Man City Beat Disastrous Man Utd, Liverpool Break Burnley Hearts & Bournemouth Defy The Odds

16:26Alan Shearer:It's true. I'd love to see him back. I wonder if it was a deliberate reference that Pep made about saying it's really great to have him back. We missed him. We missed his creativity, he said. And I thought, maybe he's trying to go, right, you're my main man. We've missed you. We want you back. Give him a big confidence boost and a lift for what is obviously a very big season for Manchester City, but a very big season for Phil Foden. not only with Man City, but obviously the World Cup's coming up and he's a little bit out of the picture at the moment, which if you'd have said 18 months ago, you'd have gone, what?

17:00Alan Shearer:Really? Really?

17:02Gary Lineker:Yeah, we got some strength in that position, right?

17:05Alan Shearer:Oh, my God. Incredible, incredible strength there. But yeah, Manchester, can you see them creeping? Are you a bit more confident this season, Mike? I mean, I think that some of the new additions might make a difference. I think Reinders is a really good player. Great energy, great energy. You remember the first game of the season against Wolves? They were excellent. They had a higher energy. I still think the press is a little bit off. I thought in the game today, if Man United would have been a little bit cuter when they broke that line in midfield, had that been better players, they might have got punished.

17:41So I still think, like, Bernardo Silva, he's a very good player, but he's not giving what he used to give in terms of that energy. But Reinders, I agree with you. He brings something different. I thought Kusinov, although he's a centre-back, played really well at right-back. New goalkeeper as well. So when you talk about are they there, they're not at the treble-winning, you know, side that we've seen in previous seasons. but they're creeping back to somewhere near that and you know if Haaland plays like that if Foden plays like that we've got to give a shout out to Doku as well Doku brilliant but he simplified his game he got on the ball he beat his man and then he passed it easy put you know good balls forward to Haaland and then his composure in the last little bit was a lot better so I can see improvements I don't think they're at the the best that we've ever seen of Man City.

18:41But in terms of this season, I see higher energy and I think they can push Liverpool and Arsenal a little bit further this season.

18:49Alan Shearer:I quite enjoy watching Nico O 'Reilly. I think he looks like, he's only 20. He needs to come into a Manchester City side with those sort of players around. Good player, yeah. I like him a lot. I think he's got a real chance. Yeah, good player. He's actually a midfielder playing. Exactly, but playing out of position, which I mean suggests that he's very intelligent he is very intelligent he's quick he's strong he's good on the ball and he's playing for Man City how you know hard it is to get into Man City's side his development's been really good and Pep obviously trusts him to put him in in a derby yeah it says it says a lot about him he could have put Guardi on left back but he went with Nico O 'Reilly so fair play to him good start for Donnarumma as well he's a man mounted.

19:37Gary Lineker:What a save. What a save from Buemba, wasn't it? I feel sorry for Trafford. Me too. But that save... Should have signed for Newcastle then, shouldn't he? 26 million. 26 million. He's just won the Champions League. He's 25, 26 years of age. It's an absolute snippet. Yes, people will talk about playing out for the back. He's not at Edison playing out. But in terms of shot stopping, his record is incredible. What a signing. That was, and he had a fantastic game today in the Derby. He really did. Just one thing I want to mention is he's not directly involved in football,

20:15Alan Shearer:of course, but he was a huge football fan. And that's the sad loss of passing of Ricky Hatton, 46 years old. Incredibly sad. I met him a couple of times at Sports Personality. Seemed a lovely guy. God, dear. What a shock.

20:31Gary Lineker:Micah, I thought you spoke really well today. I agree, yeah. Tough, and I thought the City fans and the United fans, actually, it was a really nice gesture before the game for him, but incredibly sad. Incredibly sad. And it's one of those things, you know, you've got to find out 10, 15 minutes before you go on air. And how are you supposed to... I don't know. Obviously, he can be real. He was someone, and before I went on air, I was down because it hit me, you know? And to get that on camera where Super Sunday, you're supposed to be energised, and especially with my energy, the way I love to do punditry.

21:12And then you've got to go on and talk about someone who was one of the nicest people ever. He was a man of the people, absolute legend in every way. And to go on air and try to articulate yourself before a Manchester derby, it was so difficult. but I hope I got the tone right. No, I think you did. I think you did really well.

