Best Opening Premier League Weekend Ever?

18:07Gary Lineker:You just wonder that though, don't you? I think you make a good point is that if because of the pushing that Barcelona have done and the reluctance from Atletico to say no. If we have to sell, we're not selling to you. So there just may be an opportunity, a small opportunity, a small window there for Arsenal to nab him, you would think, because I guess there's so much unrest with Barcelona because of what they've tried to do during the summer.

18:37Alan Shearer:It does look like he's going to go somewhere, though, particularly given the way he walked off at the end of the game for Atletico. and there'll be plenty of clubs would like Alvarez because he's, as we know from when he's Man City days as well, he was terrific. Next game for Arsenal is Villa, who obviously got thumped and they're in turmoil, which we'll come to in just a second. And then if you've got City, Chelsea, Liverpool and to a certain degree, Manchester United, all really in transition, particularly with managers. Arsenal are in a great place, Al. Great players.

19:12Gary Lineker:Yeah, they've built themselves up into a hugely positive situation. As you say, when everyone else is changing and pretty much starting to go again, Arsenal are there. They're ready. It's taken them a while to get there and they've built that themselves. So you've got to give them great credit for sticking with Arteta as they did. It all worked for them last season. And clearly everyone, all their challenges are looking at them knowing that they're the favourites. They're in the best position to go and do it again and even challenge in Europe again. So they've got an unbelievable opportunity for the next one, two, three, four years to go boof, to really stamp their authority.

19:57Alan Shearer:I always find it interesting. You said it earlier, Micah, the hardest thing is to retain it rather than win the first one. No, the hardest thing is to win the first one. Well, that's what I thought. And it wasn't, oh, could he retain it the hardest thing? Do you know what? It's one of those stupid expressions in football. I mean, obviously it's difficult to retain it, but that winning it after so long is definitely the more difficult of the two. It's like that other one when they say, two nil is the worst lead to have. Two goal lead is the worst. No, it's not. Because if you one nil up, they only need one to equal.

20:30It's like, who makes this shit up? Well, can you get the historians on the other pod to actually see if there's something in terms of the psychology of it?

20:39Alan Shearer:There's a psychology if you concede when you're 2-0 up that you don't want to concede again, but it's not as bad as the psychology of only being one up.

20:45Gary Lineker:It was the hardest thing for us at Blackburn to go and return it. We finished sixth, I think.

20:53Alan Shearer:Manchester City, talking about teams that win titles, they've won a lot. obviously a big change at the top and lots of changes in terms of where players are playing Michael what did you make of all that he did well he did well for a center midfield I'm talking about Gay here I'm just talking about Gay so for those who don't know Gay played center midfield and he did well for a defender playing in midfield but he didn't do well for a midfielder's standards that you set in a game. So if Gahey, you would think, if he's going to play midfield, you think he would just sit in front of, you know, Foden, or when Shirky came on, or Anderson.

21:36But when Anderson was on the ball, Gahey was getting into areas like a number 10. So every time Man City lost the ball, they had no one there to protect the back line. I was losing my mind. I was watching the game thinking, Gahey, surely that's not the tactic in this game. And I know Man City always have a lot of the ball. We know that. And I thought, oh, it's very clever here for Mureska. Is he using Gaye as a decoy to make runs so people have to follow him, would leave space for Anderson or Foden to get on the ball in the middle of the pitch? But that wasn't the case. He was the one getting forward.

22:13And in the second half, I will say he grew into the game. He did a few overlaps. And it was a good performance because then he scored from a set piece. but in terms of Man City going forward, you've gone from Rodri and Bernardo Silva to then see Gaye in midfield, who he is capable. He's got great feet, right foot, left foot. He's composed on the ball. But in terms of them moving forward, I don't want to see Gaye in midfield. He's a top-class centre-half. Put him at the back.

22:43Gary Lineker:Well, they're just about to sign Bawadi, aren't they? So I guess he'll be in that position, him and Anderson.

22:50Alan Shearer:Yeah, Boadis, that's a big sign. It's a lot of money for a young player north of 100 million, but he did look really, did look like a terrific, very exciting prospect.

