Arsenal’s Title To Lose, Liverpool Lose Four-In-A-Row & Man Utd’s Revival Continues

17:05Gary Lineker:No, I mean, great. You've got to give big credit to Man United. After their result last weekend, they had to. because you can imagine if they win at Liverpool and then they don't win at home, you know what the scenario and what everyone's going to be seeing. I thought they played really well yesterday. I thought it was a big wing for them. And Bumo getting a couple of goals under pressure in the last few minutes of the game. But then obviously he gets that goal and then it's all over with. But yeah, that result and the run they're on will give him huge confidence on everyone else and the belief that his system can work.

17:41Gary Lineker:He was right after all. Let's see. I think, yeah, good result, but let's see in the next month or so. That's what's going to make the difference. But for them going forward and for the last few results, you've got to say well done to them. What Man United have been crying out for is, if you're going to play that system, be brave. And Luke Shaw was very brave the way he stepped in and then they go and get the goal. and if you look at the positioning yesterday of a Cunha Cunha was filling in in that midfield role I watched match today and I thought Michael Carrick, yeah, very good really, really good and these are all the things that I've been saying if you're going to play in this way and I've never said, a lot of people will say oh, I thought the system can work the system can work, I just don't think they're playing it in the right way and I don't think about the players to do that that's the first time I've been convinced that they know exactly what their roles are.

18:41And I agree with Alan now. Now the challenge is consistency. That's what it needs to be. And Mbremo, give him time and space. He's going to hurt you. And I thought he played really well as well.

18:52Alan Shearer:He's really good, Mbremo. I think he's, I mean, he's also, I suppose the question mark against someone that's done consistently well at a club like Brentford with all due respect is to then jump to, you know, one of the giants in world football and be able to handle it. And he clearly can. It's not phased him in the slightest. And I would say the same with Cunha. I mean, obviously, he's got experience of Atletico Madrid, which is obviously one of the big boys in Spain. But Manchester United is a little different. And they've gone there at the most difficult time as well, haven't they?

19:25Gary Lineker:I mean, it's not as if they're going into a football club that's flowing and winning games and all of that. They've gone into a really turbulent club that has had a really tough time. And it's the toughest time to go in there and perform. So, yeah, he's done really well.

19:38Alan Shearer:I watched the Arsenal-Palace game, because obviously there were four games kicking off at two o 'clock. I didn't catch the Villa-Man City game. But, you know, I think that's three defeats on the bounce at Villa Park for Manchester City, isn't it, Micah? Did you watch that one, Alan, or the other one?

19:55Gary Lineker:I was flicking in between, yeah. Harlan had one header late in the second half, was very rarely involved, to be honest. I thought Villa defended them really well. they scored a really good goal I always thought that was going to be a really tough game for Man City going there it is after Europe, you know after Champions League week when it's as tough as it is but that's a big result for Villa and one, they were under the cosh a bit second half but I thought they played really well and defended well Villa Totally agree with Alan I thought Konza was superb I thought Inanna in midfield he put in some really good tackles when Man City tried to open them up.

20:38Man City, they're missing a little bit of energy in midfield. Obviously, no Rodri. Nico Gonzalez was on the bench. So they started with Reinders, Bernardo Silva and Foden. And with Morgan Rodgers and Anana, they just had too much athleticism for them. They just couldn't deal with it. Then they would go into the low block. Man City couldn't pick them off. And then what Man City were doing on the ball, John Stones was coming into midfield to help them with a little bit of physicality in the middle of the part. But when Villa won the ball back on the transition, they just could not deal with it. Just couldn't deal with it at all.

21:19And then the set piece comes in, Matty Cash, edge of the box. And then it was always going to be difficult after that because Villa is just always in control. Really good finish by Matty Cash.

21:31Alan Shearer:I think we expected Villa to bounce back after their bad start to the season. So I don't think it's a particular surprise. They've got a very good coach and they've got a lot of very good players. Elsewhere, Bournemouth. I mean, they're flying, aren't they? Second in the league. After nine games, it's not, you know, it's not after four or five games now. It's nine games. Comfortable win, it seemed, against Forest. And Tavernier scoring directly from a corner. some unusual things and the 19-year-old Kruppi Jr another that was a cracking goal he scored two last week didn't he

22:07Gary Lineker:yeah great result I'm against Forrest who you think the new manager coming in going to stiffen them up a little bit good result in the week yeah as we said it before they're a good team Bournemouth and anyone going up against them knows they're in for a tough game what a star I mean unbelievable I mean them if you had said before ball was kicked that Sunderland and Bournemouth were going to be in the top three or four, then people would have looked at you as if you'd been sniffing drugs or something, haven't you? It's like, honestly, it would have been... But well done to those two. I mean, incredible, isn't it?

