In short
The Rest is Football (Micah Richards, Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker) covers Carabao Cup week and key Premier League/Europe implications. Topic highlights: Newcastle’s Carabao Cup win and squad rotation; Liverpool’s “crisis” after a heavy loss to Crystal Palace and manager Arne Slot’s gamble by resting many first-teamers ahead of Villa and Real Madrid; Arsenal’s defensive dominance and depth; other cup results and quarter-final draw.
Guests
Micah Richards (ex-Man City defender/pundit), Alan Shearer (ex-Newcastle striker/pundit), Gary Lineker (ex-England striker/pundit).
Key claims
Newcastle impressed with rotation and strong chances; Fulham home draw is a “credit” result; Liverpool’s bench showed lack of recognizable depth and pressure hinges on beating Villa; Crystal Palace were praised for Ismaila Sarr’s two goals and Pino’s impact; Arsenal became first English top-flight side to win six league games in a month without conceding, with a rotated back four.
Notable examples
Sarr’s flick-and-bend goal; Palace’s Eze-to-Pino shift; Newcastle’s Volta Marder (Bruno Guimarães?)/Isak? (discussed as a tall target needing runners and crosses); Jed Spence boot-lace delay before Newcastle’s corner goal; Man City comeback vs Swansea; Wolves-Chelsea comeback and Wolves’ squad losses.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VONewcastle's Carabao Cup Victory
1:35 to 1:45
Discussion on Newcastle's performance in the Carabao Cup against Spurs.
Newcastle's Carabao Cup Victory
1:51 to 3:19
Discussion on Newcastle's performance in the Carabao Cup against Spurs.
“So I enjoyed doing it, watching it that way, especially when there were so many interesting games.”
Liverpool's Struggles and Strategy
3:19 to 5:44
Analyzing Liverpool's recent game strategy and performance issues.
“and they got a great draw as well, Newcastle, haven't they?”
Crystal Palace's Impressive Win
5:44 to 12:59
A look at Crystal Palace's victory over Liverpool and standout players.
“as most teams did but by and large still played really strong team.”
Hosts' Personal Stories
12:59 to 14:00
Hosts share personal anecdotes related to the game and dining experiences.
“And they had a poor result obviously in Europe a week or so ago, which was a surprise, but they've got time to turn that around.”
Discussion on Recent Matches
14:00 to 17:20
The hosts analyze recent football matches and key incidents.
“And there was, as Thomas Frank's interview afterwards, suggested that he wasn't happy with the referee at all for allowing the corner kick to be taken.”
Discussion on Recent Matches
17:28 to 18:22
The hosts analyze recent football matches and key incidents.
“that you really think about the exchange rate, the fee and what might be hidden away in the small print.”
Arsenal's Impressive Form
18:22 to 23:20
A deep dive into Arsenal's current performance and squad depth.
“Amongst those, well, Arsenal continue to impress and he rotated a reasonable amount, but it also shows you the strength in depth that Arsenal now have.”
Max Dowman's Potential
23:20 to 28:00
Discussion on the young talent Max Dowman and his expectations.
“He was a little bit older, but I find it quite exciting.”
Analysis of Recent Matches and Player Performance
28:00 to 30:20
Discussing recent football matches, player performances, and team prospects.
“It's all right when it works in your favour, isn't it?”
Show all 11 chapters
Fantasy Football Prize Announcement and Rules
30:20 to 33:53
Announcing the Fantasy Football Prize winner and discussing rule changes for fairness.
“Oh, well, before you go on to that, who's bottom of the Fantasy Football?”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00Queen Carvania stood haloed by the morning sun. An army hung on her every word. My champions, I have sold my chariot on Carvana. It was a lovely SUV, an inexplicably queenly offer. They're even coming to the castle to collect it. Tonight we feast. An offer you can feast on. Sell your car today on Carvana. Pick up fees, may I fly.
