Arsenal Pull Away, Wow Pedro & VAR Again!

9:06Liam Rosenior:And it doesn't stop there. Switch to Fuse Energy, and you could have your question answered on the show.

9:12Alan Shearer:Sign up to Fuse Energy at FuseEnergy.com slash football. Use the referral code FOOTBALL. And you could also win a 1990 England shirt signed by the three of us. The rest is football. Well, whatever way we look at it, there was a significant twist in the title race last night. And I don't think probably any of us saw that one coming this midweek, because if it was going to twist one way or the other, you would have expected probably City to win at home and Arsenal facing a tough one away at Brighton, even though Brighton are on a bad run.

9:48Liam Rosenior:Yeah, I mean, I'll call it and you can go in a second now. He said there's going to be twists and turns. Like you said, Gaz, maybe not this game, but I thought Forest were actually very good on the night. Yes, they have to defend low. Yes, City missed chances. But then when they got their chances, Imagine having to take your chances with just 30 % possession. And the Anderson goal was brilliant. And so was Morgan Gibbs-White. Gibbs-White goal was so quick thinking and good technique. Loves that goal.

10:20Alan Shearer:Clever.

10:20Liam Rosenior:But City had a chance, Savinho, in the last minute to win it. And I was just thinking, City are going to score here. When you play for Man City, you always have the feeling that at the Etihad, you'll get another one. You'll get another one. Don't worry. You'll get a late goal. and then it just didn't come. I agree with that. I think there's going to be more twists and turns, but it's gone from Man City's hands now into Arsenal's hands. So it's going to be interesting.

10:48Alan Shearer:And the next twist and turn has to go in City's favour, you would suspect. Otherwise, I think it might be too far.

10:53Gary Lineker:Yeah, I would say so, yeah. But I still, I don't think either team will win every game, I guess. So there are going to be twists and turns. And they do play each other, of course. Well, that's true. Yeah, of course. But no, I just think yesterday was typical of what will happen, not every week, but it will happen once or twice in the next couple of months when all the games are played. I don't think it's a surprise when you've been there. I guess even when City have been there so many times, it's still tough. Because they're chasing now, they know that now. They just can't make any mistakes now.

11:24Gary Lineker:But let's see. It's great for the neutral look.

11:28Alan Shearer:Yeah. And we've kind of stuck with Arsenal throughout. And I think their resilience will see them through. I think they're so difficult to score against. I know they've conceded one or two in the games prior to last night, but they're very difficult to break down. And when they've got, you know, Gabriel particularly, I think, and Saliba, I think they're such strong defenders. They've got a great work ethic in the team. Everyone's fighting for everyone else. Whether it's a corner, I mean, obviously, they score other kinds of goals as well. And they did last night, although it's obviously, I think they were a bit fortunate last night to be perfectly honest to get all three points I thought Brighton played really well but they couldn't finish it off but that's the problem there's so much pressure on strikers these days

12:14Gary Lineker:what's your thought on this I think it's absolute nonsense about people saying not great football to watch don't want to play that way I just think that is complete nonsense I just think that's jealousy it's the opponents having a pop yeah that was the Brighton manager said it himself didn't he I mean I couldn't believe he came out with that rubbish to concentrate on his own team and their form and where they are in the league rather than speaking about someone else's team

12:39Alan Shearer:yeah he spoke after the game of course on that and he had a swipe didn't he at the way the goalkeeper went down injuries I mean teams do that nowadays that is something they need to look at I mean because goalies don't suddenly get injured three times in the last few minutes of a football match or twice most teams do it when a team is doing really well, there's always going to be some jealousy at that. And we saw it with Liverpool last season as well at times. In fact, he wasn't the only one that complained because Slotz had a go as well. He was speaking about it, not after they lost. I think it's important to add that.

13:13Alan Shearer:But he spoke about it, I think before the game in his press conference, when he thought the game, you know, he doesn't love the game at the moment. He doesn't think the Premier League is very entertaining. I think it has taken a strange turn. which become obsessed with set pieces and long throws. I even saw, have you seen this thing that they do at kickoff now? Some teams that scoot the ball up and do a massive hoik it right up in the air to the edge of the net. I mean, come on, guys. It's embarrassing. Everton did that, didn't they? It's like an up and under. Eddie Waring, the BBC Rugby League commentator when I was growing up.

