In short
Premier League and European football discussion, focusing on Arsenal’s title case, Liverpool’s squad rotation and Real Madrid clash, Spurs’ collapse vs Chelsea, Wolves’ managerial instability, and match reactions including Newcastle’s heavy loss and Man City vs Bournemouth.
Guests
Micah Richards and Gary Lineker (hosts). Alan Shearer joins for the second half. No other guests mentioned.
Guest backgrounds
Richards is a former Premier League defender and pundit; Lineker is a former England striker and broadcaster; Shearer is a former England striker and Match of the Day/PL pundit.
Key claims
Arsenal look “solid” and hard to beat; Declan Rice is singled out as elite, best in world contention, especially as an “eight” (box-to-box). Liverpool’s second-string/Carabao Cup approach was justified ahead of Real Madrid; Virgil van Dijk should be managed back gradually. Spurs’ performance was “worst” under Thomas Frank; players allegedly disrespected the manager after being subbed. Wolves are struggling defensively after selling Ait-Nouri and Cunha and not replacing enough; managerial carousel likely continues.
Notable examples
Arsenal full-backs (Calafiori, Timber, Ben White) creating shooting positions; Liverpool’s Gravenberch and McAllister returns; Mbappé’s runs vs Liverpool; Newcastle’s lethargy vs West Ham; Man City’s high line vs Haaland and Bournemouth’s brave tactics.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOWeekend Recap and Personal Updates
1:05 to 1:15
The hosts share their weekend experiences and discuss football viewing habits.
Weekend Recap and Personal Updates
1:28 to 4:50
The hosts share their weekend experiences and discuss football viewing habits.
“when we'll talk about Sunday's games, today's games.”
Arsenal's Rise and Declan Rice's Impact
4:50 to 9:14
Discussion about Arsenal's performance and the significance of Declan Rice.
“They look like they're in control of everything.”
Liverpool's Strategy and Future Challenges
9:14 to 14:03
Analyzing Liverpool's recent game strategies and upcoming challenges.
“again I mentioned at the start It's a team game, but it's just exceeding all expectations.”
Liverpool's Carabao Cup Decisions
14:03 to 16:40
Discussion on Liverpool's strategy in the Carabao Cup and the implications for their league performance.
“and we discussed their decision to play a second string.”
Player Development and Team Dynamics
16:40 to 18:50
Insight into player management and the importance of integrating new players into the system.
“Like, of course you're going to miss that calibre of play.”
Previewing the Champions League Clash
18:50 to 20:50
Anticipation and analysis of the upcoming Champions League match against Real Madrid.
“He's come back after his injury and he's really looking good.”
Bellingham's Rising Star and World Cup Aspirations
20:50 to 23:00
Discussion about Jude Bellingham's talent and England's prospects in the upcoming World Cup.
“I'll actually be flabbergasted if he's not.”
Analyzing Spurs' Recent Performance
23:00 to 27:10
Critical evaluation of Tottenham's disappointing performance against Chelsea.
“having Thomas Franks ask them to go round.”
Manchester United's Progress and Tactical Concerns
27:10 to 28:00
Examination of Manchester United's current performance and tactical fit of players.
Show all 22 chapters
Wolves' Struggles and Recruitment Insights
28:00 to 33:20
Discussion on Wolves' recent performance, player recruitment, and managerial changes.
Wolves' Struggles and Recruitment Insights
33:21 to 33:33
Discussion on Wolves' recent performance, player recruitment, and managerial changes.
“And when we come back, hopefully we'll be joined by Alan and we'll discuss the two games that were played today, Sunday, when we're talking.”
Wolves' Struggles and Recruitment Insights
33:37 to 34:40
Discussion on Wolves' recent performance, player recruitment, and managerial changes.
“And when you get there, it's not even playing.”
Wolves' Struggles and Recruitment Insights
34:44 to 35:38
Discussion on Wolves' recent performance, player recruitment, and managerial changes.
“that you really think about the exchange rate, the fee and what might be hidden away in the small print.”
Reflections on Newcastle's Performance
35:39 to 42:00
In-depth analysis of Newcastle's recent match performance and player dynamics.
“I'm heading back to Newcastle now, yeah, so only in that one are the four and a half hours to go.”
West Ham’s Resilience and Newcastle Challenges
42:00 to 43:12
Discussing West Ham's attitude against Newcastle and the need for improvement.
“to be honest, so that's what he's got to work out and figure out.”
Quality in West Ham and Manchester City Analysis
43:12 to 44:36
Evaluating the quality of West Ham players and Manchester City's performance.
“I didn't like the dive that he did when he squared up to someone on the pitch.”
Erling Haaland's Dominance and Tactics
44:36 to 46:48
Analyzing Haaland's impact on games and Bournemouth's tactical decisions.
“to play a high line against against Erling Haaland, who can give you three-yard start anyway, is very, very brave.”
Bournemouth's Rising Talent and Future Potential
46:48 to 48:04
Discussing Bournemouth's young talents and their potential in future matches.
Arsenal's Title Challenge and Team Depth
48:04 to 49:38
Exploring Arsenal's performance and their chances in the title race.
“I mean, obviously we talked about Arsenal's performance in the first half, Alan, and you were doing Match of the Day last night.”
Coaching Challenges and Job Security in Football
49:38 to 53:08
Discussing the instability and pressures faced by football coaches today.
“So, yeah, Arsenal have been absolutely magnificent set in the pace.”
Previewing Upcoming Matches and Player Performances
53:08 to 55:00
Looking ahead to Liverpool's match and discussing player performances.
“I think at some stage, you're probably going to get a sack sack one day.”
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 sign-in 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 of his 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.