0:30Alan Shearer:This episode of The Rest is Football is powered by our new presenting partners, Fuse Energy. We're thrilled to welcome them to the team, especially outside the regular transfer window. A new signing providing power and energy. That sounds like a bit of me back in the day, guys.
0:47Gary Lineker:And reliable too. Not one of those fair weather players who go missing in December.
0:52Alan Shearer:Fuse will be powering The Rest is Football right through the season. They're one of the UK's fastest growing energy suppliers, building solar farms and helping homes make smarter choices. Power that performs throughout the season. Fuse, keep everything running. Lights on, metres smart, cars charged. A full squad you can count on.
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1:23Alan Shearer:The season is long, but with Fuse, the energy never drops. For more information about energy that hits the top corner every time, head to FuseEnergy.com slash football.
1:44Alan Shearer:Hello and welcome to The Rest is Football with Micah Richards, Alan Shearer and me, Gary Lineker. we're going to look back on a very interesting week in the Carabao Cup and well actually you were at the game weren't you you watched Newcastle's victory against Spurs yep Alan Micah you probably were watching at home like me watching a variety of games multi-view yes we did the same thing the new multi-view thing works really well yeah I thought it was really good actually yeah so you can actually watch well I think it was about four matches at once because they didn't have on the ones that were their main priority on the televised thing.
2:26Alan Shearer:So I enjoyed doing it, watching it that way, especially when there were so many interesting games. How was it at St James' defending the title?
2:34Gary Lineker:Yeah, very good. I thought the best team won. I was impressed with Newcastle. They changed it around a bit, not as much as other teams, as did Tottenham. They made four or five changes, I think, which was always going to be the case. But I thought, yes, Spurs did all right. They made it difficult at times. but I did think Newcastle were the better team, had the better chances. Ramsdale had to make two very good saves in the second half to keep Newcastle in there, but it was a good atmosphere. They brought a load of fans. They filled the top area, Tottenham, so it was a really good atmosphere. But you can tell again that Newcastle won this trophy and he rotated the squad and did a really good job on the players that came in and players that are on the fringe and not playing as much.
3:15Gary Lineker:I thought they did really, really well, so it was good to be there and it was a good atmosphere and they got a great draw as well, Newcastle, haven't they?
3:22Alan Shearer:It was a draw. They got a home draw at Fulham. I mean, are you being a little bit disrespectful to Fulham there, Alan? I could come back to bite you in the arse.
3:30Gary Lineker:It might do, but you can't ask for any more than a home draw and they've got that. Can I have some credit, please, Al, for Volta Marder? When he wasn't sure, he wasn't really know about it, he's a good player, isn't he? He's done really well. He's definitely not a number nine. because a lot of his good game, and it is good, is that he's coming towards the ball. But Newcastle have to get players beyond him. They have to get runners beyond him, whether that's the two wingers or whether that's the midfielders. And that will bring the best out of him. And obviously, you have to put crosses into the box because he's six foot six, whatever he is.
4:09Gary Lineker:So he needs balls into the box. And another really good header last night, Brave. Keeper made a bit of a hash of it. but he gets his goalie, he won't be bothered about that. So, yeah, he's had a brilliant start to his career at Newcastle, he really has. Just one more question for me, Al. Where are Newcastle? Because I know you were a little bit disappointed at the start of the season. It looks like they've turned it around, is that fair to say? Yeah, I guess so. I think it was a big result for them at the weekend, scoring the last couple of minutes at home. They need to carry that on now. They've got West Ham this weekend, that's what they need to do.
4:44Gary Lineker:I mean, they've got West Ham Sunday and then they've got Athletic Bilbao, I think, on Wednesday. So two big games, but they need to keep their league form going and start and climb the table. But I think it's starting to come together after a bit of a tough start and a bit of a tough pre-season for Newcastle for obvious reasons. And I asked Eddie that the weekend, didn't I, football focus, when I interviewed him, did he expect such a bit of a difficult, rocky start? and I think because of everything that's gone on and the answer to that was yes, but there are signs it's just starting to happen for Newcastle now.
