In short
The Rest Is Football Podcast Notes
Episode Overview
- Title: Arsenal Drop Points & Dyche Sacked
- Description: In this episode, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards discuss the latest developments in football, focusing on Arsenal's recent draw against Brentford and Sean Dyche's sacking from Nottingham Forest.
Key Themes & Discussions
Arsenal's Title Race
- Current Standings:
- Arsenal stumbles against Brentford, leading to a tighter title race.
- Only four points separate Arsenal from Manchester City with 12 games remaining.
- Match Insights:
- Arsenal had a competitive game against Brentford, showcasing both teams' strengths.
- Brentford's performance was particularly commendable, making it hard for Arsenal to secure a win.
- Players like Declan Rice were highlighted for their exceptional work rate and importance to the team dynamics.
Nottingham Forest's Managerial Changes
- Sean Dyche Sacked:
- Dyche becomes the third manager sacked by Evangelos Marinakis this season.
- Despite Nottingham Forest's decent form (9th in the form table since the new year), the decision to part ways seemed surprising.
- Discussion Points:
- Lineker and Shearer express disbelief given Dyche's experience and the potential for consolidation.
- Noteworthy is the challenge of maintaining consistent playing style across multiple managerial changes.
- The idea of a players' committee to voice concerns was raised, emphasizing the need for clarity in managerial direction.
Relegation Battle
- Current Situation:
- Nottingham Forest's precarious position, just three points above West Ham, intensifies the relegation battle.
- Debate on who might go down, with teams like Spurs and Leeds also under scrutiny.
- Expert Opinions:
- Shearer predicts Nottingham Forest could face relegation due to their struggles in scoring goals.
- The crucial role of momentum and player morale in avoiding the drop zone was emphasized.
Manchester City & Other Teams
- Performance Review:
- Manchester City displayed impressive form, with their pressing and attacking play receiving praise.
- The impact of players returning from injury, such as Dias and Semenyo, was noted as vital for City.
- Title Race Dynamics:
- The competitive nature of the current title race was discussed, with both City and Arsenal expected to face pressure as the season progresses.
Additional Topics
- Transfer and Managerial Discussions:
- The conversation touched on broader topics such as manager recruitment strategies and the impact of player transfers on team performance.
- Key Players:
- Players like Harlan and the emergence of new talents were discussed, providing insight into the ongoing evolution of team rosters.
Key Takeaways
- The title race is heating up with Arsenal and Manchester City closely contested.
- Managerial instability at Nottingham Forest raises questions about future direction and player morale.
- Relegation battles are intensifying, with several teams under scrutiny for their form and performances.
- The evolving landscape of player talent continues to shape discussions around team successes and failures.
Conclusion The episode encapsulates the drama of the football season, highlighting both the on-field performances and the off-field dynamics that influence the beautiful game. Whether it's the title race, managerial changes, or relegation fears, the discussions showcase the complexities of football at the highest level.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOFootball Management Responsibility
1:00 to 2:09
Discussion on the responsibilities of football club management.
“to feel like and your kids pool day to feel like and your hotel bed to feel like oh and room service to feel like because at hilton hospitality feels like your cabana's Ready?”
Arsenal's Position and Dyche's Dismissal
2:25 to 2:58
Analysis of Arsenal's top position and Sean Dyche's sacking.
“we'll save the top of the table chat for the second half later on.”
Travel Woes and Football Insights
2:58 to 3:47
Hosts share travel experiences and transition into football insights.
“Because if you look at the form table probably since the turn of the year, I think Forest are about ninth.”
Dyche's Experience and Nottingham Forest's Struggles
3:47 to 5:06
Discussion on Dyche's managerial style and Forest's challenges.
“So instead of getting home at around about half two, quarter three, got in at about half three, 20 to four, which was a nightmare.”
Forest's Goal-Scoring Problems
5:06 to 6:11
Exploration of Nottingham Forest's issues in scoring goals.
“Yeah, I was surprised because I think with his experience, with his know-how and all of those things, I mean, it's been a really poor season up to now for Forrest.”
Relegation Battle and Club Dynamics
6:11 to 8:16
Insight into the relegation battle and club management dynamics.
“I mean, sometimes you have to say to yourself, am I doing my job right?”
Controversial Comments by Jim Ratcliffe
10:57 to 14:01
Discussion on Jim Ratcliffe's recent remarks and their implications.
“Yeah, we were just talking about West Ham just before that and they played Manchester United, of course, and United didn't quite manage to win.”
Analysis of Recent Football Matches
14:01 to 24:41
Discussion on recent performances of various football teams and players.
“I mean, look at the story alone of Amid Diallo that has ended up here.”
Review of Arsenal vs Brentford Game
26:49 to 28:03
Detailed insights into the dynamics of the Arsenal vs Brentford match.
“We didn't talk about Manchester City in the first half deliberately because Arsenal were playing tonight.”
