Pep Closes The Gap On Arsenal, Micah Blanks On FPL & Liverpool Take Two Steps Back

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2:14Hello and welcome to The Rest is Football with Micah Richards in the back of a car and me in a very small room. and no Alan Shearer today he's flying off somewhere he's off holiday it's international break of course honestly what is up with him could he have not done the pod before he flew away embarrassing I mean what's going on Micah I mean really honestly you need to take take lead on this now he's had too many sick days I mean here am I making it work and I'm in in Mexico City in Mexico in Mexico in Mexico La Ciudad de Mexico What are you doing Mexico? What am I doing here? I am here I am here Micah because unlike other countries actually one country which is England they do realise that football existed before 1992 so I'm here to be inducted into the Football World Hall of Fame Micah how about that?

3:16No Yes Yes, which is great. It's actually the one Hall of Fame that is recognised by FIFA. And it's actually in a place called Pachuca, which is just outside Mexico City. And that will take place on Tuesday. So I'm looking forward to that. There's a couple of big names. Congratulations, man. Honestly, that's really amazing. Thanks. So it can't happen in my country, obviously, because the Premier League I didn't ever feature. Premier League so it doesn't count anything before that but no it's nice it's like I think a couple of the others there's Donga on this particular time been inducted Donga Brazilian Ika Casillas the obviously the great Real Madrid and Spanish goalkeeper and one or two other players as well Diego Forlan as well so a bit of fun so I've extended it I'm going to have a few days of sunshine after Are you showing off speaking Spanish over there.

4:19Do you know what? Do you know how frustrating it is? I'm trying and trying. And it's like, it's global now. Everyone speaks English and I desperately want to practice my Spanish. And immediately they respond in English. It's deeply frustrating. But there we go. So anyway, Mike, I've not had a very good weekend on fantasy, have you? Judging by your... I mean, mine's not been brilliant, but it's not that bad. I didn't look at my team. But obviously, Semenyo missed the penalty. Yeah, I've got Semenyo as well. Gabriel and Rea obviously didn't keep a clean sheet. Van de Ven as well at the back. I brought in Enzo.

5:01He just got me a clean sheet as a midfielder. Eketika gets brought off early on in the game. Mateta, nothing. And then you're thinking, one man to bail you out. Haaland, no problem. And this is from the start. Well thankfully he did get a goal otherwise He doesn't matter He still missed it He did I think everyone's probably got Haaland though Micah But on an encouraging note for your former club I thought they played really well They're much the better side I thought Man City were scintillating today guys I think in terms of People heard you there I heard you say Gemma Indoku there That was actually Harry shouting That was actually Harry shouting downstairs

5:48he's sitting on the floor because this is we're actually in the sewer house in um in Mexico City and and they've been very kind to find us because it's it's kicking off a bit outside because it's a Sunday so there's a DJ by the pool and all that sort of stuff so so we managed to sneak into this little room they've looked after us very well oh amazing but anyway talking about City um I just thought they got it spot on so City started with a midfield of Scherke Nico Gonzalez and Foden and you think with the running power of Liverpool they're going to get overran in the middle of the pitch but Man City just played them off the park Liverpool adopted a high press against City, tried to get after them, Man City playing around left loads of acres of space for Doku and Doku it's the best I've seen him in a Man City show he was confident he was taking people on decision making was really good he was defending when he needed to I just thought for him that was a statement performance because he'd been waiting for it he'd been flash years where he's he's been good but everything he did today was top notch it really was it's hard to predict anything this season though isn't it I mean even if you go to yesterday Sunderland getting points against getting a point I should say and taking two points off Arsenal so it's Man City now you look at it after his kind of stuttering start of the season they're four points back Yeah it's hard to decide really because you're thinking with Arsenal that they're just going to run away with it and Man City have just done their business quietly you're thinking okay Harland's in really good form Donnarum has brought a little bit of Salernity at the back.

7:41But are they the same Man City as previous seasons? No, they're not. If you look at Man City's last three games, they've had the same or less possession. They're allowing teams to have the ball more, which is leaving loads of space for Arlen. And exact same thing happened today. Van Dijk and Kanate, who normally get the better of him, Arlen did really well against them today. And I just think City now looking at them, because of their experience, because of the form of some of the players, they've got a really good chance now, really good chance of taking it all away. What did you make of Liverpool?

