VAR Controversy Overshadows Manchester Derby

19:25Gary Lineker:Yeah, I agree. The place was absolutely rocking. The sound coming out of the stadium was not normal. All I needed was that finishing touch. Rea got man of the match in that game, didn't he? Because he was outstanding again. They can play in so many different ways and they have the squad to compete with whatever the game demands. I think that's the most important thing with Arsenal. And yes, on another day, Sunderland could have got a couple, but Rhea's safe for the penalty. The penalty save? That's probably the best penalty save I've ever seen. It's just big moments, isn't it? You know, when you need your player to come up trumps, it's just, yeah.

20:03Gary Lineker:I didn't think it was a penalty, by the way. No. I didn't think that was a penalty. I know the ref give it, but when he said, oh, he's clearly pulling him and he's not looking at the ball, well, Conzor got pulled off Dan Bollard. But yeah, it was a great save, superb save. What about Bruno Gamera scoring the goal? Getting battered off the Sunderland fans and coming on and scoring. What was that celebration he was doing like that? Do you know anything what it was like doing? That's what Alan looks like in his pants. That's what he...

20:38Gary Lineker:You just felt it when they were hammering him and booing him and what have you. They're thinking, he has got the quality to do something to you here. He has got the quality of damage. When the player gets the last laugh, it must hurt them.

20:51Alan Shearer:Interesting you mentioned the atmosphere at the stadium there, Michael. Do you think that's probably the best atmosphere at any stadium in the North East? Oh, come on. Let's not go there. I love the Geordies, so I'll answer that one.

21:05Gary Lineker:Michael, was it St James' when PSG came along? Oh, that was brilliant. That was loud. That was entertaining. in that was that was really good that I have to give that to the Geordie

21:16Alan Shearer:Ben White's been playing well this season but obviously now Jürgen Timber's coming as well who's I mean the strength in depth they've got in pretty much every position I would say barring a nine I think that I mean Timber's such a good player I mean Ben White's also been brilliant in this season and he can play in opposite different positions across the back

21:38Gary Lineker:you've got Myles Lewis Skelly coming off I think and then you've got Bruno Gemaris coming on you've got Rice coming off. I think Zubamendi's coming on. You've got Ben White coming off and Timber's coming on. I mean, it is. It's incredible, isn't it? You've got Eze coming on for Zollis. You've got Moreno coming on for Odegaard. Just a World Cup winner. It's ridiculous.

22:02Alan Shearer:It's ridiculous. Strong. Very, very strong. I think looking at it realistically now, even though I put Chelsea second, I think City are the only team that could probably challenge if anyone can challenge at all. The way Man City have sorted out the midfield, I want to say problem. In the first three games, I would say City wasn't playing that well. And then you go to the game against Porto, Bwadi goes midfield. And then the performance from Anderson and Gay against, you know, 11 men at Old Trafford. Now you're starting to think, okay, maybe they're going to be better than everyone. We always say with a new manager, and new players.

22:41It's going to take time. Yeah. They've won every game. They look really good. I think it was that Community Shield game when everyone was saying, oh, Arsenal are going to walk it. But I won't be writing off Man City just yet.

22:52Alan Shearer:No, no. They've won every game since that, I should say. On to Chelsea. I mean, we should obviously shout out Hull again. I mean, still unbeaten. Four games in. Finally conceded a goal, but they're doing tremendously well at the moment. I mean, incredible start from Hull. But in terms of Chelsea, obviously, same old a little bit, that they look really good going forward, mostly, but vulnerable defensively. But he did change his system, Mike. I wanted to ask you about what you thought of that. He went, you know, because he's been playing the Xavi Alonso way with three, you know, two wing-backs bombing on forward and leaving the three up top.

23:29Alan Shearer:Obviously, he changed to four at the back. I don't know whether that was because it was against one of the promoted teams and he thought, well, I don't really want three central defenders. so he changed but I don't think it really worked were you surprised? No I wasn't surprised because Jabu Alonso is flexible isn't he so I wasn't surprised and you've got to pick a team depending on which opponents you play the one thing I've noticed with Chelsea they've become very easy to play against and no matter what system whether it's a three or whether it's a four they're not doing the hard yards you know they're thinking okay hey, because we've got them three up top, we don't need to concentrate.