Arsenal vs Brentford Analysis
28:03 to 29:18
A detailed discussion on the recent match between Arsenal and Brentford, highlighting key moments and performances.
“But they're hard to defend against Brentford.”
Show all 16 chapters
Manchester City’s Impressive Performance
29:19 to 31:18
Exploring Manchester City's recent performance and standout players in their latest match.
“And, you know, four points, it's different.”
Declan Rice's Impact at Arsenal
31:19 to 32:29
Discussion on Declan Rice's contributions to Arsenal and his potential as a player of the year.
“I mean, Pep said this morning, he said, I'm feeling something.”
Manchester City's Title Challenge
32:30 to 34:26
Analyzing Manchester City’s title challenge and their experienced squad's ability to handle pressure.
“he's been integral to everything that Arsenal have been doing and they have been impressive.”
Brentford's Unconventional Playing Style
34:27 to 36:48
An insight into Brentford's unconventional tactics and their effectiveness in the Premier League.
“But although that's easier said than done because all the noise and we'll all be talking about it and everyone and Man City will be trying to put as much pressure on as possible.”
Leicester's Current Struggles
36:49 to 39:20
A heartfelt discussion about Leicester City's struggles this season and reflections on their past successes.
“Not only would I have taken it, I'd have snapped your bloody hand off.”
Thomas Tuchel's Future Prospects
39:21 to 40:50
Speculation about Thomas Tuchel's future with the England national team and his potential impact.
“That's what his contract, I guess, was up until after that.”
Transcript
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1:28Gary Lineker:Well, he has to take his responsibility for his recruitment of managers. Sometimes you have to say to yourself, am I doing my job right? Clearly, he's not.
1:37Alan Shearer:If the players had the balls in a committee meeting and said to them, hang on a minute, mate, you need to decide what fucking style of football you actually want us to play.
1:45Gary Lineker:This is all Nuno's fault, by the way, at West Ham. Because it's of their resurgence that two or three of the clubs are now starting to panic and thinking, shit.
1:53Alan Shearer:I find that deeply concerning that an owner of a football club can say that sort of thing.
2:08Alan Shearer:Hello and welcome to The Rest is Football with Alan Shearer and me, Gary Lineker. We're recording the first half of this episode on Thursday morning. yesterday, if you're listening to it on Friday. See how I worked that out? Amazing. So I thought, given the fact that Arsenal obviously top of the table, we'll save the top of the table chat for the second half later on. And start with what is starting to become a very interesting situation at the bottom of the table. So we'll cover perhaps the fight to avoid relegation. and there's been a notable twist this morning, Alan, with the second, the third, that Nottingham Forest have made this season.
2:55Alan Shearer:And Sean Dyche has gone. What are your initial thoughts on that? Because if you look at the form table probably since the turn of the year, I think Forest are about ninth.
3:05Gary Lineker:Yeah, definitely a surprise. I mean, I was travelling home from match of the day. We finished at about 10 past midnight, the programme, and nothing had broke. So, yeah, my phone was flashing whilst traveling home. And that was the news. How was your trip home, though? It was an absolute nightmare. Late one. Nightmare, I won't swear. Because as you well know, midweek, you run the risk of so many junctions and motorways being closed. And that's what happened last night. There was like a 15-mile diversion off into the country road somewhere. So instead of it being, I don't know, maybe a two-hour, 40-journey, it was more like a three-hour 40 journey.
3:47Gary Lineker:So instead of getting home at around about half two, quarter three, got in at about half three, 20 to four, which was a nightmare.
3:57Alan Shearer:That is the one thing I definitely don't miss.
4:01Gary Lineker:Midweeks are so worse, aren't they? Saturdays are not so bad. They don't often shut the roads on a Saturday night.
4:07Alan Shearer:And the big differences between travelling on Saturday nights to midweeks when you're coming back from Ash the Day is there's no big lorries on the road. Yeah, yeah, yeah, that's right. And that, you know, in midweek there is, there's lots of them and it's, honestly, it just seems to make so much difference with an extra hour at that time. I don't miss that at all. I remember when they moved up from London to Manchester and I moved into Barnes, which is southwest London because it's quite convenient for White City where we used to obviously record the show. and a month after buying the house in barns the announcement was made that the movie thank you very much thank you very much so that traveling side i obviously love doing the show but the traveling side of it and those journeys back particularly you're absolutely right midweek it's just just awful but anyway well done how you've got on you've um uh and you're still in your job and Sean Dyche isn't.
5:06Alan Shearer:Oh, yeah.
5:06Gary Lineker:Yeah, I was surprised because I think with his experience, with his know-how and all of those things, I mean, it's been a really poor season up to now for Forrest. But I think what they just have to do is consolidate and survive and then look forward to or try and look forward to next season. I think the best chance of that would probably have been with Sean Dyche, wouldn't it? Me too. Yeah, I totally agree with that. But he's very different. He runs it the way he wants to. So he's decided that he wants a fourth manager in charge this season. There are reports that it's Vito Pereira that he's been speaking to.