1:15Alan Shearer:Hello and welcome to The Rest is Football with Micah Richards and me, Gary Lineker. Alan is grafting today with Premier League Productions, but he insists that he'll join us for the second half when we'll talk about Sunday's games, today's games. He'll probably be in a somewhat bad mood having watched Newcastle get beaten by West Ham. But Mike, how's your weekend been? Yes, no work for me. I've been doing some commercial work. I won't tell you who I was working for this weekend, just in case they don't want me to announce it. But yeah, good for me and good for the pod. Good to hear. Good to hear, Micah.
1:54And you, what's your weekend consistent of this? Watching football mostly, as usual. Are you getting bored now or not, guys? Come on. No, I'm generally pretty busy. I mean, no, I genuinely, I don't miss doing much of the day. I, funnily enough, I was thinking this morning, I was watching the show again and I thought,
2:17Alan Shearer:I've watched more Match of the Days in the last two months than I've watched in the last 20 odd years. Because I never used to watch it when I did it. So, because no one likes to watch themselves too often, do they? You don't like to listen to your own voice and all that. It's awful. But now I'm actually watching the show and it's on a, on a, well, I watch it every week because it It helps for this. Helps for this. And also, it's good. It gives you, I mean, I always, my argument about Match of the Day and the reason that it still does really good business is that a lot of people in the country, and I'm not one of those people.
2:54Obviously, I have got Sky and TNT and everything else, but a lot of people haven't.
2:59Alan Shearer:And it gives you, you know, your little fix of Premier League football, doesn't it? So I was, yeah, I was watching that. And it's very helpful for doing this because obviously you can't see all the games. that's the one thing you can't do that I used to be able to do. You know, you get there on a Saturday and we'd have that bank of screens, monitors and watching all the games. But I quite enjoy, I love watching football at home though. It's quite, it's quite not. It is nice. There's something nice about it. It's really comfortable. Can I ask you though, Gaz, why don't you watch yourself back? No, I used to.
3:33Alan Shearer:I used to do a lot. And I also listened to the podcast back quite a bit, even though it grates a bit when I listen to myself, you just do it to improve. But I did television for so many years. And in the first five, 10 years, I would watch myself back as almost a punishment, but not really, more to learn. You just see little things that you don't pick up at the time. So I did do, and then it got to the stage where you do match of the day, and then I get home at 3, 3.30, sometimes 4 a.m. And then obviously I'm not going to get myself up for the repeat. And I also know what's going to happen in the show.
4:13So I kind of got out of the habit of that, but I got to a stage where, you know, I sort of knew how it worked. I could probably do it in my sleep. So, but yeah, I watch it now because I don't have the ability to be able to watch all the games that I used to be able to watch. So I'm still enjoy the show. It does, you know, does what it says on the tin. Let's start with Saturday's games and then we'll discuss today's games. We're recording this on Sunday evening when Al's free a little bit later on.
4:41Alan Shearer:Probably start with Arsenal, top of the league. They're looking very good. I know things can change in football, but at the moment, they look solid. They look organised. They look like they're in control of everything. And they're incredibly difficult, not only to beat, but to score against Micah. Yeah, it's interesting watching Arsenal because we talk about them every week and it's the same old story, isn't it? Oh, they keep a clean sheet, they deny opportunities, they work really hard. And, you know, especially on Match of the Day or even on our podcast or whatever we're doing, I don't like singling out just one player because I feel like it's a team effort.
5:26and I have to give Arteta credit for building that. It looked like it was coming, then couldn't quite get over the line. Now it looks like it's back. But I have to identify Declan Rice. Declan Rice, he's took his game to a next level now where you're talking about him as possibly being one of the best in world football.
5:54Alan Shearer:Yeah, that's fair. And we saw him at West Ham, a very good player. I remember some pundits were criticising him in terms of they didn't know what he was going to be. Is he a defensive midfielder? Is he an attacking midfielder? He's all. He's everything. Exactly that, guys. Everything. He's a box-to-box midfielder. I like him in the eight. I feel as though sometimes he's wasted in a six and he doesn't dominate the game. He can do everything, but he's consistently putting in these performances where we have to start talking about him as one of the best in world football now. Yeah, and I'll take it a bit further about England as well.
6:40Alan Shearer:If I were Thomas Tuka, which I'm not, and it's very easy just to be on the sidelines, as we all know, but I would look at England and I would go, imagine, imagine having, there's your two eights Bellingham Rice boom boom boom up and down and then a holding player whether it you know whether it be Anderson or Walton or whoever it is that kind of player and then three ups I mean if you've got those two I mean they I mean the amount of ground that Rice covers and the way also the way he he advances with the ball I mean he's I mean he's such a mover I mean he's so I mean he's quick once he gets in his stride and he covers the ground really well with or without the ball he's got a real kind of smart side to the the way he thinks about the game defensively he gets interceptions he's just I mean he's got it all he's delivery from delivery from like well crosses free kicks corners call it what you like is as good as anyone probably in the game at the moment he just hits it hits the money every time so I mean he really has I mean some players you know you see them as young you think he's got something this kid but has he got quite enough to go a little bit but he's one of those players that continues to improve and improve as they get older and he clearly I think probably thinks I don't know him I've never met him but I think he strikes me as a really solid individual who probably thinks about the game a lot yeah he is i've met him off the field um he takes criticism really well and you know when you're analyzing something talking about positioning and all that sort of thing and he would agree with you and say i need to do better there and that's what i'm going to do next season and that's exactly what he's done and our opinion is just our opinion we think about football but he he knows he knows the bits when when i used to have them interviews when someone said oh he can do this but he can't I used to take it personally and think what did I know my reaction was to oh what's he talking about yes or react but Declan Rice's attitude is I'm going to take it on board and I'm going to show everyone exactly what I'm going to do and that's what he's done it is so it's so good to see and if Arsenal do win the league this season it's because of someone like him again I mentioned at the start It's a team game, but it's just exceeding all expectations.
