can't we keep possession, Gaffer, in that? And he'd go, all right, one week. He'd say, let's have a try at that. We get beat 3-0, and we go back to what we used to do, because that's what we do. I'm just wondering if the Forest players, take on Ange, start to be a little bit more possession-based, and then things don't particularly go so well,

32:26Robbie Earle:what happens then? I don't disagree with you. I think the players may be a little better at that than what we all think, but you're absolutely right. If they're not, because you open up with Ange, you open up. But he said he's going to gradually do it, Rob, and we'll see. What I would say is, Maranakis, right, and you can say, well, I can say, he's a very demanding, difficult to work for owner but what a job he's done

32:51Robbie Mustoe:what a job he's done

32:52Robbie Earle:at Nottingham Forest

32:52Robbie Mustoe:and he puts his money in by the way

32:54Robbie Earle:he puts his money in and everything's gone I mean 2017 he took over he brings them somehow back into the Premier League where many have tried before by hiring the right managers and bringing them up we all thought about Steve Cooper being harsh to be let go brings in Nuno Spoto Santo brings in a manager that drags them into Europe almost to Champions League and he makes another big call and brings in Ange so up to now like if you're a Nottingham Forest fan probably like, I trust this guy because everything he's done to this point and the crazy amount of money, he's almost like he wants them to be a top six, top eight club regularly and he'll keep finding players and changing managers until he gets it.

33:30Robbie Earle:So, who are we to say that this is a bad move? I think all we know is that with the owner, Maranakis and Anshapostokoglu, thank you very much. There's headlines every week, mate. We've got material. We've got material. Brilliant. Love it.

33:46Robbie Mustoe:There's a Greek connection isn't it because he was born in Ingrid so maybe this. They've met only three or four

33:51Robbie Earle:times though Rob it's not as though they have a relationship you know and said it himself and he's funny because he asked about the winning trophy in your second year and he said well actually I've won trophies in my first year as well and if I don't win a trophy in the first year I'm probably not in the second year anyway so I think we're not going to feel sorry for him Rob you know that right we're not going to. No absolutely. Every manager now with this guy you know what you're signing up for when you go from home. You're big boys absolutely you know what you're getting and they want a bit of you know you know if things aren't going well.

34:18Robbie Earle:Listen,

34:18Robbie Mustoe:he's had Daniel Levy, he's just had Daniel Levy who's just left the football club, so he's well-versed in that.

34:24Robbie Earle:He is, the tough owners, yeah, the tough chairman.

34:26Robbie Mustoe:Let's go to Turf Moorway. We've come in well-versed in late goals for Liverpool.

34:31Robbie Earle:Oh, blimey, after 83 minutes, apparently, yeah. All games after 83.

34:35Robbie Mustoe:The last four games, 88, 90, 83, 95, were the winners. I mean, I was really interested in your quite strong take today where obviously there's two schools of thoughts. They're champions. They're finding a way they're getting it done.

34:52Robbie Earle:Yeah.

34:53Robbie Mustoe:And, you know, sometimes you've got to do that and it'll get better. Or a bit more, I think, where you were going like, that's kind of good for now, but this can't keep going. No, it can't. Because eventually something's going to give and you're not going to get the points and then we start having a problem. Or you're going to get better.

35:10Robbie Earle:You know, that's what they will hope. They will hope that they're going to get better. Alexander Izak is going to take a little bit of time. He has the potential to make them a lot better. Florian Witts is still struggling a little bit. And I said this, Rob, at the beginning, where I felt like Liverpool, lots of change. There's four or five places in the team that's different. The champions, during that adaptation period, and when Izak comes in and all that, are they going to lose ground by this newness, by trying to find their feet in this new team, really, as half the outfield is different?

35:37Robbie Mustoe:So to your point, Rob, just on that, because I made a note, is in some ways his job maybe more difficult this year than it was last year he didn't bring any but Kayser in kept things, little tweaks this time he's got Kerkes in who hasn't settled well looks a bit of a hothead, I thought it was really important I think you made a great point and I wrote the same thing like he's ruthless by the way and he said

36:02Robbie Earle:the risk on the pitch to Liverpool losing the game was Kerkes so he got him off, off your pop

36:07Robbie Mustoe:and I think he told him on the way off He did, yeah. But, you know, you've got Kerkhez come in, you've got Virts, who's not really settled, and it was, again, interesting. I watched a German game this week, just to watch Voldemort and Virts. Virts looked a different player, mate. Looked a different... Freer getting on the ball, demanding it off people and getting it in good areas, and, like, you know, zigzagging a few people, and it's really interesting how just his body language looked different in a German shirt than he did playing for Liverpool.