5:45Gary Lineker:The merry-go-round continues. The foot-winning manager.
5:48Alan Shearer:It's unbelievable. The foot-winning wolves, of course.
5:50Gary Lineker:But I mean, even looking at Forest last evening, it's clear that obviously their problem, or one of their problems, is scoring goals. They had 35 shots last night. 35 35 of which none of them were any good unfortunately and that tells that tells a story and there are reports and they look as if they're pretty solid that he gets a players committee in and speaks to the players and finds out how they feel and by all accounts that's what he did last evening after the game
6:24Alan Shearer:after the game he brings in the players probably a couple of them that might not be in the starting line-up and you know what footballers are like if you're in the team you're generally happy with the manager if you're not you're not now unless there's you know in the big scheme of things players will also look for an excuse and they they might blame the manager I mean it's his
6:45Gary Lineker:it's his club he can do what he wants with it but it's not his club
6:48Alan Shearer:well it's not
6:49Gary Lineker:you know it's the fans you know what I mean it's the supporters club
6:52Alan Shearer:it's the fans club I wonder what they
6:53Gary Lineker:generally the Forest fans think well he has to take his responsibility for his recruitment of managers I mean come on if you're looking at Ange and you're looking at Nuno and you're looking at Sean Dyche and now you're looking for a fourth manager in the season. I mean, sometimes you have to say to yourself, am I doing my job right? And clearly he's not. So he has to take his share of the blame.
7:14Alan Shearer:Also, the way he's flip-flopped from styles. Yeah, exactly. Because obviously Nuno plays in a counter-attacking way. Ange plays very much on the front foot. Then he goes back to a style with Sean Dyche and the players will be going, who's coming there? Vita Pereira, he played quite high press at times for Wolves. So, I mean, they're going to change again. I mean, and then you're going to blame the players. I think if the players, if they had the balls in a committee meeting and said to them, hang on a minute, mate, you need to decide what fucking style of football you actually want us to play rather than changing it and flip-flopping 14 times.
7:51Alan Shearer:I exaggerate.
7:52Gary Lineker:This is all Nuno's fault, by the way, at West Ham, because it's a very resurgence that two or three of the clubs are now starting to panic and thinking, shit, because of their form, because of their results, because they were done four or five weeks ago, as we've said many times, but their results of late have given... Oh, the irony.
8:09Alan Shearer:Yeah, exactly.
8:10Gary Lineker:Have given all the other clubs, what is it, Forest, Spurs, Leeds... I've got it here, Alan, actually, in front of me.
8:17Alan Shearer:I mean, even Burnley sneaked up. We'll come to that in a minute. It was an amazing victory last night. But West Ham now are 24 points. Forrest are just three points ahead of them. And I think it might have been a bit of a panic because they didn't beat Wolves who were bottom. But obviously it was because they were just properly got in front of goal. Tottenham. Tottenham, we talked, obviously we had the emergency podcast, didn't we, yesterday. We put out on Wednesday, I should say, if you listen to this on Friday, about with Thomas Frank losing his job. They're only two points above Forrest, so five points above the drop zone.
8:53Alan Shearer:Leeds I mean they had an incredible turnaround brilliant game against Chelsea Brighton I don't know where you go where they're out of it I think Palace Brighton probably alright Leeds I think they've got enough particularly at home
9:08Gary Lineker:yeah I would agree with that yeah
9:09Alan Shearer:I think it'll be one of one of West Ham Forest or Spurs in all likelihood
9:16Gary Lineker:Spurs next game is Arsenal isn't it so yeah goodness me that's why they've acted the forest have panicked but I mean that's the reason why is that because West Ham's form it might have been very different I mean they were so close to getting three points yeah they were well they were 2-0 up at Chelsea 1-0 up with a minute to go against Manchester United so their form has got everyone looking over their shoulder and panicking there's no doubt about that
9:44Alan Shearer:yeah there's lots more to discuss Al this episode is powered by fuse energy winter is all about energy switching on christmas lights warming your home for a cozy night in keeping the tv on for all the festive fixtures and fuse
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10:46Alan Shearer:For more information about land referrals and energy powering the full festive fixture list, head to land at fuseenergy.com. Yeah, we were just talking about West Ham just before that and they played Manchester United, of course, and United didn't quite manage to win. There was a fun aspect to that, of course, was the chap with his barnet, with his hair. He still can't cut it. Some good reactions to that. I sense he's probably quite happy because it's been a social media, I mean, trying for him this, and it keeps it going for a while. It would have all ended for him as well as getting a haircut.
Read the full transcript
11:26Alan Shearer:I think he's probably quite good for his social media. He's got something like 1.5 million followers or something now, incredible, but a lot of fun in that sense. Less fun off the pitch. Jim Ratcliffe obviously has come out with some comments in an interview he did. He said that Britain has been colonized by immigrants who are draining resources from the state. You can't have an economy with 9 million on benefits and huge level of immigrants coming in. The UK has been colonized by immigrants, really, hasn't it? I mean, the population of the UK was 58 million in 2020. Now it's 70 million. That's 12 million people.
