Arsenal Out, Haaland’s Brilliance & Liverpool’s Struggles

Summary

The Rest Is Football

Episode: Arsenal Out, Haaland’s Brilliance & Liverpool’s Struggles

Date: April 6, 2026
Hosts: Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards

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Episode Overview

This episode dives into a dramatic FA Cup weekend and assesses three of the biggest storylines in English football: Arsenal’s recent stumbles and their wider implications, Erling Haaland and Manchester City’s resurgence, and the ongoing defensive issues facing Liverpool. The panel also reacts to the latest FA Cup semi-final draw, discusses dressing room dynamics, and debates managerial decisions, all with their signature banter and insight.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

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1. Arsenal’s FA Cup Woes & Premier League Wobble

(From: 02:56)

• Arsenal’s Recent Struggles:
  The hosts reflect on Arsenal’s “little wobble” after their Carabao Cup Final loss and FA Cup quarter-final exit to Southampton.

  • Alan Shearer:
    “Yeah, definitely a wobble. And there’s no doubt that I thought they were really poor yesterday...It was mistake after mistake after mistake, particularly defensively.” (03:20)
  • Credit to Southampton:
    Both Micah and Alan emphasize that Southampton’s tactics, energy, and direct play fully deserved the win.
    “They won every tackle. They won every second ball. They were absolutely outstanding and they deserve to go through.” (03:58, Shearer)
  • Atmosphere at St. Mary's:
    “Definitely one of the best atmospheres this season. Without a doubt. It was bouncing ...” (04:31, Richards)

• Panic at Arsenal?

  • Gary Lineker:
    Suggests pulling players from internationals might signal “a little bit of panic. When you just need calm and confidence.” (05:05)
  • Shearer:
    Defends Arsenal’s approach:
    “I totally understand why they all pulled out because they’re on the brink of history ... but regardless ... they should have had a good enough team to beat Southampton. Southampton wanted it more than Arsenal did, and that would worry me.” (06:01)
  • Micah Richards:
    Highlights tactical changes and missing players:
    “They just didn’t have the—I don’t want to say legs—but they weren’t used to playing that far forward ... they missed Declan Rice yesterday. The energy in midfield ... all the things we’ve talked about Arsenal being good at, they just didn’t do at all.” (07:34)

• Momentum and Mentality:

  • Shearer:
    “You can’t turn the form on and off just like that when you want to. Momentum is such an amazing thing in football.” (06:36)
  • Richards:
    “Not time to panic...This is where you see who the leaders are within the squad. But the last two performances have shown they need to be better. Simple as that.” (10:39–11:05)

• Defensive Troubles:

  • Standout Southampton players Sienza and Ross Stewart “caused Arsenal so many problems.” Ben White, Mosquera, Gabriel—each made “huge errors.”
    (12:48, Shearer; 13:22, Richards)

• Southampton Manager Praise:

  • Micah lauds Eckhard’s “direct, high-press” plan and Ross Stewart’s effort:
    “His effort was just outstanding to see, especially because of the injuries he’s had.” (13:22)

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2. State of the Premier League Title Race

(From: 16:03)

• City’s Chase:
  • Lineker: "It’s squeaky bum time ... Arsenal have a nine-point lead, but City have a game in hand and play Arsenal at the Etihad. It could go down to three." (16:03)
  • Shearer: “They’re under huge pressure … you’ve always got the right to respond.” (16:35–17:03)
  • Richards: Encourages Arsenal not to let two bad games define their season; asks who will step up as leader. (17:21–18:14)

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3. Manchester City’s Resurgence & Haaland’s Brilliance

(From: 19:03)

• City’s Tactics and Form:

  • Richards: “After Real Madrid, the second leg ... Haaland’s back scoring ... Shuquiri in the 10. It’s sizzling.”
  • Lineker: “I much prefer this system. I think it suits their players better than that kind of square in midfield.” (19:37)
  • Shearer: “I think that hour was the best we’ve seen City this season...” (20:15)

• Haaland’s Return:

  • Lineker: “With Haaland scoring again ... I see him now battering in a load of goals until the end of the season.” (20:41)

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4. Liverpool’s Serious Struggles

(From: 21:07)

• Defensive Collapse:

