In short
The Rest is Football episode covers a busy Premier League weekend plus tactical and squad issues. Topic: Man City’s 1st-half dominance vs Brentford and their need to win; Newcastle’s bounce-back; Liverpool’s defensive problems and three straight defeats; Ange Postecoglou/Nottingham Forest under pressure; plus Chelsea, Man United, Arsenal title talk, and Spurs’ transition play.
Guests
Alan Shearer (former Newcastle/Liverpool striker, long-time pundit), Micah Richards (former Man City defender, pundit), and Gary Lineker (former England/Tottenham striker, presenter).
Key claims
City’s relationship between Foden and Haaland looks more aggressive/fit; Brentford’s back five disrupted wide play but City adapted with midfield reshuffling (e.g., Nico O’Reilly). Newcastle deserved it, with Bruno Guimarães’ goal and a penalty won. Liverpool are “shaky” defensively and still not balanced despite new signings (Isak/Eketike/Wirtz/Gravenberch/Frimpong/Bradley). Forest haven’t won yet; upcoming fixtures are tough.
Notable examples
Thiago one-on-one chance saved by Donna Rummer; Bruno Guimarães penalty; Kaicedo and Enzo standout for Chelsea; Arsenal bench depth (Zubimendi on); Spurs’ Poro/Udogie transition.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOIntroduction to Peyronie's Disease
1:00 to 2:23
A discussion on Peyronie's Disease, its symptoms, and treatment options.
“Queen Carvania stood haloed by the morning sun.”
Introduction to Peyronie's Disease
2:28 to 2:43
A discussion on Peyronie's Disease, its symptoms, and treatment options.
Game Recap: Brentford vs Man City
3:14 to 5:31
Analysis of the Brentford vs Man City match and key performances.
“four it was four games What are you laughing at?”
Man City’s Current Form and Challenges
5:31 to 8:00
Discussion on Man City's injuries and their impact on performance.
“and then they got the result, which is obviously the main thing for them.”
Pep Guardiola's Tactics and Future
8:00 to 8:33
Exploration of Pep Guardiola's coaching and potential challenges ahead.
“and it was it didn't matter how second half I thought they gave that one chance away didn't they, to Thiago when he went through one-on-one and Donna Rummer saved it.”
Tactical Analysis of Man City vs Brentford
8:33 to 11:40
In-depth tactical analysis of the match between Man City and Brentford.
“It depends on their recruitment and how successful and how well they perhaps want to see the new players come in and settle.”
Newcastle’s Resurgence and Player Performances
11:40 to 14:01
Review of Newcastle's recent matches and standout player performances.
“But three points, that's what they needed.”
Analyzing Recent Matches and Managerial Pressure
14:01 to 21:36
Discussion on player performances and managerial challenges in recent football matches.
“what are you coming up with you know damn well what I've got here don't you don't even pretend out I know Right, OK.”
Liverpool's Defensive Struggles and Team Dynamics
22:42 to 28:00
Examination of Liverpool's recent defensive issues and team dynamics.
“Yeah, I saw your stuff on Match of the Day and it was quite interesting, you and Wayne Rooney doing it.”
Striker Dynamics and Team Balance
28:00 to 30:20
A discussion on the roles and dynamics of strikers in football teams, focusing on players like Isak and Salah.
“So when you played, and I know it was different, you played 4-2, but you still had a strike partner.”
Show all 15 chapters
Chelsea's Midfield Standouts
30:20 to 31:30
Analyzing the performances of Chelsea players Caicedo and Fernandes and their impact on the team.
“I mean, he stood out like a sore thumb at Brighton, didn't he?”
Young Talents at Chelsea
31:30 to 32:10
Discussion on the promising performances of young players like Esteval and Achempong in Chelsea's squad.
Manchester United's Pressure and Performance
32:10 to 33:30
Reflecting on Manchester United's recent win and the pressures faced by manager Amarim.
“no I got rid of him completely oh really?”
Arsenal's Title Race Potential
33:30 to 36:20
Evaluating Arsenal's squad depth and their chances in the title race, comparing them with Liverpool.
“I just don't believe he's got the players to do what he wants to do.”
Spurs' Surprising Performance
36:20 to 37:25
Analyzing Spurs' unexpected strong start to the season and their defensive transition play.
“The goals will come for him because with the service that I think he'll inevitably get, particularly now Saka's back in the mix and looks like his old self after his injury.”