12:06Alan Shearer:Factually, he's obviously incorrect. The Office for National Statistics estimates the population of the UK was 67 million in the mid-2020 and 70 million in mid-2024. Owners of football clubs, right? They're generally the billionaires. They often seek to divide. Dividers, I think, is doing that sort of thing. I mean, the hypocrisy, really, I find difficult. Obviously, Keir Starmer, the prime minister, has called for him to make an apology. Whether he will or not remains to be seen. Where did he do this interview? He did it on Sky News. And I watched it. And I mean, the hypocrisy, really. The guy's a migrant himself, an economic migrant.
12:55Alan Shearer:He lives in Monaco. Monaco. I mean, you can have a gripe of all you like, but at least be here and be paying tax and contributing to our society. And I would say a lot of these, the immigrants, the migrants that do come in contribute enormously. And facts show you that in terms of revenue, paying tax, et cetera. Whereas, you know, Jim out there, you know, in Monaco is doing everything he can to avoid paying tax, I would suggest. So, yeah, it's I mean, and also, you know, you're one of the owners of Manchester United, a club that has a lot of players from overseas. When he's talking about colonised by immigrants, is it okay for you, a white person that you live in abroad and not a brown or black person?
13:46Alan Shearer:I don't know. Only he can answer that question. But lots and lots and lots of my friends that support Manchester United have come on and said similar things to what I'm saying now. I think they're very disappointed in that. I mean, look at the story alone of Amid Diallo that has ended up here. So I find that deeply concerning that an owner of a football club can say that sort of thing. And anyway, but we'll move on to the football side of things. But I just wanted to have my two pennants worth on it. On the football side of things, anyway. On the football side, obviously Michael Carrick. on the football side they're doing okay considering where they were a few weeks ago and they've climbed the table they're in the Champions League spot as we speak we did say didn't we that so far even the Fulham game that they've played in Fulham tend not to play in a particularly low block this was the first time they've played against a team in a low block and had I think 60 odd percent possession and they didn't win this game so I think that's something that Michael Carrick probably needs to work on and we know it's difficult against teams with a low block but that was generally they've done better against the good teams.
15:01Gary Lineker:Yeah, no, that's right. Absolutely. I thought West Ham did very well. I thought they frustrated Manchester United and then they got the goal Sue Cech and it looked as if they were going to hang on for all three points but I suppose that's also a good side in terms of the mentality that he's got in there and because of the form that they're in that he makes substitutions he brings Cesc on with I think it's about 69-70 unbelievable finish it was such a clever finish when it went into the part of the goal the goalkeeper had no chance with it just the way he flicked it around I mean it was desperation stakes at that point it was just get the ball in and hope and Buemo did that and he got on the end of it but it was such a clever finish it really was and they get a point so their run continues albeit not with three points but with one but when you're 1-0 down in the 96th minute you'll absolutely take a point and they did and they'll get out of there and they'll move on and see where they get to
16:01Alan Shearer:yeah who do you think will go down now probably the bottom two the bottom two Burnley rallied and a quick word on Burnley because Tony went didn't he Tony obviously my business partner Tony went to he's a big Burnley fan as we've said many times on this podcast travels everywhere and he sent a picture with one of his lads at the game saying please tell me what is the definition of madness before the game and then there were 2-0 down and he's getting very depressed and he's like oh it's the worst Burnley team I've ever seen five minutes later they're winning 3-2
16:33Gary Lineker:and then I saw him he came on the screens in the Match of the Day studio in the away end with his arms up cheering laughing and I thought yeah how football changes you it's crazy isn't it but yeah
16:45Alan Shearer:I think we've got a photo of it we'll stick it we'll stick it on
16:48Gary Lineker:I was really pleased for Scott because it was a bit I felt a bit for him after the weekend where he felt the crowd turned against him and the players. So for his players to sort of respond like that at Crystal Palace, particularly after being 2-0 down and then to hang on and get the three points, I was really, really pleased for them because it must be so, you know when you're being beaten and you just get nothing weekend after weekend and it's like, it could be really, really demoralising. but they've showed great character in coming back from 2-0 down to go and win that game 3-2 after what they've been through this season.