  • Shearer:
    “They are miles off it ... Van Dijk had a really, really poor game. He was involved in most of the goals—not in a good way.” (21:07)
  • Richards:
    “I don’t recognise this Liverpool defense ... When Van Dijk’s not playing well, that’s when you’ve got a problem.” (21:30)
  • Shearer:
    “Salah’s miles off it as well ... unfortunately, it’s not nice to see a great suffer like he did.” (22:29)

• Slot Under Pressure:

  • Lineker: “I think Champions League is probably the most likely route into next season’s Champions League if they can win it. But it’s hard to see them getting past PSG on current form.” (23:00)
  • Richards: “Anything can happen in Europe ... but current form—you’d say no, PSG will absolutely destroy them. But Liverpool just have something in that Champions League where they can turn up on a big night.” (23:34)
  • Shearer: “He has to get in the Champions League via winning, I think ... not nice to see what’s going on at Liverpool.” (24:42)
  • Richards: Recommends giving Slot another season:
    “This season has been … I don’t want to say transition … but the main striker has been out, they’ve had a death within the club, contract sagas, nothing’s been straightforward … see him with another preseason.” (25:05)

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5. FA Cup Semi-Final Draw Reactions

(From: 28:29)

• Draw Analysis:

  • Leeds vs. Chelsea
  • Manchester City vs. Southampton

• Historical Rivalry:

  • Lineker: Describes past Leeds–Chelsea clashes as “mad”—would have seen 19 reds by modern standards.
  • Shearer: “Leeds and Chelsea is a great game, isn’t it? It’s like the rivalry from years gone by.” (28:37)

• Leeds’ Penalty Drama with West Ham:

  • Richards: “Leeds were the better team in normal time and then West Ham were the better team in extra time ... Areola gets injured, bring on the young kid at 20, he saves the first penalty ... it was bonkers ... All in all, it could have gone either way.” (29:32-31:04)
  • Reactions to young GK Finn Herrick’s confident display in shootout.
  • Lineker: Wishes for extra time to be scrapped in non-final matches: “We’re all hoping it goes to penalties because we like a penalty shootout.” (31:32–31:48)

• Chelsea Hammer Port Vale:

  • Discussion on Enzo’s suspension for comments about Real Madrid.
    Lineker: “I thought that was slightly odd ... I don’t see how [a two-game ban] helps you.” (32:51)
  • Richards: “With all the pressure, the manager had to say something... I would’ve just left him out for the Port Vale game.” (34:18)
  • Shearer: Questions long-term discipline: “When another player steps out of line ... you have to do something similar.” (35:07)

• Semi-Final Predictions:

  • Richards: “City, Chelsea final!” (37:02)
  • Lineker: Notes Chelsea haven’t beaten Leeds this season, “I think that might be a tight one … All to play for.” (37:03)
  • Richards: “City can still win the treble, you know.” (37:20)
  • Lineker: “Imagine after all that if City win the treble and Arsenal end up with nothing … that would be too cruel.” (37:23)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Alan Shearer:
  “Momentum is such an amazing thing in football, in any sport. That would worry me if I was an Arsenal fan—the way they were easily beaten.” (06:36)
• Micah Richards:
  “It was definitely one of the best atmospheres this season. Without doubt. It was bouncing...They really did deliver. It was a great game of football.” (04:35–05:05)
• Gary Lineker:
  “It’s squeaky bum time … City have got a game in hand and they play Arsenal at the Etihad.” (16:03)
• Alan Shearer:
  “Van Dijk had a really, really poor game ... He was involved in most of the goals in not a good way.” (21:07)
• Micah Richards:
  “When Van Dijk’s not playing well, that’s when you’ve got a problem.” (21:30)
• Gary Lineker (on City):
  “With Haaland scoring again … I see him now battering in a load of goals until the end of the season.” (20:41)
• Micah Richards (on Leeds and penalty shootouts):
  “The game was just bonkers. Absolute bonkers ... Finn Herrick comes on, saves the first penalty ... it was a great moment for him.” (30:04–31:21)
• Gary Lineker:
  “We should do away with extra time [except finals] ... because we like a penalty shootout.” (31:32)

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Important Timestamps & Segments