Transcript
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2:37Alan Shearer:Hello and welcome to the Rest is Football with Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, who's in the front room with me, and me, Gary Lineker, which is a great pleasure because Alan you've been working for PLP yep Mikey you've been working for hours and hours hours and hours and in all sorts of different places so this is the third place you've been today to broadcast something honestly I've earned my money today I know that much firstly where did I start I started at the Sky Studios was doing what do you call it a multi game is that right yeah there's three games going on four games four it was four games What are you laughing at?
3:18Gary Lineker:Oh, what do you call it? Multi-game. Yeah, it's multi-game.
3:21Alan Shearer:I'll tell you what, there's a show like that that does lots of games on a Saturday night. Can't remember the name of it. Hey! You lost your memory already. Oh, yeah. Match of the day. Anywho, and then I went to Brentford, Man City. I went on an electric bus. It's just down the road from the sky, isn't it? An electric bus? Yeah. If you'd look at my social media, you would've seen I went from... I was busy watching you all day. I don't want to watch your social media as well. It's way too much. Do you think I'm on TV too much, guys? Honestly, God, what's going on?
3:54Gary Lineker:Yeah, we're fed up with you. What was the sense of, other than trying to protect the environment, you went on an electric bus. Was that for filming or for...?
4:04Alan Shearer:You went to the studio to the ground. Yes, I needed transport to get to the ground, Alan. Okay. You know, we were trying to protect the planet and all that. So, electric bus. Good effort. Nice.
4:13Gary Lineker:I sense danger by the way with you two he's in your front lounge I sense red wine later on lads you know what he's off to drink and I opened a really nice bottle Al he's off to drink on a serious note Al I've put on too much timber and what was doing I was beginning to think that actually I was thinking that myself it's horrible isn't it it's horrible and what's happening I'm drinking and I'm not going and do my exercise the next day I had a problem on my back I had the epidural injection oh yeah
4:45Alan Shearer:what happened to your back because you missed you missed the last episode because of your back so my back's basically finished so I had the epidural well not finish maybe I'm overreacting a little bit but yeah I mean we're the old ones here we're the ones that should suffer with our back my back's definitely worse than you two's 100 % so I had epidural now I'm not drinking I feel great I feel I feel like I've got more energy
5:08Gary Lineker:oh no that's not a good sight if you've got more energy fucking hell if you've not got enough already.
5:16Alan Shearer:So which games did you cover today, Al? Because obviously there was four at once and then.
5:21Gary Lineker:Yeah, our main game at two o 'clock was Newcastle Forest and then the one, then we did Brentford Man City.
5:29Alan Shearer:Let's start with Brentford Man City because they played so well in the first half and then they got the result, which is obviously the main thing for them. But, you know, I thought in the first half, I thought, oh, they're looking like their old selves. Now, I know Rodri got injured and that's a massive blow again. It looks like a hamstring tweak, doesn't it? Let's hope it's not too serious. But then again, when he wasn't there, I don't know whether it was because of that at all or they just started to sit a little bit or Brentford changed and made it difficult. A lot of long balls, throw-ins, all that sort of stuff.
5:59Alan Shearer:But yeah, they're certainly not the force. I look at them and I think, ultimately football's about how good your players are. You know, and when the glory is, De Bruyne, Mahrez, people were there, weren't they? People like that. I mean, I know they've got Harland up front, who's incredible. We'll come to him in a minute, but just overall, and they have had their injuries and players out. I think from a City point of view, they have had a lot of changes over the years, haven't they? If you look at who they've lost, you mentioned Kevin De Bruyne. To replace that, it's pretty much impossible. Alvarez as well.
6:39I would say. Losing Alvarez. And I actually think that the younger players this season have done very well. I think Bob's, before he got injured, he was someone who I thought was going to go to the very top. He's taken a little bit of time, but he's still starting in the team. Doku has been fantastic this season as well. But the difference at this moment in time is the relationship between Foden and Haaland. I thought Foden in the first half was brilliant. But Haaland, his work rate, and I know when we watch it on TV, actually being there at the ground. He's pressing a lot more. He looks strong.
7:12He looks a lot fitter. And he just looks aggressive in front of goal. And you two are both strikers, you know, a lot more than me. But the intent seems different this season from last season from Haaland's point of view. Probably fitness. Maybe, yeah. Yeah.
