Derby Delight For Sunderland, City Are Back & Maresca Vs The Owners

15 Dec 2025 · 54 min · 21 chapters

Ask about this episode

Ask anything about it. ChatGPT or Claude reads this page and answers with the times it was said.

Connect VO and ask about every podcast you hear, including the moments you saved. Add to ChatGPT · Add to Claude

In short

The Rest is Football (after Sunday games) discusses several Premier League talking points: Newcastle’s poor derby at Sunderland, Manchester City’s return to form, Arsenal’s need to diversify beyond Bukayo Saka, Tottenham’s struggles under pressure, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah situation, and Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca’s cryptic comments about “the owners.” They also review Nottingham Forest’s comfortable win over Everton, plus individual performers like Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, Harry Wilson, and Leicester’s Abdul Fatawu.

Guests

Micah Richards (former England defender/Manchester City player; hosts alongside Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker), Alan Shearer (former England striker/Newcastle player; leads analysis), and Gary Lineker (former England striker; co-host). The episode includes no additional guest interviewees.

Key claims

Newcastle lacked energy and “competed” poorly; Sunderland’s fans and high-intensity approach won. “Crossing is officially back,” citing City’s Haaland header and Arsenal’s heavy cross volume. Arsenal are too reliant on Saka’s right-sided threat. Chelsea’s Maresca likely criticizes owner support/protection. Salah’s handling by Slot/Liverpool appears mature.

Notable examples

Walter “Volta”/Matta goal for Sunderland; Haaland’s far-post header; Morgan Rogers’ two goals vs West Ham; Arsenal’s late winner vs Wolves; Vicario/Spurs error leading to defeat; Salah’s bench cameo and applause; Eketike’s impact; Harry Wilson’s goal and two assists for Burnley; Fatawu’s “Puskas contender” Leicester goal.

Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.

Chapters

Tap a time to open that second in VO

Match of the Day Reflections

3:05 to 4:35

Hosts discuss their experiences on Match of the Day following recent games.

“And then we were on at 20 past 10 and then at 10 o 'clock it was like frantic because the goals had gone in.”

Derby Disappointment for Newcastle

4:35 to 7:19

Alan Shearer expresses frustration over Newcastle's performance in a derby match.

“You were working today, so you and then not for the last game.”

Sunderland's Victory Celebration

7:19 to 8:41

Discussion about Sunderland's impressive performance against Newcastle and their spirited fans.

“I think that's the loudest I've heard this season.”

Newcastle's Tactical Issues

8:41 to 11:15

Analysis of Newcastle's tactics and player performances during the derby.

“Sat back, 4-5-1, no pressure on the ball, nothing.”

Sunderland's Season Overview

11:15 to 13:21

Discussing Sunderland's current season performance and manager's contributions.

“We accepted the way they play with the long balls.”

Wrap-Up of Derby Discussions

13:21 to 14:00

Final thoughts on the derby match before moving on to other topics.

“I mean, at the start of the season, we all said Sunderland, as is always the case, pretty much.”

Sunderland's Brilliant Season

14:00 to 14:15

Discussion on Sunderland's current strong performance in the league.

“and then go out and fight and scrap in the way they did.”

Manchester City’s Comeback

14:15 to 15:03

Analysis of Manchester City's resurgence and Haaland's impact on the team.

“Yair Rapinoe had some good chances to score.”

Phil Foden's Exceptional Form

15:03 to 17:50

Exploration of Phil Foden's performance and development in recent matches.

“Philippe, I want to say it, Philippe fucking Foden.”

The Art of Crossing

17:50 to 19:50

Discussion on the resurgence of crossing in football and its significance.

“That's the same Negroni that you used to play up front with Ribaldi.”
Show all 21 chapters

Haaland's Unique Scoring Ability

19:50 to 21:04

Insight into Haaland's ability to score despite minimal touches during games.

“Alan, when you send him that pic, can you make sure it doesn't go in the group chat and you just send it to my person and thank you personal request there.”

Arsenal's Title Challenge

21:04 to 23:18

Examination of Arsenal's current position in the league and key players' performances.

“And that late, late winner was huge for them.”

Wolves vs Arsenal Analysis

23:18 to 27:29

A detailed look at the recent match between Wolves and Arsenal, highlighting key moments.

“Because if that doesn't go in, all of a sudden it gets a little bit, everyone's saying, oh, Arsenal are going to choke, all that sort of stuff.”

Grassroots Football's Impact

28:00 to 28:54

Explore how grassroots football shapes careers and community involvement.

“And don't forget, they ended up being the biggest ever commercial investors in UK women's sport when they started sponsoring the Barclays Women's Super League.”

Weekend Match Recap: Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham

30:56 to 37:35

Insights into the recent match between Nottingham Forest and Tottenham.

“We didn't really talk about one of the Sunday games which was quite an important result for both teams really.”

Mohamed Salah's Situation at Liverpool

37:35 to 42:01

Discussion on Salah's recent performance and relationship with the club.

“Mo may have apologized for his slightly emotional outburst.”

The Isak and Eketike Discussion

42:01 to 44:35

Exploring the potential and decisions surrounding Newcastle's transfer moves.

“then I think there's always going to be issues.”

Mareska's Challenges at Chelsea

44:36 to 47:44

Analyzing Mareska's comments and the challenges he faces with club ownership.

“Let's finish off with quite interesting, comfortable victory for Chelsea.”

Harry Wilson's Stellar Performance

47:45 to 50:49

Highlighting Harry Wilson's impressive contributions in recent matches.

“or maybe the fans have one or two minds that he wants a bit more protection from the owners.”

Abdul Fatahou's Stunning Goal

50:50 to 53:08

Discussing Abdul Fatahou's standout goal and his potential.

“He's doing insufferably well, I have to say, unfortunately.”

Harry Kane's Goal-Scoring Feats

53:09 to 53:59

Reviewing Harry Kane's remarkable goal-scoring record in Germany.

“because he's playing in Germany, we don't always mention him.”
Hear the part that matters, and keep it.Open this episode in VO. Double tap your headphones to save a moment as you listen.
Get VO free

Transcript

Automatic transcript. May contain errors.

0:00Alan 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.

0:17Gary Lineker:And reliable too. Not one of those fair weather players who go missing in December.

0:22Alan 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.

0:44Gary Lineker:And when you sign up for their fixed rates, your energy prices hold their shape, even as the nights turn colder and the title race heats up.