• 02:56 — Arsenal’s FA Cup exit to Southampton & analysis
• 05:05 — Discussion of Arsenal’s possible panic and international pull-outs
• 07:34 — Tactical breakdown of Arsenal’s approach
• 12:48 — Southampton’s attacking success against Arsenal’s defense
• 16:03 — Premier League title race pressures
• 19:03 — Manchester City’s tactical shift & Haaland’s resurgence
• 21:07 — Liverpool’s defensive issues
• 23:00 — Slot’s job security & Champions League as Liverpool’s redemption
• 28:29 — FA Cup semi-final draw reactions
• 29:32 — Leeds’ shootout win over West Ham
• 32:51 — Chelsea’s approach to Enzo’s Real Madrid comments
• 36:44 — Who are the semi-final favorites & TV rights
• 37:20 — City chasing the treble; Arsenal’s looming anxiety

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Tone & Chemistry

The episode is lively, full of competitive banter, and punctuated with moments of football wisdom, personal anecdotes, and nostalgic references. The trio's camaraderie shines, especially when ribbing each other over predictions and club loyalties (with Micah’s Leeds chant and City biases, and Lineker’s comedic jabs). The tone is analytical yet conversational, making even complex tactical points accessible.

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For Fans Who Missed It:
This episode offers a comprehensive review of a pivotal FA Cup weekend, insight into how top teams handle adversity, and a peek into the emotions and strategies that could shape the fate of Arsenal, City, and Liverpool as the season enters its defining stages. The semi-final draw sets the stage for classic showdowns, and the panel’s authentic, unscripted reactions keep it must-listen content for any football fan.

Transcript

[A]

Somewhere out there is a Chevy truck. And the person who drives it, well, that's a Chevy person. You probably know one. Your buddy, your sister. Ones who always show up. They're the first to rise, the last to leave. They always have that little extra something. And maybe you've got it too. Chevrolet together. Let's drive. Visit chevy.com trucks to explore the lineup.

[B]

I sold my car in Carvana last night.

[C]

Well, that's cool.

[B]

No, you don't understand. It went perfectly. Real offer down to the penny. They're picking it up tomorrow. Nothing went wrong.

[C]

So what's the problem?

[B]

That is the problem. Nothing in my life goes to smoothly. I'm waiting for the catch.

[D]

Maybe there's no catch.

[B]

That's exactly what a catch would want me to think.

[C]

Wow. You need to relax.

[B]

I need to knock on wood. Do we have wood? Is this table wood?

[C]

I think it's laminate.

[B]

Okay.

[E]

Yeah.

[B]

That's good. That's close enough.

[C]

Car selling without a catch. Sell your car today on Carvana.

[F]

Pick up fees may apply Coming up on today's show.

[E]

The last two performances have shown they need to be better. Simple as that.

[D]

That hour was the best we've seen city this season.

[E]

I don't recognise this Liverpool defence. But when Van Dijk's not playing well, that's when you've got a problem. Magino. Together we love you. Leeds. Leeds. Leeds. Come on, the boys.

[F]

And if Leeds draw Manchester City, will you still be singing that song, Micah?

[E]

No, I will not be singing it. Blue moon, let sh be standing alone. That's what I'll be singing.

[F]

Hello and welcome to the rest is Football with Micah Richards, Alan Shearer and me, Gary Lineker. We've had a fascinating weekend of FA cup quarter final football. And we've just finished. We're recording this just at the end of the Leeds West Ham game that certainly livened up towards the end and was concluded with a penalty shootout. Do you want to give us your customary chorus, Micah?

[E]

Of course I do. Marching on together we wanna see you in we are so proud we'll shout it out loud we love you.

[F]

Late.

[E]

Leeds. Leeds. Come on, the boys.

[D]

He wasn't singing about Arsenal last night, was he?

[F]

Yeah, but what will be interesting, Alan, is we're doing this right on the final whistle. So the draw will take place in about 10, 15 minutes time. And if Leeds draw Manchester City, will you still be singing that song, Micah?

[E]

No, I will not be singing it. Blue moon let's all be standing alone. Oh, nah. That's what I was Singing yeah.

[F]

So we'll discuss the whole quarterfinal results and everything else and the games. But firstly Arsenal. It's been a tough two weeks for them. They've gone out of the FA cup after losing, of course, in the Carabao Cup Final. So little bit of a moment of panic. Possible crisis. What do we think?

[E]

Little wobble? Al.

[D]

Yeah, definitely a wobble. And there's no doubt that I thought they were really poor yesterday. I think it's understandable that you can go to Wembley and get beaten off. Man.

[G]

City.

[E]

Really good.