7:27Gary Lineker:When you've got him up front, Haaland, then, I mean, he's a beast, isn't he? I mean, he's like, as soon as Vandenberg went in for the physical battle against him, there was only ever going to be one winner. I like you guys I thought Man City were really good first off but then I guess in the grand scheme of things you go play in the Champions League you go travelling and all of those things and then you have to go to Brentford on a Sunday afternoon and they won after what's happened this weekend with Liverpool losing and Arsenal winning Arsenal going top it was a game that Man City had to win and it was it didn't matter how second half I thought they gave that one chance away didn't they, to Thiago when he went through one-on-one and Donna Rummer saved it.
8:11Gary Lineker:And there were a few long throws, set pieces, etc., who Brentford weren't very good at today. But, yeah, I just think it was about winning today. I'm not sure we'll ever see Man City hit the heights like they have done. I mean, for long periods, they've dominated the Premier League and rightly so with it. But I'm not sure they'll ever get back to that. Do you?
8:33Alan Shearer:It depends on their recruitment and how successful and how well they perhaps want to see the new players come in and settle. I like Rinders. I think he's a really good player. He's got a lot about his game. But, you know, the wide men that they've had in recent times were so good, so good. But I would never, ever, ever write off Pep to bring back and do something special. Because, you know, remember when he first came? Yes, Manchester City Royal is already established as a great club and a big club and successful, but he took it to another level, along with good recruitment. Now, it's not easy to always get recruitment right, is it?
9:15Alan Shearer:I mean, you're going to make the obvious mistakes. And I think in the last two or three years, they've had one or two hits, but quite a few misses. Yeah, I would agree with that. I think with Man City and Pep, I think it was his 250th win. I know.
9:32Gary Lineker:Yeah. Premier League. Way quicker than anyone else. Quicker than anyone else. So when you're talking about Pep, he's completely changed the game. I think it would be very hard to replicate what he's done previously. And will he be there for the same amount of time? Probably not. but I still think he's doing well with the tools that he's been given in terms of embedding the youngsters. If you look at Man City, Nico O 'Reilly, who no one talks about. I like him a lot. He's a midfielder playing left back.
10:02Alan Shearer:But looking very accomplished there. You know what was really good to see? Because when you're in the box and watching the game, you can see the tactics a lot better. And it was really interesting what Man City was doing. So Brentford played a back five. They went five, three, two. and the reason why they went five at the back, especially against Man City, because Man City have too much, when they get the ball out wide, it's difficult to cover the whole pitch. So you try to make the pitch so you've got all your men in a line to stop that. But because Foden was running and going in spaces, they didn't know what to do and the reason why they go five is because Rinder's running through or Foden running through to stop that line of attack.
10:48But Man City just find a way. What they did to negate that, they would say, they'll put Nico Riley into midfield. Then their midfield had to come out. Then Foden would find a little space. Then you had the centre-backs not knowing whether to drop off or engage. So it was really interesting. A lot of people say, well, Brentford should have had more energy. But it was very difficult because they couldn't get the ball back. and watching Man City in that first 45 minutes, I was thinking, this is one of the best performances I've ever seen live, if you actually watch it tactically. But it's just, they couldn't do it in the second half.
11:24The second half was very different.
11:25Alan Shearer:In fact, the second half was pretty dull, wasn't it? Yeah, it was very dull.
11:29Gary Lineker:Someone got booked for time-wasting for the throw-in with the five or six minutes to go, didn't they? So, yeah, they weren't hanging on, but it was no-one near as good as it was in the first half. But three points, that's what they needed. and that's all they got.
11:42Alan Shearer:Yeah, I loved the interview after with Erling Harland. And you wouldn't have seen it, Al, because you were working on PLP, but he came over with Chappers and yourself and Jamie, and he was saying, you know, your strength and your thing. He said, well, the thing is, the first minute he starts, he said he starts pushing me and grabbing me. And he said, I thought, I felt a bit tired before the game, but then I thought, right, basically, you didn't say this on air, but fuck you. That's what his eyes said, didn't they? Yeah, I could see in his eyes. And I know that feeling as well. Sometimes you think, oh, right, you want to have a go?
12:19Alan Shearer:You want to play physical, dear? He shouldn't have done it. He shouldn't have done it because he's turned into a machine, didn't he? Yeah. He turned into a machine. He really did. But a good win for Manchester City. Newcastle, Al. They're back. It's been a good week. It's been a really good week. Look how old he is. You're a disgrace, you are, you know that. You're supposed to be an impartial pundit. I'm always impartial. You're only happy when Newcastle are doing well.