0:53Alan 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. And if you fancy getting involved, sign up with the code FOOTBALL for the chance to get a shout out on the pod and throw your own question at us next time.

1:26Somewhere out there is a Chevy truck. And the person who drives it, well, that's a Chevy person. You probably know one. Your buddy. Your sister. Ones who always show up. They're the first to rise, the last to leave. They always have that little extra something. And maybe you've got it too. Chevrolet. Together let's drive. Visit chevy.com slash trucks to explore the lineup.

1:54Spring starts at The Home Depot, and we are bringing the heat to your backyard this season. Fire up the flavor with our wide variety of grills for under$300, like the next grill four-burner gas grill that's perfect for hosting your spring cookout. Then set the scene and turn your outdoor space into the go-to spot the patio sets for every budget.

2:12Alan Shearer:Bring it this season with grills that deliver flavor and patios that set the vibe from The Home Depot. Start your spring with low prices guaranteed at The Home Depot. Exclusions apply to HomeDepot.com slash price match for details. Every soda's got something to say. Colas brag. Probiotics give TED Talks. Then there's Mr. Pibb. No pitch, no promises. Just bold cherry bringing the flavour. Bold kick of cherry. Hey yo, Mr. Pibb. Hello and welcome to The Rest is Football with Micah Richards, Alan Shearer and me, Gary Lineker, recording this after the games on Sunday. Alan, I saw you doing Match of the Day last night, just the four games, but there's plenty to talk about.

2:55Gary Lineker:Yeah, did match of the day yesterday with Danny Murphy with five minutes to go and that late game Arsenal were last. In the running order. In the running order. And then we were on at 20 past 10 and then at 10 o 'clock it was like frantic because the goals had gone in. They then started at one. For one minute they were leading and top analysis was like, oh my God, because there was hardly an analysis because it was last, we didn't have to do a lot. And then all of a sudden, it was shoved right up the running order and we're scrambling around to get some analysis. And Danny had got some crossing analysis of where they got 30 crosses in or something like that.

3:35Gary Lineker:So he very kindly gave me that because I really wasn't doing analysis in that game because that was going to be Danny's. But because then the running order changed so much, they were on second and he was doing the Liverpool game. So he was then thinking, well, he can't do Liverpool and then Arsenal. tour. It was bonkers. Yeah, bonkers. Yeah, I know what that's like.

3:53Alan Shearer:Those late kickoffs on Saturdays, because they're often a big game and you think maybe it'll lead the show and then you're thinking actually quite suits as if it's a bit boring editorially because it gives you time to do a proper edit of the game. And yeah, I know exactly what it is. It's a bit like one of those midweek ones where you... Mad. Yeah, it's mental. It was. Who was editing the show, Al?

4:16Gary Lineker:Rich. Oh, Rich was there. Yeah, Rich was there. And then we had the Maresca bit as well, where Maresca came out in his press conference and came out with this cryptic clue, which was clearly... Welcome to that. Which we had to go big into that as well. So yeah, there was loads to talk about, even though there was only four games.

4:34Alan Shearer:Absolutely, Micah. You were working today, so you and then not for the last game. I have to say you didn't miss much. It wasn't a thriller. The Brentford game. I was on air at 12.30, finish that fall for half a day for me you love those days you love those days I feel great I feel good slight little change in the hair the barnet haven't you oh yeah I'm growing it out hard I yeah yeah I can see that but you've still got a nice trim at the top you've definitely had it done this morning yeah what do you mean

5:10Gary Lineker:you're growing it out what are you growing out my hair what do you mean you're growing it out if you had some you might know I had those I had those problems one day.

5:20Alan Shearer:You're growing it out. Okay. He was 15 at the time. He was 15 at the time. Okay, let's talk about the first bite delivered by Uber Eats. And my apologies, Alan, but it has to be the time where Derby and you seemed a little bit grumpy on the group chat earlier on. You okay? Are you over it?

5:39Gary Lineker:No, I wasn't. Newcastle were dreadful. They were rotten. And I was really shocked at how bad they were because, I mean, That is pathetic in any game, let alone in a derby game. Seriously, you're going to play in the biggest game of the season at your rivals and you've heard all the players all week. We know how much it means to the fans and we're going to do this and we're going to do that. Well, lads, they did nothing. They were awful, honestly. And Eddie made some big calls team-wise and I thought Eddie got it wrong as well. These players who we picked didn't perform for him. Alanga was awful Gordon was awful Valtomato was awful and they offered nothing in forward positions stop laughing you two dickheads sorry Cono you pair of I wish I could say that word

6:30Alan Shearer:I would call you that now I mean it's just I just love you I love that you care so much it's lovely it's very refreshing that's all there was just there was no desire

6:40Gary Lineker:there was no energy there was no it was nothing you go away to Sunderland and who aren't a great team and after half an hour Sunderland had about 70 % possession as if I was thinking am I missing something here are we going away to Arsenal or Man City here we're going away to Sunderland okay they're hard to beat at home they're really well organised they're above you in the table they're above us on the table yeah but come on it's not they're not Barcelona or Real Madrid are we going to have a pop at them or what have a go at least there was nothing from Newcastle it was really really awful can't we give a bit of credit to Sunderland yeah they were they deserved to win they had the they were up for the fight they had the energy they won every second ball they won every challenge well done yeah Newcastle were terrible what about the fans though what fans Newcastle ones they were brilliant weren't they we've mentioned atmospheres at grounds Liverpool being excellent your Geordie boys Newcastle brilliant especially on Champions League nights.

7:43But Sunderland today, wow. I think that's the loudest I've heard this season. Heard what? The fans? Are you hard of hearing? The fans, the Sunderland fans today were absolutely incredible. Going to that place is like a fortress. Every tackle was cheered by the fans. didn't give Newcastle a minute to breathe on the ball that was an amazing performance tactically all the tactics went out the window it was just about who wanted it more and yes the goal was an on goal by Walter Mata great header great header Michael come on I did feel sorry for him because I'm thinking you know when you the night before a big game and you sort of imagine how things are going to go oh I want to get the winner I can be the hero you know and then he scores an old goal like that I mean I don't know how he's going to sleep you mentioned

8:44Gary Lineker:Volta Mada as good as he's been in the goals he scored and lovely technique and touch it is a difficult problem that Newcastle have with him because and I've met this is not the first time I've said it technically very good ball at his feet very good albeit he wasn't today but he does pose a problem for Newcastle because he can't press everything about Newcastle's success over the recent years that Eddie's brought into it is about energy, high press, not letting the opposition play. Did you see us today? Did you see us today? Sat back, 4-5-1, no pressure on the ball, nothing. And that's a bit of a problem for Newcastle because he hasn't got great energy.

