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The 2 Robbies Podcast - Episode Summary
Episode Title
Spurs Sting City Again, Villa's Loss is Arsenal's Gain, Carrick at the Wheel
Hosts: Robbie Mustoe and Robbie Earle Air Date: February 4, 2024 Episode Duration: Approx. 50 minutes
Episode Overview In this episode, the hosts break down the key headlines and highlights from Matchweek 24 in the Premier League, analyzing the performances and outcomes of notable matches. They discuss the implications of these results on the title race and individual club standings.
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Key Discussions
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Manchester City (2-2)
- Match Summary:
- Spurs came back from being 2-0 down at halftime to earn a draw.
- Manchester City displayed defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of winning mentality.
- Robbie Mustoe's Takeaway:
- City’s inability to secure three points highlights their current struggles, suggesting they lack the champion mentality.
- Erling Haaland’s frustration at the end of the match was indicative of City’s problems.
- Robbie Earle's Insights:
- Tottenham’s poor first half was alarming, but their second-half performance showed resilience.
- Concerns about Manager Thomas Frank’s effectiveness and the team’s overall fight.
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Aston Villa vs. Brentford (0-1)
- Match Summary:
- Aston Villa failed to capitalize against ten-man Brentford, losing their second consecutive home league match.
- Key Points:
- The result raises questions about Villa’s ambitions for the season.
- Villa's injuries and recent form indicate they are not competitive in the title race.
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Arsenal vs. Leeds United (4-0)
- Match Summary:
- A comprehensive win for Arsenal following a poor performance against Manchester United.
- Arsenal's attacking prowess was evident, particularly from set-pieces.
- Discussion Highlights:
- The hosts praised Arsenal's adaptability despite the absence of key players like Bukayo Saka.
- The squad depth and rotation played a significant role in their victory, showcasing their title credentials.
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Manchester United vs. Fulham (3-2)
- Match Summary:
- Michael Carrick's managerial tenure continues to impress with a thrilling win over Fulham.
- Key Observations:
- Carrick’s system appears to fit the squad better, providing more defensive structure and attacking options.
- Casemiro's performances continue to shine, earning him the title of "underappreciated performer of the week" from Mustoe.
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Chelsea vs. West Ham (3-2)
- Match Summary:
- Chelsea staged a comeback to secure victory after being down 2-0.
- Key Insights:
- Liam Rosenior's impact as head coach is noted, with positive changes to team dynamics and motivation.
- The second-half turnaround demonstrated Chelsea’s attacking potential under Rosenior.
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Other Match Results
- Liverpool 4 - 1 Newcastle
- Highlights include impressive performances from new signings and emotional moments for players.
- Nottingham Forest 1 - 1 Crystal Palace
- A crucial point for Palace amidst ongoing turbulence within the club.
- Brighton 1 - 1 Everton
- Late equalizer highlights the competitive nature of the Premier League.
- Wolves 0 - 2 Bournemouth
- Continuation of Bournemouth's resurgence and Wolves' struggles.
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Key Takeaways
- Title Race Dynamics:
- Arsenal's strong performance reasserts their position at the top, while City’s struggles raise questions about their title defense.
- Underperforming Teams:
- Aston Villa and Manchester City’s current forms suggest they may fall short in their ambitions this season.
- Managerial Impact:
- The effectiveness of Michael Carrick and Liam Rosenior shows the importance of managerial adjustments in improving team performances.
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Looking Ahead
- Next week's episode will feature discussions on upcoming matches including Liverpool vs. Manchester City, and further breakdowns of the Premier League landscape.
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Note: For more information and the complete transcript, listeners can visit [The 2 Robbies Podcast](https://omnystudio.com/listener).
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOWeekend Recap: Key Matches
0:45 to 1:45
Overview of significant matches including Tottenham vs Manchester City and others.
“That's what we've got coming up in today's episode.”
Manchester City vs Tottenham Analysis
1:45 to 4:00
In-depth discussion on the thrilling match between Manchester City and Tottenham.
“I mean, if ever there was a classic game of two-hours, this is it.”
The State of Manchester City
4:00 to 6:42
Exploration of Manchester City's current struggles and mentality issues.
“They get two more goals in the first 15 minutes of the game, game over, and then they can be in their control.”
Tottenham's Second Half Performance
6:42 to 9:11
Analysis of Tottenham's comeback in the second half against Manchester City.
“But there's a lot of talent in that team.”
Dominic Solanke's Impact
9:11 to 12:11
Discussion on Dominic Solanke's performance and his importance to Tottenham.
“as bad as I can ever remember Spurs playing, really, particularly at home.”
VAR Controversy and Match Decisions
12:11 to 14:01
Critical look at VAR decisions impacting the match and their implications.
“And I'm going to go to my underappreciated player of the week, Dominic Solanke, my friend.”
Analyzing Solanke's Performance
14:01 to 15:00
A discussion on Dominic Solanke's role and goal contributions.
“I mean, I think I'm a little torn on Solanke, whether he's...”
Aston Villa's Struggles Against Brentford
15:01 to 16:56
Examining Aston Villa's recent performance and injury challenges.
“Well, hopefully Spurs can use this as a bit of a springboard for Manchester City.”
Keith Andrews' Tactical Mastery
16:57 to 19:19
Highlighting Keith Andrews' effective management and tactics in recent matches.
“They've had a few hiccups a while, but continue to win.”
Brentford's Recruitment Strategy
19:20 to 20:08
Discussing Brentford's successful player recruitment strategy and its impact.
“but it doesn't have help when you're coaching or managing a team or club that recruit well.”
Show all 23 chapters
VAR Controversies in Aston Villa's Game
20:09 to 22:28
A detailed look at the VAR incident affecting Aston Villa during their match.
“He couldn't go to Brentford, so he doesn't work hard enough off the ball.”
Arsenal's Dominance Over Leeds
22:29 to 27:08
Analyzing Arsenal's performance and set-piece strategy against Leeds.
“and probably showed us why they're just going to be a little horse in this race, not what they're talking about.”
Arsenal's Strength In Depth
27:09 to 28:00
Discussing the depth of Arsenal's squad and its significance for the title race.
“And you look at the subs that came on, Martinelli, Odegaard, Jesus, Pelafiori and Eza.”
Strong Squad and Title Aspirations
28:00 to 29:00
Analysis of a strong football squad's performance and title potential.
“It's good for him to get the confidence and great for the manager to have his two strikers scoring goals and the set pieces.”
Michael Carrick's Managerial Prospects
29:00 to 31:00
Discussion on Michael Carrick's recent success and future as a manager.
“A way it leads to a 4-0 win in the manner that it happened.”
Manchester United's Tactical Improvements
31:00 to 33:00
Insights into Manchester United's tactical evolution under Carrick.
“It's not the same quality of players as some of the United ones, but they play really good football.”
Casemiro's Impact and Future
33:00 to 36:50
Examining Casemiro's contributions and future at Manchester United.
“The players, Manu's doing a nice job next to Casemiro.”
Liam Rossini's Early Coaching Challenges
36:50 to 41:00
Analysis of Liam Rossini's coaching style and challenges at Chelsea.
“and I want to give him a little shout, so he's my underappreciated performer of the week.”