[D]

Really good team. Unbelievable manager who's done it all and won it all. And that's understandable. But then you're looking for a reaction. And the lack of reaction would worry me if I was an Arsenal fan because of. There was nothing there. They were really poor. It was mistake after mistake after mistake. Stake particularly defensively. And he had a pretty strong team out. I mean, we've all been saying how great their squad is all season. So they had a good team out. A team that was good. It should have been good enough to beat Southampton. But take nothing away from Southampton. I thought they were absolutely outstanding from the first minute to the last. And yes, I guess the talking point is how poor Arsenal were. But we. We have to see how brilliant Southampton were. They won every tackle. They won every second ball. And they were absolutely outstanding and they deserve to go through.

[F]

You were both at Sim Mary's, weren't you?

[E]

You.

[F]

You were co commentating on. You were in the punditry role, Micah. Must have been a bit. Quite a buzz there at St. Mary's

[D]

brilliant atmosphere, wasn't it Micah?

[E]

Oh, atmosphere was great. Would it?

[D]

Al? I think. Yeah.

[E]

I keep saying this, but it was definitely one of the best atmospheres this season. Without doubt. It was bouncing, obviously. What game did I do? I did the Wrexham game, didn't I? And that was bouncing as well. But Southampton. I think that's the loudest I've ever heard it. It was really good. Really good atmosphere. The fans was all even happy before the game as well. They just excited for the occasion and the moment. And they really did deliver. It was. It was a great game of football.

[F]

Yeah. They played exceptionally well. I thought Arsenal were off it now. I do want to throw something at you. Whether you agree or disagree, I don't know. But it's also obviously easier in hindsight after they've lost. But I thought there was a slight sign of panic at Arsenal after the City game when they withdrew so many players or the players themselves withdrew from the international games that they're about to play. Most of those players featured at some stage during the game at St. Mary's either coming off the bench or otherwise. And I just wonder whether it showed a little bit of, oh, we need to like, just a little bit of panic when you just need a bit of calm and confidence. And perhaps it's good to let the players play international football. I don't know. It's easy to say that now, but I. I just wonder whether it just shows us a little bit of. Would you not ordinarily do that? I'm not sure you would.

[D]

I totally understand why they all pulled out because they're on the. They're on the brink of history. Arsenal, and still. And still could be. And I think that's really important to say that because that that's still the two big main competitions they would rather win. They're still in it and they're looking pretty good and they've got a good draw in the Champions League and they're obviously going really well at the top of the Premier League. So I understood why the. Why there were so many pulled out, but there were genuine injuries. I mean, Saka didn't play, Declan Rice didn't play, others didn't play. Who were pulled out. Some did. But regardless of who pulled out and who didn't and who was playing and who, they still had or should have had a good enough team to beat Southampton. And that would be the worrying thing for me, is because if you. Southampton wanted it more than. Than Arsenal did, and that would be a worrying sign for me, because you can't. I don't care who or what you are, what players you play, squad players or not, you can't turn the form on and off just like that when you want to, because momentum is such a. An amazing thing in football, in any sport. Yeah. So that would worry me if I was an Arsenal fan, the way they were easily beaten. Yes, they had a bit of. A. Bit of a rally in the second half and Jocher has got a. Got a decent goal. But no one watching that game will say anything other than Southampton deserve to win that game and with a better team. And that would be the worrying thing.

[E]

Just tactically, before I answer your question there, guys, I think it was. It was nice to see Arsenal play a little bit more open football. I would say they. I've been playing in that low block and then catching people on a counter attack, but I don't know from where you was watching Al, they just didn't have the. I Don't. I don't want to say legs, but it's like there. Wasn't used to playing that far forward. And I know that sounds really stupid, but Arsenal are known for being very aggressive in the low block. Hard to be and then give the ball to Saka or. I really think they missed Declan Rice yesterday. The energy in midfield, no guard was at a poor game playing Havertz in there with Odegaard. Very good on the ball, but getting back all the things we've talked about Arsenal being good at this season, they just didn't do at all. And when they got the ball in certain situations, it's like the space between the defense and attack was so big and that was getting exposed against Southampton. So maybe Arteta looked at that and thought, we have to play our way to win the Champions League and to win the Premier League, because if they play like that against better team, they will get exposed.

[F]

Do you think the fact they've lost these two games, one a Cup final, one a quarter final, will affect the running?