9:27Gary Lineker:He's not quick. He's got other strengths that he brings, but everything about Newcastle's success hasn't been about that. It's been about energy and about high press. And he can't do that. And that's one of the reasons, I'm not saying it's the full reason, but that's one of the reasons why Newcastle have struggled away from home. Yeah, but you've got to be able to adapt though, Al. Volta Marder's a very good player. He's got very good technique for a big man. He brings people into play, drops in their pockets of space that we've mentioned so often on Match of the Day and on this pod as well. he's coming into the derby for the first time he probably didn't know what hit him he didn't get a second Ballard was all over him all over him I'll take your wider point about Newcastle are the best being aggressive on that counter attack Murphy I thought he missed Murphy today you mentioned Alanga I think Murphy's been brilliant just before you go on that was another big surprise I mean I think another one that Eddie got wrong today because Alanga has been poor at Newcastle.

10:30Gary Lineker:He's carrying a heavy price tag through no fault of his own. Hasn't played well. One or two on his back. And I thought for Eddie to put him in in the biggest pressurised situation in the Derby game away ahead of Murphy, I thought that backfired as well.

10:47Alan Shearer:It seems that Bruno Guimara largely agrees with you, Alan. I've got some quotes that have just come out here. I'm very angry. I'm so embarrassed and I'm so frustrated. There was no crossing, no passing and no shooting, no nothing. It was a mess in my opinion. We know we have a better team than them, Sunderland, but we didn't play like the better team. It was a mess. The consistency isn't there. The mentality isn't there. We didn't compete. The fans expect and deserve better. We accepted the way they play with the long balls. You need to compete in a derby. And we didn't. We only have one way we can go from here and that's winning in a few days.

11:26Alan Shearer:So he seems to concur with you, Alan. Yeah. I prefer you talking on the pitch, by the way,

11:33Gary Lineker:rather than off it. The only consistent thing about Newcastle is their inconsistency.

11:38Alan Shearer:I mean, it's mad how you change. You were singing their praises a week ago, Mike. I remember saying, oh, we're back with this, with that. I love how affection moved. It's great. The bluster game. But it's real. It's real. He's real. He's a proper fan. That's how we are. I really love the passion. I love the passion from Al. But I just think it was one of those games where Sunderland were at it. It wasn't a football game.

12:02Gary Lineker:Hang on, one of those fucking games. It's a derby game. You can't have one team at it in one knot. If you're going to get beaten, you get beaten going down having a scrap. We had a scrap with a minute to go. That was the only scrap I saw. I would prefer that to happen in the first minute than the last minute. You can't say it's a derby game. Yeah, it is a derby game. So you need to be fighting and scrapping from the off. Not in the 90th minute when it's too late. Derbies have not been like that, though, of recent years, have they? I think Sunderland made it a throwback. It was an old-school, classic derby, which Newcastle just didn't know how to deal with.

12:41And they played on that, used the crowd to their advantage. And, yeah, they got a lucky goal. But in the end, it was the three points that mattered.

12:51Gary Lineker:They deserved the points. They were there.

12:53Alan Shearer:They deserved it more than Newcastle. and that's seven games they've won this season now. They're only four points off the top four. I mean, you've got to give them enormous amount of credit, even if, you know, if Newcastle had one of those days. And we've all played in them, Alan, where you just, something's not right. You don't know what it is. There's a lack of energy, but I know it shouldn't be in a derby, but we've all been in those circumstances where it's one you've got to forget. But for Sunderland, for Sunderland, I mean, I think they're safe already. I think they are safe. I mean, at the start of the season, we all said Sunderland, as is always the case, pretty much.

13:30Alan Shearer:The team that goes up via the playoffs generally goes down. Regis Labris. Labris. That's a great name. And what an extraordinary job he's doing. I mean, they play the basics and this and that and the other. But, wow, they deserve enormous credit.

13:47Gary Lineker:As much as it pains me, by the way, I have to say, Dan Ballard, I thought, was absolutely exceptional. And has been all season. Granit Xhaka has been amazing. What a signing, Xhaka. To bring all those players in and to knit them together and to then get them to understand what it means to play for that football club and then go out and fight and scrap in the way they did. Yeah, well done him and well done them. They're having a brilliant season as much as it hurts me to say it.

14:13Alan Shearer:On that note, we'll move on. That was the first bite and boy did Alan bite delivered by Uber Eats. Let's talk generally Elsewhere I mean A City back Micah City are back Oh oh City are back Oh oh oh Of course they're back Haaland Did you see Haaland's goal By the way I did Mateus Nunes What a ball in the box Brilliant I'm thinking What's he going to do Is he going to go near post And try to flick it He goes back across The goalkeeper And he didn't have a touch And for those who Didn't see the game Palace were actually very good in the game. Her staff particularly. Yair Rapinoe had some good chances to score.

14:58They had a lot of possession forcing City back but couldn't capitalise on those opportunities and then City grew into the game. Cherky, a little bit of magic. Philippe Foden. Back on form. Philippe, I want to say it, Philippe fucking Foden. He's back. FF. I've not said that for 18 months guys. I know. He is back. Yeah. I mean, what this guy is doing now I just love in that central role the way he just glides on it and just he gets the ball on the half turn how many times have I said that but he's shooting the end product this season has been exceptional

15:37Alan Shearer:in front of the England manager I may say was he there was he there yeah they cut to Tuchel in the stands and I think it was actually after Foden scored that they did that so and another two goals for Harland And he couldn't do it for you at Sutherland Island, but he did do it in this one. I mean, second was a penalty, but the first one. I mean, that is, if there's a lesson to be learned for young centre forwards about how to head a ball, that is exactly what you do. If you're in a far, you head it the way it's come from because actually the keepers usually generally move in the other way. So it gives you an edge.

16:17Alan Shearer:And also it strikes you. you watch the ball right onto your head and it hits the middle of your forehead. Whereas flick headers from those things, it's very difficult a to direct it and B to get any sort of power. So I would say, I mean, that was what I was taught when I was very young is it's heading exercises were always headed where it comes from, headed where it comes from, headed where it comes from. I mean, it's different. Obviously if you're running at a near post, then you've got no alternative, but to flick it. But that was an absolute masterclass in what to do. Do you know what it is?