8:16Because we thought, oh, they're coming back after a couple of good results, particularly, obviously, in midweek against Real Madrid and whether they're a little bit tired after the, you know, because that was a big game. I don't know, but it's a body blow. And they've lost five games now this season in the league? Yeah, I think the Liverpool against Madrid they were excellent midweek and you're thinking can they back it up if you're talking about the midfield they sort of plugged that gap when they wasn't winning they went back to old school as we've talked before on the pod put Verts out on the left but Verts was disappointing and I backed him I backed him and backed him and backed him but it's caught to click and it would have been really good for him to have a really good performance against Man City after having a really good performance against Real Madrid.

9:07And now you're looking at it. And Eketike, and then Isak's back on the bench. And then Kerkhez, he's not starting. Robertson's starting. So at the moment, the manager's got big decisions to make because something's missing and he's still trying to figure it out. But he needs to do it sooner rather than later because Liverpool in the first half is one of the worst I've seen in a big game for a long time. I wonder if it would have made a difference at all. I suspect not, but we'll never know because it's hypothetical if the Virgil van Dijk goal had been given because that would have made it 1-1, wouldn't it?

9:45And I think, I mean, it was a bit of a harsh one. I mean, yes, he was in an offside position and yes, he ducked out the way, but I don't think he affected the goalkeeper at all. Particularly, there was one angle in particular you thought, actually, he's not in his line of sight. I mean, he might be in his line of sight, but he's certainly... And it was one of those, I was surprised that they turned that over. I thought it was a harsh one on Liverpool. And Liverpool fans will obviously turn to that. Yeah, totally agree. I think at the time, what was it, 1-0? That would have made it 1-0. I think the fact that I don't like it, and I agree with you guys, I think it's really, really harsh.

10:26And the referees have got a decision to make there. He does make a difference because he ducks out the way so that the goalkeeper's always adapting to what's in front of him. But I don't think he would have got there anyway. So I think it's particularly harsh. And that could have been the difference in the game. But, you know, Man City were the better team anyway. So if Liverpool had scored, I then would have backed Man City to score more goals in the game anyway. I know you like it when I talk about the old days when I used to play, but you know, back then, I mean, it was simpler. I mean, it was slightly unfair at times, but offside was offside.

11:07So any player in offside position would be offside, whether you're interfering with play or not. Otherwise, we'd have beat the Germans in the semi-final of the World Cup because Platy scored a really great header and he was onside. It was a free kick, came across and he goes and he heads it in, but one of our players was just marginally offside who had no kind of interference in it whatsoever. So, I mean, the thing is now everything has to be, doesn't it, exact. Like if he's there and this is that, that occurs. And it's all, it's that and the handball law. I mean, it's so complicated now, aren't it?

11:44It's too complicated. Just simplify it. If you're an offside position, it's offside. It gets rid of all the debate, doesn't it? But, yeah, I do feel for Liverpool on that particular decision because it was, yeah, it wasn't going to get the ball done on us. So, I understand. It's a city back where they're not quite, but they're making progress, aren't they? I mean, Pep's very clever, isn't he? Talk about adapting to different things and different circumstances and different styles. He's definitely shifted it a bit. Well, he had his 1 ,000th game today and he looks like he's still hungry for more.

12:23There was a moment where we thought he was not ready to leave Man City, but just take a break. It's a battle call. People were saying, but he looks energised. He looks happy. And reflecting in the performance from the guys at Man City, in terms of the style of play, it's not the city of the side that won four leagues in a row it's not and it may never be that but you use the word adaptable and we've talked about Amerin before and him not being adaptable Pep is being adaptable he lets the opposition have the ball they have more possession but still managing to get results in that way and I think that's a testament to him brought in Pep Linders as well a lot of people might have thought well he's been at Liverpool Paul is the right one to get in there, the polar tory alongside him.