21:34Gary Lineker:And he loved his football as well, didn't he? He absolutely loved it. He was a proper fan from day. Yeah, it was hard hitting before I was about to go on there. So sad. It was a difficult situation. It was so sad. But condolences to his family and all the people closest to him.

21:53Alan Shearer:Yeah, absolutely. Rest in peace, champ.

21:56Gary Lineker:Yeah.

21:56Alan Shearer:Let's move on to the other game played today. They left it late. Again? Blimey, yeah. I mean, Burnley are incredibly well organized, and whether they've got enough firepower to stay up remains to be seen. But, you know, if you defend really well, you're going to nick points here and there, and I'd be quite encouraged if I were a Burnley supporter. I mean, it was a bit of bad luck at the end. I mean, it's one of those in this silly new law we've got where your elbow's like eight inches away from your body, and he knew it himself straight away. He's obviously jumping up and it's a natural movement.

22:34Alan Shearer:It's not unnatural, but I really felt his face, his poor face.

22:40Gary Lineker:I think anyone, everyone knows that when you look at Burnley and their record last year, you look at Burnley already this year, particularly at home, then they're going to be tough. And I mean, yeah, Liverpool didn't play well and maybe slightly fortunate to get the three points, but it is really tough when you've got that many men behind the ball sort of camping around the 18-yard box to break them down. But yeah, I think everyone knows it's going to be tough against Burnley at their place this year. Yeah, I agree, but I thought Estev was outstanding.

23:17Alan Shearer:We picked him out, didn't we? Squad anyway for the fantasy team. Yeah, he's really comfortable in the ball. Left footer, wins his aerial duels. I know Tony, the big Burnley fan as well, loved him in the Championship. And it's always that question, can you do it in the Premier League? And he just looks like a Rolls Royce at the back. Obviously, it's a little bit easier when your team are in that low block and you're getting a lot of help. But if you just look at his awareness, where he is, his positioning as well, he's only 23. He's got a big future. Yeah, he looks a really talented defender. interestingly that well we want going back to bloody fantasy again here I mean that goal from Mo Salah was not only was he my captain I mean it's classic Salah wasn't it and it's funny normally you'd be slightly nervous if it's a player I absolutely 100 % knew he'd score but I had Dubravka and Esteve on the bench I didn't really understand what that meant but two of my I was watching the game with Tobias George and Angus and they were saying you've got these two on your bench and I went well they're not yeah but that's loads of points if it's a clean sheet I went oh right okay I'm with you I'm learning this game as a guy can you see

24:36Gary Lineker:what you've done to him Michael yeah

24:38Alan Shearer:you'll be soon and you you're on the group chat constantly saying I've got the best team I'm top of the thing

24:44Gary Lineker:and everything like that Salah was my captain as well yeah yeah so where do you think

24:49Alan Shearer:Liverpool I mean don't answer me by saying top of the table or three points player. But I mean, they're not free-flowing yet. But then I don't think any teams really are yet because it's early stages in the season. Teams are settling in their new players, et cetera. What do you think of Liverpool at the moment?

25:07Gary Lineker:I would be extremely happy if I were them. They've not played well at all yet. They've won four games out of four. And they've got£125 million centre-forward to come in as well. Who's that, Al? I forgot his name. I'm not sure.

25:22Alan Shearer:Now you've got a new one. You don't care. We'll come to that later.

25:27Gary Lineker:I would be really happy. You'd have to be, wouldn't you? For the other teams, it has to be really worrying that they've been nowhere near their best, but they've won four out of four. They've found a way. Yeah, I think if I was a Liverpool fan, you'd be really happy. They're getting over the line. I think in midfield, though, with Verts at this moment in time, it's not clicking. It will come good because he's that good of a player. And when you spend 100 million plus on a player, you expect straight away. He's obviously very tidy, but he's finding it harder than I thought he would. I thought he would slot in straight away.