17:24Alan Shearer:Yeah, they really have. Palace, do you think they could be dragged into it or do you think they've got enough? I think they have. I think it's important. I know they didn't win the game but the fact that Strand Larsson got a couple of goals because we all know that really helps especially when you go into a new club and he scored more in one game there than he did. twice as many goals as he scored for Wolves this season
17:47Gary Lineker:yeah what are they on Palace they're on 32 points aren't they so two wins
17:52Alan Shearer:I only think they need
17:53Gary Lineker:probably only one win Palace will have enough I think they'll have enough they've got too much
17:59Alan Shearer:and I think they've got enough good players even though they've lost this skipper I agree with that Palace will be fine Leeds
18:05Gary Lineker:yes I mean what a what a great response 2-0 down to come back to 2-0 I mean albeit Cole Palmer missing absolute sitter in the last minute didn't he for Chelsea
18:17Alan Shearer:I mean he went put his foot through it rather than letting hit his foot but I mean his face he couldn't believe it I think he thought he'd just scored
18:25Gary Lineker:I think he'd and it just especially the four I say the four when they're two games what's that four goals and then you've got a chance from a yard and a half out you wouldn't want it to fall to anyone else other than him I did on the group chat
18:38Alan Shearer:and I just said Cole Palmer is very good at football I mean he's so Oh, graceful. Yeah, he's brilliant. I mean, you look at him and you think, you know, he's a spindly little fella, isn't he? And he kind of glides across the ground and you think, is he quick? I don't know, but he's deceptively quick,
18:57Gary Lineker:but he's incredibly quick in his mind. I was just going to say that, quick in his head, absolutely. Yeah, he just sort of glides along, doesn't he? He was the best player on the pitch by a mile.
19:07Alan Shearer:I mean, he really was.
19:08Gary Lineker:It won't be the last absolute series misses in his career, that's for sure.
19:14Alan Shearer:Yeah, you've got to be there to miss them all. Absolutely.
19:17Gary Lineker:Yeah, absolutely.
19:17Alan Shearer:But Leeds, I think... I mean, they were totally outplayed Leeds, completely. I mean, if you'd have looked how they got them. But that's what you've got to do sometimes. You dig in, you dig in, a couple of long balls and they get a couple of scruffy goals.
19:31Gary Lineker:Yeah, so they probably need two wins as well. They're on 30 points, maybe three to be certain. But I think they'll have enough to get that at home, particularly at home.
19:39Alan Shearer:So who do you think will go then, Al? If you had to, I mean, it's horrible. I always hate these debates in many ways, but they are of interest. And it's always horrible predicting someone to go down. But I've got a feeling Forrest might go. Do you? Yeah. Just the lack of goals. I just think there's the lack of finishing at the moment. I mean, it's mad when you consider how good they were last season. Incredible, yeah.
20:03Gary Lineker:Chris Wood, the form that he was in, obviously hasn't played a lot this season. Injury. But yeah, the two at the bottom are gone. and I do think it'll be West Ham or Forest, yeah. Because West Ham have got a bit of a tough run of fixtures coming up as well. So, yeah, I think it'll West Ham or Forest.
20:19Alan Shearer:Yeah, I would agree. I think it'll be one or two other. Important win for Liverpool and obviously they broke Sunderland's record because they were the only team that were beaten at home in the Premier League this season, which is remarkable in itself. And a big win probably for Slott because they're only two points now off fifth. They would have been four points if it had remained nil-nil. So it was a big one.
20:43Gary Lineker:And actually, I thought they played really well. I thought they were really together. They were tough, particularly with the issues they've got in that right-back position. I mean, they had to stick together last night and I thought Canati and Van Dijk were brilliant against Brodby. I thought the way, how physical he is, how tough it is to go there. Did you do analysis on that? No, Danny did it on Vir tonight. I thought at the end.
21:10Alan Shearer:I didn't stay up last night. I should have done when I realised you weren't going to get home till the last three, four o 'clock in the morning. I don't blame you. I should have done. I don't blame you. I was switching between the games because obviously they're all online.
21:21Gary Lineker:Yeah, Danny Murphy did the analysis on Florian Wirtz and how good he thought he was. But I thought at the end of his analysis, I had to give an honourable mention, I think, to those two, Canati and Van Dijk, because it hasn't probably been enough of those performances this season from those two. but I thought they were brilliant and stood up to the fight really, really well. As did the whole Liverpool team, actually, because you know going there is going to be tough, but that I thought was a big win for them, yeah.
21:48Alan Shearer:Yeah, the race for Champions League, I think it's likely that England Premier League will get five. Five, yeah.
21:54Gary Lineker:Looks that way again. I think so.
21:55Alan Shearer:It does look that way. Who do you think might miss out? I think, do you think it might, it's the top, I mean, Villa, big win for them, actually. Tyrone Mings late on, wasn't it?
22:07Gary Lineker:I think it'll be the, just look at the league up there I don't know Liverpool are sat in six at the minute aren't they yeah
22:13Alan Shearer:well you've got I think Villa are five points clear of Manchester United who are fourth Chelsea are further point back then two points back to Liverpool so
22:22Gary Lineker:two of those three isn't it Man United Chelsea Liverpool you would think so unless Villa fall away I don't think they will
22:28Alan Shearer:I don't think they will I think they'll have enough
22:31Gary Lineker:to get into the top five Villa I think he's a really clever brilliant manager Unai Emery I think he'll and that'll be a great success for them if they were to get into the top five. They're having a great season. They've managed to find a way of winning that game last evening without playing particularly well but they managed to win.
