In short
Match-of-the-day style review of weekend Premier League/early-season games, plus a rant about VAR’s “anti-goal” impact and a fantasy football segment.
Guests (hosts)
Alan Shearer (former Newcastle striker, Match of the Day analyst), Gary Lineker (former England striker, Match of the Day host), Micah Richards (former England/Man City defender, pundit). They discuss matches they covered on Sky/Match of the Day.
Key claims
- Man United vs Arsenal: United’s system looked more comfortable and brave in transition; Kunja (Hojlund) and Mbuemo (Eberechi Eze?—as named) added unpredictability; Mason Mount’s energy was promising if he stays fit; Arsenal were flat but defended well and won via a set piece/goalkeeping error.
- Chelsea vs Palace: VAR disallowed an Ezra free kick because Mark Gahey was within a metre of the wall; hosts argue VAR is now microscopic and “sucks the life out of the game.”
- Sunderland “back with a bang”: Sunderland deserved their win; West Ham folded after conceding.
- Fantasy: bench boost strategy and captain choices drove big swings.
Notable examples
VAR wall-distance rule (introduced 2019); Arsenal’s set-piece goal at Old Trafford; Sunderland’s atmosphere and key clearance off the line; Chris Wood scoring twice for Forest; Eketike’s intelligent hold-up/link play for Liverpool; Manchester City’s strong debut performance from Reinders and Haaland goals.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOReflections on Match of the Day
0:45 to 4:10
The hosts share their experiences and opinions about Match of the Day.
“Alan, you were doing Match of the Day last night.”
Manchester United's Performance Analysis
4:10 to 5:58
Discussion on Manchester United's encouraging performance against Arsenal.
“I know they lost, but I thought that was a much more encouraging performance from Manchester United.”
Arsenal's Tactical Setup and Players
5:58 to 7:55
Analyzing Arsenal's tactics and player performances in the match.
“I mean, Kunja I thought was very good and Bumo was excellent.”
Evaluating VAR and Goal Disallowances
7:55 to 9:21
A critical discussion on the impact of VAR on recent matches and disallowed goals.
“At the other end, we had Giorcares, and it was a tough start for him.”
Controversies Surrounding VAR
9:21 to 14:03
Further exploration of the controversies and frustrations with VAR in football.
“You know what's really good about Arsenal now?”
Reflections on VAR's Impact on Football
14:03 to 15:05
Listeners will understand the frustrations surrounding VAR's current approach to disallowing goals.
“They were only going to look for the howlers, the clear and obvious errors, as they called them back then.”
Crystal Palace's Impressive Performance
15:07 to 15:28
Discussion on Crystal Palace's strong performance and key player insights.
“I mean, it's really, you talk about different scenarios with football clubs over the next week or two, the transfer window.”
Brentford's Struggles and Chris Wood's Start
15:34 to 16:40
Analysis of Brentford's challenges this season and Chris Wood's promising start.
“I really, I really, really hope that he fulfills his potential because we've got a real player on our hands then.”
Fantasy Football Insights and Team Performances
16:41 to 17:59
A lively conversation about fantasy football, team selections, and early season performances.
“that you have to get off to a good start.”
Fantasy Football Insights and Team Performances
18:00 to 21:07
A lively conversation about fantasy football, team selections, and early season performances.
“We got 63 points in our resties football team.”
Show all 17 chapters
Liverpool's Performance and Emotional Moments
22:45 to 25:40
A detailed discussion on Liverpool's recent matches and standout performances.
“But it's something they probably need to address.”
New Players and Team Evaluations
25:42 to 28:01
Discussion about new player performances across teams and their impact on the league.
“Of all, quite a lot of strikers on parade for the first time this season.”
Manchester City's Performance Review
28:01 to 30:12
Analyzing Manchester City's recent game and player performances.
“The way he passed was absolutely superb.”
Sunderland's Strong Comeback
30:13 to 32:40
Discussing Sunderland's impressive return to the Premier League.
“But yeah, I mean, that is the sort of start that none of the teams in the last couple of seasons have enjoyed that have come up.”
West Ham's Struggles and Spurs' Success
32:41 to 36:50
Examining West Ham's poor performance and Tottenham's strong start.
“To be honest, if you want to play Sunderland away, you don't want to play them on the first day of the season when they've been promoted because you know it will be jumping and thumping.”
Newcastle's Goal-Scoring Woes
36:51 to 42:00
Analyzing Newcastle's performance and issues in finding the net.
“Taking that leap up, as we've seen in the last couple of seasons.”
Transfer Dilemmas and World Cup Preparations
42:00 to 42:50
Discussing the potential transfer challenges faced by players and clubs ahead of the World Cup.
“I don't know the ins and outs, but from reading and hearing and everything else, Well, the club can say no.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:08Alan Shearer:Hello and welcome to the rest of his football with Alan Shearer, me, Gary Lineker and Micah Richards in the back of a car. He's been working for Sky on a long day, a couple of games that he's covered today. Well, after an entertaining summer with Chelsea winning the Club World Cup and lots of interesting transfer news and rumours swirling around, the attention is firmly back on the pitch. Finally, we'll be reviewing the games from the weekend first. But how did you enjoy your day, Micah? Yes, it was eventful, to say the least. Left Harrogate this morning at eight o 'clock. Went for a trim, as you can see.