36:36Robbie Earle:So, just a little side note, Rob. but let's go off on a tangent here a little bit. In our experience, right, of watching new players into this league, and my memory's awful, so I probably can't give you examples, but I feel like once you've seen them play five, six, seven, eight times,

36:55Robbie Mustoe:Yeah, you've got a feel.

36:56Robbie Earle:You've got a real good feel of how it's going to go. Now, I might be wrong, and there might be people that can say to me, yeah, but what about him starting slowly? Joe Allington.

37:04Robbie Mustoe:Joe Allington's a great example.

37:06Robbie Earle:In a different position, though. there was a big position change.

37:09Robbie Mustoe:We didn't see that coming, what we came. But I get your point. You know, I'm not being...

37:16Robbie Earle:I'm sure there's examples out there, Rob, but...

37:18Robbie Mustoe:Yeah, but as a rule, as a rule, yeah.

37:21Robbie Earle:I hope we're going to get better than what we've got. It's neat and tidy, isn't it? But how long are we going to keep saying that? Maybe I'm impatient, right, and we're a bit knee-jerked to this. It's only four games in.

37:31Robbie Mustoe:Yeah, I mean, it's been difficult, hasn't it? And the break, the international break and whatever, get your rhythm, get training, all that stuff.

37:37Robbie Earle:yeah okay and we're not at the six seven eight like i've said so there's there's time to but it's a little concerning and i just think rob at the moment i said to tim i think on a slot is not taking him off or not playing him he's trying to seem to don't want any more noise because there's a little bit of noise yeah he hasn't done you know for a very expensive player like he hasn't done much so if you bring him off it adds to the pressure his head goes down a little bit and then people start to watch him so i think he's still like you're my guy you're doing great you're doing fine playing well

38:05Robbie Mustoe:I think it'd be money well spent in the end I suppose the other one just to your point would be Gravenberch would be a great example of you see him in one season and then we see different player it's just that the things that it's just the little movements that he was doing in the German shirt Robin the looking like and dummying and little flicks and that he hasn't had that kind of buoyancy on the ball when he's played for Liverpool I don't know if he's playing safer Is it a little bit more physical

38:37Robbie Earle:and intense in the Premier League maybe?

38:38Robbie Mustoe:That's what everybody's saying, that's the standard line right now

38:41Robbie Earle:and I think there's value in that but after time, like when you play Burnley you're going to get a little bit more time you know, isn't going to be crazy against Burnley were a deep block today

38:50Robbie Mustoe:Other question I've got to ask you Rob and I find it fascinating

38:53Robbie Earle:and of course Alexander Izak made the move and you were right on that and said that he would move I wasn't quite so sure but he did go I was looking back at Katike's starting positions and where he's played he's been a central player like 95 % of the time he's either one up front or he's played up with for Frankfurt he played up with Omar Mamouche and that was a really nice relationship I mean is he going to I think he's probably going to sit a little bit on the bench when he zacks up to speed I mean he's not going to play him as a 10 he's got Vietz there and he's got other midfield players is he going to push him to the left

39:24Robbie Mustoe:I would think the chance for him might be Gakpo to play him on the left yeah apparently he drifts I did a little bit of reading like you when when he first came in the league and people said he does like a drift off and out to that left hand side and come in on his right foot scored a couple of goals there didn't he scored the community shield and the one he come after he played but I know what you mean it's not a given but again it's a bit like the Arsenal scenario I think informed players will play I mean prior to that you know Liverpool have always had And, you know, when they had the Firmino, Salah and Mane, you know, they needed somebody to come in.

40:04Robbie Mustoe:They've got four or five strikers who all could start. I mean, in terms of performances, Rob, the great man who's now gone to fourth in the all-time Premier League goalscoring, Mo Salah, hasn't really kicked a ball

40:17Robbie Earle:in terms of performances. No, penalty kick today.