9:21Alan Shearer:Yeah, I agree. Did you see the analysis on Match of the Day of the two fullbacks as well, which I thought was really good? Yes, I thought it was really good because Rich actually sent it to me to do last week. Rich is the editor of Match of the Day, by the way, for those that don't know. Yeah, sorry for all, we've mentioned him so many times, people probably know. But yeah, Rich, yeah, Match of the Day. But he sent it to me as I was going on Sky, and their stats are not different, but I don't want to take someone's stats from somewhere else and go to a different show. And then I saw Alan do it.
9:53I was like, you bastard. Honestly, I wanted to do that, especially because of a fullback. And what the analysis was, and everyone didn't see it, is everyone talks about Arsenal's wingers and midfielders and all that, but it's actually the fullbacks are in positions to take shots and get in good areas. to, yes, Calafiore and Timber, some of the best fullbacks I've seen in the system. Amazing how they get in positions like they're playing basically up front at times. It's mental. It is, but that's what they manage to do. And again, you go to coaching. You have to give Arteta credit for that, for trusting them.
10:35And it doesn't matter, even Ben White. Let's not forget Ben White, because I always feel like when people are performing well, we forget about the ones who come in and do well Ben White comes in and Louis Skelly comes in especially Louis Skelly in a Champions League game where he got that assist and he burst through free play they've just got really good players all over the field incredible depth at the moment I mean but you're in Timber I really I think he's I mean truly exceptional footballer and they've got so many of them at the moment so I think it's got to the point now I know we all tipped Liverpool at the start of the season I know Liverpool and we'll come to Liverpool in a second but
11:10Alan Shearer:it'd be hard to go if you had to pick now it'd be hard to go against Arsenal wouldn't it it's too early it's too early no it is too early but it'd be hard even as early as it is to actually go tip anyone ahead of them at the moment but but we all know what football's like you win you lose two games on the bounce and everyone's demanding that the manager get sacked you know what the question's going to be at the end of the season I was looking at all the numbers I was looking at I use an app called Yscout yeah And you basically, you watch the game, but you watch it in 40 minutes instead of watching the whole game.
11:44So no throwing. As soon as the ball goes out, it's back into play. But the question is going to be, Jokeres, can he make the difference in the bigger games? Because right now, he's doing so well for the team in terms of stretching. But he's missing a lot of opportunities that maybe could go against him at the end of the season. I know we've got Kai Havertz to come back. But Jokeres needs to be the difference against the bigger teams. The later stages of the Champions League and when it gets really difficult in a league, you're playing three times a week. If you have a Real Madrid in one week, you'd have a Man City or whatever it may be.
12:24That needs to be the difference, I would say. I agree with it.
12:27Alan Shearer:It would have helped his confidence scoring yesterday. You know, people will say, yeah, but it was just a tap-in. It doesn't matter. It does not matter one iota. It's really important for strikers because I think he'd gone like five games or something without a goal in the Premier League. So that would help him because, you know, believe you me, I know when you go through those little patches that you start to wonder a little bit. The criticism that people perhaps would say is that, I don't want to call him a flat trap bully, that's a bit unfair, because what he did, obviously in Portugal, he didn't really score many goals against the top teams.
13:02And so far, his goals have been against Burnley, Forest and Leeds. So I take your point. I think he needs to do in some of the big games, but I think he's had a reasonable start,
13:16Alan Shearer:but he has given, and I think Alan pointed it out the week or so ago, he has given them something different because he does like to try and get behind defences, which makes defences drop a little bit deeper. So therefore you have more space for the likes of Declan Rice and the playmakers also that Arsenal have. So it's working at the moment, but I take your point. He needs to do it in a bit. We'll see it in the Champions League or we'll see it in a big game. We shall see. But I would say overall, I would think he's been a reasonable start. Nothing credible, but I mean, he's not Harland, clearly.
13:53But then no one is. No one is. He's unique. But yeah, I think Arsenal looking really good. Let's move on to Liverpool, Micah. and we discussed their decision to play a second string. Lots of teams played second string, but then leaving everyone off the bench and basically throwing really the Carabao Cup against a team as good as Palace. You didn't give yourself a great chance to win that game. And we all said he's got to win the game at the weekend to justify that. And then with Real Madrid coming up, so they did it and it was more...
14:30Alan Shearer:He actually went pretty much back to the way and how they played last season with the personnel that they played last season. True? What did I say to Alan? Alan was saying, oh, he's got to win this game. I wish he was here right now. I might pull him up later when we speak to him. The Carabao Cup is the least fancy or least extravagant cup. We all know that. Yeah, but Newcastle won it last year, Mike. Don't forget that. the manager had a decision to make and I said it was the right decision because he always plays or the historically Liverpool have played with youngsters in the early rounds of the League Cup that's always been a thing and the FA Cup as well if you remember last season he did exactly the same in the FA Cup last season and what did I say in the league I said that they should go back to basics they've had a few injuries who comes back Gravenberg comes back into the starting line, he scores.
15:29McAllister comes back, a little bit more protection in there. And we all know he's running power. Of course it was going to go back to something like what we had seen because they've got the players to do that. I actually thought Villa did very well early in the game. Yeah, they did, had chances. They broke the press really well. And Liverpool was like, oh, they're actually playing through us here. But as the game went on, they figured out what they needed to do and the balance was just a lot better. Interesting thing is, isn't it, apart from Eketike, all the new players, I mean, all that money that they've spent.