24:10The goals that they conceded against Hull, from a defender's point of view, it was quite embarrassing, letting the ball bounce, not getting tight, not being aggressive. And if you look at Chelsea over the years, especially my history watching Chelsea, they've always had like a good solid defence. Yeah, it's a new look Chelsea. And we can talk about formations all you want. I think it was more to do with individual errors and switching off. And you've got to give tremendous respect to Hull for what they did in the game. But Chelsea, whether they're playing three or four, I think it's more psychological.

24:48They're not doing the hard yards and conceding two every game. It's not good enough, is it?

24:54Gary Lineker:Hull should have won it with the chances they had. I mean, they had a chance to make a 3-1. At the end, yeah. So they, I mean, I know that before the game they would snap your hands off for a draw, but they should have won it, actually, with the chances that they had.

25:06Alan Shearer:They could conceivably have won every game they've played. Yeah, yeah, yeah. One or two chances that they've missed along the way. But, I mean, fabulous start for them. And I suppose, you know, if you take the three, let's talk about, we can all wrap them into one here. The three promoted clubs, Hull, Ipswich and Coventry. Obviously, Coventry have had the toughest start. But Ipswich now have got two wins. They won at Palace. I worry for Palace a little bit, as we said at the start of the season. But I don't think any of us really envisaged Hull as being the leading contenders of those three that were promoted.

25:40Alan Shearer:I mean, it's a staggering effort. I mean, it's early, very early. But it didn't half help when you got a few points and a bit of confidence.

25:47Gary Lineker:I think that's been the difference. I mean, the way Hull started and then the way Coventry started. And even Ipswich, Ipswich got their win first day of the season, didn't they? I remember rightly to beat Sunderland. So Coventry, Coventry were really poor, just can't find a goal, look really poor up front, really poor.

26:06Alan Shearer:I mean, there's so many chances in the first half. The game could have been completely different. I mean, I know it looks like 5-0, but obviously they had so many chances in that first half and they missed them. Then they go behind and then they've got another chance and then they concede another goal, they get two down. Then they're down to 10 men. It's all been a bit... I feel for Frank at the moment. He's got to turn it around. So they need to grind out a couple of results somehow to get their confidence. But let's take a break and discuss one or two of the other games when we come back. This episode is brought to you by Hotels.com.

26:39Alan Shearer:Booking your next hotel for a work trip or a weekend away to see your team play? With Hotels.com, each day brings you closer to rewards. Introducing the all-new 10 for 100 from Hotels.com is exactly what it sounds like. Stay 10 nights, get back£100 in Hotels.com cash to use on your next getaway. It's a simple and flexible way to get more value from the trips you are already taking, whether it's a quick trip or something you've been planning for a while. 10 for 100 with Hotels.com rewards, it's all in the name. Members 18 plus, average cost per night in a booking must be£75 or more to count, excluding taxes, fees, and hotels.com cash.

27:25Nationwide is so much more than a great insurance company. They're one of America's largest financial services companies, just like I'm so much more than quarterback Peyton Manning. I'm also Peyton Manning. Insurance and financial services together, it's a masterpiece. Peyton Manning does it again. For your insurance and financial needs, Nationwide is on your side. Nationwide Investment Services Corporation, Ember Finra, Columbus, Ohio.

27:56Gary Lineker:Every game day, you show up for your team. Now, it's your time. We go V! We go V! Ask your prescriber about Wegovi, semaglutide injection 2.4 milligrams, a GLP-1. Call 1-833-4-WEGOVI or visit wegovi.com to view the medication guide and to learn more about Wegovi. Why wait? We go beat!

28:50Alan Shearer:A bit of XT. XT. Ooh, lovely. A few stats there. Even before their 5-0 victory in the game at Coventry. Goals, they'd scored eight, which was first. They've now got 13. I imagine they're very much first. Expected goals, 7.4, first. Set-piece goals, four, first. Big chances, 15, first. Open play crosses, 67, Al. 67 crosses, that's what we love. First. Possession, one in the final third. 19 times first possession 71 % first and all those I would imagine would have been proved in today's performance so good start for them are they a dark horse for a I don't know European champion well they're already in Europe but Champions League spot if they can keep going I mean they've got a lot of injuries as well you know they've got quite a big injury list they've got Svodov out Hinchelwood out Evan Ferguson out Mitoma Bifa Minte Aziz and Ruta all missing I mean the manager's just outstanding isn't he we can talk about scouting and getting players in but the manager's got to get his message across the Kuiper I just think he's he's a level above he's so good on the ball when he's driving forward the decision making I really like the, you remember the fullback, Karioglu as well Turkish and I talked about him 18 months ago for some reason they just managed to get it right they play really good attacking football they're not afraid to get on the ball Rebruggan really good goalkeeper as well he's just got them playing terrific stuff and then let's talk about the goal dunk dunk's goal