22:50Alan Shearer:Yeah, it will be. I would go with that. I think it'll be two, either United, Chelsea or Liverpool will miss out. I think Slott said it would be a real concern if we didn't make the Champions League and would put him under enormous pressure.
23:05Gary Lineker:Yeah, I understand that with what's being spent at Liverpool. I know they had the issues at the beginning of the season, guys, didn't they, for obvious reasons. But with the money that's being spent for them not to make the top five would be a disaster for them.
23:19Alan Shearer:He said something, didn't he, in one of his press conferences, interviews, Arne Slott, saying we don't have a big squad. But hang on a minute, you've spent an absolute fortune in the summer. How is that? I mean, should they, in hindsight, have built a bigger squad without spending so much money on superstars? Well, the gay thing did fall, like break down at the last seconds.
23:44Gary Lineker:Yeah, they did have the young boy that came in, didn't they? And then he got injured at the beginning of the season. But they've left themselves really liked defensively in that position. So that was an error.
23:55Alan Shearer:Are you surprised they didn't cover themselves for that in the window?
23:58Gary Lineker:They have brought in Jeremy Jacque. Jacket. Jeremy Jacket. Jeremy Jacket. That's what we're going to call him. But he's not in till next season. That's right,£70 million. Yeah, a lot of money. They went, Chelsea were in for him as well, I think, as well, wouldn't they? So they managed to get his signature. He just got injured as well. Yeah, yeah. I think it was a shoulder injury. But yeah, I think so, yeah. But there's no doubt that the money that they spent in the summer, it would be... Do you think he got injured putting his jacket on? Oh, stop it. Stop it. I haven't had a lot of sleep. That's no good.
24:30Gary Lineker:Come on. I can't help it.
24:37Gary Lineker:The answer to your question is it would be a disaster if Liverpool didn't get Champions League football for them.
24:42Alan Shearer:All right, we'll jack it in now and come back after the break.
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27:22Alan Shearer:Walt Disney World Resort Welcome back to The Rest is Football Still just Alan Shearer and myself, Gary Lineker And Micah is not very well at all Get well soon, big mix Get well soon Don't like to hear that Hopefully be back on the podcast on Monday Well, we've just watched the Arsenal game And then it was four points So it's to close the gap. We didn't talk about Manchester City in the first half deliberately because Arsenal were playing tonight. So we wanted to do an overall view of the title race. I mean, I thought it was a very competitive game. I thought Brentford were tremendous. It was an excellent second half, but Arsenal got ahead.
28:07Alan Shearer:And unusually for them, they conceded. But they're hard to defend against Brentford.
28:11Gary Lineker:Yeah, I thought Brentford were brilliant. They make it so difficult for you because they've got pace. They've got power, they've got strength, they've got it all. And they're a tough group to get around and get through. I thought they were really, really, really good tonight, Brentford. I thought they were perhaps a bit unlucky not to take all three points. So it was a very, very good second half and Brentford pushed them all the way and made it very, very difficult for Arsenal, didn't they?
28:42Alan Shearer:They could have sneaked it at the end, couldn't they? a chance for Thiago
28:45Gary Lineker:to hit it over the bar. Yeah, Arsenal had a chance as well, though, didn't he, Martinelli? He should have hit it the first time. I don't know what he wanted to take a touch for, but it could have went either way towards the last couple of minutes. It was a really good stay from Keller as well.
28:57Alan Shearer:I don't know why he took a touch, though, Gary. I know. There's no need to take a touch. I know. And if you do take a touch, you've got to get it out of your feet. He got it in the bit of the middle. So, yeah, it was a great chance. I mean, I don't think it's time for Arsenal to panic. I think that's a tough fixture at the moment, Brentford, but it just makes it a little bit more interesting, which is us neutrals, which we are, especially as Mike is not on. We are. And, you know, four points, it's different. Arsenal play Wolves at home next, don't they? So, you know, but City were impressive as well, weren't they?
29:34Gary Lineker:Oh, yeah. I thought Man City were particularly first half, Gary. I did that game. And I think it's the best I've seen them for a while without the ball. I thought their pressing and their energy and when they lost the ball, their determination to get it back as quick as possible, that was as good as I've seen them for a while in doing that. And yeah, particularly first off, they were brilliant. They played really, really well, could have scored more. Nico O 'Reilly got a great goal. started right from him. He's a very good footballer, Alan, isn't he? It was brilliant the way they pressed, won the ball back and near their own 18-yard box and then played some great football to get out.
30:16Gary Lineker:Little pass and move, give and go. And then he played the ball into Semenyo. He gets it back and it was just a great finish and a great team goal. So, yeah, brilliant for Manchester City.
30:29Alan Shearer:Yeah, while we're on the subject, O 'Reilly, I mean, England, it's got to be close, hasn't it? I mean, he can play left-back. I mean, essentially, he's a midfield player, as he shows. But what a... I mean, he's a very, very good footballer. He's incredibly intelligent with the ball. He knows what he's doing. He's the type of fullback that can drift into midfield like so many do nowadays. So I think it's probably between him and Lewis Hall. Lewis Hall, yeah. Left-back at the moment. I mean, a left-back stroke midfielder. And I think given the fact that he can play both gives him an advantage in terms of certainly getting into the squad, Alan.