Analyzing Tactical Adjustments in Football
42:00 to 43:38
Learn about the tactical changes made during games and their impact.
“But where was that in the first half then?”
Liam Rossini's Coaching Style and Impact
43:38 to 46:48
Explore the coaching philosophy and potential of Liam Rossini.
“I think that this is going to come down to, and his man management style right now, what I've seen, what he speaks to the media is very much like, I love this group.”
Liverpool's Performance and Key Players
46:48 to 53:18
Discuss the recent performance of Liverpool and standout players.
“I mean, I think it could go really well, but let's wait and see.”
Crystal Palace and Premier League Updates
53:18 to 56:00
Get insights into the current state of Crystal Palace and recent match results.
“The others that have been there for a while, liven up a little bit, you know, because I'm sure some of the blame was on the new players coming in.”
Bournemouth's Recent Success and Player Development
56:00 to 56:31
Explore Bournemouth's recent performance and the impact of their young players.
“Sure David Moyes has got the knee slide.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:10Hello and welcome to the Two Robbies podcast, your destination for in-depth discussion and analysis of the Premier League. I'm Robbie Musto, he's Robbie Earle, and here are today's topics. Dominic Salanghi's brilliant brace delivers a blow to Manchester City and their title hopes. Aston Villa failed to capitalise against 10 men in Brentford and lose their second consecutive league match at home. Arsenal cruised past Leeds United with their star strikers bagging the goals and placing the gunners firmly at the table, and Manchester United's flying form continues after a thrilling 3-2 win over Fulham.
0:45That's what we've got coming up in today's episode.
1:15had to sort of get out of the building. But we are back. We're motivated. We've had a weekend off. We watched the Butties do their stuff from Sky this weekend, mate. I'm sure they're having a lie down in a dark room having done the full weekends of work. But Sterling worked by John Lee and Graham. Let's get to the race, mate. Let's get to the title race because I think it was quite an important weekend where the title might end up at the end of the season. Let's start ourselves at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Tottenham Hotspur 2, Manchester City 2. I mean, if ever there was a classic game of two-hours, this is it.
1:56City 2-0 up at half-time, Spurs being booed off. At the end of the game, maybe City hanging on, Spurs being cheered off with a 2-2 school line. Give us your takeaway, mate, on the game and sort of where this leaves Manchester City. Well, I feel strongest about Manchester City, Rob. And we'll get on to Tottenham, of course. But it was an incredible game. And I think you know I'm kind of obsessed with momentum in football and how it can shift so easily and how you shift it and how you get out of it when it's shifted. This was that case. Of course, half-time break gives the opportunity for momentum to shift.
2:33We saw it in the Chelsea game, which we'll talk about a little later. Just a remarkable game of football where, first half, Man City was so in control, was so much better, was so enjoying the game. It was incredible to think that they wouldn't take away three points. And they didn't take away three points because, Rob, this is not a champion team. This is not a durable team. This team lacks winning mentality. And I know that they've won before, but this current version, that doesn't happen to a team that's absolutely determined to get the job done they had other chances to go further ahead in the first half and when things don't start well and by the way the second half start for man city was very slow very sloppy it gives spurs who are obviously fired up from their halftime team talk the opportunity to press to play higher up and city failed to handle it and that's I gotta go back to it's not a team that's ready to win titles Rob again at the moment and you know I saw the frustration if you looked at the end of the game Rob Erlen Harland's face yeah he was full of disgust and anger that they come off the field not taking the three points and you know it that's that's how I feel right now and I think you know Arsenal are they look the whole club is is anticipating is determined to go over the line and win it this Man City team with that again by the way it's been a few of those recently just look like they're not really fired up to win it yeah you know i couldn't agree more i saw that 45 minutes is the evidence why manchester city can't win the title um you you picked on some of the words that i had defensively they're vulnerable mate they make careless mistakes they're not robust enough um there's not A Pep Guardiola team that's winning things at 2-0 wins that game 4-5.
4:30They get two more goals in the first 15 minutes of the game, game over, and then they can be in their control. They don't control the opposition on turnovers as well as they used to, which is becoming a big problem to them. The defence obviously isn't as sterling as we know. New players coming in, younger players taking the port. It was just evidence to me why as much as they'll push, as much as they'll score goals, as much as they're going to win some games, they are not going to be the Manchester City that goes unbeaten from here to the end of the season and picks up a title. And it's not a Pep's Manchester City at its best.
5:05He looks as frustrated. If Erling Haaland is frustrated, Pep looks just as frustrated to me. I mean, I will go back to some of the stuff we saw in the first half, Rob. It's not far off. The team... No. There's a sense for me, mate, that when I hear the football and I hear it when they're on. It's incredible. When they lose the ball, that thing from Pep's Barcelona days used to be, he almost used to pride his teams on how quickly they can win it back. That's gone. There's also a sense with this team, Rob, that, I don't know, maybe you said it's that will, maybe it's a different chemistry. There's not that killer.
5:45There's not that killer about this team. And when they lose that killer with that ability, it's going to leave them short. Yeah, so we agree on that, right? We agree that the mentality, whatever you want to say is missing. But what I just want to go back and say is there's a lot of talent there, Rob, on the team. There's still a lot of talent. I know, I know, I know, I know. But just think about the talent, Rob. Mark Gahey and Semenyo, two of the best players in the league, they've recruited. They're in the team right now. You know, Ryan Shirky's improving some of the things he can do. I hear that.
6:15I know, but we agree. I'm just saying that the football, when Rodri's back in the team, Erlen Haaland is always going to get your goals. You know, Phil Foden's out of the side right now. All I'm saying, Rob, is that mentality, the bit that we both agree on, is definitely missing. So that's not champion material. But I just want to go, I just would say, but they have got a good team though, Rob. There's a lot of good parts to this that may be a little bit more fine-tuning or maybe an additional two. But there's a lot of talent in that team. That's all I'm saying. Okay, I misread what you're saying in that.
6:50Well, maybe you're saying more time. Maybe you're saying a couple more players coming in. Something, a little bit of spice of something to bring that flipping determination and desire to win. Like we've both talked about. But the point probably I'm making there, not very well, is they've always had those champions who did both, Rob. Kevin De Bruyne is a champion, but worked, you know, Gundogan, Bernardo Silva still can change. I thought he was their best player by a mile again today. Brilliant. The little guy in the field. You know, there's a number of players who come in who are good players.
7:25I'm not saying Semenyo particularly, who I think is set up particularly well. But I'm not sure Cherky off the ball does as much work. And those kind of players. And I think that's part of what maybe is missing from this Manchester City. You don't see, do you? You don't see when the football's going well, but they didn't know if you used to work hard. Yeah. Yeah. And the full-backs, Rob. Nunes and Nick Norrie, you know, kind of newish into these roles a little bit. I know Nunes has played there a little while, but no, it was, yeah, I think we agree on the main thing here is that they're not quite built with the same stuff to go on that sort of run to really force Arsenal at the end.