16:51Alan Shearer:Crossing is officially back.

16:54Gary Lineker:It's officially back. It is. It's like for the last 12 to 18 months, probably more so this season. I haven't checked the stats, but I can just see it with my own eyes. Crossing is back. XC, they call it. Expected crossing. Yeah. I mean it has won Sunderland the game today it won Arsenal the game yesterday it's won City today with that goal it crossing is officially back great to see for the centre forward union

17:26Alan Shearer:it is I mean we'd have gone mad in that period with no crosses yeah scream at wingers give them a hard time you know when they cut back and they play and you just just get it in the fucking box man

17:39Gary Lineker:it's happening more and more guys honestly it's like it went missing for a few years where it was pass, pass, get to the byline come back out, pass it back, pull it back but now crossing is back I know we've got you on the show Alan and you was a top, top, top striker I actually think you had a little bit more in your game in terms of holding it up and for some reason I was watching loads of clips on you the other day to just see how good you was and your hold up play was, to quote the word that you always use magnificent have you had a drink you've been far too nice what's up with you stop this stop this now stop this now you know what where's he going look at this I'm like I've had this since a bit of Negroni a little bit we won't put the brand in there we'll just put the name a bit of Negroni there I've looked at this 10 or 15 times and I'm just thinking shall I?

Read the full transcript

18:44Shall I? Shall I? Shall I? And I've stayed strong. I've stayed strong. Micah. But yeah. Go on. Have a little bit. Just have a little bit. Go on.

18:54Alan Shearer:That's the same Negroni that you used to play up front with Ribaldi.

19:03So anyway, I was watching some clips about and I don't think I'll... Why were you doing that? I don't know. You've got a crush on him. I sleep at night and I was on Wisecout looking at different teams and all that sort of stuff and I come up again he was talking about Alan Sheavers goals or whatever I was just on YouTube for ages watching him but what he didn't get a lot of credit for is the way he held up the ball I seen him pushing Desailly off the ball I'm thinking this is big Al I thought he was just a lucky striker when he said no lucky to him this is the time

19:35Gary Lineker:I'm getting worried when he says to me he couldn't sleep at night and he started watching videos of me.

19:45Alan Shearer:Whatever flows your boat, Micah. If he just asked me, I would have sent you a message. He would have sent you a... No, no, I was going to say something.

19:58Alan Shearer:Carry on, Micah. I'm enjoying this. Carry on. But then... Alan, when you send him that pic, can you make sure it doesn't go in the group chat and you just send it to my person and thank you personal request there. But then I look at Haaland and his ability not to be in games and still score a goal. It must be one of, if not the best we've seen in the Premier League era. It has to be. Sometimes he has five and six touches a game and then he scores. It's ridiculous what he's doing. He talked about that when we interviewed him, didn't we? and if you haven't heard that yet, it's obviously still on our feed, so please do so.

20:39Alan Shearer:He talked about that, about, you know, when people say, oh, you just get tap-ins and you didn't do anything, you don't mind. He went, I love it when they do that. So, and it's, it's,

20:49Gary Lineker:you know, I guess. He's a freak. He's a freak. That's what, in the nicest possible way, he's a goal scorer and freak. And, yeah, and you know what it is, Micah, he's an absolute gentleman to go with it. What a brilliant bloke he is.

21:03Alan Shearer:Lovely, wasn't he? Brilliant. you can see that though can't you you can see that players respect him and like him he actually messaged me on Instagram saying why wasn't I doing the pod I said I mean it was a striker's pod you were in the Grand Prix no wait that's what I'm just relaying information that's what I'm doing you were too busy getting on the grid too busy so the title race it's quite I mean it's still early it's hot enough I mean, Arsenal kind of stuttered and wobbled, but they still got the three points. And that late, late winner was huge for them. Otherwise, obviously, they'd be on a par now with Manchester City.

21:48Alan Shearer:And Villa came from behind. Let's talk generally on these games. Again, Villa. From West Ham, Morgan Rodgers, by the way. Wow. Wow. That's one of his goals. I can't talk about him. You can't? I made my changes. You've taken Morgan Rodgers out of your team. I accidentally put him on the bench and didn't press save. How did you accidentally put someone on the bench? Because you always, you know, on fantasy football, you don't just do it week by week. I changed my team probably 10 times a day up until, and I think, okay. And I went with it. I went with Rodgers. Okay, he's at West Ham. West Ham have been doing a lot better recently, but there might be an occasion where he finds some space.

22:33he goes and gets two goals honestly and you took him out

22:36Alan Shearer:you did tell him Kudos he's on my bench I'm praying I'm praying that Semenya tomorrow against Man United or today no he's got flu he's got the flu has he please no he's not calm down calm down why would you wish the flu on anyone oh so if he's injured you get Morgan Rodgers comes back in comes on he's the first sub yeah the Villa are a class aren't they

23:01Gary Lineker:going behind again and then coming back to win the game bloody hell amazing I'm slightly behind

23:06Alan Shearer:twice in this particular game Jared Bowen he does his stuff you know he's really good I mean without him I think West Ham would be in real trouble don't you well they are in real trouble I mean they're in real trouble but you know what I mean they'd be I think they'd be hopeless they'd be without any possible chance of staying up but I think I think because of him I think they'll they'll be okay agreed his movement his movement in the box is just to say he's a right winger I know he plays up front and then off the right for West Ham but his movement is just remarkable he's always in the right place right place right time and it was a good little finish it was Pots who had the shot wasn't it but yeah I think he's another player who's quite underrated I know it's very difficult because you know we've been losing a lot of games this season but I just I think he's a top player I agree with you as is Morgan Rodgers by the way and I think the England players are fine in their form but that's because it's December come June obviously things will change as usual

24:10Gary Lineker:I was going to say we probably need him to slow down a little bit we need to see but Villa fans won't thank me for saying that but oh my god he's like what a player what a goal as well his second one

24:22Alan Shearer:yeah what a strike wasn't it like I swerved at the end past the keeper brilliant fantastic effort but in terms of But the overall, I mean, it was such a hugely important winning goal for Arsenal, wasn't it? Because if that doesn't go in, all of a sudden it gets a little bit, everyone's saying, oh, Arsenal are going to choke, all that sort of stuff.