0:49Another one. How many is that since last weekend?
0:52Alan Shearer:Four. I've had four of his sleep. Brilliant. Alan, you were doing Match of the Day last night.
0:59Gary Lineker:Yep.
1:01Alan Shearer:I must say I enjoyed it. I went out for dinner, then I came home, and I got in time to watch it. I thought it was really good. Chappas did a great job. And despite all, you know, there was a lot of talk, wasn't it, that they were going to change things. And I think, you know, you know what it's like. You get a new guy in, a new head of sport, thinking he wants to do this, wants to do that. But in the end, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. And I think that was very much the sensible decision. And I thought the programme was great. I thought Wayne Rooney did really well, as well as yourself, Alan.
1:35Alan Shearer:Some good analysis in there. It was so nice watching it holding a glass of wine.
1:42Gary Lineker:How did it feel, Gaz? How did it feel? Was it weird?
1:45Alan Shearer:It wasn't weird, really. No, no. It was quite relaxed. I was thinking I haven't got a three and a half hour journey at the end of the show. But no, I really enjoyed watching it. I think that's the first time that I've watched Match of the Day on a Saturday night for I don't know how many years. I don't know how many years because the only time I ever missed the show was if I'd get the old Saturday off to take a holiday, so I'd go somewhere.
2:21Gary Lineker:Yeah.
2:21Alan Shearer:So I can't actually ever, like, so long since I watched it. And it's a bloody good show, you know, Match of the Day. It really is. Fantastic. It really is. But wait, but while we're still on Match of the Day, though, Alan, when Sunderland was black, why did you not do none of the analysis, mate? Why did you leave it all to Wayne? You didn't say a word for about four minutes. What's going on? You know how it works, Micah.
2:48Gary Lineker:You know how it works, Micah.
2:49Alan Shearer:Yeah, and I'll discuss that game with Alan and White when we come to the second half. But, you know, Wayne Rooney was given that game. Like, you know how it works. Stop trying to stir it up.
3:03Gary Lineker:I'm more concerned about you, by the way. How tight is that shirt on your arms? I was worried about the circulation in your arms today. I was looking at your guns thinking, that is a tight one, man. You know what, Al? about three, four weeks ago before I went on holiday, I was in prime condition. 12 noon rum punches have not helped me out over the last three, four weeks. I must have put on a half a stone. I got to undo my button and my pants before I dove.
3:38Alan Shearer:Too much information there, Micah. Thank you very much. So everyone was, Everyone was very casual on the show today. Was that because of the heat? Yeah, they always say, wear what you want, to be fair. And we used to come in three-piece suits before because Super Sunday was that sort of vibe. But when it's in your heat, it's just uncomfortable for everyone. It's too hot outside. It's too hot in the studio. So they said, you know, wear what you want. If you want to be more casual, no problem at all. Let's start with Manchester United against Arsenal. I thought that was a much... I know they lost, but I thought that was a much more encouraging performance from Manchester United.
4:17Alan Shearer:Probably the best I've seen in a long time. They looked, I thought, more suited and more comfortable with the way that they play. I think there were players within the system that seemed to fit it better than perhaps we saw last season. I thought Arsenal were a bit flat. They managed to get that goal, which was obviously a goalkeeping error, and then hang on. And they defended well, and that's what they do, don't they? with those two at the back, Gabriel and Saliba. But overall, I thought United deserved something out of the game. No, since Amaran's coming to Manchester United, it's a system. But I actually thought the system worked really well for them today.
4:56And it worked because Shaw was stepping out when he needed to. Jorah was stepping out. OK, De Ligt was a little bit exposed for paste at times with Jocarez. But I thought they were more brave, especially on transition. So if you look at the starting positions of Dalo and Dogu, at times it would be more a five, but they was brave. They stayed in that mid block. And then when they had to counter, they countered with conviction. And Buomo looked really good. Mount even looked really good in terms of his work rate and his energy for the team. So overall, I thought it was a really good performance.
5:41The disappointment obviously comes because you don't get anything out of the game. But I think for Man United, it was always about building blocks. Would they be a lot better visually this season than last season? And I would say there was definitely massive improvements.
5:57Gary Lineker:Yeah, I would agree. I think for me, the two stand. I mean, Kunja I thought was very good and Bumo was excellent. They brought a bit of unpredictability. they brought a bit of spark and a bit of life to Manchester United. I do think that there was definitely more energy to the game. They certainly looked more organised. You would feel more comfortable if they had a goalkeeper in there who you could rely on. I think if they don't get that, then that could be their downfall. It remains to be seen if anything happens in the next couple of weeks. But in terms of general play, I thought it was a lot better from Manchester United.
6:35Alan Shearer:Yeah, me too. I thought Kunya and Mbumo played the positions really well. Because Mbumo generally has played right of a three, and this time he's playing right of a two. Kunya can sometimes be a 10, but he adapted really well to playing a bit higher up the field. And I was going to echo your sentiments about Mason Mount, who's had a tough old time, obviously, with injuries and fitness, and he's not been at it since he went to Manchester United. And even before that, he's been struggling. And you just remind yourself of the talent that he has and how an exciting player he was when he was young at Chelsea.