5:20Gary Lineker:He's got to sort their away format a little bit, haven't he? Certainly, I think it's four goal scorers in the league, which that needs to improve. But yeah, I think positive signs. I would be reasonably confident going into this weekend's game at West Ham that they can go then and do something and hopefully get the three points. but it's looking decent for Newcastle, yeah?
5:43Alan Shearer:Yeah, both Newcastle and Spurs left out a few players as most teams did but by and large still played really strong team. Liverpool, by contrast, left an awful lot of players out. Now this was, I think, a bit of a gamble from Slott. I think he's almost, I wouldn't say thrown the game but I think he's, in the bigger picture, he's decided that the Carabao Cup wasn't important, that the game's coming up. Obviously, they've got Villa at the weekend and then they've got Real Madrid. And I think that's taken priority. But when you're in a bit of a losing run, is that a good call? And I think even the teams that did make a few changes, they still had strong players on the bench that they could bring on.
6:30Alan Shearer:If you looked at Liverpool's bench last night, I think most people would struggle to recognise most, if not all of the players that were on the bench. In fairness, though, with Liverpool, I remember in previous seasons, they've always used their youngsters, certainly at this stage of the cup. So in answer to your question, maybe for a little bit of confidence, you could have put a couple of bigger names on there. But I actually think it was the right decision. Really? I really do. and I know they've been through a difficult time, but the fact that the League Cup compared to the Premier League and the Champions League, it's not as big.
7:12If we're all being honest about the situation and I think you're alluding to more of the confidence in the camp and having another loss and then the pressure and then the fans piling in. At this moment, at the moment, at the moment, guys! Very good, Micah, very good. At the moment, Liverpool are just searching. And expectation levels are massive because of last season. They've brought in some new players. The new players haven't performed at the level. It's as simple as that. We've talked about Liverpool. We try to give them all the excuses that they want and things take time. but top players are bought for 100 plus because they're not supposed to take time.
7:59That is the thing with Liverpool. And I just think for a manager, he's got to pick and choose the right moments for the players to get the wins and losses. And yesterday wasn't the biggest competition, so I totally understood why he did it.
8:16Gary Lineker:I think it's a massive gamble and you'll only find out with the right decision if they win on Saturday night against Villa. Because clearly that's his priority and Real Madrid. And then I think it's City the following weekend, isn't it? City away. To put all those youngsters out, I know they still had some experience in there, but to put them there against that very, very good, talented Crystal Palace side, I don't know. I sort of get why managers do it and no one says anything if they go out and they win the game. But when you are beaten and you're beaten as easy as like that, when you're a massive club like Liverpool and they're going through what they are, we will only find out if it's the right decision if they beat Villa.
9:01Gary Lineker:If they don't beat Villa, then the pressure will mount massively on him because... To counteract that though, Al, don't you think Isak's been struggling with his groin? McAllister's not been up to full fitness, which is probably why he played. Graven Birch has been carrying something. Frimpong got a hamstring injury early doors. The goalkeeper, Alisson's been out. We've had to change with Mamat Dashvili. I just think you can look at it two ways and I think you have a valid point and a good argument. But in the grand scheme of things, in the bigger picture, if you could keep your first team players fit and give them a little bit of the rest, now would be the time to do that.
9:49Gary Lineker:Yeah, but then you need a result. Correct, correct. I don't think the word crisis is the right word, but they're in a sticky situation, Liverpool.
10:00Alan Shearer:If you look at the statistics, Al, they've lost six games since September the 27th, which is more than any other side in Europe's top five leagues. And they've also conceded in all of their last 10 games. So you're right. It is a sticky moment. He's had to make a call. and he's made that call. Well, he got it wrong, didn't he? Well, they've got it wrong in terms of the Carabao Cup, but maybe he's thinking, you know, there's a lot of games to be played this season. There's a lot of time to go. There's a lot of Champions League matches, extra nowadays, of course, than they used to be because of the new league.