16:06It's a hard one, isn't it? Because you're spending money, but then it has to be in a system that they're familiar with. If you have Wurt, at the moment, he's not up to speed for the Premier League. But he spent 100 million on him. So it's difficult. 100 % it was the right decision that he made, without doubt. He had to do it. He had to do that. But in terms of the money spent, they've spent a lot, but they've also lost a lot. And I know we talked about Trent before and all that sort of thing. Like, of course you're going to miss that calibre of play. You just have to. Liverpool now, go back to what they did last season, slowly but surely, move Verts into the side, whether that's going to be on the left, you know, for Gakpo at some point.
16:59Alan Shearer:But the way the Premier League is too fast and furious. It would also be good for Verts to come back into the team when there's confidence in the team. Correct. I think that would be sensible man management at the moment. Take him out the firing line a little bit and then, you know, bring him on. And then just, because we know how good he is. I mean, Verts is a really good player. He's top class. And you don't buy these players for the first three months. You buy them for years, years ahead. And he's an exceptionally talented young. We've watched so much of him over the last year or two at different places, whether it be for the national team or when he was at Bayer Leverkusen.
17:38And he's so gifted. So it will come good for him as long as, you know, as long as he's mentally strong enough to deal with the situation at the moment, because it won't be easy for him. Don't think he's not suffering a little bit with this. But yeah, I agree with that. And you know, when we're talking about it and a lot of people saying, oh, he's X money. You're just protecting him because he played. It's nothing to do with that. It's because we've seen him play for the national team. We've seen him play in the Champions League. We know what he can do. I'm not basing my evidence off the Bundesliga.
18:14I'm not. I'm basing it off in Europe. Andy started so young. he's got to come good and I believe he will
18:23Alan Shearer:yeah he's really really good at football so yeah I think it was important for Liverpool in all sorts of different ways especially going into a big game in the week against Real Madrid Biggie that one isn't it I fear for Real Madrid Kylian Mbappe is in scintillating form is in scintillating form at the moment two more goals two more goals yesterday I mean he's I mean as well he's brilliant in getting behind defences so Liverpool are going to have to be very careful because they're very good at the counter-attacking style of play Real Madrid at the moment with Mbappe spinning behind really good really good and he always he always likes to time his run right at the very edge if they give him space he will punish you I can't wait is that That game's Tuesday, right?
19:20Not Wednesday. Tuesday, right? Champions League.
19:22Alan Shearer:I think it is Tuesday. Tuesday, yeah. I can't wait for that. Yeah, Bellingham as well. He's come back after his injury and he's really looking good. Brilliant goal yesterday. He's funny. Just a little plug. I'm not sure when we're going to put it out. Probably next week or this week or the week after next. Carlo Ancelotti I interviewed on Friday. No, you didn't tell me. You're keeping secrets. No, it was quite a last minute thing. And I, you know, I don't want you lot working too hard. And he was down the line. He was in Brazil because he's obviously now the Brazil's national team coach. I mean, it was great.
19:58And, you know, we did about 35, 40 minutes.
20:00Alan Shearer:And he's obviously very busy, but he was really good. And I asked him about Jude Belling because, you know, you hear these like people start going, oh, he's too big for his boots. And he's this, that and the other. And you hear the rumours and you go, and I'm thinking, I don't think that. I'm not sure if that's true. And I asked him and he went, model professional, absolutely brilliant kid, great personality, wonderful talent. And it just affirmed what? Because you know what? They're like, they jabber in the rumour monger world and all this nonsense of you're hearing stuff. Let's not forget it's World Cup year.
20:37We don't need that noise going in. Okay. I mean, it comes because he was left out, I suppose. but he'd only just come back from being out. I mean, he will be in England's next squad next week. If he's not, then I'll sit here and go, I'll actually be flabbergasted if he's not. But wouldn't it just be nice though, guys? I mean, you've been to multiple tournaments with the BBC and a player and as a broadcaster. But wouldn't it just be nice to go into the World Cup where our star players, our star players just have no, nothing surrounding them, whether that would be insecurity of whatever the situation might be, whether that be uncertainty, whether that be no injuries, loss of thought, any of that.
21:26I just thought it'd be so nice for once, for once. It will happen one day. It will happen one day. I mean, I'd go back to my point about the amazing Bellingham and Rice and, you know, and the talent, you know, you've got with, I mean, I mean but then you know there are other Spain have got incredible talent France have got incredible talent Argentina will take some beating still I think defending their trophy I think I mean but World Cups are quite hard to win you know but if we you know if you're absolutely right if we went to a tournament which we always seem to get one of our big players injured or something if we had one where actually it all came together then you never know you never know maybe Thomas maybe he's you know We'll see if it can possibly happen.
22:11But yeah, important win for Liverpool. God, Spurs, I mean, I was a bit shocked by this. I mean, well done Chelsea, obviously got the better of it. And I thought Kaysedo again was absolutely brilliant. I did watch most of that game.
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22:26Alan Shearer:And I mean, he's such a talent. But I mean, Spurs was so disappointing. I mean, they've had a reasonable start to the season, I would say. Good, you know, Thomas Frank's come in. But yesterday seemed like a massive step backwards because, you know, they were unbeaten in the Champions League. I know they're two draws, but they're also, you know, they're in the top four of the Premier League. But there just seems after that like a negative energy. And you had the kind of strange thing, didn't you, at the end of the game with Van de Ven and Jed Spence going off the pitch, having Thomas Franks ask them to go round.
23:06and I understand from a player's point of view that you'd be pissed off and just want to get down the tunnel. But if your manager tells you to do that, you'd think you should do it. So all of a sudden from being, oh, it's going really nicely to there's a few questions. First time. Yeah, well, firstly, on the field, that's one of the worst games I've seen Spurs play. Even including... He went to the game yesterday and he was saying it's absolutely terrible. I couldn't believe... I didn't know what I was trying to do. Bergwahl hindered it. When Bergwahl came off and he had to bring on Xavi Simons, it didn't work out.