13:48Alan Shearer:And he used to go, and there he goes. It's an up and under. And that was exactly what they're doing. You need to be a certain age to remember that, dear listeners. Most of you will not be that age. I mean, we talked about it in the episode on Monday, didn't we? About Micah in particular, about how robotic a little bit the sport's gone. How defenders now are the ones that touch the ball more than the midfield players.

14:11Liam Rosenior:Yeah, but I think you have to adapt to what the league needs. Yes, sometimes it's not pretty football. But what I would say with Arsenal, and you mentioned defensively, I don't just think it's the defenders. I think it's the whole team. If you look at Arsenal, the way they defend as a group and the wingers, when they lose the ball, they get back in. And then they're just waiting for that moment. I also think it's got to do with the amount of football. And I know we have this debate all the time, guys, and you say back in your days. But football now is more intense. It is. And they're playing too much football, especially the teams that went to the Club World Cup.

14:51Liam Rosenior:you can see in some of the performances

14:52Alan Shearer:look at Cole Palmer I mean he's struggling with his injury Manchester City played in that and you can see maybe Phil Foden or you know they just don't look quite the same this season

15:02Liam Rosenior:if you look at the team like even taking it to the Champions League PSG have been a fraction of their selves as well and they'll bring it back because they always do I think there's too much football that the quality of football hasn't been the same this season I think you can't get the same output from your body when you're constantly playing. And some players can. Some players, maybe not that, I'm going to say a word here, the fast switch athletes. So that's... Slow switch and fast twitch, yeah.

15:36Alan Shearer:That's been around forever.

15:38Liam Rosenior:The fast switch show the players who are a little bit more dynamic.

15:43Alan Shearer:So the muscles, so sprinters. That's been a term even, that's not necessary. Mind you, Mike, I must mention, Now you've mentioned straight terms twice last night. I watched the whole, twice. What did he say? Fucking pockets of space. Twice. Just say pockets or space. I mean, we used to say, you remember though, in your defense, I'm only kidding here, of course. In your defense, you go back 10, 20 years. It was in the hole. In the hole. In the hole. In the hole. Yeah. So there's always, the language changes. but you did say it to us and I was going

16:20Liam Rosenior:Mike I know what are you doing I'm saying I'm like you know what is though

16:24Gary Lineker:you don't need to go about this none of that is Arsenal's fault exactly that's what I'm saying if they win the league they have found a way to be the best team in the league and the Arsenal fans will not give a jot what anyone says if they go out and win the title

16:41Alan Shearer:do you know what though do you know what I've got one or two Arsenal friends and a friend of mine Briac French lifelong Arsenal supporter. He's texting me. He's going, why is everyone always having a good... Why are they so... You know, why do they hate us so much? You know, they didn't do this. And I say to him, you've got to take it as a compliment. It's because, you know, you're a threat. And that's why they do it. So I think some of them do take it a little bit personally. But if they go on to win the league, they'll get all the plaudits except for those that are jealous and take that, you know, enjoy that, I would say.

17:16Liam Rosenior:Yeah, I agree. Yeah, I totally agree. If they win it, they deserve it. There's no fluke over 38 games, is there?

17:23Alan Shearer:No, let me read you the quotes of Herzler and then see what you think. He said, in the end, it's about the rules. In the Premier League, the referees allow everything, then it's difficult. They make their own rules. At the moment, I have the feeling they are doing their own rules, no matter how they are playing. That's why I think it's difficult to judge that. I will never be that kind of manager who tries to win in that way. I want to develop players. I want players to keep improving and keep playing football on the pitch. In the end, of course, every team will manage and waste time. But I think there has to be a limit and the limit has to be set by the Premier League.

17:57Alan Shearer:The limit has to be set by the referee. At the moment, they can just do what they want. He also said, is this what the supporters are paying for? And I think that's perhaps the important thing in what he's saying here. I want to ask now, everyone here in the room, did they really enjoy this football game? I'm sure maybe one raises his arm because he's a big Arsenal fan. But besides that, no chance. He's just lost a football match. You've got to bear that in mind as well.

18:21Gary Lineker:Yeah, I get that. I understand that. And it's perhaps the worst time to talk to a manager after a game, particularly when they've lost, because there are so many things racing through your head and you might say things that you might not mean or you might regret. But the Arsenal fans won't give a damn what he thinks. Won't give a damn how Arsenal perform so long as they go out and win that game.