22:41You can't say that.

22:44Gary Lineker:You can say that. I mean, honestly, if you could... You can say that on a podcast. Can you imagine if you had said after nine games, I think Bournemouth will be second.

22:53Alan Shearer:I don't think he's actually saying anyone has.

22:56Gary Lineker:No, I'm just saying they would have thought you would have. Bournemouth in second and Sunderland third particularly can you imagine if I'd have come on here before Bo was kicked and said I think Sunderland after nine games are going to be third you lot would be thinking what a fool he is well done to them both Sunderland and Bournemouth have you been sniffing drugs again

23:14Alan Shearer:will you please stop sniffing drugs all the time oh

23:18Gary Lineker:goodness me

23:20Alan Shearer:oh dear man honestly brilliant we must mention well I mean you said there Sunderland I mean it must be quite painful for you at the moment, Alan. But I mean, what a performance. I mean, as well, you know, you talk about, I mean, the coach has done such a brilliant job, hasn't he? I don't know how to say his name properly. Regis Labris or Regis Labrie, maybe? Labrie, Labrie, Labrie. His track record is not sensational before Sunderland. He was at Lorient, wasn't he? And he actually got them relegated and he lost his job there. and then Sunderland appointed but what an appointment it seemed to be that he's he's done so well

24:03Gary Lineker:yeah I mean we talk about we talk about recruitment and the money spending from clubs and what have you and Sunderland brought a lot of players in so for them to get the balance right as they have done and for some of their performances and again I mean we always said about their home form even their own fans would think we're not really expecting to go there and get a win. They go there and hope. They go there because they support their team. But I don't think many of them would have thought they were going to go there and win the game and get three points in the way they did. So they've had a brilliant start.

24:37Gary Lineker:And as much as it pains me and hurts me to say it, you have to say well done to them. Why does it pain you, Al? You're supposed to be an impartial pundit. I have to be impartial and match the day, but I can say what I want on the podcast, Mike. So as much as it hurts me and pains me to say it about Sunderland, you have to say well done to them. They've had an unbelievable start, brilliant results, some great performances. And, yeah, well, I know their fans are pretty much enjoying it. And, yeah, well done, Sunderland. You have been superb.

25:13Alan Shearer:We'll move just up the road a little bit to St James' Park. Alan, you were there. And actually, you interviewed Eddie Howe, didn't you, before the game I saw. that was going quite viral and Eddie was saying lovely things about you and I don't know what's wrong with him.

25:27Gary Lineker:I said to Eddie when we were doing the interview he said something when we were talking about my goals and he tried to replicate them in the garden when he was a youngster. I actually texted him afterwards and I said fucking hell Eddie you're 48 what are you on about man? He said yeah but I used to be in the garden at 18.

25:49Gary Lineker:Yeah they left it late Newcastle didn't oh didn't they yeah just a bit it was there it was yeah they won the game they weren't brilliant I thought Malik Chow it's centre half was superb Bruner got a brilliant goal captain's performance but yeah it was pretty they made hard work of it yesterday Fulham came very very close to going away with a point and you have to feel for them a little bit

26:12Alan Shearer:do you think European football has been difficult to deal with a little bit that has an effect

26:17Gary Lineker:yeah I think it is I think even even if you've got the biggest of squads, I think, to play European football with the emotion, how draining it is and everything else. Yeah, it does. There's no doubt about it. But I think very much like you've just got to... The game after a European week, you've just got to get the result. No matter how you get it, you've just got to get it. And Newcastle did that. So it was a big three points and hopefully they can get their league season going now. Why are you not working this weekend? Anyway, Alan. I was, Micah. I was working on Football Focus yesterday, just before the game.

26:52One little interview.

26:53Gary Lineker:Come on. One little interview. You've got to get there at 9.30 in the morning. I was there at 9.30 till like 1.30 and then I could have the afternoon off and have a few drinks.

27:05Alan Shearer:Before we go, before we go, we must talk about the Rest is Football derby, we can call it, because we've got John, producer John, Wolves fan, and we've got obviously one of the fellow owners of Goalhanger, Tony, who's a big Burnley fan and Burnley pipped it right at the end. Huge game to win.