23:44So maybe that's one of the excuses. But I don't understand what I was trying to do. I was trying to play out. I was taking risks. But they had no control in the game. They didn't look like they were going to score. They looked like there were big gaps between the back and the front. And I've never seen that with a Thomas Frank team. they're always together it might just be you get games where you get a number of players off and they're not quite but it was a strange one it was just flat I was watching the game thinking okay but maybe we're doing Chelsea a disservice because guys hey though like you said he was just everywhere every time Spurs tried to play out they were there wouldn't they they knew exactly where to be the press was high the defence were jumping as well
24:34Alan Shearer:brought him into my fantasy team Mike I thought I should mention you know what I was going to bring him in I waited one more week I brought him Mateta me too I did my wild card I'm learning about this game things like wild card I've got my bench boost next week I mean I'm so excited for it Mike it's so good isn't it and just on your second point with Jed Spence and Van Der Verne I listened to a little bit of an interview with Thomas Frank and he sort of played it down well you would do you say it's not important he is a guy to play it down yes agreed but if they're disrespecting the manager like that it's an absolute disgrace and if they did I wouldn't even play him the next game I really wouldn't because Thomas Frank's not that sort of person who causes that confrontation so that's just a lack of respect but yeah I don't it's strange coming from Van der Ven because it was actually the two players that were probably responsible for the goal as well don't forget between them they kind of messed up about three times didn't they yeah and they've both been really really good this season I think it's worth saying that as well maybe they've just the two of them have just gone fuck we've had a nightmare I can't go and face the fans because it was our fault so you don't know all the details so you've got to be a little bit careful in this but at the same time to go you know like dismiss your manager in front of everybody is not a great look it's just one of those in the moment and I don't we don't know what happened and only the manager does and if he needs to make a stance or take a stance on how he felt about the situation and I've been in that situation too where I got subbed and I threw my shirt.
26:32I threw my shirt down.
26:34Alan Shearer:Who too? I was playing for Stuart Pearce. I might have told you years ago. Yeah, I think you did. Yeah, and I threw my shirt down. And I meant no disrespect by it. This could just be a thing where they were so frustrated where the game and it looked worse than what it was. I think that's probably the case. That's probably the case, yeah. but if it wasn't the manager has to take the stance I think yeah I agree good win for Chelsea though a couple of other games to talk about I thought Man United I think they're creeping back they're not going to you know they're not going to be top four I don't think unlikely but you can see what do they call it marginal gains you know the two new signings are doing you know two of the new signings are doing pretty well there's still things about them and the balance and who plays and the wingbacks and where it's not a perfect fit and they're probably slightly fortuitous with the ball that was should have not been they gave a corner when it probably wasn't a corner although it was I mean it was a tiny little decision you know but which VAR couldn't obviously intervene with but overall I would still say progress but I just I just don't Ashley Williams did it on Match of the Day yesterday I just don't like wingers being in that position wingers as wingbacks yeah yeah but he's a winger he's a winger isn't he he was right I thought it was really good it was really good and I just think they're better but I don't know if they're better because of the individual brilliance or they're just learning the system more but they're still vulnerable they're still vulnerable I would say I would say they're slightly better which is not but I think they're they're probably moving in the right direction I still don't think overall they've got the players that necessarily suit the way that Amrim plays and Ahmad was probably a really good example of that you could see the positives of his game but also the fact that he's not a defender and he's been asked to play as a wing back and he's not a wing back he's a winger or a forward so you know so at the minute you can still see where they haven't necessarily got the players to suit the system so I think that whilst they've had a little bit of a good run and a revival you it's hard to envisage that they'll sustain it for a long period but you know you've got to remember what were they like that 16th in the league last season so they've you know you're not going to suddenly jump up into the top but the one thing I would say for them is their recruitment I think for the first time in quite some time looks like it's been pretty good Kanye's a really good player and Bumo's a really good player Cesc I think might show something as well I think he's promising so I think it's been better recruitment but time will tell on that as well I agree with everything I think you nailed it actually but time will tell I had United finish in sixth I think or above this season so with the players that they have the signings that they brought in in the summer that's where I have them I think we're just looking for consistency I think it's as simple as that and let's see how far it takes them yeah let's see Wolves bring on to that because obviously Vitor Pereira's lost his I mean, what chance have you got?
30:24I mean, it's like a managerial merry-go-round, isn't it? In many ways, this whole thing. And you can just see it. It's like he comes in, does a really, really, really good job last season. He took over from pretty much where they are now this season and he turned things around. But last season, he did have some talent. Comes the summer, they sell their best two players, Ait Nouri to Manchester City and Kunja to Manchester United. then don't really buy anybody else and then, well, things start to go wrong. Surprise, surprise. And whose fault is it? Now, it's... And don't forget, they unsettled Stran Larsson with Newcastle coming in for a bit.
31:05Very true. 50 million. He thinks he's going out the door as well.
31:09Alan Shearer:Yeah. You know what it's like when you're a player and you come in and they say, you've sold two of the best players. You've come through the door. You're thinking, I'm going to Newcastle. I'm going to to play for a team who wants to play Champions League football or is playing Champions League football and you're looking at it and thinking well I want to go too and then he had that period where he's injured for a little while and he's come back and he's and he's feeding off he's feeding off scraps yeah very difficult Wolves are good in midfield they've got some good players in the midfield they have and and I do like Monezzi he's one of my favourite players to watch because he's sort of like a holy midfielder who always gets in the bus and always starts the press.