12:44Gary Lineker:I'm always impartial. You know that. I'm never biased, Mike. I always tell it how it is. Yeah, it was a pretty dull game in the first half. But second half, kicking down the hill towards the Gallagher, Newcastle were much better, created the better chances. And they were a much better team, deserved to win it. And yeah, Bruno Gamera, brilliant goal. Good goal. He won the ball as well. Gibbs White, I think it was. They wanted a foul. It wasn't a foul. and then he won the penalty as well, which Walter Marder stuck in. So it's been a really good week for Newcastle.
13:16Alan Shearer:Apparently he scored in his opening three home games.
13:19Gary Lineker:What a record that is. Amazing, eh? He's horrible! You know what pains me? You know what pains me? Because yesterday when I was watching Matching of the Day, you were outstanding. And I was thinking tomorrow, oh my God, I've got to give him credit tomorrow on the board. I was thinking that was very kind of you yeah because I didn't realise you know what I've noticed when Newcastle not playing you you're the best pundit in the world when Newcastle not playing you're the worst I've noticed that's what it is that's what it is I've noticed I love it brilliant you should be banned what have you got guys what have you got you're here to see what what are you coming up with you know damn well
14:02Alan Shearer:what I've got here don't you don't even pretend out I know Right, OK. So, Baltimore, the three in his first three home games. Not many people have done that. In fact, only three have done that. Les Ferdinand scored in his first six home games. Anyway, let's move on to Everton against... Six home games.
14:23Gary Lineker:Six home games, Les Ferdinand, did you?
14:26Alan Shearer:Moving on, Quifley Gascon. And somebody called Alan Shearer, apparently, scored in his first 15 home games. I mean, I have to say, Alan, that's mental.
14:36Gary Lineker:impressive, Micah. Come on. First 15 home games.
14:40Alan Shearer:I tell you, did you ever pass to anyone?
14:45Gary Lineker:Actually, no one ever lied. Steve Bauer who was presenting PLP said, you know, someone has done slightly better than that. And he looked at me and I went, honestly, I promise you I haven't got a clue how many. And it was him that told me. I didn't have a clue. I really didn't know I was 15. But I have to say I'm pretty impressed with myself. What were you impressed to? How many pens are in there? Do they not count, like? How many pens? What does that matter? They are. They don't count, like. How many pens? I don't know.
15:21Alan Shearer:I haven't got to. He knows exactly. Before we move, we need to change the subject. This is irritating this. Not the greatest start for Ange Postacoglu. Apparently, if you listen to rumours, but rumours are everywhere, that he's under the cosh already.
15:37Gary Lineker:They didn't offer a lot today, I have to say. You know, sometimes as a manager, you go into a football club or you get a job because it's a mess. Whereas it's quite different with Ange going in. You know, they had a really successful season for Forest last season and they've got some really talented players.
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15:54Alan Shearer:They've not won a game yet.
15:55Gary Lineker:Not won a game yet. And yeah, they were pretty poor today. Normally you see, you know, I mean, everything's sort of built around Chris Wood and it goes up to him quickly and they break quickly and they sit and be compact and then all of a sudden you get four or five hitting teams on the break. I haven't seen that with Forrest under Ange as yet.
16:19Alan Shearer:They've got some tough-ish looking fixtures to come. They've got Chelsea, then Porto, Bournemouth and Manchester United. Actually, I don't know why I think that's tough. That's a joke. United fans, just kidding. Don't upset United fans. No. Don't upset them. No, not after a win. Especially after they've had a good weekend.
16:37Gary Lineker:Not after a win.
16:38Alan Shearer:I watched actually Everton Crystal Palace, which was a really good game. Palace were terrific in the first half, particularly. Everton much better. He made a few changes, David Moyes, and they came back and won it right at the death, which broke that incredible run of Palace, which was 18 games undefeated. And Jack Gries, he was... I mean, fair play. he put his foot in and it was smashed onto his leg and it went in I mean Jack's so likeable oh yeah he did a lovely interview after the game and he talked about he said well I'm not sure it even should count does it count as a shot I said is it well it was a good point and then at the end he said I can see it looks like I've won the man of the match but I think Wharton should have won the man of the match because he was he said he was easily the best player on the pitch he's a player he can play why is he not in the English why is he not especially at the moment they're shorter midfield players because obviously you've got a few injured you know but no Bellingham and Palmer and one or two others I don't understand it the only thing I would say on this is are you going to be bothered if you're not in the England squad right now you want to be in before the World Cup that is priority he's had his injuries Wharton I think 100 % agree with you he's amazing we've talked about him Even on Match of the Day last season, he's incredible in what he does.