23:04Gary Lineker:I did that first game in the World Cup and he was outstanding. He stood out against whoever he was in the midfield against, the way he was going to get the ball and collect the ball and had the belief in the confidence already. And there was no doubt. I think I even said it to you in commentary, it's just a matter of time before a big boy comes up and snaps him up. And they have done so. I think he'll do really well. I wonder in what direction Man City want to go. In what sense, Mike?

23:32Alan Shearer:What football sense or overall as a club? Just in the overall picture in terms of, you've gone from really experienced players and I know players need to move on. You know, I was sad to see Kevin De Bruyne go. I feel as though he could have done one more year. And then Bernardo Silva, he left when he was, what, turning 31. And he still had, you know, so much to give for Manchester City. And then Rodri goes. They're players that wanted to leave though, Mike. Not necessarily. Yeah, but yes. And Man City are very good in that way. If you don't want to stay, you know, the opener to leave, they will never stop a player from.

24:12But I just feel as though Rodri is so pivotal in what Man City want to do and how they want to play. I think going into the first game without a replacement per se, it was a little bit of a risk. Because you know how tight the Premier League's become now. You could lose three or four games and you're out of the title race, you know, because everyone's so competitive. And to go with the 18-year-old Boadi in midfield, yes, he's got so much ability, but it is a risk for him to come into Man City to then expect them to go win the league. With another midfielder who's come from Nottingham Forest, where obviously it's different.

24:57We're a team who's fighting for Conference League and a team that's going for the Premier League. He's got the ability. I'm Anderson's biggest fan. But the difference with those players, Rodri had a calmness and he had so much discipline. And we talked through the World Cup with Anderson. He's got everything. He can hold if he wants. He can attack. But he sort of always wants to jump, then leaves gaps. And what's made Man City so brilliant is they're always, or Rodri's always in the right position. And they've always got an option. So I just feel like it's a different looking Man City. If you look at Man City's squad, 18 months ago, we say Man City's got the best, not even squad, our best 11.

25:42But now if you're looking on paper, maybe they might just have the best 11, but Arsenal would be competing with that now. And for them to go from, yeah, Man City will win the league to, ooh, now they're bringing in 18 year olds and a new midfield. And yes, you have to move on. But I feel like there's been too much change too soon. And that could effectively cost them for the league this season.

26:10Alan Shearer:Well, Anderson came off with a niggle as well. I do like Bawadi, but I understand what you're saying. Because he does look like he's got that sort of calmness in there as well. But very, very inexperienced at this level. And to be honest, at the beginning of this season, I just think whoever was in charge of Manchester City, it's going to be so hard. You know, like following Wenger at Arsenal, like following Ferguson after all those years at Manchester United. It's like, it's DNA's all over that club, Pep Guardiola. And then someone comes in. Do you know what? It was so important they turned that around against Bournemouth.

26:47Alan Shearer:I thought Bournemouth did really well and absolutely gutted probably to not at least get a point. But that turnaround, I think, was so big for Maresco. Otherwise, they go into the next game having lost the community shield. I know it's not the biggest game in the world, but then to lose an opening game at home and automatically, not just the fans, but the players come in and they're going, it's a bit different. It's not Pep Guard. Even if it's subconscious, that sort of stuff would have inevitably happened after Wenger, would inevitably have happened after Fergie. So I think, I mean, I think it's the job, the job to have at Manchester City is probably the job after the one after Pep Guardiola.

27:30Alan Shearer:But I mean, Maresco is obviously a talented coach, but it will be really fascinating to see if he can keep it. We saw obviously after Klopp, they went on to win the league and then it gradually dipped away. So let's see how he goes. Wish him well with it, but big boots to fill. Let's take a little breather and discuss some of the other big games that we've had over the opening weekend of the season, including, of course, Alan, that heartbreaking, but at the same time, encouraging performance from Newcastle.

28:10Alan Shearer:OK, so we didn't win the World Cup but that doesn't mean we can't have a party Me, Alan and Micah are back from New York and looking forward to the start of a new domestic season but we wanted to have a night out with as many of you as possible to talk football and have a bit of fun So if you fancy coming to see The Rest is Football live We're doing the show at London's Royal Festival Hall on Friday, September the 4th. Wear your new shirts and come with your new season optimism. Tickets available at therestisfootball.com.