26:07But that's something that you have to look at. If you look at Liverpool in previous years when they've been successful, I won't say workman-like midfield, but high energy in midfield. He slows it down a little bit. Obviously can see a pass, can play a ball, but he's not the verts that I expected at this moment in time. And once he starts firing, they'll be even better. Add Isak to that. I really like Eketike. I just think he offers something different. And I think with Liverpool, how they won the league last year, wasn't three-flowing as maybe a clock team, but they found a way. and now they've got Isak and Eketike up front with Gakpo and Salah they're going to take some stopping and not even have to play well to get over the line you know

26:53Alan Shearer:yeah real firepower yeah okay Micah we'll bid you farewell safe travels and oh I'm here I'm here I thought you'd thought you'd passed out there I thought is Jolyan driving is that the problem is he your driver okay let's take a break when we come back me and Alan we'll talk about Saturday's games. This episode is brought to you by Squarespace. If you need a website, Squarespace makes it simple, whether it's for your business, your side hustle, or just to show off your work. Their AI-powered design tools help you build something that looks amazing, functions beautifully, and gets results, no matter your skill level.

27:37Alan Shearer:Head to squarespace.com slash football for a free trial. And when you're ready to launch, use the code FOOTBALL to save 10 % off your first purchase of a website or domain.

27:53Alan Shearer:Welcome back to the Rest is Football with, well, just Alan Shearer and me, Gary Linnicka. Now, let's discuss Saturday's games. Alan, might as well start with the early one. Arsenal made light work of their victory against Forest, didn't they? Played really well, I thought.

28:09Gary Lineker:I thought they were excellent, actually, yeah. Bit of a slow start for the first 10 minutes or so, but after that, there was only one team going to win it, and particularly so when they scored early after half-time. Once they got that second one, it was a matter of how many they were going to get. Forest didn't have an answer to Arsenal's pace of the game. Madiweki, I thought, was superb. Ezer on that, putting a great ball in for Jokeres for his goal.

28:39Alan Shearer:So, yeah, so Arsenal, I thought, well, yeah, they were really impressive,

28:42Gary Lineker:did what they had to do.

28:43Alan Shearer:Where does the Saka situation when he's fit? I mean, it's the sort of dilemma you want as a coach to have the choice of players they've got. But, you know, obviously Eze was really good. I thought Madweki was probably the best player on the pitch, caused him all sorts of trouble down there. I felt sorry for that Murato. He didn't know whether he was coming or going most of the time. But he's got real options now and depth, which is probably what they've lacked in the last two or three seasons.

29:10Gary Lineker:Yeah, I mean, even with him affording to leave Declan Rice out on the bench, I think that tells you how impressive they are in almost every position. When you look at their firepower in terms of the right-hand side, they've got Madueke and Saka. Left-hand side, they've got Eza, they've got Martinelli. Obviously, Jokere's coming in. They've now got Zubimendi in midfield who scored two great goals, particularly the first one in the volley. My God, what a strike. Then they can afford to leave Declan Rice out. Saliba out injured. Mosquera comes in. I thought he was superb. So, yeah, they're really, really strong, our Arsenal now.

29:53Gary Lineker:So, we all know what they have to do.

29:55Alan Shearer:I think where they can be really encouraged, Al, is that the new signings of all, not only they've hit the ground running, haven't they? I mean, obviously you've mentioned Eze and Maduecki, but also Zubomendi in midfield as well. And Giorgis, three goals in his four games, just the sort of start you want as a striker. So I think even though prior to this game, they hadn't been at their free-flowing best, they hadn't created that much. But now four games in, you go, this is a squad now to be reckoned with. I think we might have a bit of a title race on our hands this season. I mean, I don't see Liverpool running away with it quite so comfortably as they did last season.

30:41Alan Shearer:Because I think City, yes, they've only won two out there, four. But, you know, their new signs are fitting in. Rodri's easing his way back into things as well. And obviously Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and, you know, even possibly Chelsea. So I think it could be a really, really interesting season. But, yeah, I mean, Zubermendi's a player we've, you know, I've seen in La Liga over the last two or three years. And he's that classic little Spanish player that they produce, isn't he? They're comfortable just in front and the back four. He's happy to receive the ball. He's very comfortable and confident.

31:18Alan Shearer:Didn't expect him to bang in a couple, one screamer and a header.

31:21Gary Lineker:No, not like that. Not like that at all. Yeah, I thought he was excellent. I think the key to getting the best out of Viocares is early balls into the box because I, again, as you know, I did PLP yesterday. So I watched that game and the first half I was thinking, and it's a really fine balance because you've got Eza and you've got Maduweki who part of their game and big strength is going past players and being brilliant at doing that. but I also think sometimes you don't have to do it you just the early ball kills defenders as well and I think that's sometimes the brightest thing to do rather than beat and check and do all that so there's a fine balance but I do think to get the best out of Jochores they need early balls into the box because you saw that straight after half time again you know it was the game a couple of weeks back where that ball over the top when he got his goal and it was very similar yesterday where straight after half-time, ball in behind and first time into the box, there's a one-touch finish for Jokeres.