18:04And he's got a specific position where a lot of other players don't want to do. He's happy to hold, but he can also play the ball forward with quality. But I don't think it's a massive issue right now, although I agree with you. It should have been. But just, you know, the news when it broke. I sense he will be.
18:24Alan Shearer:If he stays fit this season, I sense he will be very close because he's the sort of player England need and have lacked in a way. Anderson also has come in and done very well of late. Do you think because of the opposition,
18:39Gary Lineker:it's the timing for the manager, he may feel it's right that he can make a point and leave big-name players out and say, this is the standard of setting, guys. You either get to it or you're not going to be involved.
18:53Alan Shearer:Like he's done with Bellingham and Foden, possibly. Well, Bellingham's only just coming in. and he's been subbed for Real Madrid. He's easing his way back. He also might be being really clever here. He might be leaving some of these big players out thinking, there's a lot of football being played at the moment. These are games that, I mean, England are going to qualify. No problem. You're playing against teams that are, with all due respect, not particularly strong. So he might be thinking, right, which for me is savvy. If he's doing that, he's not going to say it either, and quite rightly so.
19:25Alan Shearer:but I don't know, maybe. I just like the fact that he makes a decision and he stands by it. Other England managers will make excuses. This is his team. He wants to see other players deal with it. And I like the attitude. That is the attitude that could win you a trophy. Forget the outside nose. This is what I want to do and have conviction. And I like that about him. And the players know they should be in the squad but they've got to start playing consistently well and they will get back in the squad. Yeah. Yeah, I mean, I thought Palace played, going back to the game. Had chances, didn't they?
20:03Alan Shearer:Oh, Mateta should have put it to bed, really. Missed a couple of stitches, which he's not like it. Sarr had one as well. Yeah, Sarr as well. Munoz hit one and the keeper made a brilliant save. Munoz scored, actually. I've got him in my team. Have you got him in your team? Yeah, I was quite pleased with that. It's been quite a good weekend, apparently, for someone, hasn't it, with fantasy?
20:23Gary Lineker:I have enjoyed this weekend, lads. I think I'm back. My team has been rather successful this weekend. You're still bottom though, aren't you? Am I? I haven't had a look. I'm not taking you a word for it.
20:33Alan Shearer:Only out of us you are, but you've closed the gap a bit. All right, okay. Just a quick one before I move on. How did Tyler Dibbling do? He struggled a little bit. I think he struggled. He didn't really get involved in the game and took him off at half-time. Oh, did he? Yeah. So, yeah, I was looking for his performance. Didn't get much of the ball. and Palace bossed the first half anyway and he made a couple of substitutions at halftime. Everton were much better in the second half. Certainly deserved probably a point given their second half performance, but to Nick, it was a bit cruel, I would say, on Crystal Palace.
21:09Alan Shearer:Let's take a break. When we come back, we'll discuss some of Saturday's games.
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22:45Alan Shearer:Welcome back to The Rest is Football with Alan Shearer in the back of a car after working and grafting all day and Mike because he was at Brentford just popped down the road and joined me I saw a lot quite a lot of football so I was filming all day the box again I'm nearly done now a few more days to go oh yeah yeah a lot of fun but it's great because I've got telly you know what non-live TV's right you sit around a lot as well as working a lot but so I've got it on my phone I was watching the telly in the little place that I sit in I saw the early game and the late game Leeds was an early game, wasn't it?
23:18Alan Shearer:Yeah, Leeds. Let's start with the Chelsea-Liverpool. Again, three defeats in a week.
23:26Gary Lineker:Yeah, problems, Liverpool, definitely.
23:29Alan Shearer:Yeah, I saw your stuff on Match of the Day and it was quite interesting, you and Wayne Rooney doing it.