31:07Gary Lineker:Squad anyway, yeah. I think at the minute it would be Lewis Hall for me because he's having a really good season for Newcastle. Really, really talented player. But yeah, good for England to have those two
31:19Alan Shearer:playing so well. And Harlan back on the score sheet. But a bit of a niggle apparently. I mean, Pep said this morning, he said, I'm feeling something. 3-0 up. Makes sense to bring him off, doesn't it, with the amount of fixtures.
31:31Gary Lineker:Yeah, he got whacked, didn't he? I think it was Anderson that hit him when he played that ball for the O 'Reilly goal he it was a really good hold up play but then he got he got a crunch and tackle and then went off it at half time I guess just to be just to be safe rather than sorry yeah
31:46Alan Shearer:totally agree who impressed you in the Arsenal game
31:49Gary Lineker:who impressed me individual wise I'm not sure there were that many that were brilliant I'll tell you something I noticed
31:55Alan Shearer:it was a couple of things that I mean we've talked about it many many times Declan Rice but boy does he cover some ground and then right at the end he gets the boy wins it and then he's charging down and you just think crikey this fella could run a marathon
32:09Gary Lineker:yeah I mean to get to to get to that and the way he did after doing so much running anyway yeah he's he's a very very talented lad isn't he he's having a great season favourite for football of the year at the moment I would say probably yeah probably yeah I wouldn't argue with I wouldn't argue with that he has been superb hasn't he yeah he's been he's been integral to everything that Arsenal have been doing and they have been impressive. But he, for me, has probably been the standout, yeah.
32:37Alan Shearer:Yeah, I would agree. And Gabriel at the back, he's called blimey. What an uncompromising defender.
32:43Gary Lineker:Tough game for him tonight, though, against Thiago, I tell you. He's a real handful who he backs in and he's so quick when he gets in behind. And you know you've been in the game when you played against him, by the way.
32:54Alan Shearer:Yeah, what a find. I mean, he's second only to Haaland, isn't he, in the goal-scoring chart?
32:59Gary Lineker:But he was injured last year, wasn't he? I guess when they recruited him, he had a serious injury result for a while. But he, yeah, he's a real handful. You know you've been in a game.
33:11Alan Shearer:Good midweek for City though. Because, I mean, it's the first time in a while I've seen Pep genuinely enthused. I mean, I know they're three up at half-time, so it makes it a bit more comfortable. But he looked like he got a real happy energy, which I haven't seen for a little while.
33:29Gary Lineker:Yeah, it's amazing the fine margins. I mean, with a couple of minutes to go at Anfield being beaten and then all of a sudden they've won that game and they're winning 3-0 with ease and they look really impressive. And now they're only four points behind. So, yeah, it's been a great week for Man City, yeah.
33:49Alan Shearer:And they've been there and done it, Alan, which is worth its weight in gold, isn't it?
33:53Gary Lineker:That's the thing with the experience, yeah. and they've got players, as you say, who know what it's all about, who've been around the block, who have faced this before.
34:04Alan Shearer:Some of them, some of them, not all of them, but one or two of them are coming back. Diaz is back, isn't he? Which will make a difference. Gay's settled in so quickly. Semenyo's settled in really quickly, which is not always the case, is it, in the January window when you buy players? But they've looked like they've been there forever.
34:22Gary Lineker:Yeah, they've really settled in well. been really good signings but I guess you know we'll say this I think three or four times with twists and turns in between now and the end of the season City will have a poor result and Arsenal will have a good result and it'll be backwards and forwards Still a good lead Yeah absolutely of course it is I mean it's disappointing that there will be not taking three points tonight Arsenal But they could have taken none Yep and that was a bloody tough game for them there tonight so four points could have been better but I wouldn't be too disappointed or getting too nervy if I was Arsenal, no.
34:57Gary Lineker:But although that's easier said than done because all the noise and we'll all be talking about it and everyone and Man City will be trying to put as much pressure on as possible. And that's what happens, you know, when City play first, they get their result. There's no doubt that the other Arsenal players and the staff would have watched the game last night and looked at Man City and read everything today and then that puts a little tiny bit more pressure on you. But you've got to handle that. if you're going to win the league.
35:24Alan Shearer:Absolutely. The Turban meets as well, don't they, in April. Brentford could, could conceivably get European football, couldn't they? It's not beyond the rounds of pot. Looking at them, they're so tough to play against.
35:37Gary Lineker:Yeah, we've said it a few times, haven't we, about one, considering the start they had, two, considering the players that they sold. So yeah, he'll put all that together. He's doing, he's doing a magnificent job. And I guess very much like some London, any team going to the stadium and my light nose are in for a game. But any team going to Brentford is just the way they play, the way they make you... A bit old school, aren't they? Yeah, they make it really, really uncomfortable for you because of the players that they've got. I mean, the long throw is so tough to defend. It's back to old school, absolutely.