40:20Robbie Mustoe:The goals have come, and it's a brilliant penalty kick. But in terms of his form, his form's not been great. I'm not saying you dropped Salah, but Ekotike looks lively and looks like he brings a little bit of something to the group. It was interesting, I read a line from him this week where somebody mentioned Izak and whether that was his place and he said, you've got to be prepared to compete with great players and play with great players. So I kind of feel like he thinks if I keep doing what I do, he's got in the French squad now, he came on the other day.

40:51Robbie Earle:He may feel that he'll be a starter as well.

40:54Robbie Mustoe:I don't know I mean we've even seen by the way let me just chuck this one at you and it only just come in my head I heard on the slot saying we've got to be careful with Izak and take her time how about Izak to the left hand side like he did at Newcastle a couple of times just to bed him in

41:11Robbie Earle:yeah possibly possibly I just think I just really like Iketike and the potential he gives you and I wouldn't want to see him sort of in and out the side being pushed to different positions but anyway we'll see how that goes just in terms of options, Rob, off the bench. Now, of course, Hezok's not there. Curtis Jones is out as well. A young Rio Ingramoa came on, looked very sharp.

41:33Robbie Mustoe:Yeah, yeah.

41:33Robbie Earle:Fring Pong, not many other... You know, when you compare it to Arsenal's options right now as attacking players, Liverpool a little bit short in their squad. I mean, they can't afford many injuries to those attacking players, and they look a little thin with all their games coming up. They've got Champions League on Wednesday against Atesco and Madrid. Not... I just looked at the bench, Rob, and it's just like, nah, it's not a ton. Kiesa I don't know are they a little short there? I can't totally agree with that

41:59Robbie Mustoe:you know you've got your Curtis Joneses you've got your Fring Pongs who come in you know Bradley

42:06Robbie Earle:I thought Bradley did that when he came on

42:07Robbie Mustoe:yeah that wouldn't be my biggest worry I think once we would get settled down I have to say I felt for Burnley mate because no doubt Scotty Parker and his group and I know some of the different players who came up, but I was looking at their record, I think it was 24 clean sheets I think they had last season in the Championship, something incredible number, they conceded only 16 goals, and like Burnley last year with Scottie Parker, yet, you know, I kind of was thinking, and again, it's not like Liverpool can continue to do this, or Liverpool can't, but it was just like the mentality of the Premier League is just so different, there's like great players, great technical players and quality, but there's a mentality change as well.

42:58Robbie Mustoe:You know, you get stronger willed people, I think, in the Premier League. And so it was that will that, you know, it's obviously a penalty. It's obviously, you know, Mo Salah gets it. He ain't going to miss it. And they get the three points. And I thought, you know, it was a bit harsh on Burnley who'd done their thing. And their sending off didn't help Kachuga. I thought it should have got straight red, by the way. I thought it was a straight red man. I thought it was a terrible, terrible challenge. No, I did, yeah. But I just think as well, that's something that championship teams have to get used to as well.

43:32Robbie Mustoe:All the speed and the power and the quality, but there's a mentality that teams do keep coming back, do keep trying. They have got a way of finding a way. I don't know, we saw it happen to Leeds yesterday in a similar situation last minute, and Ongo wasn't for Leeds. This time it's a penalty for Burnley, and I felt a bit for Scotty and his group because they did what they could to stop Liverpool. Liverpool weren't on a great day and it looked like they were going to get a point and all of a sudden you get nothing and everything goes out of the dressing room.

44:02Robbie Earle:First, Scott Parker lost at Turf Moor as manager. So, wow. It looked like he was going to continue the run. It looked like he was going to continue the run.

44:11Robbie Mustoe:I mean, that's how strong they've been at Turf Moor.

44:14Robbie Earle:So, yeah, I did feel for my old mate Scott Parker. I played with him years ago at Charlton. Great guy. get another chance in the Premier League. Yeah, and set his team up very defensive.

44:23Robbie Mustoe:Very different from the last time he played Liverpool, wasn't it? When he got smashed nine. Nine, I know, yeah.

44:27Robbie Earle:Rebecca said about that, how it's probably scarred him like all those years ago. Yeah. Remember the ill-equipped, that was the end of him, wasn't it? A little bit.

44:36Robbie Mustoe:Gary O 'Neill jumped in there, didn't he? Yeah, he did a good job.

44:39Robbie Earle:Yeah.

44:40Robbie Mustoe:What happened to Gary O 'Neill? Whatever happened to him?