28:50Alan Shearer:Welcome back to The Rest is Football with Alan Shearer, Micah Richards and me, Gary Lineker. I want to put the next two games together. So Brentford beating Spurs by three goals to nil and Villa losing at Brighton by four goals to nil. And I look at Villa and they've sold a lot of players and it's similar circumstances perhaps to Newcastle. We can also... When should we have the rant? I think you can go with your rant now, Alan, but I'm just going to say Spurs bought in a few players and obviously they didn't all play, but they were really poor. So terrible starts for Villa and Spurs. But for Villa, you've got to feel some kind of sympathy.

29:35Alan Shearer:I think the reaction by Unai Emery when he just went, silence, I think said a lot. Sometimes silence does say a lot. And the PSR rules, are we now just protecting the elite because Man City continue to spend, I know they sell players. Chelsea continue to spend. I know they sell players. Liverpool continue to spend. But clubs like Newcastle that get new money and let's say Aston Villa have been successful, relatively speaking. Is it fair, Alan? No, it's not. Before you go, Al, though, just for context, who decides the PSR rules? Is that all the clubs or not? But how did they come into play? Because that's the only thing I actually don't understand.

30:27Alan Shearer:I imagine it's with the Premier League, it has to be voted for by 14 clubs. And that would have been the case back in the day. So really, before you go on your rant, and I'm totally with you, Baisa, it's decided by 14 clubs. So the clubs did want it to start with. It's like essentially like VAR. Oh, we need to sort this out. We need to sort it out. We've got it and we don't like it. I think it was brought in for the right reasons. because obviously we've seen clubs overspend, get themselves in massive trouble, end up, you know, in danger of hitting the wall. So I think they brought it in for the right reasons, but I think now it's not necessarily used for the right.

31:07Alan Shearer:If you've got a club that is actually completely financially viable, yet they've got massive restraints. Now, I don't love and never have loved clubs owned by states, for example. but that train left the station a long time ago.

31:24Gary Lineker:It's anti-competitive. It has to be. I mean, come on, look at the two clubs that have threatened to challenge over the last four or five years, both Newcastle and Aston Villa. Look at what's happened to them. Not only this season, last season when Newcastle had to sell, I don't know, Elliot Anderson, for example. And you can go so far, You can maybe have a sustained challenge for three or four years as what happened, threatened to break into the top six, if you like, and upset the top six. But then after the three or four years, you then have to comply with it. I mean, how is it fair that Aston Villa, look at this summer, just so I'm not using Newcastle as an example, or I easily could.

32:12Gary Lineker:Look what they're selling. I mean, they've sold Concer, they've sold Tielemans, sold Morgan Rodgers. I mean, it's like... Looks like Ollie Watkins is maybe going to Saudi. It's like, come on, they're their best players and have been for a number of years. And yet Newcastle, you've got to sell Bruno Gimera. You're selling them to the top clubs. I mean, you bring these clubs in and you take a gamble on paying a fee for them. Okay, you're getting very, very good fees back. But they're just coming in and taking all your best players and say you've had a little look into the big house and then all of a sudden get back to where you belong, into your position.

32:48Gary Lineker:There's no way we're allowing you to come in and challenge us. And yeah, you're right. I do agree that the rules were brought in for the right reasons. But Man City wouldn't be at the table given the current circumstances. Chelsea wouldn't be at the table given the current circumstances or current laws, would they? These clubs have benefited from where Villa want to go and where Newcastle want to go. The rules were brought in to stop clubs going bankrupt. I get that and understand that. But when you've got clubs who are financially viable and who can, I guess, put a levy that they'll say, if we decide to leave, then that lump sum is there for the football club in three or five years.

33:29Gary Lineker:And I just think, I don't like it at all. I do think it's anti-competitive. It's a pathetic rule, though, anyway. And that's why I asked at the start who agreed to going into it. Yes, you've explained the reasons why to protect clubs. You don't want to see clubs going bankrupt. But take Man United, for example. They generate the most revenue. So they can spend the most on players. So it's ridiculous anyway. I don't understand why people would sign up to that. These clubs can make as many mistakes as they want. I mean, look at the signings that Man United have made over the last five or six years.