32:29Gary Lineker:And that's what I think he's going to thrive on, if they can find that balance. But yeah, they looked really good yesterday, Arsenal. I thought it was a really impressive performance.

32:40Alan Shearer:It was a fabulous first-time cross from Eze, wasn't it? Wasn't it brilliant? Because that wasn't easy. Not at all. Absolutely pinpoint. That's the sort of thing that was number nine. Love it. Brilliant. easy chance but you've got to be in there and he was and that's the most important thing so encouraging start really for Arsenal as for Forrest I wonder whether Ange Postacoglu missed a trick you know that old thing when new manager comes in right I watched the first one from the stand and the number two's in charge Arsenal away it obviously didn't bother him he wanted to get him because I think he only had one day's training with him so certainly not the game to judge him on

33:17Gary Lineker:particularly with it being international break as well and not having all his players It's a, I don't know, a unique situation because a lot of the time, as a new manager, you come into a football club that's probably been struggling and the team's really poor and you're getting the job because of that. But on this occasion, that's not the case, is it? It's that he's walking into a really good team, good squad that achieved a hell of a lot last year. I know they had a surprise result last time, and that's one of the reasons, I guess, why Nuna lost his job. But the main reason was because, I suppose, as soon as he went against the owner, it was only a matter of time.

33:58Gary Lineker:So I'm just walking into a really good football club, a really good football team with some excellent players. And I mean, we had the discussion yesterday about which way is he going to play or which systems he's going to play because of his style, et cetera. I don't see that team doing too much differently to what has got them the success. And I think he's a bright guy and a bright manager to understand that. And nothing much I don't think will change. You'll have one or two little tweaks. But in terms of the way Nottingham Forest play, I don't think you'll see too much difference in that style.

34:34Alan Shearer:Yeah, I wouldn't disagree with that. I think the injury to Murillo was a real shame as well because he was terrific in that first half an hour. Oh, he's in my fantasy team. That's when I think I'm going to get...

34:44Gary Lineker:Oh, here you go. Have you noticed how...

34:47Alan Shearer:I mean, oh God, what they've done to us, Alan, here. Hello, yeah. This fantasy league, hello. You're up and you're down and you're...

34:55Gary Lineker:Oh, dearie me. Why didn't I put him in? Why did I have him in? It's like, yeah.

35:00Alan Shearer:It's quite fun, though. Makes every game interesting that you watch, though, even when they're dull. Let's move on to... Good start for Thomas Frank with Spurs. Obviously, he had that home defeat. It was against Bournemouth, wasn't it? Bournemouth, yeah. A couple of weeks ago. when they didn't play that well. But, I mean, that was as comfortable as it gets. And I do worry for West Ham.

35:19Gary Lineker:Yeah, I mean, Tottenham were worthy winners. They've had a really good start. They had a little poor result, didn't they? But they bounced back really well. They've got some good options. Jabby Simmons coming in there. Yeah, it's looking positive for them. And I'm looking forward to Tuesday. I'm doing them in the Champions League for Amazon. Are you? Corecoms on Tuesday night. Who's they got again? Villarreal. Ah. Yeah, so it'll be a great occasion. Good atmosphere, I'm sure. I'm looking forward to it. And they should go into the game full of confidence after their performance at the weekend. I know West Ham went down to 10 men, but Spurs did what they had to do and looked good at doing that.

36:01Gary Lineker:So, yeah, they should go in full of confidence.

36:03Alan Shearer:I mean, Villarreal started the season well, but they got beaten on Saturday by Atletico. So that might leave Spurs more confident.

36:12Gary Lineker:Yeah.

36:13Alan Shearer:I haven't really discussed Daniel Levy, have we? No, yeah. That news broke, obviously, during the international break. It was out of the blue, wasn't it? It certainly was. And, you know, I know someone that knows Daniel reasonably well and was chatting with him the day before, and I don't think he had any idea that was coming. I was going to say, did he see it coming or not?

36:33Gary Lineker:No. He doesn't believe so. Right. Interesting.