7:14Alan Shearer:And he was really impressive. And I just thought to myself today, look like that energy was back. Let's hope he can stay fit. Because there is a footballer in there. There definitely is. Agreed. I think he's adaptable as well. I think he can play a variety of different positions. He could play a little bit deeper where Fernandes played. He could play on the wing. He could play false. He could play everywhere. And I think he's going to be asset for them. I echo the sentiment just staying fit for Mount now. He's just key for their season. Totally agree. Sesko, he didn't get much of an eye on him, but he's a big lad, but he can move across the ground.
7:54Alan Shearer:That's all. So we'll see how he does. At the other end, we had Giorcares, and it was a tough start for him. I mean, he didn't really get a kick. Arsenal weren't really free-flowing at all. They were miles below their best, but they got their three points and they'll be delighted with that. They defended really well, but they didn't offer much going forward. And I don't, you know, he obviously came off after just over an hour, 60, 70 minutes, whatever it was, with barely touching the ball. But that happens to a striker sometimes.
8:25Gary Lineker:It's a tough afternoon for him and we can't judge him yet. He's going to need time to adjust. I think he obviously, across the ground, he's really, really quick, looks really strong and powerful. But he hardly had any touches in the 18-yard box and around it, did he? So he's going to have to get used to a different sort of style of play, I guess, with Arsenal. But I think the positives for Arsenal were, I mean, Arteta was bullish at the end and I understood because didn't really play that well. But boy, did they battle and fight and scrap and all of those things. And again, they've won the game with a set piece, a fantastic ball in, putting the keeper under pressure and nicking the goal and nicking the three points at Old Trafford, which was always going to be a really, really tough game.
9:15Gary Lineker:And they've got a tough start with all the games that they've got. So that was a huge three points without playing well. You know what's really good about Arsenal now? I still think they're a left winger short or left forward short. But if you look at Arsenal's bench today, you know, Ben White started with Calafiore and Luis Skelly last season was outstanding. And Timber, he can change the fullbacks now and not affect the team. The quality doesn't go down. So that would help him as long as everyone stays fit throughout the season. Moreno, the impact he had. Madweke, come on. And although I prefer Madweke on the right-hand side rather than the left, I just look at that position on the left-hand side and think if they could sort that, when there was a link to a Rodrigo, that could solve a lot of problems for them.
10:06But yeah, nonetheless, it's a massive win away from home and it just gives you the momentum that you need for the start of the season.
10:14Alan Shearer:Yeah, if Giorcres does hit it off, and added to the fact that they now look like they've got a bit more strength in depth, and if they can avoid perhaps one or two of the big injuries they had last season, most notably Odegaard and Saka and then Havertz towards the end of the season, you know, they'll have a real chance.
10:34Gary Lineker:No, and they've got all the tools. We just, we know that they needed a goal scorer. So, they've got an outstanding goalkeeper, by the way. That save he made in the first half was fantastic. Wow. Down to his left, wasn't it? It was a brilliant save.
10:47Alan Shearer:Yeah, from Cunha. It was. Superb save. Let's move on to Chelsea Palace, goalless. There was a goal. It was disallowed. VAR kicked in with Ezra's free kick that was disallowed because Mark Gahey was within a metre of the wall. This was a law that was brought in in 2019. I do not understand why. This is the, let me call it the referecation of football. It seems like referees have taken over the game. Obviously, they're important. and they play a really important role on the pitch, but now they play an important role off the pitch in terms of VAR, which is way more than we were promised at the start.
11:31Alan Shearer:And also they define the laws. Now that never used to be the case, but in recent years, that's what's happened. Now there's a law for everything. I mean, it's harsh, isn't it? And even now, even in co-commentary now, we're hearing every time there's a foul, we hear a referee chirp up. in the co-commentary to tell us that someone's just pushed someone, which we've just seen for ourselves. I mean, it's driving me crazy. I mean, I always got on with referees. I never got booked. But I feel like I'd love to get booked now because it's driving me mad. They're almost in control of our game completely, not just kind of adhering to the rules on the field of play.
12:14Alan Shearer:But anyway, that's rant over. Sorry.
12:16Gary Lineker:It is a law, but I get it. I am with you. I mean, to disallow a goal of that quality. And I know, if you remember when it was brought in, it was brought in because of players hanging on, or the opposition players hanging on to the side of the wall and pulling the last man away to create that space. But they're doing it like a metre or two away now as well. So, I don't know. I mean, it seemed just wrong to disallow something like that. And I know it's the law and that's what they have to do by the rule book or whatever, but it just seems wrong.
12:50Alan Shearer:It's just the whole VAR thing as well. I mean, it just seems to be so anti-goal. And they do everything they can to find. No one would have noticed anything there. No one would have cared if that goal had been given. It wasn't like he's lit on. I mean, you could have disallowed the goal possibly. But basically, they've got two shoulders against each other and the strongest man won out. and then it sent him just marginally too close to the wall. I mean, yes, by the letter of the law, they had to do it, but that's because we have VAR. And I don't know, I'm done with it. But do we need to give them a little bit of credit, though?