8:03Let's talk about a man who's trying to build a team of the right stuff. He's been under real pressure lately, Thomas Frank, and, you know, doing well in the Champions League, getting his team through in that state competition, but not so well in the Premier League, struggling for wins, struggling for wins at home. I've got to be honest, Rob, the first half of the game, I kept turning my volume up because I was thinking, there's no noise, there's no crowd noise. It was so quiet in there. It was remarkable. I can't remember hearing a crowd not so into a game as I've seen a big game, a blue-chick game, when you're hosting Manchester City.
8:42Fair play to Thomas Frank and his team. To make a change at half-time, Romero came out. Yeah. More to back four. Got Papsar in the field who gave him a little bit more legs and energy. I thought Xavi Simmonds came onto a game. He's one we criticised a little bit. I thought he came into the game setting off. And they just, Spurs just worked their way back into it, I thought. I mean, like guys on our show, Graham and Lee Dixon, And the first half was as bad as I, I mean, as bad as I can ever remember Spurs playing, really, particularly at home. You're saying the stadium was quiet. Well, it was, the players were lucky that it was quiet.
9:20I mean, they could have booed and hammered them throughout the first half. It was the worst, no pressing. He went with five at the back. That's always, you know what you're going to get them with City. They've got extra guys in the front because they've got five players across the back, Tottenham. But there was, you know, I sat there watching it thinking, yeah, we get City good on the ball, right? and we get, you've got a defensive setup. Okay, well, give us some fight then from that position. Give us some fight. And we saw the fight in the second half, Rob. But that, you know, a 2-0 down, the feeling of desperation, the change of system, nothing to lose.
9:52You know, we know what it's like as players, Rob. When you kind of have that nothing to lose, going to go out and show, then you kind of, you're in a different mindset. And that's great, right? The second half's really, really good. Well done. The goals are brilliant. Solanke's second goal was amazing. But the first half really worries me, really worries me. because that's what you've prepped for all week. And that's how they start. So the fight back is good. And you know what is interesting? The guys commentating, Stephen Warnock and Joe, they said even at the end of the game that it wasn't joyous.
10:25It was still a bit like mute as if we kind of got away with that. The second half was good, but the first half was so bad that the doubts would continue rub on the manager, I think. Yeah, I'm sure. I know this player's missing and all that. And I know it's a great fight back, but the first half was so inept, lacking of fight. It's like I'm sat there thinking, Rob, and I very rarely even mention this on our show, right? I very rarely say the players are not playing for the manager because I think that's an easy thing to say. And it's very rare. Yeah, very different. I thought about that in the first half.
10:58I'm like, wow, they're just going through the motions here. Are they playing for him? Second half? Well, it's totally different. So, yeah, I don't know, mate. I was shocked how bad it was first half, basically, from Tottenham's point of view. Yeah, I mean, it wasn't good at all. But I think at some point we've got to try and find a way. He's got to try and find a way to say whatever words he said at half-time, whether the change of system helped, whether it was enforced, I think Romero coming off or not. But they got themselves back in. They ended up, Rob, they could have nicked it because City went the other way and the same arguments can go either way.
11:34I think where Thomas Frank's at in his Spurs career, he's got to look at moments like that and games like that and look at them as a building block. I hear what the first half was and it wasn't, I mean, as you say, it was probably as bad as he played. But Spurs fans will probably tell you we're that bad generally at home anyway because they never seem to see him at home. But I think he's got to at least take some confidence and a little bit of belief that he got a reaction, that something had changed second half, that they still could have gone on and caused City problems, even without as much possession of the ball.
12:09And he got one or two players. And I'm going to go to my underappreciated player of the week, Dominic Solanke, my friend. Now, I know I think there's 11 or so possible first-team players missing for Spurs. They like Kudus, Madison, Kulisewski, who are all technical, really good players who would add to what they do. but in a strange way I was looking at Dominic Slanky today and thinking he's the one that they haven't got a replacement for he brings a bit of physicality Rob he can hold the ball up he's good at pressing and setting the triggers off at front without the ball he's got a real kind of goal threat and he's got a nice touch around the penalty box I thought it's physicality on the first goal to get Kuzinov off the ball and then maybe a bit fortunate that he flicked it over where the goalkeeper will get through.
12:58His second's a thing of beauty. I mean, up there with some of the great goals we've seen in Premier League era. And I know, Rob, I was doing a bit on him last week and was reading about his injury. And he talked about it's been one of the lowest times in his career that he's been out. It's been a mental challenge as well as physical challenge to be watching, to be not being part of things. Obviously, there's a World Cup coming up and in a great season, he might feel he had a part to play in that. So, yeah, for a player who I think Spurs fans haven't always seen the best of, not sure they totally appreciate what he does and how different he is.
13:36I thought today we saw what Dominic Solanke can do. And I thought it was a big, big moment for him in his Spurs career. Yeah, I think when you're into a team that's not playing well, no matter who you are, it's really hard to show your best stuff. And when that was in the stadium, it was a little off. So they haven't seen the best of him yet. And today, I guess today they did a little bit. They're going to get glimpses of that at certain moments. The second goal was an amazing goal, like a scorpion kick, like an Olivier Giroud goal for Arsenal all those years ago, wasn't it? Amazing finish from him.
14:05So, yeah, I don't mind that. I mean, I think I'm a little torn on Solanke, whether he's... Is he a Champions League type? Yeah, big six forward. Is he a big six or a big four or five, you know, Champions League level striker? I think I'll wait and see when the team gets a little bit better. Just on the first goal, I mean, we don't often go into a lot of too much VAR and decisions and stuff. I just thought that was poor from VAR, Rob. There's, you know, Mark Gahey is kind of a foot. And basically Solange kicks him on the back of the car, which follows through and enables. So I thought they should have picked that.
14:42I thought it was a clear and obvious error. But not to take away from the shout of Dominic Solange, yeah, I don't mind it. Underappreciated the weekend. Really good to bring your team back in. And that's what you want your striker to do, your kind of newish, expensive striker to get goals out of nothing. And it's literally what he did today with those two goals. So, yeah, don't mind that at all. Absolutely. Well, hopefully Spurs can use this as a bit of a springboard for Manchester City. Not a great look for a team that's trying to catch the tails of Arsenal who's at the top of the table. Let's go to Villa Port, mate, where Aston Villa generally do so well.
15:18It was Villa 0, Brentford 1. Benford down to 10 men, Kevin Shard with a red card on 42 minutes. Wittarra scores a goal to get them 1-0 up. And then it's a real rear guard action by Keith Andrew and his men for 45 minutes, 10 men. But they held out. Villa couldn't break them down, Rob. And I kind of saw this again as a sign, a bit like City, where another reason why Villa, you know, I wasn't sure they're in a title race as they could win it. But another reason, Rob, another example to me of why they won't be pushing Arsenal, maybe as close as some people think. Yeah, I think that's the obvious kind of conclusion after this.
16:05I mean, that's a long time to have an extra man. And I know that Brentford and, you know, I know it can be difficult against 10 men, but that's a long time to be behind. I know they've got some of their star midfield players out at the moment, Rob, which I always think is really important with Villa. But when I think of Aston Villa's strengths, I think of that kind of the box they create in midfield with Rodgers and McGinn, Tielemans, you know, a lot of players out for Villa. So that's not helping. I mean, they're still in it, mate. You can't say they're out of the race right now, but I'm with you.