18:40Alan Shearer:They just want to win the title, don't they?

18:42Gary Lineker:Yeah, I guess the Arsenal fans would have watched that game and enjoyed it and enjoyed the result. Absolutely. He wouldn't because his team are not doing as well as what they should do. I don't know what, they won three in 16, so he'd be better off concentrating on his own team rather than any other team.

18:58Liam Rosenior:Talking about some of the refereeing decisions, I don't know if you want to wait to go into that. Let's do it now. Get it out of the way. Some of the decisions. I mean, in the Bournemouth-Brentford game, Oh my God. Was it that bad? It was. Coyote on Tavernier. He's got a tap in at the back post. Just tap it in. No problem at all. Coyote accidentally trips him. So he still gets his shot away. I saw that. He has to divert his shot because he's been clipped. And they didn't give it. That was shocking. Harland won. I thought was a penalty. Some might say not. I thought he shoved his foot out.

19:40Alan Shearer:I think he knew what he was doing. I thought the same guys. Having been in that position, and I never obviously would have done that myself. You know what he's doing. But if the keeper comes sliding out, he has come out and not got the ball. Anywhere else on the pitch, anywhere else on the pitch, no one would have batted an eyelid if they'd have given it. Exactly. I think though, if they'd have given it on field, they would not have turned it over either. But he did push his leg out towards him. So it's one of those where he bought it. but for me I'm never on the side of keepers in those things if there's any contact at all whether the forward kind of forces it or whether he doesn't because keepers don't get too much sympathy from me

20:24Gary Lineker:we'll wait until we go on to the Newcastle game to discuss the referee's performance in that because I was raging as well by that I thought you might be

20:32Liam Rosenior:what do you think is going through referees minds though because I feel like we're talking about they're totally

20:36Gary Lineker:and utterly confused they're wrecked They're done. VAR has done them in confidence-wise and belief-wise. There are two or three, maybe four to push good referees that have the belief and the confidence and the ability. But I think the damage that VAR has done to the referees and their performances has been absolutely incredible. I think we're really at an all-time low in terms... And I don't want to sit here and say it's a very, very difficult job. In fact, it's almost impossible for them with how the laws are meant to be interpreted and given for them. The decision makers are making it almost impossible for them in terms of their performance, right?

21:24Gary Lineker:I agree.

21:25Alan Shearer:I agree. I don't think it's their fault at all in many ways. Yes, they make mistakes. Of course they do. We all do. We miss chances.

21:31Gary Lineker:But the VAR has totally ruined a lot of them and a lot of their performances. They're so bad. So bad. I mean, we get back to the same thing again. All time and time again, we get back to the same decision, is that it wasn't meant to be like this way. It wasn't meant to give us a millimetre or two offside or this decision that some might think, some might not, 50-50. And then it wasn't meant to be that. It wasn't brought in for that. If they had a vote now, a vote for getting rid of VAR completely

22:07Alan Shearer:completely or keeping it like it is. What do you think the percentage would be? I think it would be a large percentage to get rid of it. Around last season, I saw one where it was something like 72 % to 28%. I think it would be even more now. I think supporters, particularly at the ground, it's a dreadful experience. You don't know what the hell's going on. Bad enough watching on television. I think it's, I think, yeah. When was the last time you guys went to a championship game? Honestly, it's way better. Me? I went a few weeks ago. so much better. I went to QPR Coventry. Ah, yes. And yeah, it's different.

22:41Alan Shearer:And obviously I watch Leicester quite a lot on TV. So yeah, it's lovely. And you think, oh, it's a goal. And everyone's done, da-da-da. And you can do, it's no other music and everything goes off. And you don't have a shred of doubt that it's going to be changed. And yes, they'll make the odd mistake. You'll say, you had it in the FA Cup, didn't we, a couple of times. But they go, oh, if we had VAI, it would have. I think, so what, really? Because they don't always get it right, even with VAR. Far from it.

23:10Liam Rosenior:Okay, so VAR is a problem. So we've said the refs, it's difficult, and Al's articulated it really well. But in terms of – then it's the VAR who are making the decisions. What is the reason that they can't make the decision if they've got time to make the decision? Well, it's the time, though, isn't it?