10:35Gary Lineker:Yeah, but you get done on a dodgy decision or a last-minute goal and you think, okay, when you're getting done 3-0 and battered at Anfield, then that adds more pressure. And what they didn't want last night was that, exactly what happened, going in against a really good Palace side who batted them in front of their own fans. Palace fans are singing, can we play you every week? That's when it turns into an awful decision. But the bigger picture is he's left them out because he needs them ready for Saturday night and he needs them ready for Tuesday evening against Real Madrid, Villa and Real Madrid.
11:14Gary Lineker:If they lose those two, then it's been a shocking decision because he's left them out because they need a rest and they need to try and get a bit of confidence in preparation for those games. So basically, they have to get and they have to win on Saturday evening for it to be the right decision. Can I just ask you, Al? Are you talking about, from your opinion as a fan, a pundit, an ex-player, would you have a difference of opinion if you were still in management or you just think if you was in management at Liverpool, you would have just played your, I wouldn't say your best team, but more first team players.
11:52Because it's interesting to know what your opinion, or how managers think differently to us watching a game on the side.
12:00Gary Lineker:Well, he's never going to get any sympathy from anyone in terms of seeing that the squad depth, because he said about Manchester City afterwards that they made 10 changes, I think, or nine changes from the weekend. but you could see in their squad was much better than the one that Liverpool put out last night but he's not going to get any sympathy after spending, I don't know, 450 million in the summer, is he? So I'm saying it from everything, from the bigger picture, I guess, is that all teams make changes but you have to also be conscious that fans are paying really good money to go and see your team get a result, not to see a lot of kids go out there and get battered by a very good Crystal Palace team.
12:44Gary Lineker:And we can't make this about Liverpool. We have to also say how great Crystal Palace were and what a job he's doing there because they've got some, as we've said so many times, some very, very good players. And that was a great performance. Don't forget they're in Europe as well, you know. Absolutely. Crystal Palace.
13:02Alan Shearer:Yeah. And they had a poor result obviously in Europe a week or so ago, which was a surprise, but they've got time to turn that around. So let's have a word on Palace because that's a great victory, whoever you're playing, if it's at Liverpool. Ismaili Sar as well. What a goal. What about his goal? Two good finishes.
13:22Gary Lineker:The one where he flicked it around the corner and then got it back and then bent it in. What a goal. Incredible. The way they passed it through and the ability and skill and then to finish it off. Brilliant. Some talented players in that team. Getting rid of Eze and then bringing in Pino. Getting rid of Pino. What a player. He's been, since he's come into the side, he's obviously, I'd say, slightly different to Eze, but plays in that role where he's really good on the ball, can see a pass, find space. I would say Eze was more of a dribbler at the start, especially when he was at QPR. I thought he's adapted his game a little bit, but Pinot he just fits straight in effort not the only Pinot I enjoyed last night
14:10Alan Shearer:I had a nice bottle I had a nice bottle I didn't enjoy Pinot because I'm off the alcohol Pinot Noir yeah it was nice while we watched the football no better very nice did he cook gaza or no? no I actually went out for an early dinner last night got back in time for the football so yeah went to a place called Reaver in Barnes Marcus old school Italian guys can I
14:32Gary Lineker:just going back on the Newcastle game did you Did you see the incident where, I think it was Jed Spence for the corner, he went down to fasten his boots, to fasten his laces? And there was, as Thomas Frank's interview afterwards, suggested that he wasn't happy with the referee at all for allowing the corner kick to be taken. Did you see it, Micah? No, I didn't see it. So the ball went out for a corner, Newcastle's corner, and Jed Spence's, there was some sort of tackle and I think his laces became undone and he had to take his boot off and he had to put it back on and he took nearly a minute to do that.
15:10Gary Lineker:And just as he got it on and was running back into the box to pick up whoever or get his position, Newcastle took the corner and scored from the corner and all the Spurs fans were going mad saying the referee should have waited a lot longer for him to get back in. Did you see it, guys?