44:42Robbie Earle:But well done Liverpool, Rob. You know, not playing at their best and still finding ways to win. That's maximum. Four wins out of four.

44:47Robbie Mustoe:four straight wins mate, late goals coming in and Alexander Izak to come into the fold can't be bad my friend, can't be bad let's look at a few other results we've got some big games mate, there's a big derby West Ham played Tottenham a West Ham team that got their first win against Forest didn't they, they won 3-0 good win, we did the game and we talked about how well it was and how important it was for West Ham and then it almost goes the other way Rob again, they get 3-0 and the Sucek sending off I think was the right call after 54 minutes, they were 1-0 down at the time from the saw header Bergvold gets a second Van der Ven the third but it continues to be a bit of a problem for West Ham mate

45:34Robbie Earle:they can't quite kind of, just doesn't seem

45:37Robbie Mustoe:like they can get their foot a platform to give themselves a chance

45:40Robbie Earle:they haven't got the stamina I think they haven't got the stamina I think we all agreed that going from 5-4 at the back was good in the last game. And it's like, well, this maybe is the way to go now. 4-2-3-1. And I thought they started really well in the game. The first 10-15 minutes. You can feel the energy at that stadium. Given the last result, here we go. This is more like it. And I made a note like this is the way to go. Fast and lively stuff. He played Pacachal as a false nine, didn't he?

46:04Robbie Mustoe:Which was interesting. Instead of bowing. Because Paul Kruger, I think, has got an injury. He's got a calf.

46:09Robbie Earle:He's got a calf problem, yeah. So it was a bit of a doubt.

46:12Robbie Mustoe:He put bowing one side, didn't he? Yeah, Pacquiao's a false nine.

46:15Robbie Earle:Fernandes behind him, Bowen on the left-hand side, and Somerville. Somerville, who looks bright and he's ready to go and he tells the world that it's going to be a show and he's going to... And they look bright. They just fell away. Spurs got a foothold in the game. The physicality of them, the organisation, was impressive. And they became too much for West Ham United. I'm still figuring out Thomas Frank at Tottenham. You know, I like to... You know, mostly you see a team a few times, you're like, ah, that's what they're going to be then. You've got a feeling, yeah. But because Thomas Frank, and we know he's like this, he's so varied in his, I still don't really know.

46:49Robbie Earle:I think Tim Howard described it pretty well, where he said they kind of do the Antonio Conte thing pretty well, deep block. And also they'll have a little high press now and again. So at the moment, the variety in the way that they play is what's sort of leading my thoughts on them.

47:04Robbie Mustoe:Well, he's very opposite Amarin, isn't he? He's a polar opposite of Amarin.

47:09Robbie Earle:Every game changes things for the opponent. and trust his players we have to do it it just means that you don't always get a patterned groove team that you used to see because it's going to be different most weeks and if that can work for you fair play

47:20Robbie Mustoe:which is kind of the kind of thing you think if you're Brentford it is the kind of thing to do but sometimes I think when you're a big six you think this is us this is how we play but maybe he's bringing a different mindset into it and yeah now whether that's going to be in the long run the best thing or maybe he's still figuring out his best team his best set or what they do best his players. I don't know, but he's a smart guy. That's the one thing you know, Rob, and his teams generally understand what he's trying to do. You know what I mean? You very rarely see them like one pushing up and one dropping off and they're not knowing.

47:54Robbie Mustoe:Everybody's generally on the same line.

47:57Robbie Earle:It's a good squad. It's a good manager.

47:59Robbie Mustoe:It's been a very good window

48:01Robbie Earle:when you look at it. I know there's all sorts of talk and ins and outs and people that didn't want to go there, but if you look at the actual guys that have come in, he's got a really good cover now. And the goals were very good. And just quickly back to West Ham, you can't defend those two goals like that and expect to stay in the Premier League, by the way. The market at the corner for Papsas' header, he's three yards out, gets a free header. Robbio scores those all day long if he comes over to the Earl at the back post. So you can't leave that. The goal for Bergvau is, you know, one ball over the top.

48:28Robbie Mustoe:One long ball, yeah. By the way, I thought they got lucky with the VAR call. I did, yeah. The first foul on Walker Peters, mate. It wasn't, was it? It wasn't, was it? No. It wasn't.