13:31Do we need to give a little bit of credit, the officials? For finding it? Well, I don't like it. We all hate it and it's ridiculous. But their job is to abide by the letter of the law, which they did, even though we hated it. Their job. And it's ridiculous.
13:52Alan Shearer:Yes, I understand that. I understand that. But don't forget, their job originally, and what we've always been told, that they weren't going to re-referee a football match. They were only going to look for the howlers, the clear and obvious errors, as they called them back then. But it's not that anymore. It's like a microscopic approach to looking for any possibility to disallow a goal. That is their raison d 'etre. When they go out and somebody scores a goal, right, can we find some reason to disallow this goal? And it goes against everything that football is. It sucks the life out of the game.
14:34Alan Shearer:and yes you can say well done for spotting the fact that he might have been like 0.9 of a metre close to the wall so therefore he's within a metre well done good spot congratulations you've just taken away a cracking strike go on guys get stuck in first red card our first red I love it at least a yellow for that surely
14:56Gary Lineker:I didn't swear though no you didn't swear well done
15:02Alan Shearer:anyway Anyway, I just wanted to, I needed to get that off my chest because it gets on my nose.
15:06Gary Lineker:After all of that, may I just say how brilliant Crystal Palace were?
15:10Alan Shearer:Oh, played really well, didn't they? Didn't they? Much the better side. Deserved the win, I thought.
15:14Gary Lineker:They were. I mean, it's really, you talk about different scenarios with football clubs over the next week or two, the transfer window. The strong talk with Ezra and obviously Gehi, but if they were to keep hold of those two, they could have a really good season. So I don't know. I don't know what's going to happen with those two either. So it could be tough if they lose both of them. I know we've said it a lot of times, but Adam Wharton, seriously, seriously, he is ridiculous. I really, I really, really hope that he fulfills his potential because we've got a real player on our hands then. He's just so effortless in midfield, always wants to play forward, like so calm on the ball and can tackle also, you know, start attacks I think he's got everything for that position and I've said it before but I want to say it again
16:05Alan Shearer:Totally agree One more match that was played today before we we'll let you drive home and we'll take over the second half Micah Forest Brentford we worried didn't we we said before the start of the season that it might be difficult for Brentford no Visser playing obviously Mbumo's gone Thomas Frank the manager's left they've brought in Keith Andrew who was the set piece coach before so there's a lot of unknowns about Brentford and And well, they were... Chris Wood again, though. Two goals, start of the season again, just like he, you know, carried on for most of last season.
Read the full transcript
16:39Gary Lineker:That's what you need to do. You know, as a forward, I always remember that you have to get off to a good start. You have to score in the first game and the confidence that that gives you. So for him again, because I'm sure that people would have said, oh, he can't have the same again as he did last season. It was unbelievable. But what a start for him and Forrest.
16:56Alan Shearer:Micah, can I just tell you now why Alan's so excited? It's because his son, Will, who's running Alan's fantasy football team for him, put Chris Wood in as captain.
17:08Gary Lineker:He did. Even I'm getting into it now, Mike. Can you see? See what you've done to me? I'm absolutely gutted, mate. Seriously. When he scored. But you don't understand the pain that I went through all this weekend. And it started with Salah on Friday night. Friday night. He did nothing all game. Then he pops up with a goal. I had him captain. I'm thinking, fantastico. And then Saturday, Verbruggen, Verbruggen.
17:38Alan Shearer:Oh, no. He was in our team, Micah, wasn't he? He was our goalkeeper. But having said that, Micah, this leads us nicely into fantasy football. We had four defenders all had clean sheet. Outstanding. And if Verbruggen hadn't conceded that one in the 95th, 96th minute, we'd have had the back five would have all had clean sheets. See, I'm learning. I'm getting so excited. We got 63 points in our resties football team. It's not a bad start. Not a bad start at all. We're looking good. We're looking good, but I don't... Harland, I'm telling you, Harland looks sharp. In my team, Micah, in my individual team, which I also had, which I have to say was strongly influenced by Harry Venneker, producer Harry, that contained Harland and I captained him oh well he he captained him for me but I was I would have captained him so I you know I think he got a lot of points
18:36Gary Lineker:just to confirm guys the two newcomers to this game me and you we had the best captains and Micah's had an absolute nightmare this weekend is that right
18:45Alan Shearer:I don't think he's had a nightmare have you how many points did you get on your own team Micah I think a nightmare sums it up to be honest I had 65 I don't know what you had I don't know
18:55Gary Lineker:I'll have to ask Will I'm not sure
18:57Alan Shearer:I'm going to give a quick shout out though because hand me over that here we've got here because obviously we've started out our league the rest is football fantasy football league along with the premier league and one of our players here Ronan Kerr and we'll give the odd mention when you do really well chaps his overall rank in the whole world is 333 because he got 107 points. Do we know how many players there are in the world? First in our league. But yeah, there are millions and millions and millions of players, Alan.
19:32Gary Lineker:And he's 333rd, is that right?