27:24Gary Lineker:Massive. I mean, for them to win back-to-back Burnley is huge because we always said about their home form when they won last weekend. But for them to go there against a team who are obviously going to be in and around them come the end of the season and beat them and beat them in the way they did in the last minute despite being two up and then being clawed back. So what a huge three points for Scott Parker and his team.

27:48Alan Shearer:Did you see Fleming's first goal? Brilliant. What a finish. First time volley. Beautiful.

27:55Gary Lineker:Superb, wasn't it? Yeah.

27:57Alan Shearer:Really was. Really was a cracking finish. I think it's good for the league this year. It might change, but the three teams that were promoted, none of them are currently in the bottom three. In fact, they're all pretty comfortably away from the gap. at the moment. Yeah, they're five points. Burnley are five points clear of the bottom three. Leeds are six points clear. And as we know, Sunderland are flying high. So that's great. Let's take a break. Micah, you continue your journey home. And Alan and myself will come back shortly with Tottenham and Everton. It's 1-0 to Tottenham at the moment. But Micah, safe travels.

28:35Alan Shearer:Safe trip, big mix.

28:36Gary Lineker:Thank you very much. I shall see you tomorrow, Alan. See you tomorrow, yes. Don't be drinking too much this evening. Have a good night. I don't drink anymore, Alan. You know that.

28:46Alan Shearer:It's off the booze. Back shortly.

28:52Alan Shearer:Welcome back to The Rest is Football with just Alan Shearer and me, Gary Link. And now I'm sort of glad Mike has gone a little bit because he'd be gloating now about his fantasy because he had Mickey van der Ven, who scored two and got a clean sheet and bonus points and all sorts. So he would have been pretty insufferable.

29:11Gary Lineker:I can see him in the car now. you know his stupid little laugh getting all excited I miss him again yeah he can see his shoulders going he's been delighted

29:19Alan Shearer:oh yeah he'll be very happy as will Tottenham's fans as will Thomas Frank and their team I thought you know it was an exhilarating game but you know it was a match won by set pieces and I thought Tottenham dealt with Everton's set pieces really well defensively but Everton couldn't cope with Tottenham's

29:40Gary Lineker:yeah first team to go there and win in that stadium away team they deserved it didn't they I said earlier about when you've played in Europe and how difficult it is then coming back to the weekend but I guess if you get everything right and do what Spurs did then they made pretty light work of it in the end and yeah because of two brilliant set pieces and the determination to get on the end of balls coming into the box I mean set pieces and I know they've always been important but this year more than ever it seems every single team, it's like, the importance of them is incredible.

30:18Alan Shearer:Are we seeing a bit of a shift? Yeah, there's no doubt we are. We sort of joke about it a little bit, but corners, long throw-ins, I mean, corners have always been a thing, but long throw-ins definitely come back in. And the thing about long throws, it's actually more probably difficult, I think I've said it before, to deal with, because as a defence, you can't push up because you can't be offside from a throw-in. So it makes it more difficult. but there seems to be a lot of long-throw merchants around at the moment.

30:44Gary Lineker:No, unbelievable. I mean, a penny for a thought for Big Sam and Tony Pulis, who I wouldn't say were ridiculed, but were also looked upon as these direct balls, long balls. Dinosaur thing. Long throw-ins, worked so hard on set pieces, percentage football. I mean, it is incredible how it's – I wouldn't say it's always been gone, but how much of the importance is how it's returned. I mean, we're even getting teams now who are renowned for passing and keeping the ball, knocking the ball out from a kickoff to three yards back to a midfielder who's booting it out of play, five yards from the corner flag so they can get further up the pitch and put the team under pressure.

31:36Gary Lineker:I mean, it really is unbelievable. I've seen Newcastle do that so many times this season. Other teams are doing it as well, yeah.

31:43Alan Shearer:A lot of teams are doing it. It's almost like I've been asleep for 30 years and suddenly football from the 80s and 90s is back.

31:50Gary Lineker:Yeah, but it's like, you know, we had the, I don't know whether this is the right word or not, the philosophers, as in the insistence and the importance of playing out from the back, the passing, the we'll not kick it long football, whatever. But it's like, I don't know, it does seem this season that we're seeing more long balls, we're seeing more long throw-ins, we're seeing more balls go into the box, we're seeing more balls go long from kick-offs to put teams under pressure. It really is a big shift from what we've seen over the past 10 or 15 years.