36:36Alan Shearer:So it was a bit of a turn up. obviously they waited till the transfer window had closed. So time for a change. It's very rare that the person at the top goes, isn't it?

36:48Gary Lineker:Yeah, and obviously they'll have their reasons for that. I guess he was influential in bringing Thomas Frank into the football club. So whether that will affect him going forward, I don't suspect. But yeah, I don't know. It'll freshen things up, I guess, at Spurs. They've had a really good start. It's been really positive for them, other than that poor result. But they've got Champions League football. And I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing that a change at the top sometimes can work as a positive as well.

37:22Alan Shearer:Yeah, I mean, Daniel Levy attracts different views, obviously, from Spurs fans. And I think mostly, almost entirely, football fans care about the results on the pitch and the amount of trophies you won. And obviously they won one at the end of last season. But I think that's obviously what was missing. He said it himself. He wanted the club to go on and win big competitions. But in terms of a club well run, I think he deserves an enormous amount of credit. Massive, yeah. What he's done with the stadium. Yeah. In terms of the business. The training ground is as good as it gets anywhere in the world.

38:00Yeah.

38:00Alan Shearer:and it might be a bit frustrating for him, particularly if they do now go on and get a lot of success under Thomas Frank. But yeah, I think business-wise and how to run a football club off the field, he's certainly done a brilliant job.

38:16Gary Lineker:How mad is football, isn't it? You eventually get their trophy they've been waiting for for so long and then within six months you get rid of the chairman and rid of the manager. It's remarkable, isn't it?

38:28Alan Shearer:It really is. West Ham. Oh, not good. Not good at all. I mean, they were pretty static again in that. I mean, I know they got some momentum. Obviously, the sending off from Suchek was a big blow. There were one down at the time, weren't there? And then they kind of capitulated from there on in. But there doesn't seem to be much of a spark. I know they obviously had a good result against Forest where they scored three late goals. Yeah. But it's hard to see. Certainly no improvement since David Moyes left way back, I would say. In fact, possibly, I think they've gone backwards, haven't they?

39:06Gary Lineker:Yeah, I've said to you before, I think that it looks from the outside that it's a difficult club to manage. I mean, what seer you have in whoever or what comes in. And also what would be worrying is that not for the first time, and I know they had the sending off, but not for the first time already this season. when they conceded that first goal, it's capitulation, isn't it? That would be a worrying sign.

39:29Alan Shearer:Yeah, you know, you said you were doing PLP. What did you make of the Romero goal disallowed?

39:35Gary Lineker:I thought it was harsh.

39:37Alan Shearer:Yeah, I think it's one of those, isn't it, that they certainly wouldn't have turned it over if it had been given and they probably thought that they were not. I mean, I thought it should have been a goal, but it wasn't a clear and obvious error because there was a bit of pushing and shoving. Yeah. But he's in my team, Alan, so I was a bit choked at that. That's why I understand now.

39:57Gary Lineker:He did get an assist.

39:59Alan Shearer:So, yeah. So, yeah, good start to the season for Spurs. Big night for them on Tuesday. Look forward to hearing your commentary on that one, Alan. But, I mean, Chelsea looked like they were going to get all three points. Once Cole Palmer came on, he made a real difference. Massive difference. Probably should have scored another goal himself. But beautiful finish, wasn't it?

40:19Gary Lineker:It was a great finish, a tough finish. because the way he's had to sort of guide it in there with the left footing, and it was a great connection. I mean, he should have scored another one. Keeper saved it. He should never have saved it, but he made the difference without a doubt when he came on. I thought Brentford deserved something out of that game, and I think in terms of a fair result, I think it certainly was that. What about Henderson's pass, by the way?

40:47Alan Shearer:Oh, what a goal.

40:47Gary Lineker:A sharder for the goal.

40:48Alan Shearer:Yeah, he deserves a mention, Jordan, because I think he gets on, because of the fact that he's gone back into the England squad and people can't quite figure out why because he's obviously at the latter stage of his career. I think he's getting a bit of unfair stick because he's such a good pro, such a good perfect. And he's been a really, really excellent player for years and years and years.

41:10Gary Lineker:Always given everything.

41:11Alan Shearer:Everything. And he's obviously a leader, which is one of the reasons I think that Tuchel has brought him in to have around the camp. It was a gorgeous pass. Brilliant. It really was. Superb. Long throw-ins are back in fashion, Alan.