31:51I really like him. But defensively, they're just not good enough. And they always come see goals.
31:55Alan Shearer:It's going to be difficult for whoever comes in. They're talking about Gary O 'Neill. I mean, talk about a manager where he'll go around. Mary go around, I should say. Obviously, it was about a year ago that he lost his job. And it's a very similar situation. Maybe they'll just take it in turns now. So you get a little dip, bring back Gary O 'Neill for this season. They'll start next season badly. Bring back Victor Pereira. Vitor Pereira next season keep it going but you just look at it across the board don't you so you go you know the managers now like Nuno goes from Forest to now he's at West Ham and then you've got Sean Dyche who's been and then he goes it's just like which club are you at at the moment it's just it's a mad way to make a living I talked to Carlo Ancelotti and it will be in the podcast about managers and he went he went I was sacked here I was sacked at I was sacked there and he's probably got the best record of any coach ever.
32:51I bet he wasn't complaining about the settlement fee when he leave as a manager there, was he? Well, I didn't bring it up, funny enough. But I mean, that's the thing. I mean, obviously they do. I said to him, does it not get to you though? And he went, well, the first time it did, the second time a little bit, and then actually after that. I think after that, he probably thought, well, I'll get the settlement, whatever it is. Who knows? Who knows? Let's take a break there, Mike. And when we come back, hopefully we'll be joined by Alan and we'll discuss the two games that were played today, Sunday, when we're talking.
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35:38Alan Shearer:Welcome back to The Rest is Football Mike Richards and Miguel Lick are now joined by a certain Alan Shearer in the back of a car You've had a very busy long weekend Alan
35:48Gary Lineker:I've had a busy weekend yeah I'm actually a very bit tired actually I did match the day yesterday jumped in the car got down to London and then did PLP today with the two games that we've been doing so heavy weekend yeah
36:04Alan Shearer:Yeah, and now where you're driving back up north? I'm heading back to Newcastle now, yeah,
36:08Gary Lineker:so only in that one are the four and a half hours to go. Well. Can I ask you, though, Al, why don't you just stay down and go back in the morning? Because then it'll take me half a day travelling on Monday where I just prefer to get home. If I get home at about half midnight tonight, at least I wake up in my own bed.
36:23Alan Shearer:Yeah, I used to think the same thing after MASH of the Day because obviously travelling on Sunday is not as easy anyway because trying to get the train up and down. But just, and it's the same, isn't it? At least you get in your own bed and you can have a lie in the next day or something. Yeah, that's right. I'm with you. I'm with you on that one. Just two games played today that you would have covered, obviously, Alan. Let's start with, I tell you what, do you want to get the rant off first? Let's get Newcastle out of the way so we can finish perhaps on a slightly more positive note because you weren't very happy, were you?
36:58Gary Lineker:Seriously, how bad were Newcastle? I mean, they were rotten. They were awful. It's as bad as I can remember under Eddie Howe for a long time. Until the last time you said this, last season at some point. It was so bad. I mean, they were lazy. They were lethargic. They had no energy. I mean, other than maybe Murphy who scored the goal, there was not one player, not one player that could come off that pitch and say, I did all right today. They were terrible. every single one of them from the goalkeeper to the centre forward right the way through they were awful and got what they deserved West Ham were the best team by a mile and it hurts to say that because it was even even when they went 1-0 up I'm thinking they're a bit fortunate here but then I'm thinking West Ham are so afraid because you had that incredible effort from Jared Bowen in the post and then they went straight down the other side and scored I thought oh that sums it up the way they went through West Ham I thought we're going to get a few here.
38:01West Ham are fragile. Fans will be moaning. It's going to be a tough day for West Ham. But give credit to them. The way they turned it around and the way they stuck together because it would have been, the pressure was on them then when Newcastle scored. So, yeah, well done West Ham. The throw deserved it. Newcastle were hopeless. Stop laughing. What are you laughing at, Baker?
38:26Gary Lineker:He's been holding that in. You dickhead. He has. Look at him. It's just how it affects your mood. It's just how it affects you. Yeah, it's brilliant. It's brilliant. Remember you beat me last week at balling. You was giving it the bigger than this. The idea of sanctity messages. I've got to send you one message because I know how much it hurts. So I'm just waiting for the run. It's mad, isn't it? as even however old and you think you're getting a bit more mature, how much your team's performances affect your mood. You just think, come on, it's just, it's like, why does it, I mean, Leicester at the moment, I mean, talk about, you think you've got things bad.
39:14I mean, crikey, we're really like, defeat, lost at home again. And you just think,
39:19Alan Shearer:oh God, is anything ever going to change? But I was actually talking to my mate last night we were out for dinner and And I was saying, if you think about it, though, if you think about it, about 10, 12 years ago, if you just said, right, okay, Leicester, they're going to win the league and then they're going to win the FA Cup and then they're going to go back to being Leicester and be pretty shit and probably championship and occasionally visit the Premier League again, would you accept that? And I'd have gone, absolutely. And also that ain't going to happen, but it did happen. So yeah, yeah.
39:52But it does affect your mood.