13:16But he's always adjusting, adapting to what the game needs. And I just feel like he's doing it in the right way. So, yeah, kudos to him. How was it doing, Sky, today? Did you do all the early games as well? Because obviously, I'm in Mexico. You just did the late game. Just did the late game, yeah. Just did the late game. It was short and sharp, half an hour before and then an hour after, on the way home now, on the way home in the car. Lovely jubbly. Yeah, lovely, lovely, lovely jubbly. Villa have found their form haven't they they seem back to their you know old selves although Emi Martinez did pull off a couple of unbelievable saves I saw one where he was back pedalling and then obviously the Semenyo penalty which I hate to bring up again because I had him in my team as well did you have to just get over again I'm sorry apologies Micah yeah but look somewhat back to the best I think with with Villa I don't think they were creating that much chances I think early on the season everyone was talking about Watkins and all that and he was snatching at things and some of the chances I think he was getting less chances but more now the team they're creating a little bit more and that strike from Wendia I mean I don't know if you've seen it he's not I've seen all the world the dip on that was just ridiculous I mean like Emery he's a good manager it was only a matter of time before the world was going to start playing well again a little bit off it by their standards but yeah they look really good again I think Alan will be glad he booked his flight and missed Newcastle so I missed I missed that game obviously I've seen the result and whatnot but I heard they weren't great at all yeah Brentford have done well though I have to say I mean they've really I think after a tough start Andrews has got them going and they're very difficult to play against let's take a break and then we'll discuss some of Saturday's games when we come back This episode is brought to you by WISE.

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16:09Welcome back to The Rest is Football with Michael Richards and me, Gary Lineker. I don't think anyone expected Arsenal not to win and Arsenal to concede two goals against Sunderland. But Sunderland can continue to surprise everybody. I mean, obviously, Arsenal got a point out of it, although they led 2-1 until very late. But boy, Sunderland are doing well. Maybe that's another reason he's jumped on a flight, Shearer. Sunderland have been brilliant. No one could have predicted this at all. I think they've got a very good way of playing. Obviously, they use their crowd to their advantage. Every tackle is cheered.

16:46But they've got some real quality in there. Xhaka playing against his old club. The manager needs a lot of credit at Sunderland because when you bring in that many players, and we always say, oh, people need time to adapt and all that important experience. But they've just got that never-die attitude, which sees them through. They're really good to watch. and I always said on match today because there's always a game that you think that they're not going to do well. It ends up going later in the show or then jumps up because of the result. But no one's really had a deep dive into what they are doing and that's what I can't wait to do for them.

17:24Watching them, analysing them. And I know a lot of people will say it's just creating all that, but it's more than that. They've got some real quality. The way the strikers running behind, the way they defended the team, the way they then the counter-attack it's really good to watch really good Arsenal were the better team yeah of course but to dig in the way they did was just excellent to see and with Arsenal you'd get quite shot when they concede a goal it was really strange because obviously when you've got Gabriel and Rhea about you're looking every two minutes come on clean sheet clean sheet for your fantasy I don't know what fantasy but yeah they're going to they're going to have those games I think with Arsenal Last season, they drew too many games, didn't they?

18:07They were looking that back, kicking themselves. But they were up against a really good Sunderland side. And to have so many clean sheets and then concede two against Sunderland, yeah, it was disappointing by their standards. But they didn't lose the game. And that's what they've got to take heart from. That's the most important thing. And also, this season, they're not chasing. They're actually in front. So, you know, if you don't lose matches, you'll be OK. And there's no one else who's being incredibly consistent. I mean, City have picked up, certainly in recent weeks, but Liverpool have been very inconsistent.

18:40So, yeah, I mean, you'd have to fancy Arsenal at the moment, I think, really. I know we talked about this a little bit last week, but and then you started to think, well, Liverpool have come back to what they were last season with a couple of performances. But then they take a backward step. so I mean if I were an Arsenal fan and you know it's like when you're a fan it's the hope that always kills you isn't it and stuff like that but I'd be feeling pretty good if I were them and you are one of them possibly Micah so maybe you can you can describe your emotions oh my god how many times do I have to say every week every week I'm a Man City fan

19:26but if I were an Arsenal fan

19:32there's no panic there's no panic and I think everyone around the club there's no panic you drop points at Sunderland against a team that's in form it's no big deal you just have to go and win the next one yeah Chelsea's sneaking on pretty quietly but they're not far off the pace are they ooh I like Chelsea I liked I've said it. Every time I say I like Chelsea, Al shuts me down. He really does. I just got to... He just... I don't quite know what's going on. He's scoring a lot of goals. I don't know if Pedro's better as a number nine or a number 10. I don't think Pedro's really a nine. I think he drops on...