34:07Gary Lineker:How many bad signings, the money they've chucked away. and they're hundreds of millions, maybe billions in debt. I know they're the biggest club in the world. I know, I understand all that. Look at Tottenham, look at the mistakes that they've made. And I know that they sell and they do whatever, but it's just not right that these clubs can make so many errors, yet Newcastle have to, their recruitment has to be amazing and Newcastle's has up until last summer. And that's where they've done really, really well in their recruitment. and Aston Villa have done exactly the same and got a brilliant coach.

34:42Gary Lineker:These clubs can't afford to make mistakes in the transfer market yet. The so-called big six can make as many mistakes as they want. They'll say, OK, fine, and we'll just go again. We'll just go and spend another£100 million and we'll buy one of your players.

34:57Alan Shearer:I totally agree with you, Alan. I think it's got to the stage now where clubs can't compete with the top six and that's not right. Well, it's a Super League in its own right, isn't it? It is exactly that in a sense. All the other teams now, as soon as you have one amazing season, then you can challenge for a year or two and then you've got it offload. It just doesn't really make too much sense in that aspect. And while we're on this particular subject, we should go on to another one that I don't, was there a VAR intervention at all over the weekend? I think obviously a couple of offsides, but we get that.

35:40Alan Shearer:That's automated. That's far.

35:41Gary Lineker:Refreshing, wasn't it?

35:42Alan Shearer:Oh, my word. They weren't getting involved. And I know they've come out and said that's what they're going to do. It won't last, I hasten to add, because after three or four weeks, people complain whether he should have had a penalty. And then that bar is really, really high at the moment. Just fucking keep it there, right? Because I know for a fact within a month that will change because this has been stated at the start of every season.

36:09Gary Lineker:As much as I wanted it to come in and change the decision at Newcastle yesterday with that penalty, it wasn't enough to overturn it. It was soft, but the ref gave it. So I accept that. And I just hope that, as you say, I really hope it continues because it was refreshing over the weekend from Friday till Sunday night to see the referees refereeing the game and no huge controversies. So, yeah, let's hope it stays that way.

36:36Alan Shearer:It's funny, a little bit of proof that football's probably better without VAR.

36:40Gary Lineker:But, you know, back to Aston Villa, I mean, Brighton were brilliant, the press and everything else, the bits that I saw. I mean, the Ollie Watkins situation, I don't know whether you guys will tell me something different, but it sounds as if he didn't want to play, if you believe Unai Emery, because he wanted that. He wants that move to Saudi Arabia. On top of all the players that they've had to sell, I mean, unbelievable. No one would have predicted what would have happened yesterday there at Brighton, would they?

37:12Alan Shearer:You could see that. You could see that coming. Interesting, though, we talk about while we're on the PSR thing, the two results that Brentford beat in Spurs and Brighton beat in Villa. They are two examples of, you know, the way they run it with the data systems and all that stuff. They do seem to be very, very well-run football clubs in that sense and get the best out of what they can with their particular budget, even though they're probably restricted. But obviously with clubs like Brighton and Brentford, you can never see them actually realistically being giants of the game. I would like to know how the clubs feel about that.

37:54So if you didn't have PSR and you didn't have that protection in place, Would the bigger clubs just spend even more?

38:00Gary Lineker:It's SCR now, isn't it? Squad cost ratio, I think that's what it's saying. But would they spend even more, the bigger clubs, Al? You know, because we're saying that they don't want to let... Because I agree with what you're saying, but I think would Brentford and Brighton still do it the same way, probably? Yeah, I'm sure they would, yeah, because that model works for them as a football club and it's worked really, really well.

38:26Alan Shearer:Economically, it works. because obviously they're relatively small in terms of the capacities of the ground and they have to be sensible and manage their finances well.

38:35Gary Lineker:Look at the money that Brighton have brought in in terms of for their recruitment and how they've done it and how they do it. And Brentford, I mean, look at, I know it's very early, I know it's only his first game, but the signing of Sangari, wasn't it, Mamadou Sangari, 39 million quid they've got him for. They've nicked him. I mean, it's like brilliant for Brentford and he was absolutely superb. And he was last season, wasn't he, as well. But for them to sign him and the way he destroyed the Spurs midfield at the weekend was so impressive. So they have to get it right. But their model has worked for them superbly well.