23:30Gary Lineker:It's too long. That's one of the issues. It's a completely different skill set. sat in the VAR room operating some computer looking at that, looking at that. It's clearly a different skill set to being on the pitch and then having to make split decisions like that. And they're just getting so many wrong. I mean, I know the one at Newcastle yesterday when he gave him another yellow card for diving. I mean, for that referee to be in that mindset to think he is actually conning me, right? you're a big cheater you've made a massive dive and I'm going to show you a Lebercon no it wasn't they couldn't intervene they couldn't intervene because it was a yellow although the British

24:10Alan Shearer:are changing that as well as soon as that'll be another thing but for that referee

24:14Gary Lineker:to actually think that he's gone through he's tried to con me massively and he's dived he didn't even he didn't even look up or he didn't even want the penalty he didn't even appeal or nothing I mean it was a nonsense decision yeah Newcastle have to play as it happens, it probably did them a favour in terms of because of the way they galvanised themselves and got back together and rallied and battled with 10 men. It was an awful decision.

24:40Alan Shearer:Yeah, we're going a bit all over the place. But while we're on that, we'll stick with that game. Then I want to come back to a couple of things about City. But with Manchester United, I think they're still struggling against the low. I think in a way, perhaps they'd have been better off playing against 11 men. Do you know what I mean? Because Newcastle do have a real go. Although I would say Newcastle still had a real go with 10 men. I just, yeah.

25:03Gary Lineker:I thought Newcastle was a better team with 11 men and 10 men. I thought I was, I wasn't disappointed in Man United, but I thought they were really poor. I thought Newcastle, with the form that they've been in, I was a bit edgy because Man United have been winning games and they've without doubt changed under Michael Carrick. But I thought Newcastle dominated last night. A couple of really, really big decisions from Eddie Howe. got them right playing Ramsdale whatever happened with Volta Marder whether he was poorly or not but that sort of made a change and I thought Joe Linton midfield wow he was just immense he was brilliant Man United I thought were

25:39Alan Shearer:really really poor with the exception I would say of Bruno Fernandes again who I thought was incredibly creative I mean he made so many chances for them didn't he he was getting frustrated he's now created 92 chances in the Premier League this season 36 more than any other player.

25:56Liam Rosenior:It's ridiculous.

25:57Alan Shearer:Yeah, he's a very,

25:58Gary Lineker:very good player.

25:59Liam Rosenior:Running out of superlatives to talk about him, aren't we?

26:02Gary Lineker:Yeah, he was without doubt the best of a bad bunch last night for them. Yeah, yeah.

26:05Alan Shearer:You see, there's a little bit of beef between Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick. He's digging him out, isn't he? He's not exactly being very supportive of his old team, mate, is he? It's strange, isn't it? It's weird, isn't it? Yeah. Maybe there's a bit of history there. Who knows?

26:19Liam Rosenior:I need a fact-checker on that, though. I still don't believe it's true. Everyone's saying it's true. He's got all the headlines and everything. And he's not come out on his social media. It's hard to know what to believe these days. Exactly. I mean, it is. But if he did say that, Scolese, when you see him, he's one of the nicest guys ever. And I don't think he's got any aspirations to be a coach. And he's an ex-teammate. I thought they just had love for each other. But that, it was strange to say the least.

26:49Alan Shearer:They apparently deleted the Instagram post not long after he posted it. maybe he had a couple maybe he's a bit and they lost you know maybe he's just like like all fans even Alan Occasion gets upset with Newcastle

27:03Gary Lineker:I had a few things typed out last night because I had a few pints of Guinness and I didn't press send so that was the only thing

27:10Liam Rosenior:I thought that might be it we saw you in the crowd Al what was the match of the day you had your hat on us you were looking

27:18Alan Shearer:very snug great stuff throwing his sugar cubes around before we move on just quickly it's quite I mean Erling's going through a tough spell but he's in the new system that they're playing do you think it's making life a little bit more difficult for him is he just going through one of those spells that all strikers go through

27:38Gary Lineker:with Semenyo more up alongside him then he's maybe not getting into the positions that he would have beforehand because Semenyo was there you've got to work off each other so it's slightly different for him but do I think it'll change him? Do I think? No. It'll be back. It'll just be a batter of time. No worries.