15:25Alan Shearer:Yeah, I saw it, but... No, I mean, I'm not having that. I think you've got to get on with it and get yourself back in quick.
15:31Gary Lineker:If you have to put your boot on a minute later, then do it. But get your position first.
15:36Alan Shearer:Have you noticed, Mike, how he magnificently got it back to Newcastle?
15:42Gary Lineker:Sorry, guys, I just forgot about that incident.
15:46Alan Shearer:Absolutely. Manchester City went a goal behind, which was a cracking goal that was scored. But they came back as you expected they did. And it is true that when Pep kind of juggles, they have got a big squad, haven't they, where you look at the team and you go, oh, there's a lot of talent still right throughout. Yeah, there is. Swansea could have made it two with a shot just past the post. But then I think Man City dominated without scoring at that time. And then once they scored a couple, it was nice to see Mamouche back getting a goal, Ryan Shirky back from injury and Doku's. Doku's goal was a slight deflection.
16:29A slight deflection? Well, I mean, I'm deflection there. It was a deflection.
16:37But yeah, their goal was amazing, wasn't it? Did you see the goal? Yeah. Baptista Franco.
Read the full transcript
16:44Gary Lineker:I saw the Man City goals, yeah. Obviously, I was at the game. I saw the Man City goals. It was amazing. The Swansea goal. Bent it right into the top corner. It was just effortless. It was a really good goal. But for Man City, yeah, still not firing on all cylinders, but just doing what they need to do. That result against Villa last week was really frustrating because it didn't create a great deal. But yeah, back to normal service.
17:16Alan Shearer:Okay, let's take a break there and come back with a few of the other fixtures in a moment.
17:24Alan Shearer:This episode is brought to you by WISE. It's only when you start moving money between currencies that you really think about the exchange rate, the fee and what might be hidden away in the small print. Whether you're living abroad, paying someone overseas or just trying to manage your money across borders you want a fair exchange rate, an easy transfer and no surprises along the way. WISE keeps things simple. WISE is a smart way to move the currencies you need around the globe. It works in more than 160 countries and with over 40 currencies. Most transfers arrive instantly. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate, like the one you see on Google, with no markups or hidden fees.
18:06Alan Shearer:So when money needs to move, you can see the rate, know the fee, and get on with it. Join millions saving billions on hidden fees by downloading the Wise app today. Be smart, get wise, T's and C's apply. Welcome back to The Rest is Football with Alan Shearer, Michael Richards and me, Garrett Linneke, discussing the Carabao Cup ties that we've had this week. Amongst those, well, Arsenal continue to impress and he rotated a reasonable amount, but it also shows you the strength in depth that Arsenal now have. They won. I thought Brighton gave a good fist to themselves, particularly in the first half, had chances.
18:47Alan Shearer:Kepa came into play, didn't he? Made one or two really good saves. But they've won again another clean sheet.
18:54Gary Lineker:I was going to say that, yeah. And again, a clean sheet. I saw the Brighton couple of chances that they went through one-on-one and missed it. But yeah, they keep on going, Arsenal. And they're looking incredibly strong. And you're right with the squad that they've got. They've got a really good squad now with the players that they've brought in and the youngsters. I'm down when started last night, didn't you, as well, and impressed.
19:14Alan Shearer:I know. 15.
19:15Gary Lineker:It's not 16 yet. It's incredible. Brilliant, isn't it?
19:19Alan Shearer:Arsenal actually became the first English side in top-flight history to win six games in a month without conceding a goal. Top-flight history. I'm shocked at that. But do you know they changed the whole of the back four as well? Look at this for a second-string defence. Ben White, Mascara, is that how I pronounce it? Mascara, Hincapié, I think it is. Hincapié and Louis Skelly. That is a second choice back four. It's ridiculous. That is ridiculous. And Arsenal now, they're really cooking. They're cooking on something. But can we get rid of this narrative of set-piece FC? Set pieces were always used in a great light before.
20:07I broadcast the poor, the table up, if Arsenal didn't score from set pieces. Oh, no. And there wasn't... I'm like, what's that got to do with anything?