39:13But why are the bigger clubs not using that model as well then? Surely they must have... Because you think Man City and United and Chelsea, Liverpool, they must have some sort of model like that as well though, right?

39:27Gary Lineker:Of course they do. They've all got these stats and everything else that they go with it. They'll have all that, won't they? There's a unique system. There's as unique, isn't it? Brighton and Brentford. I think Hearts as well now, because Brighton owner bought Hearts as well, didn't they?

39:41Alan Shearer:I think clubs like that can do that. But if you're doing that at Manchester United, fans are going to go. you need big names it's like Real Madrid Barcelona Manchester United Arsenal all these the fans want big names players that they they recognise and know but I don't see why it couldn't work with with the big I'm sure they do a lot of that now I'm sure all the clubs do by the way how good were

40:07Gary Lineker:Brentford against Tottenham

40:08Alan Shearer:so good weren't they

40:11Gary Lineker:blitzed them they did the apps the embarrassed Spurs actually they just hit them as if to say we'll just come on after you, their energy. Not only was it their pressing and everything else, the way they played, they just got the balance and the mix right, played football and very good football at the time. They went direct when they had to go direct. They got their pressing right. They looked fit. They looked strong. It was like men against boys, Brentford against Spurs at the weekend.

40:39Alan Shearer:Keith Andrews, I mean, he came in, didn't he, following Thomas Frank at the start of last season. And I think, you know, most pundits had possibly Brentford to struggle or go down. And as we all know, all the Brentford fans have had their say, I'm quite right too. It was Sunderland as well. Sunderland as well. Last season. Well, I think Alan's on it every day. Anyway.

41:02Gary Lineker:What about Spurs though, lads? Oh, don't, don't. I mean, they spent an absolute fortune, haven't they? I know they've sold as well, but they've paid a lot of money for players and they're about to get Savino as well for a lot of money. Appearing a lot of money out. Yeah, but I think that was just one of them games where a lot of new players they've not gelled yet. You can't tell me Tonali's not going to be a good signing. You can't tell me Sanessi's not going to be good. Van Hecker, yeah, didn't have the greatest game but these players are good players. I think they need something more. Need a forward.

41:39Gary Lineker:They definitely need a top centre forward. They've got Richarlison.

41:42Alan Shearer:well they've got Savino Marmouche Marmouche looks like going as well so and I know he didn't get too much of a looking at Manchester City but did show up on occasions and it's difficult for him there because obviously they have Haaland and no one's ever getting ahead of Haaland unless he's injured so I think they've got good additions coming in and we expect to see a lot better because I think De Zerbe is a really good coach but it was a shocking start to the season Don't you think all their players are the same though? So you would say Tell's like a forward. You would say Richarlison's a forward, but not quite a number nine.

42:22Then Savino's obviously a winger. Mamouche is a forward, but not really a number nine. They've only really got Solanke. Don't you think all the players are very similar in the spaces they want to operate? I feel like they need a proper... Solanke, yes, he's been injured. I think he needs some help up there. I feel like they need another proper number nine.

42:44Gary Lineker:Good luck. There's not many of them around. How many clubs are we going to say that about having a proper number nine?

42:50Alan Shearer:We're a dying breed, Al. We're a dying breed. Right, here we go out. What was it like at St. James' yesterday? Actually, let's start on St. James' part with that amazing, amazing display by the fans and the football club towards, obviously, Kevin Keegan. And that Kevin, we lost, didn't we, after the World Cup. So we haven't had the chance to talk about that. You know, one of the true greats of football in this country, a wonderful human being. I met him a few times. I know you were very close to him, and obviously you played for him. I mean, he was a very, very special man, great energy, incredibly likable, and a wonderful talent.

43:33Alan Shearer:And he got a send-off yesterday. and it was so lovely that it was Newcastle against Liverpool, wasn't it? It's amazing. As well and both sets of fans joined in. It was really quite emotional.

43:43Gary Lineker:Yeah, it was so sad because after the World Cup final and then waking up on the Monday morning to that news was like, wow, God, goodness me. I think it hit everyone so hard. But I thought yesterday, I mean, Liverpool fans and the Newcastle fans came together, gave him a great send-off. I mean, the atmosphere was, it was so emotional. Just listening to the fans singing and what war flags did for around the ground and how they set it up was amazing. And Newcastle and Liverpool did really, really well in terms of that. Everyone came together and it was beforehand. It's so weird how it worked out, isn't it?