16:34I don't think they got enough in different areas. I know they're trying to do stuff in the window, but the injuries to key players, I mean, for these teams that play in European competition as well, it's got to be difficult. It's got to be difficult. But there's no doubt, I think that's two losses in the last three games. Yeah, back-to-back losses at home. At home. It's very unlike them, isn't it? Unlike them. It's a real blow, particularly the team at the top, Arsenal. They've had a few hiccups a while, but continue to win. So, yeah, I saw highlights of this game because of the Manchester United game and other games going on at the same time.
17:06But that's a blow for Villa. Yeah, I kind of need to keep an eye on this one because I know you were watching the United game. But I have to say, I want to, first of all, give a bit of credit to Keith Andrews, mate, again. Yeah, amazing. He continues to do incredible things. Really interesting. There was one time when I think it was Yannick ran over to him, mate, and he sort of started to try and catch a word or two of what they might be saying. And he was basically saying to his team, don't let anybody go and chase the ball. He was almost saying, if we go, we go together. And they were all over the pitch.
17:40It was like saying to Bill, okay. It was like that training ground routine, you know, the one you do when sometimes you get out of 10 men or the manager says, like, these are going to attack you. You're going to have to defend for 15, 20 minutes as well. They did it for 45 minutes, mate. Nobody got out of the shape. Nobody went rogue and went to close the ball down. They just stood at a 4-4-1 and stayed in that shape. It's hard to break down. Yeah, really, really disciplined, hard to break down. And it just took me to the thought of Keith Andrews. And I know, you know, start of the season, many thought, including me, that they might struggle, that they could be one of those teams who will be down there if the promoted teams stay up.
18:20What a job he's done. And I was just sort of comparing him to, you know, you've got Emery on one side, who's the master, who's won European trophies and all the likes across Europe. His team, with probably better players, couldn't break down 10 men, Keith Andrews, little set-up. And I thought it's really nice that young managers, young British managers come into the game, eight months in charge. He's been eight months he's been a Premier League manager and he's getting one of Ovo and I Henry with 10 men. I just thought it was a huge credit to him and his group and the football club. So I'm sure he's been supported by the right people.
18:58I'm sure behind the scenes he's got a lot of help and support. And I just thought it's, you know, I was really pleased for him, Rob, that he's been given this opportunity and we're not talking about him struggling. We're not talking about relegation. We're talking about a club that can survive. and he's even trying to push for European football. Yeah, I've said it before and I'll say it again. Of course, I echo those sentiments of the manager, but it doesn't have help when you're coaching or managing a team or club that recruit well. And that's what the Premier League is nowadays. In these times, there's the ones that recruit well and there's the ones that don't.
19:35And Brentford, like your Brightons, like your Bournemouths, there's plenty of clubs that recruit really well. and they're going to be okay. They lose their star players, Rob, but you see the squad and you know that... And Oatara, of course, gets the goal today. It's a good buy. They've just got lots of good players. Lots of good players in all areas, from the Yanout, from midfield, where they lose Norgard, they've got Yanout, they've got Jensen. You know, they're... When you say about that recruitment, it's also that there's a profile of a Brentford player, isn't there? You know what I mean? Paketar is a wonderful player.
20:11He couldn't go to Brentford, so he doesn't work hard enough off the ball. He's skillful and that. So they know their type of player who's going to come in their team, add to what they do, and hopefully have the ability to score goals or defend on midfield. That's what I like about them. It's almost like they've got their identity and they don't stray too far off that. A couple of things, just a couple of quick points on there. At one point, mate, I was scratching my head. I thought, have I gone crazy or am I in a time warp? I saw Aston Villa with Tammy Abrahams and Douglas Louise, and I'm like, have we gone back to a few years?
20:46And then in this game, I don't know if you noticed, mate, there was a goal disallowed, which was 19 seconds after the ball had apparently gone out in the Aston Villa end. So the ball had apparently gone out of play. The referee, obviously, Bayard didn't see it. So they continued to play. 19 seconds later, Tammy Abramoff, a shot that was repelled by Kelly, scores the goal. Then it goes to VAR. He goes all the way back. Four minutes later, VAR decides that the ball was out of play. It would have gone for the throw-in. All the ball was over. So as you can imagine, Unai Emery wasn't happy. Even Keith Andrews said, we probably need to start thinking about how far we go back.
21:31Yeah, how far we go back. So did it feel like that was too far back, Rob? It felt like an age. But they're saying that was part of the attack. That was part, well, yeah. So the ball was virtually at the other end of the pitch, right by the corner flag. And it was trying to keep the ball in. It might have been Sancho or something. He tried to keep the ball in. And it apparently had gone out of play. But obviously the ref continued. They built up the ball, worked it, worked it, worked it. Ended up with a shot. Goalkeeper saves. Tammy Abraham scores. thinks he's got the goal. When VAR intervenes, they go that one.
22:07And it's one of those, you know, with the ball, where depending where you look, some of the lines are looking. So it was tight. It was real tight as well. Really tight. They called it out. The goal was disallowed. So honestly, you'll see it. The Villa fans. The Villa fans. So Howard Webb is going to be talking about that one on his special show. But yeah, just a couple of things that came out of the game. But in the end, it wasn't Villa's day and probably showed us why they're just going to be a little horse in this race, not what they're talking about. Yeah. All right. Next up, is it Leeds United?
22:39Leeds United nil. Leeds, Leeds, Leeds, yes. Yeah, Arsenal four.
22:47So, again, the set-piece power of Arsenal is at the four. My headlines are Zubamendi, by the way, Rob, has a little cheeky little knack of making forward runs and making things happen. I think there's an understanding now with Declan Rice that if he sees Zubimendi making one of his, it will sit back in there. Don't mind that because opponents are looking for Rice to make those runs forward. We had Kai Havertz start in midfield, Rob, instead of Martin Odegaard. Odegaard, yeah. He did come on later on. Do you know what? I watched the first half, right? And I'm just looking at my notes now. I remember thinking there's actually not much in it there was a set piece goal of course from Arsenal Supermendy 28 minutes from the free kick and I looked at the stats and all that, it was kind of even I think Arsenal's got XG with something like 0.15 or something, there was not much in it and Arsenal was still again this sounds harsh given the scoreline but I'm going to say it anyway they still lacked that little bit of that fluidity, the quality to break down opponents.
23:55And I'm not saying they're relying on set pieces. They happen to be brilliant at them, which is remarkable and maybe the best team we've ever seen in terms of attacking corners, I would say. I think so, for as long as I can remember watching. They're so blimmin' effective, either straight from the kick or from the second phase ball into the centre. And yeah, so, I mean, this is brilliant, but they still struggled a little bit with, you know, if they come against a team that actually is really strong defending set pieces, which we have seen, they still lack in a little bit of creative quality to create chances out of open play.
24:34But I think everybody knows that. And this is another example of that. It wasn't great, better in the second half, but the set pieces, it's just making all the difference for them. I kind of felt as though, and I think the phrase is at times, they can get in their own head and I felt there's a little bit of tension there that I think this game helped to erase a little bit. But remember, I think, Rob, that the Saka injury before the game plays, I thought Madweki's coming out. I think this football team and this football club have moments, have people. It's a Saka day. It was an Eza day in the North London Derby.