41:25Gary Lineker:I liked his words after the game, you know, Keith Andrews about how he sort of said, well, there's a bit of snobbery around about long throw-ins. I mean, Liverpool brought in a long throw specialist, didn't they, in terms of a throw-in coach to do those type of things. I mean, back in the day, that was that day of challenge. I played against that throw-in. It was an absolute... I hated long throwings because I always had to come back and defend corners. And then long throwings, it was like, oh, my God, how much energy do we have to waste to keep coming back into the 18-yard box to defend these things?

42:02Alan Shearer:You shouldn't be so good in the air, though. That's the thing. I mean, I scored a lot of headers, but they weren't climbing, leaping. And I always stayed up.

42:10Gary Lineker:If you've got a long throw, if you've got a long throw and you're good at it, You can put that into the box and you've got big guys who are prepared to flick it on and do the battler and the scrapping. Why wouldn't you do that?

42:25Alan Shearer:It's as good as a corner. Absolutely. And it's actually, you know, if you've got someone that can hurl it all the way in, it's better than having a free kick in a wide area. Because in a free kick on a wide area, the defense can push up to the edge of the box. But with a throw in, obviously, you can't be offside. So that means you're hending against your goalkeeper and he's having to try and struggle and to defend. So it is actually probably better to throw the ball in than it is to kick the ball in.

42:54Gary Lineker:I mean, I don't know. You say the long throw-ins are coming back, but I don't know whether I'm making this up or not. But it seems to me already there's more goals being scored from crosses this season, I think. Or in recent times where there's more balls going at the box from crosses rather than pass, pass, pass, sideways, is pass, pass, pass. I hope that continues. I really do.

43:15Alan Shearer:Even from the back a little bit as well, there's a bit more variety. Yeah. You know what the game's like, Alan. Everyone says, oh, there's new tactics and obviously there are some inventions, but it goes around. It's like fashion, isn't it? Correct. It goes out of fashion, then it comes back in and, you know, the game has been ever thus, really.

43:35Gary Lineker:Absolutely correct, yeah.

43:36Alan Shearer:I know you've been chomping at the bit to talk about your new signing, Al. What a great start.

43:41Gary Lineker:Why do you think I brought crosses up? Jacob Murphy, another brilliant cross into the box. And if you've got someone who is 6 '6", like Walter Mardy, I thought it was a very promising debut. Obviously, the goal is the highlight, and it was a brilliant header. It was. The timing of it, the way he got around it and the power, I was really, really impressed with that. But I thought his overall game was good. I thought his link-up play was good. He gave Newcastle a threat, which they haven't had in the first three games. So it was a game Newcastle had to win. It was an important game to win. As I said, they made hard work of it, even going into the latter stages, because they'd only scored one.

44:28Gary Lineker:I thought it was going to be one of those days, you know, where you've had chances and you've had the possession and all of those things that might get punished. But yeah, you can imagine how he's feeling. a young boy was he 23 coming in to Newcastle for all that money pressure on so you can he understood how he felt and the relief and everything else so he would have slept well last night he really would and be looking forward to next game Barcelona on Thursday what a game that's not bad

44:58Alan Shearer:is it incredible as we said before about Giorcres it's so important when you're a big new signing if you can half make life a lot easier you can get off to a good start but he does look he does look a real talent they might have announced another one there

45:10Gary Lineker:they've obviously paid a lot of money for him and for Wisser I mean Wisser was injured because isn't it mad isn't it you haven't played any football for God knows how long and then you get chucked into two international matches and then all of a sudden you're out injured is it a bad one or is it the rumours are that it's not an ACL it's just going to be four or five weeks no that's not too bad then good I hope that's the case but yeah I think as you've just said a new sign and getting off the mark so early, a centre forward, exactly what's needed.

45:41Alan Shearer:Are you going on Wednesday, Alan?

45:43Gary Lineker:Thursday. Can you believe it? Can you believe it? It's Thursday night, yeah. Oh, is it? Can you believe it, right? The fan fest that the Premier League do in the States, this has been arranged for such a long time. I'm going to Kansas on my flight on Thursday. Can you believe that? Going to miss the game.

46:03Alan Shearer:Oh, no. Really? Can't believe it. Oh, crikey. Nightmare for me. unfortunately. Barcelona. I was wondering why you hadn't invited me up. Are you coming? Are you going?