39:54Gary Lineker:Especially when you've got four and a half hours up the motorway in a car. Oh, never mind. Does anyone stand out for West Ham? Yeah, the young boy, Freddie Potts, his first Premier League star. I think it was Steve Potts. He's at West Ham. He's been there for years, hasn't he? That's his son. and by the way to put him in in a pressurised situation like he was and for him to stand out like he did he got man of the match player of the match he was brilliant he was he really stood out so yeah he was the stand out maker I totally agree with that as well but for a toner he would have scored apparently his dad only got one goal didn't he or something or he had to wait like 10 years to score a goal yeah what a day for him great day for the family
40:48Alan Shearer:why do you think Newcastle is struggling away from home? I think different different style obviously because of what happened in the summer getting used to playing a different way but no I don't like what I'm seeing away from home I don't I get that things have changed but that doesn't stop you running around that doesn't stop you being aggressive if you go back to last season the one thing that Newcastle were were tough to play against. And the thing about going away from home is you might have 2 ,000 or 3 ,000 of your fans in the stadium and might be drowned out somewhere. But the difference between away and home, you've got 52 ,000 at home who will not let you not put a shift in, not graft, not work, not tackle, and do all the things that made Newcastle successful by winning the Cup last year, by getting back into the Champions League.
41:46And I'm not seeing that away from home. and that's the thing that Eddie has to somehow turn around. I could sense his anger after the game. I knew he was angry at half-time because he got stuck into his players and made three changes, but they didn't really get any better second half, to be honest, so that's what he's got to work out and figure out. He's got to get back that being tough to play against, particularly away from home, not so bad at St James' but away from home, being very, very weak. and they've also got to get players into goal scoring positions because there's only four of them scored league goals at this moment in time.
42:23Anthony Gordon's been really good in the Champions League, hasn't done it in the league as yet and there's a few like that as well so they've got to get back to being tough and back to basics that made them successful.
42:35Alan Shearer:Which is probably what Nuno's trying to do with West Ham, isn't it? Yeah, I think that's what would have pleased him more than anything today. it wasn't about the performance with West Ham, it wasn't about it, just about their great attitude because it would have been easy for them to crumble with Newcastle going in front so early on, with them hitting the post, with them getting the penalty decision turned over, and they must have thought, here we go again, we're up against it, but they stuck at it, and that's what would have pleased him more than anything, as well as the three points, because it just gives you something to build on, knowing that the players are with you and they're willing to work extremely hard.
43:12Alan Shearer:I think they'll stay up do you Micah West Ham not Newcastle no I'm not I'm cruel
43:20Gary Lineker:but I'm not that cruel he's even laughing at that again what do you think you meant what's up to you
43:31yeah I think they have too much quality to go down I think that was a massive win for them if you look at the individual quality they have on the field with Bowen, even Pakatar. I didn't like the dive that he did when he squared up to someone on the pitch. He didn't need to do all that. It was nonsense. But in terms of the quality they have, Bowen, when he's on it, he'll get him out of trouble for sure.
44:00Alan Shearer:Yeah, he was very unlucky with the one that hit the post. Manchester City, Micah. City! City! Looked pretty good, I thought, in that game. and you know you get the pluses of Rodri coming on I know it was only for a couple of minutes but it's back from injury again so hopefully he'll return I thought O 'Reilly did really well I mean but we have to talk about the fella again don't we the big man God the only thing how good is he I mean particularly if I mean the one thing I would say and I think Irola's an amazing coach and he's done a brilliant job at Bournemouth but to play a high line against against Erling Haaland, who can give you three-yard start anyway, is very, very brave.
44:47Let's say brave. Well, he didn't work at all, did he? Because that little pass from... Three times he went through, didn't he? Two he scored. Yeah, Cherky. I liked Cherky's performance. He's been injured. And he always looks for that killer pass. I know a lot of people might think he's quite frustrating, but he's not afraid to take that pass. and it was really good football intelligence to just head it on to Haaland once it goes through there. Even though it was a greatest finish, I think he went under the goal. The first one, yeah. The first one was not. Yeah, when he headed it through. But yeah, he's just phenomenal.
45:23He really is. Nico O 'Reilly as well. Great game. I thought Foden played well. Encouraging. I don't know if he saw during the game as well. and Pep, everyone thought Pep was doing like a kiss sign to the goal scorer but he was actually folding for getting in the pocket, getting in the little half spaces, making something happen but I thought he's, yeah, he looked really good. Do you know what else he looked?
45:51Alan Shearer:He looked happy, he was playing with a smile on his face and I think he, by his own admission last season, that he, I think he was obviously having struggles in whatever way, maybe mental health or whatever but he looks like he's got his mojo back now. Definitely. Yeah, you can tell he's got a bit of that swagger going back on again. But I agree with you guys, I mean, Bournemouth's back four all over the place. I haven't said that too many times this season. And I think the big picture is Bournemouth are fourth and without doubt they've been one of the best teams up to now and they would have taken that.
46:24But today, with that high line, with that attempt, with Erling Haaland playing against him. and it's even more noticeable and I said it didn't I a few weeks back is that they are so directing to him now they are playing massively to what he needs and what he wants in terms of crosses into the box early balls in behind and he is absolutely loving it and destroying teams with his goals I like the look of this croupy though I like him he's got good movement for a young fella isn't he was he only 19 he always seems to get a chance or be in the right place at the right time you were a groupie groupie he had that one chance didn't he to make it 2-0 that might have been a turning point in the game but he missed that and he thought I might get punished for that and they did he looks lively doesn't he he looks really lively I just think watching him and seeing his movement he looks really intelligent
47:24Alan Shearer:he's definitely got something definitely talented and he's obviously scored what's he scored three already hasn't he in the previous couple of games yeah so yeah Bournemouth might have found it they're pretty good at finding talent Bournemouth aren't they I do like the left back they brought in as well Truffaut is that how you pronounce it guys you tell me Micah I don't know that's why I asked you the oracle we call you don't we the oracle no you don't you know everything Truffaut Truffaut Truffaut Truffaut Truffaut he's good truth or dare is it truth or dare what about the lugs comment the lugs oh my god
48:08Gary Lineker:still have a little chuckle have we gone from bonnet to that comment straight away what brought I'm going to say what brought that up but that's probably the wrong phrase
48:21just when he said truth or dare I'm not going to worry oh okay Michael Oh dear. Yeah, I think that went pretty viral. Unsurprisingly. I mean, obviously we talked about Arsenal's performance in the first half, Alan, and you were doing Match of the Day last night. We watched that.