24:45Gary Lineker:Yeah, we were watching it in Arsenal, but poor. I mean, they got the goal and then Wolves got the goal back and thinking, that's it, done. But they somehow found a way. It was a great ball and really unfortunate for Wolves to lose that way. But from an Arsenal point, you go, wow, what an important goal that could be. Because we were all saying if you won a game after you've been beaten the week before in the league, then you'd want Wolves at home. But Wolves really made it hard for them and frustrated them at times. And yeah, somehow they got through Arsenal, which I guess you just have to do that.

25:21Gary Lineker:And it was a massive three points. You know, I feel Arsenal have a little bit of a conundrum because Madweke's playing really well and Saka's their best player. I think you need him on the pitch at the same time. Although Madweke is not that great on the left hand side. He's way better from the right. Wolves concede them two goals and you're looking at Arsenal, how they're going to break teams down. Arsenal need to do a little bit more. Saka, they're too reliant on Saka all the time. A lot comes. And if you look at the goals that Trossard scores or Martinelli or whatever. Like they need to do what Saka's doing from the right-hand side.

26:02On the left-hand side, it feels as though all the dangerous play has to come from Saka. Always down the right-hand side. And then SA needs to do a little bit more. Obviously, he gets his hat-trick in a North London derby. Odegaard comes on the pitch. But that's how teams are going to set up against Arsenal now because they're the team to beat in that low block. And I think they need a little bit more imagination in the games now because I think you can't keep relying on Saka to dig something out. It needs to be shared around.

26:33Gary Lineker:Do you know, I was on about the crossing earlier, guys. The reason I said, one of the reasons why I said it is because Arsenal yesterday put 30, 3-0, 30 crosses into the box. And it's not because of who they were playing. That was the second most in the game this season. I'd say they're playing Wolves. They put 32 crosses in against Manchester City. but the vast majority obviously coming from that side when Saka's playing I mean Saka yesterday put crossing after crossing after crossing and ultimately I know it was an old goal but the cross has won them the game yesterday and he's brilliant at it because he can go left and whip one in with his left foot he can get to the line and ping one in with his right foot he's so good Saka he's unbelievable he's really good he's a dream

27:21Alan Shearer:for a forward be a dream to play with exactly and that thing you said they can go either way because that's such a big advantage if you as a fullback if you're against him and you're not you know if you know a player prefers to go one way you can show them the other way can't you whereas with him you know he can do you both ways and he's a proper little player let's take a little break and talk about some of the other games when we come back This episode is brought to you by Barclays That's right because this year they're celebrating 25 years of supporting football. And let me tell you, they truly have made a difference.

28:00Gary Lineker:And don't forget, they ended up being the biggest ever commercial investors in UK women's sport when they started sponsoring the Barclays Women's Super League.

28:09Alan Shearer:But it's not all about the big leagues, is it, lads? There's no football without grassroots football.

28:14Gary Lineker:Well, that's right. I mean, we wouldn't have had the careers that we've had, guys. Not one of us, would they, without grassroots football? That's where it all started, the love of the game.

28:22Alan Shearer:I went back to Aylston Park Football Club, which is where I started to play. And all the lads were playing and the girls were playing all across everywhere. And it was so beautiful to see all these young people. One little lad came up to me, must have been about nine or 10. And he came over to me, he went, my granddad used to play with you. Now that really is grassroots stuff. It's why Barclays has invested millions into grassroots programs and community initiatives to give opportunities in football to those who need it most. Search Barclays Football to find out more. This episode is brought to you by Whoop.

29:01Alan Shearer:In the modern game, of course, there are a lot more games and that feeling of being slightly off by Monday. And that's how it shows up. Not as an injury, it's just fatigue creeping in. Off the pitch, everyday life stacks up too. Work, travel, late nights, early starts. WHOOP helps you see how sleep, recovery and stress are impacting your overall health over time. It's like a health scout working quietly in the background. No screed, no constant pings, just deeper insight into your health when you actually need it. WHOOP makes it easier to see what's helping you stay well and what's taking more out of you so you can build habits that actually last.

29:41Gary Lineker:It's about keeping yourself steady over the long run.

29:44Alan Shearer:consistency beats intensity every time if you want to understand your health better and how your daily habits impact you over time head to join dot whoop dot com slash t-r-i-f to get started with whoop so good so good spring styles are at nordstrom rack stores now and they're up to 60 off stock up and save on rag and bone made well vince all scenes and more of your favorites How did I not know Rack has Adidas? Why do we Rack? For the hottest deals. Just so many good brands. Join the Nordiclub to unlock exclusive discounts, shop new arrivals first, and more. Plus, buy online and pick up at your favorite Rack store for free.

30:25Great brands, great prices. That's why you Rack. Protein is now at Starbucks, and it's never tasted so good. You can add protein cold foam to your favorite drink or try one of our new protein lattes or matcha. Try it today at Starbucks.

30:49Alan Shearer:Welcome back to The Rest is Football with Micah Richards, Alan Shur and me, Gary Lennica discussing the weekend's games. Lost to discuss actually. We didn't really talk about one of the Sunday games which was quite an important result for both teams really. One for Forrest who I watched last week who weren't very good against Everton and they bounced back and won and Spurs who've had a good week have made a real backward step because Forrest won by three goals to nil. So yeah, I didn't really see that one coming.

31:21Gary Lineker:Yeah, I didn't. I was working on the Newcastle game, so I didn't see the full game. Obviously, he was keeping an eye on that result. And I'm with you guys. I thought it would have been a really tough game and maybe Forrest would edge it, but it sounded as if it was really comfortable for Forrest.

31:35Alan Shearer:Pretty comfortable. I mean, Hudson-Odoi was really good. Two goals. I think one of them was a cross. No question about that, which he probably blame Vacario for. Yeah. But yeah, Forrest played really well. I mean, I told the story last week about in the lift, didn't I, with the chairman when it said it was going down. But I think they'll be fine. I mean, Sean Dyche, you know, he's... Forrest aren't going down. Not with Sean Dyche as well, I think. I don't think so. They've too much talent there. Too many good players. I mean, even the central defenders, you know, are really good. Not with him in charge, they're not going down.