48:39Robbie Earle:And that was another set piece. So, sorry, sorry to go back to West Ham, but he's got to figure that out. If he can't defend simple stuff like that, then they're going to get somebody in who can, you know, pretty quickly. But no, Tottenham's exciting. That's one to watch. Let's keep watching them. Different players that we had. Mathias Tell started the line up front. Xavi Simmonds played, made his debut, I think, on the left-hand side. Yeah, so, I mean, Tottenham, they're sitting pretty. They're sitting pretty right now. They're sitting third in the table, mate. Nine points. Nine points.

49:07Robbie Mustoe:and they've got Villarreal at home in the Champions League, my friend, coming up. Yeah, good stuff. Thanks to Ange, they've managed to get some European football that I'm sure the Tottenham fans will be happy for. So, yeah, two teams at the moment going in different ways, but Graham Potter's got a bit of work to do. Other interesting game, West London derby, Brentford versus Chelsea. Enjoyed this game. Keith Andrews taking over as the Brentford manager. after that first day, everybody was a little bit concerned but it looks like he steadied the shit mate and as I was watching this game two big thoughts came first I thought the value of Jordan Henderson who was very close to being my undappreciated form of the week just in terms of what he might not have in all the legs that he had in Liverpool I just saw his organisation what about that ball?

50:00Robbie Mustoe:brilliant pass into Sharday structure of the team, you see him pointing and getting people in he must be an absolute gift to Keith Andrews at this time and the other thing I thought, just in terms of Brentford, the two goals, the quick counter-attack from the Chelsea corner the first one, the second one's the long throw but in some respects, a bit like you said of Thomas Frank at Spurs the biggest compliment I can give Keith Andrews is Brentford looked like Brentford, like Brentford should. I thought they did the bits. They hung in when they needed to be, you know, against a better quality Chelsea team who probably should be winning the game.

50:44Robbie Mustoe:They hang in. They get a late goal through the throw-in. I thought there was a lot to appreciate about Brentford because I think it's easy to look at this Keith Andrews and go, oh, well, they've lost the manager. They've lost two of the best forwards and things ain't going to go great. I thought there was a structure and a bit of spirit about them that I enjoyed.

51:02Robbie Earle:Yeah, I liked him too. I think they're not going to change too much. And he said that, Keith Andrews said that already. I'm going to jump to my underappreciated performer, Rob, because in this category, we often also add one to watch. And my one to watch or underappreciated is Kevin Sharder. Now, we know he's been around the club a few years now, but he's always been under the shadow of Ivan Toney, Brian Umbermo, Johan Wisser, the other front players that have grabbed the headlines, they've scored the goals. I feel like Kevin Shard is the next one, Rob. He's the next one. And now if you're Kevin Shard, it's like, okay, it's kind of all me.

51:40Robbie Earle:I'm not sure about Igor Tiago. I'm not sure he's going to be that great. We will see. Maybe I'll be proved wrong. He looks a little bit cumbersome, a little bit clumsy. But Kevin Shard looks like a young – he's only 23, I think, still. I just think he's one to watch this season for this football club. Could he be the one that scores the goals? Because he's quick. We know he's got great pace. He took his goal really well. He's a finisher. I just, you know, I'm not, you know, and I'm sure he's appreciated at Brentford, but as somebody that might just want the limelight a little bit now and be ready for the limelight, I want to just flag him up as like one to watch Kevin Shard.

52:15Robbie Earle:Just a little under the radar. He could have a really good season and could be the next one that's going to caught a little bit of attention.

52:22Robbie Mustoe:Well, it's one club that can develop talent. And you think of the Ben Rahmers, the Tonys, the Wissers, the Umbermos, they produce so much forward talent.

52:34Robbie Earle:Watkins, as you say.

52:35Robbie Mustoe:Yeah, it's a good shout, Kevin Shodder. Just looks to me, Rob, like it's consistency with him.

52:41Robbie Earle:It's giving me a level.

52:43Robbie Mustoe:I see him one week and he can look a world beat and then I see some games and it's like he drifts out of the game.

52:49Robbie Earle:Maybe because the other two players have grabbed the limelight and they've been the stars and the ball's been heading to them. I don't know. Maybe I just feel he's going to be a bit more of a go-to man now, but we'll see. Just on Chelsea, Rob, of course I watched the game very closely first half yeah first half was a little bit like yeah we got possession tippy tappy a little bit you know you're going anywhere I thought they lacked numbers in the box I thought they lacked deliveries into the box and I really like Enzo Moresca because he changed things at half time they usually build up where they try and build their attacks and they keep three back he changed that he left two back I think they were 1-0 down at the time and they were much better they go ahead they get to 2-1 and I'm making my notes and I'm like, fair play to Maresca, changed things around, won the game for his team and then the equalising goal goes in.