23:36Gary Lineker:Yeah, I think, as you know, I was in Istanbul as well when they played Galatasaray and we watched them last weekend and also against Palace. And they're really poor defensively. They really are poor defensively. They're yet to find a balance. And what would concern me is that they've brought Frim Pong in to play right back. They've got Connor Bradley also in there to play right back. Bradley started, took him off because he's got another yellow card in the first half. They had Gomez on the bench, didn't bring him on. He moved Sloboslai to right back, move Gravenberg to centre-half. Yeah, they're all over defensively.
24:17Gary Lineker:And also, he doesn't trust that left side either with Kerkas. And even Van Dijk and Canate, they're looking very, very shaky. They've got no protection whatsoever. And despite them getting off to a good start and winning games late in games, and we thought it was a positive, it's role reversal now, and they've lost certainly the last two late on. But if truth be told, there's a lot of work to be done to try and find the balance. They're not getting the best out of Virts. He came on it just after half-time, but for one little flick, struggled to get into the game. Isak never got into the game. Yeah, there's problems to solve, and a lot of them at Liverpool.
24:58Yeah, I would agree with what Alan said, really. I think we have to give him a little bit of grace period because we've had so many new players. and Slott actually said at the start of the season, they've lost a lot of players, so they had to replace them. At this moment in time, the balance is not right. The one I look at, and the obvious one is at the back. They're not great at the back. But it's how do you balance Eketike playing so well, but you've signed Isak for 125 million? Isak, we know he's a striker. We know he can play off the left, but Eketike has done so well down the middle. Then you've got a problem with Verts because you want Verts to have the free run as a number 10, but Liverpool have been really good in previous seasons because of their energy.
25:50Now they've brought flair into it. Then you've got Gakpo. It's fitting everybody in. And I thought Slott, he's a top manager, and I thought the players would fit in seamlessly. And that's why I thought Liverpool would be the favourites. But at this moment in time, it's not working. And it's not just because of the last three games. This has been from the start of the season. I remember that the first game, one of the first couple of games against Bournemouth and Semenyo tore them apart. And it's only moments in games for Liverpool because they've got quality players were seeing them through. And it's not a crisis by any means, but it's just getting all them top players to gel together.
26:30Alan Shearer:I think also in terms of creativity, as much as anything else. I think they're really missing Trent. I think before that, they would, you know, sometimes Trent would go forward and obviously they'd get perhaps exposed defensively and people go on about, yeah, but defensively, but what he gives you going the other way is very impossible to replace. There is not another player I can think of in world football that plays that position in the way that he plays it offensively. And I think also, I think Mo's missing him. I think that connection that they had, and yes, sometimes they get exposed behind, but they'd have someone try and cover that position.
27:13Alan Shearer:Last season, it was mostly Subozlai. Previous to that would be Jordan Henderson, and they'd cover because they know, you know, but you've got to say he's worth his weight in gold going forward. And I always just say, stop worrying about him making the odd tiny mistake defensively. Because what he gives you the other way is just incredible. It's so good. So good. Can I ask you guys a question as strikers? Because I was watching the game and Liverpool in previous seasons, going back to Salah, Firmino and Mane. Firmino almost sacrificed himself a little bit for the good of Salah. But when Isak plays, he wants to score.
27:56When Salah's going through, he wants to score. And on the left-hand side, it's not quite working. Gakpo come on and does all right. But it seems like the balance... So when you played, and I know it was different, you played 4-2, but you still had a strike partner. You would know what they're the best at and you would work off each other. But when everyone wants to score,
28:17Alan Shearer:it becomes different, doesn't it? Well, I think everyone wants to score anyway, in a way. but I totally understand what you're saying. But I also think that Isak's perfectly capable of dropping in. I mean, he's a very, very good footballer. And you can see him, he gets into wide positions sometimes. I don't think he's a selfish, I need to score player. I mean, Harlan lives for goals. I think Mo Salah lives for goals and assists as well at times. And Alan would have done and I would have done. And I think Isak has that in him. and I think probably Eketike probably does as well but he can also drop in so it's about getting the balance as a player and it is different because when you, you know, if I played up front with Alan you'd have to be give and take but you still, you know, you want to be the goal scorer you want to be the hero you want to, you know, you want to get in positions to score goals but ultimately it's a team game and you do accept that sometimes you have to do a little bit for the side and it's give and take You know, if I was playing with Alan, which we did once, against France, we both scored, Micah.
29:26Alan Shearer:We did, we did. I was chuffed for him. Did you pass to him? Don't be silly. Exactly. I was really chuffed when he scored, but I wasn't as chuffed as when I scored.