25:12It was a Madweki day, I thought, Rob. I thought he came in, I thought he was dangerous, I thought he was a threat, his pace, obviously he assists on the goal. The set-piece thing, I get, but I think they are so good at it, it's almost like if they don't score, it's so hard for the opposition. I mean, own goals, five own goals, it's an incredible number, which is obviously delivery and threat. I saw Chelsea play them in the League Cup and Arsenal scored a goal from a corner kick. and as I'm watching the Chelsea players, they're all double nervous before the ball comes in. They were all over the place, like panicking and somebody was making a run and they were all pointing and they created this havoc around the set piece that is to their favour.
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25:59Now, like you say, if somebody works out the antidote and we know in football that always happens, somebody does something for a certain period and everybody works out how to stop it. But my short takeaways on this one, Rob, were in recent times, not many people go to Leeds and either get a win. Certainly not many people go to Leeds and get four goals. I kind of feel like it was a tonic day for Arsenal and the rest of the weekend has played out for them in some respects. But I kind of felt like there was questions going into this one. There was no Leeds away. You know, it's Ellen Road, it's that set of fans, it's this team are different.
26:38You know, a draw up there and all of a sudden everybody's in. and everybody's piling in. And I thought, whatever was needed, they found their way. And the set-pieces played their part. The two strikers get their goals. Their football came in the end. They get over to Gordon. They've got habits having minutes. It just, all of a sudden, from kick-off to end of the game, feels a whole different look to the team and club. Yeah, I mean, you know, I'm talking about the first half there where they looked a little struggling with creativity. But when you take the whole 90 minutes, Rob, And you look at the subs that came on, Martinelli, Odegaard, Jesus, Pelafiori and Eza.
27:15And that's what's going to be the story of this title win when Arsenal finally do it, is the strength of this team, the squad. And he can dial it up and down now, given the players is available. But the reaction from the Man United loss, like you said, was an important game today. And I thought first half they weren't at their best, but just the sheer amount of quality they can bring into the game. I mean, the Jesus goal, these are subs. Odegaard passed to Martinelli across to Jesus, who scores. That's all subs. I mean, it's an incredible team and almost everybody's fit now. Calafiore was out for a little while, of course, came off the bench in this game.
27:51So that's the strength of Arsenal. I mean, good for Jochrez as well, Rob. You get a chance, didn't you, earlier on? Yeah. That's what they need. But he does get his goal. He gets his little celebration. It's good for him to get the confidence and great for the manager to have his two strikers scoring goals and the set pieces. It's just a very strong machine of a squad, not just the team is very good, but this title is going to be based on the strength and depth, the signings that are brought in. And Jokeres hasn't really done what they wanted from a nine, Rob, quite honestly. I mean, the numbers are getting better.
28:30They kind of look better, but he wanted more of a Premier League regular, regular scorer. And he hasn't really done that. But he's got his goals. He's got his view. and everybody else chipping in with the set-piece is going to be good enough, I think, for them to win it. Yeah. I mean, it's a case, like I say, if they win it and he's played his pot, then that's the most important thing. And, you know, what happens in the future, we'll have to wait and see. Maybe, you know, they get used to him a little bit more, he gets used to them, and we start seeing a different look to him. But, yeah, I just thought this was a big one.
29:01A way it leads to a 4-0 win in the manner that it happened. And losing Saka just before the kick-off and, you know, questions being asked, I thought it was a great day for Michael Ohteta and his team. Very solid. Yeah, solid win to put everybody under pressure who played after that. And so it worked out. Let's go to a man who we can't keep up the headlines, my friend, Michael Carrick, who continues three wins, three games, three wins, beat Manchester City 2-0, beat Arsenal 3-2 and now beat Fulham 3-2. I say I wasn't really watching this. I was flicking between this. I was kind of keeping an eye more on Villa because I knew you had the eye on this one.
29:41So give us the headlines and some of your takeaways, mate, on Manchester United, Michael Carrick and finally, should we give him the job? Well, I haven't been on for a couple of weeks and I know the show, I was off the show and I watched you and Tim Howard basically saying, nah, you know, I don't care. I don't care if he wins every single game. He's not the right guy. I think I'd been a little bit different if I was on the set with you, Rob. I think I would have pushed back a little bit on that and said, if he wins every game, he's getting the job. I mean, you can't not do that. If he won, I mean, when we get there, I don't think he wouldn't win every game and we'll see how he, But you can't not consider the guy, Rob, as a very serious contender.
30:28If he finishes this team in a strong third or upwards, Michael Carrick is going to be front and centre of the next manager. But I understand, you know, what you... Yeah, it was a bit of a literal kind of... Because in fairness, Rob, if I'm Jason Wilcox or Omar Barada, my job now is to be looking for the next guy for Manchester United. But if Michael Carrick ends up getting me third in the league, winning 14 games... Yeah, and looking great. I'm not stupid enough to go, you know what, Michael, sorry. Carry on, my friend. Let us support you and let's carry on. No, but, yeah. So, but the game, good game.
31:04Good game, Rob. Good game. Fulham are a good team. First half was a good game of football. Both teams had their possession. They're both open. I just like Marcus Silva's team. His team is really open. It's not the same quality of players as some of the United ones, but they play really good football. There wasn't a great deal of difference in the first half. Robert was a fairly, it wasn't a rambuscus. It wasn't a fast game. It was kind of an intricate, maybe some people find it a little bit boring. The set piece goal was the difference. Casemiro's header on 18th minute was 1-0 up. And the second half got a little bit crazy.
31:40What I would say, and what is the first time I think I've spoken about Man United is, and lots of people have about the system and stuff, it looks more comfortable. Without the ball, they can jump into the 4-4-2 without it. They're not a high-pressing team. This is not. But I think Carrick knows he hasn't really got that. They're a mid-block to a defensive. Okay, Fulham, you've got it. We're in nice shape. You end playing through our midfield players. That happened all the time under Amarim. There's a tighter four players in midfield in front of the back four. Bruno's happier in that position.
32:10So they look more compact. They look more comfortable. Players know their jobs. And there's more numbers when they attack and get forward. So, you know, midway through the second half, I'm literally writing down really impressive, no drama win. And then things get a little crazy. Things get a little crazy. Raul Jimenez scores his penalty. And then Kevin, the substitute, I think he's a record signer for Fulham, comes on and bends him in the top corner. Beautiful goal. It's 2-2. And I'm thinking, wow, how did this game get to 2-2? Again, an amazing game of different momentum shifts for the home side to the other one.
32:48Yeah. And then Cesc comes on and scores a winning goal. I mean, it was an amazing game of football. The late goal, of course, the attacking style throughout for Manchester United. They just look more comfortable in this role. The fans are happier. The players, Manu's doing a nice job next to Casemiro. And it just looks a much more comfortable bunch of players. I mean, everyone said the same thing. And seeing it as close as I watch this game, you can see it. They look more energised, Rob, as well. There looks more energy about the team, whether it was restrictions or positions or feeling uncomfortable in the roles.