53:36Robbie Earle:So credit, of course, for Brentford for keeping in it and that long throw was a problem and Chelsea had got to do better and we go back to the central defenders, the concern of that team to really thrust them into the top part of the Premier League. But I liked the changes. Cole Palmer, Rob, takes his goal, lovely. Caissero smashes the ball from the edge of the ball.

53:55Robbie Mustoe:They really, he found a way

53:57Robbie Earle:and I say this often when teams don't do it, to turn up the attacking dial. Enzo knows how to do it. He turns up the dial when he needs to turn it up.

54:05Robbie Mustoe:I thought the big thing he did as well is put George, Tarek George is the more forward player and drop Pedro, Jael Pedro into the 10. I think Pedro in there, I think the thing with Jael Pedro is he's one of them such a good footballer that when things aren't going well, he drops deep when he plays as a 9 and there wasn't the threat. When Liam Gillette plays or something, he's a bit more sort of runs in behind and gives you that set and I thought George did that, but you're right I saw the three changes on 46 minutes, George, James and Kukurea came on, 56 minutes, Parmesan Parmesan for five minutes, scores a beautiful goal, could have got a second and won it I have to go back to it and it's the same thing with me I'm still concerned about their defending Rob, the first goal that gets played over the top I don't think Tosin does a good job of a one-on-one defending the recovery runs for Farnham never gets back inside to cause a problem if you're defending at the far post and Ganacho we know is a wonderful talent Rob if he's your man on the far post and you let him go mate me and you are going to have a problem when we go in the box I know you're a talent I know you can score unbelievable overhead kicks at Everton and win his games but 2-1 away somewhere in a big game where we've got to clear a long throw to get three points, you've got to do your job, mate.

55:27Robbie Mustoe:And that's what he's got to learn, Garnaccio. That's the bit that I'm not sure about.

55:32Robbie Earle:And that's the problem with all the changes at Chelsea. There's so many changes. Another player to kind of integrate and to learn what you've got to do. So as long as that team keeps changing, I don't know, they need to find a groove. They need to find a regular little set-up. And maybe that's not the case. And maybe modern-day football is going away from that. With all these subs and all these competitions, maybe it is about who changes and different players coming in and rotating. And the best teams will do that most effectively. So frustrating for Chelsea, but fair play to Brentley. But they shared the points.

56:04Robbie Earle:Yeah, one apiece.

56:06Robbie Mustoe:OK, mate, let's push to a few of these other games. I actually watched most of the 10 o 'clock Newcastle Wolves. I wanted to have a look at Voldemort and a couple of people who got his goal, mate, and, you know, he's a new hero now up on time side. I have to say Wolves didn't play bad, to be honest, mate. I've got to say, Wolves probably were worth a point on the day, and Newcastle, in the end, at home, got the win. But they were bright, Wolves, and I think there's a bit more than the four defeats we've seen about them. But obviously, Voldemort are getting his goal, his first goal for Newcastle United.

56:41Robbie Mustoe:I'm sure that's one of many. One of the teams of the season, so far, mate, we almost should not be surprised now what Bournemouth keep doing. Bournemouth, two Brighton, one late.

56:51Robbie Earle:incredible

56:51Robbie Mustoe:Semenyu with the penalty yeah after Scott had put them ahead great goal Scott's nice

56:56Robbie Earle:nice goal lovely left foot

56:58Robbie Mustoe:beautiful he's a lovely very nice footballer but Semenyu and I made a little note on him somewhere I read like he's been involved in some crazy like five of the six goals that Bournemouth have scored he's been involved in

57:11Robbie Earle:yeah I couldn't love him anymore we saw him first hand three goals to assist yeah we saw him at the first game of the season against Liverpool

57:17Robbie Mustoe:Liverpool he was

57:19Robbie Earle:he was incredible yeah Yeah, I mean, I'm surprised there was not more action in trying to sign this player.

57:24Robbie Mustoe:Well, he signed a big contract now, so I'm sure there's a big clause in there. But Iriola continues to do a brilliant job, mate.