20:18Gary Lineker:It's a new world, Mike. It's content, I think. I think that's what it's called. Oh, my God. It's ridiculous. It's ridiculous.
20:25Alan Shearer:Content's built with a U. One of... I mean, we mentioned him briefly, but Max Downman. I mean, he had the most dribbles completed, the most fouls won, and the most duels won at 15 years old. Incredible. My goodness me.
20:41Gary Lineker:He's got to obviously get the balance right in terms of using him and playing him, looking to protect him and look after him. But bloody hell, man, 15. I mean, it's like, wow, 15. It's incredible to go out and play on that stage and just look right and just look as if he belongs there. it's mad
21:02Alan Shearer:what was you guys doing at 15 me I hadn't reached puberty I used to hide in the showers man honestly I was a little boy in all ways I was just
21:13Gary Lineker:honestly 15 his lungs were bigger than his cock
21:20still are
21:21Gary Lineker:I'll
21:28Alan Shearer:do you know the one thing that doesn't stop growing of your bloody ears as you look in life. I mean, really? I mean, really? Oh, dear. You absolute dick. Anyway, let me tell you what Arteta said about him. He said, Max Dowman is a gem. If I'm not going to play him, that means I'm blind. When you look at Max Dowman in training, you have to play him. If you are not blind or I am blind, I know if you look at a passport, he's 15. He's just different. The feeling that I have is that genuinely, Max loves it here. He's a huge Arsenal supporter and his family also. Hopefully for many years, he will be with us, Arteta added, with a scholarship contract signed, but also a pro contract for 2026, already agreed ahead of the future.
22:24Alan Shearer:What a talent. I mean, I think people are thinking of generational talent here. Maybe England has found one. England has got one special. But you have to be slightly hesitant, not build him too much.
22:36Gary Lineker:Yeah, but you can't not talk about him, Gask. You have to say, yeah.
22:40Alan Shearer:But you can't. It's like Lamin-Yamel. We talked about him when he was 15 and 16. He was coming into the Barcelona team in similar circumstances, plays in a similar position. If there's something as exciting in terms of talent as Max Downman, then let's talk about him. Because ultimately, a lot of how well he does will be how he handles this kind of thing. And he seems to be obviously someone mature beyond his years, but it will be part and parcel of how well he does. He'll have to deal with fame at a very early age, which is not easy. But, you know, we've seen it before with young talent. You know, someone like Wayne Rooney, remember when he came through?
23:21Alan Shearer:He was a little bit older, but I find it quite exciting. He's special, isn't he? is special. I think the differences that I see with him is normally you get thrown in at 15, 16 because you are physically developed and he's technically developed which would say that he's going to be something special. Once, it's just got a window from I'd say 16 to 18 to keep developing at the same rate and Arteta comes with these quotes but he has to be playing also because you can't get 30 minutes here and then 90 minutes because other people are developing at a quicker rate than you'd be. Maybe he needs to go out on loan.
24:11I know that's maybe too early. I don't think he can go out on loan at 15. I know, but he's not going to get the game time. If he's that good, he will. But he plays in a position that Saka plays. So he's not. Well, I've seen him play in other positions. He can play number 10 and he can play the other side and all that sort of stuff. But the manager, the way he is, I would say is on the side of being a little bit more defensive than Tackett and then allowing the players to come on. But he's not going to play in head of Saka. But to keep developing, he needs to play. That would be my only worry.
24:46Alan Shearer:It's going to be really interesting following his career and how Arteta does deal with him. He's like anything. if you're that good
24:52Gary Lineker:he'll find a way he'll find a way
24:55Alan Shearer:to play him there's no question about that Wolves Chelsea was quite an encounter producer John he's not on today so I think he must be in a state of depression or something bless him they were getting battered but they did at least show a little bit of spirit and came back and got themselves back into the game
25:14Gary Lineker:when I saw the goals I'm thinking you're 2-0 down you're playing out from the back and you're getting caught on the ball and it's like what are you doing I mean and then I'm hearing the fans singing you're getting sacked in the morning to the manager and it's like, oh my goodness. I mean, they were terrible. But they had a bit of a fight back, didn't they? They got one just before half-time, a little bit of a fight back second half. What about Gitton's goal, the fourth goal for Chelsea?