19:35Alan Shearer:Yeah, with 107 points. I think he did a bench boost though and he's gone early with that. Tell us what a bench boost is, please, Micah, because Alan won't know. A bench boost is basically when you can use the whole 15 players. So that's a big advantage. It's a big advantage. And you can only do that once in a season? No, you can do it twice now. Twice, twice. Only last season you could do it just the once. But no, they've changed it this season. One each half of the season, apparently. He's gone early. Do you know what Ronan's done? He's thought, I know how I'm going to get a mention on the Rest His Football podcast by doing my bench boost on the first day.
20:14Alan Shearer:Well played, Ronan. Disaster. An absolute disaster of a weekend. I've had enough already. ruined my weekend fantasy football one quick point we do of course have to end we have to wait until the end of tomorrow before we know it's absolutely top of our league over the first set of fixtures because Leeds play Everton and some players will be in people's teams and so some Ronan might be challenged yet and don't forget if you'd like to join our league it's not too late all you've got to do is go to therestisfootball.com sign up okay Micah But you've done us proud in the back of the car there. Have a safe journey back and leave it to Al and me in the second half.
20:59No worries at all. Thanks very much, guys. Go and get yourself another trim.
21:07Alan Shearer:This episode of The Rest is Football is powered by NordVPN. Now, you might be off on holiday during the summer, but football, well, never really stops, does it? Lads, how have you been keeping up with football and everything else over the summer?
21:21Gary Lineker:Actually, I was in Dubai and not only could I not get my messages, I couldn't get my football update. So I turned my VPN on. Nord. My Nord VPN. You look good, right, Alan? And then bingo, it was perfect. Yeah, films and series, that sort of thing. Turned on the VPN, Nord, of course. Absolutely brilliant.
21:41Alan Shearer:Nord VPN protects my privacy and sensitive data when I'm online. It hides my IP, leaving no digital footprint. So it's like surfing the web with an invisibility cloak, avoiding the prying eyes of hackers, trackers and bad actors. To get the best discount for your NordVPN plan, go to nordvpn.com slash restisfootball. Our link will also give you four extra months on the two-year plan. There's no risk with Nord's 30-day money-back guarantee. The link is in the podcast episode description box.
22:45Alan Shearer:But it's something they probably need to address.
22:49Gary Lineker:Yeah, I think the stat on match of the day was they got caught out on counter-attacks with conceding two goals the whole of last season. And obviously already two goals against Bournemouth on Friday night. I mean, they're always going to score goals because of the players that they've got in that team, the brilliant players. And we'll talk about Eketike. but I think yeah they look very very vulnerable defensively on the turnover of possession particularly in behind both full backs whether that was Kerkhez Frimpong or whether it was Robertson when he brought him on or Endo I think he brought on as well didn't he at right back
23:26Alan Shearer:Why do you think that is Alan? What was the difference between that season? Who did they have in there last season? I mean Suboslai often dropped in didn't he to the back four when Trent used to go or Robertson used to go, he used to drop in a little bit. What was missing?
23:42Gary Lineker:They haven't got a full set of their midfielders yet. And they've changed it slightly because they've got Salah, they've got Eketike, they've got Cody Gakpo, they've got Florian Vert in the sort of 10 role as well. And the two midfielders. And yeah, I mean, both Kirk has... I mean, Vert is a more attacking-minded player, isn't he?
24:05Alan Shearer:More of a 10.
24:06Gary Lineker:So essentially, I guess they've lost one in midfield, which gives them that little bit more protection, I guess. They're going to have to solve that. Even in the community shield against Palace, wasn't it? There was a vulnerability about them. I mean, Bournemouth, I thought, were brilliant. The energy that they showed in Semenyo and his performance after what happened, I thought, was outstanding and two great goals.
24:32Alan Shearer:We should probably address that as well, what happened. I mean, what a response from him to score the two goals.
24:38Gary Lineker:What better way? I mean, he did exactly the right thing. He got the referee's attention. He spoke to the managers and the police have done their job and rightly arrested someone. But his response was incredible to score those two goals at Anfield. That was amazing. But you have to give Liverpool credit. I mean, great. It was an emotional night. It was an unbelievable night in terms of the atmosphere at Anfield. The fans were just amazing in the tribute to Diogo and to Andre. But they found a way to win, didn't they? They found a way. It was looking very iffy in the last few minutes, but they managed to get the goal in Chiesa and in Salah getting his opening day goal once again.
25:19Alan Shearer:He's amazing, isn't he? You just thought, oh, it's not happening for him tonight. And then, bosh, brilliant bit of play, brilliant finish. And so emotional, wasn't it, at the end that he stayed out there with the fans singing with Diogo Jota and the tears in his eyes.
25:31Gary Lineker:It was incredible, wasn't it? The way he was stood there clapping and you could see the tears starting to come in his eyes. It was very, very emotional. It was an unbelievable night.
25:40Alan Shearer:It really was. Let's talk about two of the new Liverpool players, starting with Eketika. Of all, quite a lot of strikers on parade for the first time this season. Obviously, we saw João Pedro. Not much happened for him after his glory in the Club World Cup final. We saw Giocares for Arsenal. Didn't really get a kick. and Sesko came on relatively late, hard to judge. But I think the one striker, the nines, that really stood out for me, an impressive debut, was Eketike.