32:28Alan Shearer:Yeah, definitely. And Spurs showed today that they are quite a handful from corners, particularly and Mickey van der Ven who's got both of the goals but it is difficult they are difficult things to defend particularly for goalkeepers

32:46Gary Lineker:I mean so much has to go right obviously you need a brilliant ball in the way the movement is the way the blocking goes on the way how someone has to show great desire to get on the end of it whether that's at the near post or the far post then if that you don't win the first one you have to win the second one and all those things have to have to work you know so and I guess it's fantastic for these set piece coaches who work so hard in training to see their work come into fruition I guess in the game which is what it's all about and two set pieces ultimately really won it for won it for Spurs today Yeah

33:28Alan Shearer:you can see there's been a lot of work particularly on the deliveries now there's so much consistency from quite a number of players What did you think about the disallowed goal for Everton and Jaya on the goalkeeper? I mean, he wasn't given as a foul, he was given offside. He was in an offside position, but he didn't touch it. I mean, he probably just about interfering with the goalkeeper.

33:50Gary Lineker:Yeah, I mean, it doesn't sit easy with me. Well, it's very difficult to argue with the laws because there's no way the keeper's stopping that anyway, irrespective of whether someone's in front of him or not. I mean, I was getting on my high horse yesterday. I was sending texts left, right and centre about the penalty that Liverpool conceded with Van Dijk.

34:11Alan Shearer:What did you think about that? Because we didn't mention it in the first half. I thought it was, I mean, really.

34:16Gary Lineker:I was just on about, honestly, I was just on about, we're not going to re-referee. We're not going to interfere. It's only for the clear and obvious. But then they come back and say, oh, well, it's factual because it was a foul. There's no way. If the referee thinks that's in the box, he doesn't give that. It's all right him giving the free kick, but I'm pretty sure that if he thinks that's in the box, then that's not going to be given as a penalty. We've all been in the game long enough to know that and understand that.

34:44Alan Shearer:Yeah, I think you're spot on there.

34:46Gary Lineker:It didn't sit easy with me, but it's very difficult to argue against the laws. But I don't like it. I don't like it at all. I mean, Virgil van Dijk was slow on the tackle, whatever you want to say about that. But no, it didn't sit easy with me. And that didn't today with Everton because the keeper's not stopping that, even if someone's not in and around them. He's just not stopping it.

35:09Alan Shearer:No, I agree. I think I'm talking to keepers.

35:11Gary Lineker:But you know, you're looking at today, guys. If you look at today, tell the importance of set pieces. Arsenal won the game. Villa won the game. Spurs won the game. That's just off the top of my head. That's the importance of them. They've got the three points for those teams today.

35:26Alan Shearer:Yeah, you go back to the long throes yesterday with Brentford as well. Wouldn't they help them win the game? Help them win the game. So, no, there's definitely something in it. While we're on goalkeepers as well, I mean, Vicario's had a good week.

35:39Gary Lineker:What a save, eh?

35:40Alan Shearer:From the double deflection, particularly.

35:42Gary Lineker:Oh, yeah. What a save. It was brilliant, yeah. Made a couple of good saves. And he was brilliant in midweek at Monaco as well, wasn't he? I think he got man of the match at Monaco.

35:51Alan Shearer:He did. He made about five or six saves in that particular game. Fantastic, yeah.

35:54Gary Lineker:Today, yeah. Superb, yeah. Very, very good.

35:56Alan Shearer:Yeah. And that takes Spurs up to third above Sunderland. We mentioned in the first half that Sunderland were third, but they were when we were speaking. They're not now. So really good start for Thomas, Frank, Alan. I mean, he's... Positive. Really positive, yeah.

36:10Gary Lineker:I think he's...

36:11Alan Shearer:That's not surprised me.

36:12Gary Lineker:Yeah, just, I mean, he's taken what he was brilliant at. Obviously, what he was brilliant at at Brentford, he's taken that into Spurs. Great organisation. Got his players knowing their roles, knowing what to do. And of course, we've mentioned the set pieces. He's got his players wired into set pieces, which you have to be both for and against because equally as important. So, yeah, they've had a positive start under Thomas. There's no doubt about it.