33:24I'm not sure. Yeah, I mean, you wouldn't say that if you saw the first half. And I know they've had the high energy games and the difficult games. They've had to go flat out in some of these recent matches, the wins that they've had. This wasn't one of those. But that's what I'm interested in. I'm not interested in the... I take less away from a game against a big rival. Yeah. And I know... I read somebody said that my new Fulham will be a good test for Carrick to see against Arsenal. Exactly. Let's have a normal game and see how it sets up. Yeah, and it wasn't flat out to win out of desperation.
34:02It was just an even game and they were comfortable until the craziness happened in the second half. I've got to say, you know, I've often given this player a lot of stick as well. Maguire. Harry Maguire and Martinez. They do a good job back there. You know, Shaw's back at left back. I thought, Dallow, it just looks, I don't know, it just looks better. Those two played really well. The midfield's well-structured. What about Casemiro, mate? Because I know he's on his way out, isn't he? They're going to have to replace him and his goals, by the way, because he comes up with some important goals. Well, it's very interesting you say that and you bring that up.
34:40And I don't know whether you caught our memo, but my underappreciated performer is Casemiro, Robbie Earl. Now, I know it's easy for me to say that when he scores a goal. He scores the goal, first one. He assists with a no-look, brilliant ball. Yeah, I saw the no-look picture. For Cugno, who smashed it into the top. And his general play in this set-up, when he's got more players close to him, he's a class act, Casemiro. And, you know... Why would you... Is it age? Is it money? Is it anything else? Why at this stage you would be saying, oh, he can go? Because he did have a year option, didn't they, on his contract?
35:18Yeah, I think it's his decision, isn't it? I think he wants to go back. And I think he wants to, I don't know, about that. But underappreciated, maybe it's a, I just think he's got a lot of stick, isn't he? And you can't really say it for the money that was paid, a huge fee for a pretty old guy. And he's done okay. and there's moments, like you said, he's got four or five goals in here this season, I think. He might have five, fifth primary goal that was. Isn't it almost the case, Rob, that maybe played in a different style with a different setup, would you have seen a better Casemiro? Maybe, yeah, maybe.
35:55And that's the point I'm trying to make today, Rob, saying that underappreciated, you know, again, I'm not arguing that he's been great value for Man United with the money paid and his age, et cetera, et cetera, and he'll leave on, you know, for free. I just remind people, he's class, He's a classy player. And you see bits of it from the passing, from the goals. Some of this, he sprays the ball from midfield. Did a good game today, Rob. Casemiro had a really good game in the middle of the park. He got a standard ovation. He came off pretty early, actually, kind of midway through the second half.
36:23Garty came on for a bit of energy in there. So I just think it's a tip of the cap to Casemiro, an absolute champion of a player that's won so much at Real Madrid. And he's got a lot of stick at Man United. But I think we all got to remember that there's a classy player in there. And I think Old Trafford, I think the Man United fans, they've seen it, even though it may not have been every week, Rob, and there's times he got his legs couldn't handle what was going on around him, to your point, in a different set-up, maybe even more influential. But he's a class player, and we saw it today, and I want to give him a little shout, so he's my underappreciated performer of the week.
36:54Yes, good shout recently. And I think, Rob, he'll help in the next, was it, 16 games, to develop Kobe Mainu and teach him a little bit of what he wants, to be a midfield player and do a good job in there. So, yes, good shout. Can't argue with Casemiro. I know it's a lot of money. I know it's a big salary, but he also brings big presents and gets big goals, by the way, for Man United. OK, my friend, let's move it to Chelsea 3, West Ham 2. Another game where we talked about West Ham getting ahead, getting 2-0 up, and then Chelsea coming back two times during the week now against Napoli in the Champions League and then against West Ham in the Premier League.
37:38Well, our thoughts on Liam Messina. We spoke to him, didn't we, just about 10 days ago. It was fascinating to get into him. He doesn't give too much away. He gives sort of stock answer with a little bit of detail. But however he's doing it, Rob, he's kind of finding his way. Six wins in his first seven matches as head coach. I'm sure it all hasn't gone swimmingly, and he's probably conceding too many goals and that. But one of the things I like, Rob, is that he seems to be able to address issues, problems, decisions. And he seems to know how to motivate this group. And I always felt under Maresca that that wasn't always his strength.
38:21So, yeah, I think so. I agree with the and we've seen this quite a few times now, Rob. He's got a really good sense of the changes that he can make to turn the dial up, attacking dial up or turn it down. Obviously, he turned it right up at half-time. Second half, again, I use this phrase a lot, but playing with desperation, they were a different class. They were brilliant. First half, really bad. Yeah. Like, really, really, like, and I worry, right? And I did put it in a question. I tried to put it as a question to Liam Rossini when we spoke to him, Rob. It's like, sometimes, and it happened a little bit in the Mresca, it's very, very structured football.
39:00Yeah, yeah. It's very long on the back in midfield and he played backwards and sideways. And they're in their own heads about where I've got to be here and we make this box and he comes in there. Sometimes he does that, sometimes he does that. And then we have this option. And the first half was a bit drab and a bit slow. And the fans are starting when there's – I think there was a Moses Casado where he got it and he kind of didn't go forward. He passed back. And this is like the way through. So the fans are patient to start. They're like, oh, come on. And so there was – I mean, West Ham were really, really good, by the way.
39:32Yeah. West Ham really were, yeah. So the first half was poor. And to be fair, Liam Rossino afterwards, he said, that's not us. That's not, I'm not happy with that. That's not what we want to do. So he's got a lot of work to do. He's absolutely right. They're in every competition. He's had very little continuity on the training ground to put some of these things in play. Waddy knows what he's doing, Rob, and he knows how to turn it up. So his favourite wanted to bring Enzo from an eight, to bring him back as a holding, like Bruno did from United, playmate from a deeper position. He changes his full backs.
40:00He changes his wings. He changed everybody. Garnaccio and our guys in the... Moron, didn't he? And that's about, yeah. Yeah, but Garnaccio was poor, Rob, first time. Yeah, he was, yeah. I mean, Chelsea, apart from the going nowhere football, they were wide open. Wide open in the wider kind of areas. West Ham United could just bring the ball forward down the wide areas. Garnaccio had a shocker as a left winger. Yeah. Defensive work. Defensive, yeah. He's done that a few, you know. If you look back since he's been there, he's like a couple of people... There's no future like that. and corners and things.
40:33You've got to be a responsible wide play. It's all right having the ability to skip past two or three and get the odd goal. But, yeah, that's part of Ganacho's learning. Certainly part of, I suppose, from the senior's point of view, Rob, you've got to say six wins in seven, though, in the four competitions. They've got a big League Cup game against Arsenal to come up the other three. They're behind and they're 3-2. They're two down. So, obviously, we'll see how they come out of that one. Well, I think it's been a pretty impressive start for a young guy who's inexperienced, who we're all kind of watching and not really sure what he's about.
41:10And one of the things I like most about him is that it looks to me, Rob, like he acts his nose in his shape and he's playing the footballs. But sometimes it looks to me like he's just making sure people are at it and doing the work. And some of those things that I think some coaches can almost go too far away from, And, you know, I remember when Arnaz Slott came in at Liverpool that time and sort of said, we don't win enough duels, we're not. There's still a basic element to football that you have to do if you're going to be reasonably successful. And I think he keeps reminding that or goes back to that or he made comments after this game where, like you said, the first half, we weren't out of what we do.