26:14Gary Lineker:Yeah, he carried on some from last weekend, didn't he, in the community shield, I think. And it was interesting listening to him, hear him talk after the game in terms of them saying the physicality of the Premier League, Hutt's slightly different. One minute he might be going up against a big centre-half in a scrap, but I think he's got the intelligence also to drop off like he did for his goal. It was a lovely run to get the ball short, then find the space in the middle and go in behind him. He might have got a little bit of luck in the ricochet with the tackle, but the way he finished it off.
26:47Gary Lineker:And then, of course, linking up with Gakpour, that goal as well. I think he played a large part in that with his hold-up play and the turn and the pass and all of that. So it's a very, very promising start from him.
27:00Alan Shearer:Yeah, and three points for Liverpool. Good start for Manchester City, Alan. It's funny, isn't it? There were two teams we were slightly concerned about this season, Wolves and Brentford. Well, Brentford had lost a manager and their star players. Wolves lost their two star players. They both capitulated, really. I mean, Manchester City were just way too good, weren't they, for Wolves?
27:21Gary Lineker:Yeah, West Ham was another one we were slightly concerned about. They got battered off Sundland as well in the stadium, like. So I guess that can happen when you're playing Manchester City, when they're in that form, when they got that first goal. I mean, the energy and the passing, it was back to Manchester City being at the best. And Ryan does, I did a bit on him on Match of the Day, my word. I mean, I've seen him a couple of times with AC. And yeah, he had an incredible debut. It was almost the perfect performance from him.
27:54Alan Shearer:The little bit where he went through the middle and ended the little creepy pass was absolutely sumptuous, wasn't it?
28:01Gary Lineker:It was incredible. Really brilliant. It was brilliant. The way he passed was absolutely superb. So he was outstanding.
28:06Alan Shearer:Yeah. Big season, isn't it, Pipette, in many ways? I mean, it sounds daffling to say after all he's done and all the achievements, these things. But, you know, last season was challenging. They still finished, obviously, in the top four for a Champions League spot. But it was a struggle. They found it difficult. The midfield area, obviously, they lost Rodri and now they've lost him again. We don't know how long for. But they have made a few new signings. Who impressed you most apart from Rinders, who was absolutely brilliant?
28:38Gary Lineker:I thought Ait Norey did well. A Cherokee did well when he came on. They had a... I think they all had a bit of an energy about them. They looked sort of new, if you like, fresh. and Wolves just couldn't live with him I mean some of the players with their one touch and two touch and particularly Reinders I thought his running with and without the ball was magnificent and Haaland getting a couple of goals I think he'll benefit as well because you know those passes that De Bruyne sort of plays or used to play into him whether they were whipped across or whether into feet I think Reinders can certainly do that.
29:21Gary Lineker:And with his running ability, the defenders are going to have to go with him, which will also free up Haaland again.
29:28Alan Shearer:The only thing I thought watching the game was that I thought Wolves had a go. They played quite high. And I think that suits Manchester City. The teams that did well against them last season were the ones that, you know, sit and then hit them in the transition where they were struggling. whereas if Wolves are pressing it's easy for and there's a bit more space for I think Harlan when he sees a team play that probably licks his lips and thinks I'm in for a couple today and that was the case
29:59Gary Lineker:yeah I don't I mean yeah it was a great performance from Manchester City but you can't say they're back until as per normal give it 8 or 9 or 10 games and then we'll judge whether they're back or not
30:12Alan Shearer:tell you about back in the Premier League back in with a bang one of your favourite teams Alan Sunderland
30:20Gary Lineker:I know I've got a couple I've got a bit of stick off believe it or not I have got a few Sunderland parts maybe two of Sunderland pals and it was like my texts were going this morning and they were like for fuck's sake why didn't you say anything positive against Sunderland you just let Wayne Rooney do all the talk about Sunderland and you just went on about West Ham so Sunderland were brilliant the atmosphere was great they deserved the three points there you go that sound alright do you want to remind people
30:46Alan Shearer:Alan that the way match of the day works is that you designated a match each and Wayne Rooney would have done that game because he was designated that match which one were you doing because that was a three o 'clock one as well
30:57Gary Lineker:I did the Spurs Burnley one exactly
30:58Alan Shearer:you were doing the Spurs Burnley game so your focus was on that so it wasn't an anti-Sunderland even though you are anti-Sunderland let's be honest
31:06Gary Lineker:yeah listen they've been that they've been that long out of the Premier League they forget how match of the day works you see
31:13Alan Shearer:what a performance though really I thought you know Ballard these clearance off the line that was fantastic
31:19Gary Lineker:that was the game changer that you know because if that goes in it's very very different so for him to save that one off the line and then get a brilliant header as well so yeah it was a great deal
31:33Alan Shearer:the atmosphere as well seemed incredible in there the atmosphere I mean I remember you know when they used to play at Roker Park and they used to call the Roker Roar. And it was quite special. What is it with you, North East lot? Just love our football. You get excited, don't you?
31:49Gary Lineker:Love our football. It's not in the same league as St. James' Park.