46:13Gary Lineker:No, if you'd have invited me up. Oh, right. Okay. Sorry, I thought you were invited.

46:17Alan Shearer:Actually, I can't anyway because I'm starting filming my new show, The Box. Oh, okay. Yeah, I start on Wednesday for three weeks filming. I can't give too much away because I don't know what I can say and what I can't say. Interesting.

46:29Gary Lineker:When's that up? Can you say that? Yeah, I think probably the spring, early next year.

46:35Alan Shearer:Good. But we're going to record it over the next three weeks. Brilliant. Looking forward to it, actually. It should be a lot of fun. Some good guests, which I can't say. Not at the moment. Oh, dear. Can you imagine if I gave the game away? I'd been the dog-ass before I even started. Wolves. Producer John, put your hands over your ears now. First time they've ever started a league season with four straight defeats.

47:02Gary Lineker:Yeah, I thought they looked very blunt. I mean, they could have scored after eight or nine seconds it was when the ball went straight up there.

47:08Alan Shearer:They did lose their best two players.

47:10Gary Lineker:Yeah, and Strand Larsson obviously is injured. Exactly. And there was speculation about him leaving, but they managed to keep hold of him. But ironically, he's got an injury. But they looked a bit light up top and in front of goal, and that would be the worry for me. But didn't they have a really poor start last year as well and came back?

47:29Alan Shearer:They did, but it did cost the manager his job, obviously. So he needs to turn it around. I think their fixtures, I think last season they had incredibly difficult fixtures for about the first seven games. This season, I think with the next few games, they've got a few against clubs down the bottom, or could probably be at some point, down the bottom of the table. Bournemouth, I mean, we thought they might struggle a bit this season, losing what they lost most of their back four. Yeah, and the keeper. And the keeper.

47:57Gary Lineker:Yeah.

47:58Alan Shearer:He's obviously a very, very talented coach, you know?

48:01Gary Lineker:Yeah, what they lost. They lost Zabani, they lost Housen, they lost Kerkers, they lost the goalkeeper, Kepa. Yeah, what a win the last time out. And another impressive win this weekend. So, yeah, they've got some good players and he looks a very, very good manager, doesn't he, in what he's done and what he's doing at Bournemouth. So, they'll be tough to play against this season, Bournemouth, if they can keep them fit.

48:25Alan Shearer:He seems to consistently improve Semenya. Yeah. You know, if he can keep this sort of form up. I mean, really, really good, obviously, assist and knocks his penalty away comfortably. But he looks dangerous. He's really like him.

48:41Gary Lineker:Yeah, he's had a good start to the season. He's had a good start. Obviously, if he can be consistent, that's the key. He got those goals at Liverpool, didn't he, where he was brilliant. So, he's had a really impressive start to the season, yeah.

48:53Alan Shearer:Yeah, he really has. There weren't many goals in the other games. No. except for Paul Goodman oh no oh I felt for him I'm 94th minute nil nil and headed into his own his face apparently he was in tears in the dressing room after the game I mean it was just one of those freakish things and a bit of luck for Fulham obviously

49:15Gary Lineker:how's your luck I mean oh god good I mean Kevin had the shot didn't he he preserved it and they get the corner and then oh and then yeah there's not a lot he could do to be honest but it was just so unlike I actually felt for him I guess like most people did yeah

49:32Alan Shearer:good job Mike has gone now because he'd have been upset because that's one of the 47 teams he supports but Kevin made a difference he came on I don't know 15-20 minutes to go and he we've seen him at Shakhtar de Nex over the last few years on European football but blimey he'd set the place on fire

49:50Gary Lineker:did well didn't he and he did well to get the corner because it was a great effort which the keeper did really well to save and that's how they've ultimately won the game. So, yeah, he's made a difference. And I guess it's only probably a matter of time. And when you cost that much money, then it's only a matter of time before you start on a regular basis. Absolutely.

50:09Alan Shearer:Let's call it a day there, Alan. Before I leave you, a quick reminder that the rest is football. La Liga will be out tomorrow for you if you're listening to this on Monday with me and Alex Aljo. So look forward to that and hopefully you'll join us. If not, well, it's Champions League week to look forward to. So there'll be lots to talk about soon. But for now, goodbye from me.

50:33Gary Lineker:Goodbye from me and have a great week.