29:39Gary Lineker:That's right though, isn't it? It's true. It's natural. It's natural. For years now, everything at Liverpool, or most things, has been around Salah and rightly so, because when you score on 25, 30, 35 goals, then you can get away with certain things. But there's so much going on at Liverpool at the minute in terms of trying to get Isak in or Wurz in or Ekertiki in or trying to find a balance of which full-back he gets in then to give them a little bit more protection when more doesn't track back. And he's suffering a little bit as well at the minute. There's no doubt about it.
30:13Alan Shearer:No doubt. But they're only one point off the top. I know it's all relative isn't it but we must have a word on Chelsea I mean brilliant Kaisseda oh my god
30:23Gary Lineker:how good was he he was absolutely magnificent he really was it was the perfect midfield performance he had everything superb he was we knew what Kaisseda was capable of though didn't we when he was at Brighton it was only a matter of time he's an exceptional he's actually improved isn't he yeah but I think you're always going to improve when you're playing with better players. I mean, he stood out like a sore thumb at Brighton, didn't he? But in terms of what he's added to this Chelsea side, he's got absolutely everything. He's so calm on the ball, can play a pass, can run into the box. But not just Caicedo, I've been impressed with Enzo.
31:02Enzo Fernandes, the way he's making runs into the box. He always seems to be there.
31:07Alan Shearer:World Cup winner. World Cup winner, Enzo Fernandes. But I mean, he's got such confidence because there was a little bit of debate people didn't know quite what he was is he a holder is he a number 8 is he a number 10 but he's got a little bit of everything with real quality and he's a leader as well so I've been really impressed with the both of them to be honest Esteval coming in Esteval wow yeah he's got something he looked tricky didn't he he's got a bit of a bit of a a bit of a a bit of a a bit of a a bit of a a bit of a well you can do that don't ask me to a bit of a he's got something and I'll tell you I like I don't quite sure I see him I-Chen Pong oh yes yeah he did well didn't he teenage I know it was a shame he went off injured in the end but I mean very assured brilliant first time I've watched him in a big game and I thought we like that
31:54Gary Lineker:yeah when you consider the injuries particularly defensively that Chelsea had you know for him to come in and step up like he did yeah I was impressed with him he had a good game both the centre-holes I was impressed but I put him in my fantasy that he didn't play for a few games so I'm holding a grudge against him but he's back in the team now he's back Achempong if that's how you pronounce it is in your team well he's not this week but I had him early because he played early in the season were you on your bench? no I got rid of him completely oh really? but he's coming back in
32:28Alan Shearer:he's injured though be careful I know these things work cheap we can't ignore Manchester United because they won a game in football and probably the one time you cheer Man United on Alan isn't it?
32:39Gary Lineker:yeah it was actually believe it or not Yeah, they deserved to win. I think they were the better team and they were under huge pressure. He's tweaked it a little bit. He went two up top with Sheshko and Mbumo. And then they got the two goals. For 30 minutes, it was a much better team. And then Sunderland tweaked it and then they went to match them up. And then Sunderland, I thought, came back into it a lot more and it was a bit more even in the second half. But I think in general, Man United deserve their three points. So it was a big win for them, for obvious reasons. You know what? I'm delighted for Amarim though, because I did a big piece last week about the formation, the players.
33:22It's not working. It didn't work. I was honest about it. But some of the stick he gets online. He's a manager. He's a big boy. He can deal with it. But I believe... He's got a nice demeanour. Yeah, but I believe he's a good coach. I just don't believe he's got the players to do what he wants to do. it's as simple as that so to see them getting a win even though I'm a blue it was good for him Okay
33:46Alan Shearer:Right I'm going to go on to Arsenal and then I'm going to branch it out a little bit do you now think Arsenal because they're looking good and their squad looks amazing and you go back 12 months and you could look at their benching matches and go well if they get a few injuries they might struggle but you look at them now and the way they've recruited and made signings are they now I know they're one point ahead of of Liverpool are they favourites now? I mean, we all tipped Liverpool at the start of the season. I mean, it's still very early. But if you had to pick a team to win the league at this moment...
34:20Alan Shearer:You know what? I want to just ask Al a question. I don't know if it's like when you won the league at Blackburn. How did it go? Was you chasing or was you leading at that time? Because I think that makes a massive difference.