31:52Alan Shearer:I knew you'd say that. I had a little bit of myself there. You get all competitive on me. But yeah, I mean, that is the sort of start that none of the teams in the last couple of seasons have enjoyed that have come up. It's been a grind, hasn't it, to find your first point. I think I'm right in saying,
32:11Gary Lineker:I might be wrong, but I'm sure someone said last night on Match of the Day, it took until October for one of the promoted teams to win their first game. Last season, yeah. So for Sunderland to, not only to win, but to put a bit of a statement out. And I think for belief and for confidence, and I think I'm right in saying they've got Burnley next week, is it? Yeah. They've got a great opportunity to maybe go and get two wins out of two, which will be great for Belief.
32:40Alan Shearer:Yeah. I worry for West Ham. Me too. Me too. To be honest, if you want to play Sunderland away, you don't want to play them on the first day of the season when they've been promoted because you know it will be jumping and thumping. But having said that, that's, you know, that's a pretty good thumping that they've had. I thought Bowen looked lively in the first half a bit.
33:00Gary Lineker:That was it really. He was their one and only threat in the first half. They had two new signings in the start in XI. Goalkeeper and left wing back. Callum Wilson came on with 15 minutes of sort to go. But the worrying thing for me was how they folded when they conceded one goal. I mean, the atmosphere and everything seemed to get to them and worry them. And there was a complete lack of energy and all of those things that you think, come on then, lads, what we got. So that would be very worrying from a West Ham point of view, definitely.
33:35Alan Shearer:Yeah, Hermanson, who's a Leicester goalkeeper, of the previous season. Obviously, they spent quite a few quid on him. I mean, I really like him. I mean, he's been a brilliant shot supper, but he had a, I mean, it was an awful debut. Yeah, it wasn't the best. I mean, he could, you thought, could he have got the first one? Maybe not, but the third one went straight. He tried to push it out and missed it. I've seen a lot of him and I'm confident that, for West Ham fans, I'm confident that you'll see much better from him going forward. I think he's a top keeper. So good start for Tottenham. Yeah. For Spurs.
34:10Gary Lineker:Yeah, I mean, Burnley had their moments, you know, in the first half. It doesn't take a genius to work out that the difference in Championship 2 Premier League is the finishing. Those are the moments. When Burnley had their moments, they didn't take their chances. And the difference between them missing and Richarlison's two outstanding finishes.
34:30Alan Shearer:Second one was a beauty. It was incredible.
34:33Gary Lineker:But did you notice how... I mean, I did the analysis on Spurs last night, how Thomas Frank has gone straight away what he did at Brentford in terms of getting balls up a lot earlier to the forward players, getting balls into the box a lot earlier in terms of crosses. I mean, they had three crosses in the first 90 seconds of the game, Spurs, yesterday. And I think that put a marker down to say, this is how we're going to play this year. and they adapted because if you remember in midweek against PSG, they played five at the back. They went to four at the back and they played young Gray and Bergval in the midfield yesterday, which that was a change around from PSG.
35:16Gary Lineker:So I think he perhaps may do that when they're going in at home against teams they would expect to beat. They might play four. When it's a tougher match against bigger clubs, they might just switch and play five at the back.
35:30Alan Shearer:I'll tell you who intrigues me, Richarlison. I look at him sometimes and you think, oh, he's got so much talent. And then on another occasion, nothing seems to happen and he gets a bit down on himself, possibly. I don't know. I'm just making assumptions from watching his body. Injuries have played a big part. And I think sometimes fans as well, it's easy to go, oh, he's always injured. But as a footballer, the last thing in the world you want is to be injured. There's nothing more frustrating. but if he can stay fit and sharp then they've got a real player I mean the second finish was just I think if they're going to continue to do that
36:08Gary Lineker:what they did yesterday in terms of getting balls into the box you know what it's like for a forward guys it makes your life a lot easier and you're a lot happier when there's balls coming in straight away and if you keep on putting I mean Wayne was sat there yesterday thinking, saying if you keep on putting balls into the box Eventually, something will drop for you. And that's what they kept doing. And Kudos, I thought, was superb as well. He set up both goals. Great debut, wasn't it?
36:35Alan Shearer:Great league debut, I should say.
36:37Gary Lineker:Yeah, it was a great performance from him. And yeah, I was impressed with Spurs. But having said that, I did say that Burnley did have the moments. But you know, it's like the difference is the finishing.
36:49Alan Shearer:It's so hard, isn't it? Yeah. Taking that leap up, as we've seen in the last couple of seasons.
36:55Gary Lineker:Well, if you remember, obviously you will, the way they played last year, they hardly, I think it was 16 goals in the league last season they conceded all season. I mean, they were just incredible in terms of defensively last season. And it looks as if they may try and do the same again, but so much more difficult when you're playing against quality players, particularly up front, and that's the difference.
37:21Alan Shearer:That's maddening. In the first game, they've conceded almost a fifth of the goals that they've conceded in the entirety of last season. But, you know, maybe if they can, it was a tough start for them going away to Tottenham as well, to Spurs. I think that leaves one game to talk about, Alan, really. Well, it was, I thought you actually, Newcastle played quite well in that game. They were much the better side. I thought Villa looked a bit flat. Their passing was off. You had the best chances, didn't you? Imagine if you got a really good striker out in the squad somewhere.