48:41Alan Shearer:But I mean, I think City or Liverpool are the most likely to chase them down. What do you think? Yeah, I think they've set the standard. They're brilliant in every position. And even when they take one off and bring one on, their strength and depth is superb. Their first half yesterday, they were superb. They really were. They came off the gas a bit second half, but the game was won. Jokeres went off at halftime. I don't know how serious that is, but hopefully not for him, because I thought he was really good as well in the first half. Got his goal. It's just incredible. They're not even giving teams the chance to have a shot at them, really.
49:24They're so tight and so mean. And again, a set piece. But I thought their full-backs were outstanding and have been not just against Burnley, but how they get into forward positions in the box are not such a threat. Difficult to pick up. So, yeah, Arsenal have been absolutely magnificent set in the pace.
49:43Alan Shearer:We were talking in the first half a little bit about this, but if you had to pick a team now, and I know we will pick Liverpool as most people did at the start of the season. If you have to pick your team now, it'll be tough to go against Arsenal. I mean, I know things can go wrong and things change and you lose a couple of games and confidence duanes. But I think they look the part, don't they? They really do. Yeah, they do. I mean, Liverpool got their win. They weren't perfect, but it was a start for them again to start from somewhere. City, I'm not sure about defensively. given chances away I mean Ireland's always going to score he's going to end up with 45 or 50 goals maybe even more but yeah there's still still issues with those two and I just don't I don't see really weakness as yet in Arsenal and that's that would be the worrying thing for City and for Liverpool You know what on some brighter news if Sunderland win tomorrow they'll go second now Yeah
50:43Gary Lineker:should we put them in the title the hunt as well then shall we? would you I think so why not Alan yeah would you
50:56Gary Lineker:probably not I've got I've got four and a half fucking hours Newcastle have been beaten and you're telling me Sunderland are in the fucking title race
51:06Gary Lineker:come on be kind to me please come on I'm just stating the facts if they win tomorrow they go second that's it that's all I've said hello hello I have to be careful because the Sunderland fans don't like me saying anything against them so they've been yeah if they win second bloody hell what a start
51:26Alan Shearer:we'll let you go on your journey just one little news story that's just broken actually that Southampton have parted ways with Will Still with that you know obviously didn't he learn his trade on football manager and stuff and came no he didn't is that a myth it is him yeah but I did interview with him a couple years ago and he sort of said it wasn't true he said he loved the game but that's he's been all over coaching I'll withdraw that comment no no no it is it is true that's what that's what he was known for but when I spoke to him he said not really he just was obsessed with the game and then he used some of the stats from the game to bring him to the modern day football or something.
52:17So it's completely right.
52:18Alan Shearer:Yeah, well, a lot of clubs do that anyway, don't they? The statistics now and there's so much more data used on footballers and teams and such. But yeah, it's a tough one. So I mean, we were talking in the first half as well, Alan, about the coach's job and I spoke to Ancelotti on Friday, interview with him for, which will come out in a week or two. And even he was saying that it's just, you know, you're just almost certain to get the sack at some point. I mean, it's such a tough... It's well paid, but it's also... I mean, I don't know how they deal with it. It must drive you mad. You know the rules, don't you?
52:56I mean, he understands that. Southampton being relegated near the bottom of the Championship now, being beaten at home. So I guess you know the rules when you go into management and you understand that. I think at some stage, you're probably going to get a sack sack one day.
53:12Alan Shearer:What's the betting on Gary O 'Neill coming back to Wolves and Russell Martin going back to Southampton. There's a double, a little double. It's not impossible. I mean, Gary O 'Neill is being linked with Wolves already and I think it, I think they'd take Russell Martin back at Southampton because he did a pretty good job there. So, yeah, I mean, it's such a mad world, Matt, coaching and the merry-go-round and all this nonsense. Who'd want to do coaching, Al? It's a lot easier in our world, guys. it's a lot easier telling him how to do it than do it yourself that is a fact and I'll always admit that there's no question about that alright well safe travels Alan have a smooth journey yes boys
53:57Gary Lineker:Micah will I be seeing you will I be seeing you at Anfield on Tuesday for Liverpool Real Madrid oh that's a biggie oh no I'm not going studio really ok I'll be at that game for Amazon I'm doing it cool comes what a game that is to look forward to that's a beauty isn't it that is a beauty and it helps with Liverpool winning as well so hopefully you know they'll be a bit more buoyant going into that game just on the Champions League Rashford will be playing in the Champions League he just scored hasn't he
54:30Alan Shearer:great goal again beat a player smashed it on the underside of the bar I saw it did he cracking I think he's got a goal contribution on average of 70 minutes every 70 minutes which is pretty good he's done really really well because they've had injuries as well but he's been a kind of ever present really you know remember people saying well I'm not sure whether he'll get in the team whether he'll get a game and all this stuff but he's done really well really good really good pleased for him lovely way to finish so that's it for this episode I'll be back talking about Spanish football with Alex Aljo for you tomorrow on Tuesday but for now goodbye from me goodbye from me
55:09Gary Lineker:goodbye from me have a great week
From the publisher
Can the partnership between Haaland and Cherki take the Norwegian superstar to another level? Why is Declan Rice the key to giving Arsenal so much control? Who do Wolves turn to next after sacking Vitor Pereira following an eighth defeat in ten league games this season?
Gary, Alan and Micah also discuss an important win for Liverpool after Arne Slot’s gamble in midweek and a worrying performance from Spurs.
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