30:38Gary Lineker:what a goal

30:39Alan Shearer:God call it a slam dunk but you can't get slam dunks in that range they're close in aren't they so it doesn't really work that pun but you know who's pivotal in what they're trying to do at Brighton? Pascal. Pascal, yeah, you said it. He's bringing him back. He's just, oh, the way he controls game. He's set pieces. He's so calm on the ball. He's experienced. He knows the team. Yeah, they look like a real outfit. I'll tell you I liked, Micah. Yalcouye. Yalcouye, yes. He's only young, isn't he? I mean, they do find them, don't they? their recruitment is extraordinary. How do they do it? I don't understand how they do it.

31:20There's one thing recruiting though, Gaz and Al, but then there's getting them into the team and then performing at the level which the Premier League requires. Because when you have this data, it's a risk at the end of the day, isn't it? But then for them to do it consistently, I just think it's brilliant.

31:37Alan Shearer:They're counter-pressing. There's another buzz.

31:40Gary Lineker:Oh my God, hang on. We've gone XG transitions. I know. And now counter-pressing.

31:45Alan Shearer:Have a look at yourself in the mirror, will you? I am, but do you know what? I'm just trying to make Micah happy because I know he loves all this jargon. I love it. He loves the jargon. I love it. Counterpressing. Do you know why I said that? Because Hertzler told me how important that was. Hey, what about the latest one, though? Rest defence. What? What's this? Rest defence. You don't know rest defence? Is that if a defender makes a mistake, they get arrested? What do you mean, rest defence? What does that mean? So it's like your team's attacking. Yeah. And then your position of your defenders or your midfielders, that's called a rest defence.

32:27So basically, you mean when the ball's up the other end of the pitch? Yeah, well, essentially, yeah, you could say that.

32:34Gary Lineker:Back in your dig, as it was, stay alert. Be ready for anything.

32:39Alan Shearer:I mean, honestly, you've got to have a phrase for everything now, haven't you? Oh, I love it. I love it. Whatever the phrases are, Brighton are doing it very well indeed. Let's lump these two in one because they're two, obviously, big clubs that are both struggling. I went to the Spurs game, as I said. They drew it home to Everton. There's hardly a chance in the entire match. I think Everton had probably a couple of reasonable chances in the second half. I can't think of a really clear-cut Spurs chance.

33:10Gary Lineker:Van Hecker had one off chance.

33:12Alan Shearer:Yes, he did. Yeah, he did have that. Van Hecker won. Brennan Johnson had one as well where it was cut back and he blazed it high and wide and right. And Everton had a couple as well. But, I mean, they haven't scored this season. You can see why they're struggling up top. Obviously, Solanke is back, but he didn't look particularly sharp. He probably needs some games, needs to stay fit, which is really important. Obviously, they've got still one or two injuries and players coming back from the game. And I would lump in here Aston Villa as well, who've obviously had a traumatic pre-season, losing a lot of their star players.

33:52Alan Shearer:They've got one or two come in, but losing at home to Forest will be of some concern. Which of those two, Spurs or Villa, do you think will fare better?

34:03Gary Lineker:There's no doubt that the pressure would be more on Spurs because of what they spent on some of the players and the huge sums I think they spent over the top on. yet with the start they've had and not scoring, being really poor. But I guess from a Villa point of view, it's perhaps understandable more because of what they've had to sell and the turnover of players. But yeah, what was the atmosphere like when you were there? Is it starting to get a bit edgy?

34:34Alan Shearer:There were a few boos at the end, Alan, but by and large during the game, not so much. They weren't, it wasn't an incredible atmosphere because, you know, sometimes the game's got to give you something for the fans, you know, get some real tackles in or, you know, whip a few balls in the box, but there was nothing for them to go out. And then obviously every now and again, you'll go, you know, there'll be, come on you Spurs or a bit, and a little for a spell, but it's not constant. Everton fans were making more noise, but away fans generally do. I think their fans have not scored a single goal in four games.