32:07Alan Shearer:No, I agree. On another note, Vacario for Spurs, the ball that he gave Archie Gray Bobbly ball but first he's bubbling then he plays to his weaker foot then he blames Archie Gray yes it's one of those balls that come into you you've got to whip it round first time but it was on his left foot like what is he supposed to do okay he could have checked his shoulder but why is he giving him the ball there I don't understand it he can see the whole picture in front of him the whole picture just get rid of the ball you're not going to gain anything from from playing in there yeah you're putting yourself under pressure I just thought it was ridiculous I did and I wouldn't disagree with you I don't understand why and I really liked Vicario when he first came shot stopping he was really good but recently he's been making a few bad errors I understand certain managers want to play a certain way we all get it where you know with a modern day the way teams want to set up they want to play out from the back but you've got to play out when it's on it was clear what it was what they was trying to do there's waiting waiting waiting waiting to jump soon as they take a touch and then all your hard work throughout the week just undone by that and once they scored that goal it was always going to be difficult for them to get back in the game and I just think Vicario like you're a good goalkeeper just have a bit of patience a bit of calmness when you need a goalkeeper to be calm it makes too many rash decisions and then Archie Gray the young lads gets to blame I didn't like that he looked really guilty didn't he saw that goal you could see that did you see the Sangari goal there oh wonder strike what a goal that was

33:52Gary Lineker:was it a good goal was it I haven't seen it yet

33:54Alan Shearer:was it really absolute rifle knocked it back to him in it first time just flew in brilliant he just caught across it though didn't it so he had that like swirl yeah like outside the foot because it was going across him wasn't it so he hit across it do you think Thomas Frank it's under pressure or not I mean the truth is when we say these things only the owners know really don't they but he's had I mean they've had a decent week they're going okay in the Champions League generally they've had one or two good results it's a bit up and down isn't it but it's like all these I mean you need time don't you you need time

34:25Gary Lineker:the inconsistency of everyone this season actually yeah other than perhaps Arsenal I know Arsenal were beaten last week and Villa after the first few games of the season and Villa after the first few games and City more recently as well. The inconsistency from everyone. I mean, Chelsea, who we'll speak about. I mean, and there are so many others that you can mention about. Oh, you think, yeah, they're okay now. And then a week or two later, it's like he's under huge pressure.

34:52Alan Shearer:Why do you think that is? Do you think it's because the Premier League is, you know, you don't get easy games very often in the Premier League, do you? So you need to be on top of your game all the time. You can't afford to be slightly off.

35:04Gary Lineker:Yeah, I think one or two, maybe three or four have improved massively. And perhaps one or two of the big teams, Arsenal excluded, are perhaps not hitting the levels that they have done.

35:16Alan Shearer:Yeah, I would say that's fair. And I think City are creeping back after a tough season. I think you can see that they're... Still question marks against them defensively, though, City. No, there are. There are. They conceded chances to Palace, quite a few of them.

35:30Gary Lineker:Yeah. There are, but I think... Well, they'll be there or thereabouts. you know at the end of the season city. So in Arsenal, I know that as well. To answer your question though, guys, I think you asked about Thomas Frank to start with. There's only four points between 12th and 5th. You know, 26 points, Palace are on and Spurs are on 22 points. So you know you can have a good week. Around Christmas time, normally, obviously, it's more for us. There's only one game on Boxing Day, but normally around that Christmas period, you can change it around, can't you? And there's only four points off fifth place where when we're making our predictions at the start of the season, Spurs are four, fifth, sixth in that.

36:11So they're on track for where they need to be. I just think the fans are a little bit disappointed in the football that they're seeing. So that's where the pressure comes from.

36:22Alan Shearer:Well, they were very gung-ho with obviously Ange Posto Coglu, weren't they? and it was, you know, we did get entertaining games one way or the other, whereas I think Thomas is probably more pragmatic in his approach. But, I mean, I can't see why he'd be under pressure at the moment. You've got to remember as well that Tottenham finished 17th last season. Now, I know that towards the latter stage of the competition, there was obviously a clear priority and that was the Europa League. But having said that, they still did finish in 17th place. But so, yeah, I mean, it's way too early, really. I mean, you need to establish yourself at the football club.

36:57Alan Shearer:He's not really had one window yet. I mean, he came in halfway through and then one or two transfers mostly fell through, didn't they? Morgan Gibbs, White and... Eze. Eze as well, who ended up going to Arsenal. So, you know, that was difficult before you start. So, cutting some slack there, surely. I mean, just the madness of it all. You know, we talked about Liverpool and all the issues that they've had. They're now sixth place, just two points behind Chelsea who are fourth. it's you know it's topsy-turvy world and while we're on the subject I really enjoyed the Liverpool game yesterday not necessarily for the game itself but the whole Moh Salah Mohamed Salah issue I thought it was really well handled overall since it's happened I think Slott's dealt with it very well very maturely Moh's kept his counsel obviously but he was part of the squad it was really important he was on the bench he had a smile on his face and the Liverpool fans I think the fact that when he got up and he came on and there was it was 100 % applause I thought that was really good and I'm relieved because I said before you don't want his legacy tainted at Liverpool that would be really sad and I you know so Do you think that's the end of it then?

38:11Alan Shearer:I don't who knows I mean you know you don't know what's going to happen in the future but I think now there is a situation where he goes to the African Cup of Nations whatever happens there is by the by in terms of his Liverpool thing, but he comes back now and he's, I think they've clearly had a conversation. Mo may have apologized for his slightly emotional outburst. I don't know, but it seems to me that there's a chance that it could easily have been resolved during this. So we'll see. You never, I mean, you never know in football, you know, they say, what do they say? A week's a long time in politics, but in football, you're right.

38:47Alan Shearer:Blimey. So we'll see. But I, for me it looks like you know what it's like you're in a relationship every now and again you're going to have a tiff like a lover's tiff that's all it seems to me get over it move on and that seems seems from the outside to appear to be what's happened let's see yeah I know you said last night

39:12Gary Lineker:I don't think it's over but I don't look we're guessing I don't know what I do know is that he's going away for what four or five weeks which will maybe calm the situation. There are so many different ways you could look at it, both positive and negative, but we'd only be guessing. So I don't think we should do that. So I don't know. I'm reluctant to say it because you could say it either way and we don't know. Yeah, I think it's nice that this is going away now. I agree with you guys. I think Slott dealt with the whole situation very well. Even when he could have threw Salah under the bus, he didn't.

39:52Obviously, Salah's had an outburst and all top players have egos. It was nice that he got on. And the most important thing, he looked sharp when he went on. Probably should have scored.