36:41Alan Shearer:Really had. I think we mentioned earlier about Gabriel and the significance that he's had at Arsenal and how important he's been to them. But Mickey van der Ven, who had obviously a couple of injuries last season, had hamstring issues. but I mean he's all round game I mean he can play he's like lightning he's brilliant in the air he's big he's strong I mean if he can stay fit I'm sure we said that

37:06Gary Lineker:two or three weeks ago I'm sure we said the same thing as whether they can keep him fit because and that's a big if because of I mean when you're as quick as he is then inevitably I think you're going to get injuries or hamstring injuries throughout the season maybe once or twice but

37:23Alan Shearer:the only thing is though Alan And perhaps, I don't know, this might be a little bit unfair on Postacoglu, but perhaps because of that high line, he would have had to make more sprints. Whereas Thomas doesn't play quite that way. I mean, he does like to press and play reasonably high, but it's a little bit different. So he might not be put under quite as much stress.

37:43Gary Lineker:I hope so for his sake, because there's no doubt he's a quality defender. He really is very, very good.

37:48Alan Shearer:Okay, well, it's been a good weekend for North London, that's for sure. I want to talk Alan just a quick one before we go a little words of comfort or whatever it's probably not the right word but empathy really I think for Sheffield Wednesday and their supporters you know gone into administration obviously which hopefully they can you know sort it all out but they've got a 12 point penalty they're now I think on minus six or something I understand why you know clubs have to suffer of repercussions, but I just think, I always think it's like kicking a club when it's down, when it's at his lowest.

38:28Alan Shearer:And we've had this with other clubs and I just, I don't know, it doesn't sit well. It's almost like the fans take the punishment.

38:36Gary Lineker:Yeah, through no fault of their own, the fans, because they're the constant. They're the ones that are always going to be there. But I do sense, as bad as it has been, and it has been horrific for them, but I do sense a bit of relief and they might have to suffer a little bit more but I guess they've now got their club back. I know they're in administration. Someone else will come in and hopefully buy the club and they probably have to be relegated so it is going to be a little bit more pain before it gets better but I guess even them taking the letters out of the stands with his name on their stand, I saw them doing that yesterday.

39:16Gary Lineker:even that relief to get rid of him out of the club and gone at least they can have a sort of a clean slate and try and look forward now as tough as it's going to be

39:25Alan Shearer:well let's hope they can find someone that's got the best interest of the club at heart to take them forward so yeah good luck to the Owls final word too on why we're on the championship on Coventry blimey unbeaten flying in the league

39:39Gary Lineker:they're not only winning games guys but they're actually battering teams and scoring like ridiculous amount of goals aren't they I think more than

39:47Alan Shearer:any other team in the E4

39:48Gary Lineker:three yesterday wasn't it 34 in total

39:52Alan Shearer:Alan

39:52Gary Lineker:is that what they've got 34 what a job he's doing Frank great to see isn't it so pleased for him actually

39:58Alan Shearer:me too because he's not only very thoughtful on the game he's also a top bloke lovely bloke I'd be so pleased and hopefully it could continue it's funny I thought at the end of last season they had that great run didn't they when they just missed out on the playoffs They got to the playoffs and then they missed out and they didn't quite make it through to the Premier League. But I thought to myself at the time, I think that was probably the best thing for, you know, probably for Coventry and for Frank. I know you want to go up, but I don't think they'd have been ready.

40:30Gary Lineker:Do you know what it is though, guys? What I think and what we've just been on about Sheffield Wednesday, look at the situation Coventry were in a few years ago. So if they're looking for something to look forward to, Hopefully, Coventry is an example that as bad as it gets for Sheffield Wednesday fans, there might be a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel. And in a few years' time, that might be them sitting at the top of the table and hoping to get back to the Premier League. But yeah, brilliant for Coventry.

40:57Alan Shearer:I remember being involved when Leicester went into administration. Really? Way back, way back, early 2000s. And 15 years, 16 years later, they won the league. So, Premier League. I'm not saying that's going to happen very much. A little bit of hope. Who knows? Who knows? Okay. Let's call it a day there, Alan. Alex has been out. The rest is football. Alex Algeo has been out in Madrid for the Clasico. Yeah. And she's done an interview with Rakitic, which we're going to put out on Wednesday. So I look forward to seeing that. I'll be back on Tuesday with the rest is football, La Liga with Alex, who's been out there at the game.

41:39Alan Shearer:So which Real Madrid? Madrid have won haven't they Madrid 1-2-1 it kicked off a little bit at the end as well as directed at Luminium Al some of the players were saying you're talking too much at him and it all got a little bit heated for a while as it often does in the Clasico so we'll have a bit to discuss on that but for now goodbye from me

42:01Gary Lineker:goodbye from me have a great week everyone

42:15Alan Shearer:This 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. Texts cost your donation plus standard network rate. See website for Ts and Cs. Thank you.