37:58Gary Lineker:Don't start. Goodness me. Yeah, I think given everything that's happened and happening at Newcastle, I was impressed with the vast majority of their play. Obviously, they didn't score. They created better chances. They looked fitter than Aston Villa. They looked stronger. I thought their pressing was superb. Obviously, the biggest thing missing was the goal. They had enough chances. I mean, Alanga, the way they created his 1v1, if that goes in, then what a league debut for him that would have been. But, yeah. I thought he looked lively, though. Yeah, he did. I mean, Gordon's doing the very best he can in difficult circumstances.
38:41Gary Lineker:He's not a centre-forward, but he's the best option they've got at this moment in time. What do you think is going to happen, Al? I wish I knew, Gaz. I mean, it's such a shitty situation for everyone because, I mean, Newcastle, I heard Eddie Howe saying there's no difference to the situation to what it was three or four weeks ago, which is a night. It's just horrible for Newcastle because they need decisions. They need two centre-forwards in for them to even contemplate, letting him go. If they do let him go, then how much?
39:16Alan Shearer:It's a really messy situation he's left them in. I mean, I know players want to move sometimes and also clubs can be very difficult when they want you out and stuff like that. It's often a two-way thing, but I don't know if I was a teammate, I'd be very grumpy with him at the moment. I mean, I just think if you've got three years left of your contract, you've signed that contract, you've just won a trophy the first time amazing season I understand if one of the you know if Liverpool come in and you're thinking I'm going to win Premier Leagues and I could win a Champions League I totally understand that but down in tools to make it happen and I know sometimes you have to he's probably been told his agent I don't know listen the only way we're going to make this move happen is that you if you just say to them you're not going to play there are no circumstance and you just think really
40:10Gary Lineker:Yeah, we're not naive enough to know that this goes on in the game, right? Look at the... Wisser's got a similar situation at Brentford. Yeah, true. He didn't play. And obviously, Newcastle are trying to sign him. So there's a way of doing things, isn't there? I mean, Wayne Rooney said it on Match of the Day last night. He had a similar situation, but he actually put a transfer request in. He didn't refuse to play. He didn't refuse to train. Alexander's got three years left of a six-year contract to go it's not as if he's got one year left so it's a really messy situation and I feel sorry for the players and Eddie who through no fault of their own are having to put up with questions before the game after the game after a really good performance they're still asking about Alexander Isak So I just think he's gone about it in the wrong way.
41:08Gary Lineker:And I understand the anger and frustration from the Newcastle fans.
41:12Alan Shearer:Wayne Rooney went about it the right way and he didn't get his move.
41:17Gary Lineker:No, exactly.
41:17Alan Shearer:He would have just said, you're going north. That's what he said.
41:21Gary Lineker:That's exactly what he actually said to him. But at least he put a transfer request in. And we've heard nothing at all from Alexander Isak. And I don't even know where he is. I don't know whether he's in Newcastle or he's aware.
41:36Alan Shearer:I know you've been in a position and you've played for Newcastle and stuff and you know Isak as well. You've interviewed him a couple of times. What about the fans? Are they disgusted? Yeah, they are. And rightly so. I think the vast majority, I mean, there's still a tiny chance,
41:57Gary Lineker:I think, that he could be turned around. I don't know. I don't know the ins and outs, but from reading and hearing and everything else, Well, the club can say no. Yeah. The club can say no. Yes, they can. The likelihood of that happening, if they don't get two centre-forwards in, then I can see them saying you're not going. And a realistic offer. And a realistic offer.
42:24Alan Shearer:And a realistic offer.
42:25Gary Lineker:But if they don't get too in, they can't let him go. Can they? But then who blinks first? I mean, he's got a World Cup that he has to get ready for next year to play with Sweden. So what's he going to do? Is he just going to sit and rot? I mean, I don't know. The next two weeks, obviously, we'll find out. So it's a really difficult situation.
42:48Alan Shearer:It really is. That's all for today's Rest is Football. Don't forget, though, that we've got a very special treat for you this season. We're going to be bringing you an extra episode of the Restless Football every week, all about La Liga. And the best part about it, if you're watching the show in video on Spotify or YouTube, we'll be showing you all the best highlights from the key games too. We'll, of course, be keeping a close eye on the likes of Marcus Rashford, who I'm sure you've heard the interview that Micah and I popped out to Barcelona to do. If you've not, I think you'll really enjoy it.
43:24Alan Shearer:It's on our feed. Check that out. Also playing out in Spain, of course, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Gallagher, Jude Bellingham. He's injured at the moment with his shoulder, but he'll come back at some sport. So we'll see how they're all getting on in Spain. You've got the likes of Lamin, Jamal and Pedri. And I'm looking forward to showing you the Lamin, Jamal tasty goal that he scored last night. We're recording this on Sunday evening. But that's it for this episode. Goodbye from me.
43:51Gary Lineker:Goodbye from me and have a great week.
From the publisher
Why were there plenty of reasons to be positive for Man Utd, despite defeat against Arsenal? Have Sunderland shown that we can expect more of a fight from the newly promoted teams this season? Why were the lads so frustrated with VAR ruling out Eberechi Eze’s free-kick against Chelsea?
Gary, Alan and Micah also discuss which of the Premier League’s new strikers impressed the most on their debut at the weekend.
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