25:39Alan Shearer:Oh, the last one, yeah.
25:40Gary Lineker:How good was that, eh?
25:42Alan Shearer:Absolute beauty, wasn't it? Woo!
25:44Gary Lineker:Yeah. Class goal. You know, you've got to sometimes try and help yourselves. I look at Wolves and the 2-0 down at home getting booed and some of that play from the back was like, what are you doing?
25:56Alan Shearer:I feel a little bit though for the manager coach. He came in, didn't he, last season? He did a really, really good job. And then what happens in the summer? They sell their best two players, Aitonori and Kunja. And they are really, really high-class footballers. And I mean, Aitonori's had a bit of an injury. He's just come back this season for Manchester City. Cunha's had injuries as well, but he's also played exceptionally on occasion for Manchester United. So if you lose your best two players and then don't really replace them, I mean, what do they actually expect? And as usual, who will get the blame?
26:36Alan Shearer:The coach. And it just makes me feel like, what chance have you got? It's such a hard, hard game. You know more about coaching than me, Al. Being in that situation where you want more, but you can only work with what you've got. And that's the situation Pereira's in at the moment, which is difficult. I remember interviewing him at Man City last season. He was at Man City. Wolves were playing Man City. And I believe what he said, that he was going through a difficult time, but he turned it around. and he said with more time, he's going to be a top Premier League manager. But if he's not got the tools to do it, what's he supposed to do?
27:21What is he actually supposed to do? And it was a good comeback yesterday. 3-0 down. To come back and get three goals is big for them. It went 3-2, didn't it? Then it went 4-2 and then 4-3. I think it was.
27:35Gary Lineker:You had De Lapp sent off as well, didn't they? Another red card. Yeah, De Lapp sent off. It was a stupid challenge, wasn't it? But it is quite impossible for a manager. when he's not got the players to do what he wants. It's as simple as that. I don't suspect this Dan Strand-Larsen thing helped either, you know, when it was touch and go, whether Newcastle were coming in. You're talking about Liverpool unsettling Isak. You unsettled Strand-Larsen? I never mentioned that at all. You mentioned it. You brought that up.
28:04It's all right when it works in your favour, isn't it? As you mentioned there, another red card.
28:11Alan Shearer:I mean two yellows for De Lape having come back from injury and came on it what was he doing
28:16Gary Lineker:second challenge is stupid when you're on the yellow card and then to go and do that it's like no wonder managers get frustrated and get angry with players sometimes when that happens especially when you're on a run like they are in terms of the red cards and he's just come back as well hasn't he from injury
28:34Alan Shearer:elsewhere on Tuesday night Brentford put five past Grimsby didn't they Wickham Wanderers took Fulham all the way to penalties but missed out. Cardiff won the Battle of Wales after beating Wrexham two goals to one. The story that could have been for Wrexham, but alas, it wasn't. The quarterfinal draw, as you've already mentioned, Al, has been, you think, kind to Newcastle. Fulham fans. Home draw, yeah. Well, I might beg to differ. Man City got a home draw, Micah, against Brentford. Cardiff, Chelsea, Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Newcastle, Fulham.
29:07Gary Lineker:What a few days it's been for Brentford, by the way, beating Liverpool in the way they did and then putting five past Grimsby who knocked Man United out, didn't they, in the earlier round. So what a week it's been for them. It's looking promising there. Tough quarter final draw for them though.
29:25Alan Shearer:Who are you fancying, Micah? Who's your money on? What, for the whole thing? Yeah.
29:31Gary Lineker:He knows he wants to see Newcastle, but he's stopped himself.