[D]

I think from confidence point of view, it has to. But you always get the right to reply as a player and I think the best thing is you need that right of reply in 2 or 3 days and I think they've got that. And that, I think is the best thing that Arsenal could have is after instead of sitting on it for a couple of weeks like they had to the Carabao Cup Final, they've now got a great chance to go and rectify that and put in a big performance against. Against Sporting on Tuesday away. And if you could have said to them, those are the two big competition that they want to win and they're still in them and still going strong. So that, I'm pretty sure is what Mikel will be saying to his squad.

[E]

I don't think there's any panic at all. I think we've all played international football. When you come back and everyone's been away. An answer to your question. I didn't think it was a panic from Arteta. I was thinking I'd more be on the side of Al. Basically, we've got chance to. To win the Premier League, we're still going strong in the Champions League. I would have done the exact same thing. So I. I have no problem with that. In terms of your point, you. Yes, probably there was a little bit of panic in there because they've gone so well and then they've not been playing well, but they've been getting over the line this time. The last two games, it didn't turn up against Man City and it's easy saying, oh well, Man City have got experience but Arsenal are top of the league. They're the ones that everyone was talking about, could you deliver in a big, big moment. They didn't do that. Can you back it up in, in the FA Cup? No, you couldn't do that. But I don't think it's time to panic. I think it's time to say, okay, where did we go wrong? What can we do better? And the manager now has to be calm. The manager has to be calm and the players have to come. This is where you see who the leaders are within the squad. And I think they'll be fine in terms of the league. But the way they're playing at the moment and I think recent form, they've sort of been papering over the cracks a little bit, getting over the line. But that the last two performances have shown they need to be better. Simple as that.

[F]

Yeah. Every team, every team goes through a spell where they lose their energy. So this episode is powered by Fuse Energy. Before we kick off, a quick pre match warm up from Fuse. Today's question is which club recorded the most clean sheets in the Premier League last season? Was it A, Manchester City, B, Liverpool, C, Aston Villa or D, Arsenal?

[E]

I'm gonna play reverse psychology here. Why would you put Villa in there?

[F]

Is that your answer?

[E]

No, it's not. I'm going Liverpool.

[F]

Liverpool. That's a quick change there, wasn't it, Alan? Who you going for?

[D]

Villa.

[F]

Mike has sucked you in there, hasn't he?

[D]

Yes.

[F]

That is not the answer. So the team that recorded the most clean sheets of which neither of you even gave him a mention there.

[D]

What?

[E]

I know it.

[D]

You don't know it.

[E]

It's Arsenal because Ray got the most. He got the golden glove, didn't he?

[F]

Correct. It's arsenal with 13 clean sheets. The best sides don't give things away. It should be the same with your energy. Get more than just lower [e-mail] football. Use the code Football. All uppercase. When you sign up, save around £200 on your energy bill and get the chance to ask us your football questions on the pod full terms and conditions at Fusionergy. I mean we've already given Southampton credit but I think they deserve a little bit more. I thought Sienza and Ross Stewart I thought were exceptional up top and caused. Caused Arsenal so many problems and obviously that's a defense we're used to seeing being very dominant.

[D]

Sienza gave Ben White an absolute torrid evening, didn't he? I mean, he was all over the place. Ben White, he didn't know what to do. Couldn't cope with him. Ross Stewart, I thought, forced them in Mosquera and Gabriel into errors that you've not seen too many times this season. I mean, all three of those players that I've mentioned made huge errors and were punished. Could have been punished more. And we've not seen that really at all from Arsenal. And I just. I think that tells you how. How well Southampton and in particular those two players did.

[E]

Yeah, I think you got to give the manager a little bit of credit as well. Eckhard, I mean, he's just 33 and just watching his tactics and you would see before the game, we asked the. I think it was Kelly who asked him, what's the plan? He sort of was talking about maybe a weakness that he could exploit and he just went direct, got the ball forward as quick as possible with quality and just pressed really high. But I think in terms of that, Stuart up front, he was pivotal in that, in terms of the way he held it up, the way he just kept running, tackling back, and his effort was just outstanding to see, especially because of the injuries he's had as well. So it was good to see him. But Howard Bellis looks a good player. He played really well. He made one mistake when he passed it across, across the back, didn't it? And it got intercepted. But he looked a really good outfit. It was a really good watch.

[F]

Yeah, I thought they. They did exceptionally well. And also they were way tactical. They went. Actually went at Arsenal.

[E]

Yeah.