40:04Gary Lineker:He should have scored. Don't think he had a choice, by the way. Sorry? He had to, didn't he? Had to what? Well, he had to come on and do well. After what he said. You always want to do well anyway. And then put him back in the squad. He had to run around and he had to do well. I know you missed a chance. The bigger picture though, Al, is there was question marks whether he still had that electric pace. And he does. There was one run particularly where you saw him going,

40:32Alan Shearer:oh, hello, he's still... Maybe not at the consistency of previous seasons, but from a football point of view, he's like, ooh, Salah looks very sharp here. We could have seen this a little bit more during the season. but that was my takeaway from him but I would I would agree with Alan as well he's not going to go on there and have a stinker is he he's going to be running around he's going to be energetic but it was just good to see that he's still and I never doubted it I just think he was going through a spell where he wasn't scoring you know Mo Salah in the team makes your team better he was going through a bad spell end of yeah he's one of the greats he's one of the Premier League games he's had a tough period Eketike boy oh boy I mean, he's got it all.

41:18Alan Shearer:I mean, he can beat players. He's seriously quick, seriously quick, fantastic in the air. His movement is exceptional. I mean, what a talent.

41:27Gary Lineker:They've got a really good player there. I would love to know the full story about Eketiki and Isak, whether they wanted them both or it was just a whatever. They paid a lot of money for both. So how could you not want them both? Well, because when they signed Eketike for£85 million, I mean, they're not going to be, it looks as if they're not going to be playing together. And I know they played two up at Milan, but I guess for most, it'll be maybe one or the other. And if you're paying that much for one and leaving the one, then I think there's always going to be issues. Unless the big plan is that they're both going to want to play up there, but let's wait and see on that one.

42:11Gary Lineker:But I don't know. I'd love to know the full story as to... Because obviously Newcastle came in for him. We're talking to him and then he chose Liverpool. Fine, I get that and understand that. And then obviously the Liverpool situation with Isak. I don't know. Not convinced we know the full story. I pretty much agree with Alan there. When they got Eketike through the door, I feel as though that was a sign in that Isak's no longer happening. And then when it came back to the table, you're thinking, tried and trusted Isak. He's the final piece to it, isn't it? And no one expected, I even spoke to Thierry Henry, who knows him very well.

42:52He said he's going to be a very good player. Is he ready for the Premier League? We have to see right now. So in terms of Eketika, it was a little bit of a gamble. You knew what he was going to get with Isak. So I think I agree with Alan there thinking, okay, well, we only went for Eketike at the time because we didn't think Isak was going to happen. I would agree with that.

43:14Alan Shearer:Yeah, totally. I mean, Eketike though.

43:17Gary Lineker:He's brilliant though. I think he's got a spark and an arrogance, a good arrogance. He's got a belief and a confidence that, because I mean, he's gone into a really tough environment and he's really, really stood out. for obvious reasons, which is not always easy, by the way, when you're going into a club and the rest of the team aren't playing that well. But he, without doubt, I think him and Slobozlai have been the outstanding players for Liverpool. So for him to go in there into a new club, new environment, tough as it has been, for him to do what he's done and doing, great credit to him and he's going to be, yeah, he's a huge talent, definitely.

43:59Gary Lineker:He looks really special to me. Just to finish on that, he's got the fans on side as well. I'll bet he has the way he's performing. No, but earlier on, you guys know what it's like as strikers. When the fans are singing your name so early on, it just gives you that confidence, doesn't it? And it works really. Like you mentioned, all the stuff is attributes, Gaz. But when you've got the fans on side, some players take a little bit longer and they lose a little bit of confidence. He's had the confidence from the get-go because Isak wasn't ready to go from the start.

44:34Alan Shearer:Yeah. No, you're absolutely right. Yeah. Let's finish off with quite interesting, comfortable victory for Chelsea. Good to see Cole Palmer back and scoring a goal, but slightly concerning that he's still saying he's got to manage the injury. And I think Mareska said the same thing, but perhaps the most interesting thing, which was picked up on Match of the Day, Alan, that I watched. And he seemed to intimate, they showed in the press conference that he's not happy with the ways looked at over the last 48 hours. He said it's been the most difficult period. I presume he's talking, I mean, we don't know, but it was a little bit cryptic, but I would say, and he did say it's not about the fans.

45:20Alan Shearer:He said that I'm happy with the fans. And so I think, I think he might be talking about the owners, whether he's getting significant support or not. I mean, that's what it seemed to me. I might be reading too much into it. I don't know. No, I agree with you.

45:34Gary Lineker:Yeah. Definitely. I mean, we would not have mentioned anything about that story at all. With a 2-0 win, why would you? Exactly. And the performance of Gusteau. And that's what he replied to in the question about his performance. Then he came out with that. So he wanted us and everyone else to bring this up. And for me, he wanted to bring it up because it wasn't about the fans. And he said it two or three times. I know the fans. We love the fans. Fans are great. Blah, blah, blah, blah. So for me, and I think the big picture as he's on about the owners, is that he probably feels as if he's not getting enough protection when Chelsea lose a game.

46:14Alan Shearer:Or maybe, who knows? Maybe, you know, we know a lot of owners do like to interfere, like to say who they should think should be playing. We don't know. What more do they want from him, guys? He's top four. He's won the club world. Exactly. He's won the conference league. What more does it... With young players also.

46:33Gary Lineker:Yeah, well, I think that's also a key point, Micah, because Chelsea now, to Chelsea 15 or 20 years ago, when Chelsea bought the superstars and had to go and win the Champions League and the league title, it's highly unlikely that they're going to do that with the current mode that they're in, in terms of they buy young players to develop them and then possibly sell them on, give them long-term contracts, not maybe give them as big a salary as what they may get or give them protection of long contracts. But when you're buying young talent to then produce them and make them better, that's unlikely that you're going to be winning the league or winning the Champions League when you're in that situation.

47:14Gary Lineker:So I'm with you, Mike. I think the trophies that he's won, he's won two trophies. He's currently in the top four. I think that's probably as good as it's going to get for Chelsea. Now, I know that the fans may say, well, he tinkers a bit too much and he changes the team too much. I get that and I understand that. But the bigger picture, two trophies, top four, I think that's where Chelsea are at this moment in time. And I don't think they're any better than that. And I think Heath is saying he wants a bit more protection when people or the media come for him or maybe the fans have one or two minds that he wants a bit more protection from the owners.