41:51There was no press. We weren't in control, blah, blah. But he also talked about, to me, looks like he knows how to push the buttons to get people doing a little bit more. Yeah, well, yeah. But where was that in the first half then? Yeah, but I'm saying he saw it from not happening in the first half and was able to address it at half-time. But I know what you say. Ideally, you want your team to go out with that and start well. But at least at 2-0, I'm not sure Moresca is that way. I think Moresca would use his tactical thing to solve, saying, OK, we need to put another guy in, or I need to invert another full-back.
42:26or I think he's more very driven about the X's and O's and sometimes less about that kind of physicality that's also important and speed of play and intensity and all those things as well. Well, I mean, it was so much different, Rob, in the second half. I mean, talk about the game of two halves again, you know, like the Spurs-Mun City game. And it was an amazing difference. I'm so fascinated with this, right? I'm so fascinated with this appointment of Liam Rossini as a young coach from clubs that's like, well yeah we know those clubs but wow Chelsea I'm so fascinated by it it's great that we had a chance to sit down and talk to him for 15 minutes and I'm like you mate I'm like I'm impressed I think he's really smart and I think he I mean I think he thinks about all angles of it he's into this job right like like it's the most important thing that he's ever done and it probably I guess it probably is I think I read something the other day saying he's not even looked for a house yet like he's he's at the training ground yeah I'm into it I'll tell you where I think this this and the football that we've seen, Rob, it's important to say it's really good and it's very similar to Maresca, right?
43:29The system. And we asked him that. He said, yeah, a lot of the top managers are doing it right now. The way that, you know, the fullback in the midfield and the square box and all that kind of stuff. So he's all over that. So it's very similar. I think that this is going to come down to, and his man management style right now, what I've seen, what he speaks to the media is very much like, I love this group. You know, we're a world-class player. He's been brilliant for me. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. has he got a nasty side Rob? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Because when you're dealing with these star talents, the best managers have got a nasty streak when they know when he raises his voice or he's angry with them, they kind of, fear is maybe the wrong word, but all the greats have got that.
44:09Yeah, he's a respect. He speaks so well and he's so kind to his players. He's behind the scenes. He can have a nasty streak to get these players when they go a little bit sloppy Rob. or is he considered, because of his age and because of experience, as an easy touch manager? It's a good question. And I think knowing what I know of him, listening, what I've heard and speaking to him and doing a bit of research, I think he's smart enough, Rob, to know that he needs that. And I think the biggest thing is when he uses it and how often he uses it. You know, it's brilliant talking to Lee Dixon when he talks about, Arsene Wenger.
44:51Now, Arsene Wenger doesn't appear to be a big shouter and screamer. I remember, you know, I had a boss who would be in your face, would chuck a cup of tea on you and all that. Or Fergie was one, you know, could go crazy and that would get the players. I always remember Arsene Wenger one time, Lee Dixon, telling me the brilliant story where Arsene Wenger came in at one half time and didn't say a word. Just let everybody have self-reflection. and found it in that way. And they went out and sorted the game and won the game. So I think the important thing for Liam Rossini is whatever he does, he does it authentic and it's him.
45:34And he does it in his own way. Don't try and be anybody else. But you're 100 % right. He's got to find it and he's got to find the right time. And sometimes, Rob, dare I say it, and I've been in football, sometimes you've got to pick the right person. somebody I think you know can take it or somebody who you know you can go after and say listen and the others see it and yes yeah and go wow oh you know not no I'm not saying particularly you go but maybe Cole Palmer might be oh geez he didn't allow Cole to get away with that he went in and did it you make a good point yeah because if the other players are in a dressing room and they're like wow he's going after the star player yeah yeah um and like you said like he won't want a confrontation so the player's got it's got to be one that will just sit there and take it yeah I mean he's doing everything right and I think what the directors of football at Chelsea much talked about what they've got to be happy with Rob is that the football is the same if not better than Mureska and I think we know that the Rosinha is much more of a a good guy an easy guy to work with Mureska is kind of feisty and immediately where Rosinha if he can match the football stuff and Mureska won stuff so of course At some point, but if you can have a similar football and standing football, improve these young players and be good with the media and be tough enough and help respectfully in the transfers of players, because I think she's very strong on that with their directors.
46:57I mean, I think it could go really well, but let's wait and see. I still worry about that football being a bit, a bit too planned and, and cerebral and not enough. let's just get out there and rip them and get amongst it but no, so far so very good we like him let's go to Anfield always a classic Liverpool Newcastle, maybe didn't start in the way Liverpool liked it was a bit end to end Newcastle started well didn't they really started well, got themselves a goal Anthony Gordon, then Liverpool come back and get four goals in what was a really good day for them, Ekotike with a great Virts with another goal and Canarte, emotional moment for him coming back after his father had passed away.
47:45Yeah, again, enjoyed the game. Enjoyed the game and enjoyed Liverpool's kind of different look. I think the two players that we talked a lot about, Florian Virts and Hugo Ekotike, grabbed the headlines. Virts looks more active. He looks in better areas. There's end product coming now. I remember probably a couple of months ago, I said that he makes a lot of unnecessary passes, like unnecessary, comes deep, taps it. But now he's in better areas to make things happen. His assist is a lovely assist for Eketike's first goal. Beautiful, yeah. Scores himself with a clever little, clever disguise shot into the corner.
48:23I thought the times, again, they look a little open. So, you know, Newcastle had a lot of opportunities, Rob, to bring the ball forward, particularly the first half an hour. And when you look at Liverpool's setup right now, Now, and again, this is all interesting because Anasla has talked about being more protective. And what happened when they were more protective? They were less dynamic going forward. He's turned it up again. I like the front four. I mean, not that Mo Salah had a brilliant game from the right side, but when I see Mo Salah and Vietzim behind Nekotika and Gakko on the left, I like it.
48:54And at times, that's exactly how it looked. Four to four. So, again, there were spaces around Gravenberg and McAllister that I thought Newcastle enjoyed. similar to the last game. But again, I like the fact the slots turning up and changing things and not just doing the same old stuff, hoping that something will click. This was a lot better. And, you know, again, the Canati thing at the end there was special, like a player to score, to think about his father and shed a few tears. It's like, wow, it's like powerful stuff. But I like the dynamic front four of Liverpool. I continue to really like Ryan Gravenberg, Rob.
49:31I know Mattelis is not having quite the same season. But, yeah, I thought it was really good for me. Yeah, it's interesting, though. I saw some headlines where Stevie G was linking Ekeke to Fernando Torres. Yeah, you see a little bit in him. Yeah, I saw that. Yeah, I thought it was an interesting one. There's a lot of similar, like, that slowing down and an explosive pace, running past people and, like, the big toe-poke finish that he does. It's a really clever finish. What I kind of love as well, and it wasn't, like you said, it wasn't a salad day because it didn't dominate the game as I've seen enough to the goal score.