[F]

And I wonder if that perhaps because we're so used to teams, aren't we, then penning them in and then they shuffling it around and. And eventually it's like a war of attrition. They wear you down. Arsenal, they'll score a free. A free kick or a corner. But maybe this showed that perhaps this is the way to play against Arsenal.

[D]

Well, they were brave, weren't they? They were definitely brave and they definitely had. They had a. They just fed off the crowd. They had a great energy. Yeah, I was really impressed in how they went about it because Micah said. The manager came in and said, we, we're going to have a game plan and we think there's. We can get at them and they might have one or two weaknesses, which is pretty brave even to say that, let alone think it. And he did. And, yeah, I thought. I thought they were absolutely outstanding. And yeah, it was. It was. It was a Great watch. And it was a. It was brilliant to be there and witness. Witnessed everything about the energy and everything else that they brought to the stadium.

[E]

I don't think teams in the Premier League play like that though, Gaz. You know, in terms of. You're looking at that and thinking that's how you can get Arsenal. Arsenal wouldn't be that high. They wouldn't be that high point. And it's almost like they went into the game thinking we could just turn up. We've got loads of ball players. We have to give a shout out to Dalman because I think Dalman played well.

[F]

Yeah.

[E]

On another day he scores a couple of goals. He just couldn't get his touch right in. In the last bit of it. But when you look at Arsenal and thinking Dalman's the best player and he's the best player for a couple of

[F]

weeks now he's turned 16. Yeah.

[E]

I think the, the senior players need, need to step up now. I really do.

[F]

Obviously Gabriel went off ice on his knee, so that would be a concern. It'd be a big miss if he was out the next game or two for ar. Hugely important. They need to ste ship. There's no doubt they've got a huge lead in the Premier League. It's a nine point lead. Obviously, City have got a game in hand and they play Arsenal at the Etihad. So it could go down to three, but it has to go down to three really to. For them to have any chance. City, I think, but it's. It's squeaky bum time.

[D]

It is. They're under huge pressure and they're under. There's no doubt. I mean, even Mikhail's interview after the game tells you. Tells you that. But as I said earlier, you've always got the right to respond and three days after the game they've got that. And you know, as football is crazy, you go into that game and if you win the game, then your confidence is back up again and. And everything's nice and rosy. So that's what they have to do because the noise will just get louder if they don't.

[F]

I presume you'll be at their next game.

[D]

Yeah, I'm in Lisbon on. On Tuesday evening doing Sporting be v Arsenal. So it should be a cracking game and particularly after what's happened to Arsenal, you know, I think they just have to come out and they have to give it a right good go.

[F]

It's not a bad crisis to have to be nine points clear in the Premier League and in the quarterfinals of The Champions League playing against stalking.

[E]

Exactly. I think if they just step back, I mentioned it before, you'd rather be out the FA cup and the League Cup. I think now, though, and everyone beats Arsenal with that stick. Calling them bottlers and calling them. They're not mentally equipped to go all the way. I think now it's for the players to stand up, you know, it's. Now that's where you see who the leaders are. We've been in situations. When you was at Blackburn, there must be moments in your career where you're thinking, we can't do this. And, yes, you got a bit of luck in the last game of the season, but they can't let all the. All the work they've done up to now go to waste just because they've had a few bad results, you know.

[F]

Yeah.

[E]

And that's what they need to overcome. And then once they get over that line, then it'll be easier for him. But they can't allow just two games to define their whole season. Now.

[F]

I think they'll be fine. I think. I think they'll win the league, which will be the main thing for them if Champions League would be the enormous bonus, because obviously it's a competition that they've never won. So I think. I think I'm pretty confident they'll win the league. But they do. They do need to. To steady that ship. A ship that really does need steadying is that of Liverpool, I would say. I mean, what's gone on there. The difference between last season and this season is. Is just vast, really. You know, Manchester City seem to be coming into form at the right time. Whether it's too late for the league title, we'll find out in the next few weeks.

[E]

But the fight to the end. They'll fight to the end. Manchester City, they'll fight. I told you. It's not over yet, guys. It's not over. Man City. You could just feel it. I told you after Real Madrid, the second leg, when it went down to 10 men and absolutely battered Real Madrid in terms of possession, on a different day, it could have went differently. Haaland's back scoring. Sebeno's played on the right, Doku's on the left. Shirky, the number 10. It's sizzling. It might be too little too late.