27:59Alan Shearer:Yeah, he'll be back banging in loads of goals and it might be for the next whatever it is to the end of the season.

28:06Liam Rosenior:You know what's interesting though about his position and you guys are strikers but have you looked at his overall game? His movements are a lot different now. He's less predictable.

28:16Gary Lineker:It has to be when you're playing with a partner, isn't it? You have to adjust, yeah.

28:19Alan Shearer:Yeah, if you're playing with a partner as opposed to just one and you're the central focus.

28:24Liam Rosenior:And normally you would have people wide or whatever, and so many are still going in wide areas at times when they're on the ball. But even his work rate, I remember a couple of games ago, he's playing at the centre half for a while, heading stuff back, and then he was on the right-hand side and dribbling and trying to assist people. So we can't criticise him, or you're not criticising him, but people can't criticise him now for trying to advance his game and he's not being in that middle of the pitch because Pep wants him to do a slightly different role. Although it is hampering his chances.

28:58Gary Lineker:His goal scoring, yeah.

28:58Liam Rosenior:Yes, you know, because he's in different positions now.

29:01Alan Shearer:Worry, Lus, don't worry. We will, though, because we'll be back with the second half.

29:08Alan Shearer:This episode is brought to you by Squarespace. What's worse than missing a penalty? A brand without a solid website? Squarespace makes it easy for you and customers with new mobile pay links. Customers can pay for your products or services via text, email, social or QR code fast and hassle-free. Go to squarespace.com slash football for a free trial. And when you're ready to launch, use code football, all uppercase, to get 10 % off your first purchase of a website or domain. This episode is brought to you by Specsavers. Football is a game that requires serious awareness to see and hear what's happening on the pitch.

29:52Alan Shearer:The pass that came out of nowhere, the split second decision that won it all, and then there's Wally FC. Last season, they managed to scrape together four points. Four. But this season, Specsavers have stepped in to do what they do best. They're providing proper support and money can't buy experiences to take Wally FC from the worst team to the best worst team, because they're not hopeless. They've just been playing without vision, you might say. They should have gone to Specsavers. They've even brought in Micah Richards, big mix himself as assistant manager, which means enthusiasm won't be a problem.

30:30Alan Shearer:He's fully invested in giving this Essex team a proper lift. He's been on the touchline sharing his knowledge and he's even called in his former Manchester City teammate, the ultimate pro, James Milner, to elevate training standards and improve fitness. So if you fancy following a brilliant grassroots football story, search Specsavers Best Worst Team on YouTube. This episode is brought to you by Whoop. In the modern game, of course, there are a lot more games and that feeling of being slightly off by Monday. And that's how it shows up. Not as an injury, it's just fatigue creeping in. Off the pitch, everyday life stacks up too.

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31:43Alan Shearer:If you want to understand your health better and how your daily habits impact you over time, head to join.whoop.com slash T-R-I-F to get started with Whoop. Welcome back to The Rest is Football with Alan Shearer, Micah Richardson, me, Gary Lineker. Defeat for Liverpool, just as they've started to look like they may be getting their act together. Two successive wins for Wolves, Producer John was happy last night. He thinks they're going to do a Leicester and maybe stay up when, I'm going back a decade here, when they won seven of the last nine to stay up and then they go and win the league next season.

32:20Alan Shearer:Could that happen to Wolves? Unlikely, but a great victory for them. I've told you, I've told you,

32:28Liam Rosenior:Wolves, the eye test, forget the stats. Forget the points in the table. Yeah, I mean, they don't score enough goals. They don't defend well enough. Alan put it right earlier on in the season, which he's totally correct. However, they've got some good players. And there was always in games. And now they're putting them chances away. They defend a lot better. But it's a lot easier when there's less pressure. That's the only thing I would say. I applaud their spirit and their fight and their attitude, giving everything for the manager because they could have rolled over, which they haven't.

33:05Alan Shearer:I think that speaks only to the manager. and the togetherness there because we all know they're relegated. I mean, they know that. But to keep them going and to have that kind of drive and commitment under those circumstances, it's easy to hide, isn't it?