50:10It's almost like these two, Vietz and Eke TK, are like two little buddies. Yeah, probably. They're playing with each other. Which I think is a really nice thing for Liverpool to have. So if it isn't a mode day and the goals aren't coming there, we've got these two who work together who kind of look out for each other. Probably come through a similar time. Both came for decent money, although Eketike was seen as the understudy. I thought it was a nice moment when you saw Izak clapping Eketike's finish. And when Izak gets back, and we know it could be a while with the injury that he's had, but Liverpool could have two top forwards at that stage.
50:52Yeah, but do you play both of them then? It's going to be the same problem, Rob, when he comes back. And I know there's different games. I know that some are playing, but Hugo Ketike, I'm such a big fan of him, Rob. Can he play off the left-hand side? Should he have to do that? Well, that's what I'm saying. If not, are we saying one plays and one doesn't? Well, mostly that would be preferable for the shape and the balance of the team. I mean, in practice, of course, it's going to be difficult when you've got your huge signing that's wanting to play. All I'm saying is with Hugo Ketike now, with all the signings that come into this league, I know, right, that at minimum, Ekotike is going to be a very, very good Premier League striker for a long time, right?
51:33Sure, he's a kid. But he might be a phenomenal striker, like really, really top one, better than he's at, you know, and other strikers that have been around the Premier League. So unless he plays regularly as a number nine, we're not going to see. You're not going to find out. I don't know. I mean, maybe it's a good problem to have. I mean, I still believe, and I said it, I know I said it at the time, that when we first started watching Iketike, Rob, Izek wasn't done. And I'm thinking, don't need him. Don't need to spend that huge money on Alexander Izek. Because you've seen what he can do. And, of course, they still went ahead.
52:11Maybe they were committed at that point and signed Newcastle forward. So I guess we'll see. It's the same thing we were talking about a few weeks ago when they were fit. I'm just a big fan of Iketike. I just think he's got fire on his belly. He scores different goals. He can score out of nothing. Links a play well. Works hard off the ball. Works hard for the team. Yeah, he's young, mate. There's more to come. Yeah, and Florianville, it's fair play to him, Rob, because I think we're all starting to see him as expected, really. I think the pressure is maybe off a little bit, given at the start, you know, we've got this brilliant player.
52:45He's in a team that wasn't really functioning very well at the start. He was struggling with the intensity of the league, which many do, and now we're starting to see that quality in the good areas. So I'm so pleased for him because he's a young player. It looks like, Rob, that he's got a brilliant attitude, great engine, durable, fit every week, never any rumours about him being injured. He's there all the time. I bet he's got a brilliant engine. With the age that he's at, this is really good news for Liverpool that those two players look like they're going to be strong. Not just OK, but really strong players for this football club.
53:17So that's really good news. The others that have been there for a while, liven up a little bit, you know, because I'm sure some of the blame was on the new players coming in. Yeah, the McAllisters and that. Yeah, the other, yeah, Salah's McAllisters, and Gatpo's been okay, and Van Dijk and others. But this is a step in the right direction of Liverpool, looking better. And I tell you what, Rob, for Liverpool fans, what they want to see is a continuation of this progress, of finding the right balance, of winning games, and finish this season strong. Yeah, in the Champions League. Yeah, ready to go.
53:50Ready for next year. Well, interesting as well, they host Manchester City next weekend, don't they, on Sunday. Yeah, fascinating. So, it's a good test to get the City team, obviously, who don't want to fall too far behind themselves. All right, mate, let's quickly get through a few of the results. Nottingham Forest won, Crystal Palace won, Gibbs White removed the goal, Saul with a penalty, Mikael Williams with a handball, I don't know if you saw, he kind of did his die, had handled the ball away from the goal, pretended it hit him in the face, I think. Yeah, yeah. Terrible, terrible acting. But a point for Palace in what's been another turbulent week, mate, hasn't it, with Mateta now looking like he's gone.
54:31I think if Sain gets on, they look like Stran Larsson's going to be done. David Olsen, our side, is all across that one. Kind of feel like Palace just have to be a little bit careful, mate, that, you know, the draw is a decent result. And I think they've got enough points. They've got enough players and the manager and the pressure. But it just feels like this club is one thing after another at the moment. Yeah, we could have a whole show about Crystal Palace, really, Rob, and modern football and building up, you know, with good science, good recruitment and a good manager. You selected all these guys.
55:05They've done brilliantly for you. And then they're like, hmm, I like him. I like him. And then they get picked off. I mean, 29 points, Rob. I mean, it's normally like mid-30 points to stay. I think they're going to be okay. But it's kind of an amazing drop-off. It is. And it's going to be a big summer, isn't it? Big summer when he goes and somebody else has got to come in and whether they keep the system. Yeah. They can go from winning the FA Cup and having the best year ever to being relegation potential. European football. If they don't get the right guy. Yeah, absolutely. Brighton won, Everton won.
55:43Pascal Gross with a goal for Brighton, 73 minutes, and then Beto with a late 90 plus seven equaliser. But David Moyes did kind of a David Moyes run down the sideline and sure got himself a yellow card, which he's panicked. Made a big point about saying, if I knew I was getting a yellow card, I would a knee slide. Sure David Moyes has got the knee slide. His interview after is where he's swearing. You swear. Really? If you can't. You can't celebrate a goal like that. And I'm with him, by the way. Yeah, work hard all week. Wolves nil, Bournemouth 2. Bournemouth can do a bit of form. Kruppi, a game of the goal.
56:18And Scott gets to do it. Good player, Kruppi, Rob. Yeah, he's got a young player. This is happening quite regularly now. Where a young forward, again, you know, another player. Bournemouth recruitment. Yeah, really, really good. So, yeah, good three points for Bournemouth. The Wolves obviously be inevitable, I think. It's not too far away. Alright mate, we're going to wrap it up for this week when Arsenal get a win City get a draw and Villa they get a loss, putting the Gunners back in control at the top of the title race. We'll be back next week, that's Sunday, February the 8th and we're broadcasting from the Super Bowl in San Francisco, so we'll try to put a small podcast together to make sure you're up to date with all your Premier League news.
57:00And we'll look back at Liverpool hosting that game, we talked about Manchester City's Anfield, a big game with Big Rick. percussions. That's 11.30am Eastern Time on Peacock. But for now, I'm Earl. He's mustered together with the two Robbie. Thanks for watching and listening. Be safe. Stay healthy. It's goodnight from me. And it's goodnight from him. Goodnight now.
From the publisher
Robbie Mustoe and Robbie Earle break down the biggest headlines from Matchweek 24 in the Premier League
1:35 - Tottenham Hotspur haunt Man City once again, this time coming back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw as Pep Guardiola's side show why they aren't as strong as the past
15:14 - Aston Villa are left frustrated in a 1-0 loss at home against 10-man Brentford that leaves them further off the top of the table
22:35 - Arsenal bounce back from their shocking loss to Man United with a solid and sturdy 4-0 win at Leeds United
29:19 - Michael Carrick continues to show his pedigree as Man United interim coach in a thrilling 3-2 win against Fulham
37:15 - Liam Rosenior and Chelsea overcome a poor first half to come back and claim a 3-2 victory over West Ham
47:15 - A roundup of the remaining results: Liverpool 4-1 Newcastle, Nottingham Forest 1-1 Crystal Palace, Brighton 1-1 Everton, Wolves 0-2 Bournemouth
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