35:11Alan Shearer:So you can understand why they're all a little bit hesitant. I don't think they were particularly hard on them. There were a few boos at the end. They've not lost, which is something. Everton were very good, very well organised defensively. Difficult to beat. They've got some big lads at the back as well. So I was in the boardroom. I was talking to people. I think at some point, though, even for the fact you've got to be a little bit patient. You've brought in. They've finally done what I think the fans have wanted them to do for a long time. They've spent. They've not done that for a long time.

35:41Alan Shearer:There's a huge amount of money during the summer. They've brought in the players. Give them a little bit of time and patience, which is not something that you get in football very often. But at some point, Spurs have got to pick a man and stick with him and build and just be patient. easy to say easy to say and you need to see something but at the minute the manager will now be under pressure but what do you do if it doesn't work in the next couple of months ease out and then what do you do someone else comes in and he buys a load of players or he influences their recruitment they buy a load of players and then that goes wrong and you keep doing it it's like a never-ending cycle at some point you've got to do what Arsenal did and go, right, this is our man.

36:33Alan Shearer:And if it's Deserbe, it's Deserbe. If it's not, it's not. But at some point, football now, I mean, it's just mad how many coaches go. I think also, this is a mad stat. I was told yesterday that Deserbe is now the ninth longest standing manager.

36:51Gary Lineker:You have to give the fans something though. You have to give them something. And the manager has to give them upstairs watching something, the belief that, the money that they've spent and the players that he bent over backwards to get, they've got to show something sooner rather than later. Because at the minute, they're not. They're miles off it.

37:12Alan Shearer:They are. It's a worry, but I don't know what the answer is. I mean, for the first time, they've backed the manager. So now they need to follow that up, I would say. I think De Serbi knows what he's doing. He's a good coach. I think he's not necessarily saying the right things. I think he talked about the players are not fit enough yet, but who's been in charge of that? Micah? Yeah. Obviously, it's not what we're four games in. The players are not going to be peak fitness right now, but I would agree with both of you in terms of the club does need a little bit of stability. Then you've got to start looking at the players then now.

37:56You know, Savinho, who did all right in the game. I thought Mamouche, you want to see a little bit more from, like you said, with Solanke just coming back from injury. Fernandes did all right in spells. I think if you're looking at the positive from the game, they've got a clean sheet, but you want to see a little bit more. Maddison came onto the pitch. We'll give them a little bit more confidence.

38:20Alan Shearer:The creativity they need. We can't keep saying the same thing all the time. This is where the players now have to take responsibility. They've been crying out for new signings. They've got them new signings now. Well, let's see what you've got.

38:33Gary Lineker:And Richarlison's an issue, isn't he? Because he hasn't put him in the squad and he's still at the club. I saw him flash up on the screen. He was in the stadium yesterday.

38:41Alan Shearer:He was sitting on the bench next to Pedro Porro, who was injured.

38:44Gary Lineker:Yeah, I mean, that's a messy situation as well. You notice when a player's there and the manager wants rid of him and he's got pals there and whatever. It can be a difficult situation now for the manager.

38:54Alan Shearer:Oliver Glasner's got a great record against Unai Emery and he had him again. Good win for Forrest. And Morgan Gibbs-White again, another assist. I mean, his record over the... Well, this year, basically, since the start of the year is pretty impressive. He's either scored or assisted in each of his last eight Premier League away appearances, six goals and four assists. Only Erling Haaland, Robin van Persie and Andrew Cole in the history of the Premier League have enjoyed better runs than that. Can I ask you something, though? You guys are strikers. De Laat, who was at Man City early doors, really, really liked him.

39:36And then he goes to Ipswich, was amazing for what they needed. Then he goes to Chelsea and you think playing with better players, he would score more goals. and then he goes to Forest and he looks like a new player, completely different player. And he looks like a new lease life. He's not got that pressure on him. Yes, at bigger clubs, we know there's bigger pressure. We get that. But just in terms of the way he moves,

40:05Alan Shearer:you know? He was injured quite a lot in that season. I wonder whether he ever got to full fitness or whether it is a thing that he couldn't deal with a big club. He was out for quite a lot of the time with injury and never really got a proper run. He did play a lot of games without scoring, though.