29:34Alan Shearer:What he's doing here, Alan, he's deciding whether he wants to go for Arsenal or Manchester City. I know exactly what he's thinking. No, I do like Newcastle. I think the really explosive... I think you need to score more goals with what you have, though. I think that's fair. I don't know if you've got the balance quite right. They're on the wings, that is, but you played a lot better. I like Palace. I really like Palace a lot. Tough draw away, Arsenal. But I think Arsenal beat them. Man City... I think it depends on the draw, but in a one-off game, I think Man City could beat anyone. Okay. Before we go, we need to announce the winner of this month's Fantasy Football Prize.
30:23Oh, well, before you go on to that, who's bottom of the Fantasy Football? Who is it? You, Alan.
30:29Gary Lineker:Oh, is it? My son is useless about it, honestly. Oh, he's the gaming son now. When he wins, it's him. When he loses, it's his son. Oh, you can't make it up. Oh, that's harsh.
30:41Alan Shearer:Harsh. Anyway, we need to announce the Fantasy Football Prize. Now, I think we've cocked up a little bit with this because you'll recall that Dan Hyman had topped the league after Mickey van der Ven's 23-point haul. He's done it again, Dan Hyman, and he's sneaked ahead. Now, he's obviously a very deserved winner, but the idea is not really to get the same people winning all the time, but he will get his prize. get a signed shirt, a different one. But from here on in, I think the way we're going to do it, we're just going to do it for the actual month itself. So that also gives everyone a chance that's not at the top because obviously if you're at the top, if you run away with it, you win it every single month and we don't want that.
31:28Alan Shearer:But we can't change the rules after we've announced them, but what we can do is we can change them from now. So even if you're near the bottom of the Fantasy Football League, If you have a really good month, you could still win a prize. Even you, Micah. Guys, just a quick one, though. A lot of people are cheating. How do you cheat at fantasy? There's a lot of websites out there using AI technology, something that I'm a part of. I think you need to, and I've not used it, by the way, before you ask Alan, that it basically predicts the points that you're going to get and it suggests transfers. I think to make it fair, everyone who's doing the league shouldn't be going on them websites.
32:16Gary Lineker:How can you stop them though if you've just announced it to the world? Well, from now on, from now on, well, you've got to pay for some of these websites. Not everyone wants to pay for it, Alan. Okay, and have you ever been on one of these websites?
32:28Alan Shearer:Yeah, I mean, AI knows things and it knows about, Obviously, it takes information from everything, but it can't predict if somebody's going to play well or get injured or... I mean, they can't. All the best players in the world on fantasy football are using some sort of AI tool. You think? Fact. But there's nothing in the rules that says you can't, is there? No, there's not. But I mean, if you want to give out prizes every week or every month... Everyone can use AI if they want to get into it then, I suppose.
33:00Gary Lineker:You haven't got that address for the website, have you, please?
33:07Alan Shearer:Anyway, the next prize will be, we got another shirt signed by Marcus Rashford, who was kind enough to do that for us. We'll see you on Monday and when we'll be reviewing this weekend's fixtures. But for now, goodbye from me. Goodbye from me.
33:23Gary Lineker:Goodbye from me. Have a great weekend.
33:38This is an urgent appeal from the Disasters Emergency Committee. Two devastating earthquakes have hit Venezuela, resulting in widespread destruction. Thousands have been killed and injured, and survivors desperately need food, water, shelter and medical care. Go to dec.org.uk to donate, or text DEC to 70150 to give£10. Text cost your donation plus standard network rate. See website for Ts and Cs. Thank you.
From the publisher
What can Arsenal achieve this season after becoming the first team in top-flight history to win six games in a single month without conceding a goal? Meanwhile, is Arne Slot starting to feel the pressure after Liverpool were thumped by Crystal Palace? Their sixth defeat in seven matches.
The lads also discuss another standout performance from 15-year-old Max Dowman, and reflect on what they were doing at that age.
Gary, Alan & Micah look back at all the key moments from the Carabao Cup 4th round fixtures
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