57:30Robbie Earle:I mean, it's incredible. They lost three of the back four.

57:32Robbie Mustoe:Apparently he took this 18-year-old centre-back in, didn't he, this weekend? Yeah, I don't know. I was reading somewhere. Yeah, he took one of the new signings, 18-year-old. You know, there's another one. Their recruitment, mate, is incredible.

57:43Robbie Earle:Yeah, because they lost three of the back four, didn't they? They went to huge clubs. They all went to huge clubs. He's had to rebuild the back four. and yet here they are now after four games fourth place in the league on nine points the same as Arsenal

57:53Robbie Mustoe:I think it's the left back isn't it and whatever yeah he's incredible yeah well done to Iriola and Brighton full and one Leeds nil we talked about that late goal against Leeds so harsh yeah very harsh it's a killer isn't it

58:07Robbie Earle:yeah it's very harsh on Leeds we saw this game

58:09Robbie Mustoe:they look competitive don't they I'd have to say all the three teams who've come up Rob at least look competitive I think more so than the Southamptons of last year

58:18Robbie Earle:I think that the worry for Leeds. And that's why I thought at nil-nil, you know, it's like, this is good. You've got a strong foundation. And that's a very unlucky goal. I think the concern for Leeds is going to be creativity. Are they creating enough chances for the forwards that they've got? But it's a long season and I like Daniel Farker. I do like him as a manager and as long as they stay strong defensively, that's going to help them in terms of everything else. So a little bit unlucky then. And we've got a couple of games left, Rob. Everton nil, Aston Villa nil. Again, we saw highlights of this, all these games going on at the same time on that busy Saturday.

58:52Robbie Earle:I mean, it looked like it was Everton. Everton was pushing. Everton pushing. Martinez made a great save to keep a clean sheet.

58:58Robbie Mustoe:Yeah, it was Michael Keane with a header, I think, up front, the big lad had a couple of chances, didn't he? Jack Grealish across the gap.

59:05Robbie Earle:I've got to ask you, mate, Aston Villa, four games played, no goals scored. Yeah, yeah. I mean, is this just a result of the staleness of the fun of last year?

59:16Robbie Mustoe:Do you remember the first we did our preview didn't we and just felt like a little bit of the bounce has gone from Villa and Unai's going to have to and we go back you can go back to that Champions League game the last game of the season yeah the Premier League season

59:29Robbie Earle:where they missed out on it bad decision when Morgan Modric

59:32Robbie Mustoe:goal should have stood it got ruled out they'd have been in Champions League and it just feels like all of a sudden the dark clouds have come in but I'm sure they'll be fine they've got a great manager they've got a good team some good players in there Robin once you get one

59:45Robbie Earle:but it's not great

59:46Robbie Mustoe:four games, no goals is not the start that Unai would have wanted for Villa Europa League football for them this season and then Palace 0, Sunderland 0 I think it's a 10 game unbeaten run for Palace now, I think might be the longest run in Premier League history under Oliver Glasner another point for Sunderland Rob who are doing what you're saying at times if not, you know, win at home Nicky points away that keeps you in the Premier League mate

1:00:15Robbie Earle:They've got two wins already out of the four. They're sitting nicely right now. Again, I go back to defensively strong and that's a good clean sheet away from home at Crystal Palace, which is

1:00:24Robbie Mustoe:pretty difficult. Not an easy place to go, is it? Yeah, if they cut winners.

1:00:27Robbie Earle:And that was it. That was all our games, mate. It was.

1:00:31Robbie Mustoe:Now, a little bit of a new addition to the podcast, mate. We're just going to do a little preview of the game ahead. Now, next week we're now going to be in Kansas City on the FanFest. Really looking forward to that and what Kansas City bring us in. There's a few big games that weekend. There's Mid-Side Derby. Man United play Chelsea. They're both on USA on the Saturday. And then Sunday, the big game from the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal versus Manchester City, 11.30am Eastern Time on Peacock. Just thoughts, Rob, based on what we saw this weekend, an Arsenal team that got the job done a little bit more ugly and some beauty from Zubimendi against a City team that maybe looked like they got a bit of mojo.

1:01:16Robbie Mustoe:How does that take you into next week and what are you thinking?