47:51Alan Shearer:I think he's got a point if he's not getting that support behind closed doors because I think he's done a remarkably good job. That is not an easy place to have gone, particularly when he did. They had that huge dressing room, remember? So many players you've got to sort out. You've got to placate unhappy players because they're not in the squad. They're not in the team. And he seems to have managed it really well. He's won trophies. They're near the top of the table, as you said, with a very young team. I think he deserves enormous credit.

48:21Gary Lineker:Why else would you bring it up? Why else as a manager, after a 2-0 win at home, when you've put in a really good performance on the back of a disappointing performance, you go back into the top four, why else as a manager would you bring that up? If you don't want people discussing it.

48:35Alan Shearer:The only thing I would say,

48:37Gary Lineker:taking on owners is a dangerous business. No, you're absolutely right. Especially those owners who are very different. I mean, it's a different football club to any other.

48:45Alan Shearer:Totally. A couple of other things before we go. I think we must give a shout out to Harry Wilson. I mean, he's got five goals and five assists this season. And he got a goal and two assists in the game at Burnley. And I know you did your analysis and Burnley were pretty woeful defensively, particularly in the first half. But I mean, Harry Wilson, I went to the Everton, when I went to the Everton game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, I was in the boardroom, I was with Kevin Ratcliffe. I was talking about Wales because obviously he's Welsh. And I said, what do you think? Can you make through the playoffs?

49:18Alan Shearer:He said, what we'll need, we'll need Harry Wilson fitting on form because he's a classic. I mean, I must say, he's a technician. He is a technician. I mean, he really is, isn't he? We saw that goal that he scored against Spurs away and he's got a silky little left foot there, hasn't he?

49:34Gary Lineker:I felt a bit guilty. I mean, it was only because the defending situation with Burnley was so bad. I mean, oh my God, it was terrible. particularly the first goal that they conceded from the corner but yeah I felt a bit guilty because Harry Wilson two assists and the goal another brilliant finish the way he sort of curled into the corner oh he makes that look very easy yeah he was he was superb and having a great time isn't he I mean some of the things he's doing are brilliant quick shout out to Ugo Chukwu as well I thought for Burnley he played well didn't he he's a good little player he is but yeah I mean Wilson's always been good I've sort of flirted with him fantasy football for weeks and weeks now.

50:21I might have to bring him in because his left foot is just delicious. Don't do that to him. Don't do that to him. I would have delighted to hear that. I think he's on the cheap as well. H, correct me if I'm wrong, is it 5.4 million? Something like that? Correct.

50:38Alan Shearer:Correct. I think I've been observing him for a while now. Harry brought Harry Wilson in, didn't he? At the weekend. Did he? Really? Yeah. Wow. Two assists on the goal.

50:49Gary Lineker:Well done, Az. Thank you.

50:51Alan Shearer:Well done. He's doing insufferably well, I have to say, unfortunately. But do you mind if I give Leicester City a brief mention? Now, we're not doing terribly well, but we've made a bit of progress in the last couple of weeks. But I put it on the group chat. A certain goal by Abdul Fatahou, who I think is a sensational talented player. And I fear the worst in terms of, I don't know how long we'll have him at Leicester, and he was out pretty much all last season, which I think was hugely important for Leicester in the Premier League because he had that awful injury, Khrushchev. But he's come back and he's, you know, he's such a talent.

51:26Alan Shearer:I mean, that's a Puskas contender. I'm telling you that goal. Because not only did he score from not, it was way behind the halfway line, but he also had a nutmeg someone to get into that position before he hit it. Did that go through his legs? I couldn't see it closer. It looked like it did. It definitely went through his legs. He megged him. He megged him. definitely make him I'm pretty sure he did unless my eyes are playing up which is very possible but I mean what blimey

51:53Gary Lineker:what a goal yeah I can't go against any of that it was a superb goal magnificent if I was being very very critical guys I would have loved to see it go straight in the net you know when it bounced first I was thinking please hit the net hit the net no this is where you're wrong Michael

52:11Alan Shearer:the easy way is just to land it straight into the goal right The difficult way to do it is actually to scientifically work out when you strike it, to bounce and go under the bar. Great goal for Tau. Really. But did I see on social media that he'd scored one before? I'm sure he scored another one. No, he hit the bar. He hit the bar. Did he? Yeah, he hit the bar with one. Are you sure? Hey, you've got to double check that. No, I'm positive. I saw exactly the post you did. It was Leicester's post and it was saying the last time he hit one, it was fantastic. It went, didn't bounce. See, he's learned his lesson.

52:52Alan Shearer:You've got to make it bounce to go just under the bar as opposed to directly when it hit the bar. So yeah, he didn't quite score it on that occasion, but he's, that kid is super talented, super talented. I shouldn't say this because I'll end up, we'll lose him, but it's, it's inevitable anyway. But one quick word before we go on a certain Harry Kane, because he's playing in Germany, we don't always mention him. He's just scored a late equaliser. They were home to the bottom club, Mainz, and losing 2-1. And Harry scored again in the 88th minute. He didn't score a hat-trick today, but he did, of course, a few days ago.

53:26Alan Shearer:And he's now got 10 hat-tricks in 76 games. 10 hat-tricks in 76 games for Bayern. It took Lewandowski, the great Robert Lewandowski, 324 games to do the same at Bayern Munich. Wow, amazing. Quite something, isn't it?

53:40Gary Lineker:Yeah, well, I described Erling as a freak earlier and Harry's a freak also, isn't he, in terms of goal scoring. Just magnificent. He is.

53:48Alan Shearer:As were you, Alan, as were you. Absolute freak, but I'm not talking about your goal scoring. OK, chaps, let's call it a day. Goodbye from me. Goodbye from me. Goodbye from me. Have a great week, everyone.

From the publisher

Sunderland make it seven wins from seven as they beat fierce local rivals Newcastle in the derby. Are Eddie Howe’s problems growing as he tries to fit Nick Woltemade into Newcastle’s established system, and do they lack the energy that drove last season’s success?

Manchester City look like they’re finally back — but just how much of that revival is down to the man in form, Phil F***ing Foden**?

Enzo Maresca raises eyebrows with a cryptic post-match interview that hints at a lack of backing from the ownership. Is support behind the scenes starting to crack?

Plus, Gary, Alan and Micah debate Arsenal’s struggles to break down low blocks and ask whether the Gunners have become too reliant on Bukayo Saka

The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/football.Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com.

https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta

For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More from The Rest Is Football

All 215 episodes
Derby Delight For Sunderland, City Are Back & Maresca Vs The OwnersThe Rest Is Football · 54 min
Listen in VO