40:21Gary Lineker:Shouldn't have gone to Chelsea. It was a bad move for him. Do you think? Yeah. It's hard to not go to a club like that. Financially, I guess it was great for him and what have you. But I think in terms of his football career, I'm not sure he was ready for that step up to that intensity, that size of club. He'd have been better off going to another club and he might have been getting that bigger move now rather than having to go back a bit. Yeah, I agree with that. Just lastly on Villa before we move on. I would give Villa the benefit of the doubt as well, just because they played Champions League football.

40:56They got a good win, didn't they, against Bruges. And then we talked about Villa's squad and what they're going to do. And I think we all said with, you know, them balancing Champions League with the league, with all the players leaving, they do need a little bit of leeway.

41:12Alan Shearer:Oh, definitely. Liverpool? No goals again Home to Fulham I thought Fulham did really well Fulham had been struggling as well They conceded a lot of goals And Liverpool didn't offer much again

41:26Gary Lineker:Very flat, weren't they? Liverpool didn't Yeah, really strange Really flat performance Can't have too many of them at Anfield In front of you on fans against Fulham

41:37Alan Shearer:You could make the excuse that they played in midweek But then so did a lot of teams It's very hard to put your finger on Liverpool. It is. I've sort of analysed them in midfield. I don't think the balance is right. And then there've been, how do you pronounce his name again? Araujo. Araujo. Araujo. He's played right back in games and whatnot. And then is Frimpong going to start in that? The people prefer Samoslai, the right back position. There's just so many questions, you know, and the manager's trying to play a certain way. and you can see what he's trying to do. Press high and all those sort of things.

42:14But something at the moment is just not clicking. And it needs to be sorted sooner rather than later because when Liverpool are at home, you expect them to win. Is Florian Verts an issue?

42:25Gary Lineker:He's another one though, isn't he? I remember when he came in, Mike, I mean, we're all, to be fair. Oh, he was so good at Liverpool. He's an unbelievable talent and he's going to be doing this and doing that. He hasn't quite, has he? You've just seen little tiny flashes of it, haven't you? Not enough, nowhere near enough. Trust me, this kid from a young age, I was expecting big things. He was doing amazing. But yes, he was in Bundesliga. But he used to take games by the scruff of the neck. He used to be always on the ball. He'd be goals, he'd be assists. I think one season in all comps, he got over 15.

43:00And yeah, for someone so small, you're looking at, well, his size is not really going to play a part. It was his brain, the way he wanted to play and always getting involved. but he's not been that Liverpool so when he said it's a problem yes if he doesn't start performing yes it is becoming a problem because they've got so many players now in that forward area when everyone's going to be fit he needs to give more now

43:23Alan Shearer:I wonder if they'd possibly better with Subozla in that kind of 10-roll with McAllister and Gravenberg behind them yeah I think it's definitely worth a try but that's the thing when you have and I mentioned when you spend that much money when you spend that much money you've got to shoehorn them in. And that's the thing. Liverpool at the moment, Virts is a good player, he's a clever player, but he's not affecting the game in terms of goals and assists. And that's what he needs to start doing. They had three forwards worth over 100 million, or whether they're worth it or not remains to be seen, but they cost over 100 million each out.

43:59Alan Shearer:Yeah, mad, isn't it?

44:00Gary Lineker:And then they put in that performance and that flat. Yeah, that's why I said you can't have too many of them, particularly at Anfield.

44:06Alan Shearer:Okay, let's call it a day there because Alan's going to run upstairs and please don't do it before we go off there, Alan. You can't shock the nation in that way. You just wouldn't do. Right, that's it. Goodbye from me. Goodbye from me. Goodbye from me. Have a great week.

44:34Nationwide is so much more than a great insurance company. They're one of America's largest financial services companies. Just like I'm so much more than quarterback Peyton Manning. I'm also Peyton Manning. Insurance and financial services together, it's a masterpiece. Peyton Manning does it again. For your insurance and financial needs, Nationwide is on your side. Nationwide Investment Services Corporation, Ember FINRA, Columbus, Ohio. Every game day you show up for your team. Now it's your time. We go V. We go V.

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