1:01:21Robbie Earle:Well, I'm loving it, first off, because particularly after the way City played today, there's a little bit of momentum building. The big man up front, Erlen Haaland, looks as good as he's ever looked for me. He looks sharp, he looks strong. Great form for him. Of course, the test is a different level against Arsenal. Again, Arsenal similarly will feel good about themselves. it's another little test another little litmus test you know and at some point Arsenal got to show everybody that they're going to be the boys this year and they're going to win they're going to you know and we'll want to win this game against City there's a little bit of criticism for Arsenal Rob against Liverpool maybe they didn't go for as much as they should have done they didn't push on when they had a chance particularly in the first half so another little litmus test for Arsenal the Gunners I'm sure Arteta's got decisions to make in terms of the line-up I think Pep's probably a little bit simpler on that side of things I would favour Arsenal now after seeing what I've seen.

1:02:11Robbie Earle:But I just don't know whether Man City's changed a lot. The goalkeepers knew and we'll continue to see if he is. I think he moves the needle for Man City. I think he's going to be hard to beat. Just simply hard to beat. He's so big and he's so experienced.

1:02:27Robbie Mustoe:I mean, it could be a massive stroke, couldn't it, in terms of a team that started to give a few goals away. Now you've got a great shot stopper. Probably the world's best shot stopper in your goal. It's interesting how I look at this. So I look at this one based on if Arsenal win, there's a six-point gap. If Arsenal lose, they're both on nine points. So it kind of has a little bit of a play. I kind of feel like where this is different for me, I kind of feel like this is more of a test for City. so City are measuring up to are they going to be in part of the title shakeout rather than it being Arsenal's test which has normally been the case Arsenal go to City and we'll say like are they in it or not I kind of feel from Arsenal's point of view I kind of think we all feel they're going to be part of the mix I still think there's a question that some are saying well or City so they've come off back-to-back losses they've had a good win today in the Derby against a not particularly great United team.

1:03:30Robbie Mustoe:It's a real test going to the Emmets next weekend against an team that might not be at its very very strongest but you know talked about the depth, talked about the form, talked about what Jokeres brings so I kind of feel it's like it's a big game for Pep and his team to either establish that they're still going to be part of it or maybe it's a, they're going to have some good days going to have some bad days and they're probably going to end up third or fourth.

1:03:57Robbie Earle:Yeah and to back that point up, I mean I think we know, I think the stats say that you lose five games in a season. There are some exceptions out there, but there aren't many teams that have lost five games in a season and won the Premier League. If Arsenal beat Man City next weekend, that's three losses for Man City already in five games, that will be. I tell you, if they can win a title from there, I'm not saying that they... I'm kind of saying it a little bit, but if Arsenal beat City, I mean, that's six points behind Arsenal. you know that's three defeats already in the first five games that's hard in terms of what history says with stats and losses in a season to win a premier league title um very early but that could be another one so it's a chance for arsenal to put that to to really yeah push their chances of cities chances yeah yeah and it's also a great day it's a great day for liverpool by the

1:04:48Robbie Mustoe:way mate depending on how that goes for them because you know not playing well 12 points already. If they can go and make it five out of five, you know what I mean? They could be finding themselves I'm loving that game as well. I'm loving that game as well, aren't you? The Merseyside Derby, Everton, the way they are right now

1:05:05Robbie Earle:and the manager and how he's got them going. Liverpool not being quite, you know, with great results but they feel they're not quite near their best right now. That's another fun game as well. So, can't wait. I'm looking forward to Kansas City, looking forward to some barbecue, looking forward to those big games. Bring it on.

1:05:20Robbie Mustoe:Absolutely. Kansas City, we will be there in a week's time Can't wait to see you. Make sure you roll down to the park. Come and say hi. We'll be doing our podcast the day after. We're not going to be able to do it on the Fan Fest, which is the 20th and 21st. So Monday the 22nd will be our next podcast when we will recap all those big games from the Saturday and the Sunday where Arsenal host Manchester City. But for this week, it was back to Premier League action after the international break and back to winning ways for Manchester City and Peck. it was a weekend when Liverpool left it late again where Spurs hammer the Hammers and Arsenal spoil Andy's big day as far as new manager.

1:06:01Robbie Mustoe:We'll be back after the Kansas City Fan Fest so that's Monday September 22nd but for now I'm Earl, he's Musty together with the two Robbies, thanks for watching and listening, be safe stay healthy, it's a good night from me and it's a good night from him good night good night