34:34Gary Lineker:The last few games we were being chased, we were being hunted down by Manchester United and we were under huge pressure and we nearly blew it, as you know, when we went to Anfield. But their experience came into it and we were sort of naive and we'd only been going for the title the season before and that season we won it, so it was slightly different. I'm not going to change my mind as yet, Gaz. I might do after a dozen games. I think Liverpool have been greatly impressed with Arsenal. I think so as well, but I've been greatly impressed with Arsenal. And even yesterday, that the way Odegaard went off and the quality that came on Zubomendy which then pushed Rice a little bit further forward he got the goal I don't know whether you saw the graphic that we had on match of the day that when West Ham beat Arsenal last February at the Emirates when you looked at Arsenal's bench there's only two players from the nine that are left from that bench and then you look at the bench they had yesterday when they're bringing the likes of Zubomendy on who cost, I don't know, 40 or 50 million quid.
35:40Gary Lineker:That's the difference for Arsenal. When you look at their squad this year and who they've got to come in when they do get injuries or when they need to change the game and make something happen, that's the difference for them this year. They're bringing quality on. And, I mean, they were five points behind a week ago. Now they're one point ahead. It's mad, isn't it?
36:00Alan Shearer:I also think that even though he's not banged loads of goals in yet, but he's got his fair share, Jokerez, I think it gives them something different. It gives them a threat behind, which creates more space for the midfield and even the wide players. And he's aggressive with his running and he likes to spin and he attacks the space in the box. The goals will come for him because with the service that I think he'll inevitably get, particularly now Saka's back in the mix and looks like his old self after his injury. So I think it's quite promising for Arsenal. I think we might be in this season for a really good title race?
36:37Alan Shearer:I hope so, yeah. Interesting. I totally agree. And the reason why I led with that question to Alan, I think they have the squad to win the league, definitely. It's just that little bit at the end, whether they're ahead or behind, the pressure, dealing with that pressure. If they're enough points ahead, they might not need to deal with that pressure. the experience could be key if it goes that late it's whether they get a bit arseneally which brings me to Spurs Spurs? third place I mean they're kind of sneaky they're doing alright I mean if they got in the top five that would be an amazing achievement considering they were 17th last season but you know it's a very promising start
37:26Gary Lineker:you know I think the big difference for Spurs yesterday was Leeds had more possession had more shots, had the better chances and they put Spurs under huge pressure at times. But I think what impressed me was is how good Spurs were on the transition, on the turnover. They got the ball forward quickly. Two full-backs were great, I thought, in Poro and Udogi. And you've got to give great credit, you know, to Mathias Tell because he's left out of the Champions League. Hold on, hold on. What's up with your face? What's up with your face? You're talking about transition and turnover. What? They've got you, finally.
38:04They've got you. You used to say counter-attack on the counter. Don't you see it? And you said it yesterday on Match of the Day as well. I snored it as well. I thought, this guy, he's got some cheeky ass.
38:17Alan Shearer:I'll say one thing to you now, Al. If I ever hear you say pocket of sleep, we are done, okay? We're done. I'm done. You fell into the shop, haven't you? The modern-day pundit. He's even using those words that well.
38:34Gary Lineker:Anyway, as I was saying, I was really impressed with Spurs.
38:38Alan Shearer:Great win for them. You probably need to transition out of your car, so we'd better call it a day there. Alan, thanks for joining us. Thank you. Good effort, but I knew you would as soon as Newcastle won. It was never in doubt. And 15 games on the bounds. First 15 games, he scored a goal. There you go. There's your point. Thanks, guys.
38:56Gary Lineker:What a great way to end. Thank you.
38:59Alan Shearer:You're more than welcome. And it's great to have you here, Mike. Are you going out tonight? I'm going out for a little bit of dinner tonight. No drinking, though. No drinking. Go to Maison Estelle. Have you ever been there? Enjoy yourself. Enjoy, boys. Cheers, Al. That's it for this episode of The Restless Football. Goodbye from me. Goodbye from me.
39:20Gary Lineker:Goodbye from me and have a great week.
39:29Thank you.
From the publisher
Was Man City’s drop off in the second half against Brentford a cause for concern? Why have Liverpool currently got a number of problems to solve, and how do they do that? How does Ange Postecoglou turn things around at Nottingham Forest after his nightmare start continues?
Gary, Alan and Micah also discuss why the impressive Nick Woltemade still has a way to go to match Alan’s incredible record at the start of his Newcastle career.
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