44:26Gary Lineker:Newcastle v Liverpool, first game of the season. I know. And it was a brilliant game. I mean, it was probably the result that I guess he might have wanted, or he probably would have edged Newcastle. But it was a great game of football. What was he like to play for? He was brilliant. He was just one of these. Well, I played for him for Newcastle only for six months, obviously signed for him. And then I played with him when he was the England manager. And he was just infectious. He was just one of these guys that gave you so much energy. and he just wanted you to go out and play. He wanted you to go and entertain and that's what he wanted.

45:06Gary Lineker:He would much prefer to try and win a game 4-3 or 3-2 than sit and have a point or take a point. Yeah, that was his attitude. He wore his heart on his sleeve. He was down to earth. He was as honest as they come and he was just so infectious. His personality, his enthusiasm for life and for football was second to none. So it was so sad, but it was the send-off that both clubs gave him yesterday. It was brilliant.

45:36Alan Shearer:Do you know what I wish on these things? I know it can't happen. When someone goes with the status of Kevin Keegan, I just wish he had given him one more day so he could have seen that.

45:50Gary Lineker:I think in Newcastle's defence, Gary, I think they've tried to do that for a while, but whether it was Kevin not wanting to come back for whatever reason, I'm not quite sure. I think he was due to come very early in this season. I know that. But they have tried to give him something beforehand. And for whatever reason, he couldn't. He didn't, whether he didn't want to come or he couldn't make it or what. I know there was a bit of animosity with the previous owner. But they did try and do something for him beforehand.

46:21Alan Shearer:I didn't mean it as a criticism of Newcastle. I just meant if life just gave you one more day, for him to have witnessed the love and affection from everyone it would have been

46:34Gary Lineker:he would have loved the match yesterday he would have I mean Micah you were there I saw you I was trying to text and you were just ignoring me but he was he would have loved the match because it was a great game great atmosphere wasn't it Micah oh it was amazing and you know who I met one of your mates Asplitter oh yeah crazy I had a drink with him at half time He's a cool guy, isn't he? And his little hat on and his little glasses. But yeah, the atmosphere was brilliant. You know, when Isak touched the ball, I don't think I've heard boos that loud in my whole life. And I'm not exaggerating. I've been to the part of France where that was tasty.

47:18I've been to Madrid. The Manchester derbies, always tasty. but I've never heard boos like that in my life you'd have heard even bigger ones if he'd have had the balls to take the penalty

47:32Gary Lineker:I was thinking I was thinking come on go and take the penalty what have you got go and grab the ball and take the penalty Isak

47:41Alan Shearer:I think that was the right decision from Liverpool not to give it in because that pressure would have been enormous I was thinking surely not surely not I wanted him to go

47:52Gary Lineker:and take it I was thinking come on, you've been absolutely bad. Let's see what you've got. Go and grab the ball and take the penalty.

47:59Alan Shearer:I bet as soon as you sitting in the stand-down and saw Sibodzla taking it, you thought, oh no, he's going to score. I know, yeah. What a penalty it was, by the way.

48:05Gary Lineker:He nearly got to it as well. I mean, crikey. Top being, there was no way the keeper was stopped. I was actually, I'll take that every single week from Newcastle. I'll take the effort, I'll take the commitment, the passion, the honesty. Because let's not forget, by the way, You know, as much as we're getting angry about Newcastle selling those players, those players that Newcastle sold didn't have the best season last season. Newcastle finished 12th. So Gordon didn't have a good season. Tonali didn't have a good season. Bruno Gameraj, yes, he was the captain. Wasn't brilliant last season. So all those players that we've sold and got brilliant money for, there had to be a reset at Newcastle.

48:46Gary Lineker:There had to be. And I think at times, as much as positive as it was yesterday, I still think we're going to have to have patience this season with Newcastle.

48:56Alan Shearer:When have you ever had patience? Well, I know that's the thing.

48:58Gary Lineker:But I'll take that. What they gave us yesterday. I'll take that every week. I'll take that. What they gave us yesterday, Alan. I'll take that.