20:10I mean, he can play there, obviously, but when he drops... And it was good that he got his goal, although I took him out, obviously, my fantasy team. This game, Micah! This game! What have you done to me, making me play this nonsense? You and Harry? It ruins your life. I mean, it ruins your life. I don't get too upset at the moment, but the more I get into it, the more I start looking at my team. I was first and second in all my leagues. Dropped, I know. And I've just dropped an absolute clangor. I've been top six in all my leagues now. Devastating. But Chelsea, I really like him. I like what Moresca's doing.

20:47He's smart tactically, isn't he? He knows what to do. defensively attacking wise Esteval as well what player he is he's going to be tasty isn't he and the manager said something after the game he said he's not only very good on the pitch he's good off the pitch he's a very good boy with the words he said and he's willing to learn and willing to improve and he's ahead of where they thought he was going to be but he is some talent he always makes a difference when he's on the pitch really good talent what a buy that was and don't forget Cole Palmer coming back soon as well, hopefully. I mean, hopefully he's fit strong again.

21:25After this, we've got an international break as well. So it gives them all a little chance to impress for their countries. Just before we let you continue your journey, and I'll get back by the pool in Mexico. Not gloating. Not gloating at all. Spurs and Manchester United, they're actually both doing all right. and the game kind of summed up where probably they both are at the moment. But I definitely think if you look at United, there are more promising signs. They look more dangerous in front of them. I mean, I think Mbumo's done really well and I think that's, he's made a bit of a, thankfully I've got him in my team, someone who actually scored a goal, which was nice, except it was against Spurs and I've got Van de Ven at the back.

22:09So that wasn't great. So see what you see, it's getting, it takes over your life, Mike. and I might resign from this fantasy football business. Both of these teams, I think, are in an area in the league where I think they'd probably be reasonably satisfied with. Well, fans won't because fans always want more. We always want more as a team. But, you know, they are a work in progress. Yeah, for sure. I think, you know, we've talked about the system. It's not too much, maybe, about the system. I thought Man United showed grit. They showed heart. they showed spirit they'd made a sub Cesco got injured didn't they so he was playing with a man less in the game and then De Ligt comes up and scores a goal you know an important goal so when you start getting results because of that you know the changing room are still fighting for each other and that's what that's a good thing at United you can talk about systems all we want and what we would play and what not you mentioned Vermo very good player Ahmed as well So they'll always score goals.

23:17They just need to tighten up now a little bit at the back, but they've still got the spirit there. And same with Spurs, really. I mean, a bit up and down. I think they need a little bit more. Richarlison gets his goal, but there's still something missing that Tom and Frank is trying to... He's still trying to figure out what's the best for them. I don't quite know yet, but nevertheless, it's still a decent point when you look at it. Richarlison thought he'd won the game for Tottenham and then he'd rip him off his shirt and then obviously they get extra time for that and then they score in that extra time.

23:52I think it's a stupid law to get a yellow card and obviously if it happens in injury time, you get extended injury time. But also, even though it's a silly law, you know what it is. And I just don't understand why. I know you can get overexcited, but you can get overexcited by doing something else other than rip your bloody shirt off. It's a bit daft, but yeah, I get it. It's a big goal for him and he thought at the time he'd won the game. But I mean, honestly, honestly, footballers, Micah, I'm glad I was never one. Emotion. You know what? I can't even grumble at the fact that him taking off his shirt because he's playing it in real life.

24:34I feel that way on fantasy football, so I understand you. I understand you, Richard.

24:42brilliant stuff okay Micah I'm going to go back poolside and I'm going to let you travel where are you going home yeah going back home that's how they get tonight I've been the groaning for me will you most certainly most certainly cheers Micah that's it for this episode goodbye from me goodbye from me and since I'm here have a great week

25:08Thank you.