36:13Gary Lineker:It's back to 20, 30 years ago when we saw those rocket of throw-ins coming in from near the halfway line. I think it was Dave Challen, wasn't it? I used to have that hit drum me when I remember playing against that. And it's just so difficult to defend because...
36:30Alan Shearer:You can't push up because you can't be offside. So it's actually harder to defend the free kick. And when it's coming in from that angle as well,
36:35Gary Lineker:when it's coming in from right opposite the six-yard box, to come in as that far and you've got that height and strength that Brentford have, and the way they move around and the way they pin you in the box, it's just difficult to defend.
36:48Alan Shearer:Yeah, it's come back into fashion. I'm looking forward to seeing Manchester City Pep play that way that would yeah a quick line of Foden because he came back he looked like he was playing with a smile on his face and he was quite impactful particularly in the first half but he was lucky not to get a red card wasn't he
37:05Gary Lineker:yeah he was actually yeah he was I thought it should have been should have been a red card I thought he got away with it there were many refs that would look at that old VR and and tell the referee I get the referee missing it but there have been many VAR sat there thinking I'm going to tell the ref to go at the screen because yeah it should have been a red card I think
37:27Alan Shearer:yeah I think you're right one or two other topics just before we go I've not really talked much about Leicester this season my team Alan I've left you to Newcastle and you've had a few great days go on then get it off your chest I mean A you've got six point reduction which it's been coming for some time it's you know waiting for it but it's come and it came at a time where you're mid-table and I thought well that's not too bad we'll be alright and then you play a couple again you lose and then at home you're 3-0 up after an hour against Southampton you think oh we'll be able to put us clear and then you lose the game 4-3 I mean it's a tough time I mean I was talking to all the lads obviously three of my boys support Leicester and we were all saying that you know it's a bit down about it but at the same time 10 years ago I was just about to say 10 years ago almost to the day we were top of the league and went on to win the Premier League if someone had told me a couple of years before that when we were in League 1 three years before that that you know in the next decade you're going to win the Premier League you're going to win the FA Cup And then you'll go down again.
38:49Alan Shearer:You'll get point reduction. You might even end up in League One. Would you take it? Not only would I have taken it, I'd have snapped your bloody hand off. But I'm afraid at the moment, the club's not very well run. It's gotten a bit of a pickle and it's quite worrying where we'll go. But hopefully it can not be relegated and we'll soldier on. And one other point, Thomas Tuchel, new contract to you. Did you see that coming?
39:17Gary Lineker:No, I didn't say that. Interesting timing. I mean, yeah, it is because he was, first of all, hired to come in and win the World Cup. That's what his contract, I guess, was up until after that. And we all knew that. I guess the FA had been put under pressure.
39:33Alan Shearer:A lot of times you've said, well, one of the good things about Thomas Tuchel is that he hasn't got to worry about what players will think beyond the World Cup. So he can do exactly what he wants. And he won't worry about upsetting anyone. Does that now change?
39:46Gary Lineker:I don't think so. I think he's of that personality. He's a very, very forward-thinking manager. He knows what he wants and how to get it. I don't think he would be affected by that of who he leaves out or who he affects. No, I think he'll be fully focused on one thing. And that one thing is to get England to win the World Cup, as tough as it's going to be. but I guess what the FA have done is that they've looked at big clubs who are currently without a manager and if he does well and if he wins it then there's no doubt that he'll have his pick of huge clubs around the world one of those being Manchester United so I guess that's one of the reasons why they've made their move and tried to secure him
40:28Alan Shearer:and also even if they went close and performed admirably and didn't quite manage it the next competition is obviously the Euros and that is in the UK so which will be a you know a real chance to win a tournament we shall see lots of talented players and he's got lots of big decisions to make in terms of the squad looking ahead at the World Cup we're doing a Netflix thing around that you know yeah looking forward to it I forgot about that exciting times ahead
40:58Gary Lineker:yeah looking forward to it yeah
40:59Alan Shearer:okay well before we go we wish Big Meeks a speedy recovery
41:03Gary Lineker:get well soon Big Meeks get well soon
41:05Alan Shearer:yeah but for now goodbye from me
41:07Gary Lineker:goodbye from me have a great weekend
From the publisher
The title race takes another twist as Arsenal stumble against Brentford, tightening the gap at the top. Just four points now separate the Gunners and Manchester City with 12 games left to play. Can Arsenal hold their nerve, or will Pep Guardiola’s men pile on the pressure and take control?
Elsewhere, Evangelos Marinakis swings the axe again, sacking his third manager of the season in Sean Dyche. Nottingham Forest hover just three points above an in-form West Ham, and the relegation battle is reaching boiling point. With momentum shifting and nerves fraying, who’s going down?
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