33:21Gary Lineker:Yeah, I've been impressed with him. I think the way he's sort of got them organised and definitely harder to play against because they were easy. They were too played through too easily, but not so easy now. Much more organised. And they're a threat. I mean to score what two against Arsenal two against Aston Villa two against Liverpool and get the results as they have done

33:44Alan Shearer:Having said that you know we said they're down but they've won the last two they're running Brentford West Ham Leeds Spurs Sunderland Brighton Fulham and Burnley Win all those might get into Europe John No

34:01Gary Lineker:but at least they're going down at least they're going down with a fight which I mean it wasn't so long ago that people were talking about them getting the record and getting at least a number of points ever so at least they're having a fight in a battle and Liverpool won't be looking forward to going there in the FA Cup on Friday again and I'm doing that game with the BBC so it'll be really interesting to see what happens but I thought Wolves were worthy winners they did enough to win it defensively again all over the place

34:33Alan Shearer:Arnie Slott came out and said, most of the games in the Premier League are not a joy to watch. My football heart doesn't like it.

34:40Liam Rosenior:Well, I mean, he's entitled to his opinion and I feel as though when you're watching it, I would tend to agree with him. It's not that exciting. And even this game, Wolves-Liverpool, only really got going in the last 20 minutes, didn't it, of the second half. So Liverpool's just, it became very open and then they just couldn't deal with it, which is strange. You know, even like Van Dijk, for one of the goals, I thought Canati had it covered and then Alisson came running out. If he stayed in his position, he just grabs that. So their experienced players and reliable players are making those little mistakes, which is costing them.

35:22Liam Rosenior:And they scored what they've conceded late goals in five games now. And it's unlike Liverpool. And he's trying to stitch it together because Van Dijk's not become a bad player. player overnight, has he? He got pushed off the ball so easily though, barged

35:38Gary Lineker:off the ball, didn't he?

35:40Liam Rosenior:It's strange to see. They just can't find the balance. I think Slott's finding it hard to get the balance right of what the team needs and then they'll win a couple of games and you think they're back and then they go back to the same old Liverpool who were making it too easy for teams, which is really

36:02Alan Shearer:strange. Five games they've lost this season by conceding a 90th minute goal. So that's quite damaging for anyone. It's a good night for Chelsea, really, because obviously Manchester United slipped up and Liverpool slipped up as well. And Chelsea, by contrast, a really good victory for them. So now it's really tightened up quite a bit because we think there'll be five teams in the Champions League. And now the top two are clear. then it's Manchester United 51 Aston Villa 51 they lost as well of course Chelsea with their win 48 Liverpool 48 so there's three points separate the four clubs I think one of them is going to miss out

36:45Gary Lineker:Yeah I think it was a really impressive result especially after going 1-0 down I mean they had some really they've been really up and down haven't they playing with Leeds and then Burnley and yeah Villa looked we said it the other day Villa looked knackered didn't they and they've got their form has just nosedived at the wrong time for them. And they look all over the place at the minute. I only saw bits of that last evening. But big, big win for Chelsea.

37:11Liam Rosenior:You know what? That's one of the best games I've seen Villa play in a while. They were dynamic. They were playing through the lines. They had loads of chances again. Loads of chances.

37:25Alan Shearer:Ollie Watkins, Mr. Cookle. He was unlucky with the offside. I mean, another one of those ridiculous offside things. But he went through a couple of times.

37:32Liam Rosenior:You just think he'd strike the ball and it didn't. And then they got punished at the other end. Watkins could have easily had a hat trick in that game. And we're talking about a different... I don't think that was a... I think previously, the last couple of games before the Chelsea game, Villa did look like they played too many games. It looked like they needed a rest. In this game, there was up for it. It was end to end. It was such a good game of football. It was really good. Chelsea took their chances and Villa didn't

38:02Alan Shearer:yeah Jao Pedro was the difference in many ways the one thing I would say with Unai Emery after the game he said yeah I recognise we're in a bad moment he said but overall the season's really good he said we have got now a break I think you know because the FA Cup he makes so he can rest everyone and that might galvanise them so he recognised that but Pedro has been Jao Pedro has been a terrific signing You've got him in your fantasy team, I can tell, Mark. The look of your face. He got a cheeky little assist as well, didn't he?

38:35Liam Rosenior:With his hip.

38:36Alan Shearer:Yeah, yeah. Good finishes, wasn't he? Hat-trick and assist. Yeah, clever. I mean, he's got... I mean, I don't think they probably necessarily bought him originally as I think he's a nine, but I don't know. He might be the answer to that, I think. I mean, what's his record in the last... It's 17 goals in all competitions and eight Premier League goals since Ross Senior took over. It's impressive. Really impressive. Yeah, very good. And credit to the coach for getting the best out of him as well.