49:04Alan Shearer:I love what Newcastle did yesterday. This is obviously taking the game, the modern game, and taking it even further forward. They wore a kit yesterday that was a QR code, right? So, no, I've talked to the people at Newcastle, And they said, what they're going to do is, once they settle into this new kit, is in September onwards, people can go onto the QR code and decide who they should substitute.

49:33Alan Shearer:Come on. But an encouraging start, Alan. And a line on Liverpool, Micah? Yeah, just quickly on Newcastle, the manager, I think it's how you put it, Gessler?

49:45Gary Lineker:Gessler. Gessler. I've heard Gessler and I've heard Gessler. Yaisler, isn't it? Yaisler.

49:50Alan Shearer:We're probably all Mars off it. He's impressive, by the way. We interviewed him after the game and he's got a confidence, which is not arrogance, but he's got a belief and he's bought into what the project is at Newcastle. He didn't moan about the players that he'd lost. He sort of talked about the young players who he was stirring, Miley, in midfield. A lot of managers would have come out afterwards and said, oh, you know, well, with what we had and this is all we could do. He didn't. He was just positive by the way. I thought Dedic, the right back, was good who come in. How good's Miley? Miley was really good.

50:32Wisser.

50:33Alan Shearer:Lovely footballer. I thought Wisser going from the number 10 and then to the number nine in the game, all the sort of worries from last season now seem to have, oh, seem to be behind him. Obviously he played well at the World Cup. you had Alanga who scored the goal God he's quick he's right he's absolutely rapid so there was loads of positives for Newcastle but there was he was realistic in his approach and what he was saying which was very refreshing a line on on Liverpool not very good in terms of the stats they're actually very good but I don't buy into them stats I think their XG was something like 2.7 something.

51:18And I think they had like 60 % possession in the game. But they don't have the balance right in midfield yet to be a title challenging team. I think they've got some very good players. Verts needs to do a little bit more. A little bit more. Yeah, well, he needs to do a lot more. It's first game of the season, you know? Let's judge him after 10 games. but I want to see more from Virts this season. So Bosla is a top player in terms of what Liverpool want. Graven Birch, he's also a very good player, but they're not filling in for each other. They're all going at the same time. So they need to sort that out.

51:59Maybe they need to look at another midfielder. Xhaka, the defender, I like him, but I didn't think he played too well. He looked like the first game in the Premier League, still young. I want a little bit more from Fring Pong. Obviously at Leverkusen, he was playing wing back. But when he used to go forward, it used to be devastating. Now when he goes forward, it looks like he's sort of second guessing himself a little bit.

52:23Alan Shearer:Is there anything in this that, I mean, when players come from the Bundesliga to the Premier League, there's so few of them actually excel. Yeah, but I thought because of his pace, he would fit right in the Premier League, you know? He's very fit and he's got that pace. So I thought it'd be perfect for him. but obviously I've talked about it before on the pod playing right back and playing wing back is different he's actually more suited to wing back definitely take people up and he can be a little higher up the pitch and get into the areas where he wants to be I don't know if he's trying to cover too much ground to get into the the positions he needs to to get that assist or get a goal but he can he can do a lot more Kerkhez is a shadow of a player that it was at Bournemouth I feel like all these players they've got good names on paper but you want you want a lot more from all of them yeah it'd be interesting to see if Iriola can bring out the best in all of them particularly Kirk as he knows him obviously very well from his Bournemouth days okay let's call it a day there we're off and running lads we're back it's very good to be back isn't it it's great to be back Michael if you would have

53:29Gary Lineker:answered your phone yesterday I wanted to take you out for dinner last night in Newcastle oh yeah that old chestnut man if you answer your phone answer your text message and stop being fucking rude Well, in a 60 ,000 stadium where there's no reception. Yeah, brilliant. You know you could have texted me two hours before, oh, do you fancy going for dinner after the game? Chappers replies to his text. I was texting him during and after the game, and he said, I'll count you. You should have told me. I would have given you the Wi-Fi code.

53:58Alan Shearer:Or the QR code. Or the QR code. Gents, thank you very much. We'll be back on Wednesday with a question and answer episode. but for now goodbye from me goodbye from me

54:10Gary Lineker:goodbye from me

54:11Alan Shearer:have a great week it's Netflix baby