39:10Gary Lineker:Very good. Very good. Very impressive. And I only saw the goals. Second goal is lovely.

39:15Alan Shearer:A little dink. He's a very clever, very good footballer. Intelligent, isn't he?

39:20Liam Rosenior:He takes you on where the defender comes back and then he makes good runs. and he's not the quickest but he's decent in the air as well. He's good on both feet. Technically, yeah. Technically really good. We all knew he was a good player but having to sort of play the number nine and the number 10, the link up with Cole Palmer was good as well. So, yeah, he's had an outstanding season. 24 years old but he would be

39:47Alan Shearer:Brazil striker in the World Cup I would think. Yes, for sure. Got to be, hasn't he?

39:52Gary Lineker:What about Richarlison?

39:53Alan Shearer:I'd have Gael Pedro slightly ahead of him personally I don't know what you think Al

39:58Gary Lineker:oh he did score the other night I would have him ahead of him as well absolutely yeah what are you laughing at what are you laughing at

40:05Liam Rosenior:you said what about Richarlas Ben just smirked

40:10Gary Lineker:that wasn't

40:11Alan Shearer:that wasn't that wasn't no no not at all if you remember the last World Cup he scored two two cracking goals in one game didn't he

40:19Liam Rosenior:remember we was

40:20Alan Shearer:at that game I remember it Gilberto

40:22Liam Rosenior:was it me you and Jilbert. Yeah. And Lemkas obviously hosted. Yeah. Yeah.

40:29Alan Shearer:God, that's nearly four years ago. Well, actually three and a half, isn't it? Because it was a winter world cup. It's got quite interesting down the bottom as well, hasn't it? Obviously Tottenham play tonight that we're doing this on Thursday evening, just before the Tottenham game. So you can have it on the episode out on Friday. But a lot of pressure on Tottenham now with those results. Forrest got a great point away at Manchester City. West Ham winning as well. I mean, it's really made it very... I mean, look at it now. West Ham have got to 28, Forest 28, Tottenham 29. Leeds has lost as well, didn't they?

41:05Alan Shearer:They're 31. Spurs really do need a result in this game. I mean, you'll know by the time you hear this what's happened, but, God dear, I mean, imagine...

41:14Gary Lineker:That has put the pressure right on that result last time. I do worry, I'm really worried. What a win for West Ham. Yeah. They have been a lot better West Ham, haven't they? I mean, their turnaround.

41:26Alan Shearer:He's made a real difference, Nuno. He's clearly a very good coach. He's starting to instil a little bit what Forrest had last season. It's just whether it's too late. It doesn't look like he will be.

41:35Gary Lineker:Some of them have an incredible time as well, isn't he? In front of goal. What a difference he's made, his form.

41:41Liam Rosenior:Seven and ten in all comps, I think it was. I'm starting to worry for my home-time team because they're playing well, they're getting into good areas, but not finishing things anymore. And I'm starting to worry. And I'm 31 points. Shouldn't Leeds have had a penalty, Micah?

42:02Alan Shearer:He's in the hold on the corner.

42:03Liam Rosenior:Oh, 100%, it was 0-9, wasn't it? It was unbelievable. It was ridiculous. It was a stonewall. That was the other decision I forgot to talk about.

42:16Alan Shearer:Stonewall is a game movement, Micah. stone cold penalty it's a regular mistake that everybody makes oh stone is it stone cold not stone waller well people because of the phrase stone wall which was um about a kind of gay um lgbt movement uh just gay movement i think some time ago and then people started to say oh it's a stone wall penalty but it's actually like stone cold penalties stone cold penalty that's what it

42:43Liam Rosenior:should be that's my yeah i like it so it was a stone cold penalty we could all agree on that i think we can all agree but come on leeds i'm starting to get worried now the marching on together is

42:56Alan Shearer:i think i think they'll probably be all right come on i mean the form of west ham has dragged so many teams into it because a few weeks ago they look gone they look gone exactly yeah and and we'll be gone in just a second. So goodbye from me. Goodbye from me.

43:17Gary Lineker:Goodbye from me.

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