[F]

I much prefer this system. I think it suits their players better, don't you, than that kind of square in midfield?

[E]

Yeah, I. I think it does.

[F]

Two up top. I don't think suits Haaland and I don't Think Semenyo's really a striker as he's a wide player.

[D]

I think.

[E]

Yeah, but he's, he's actually scoring a lot of goals in that position. But in terms of his overall play, definitely I agree with you. He's a winger. But don't forget Pep always does something a bit different. Phone in the number nine and he wins the league and then he plays 4, 4, 2 and he managed to find a way. But I think they've got the balance right in a team now and I think they'll push all the way to the end.

[D]

I think that that hour was the best we've seen City this season. Yeah, I think it was a game for 25 minutes or so, maybe half an hour when Liverpool went head to head. Salah missed the the huge opportunity and which might have been different but after an hour I thought City just turn the heat and, and the, the Liverpool couldn't cope with it. They absolutely buy them for an hour and thought man City were outstanding batter. Very, very best for that hour.

[F]

I think with Haaland scoring again as well at the right time. I, I, I see him now battering in a load of goals until the end of the season. He's been through that sticky spell that strikers all go through. But he's still scoring close to a goal a game. He's not doing too badly for someone that's been through a tough patch. But that was very much the Erling Haaland that we recognize. But Liverpool defensively are nowhere near where they were, are they?

[D]

Oh my goodness, the miles off it. I mean they are. You go through every single player, they're miles off it. I mean van Dijk and Kinarty, yeah they were. Van Dijk had a really, really poor game. He was involved in most of the goals in terms of not in a good way that they conceded. Clearly there's huge problems at Liverpool.

[E]

I don't really understand what's going on with Liverpool's back line because even when things are not going particularly well, you do the basics right. And they're not even doing the basics right. The positioning, they're not getting tight. They're not getting people in front of them. The line that they have is not correct. One's deeper than the other. I don't recognize this Liverpool defense. Van Dijk's been the best defender in the league for a while now. So to see him making these mistakes, I don't know. He's had mistakes throughout the season but he's always the next game sort of covering. He's always had to sort of marshal someone who he's next to and he's not had that consistency you could say. But when Van Dijk's not playing well that's when you've got a problem. You've got a big problem when he's off it because no one's going to cover him. And that's the problem with Liverpool at the moment.

[D]

Salah's miles off it as well, isn't he? I mean that chance he had in the first half, I mean. I mean Kusinov had the chance to be barged off the ball. Didn't he fall down?

[F]

Yeah, he had a bad touch, didn't he? Had a bad.

[D]

And then challenge him again. I mean he did the hard part knocking him down Salah and then he's got. I mean yeah, he was. Unfortunately it's. It's not. It's not nice to see. And then he misses the penalty as well. It was just one of those days. It's like to see a great suffer like he did. It's not. It's not nice.

[F]

The human beings are. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And we go through spells when it's not happening for. And you know how important confidence is. We've always been all been in those situations before. Tough for slot now I think. I think he really. I mean Champions League I think is probably the most likely route into next season's Champions League if they can win it. But it's hard to see them getting past PSG. On current form PSG are picking up. They're been rested again as they do in France. They look after their teams. I think it's a big ask for them to beat them, isn't it?

[E]

But anything can happen in Europe, you know.

[F]

You never know.

[E]

Do you remember when PSG did even finish in the. The top? Was it the top. They had to go to the playoffs remember last season and. And get through that way and in Champions League anything can happen.

[D]

On current.

[E]

On current form you would say no. PSG will absolutely destroy them with the quality they have. But Liverpool just have something in that Champions League where they can turn up on a big. Similar to Real Madrid. You look at Real Madrid and think oh well, not playing that well. Not really got the balance and then they play Man City and the play off the park. It's just a strange competition that Champions League and in terms of slot. Yeah, he's got to get through this next round I think because you know when the Liverpool fans and Liverpool fans don't really turn on the managers but they're saying it looks like they need a change and that that's the problem now.

[F]

Who would have thought we'd be saying this 12 months ago.

[D]

Crazy. After what he did.

[E]

Yeah.

[D]

After what he did last season and the money they spent and all those things. It just hasn't worked for them and they've been all over the place. They've been so inconsistent and I do, yeah, he has to get in Champions League via winning, I think. I mean I'm not even sure top five will be enough or fifth. But yeah, it's not nice to see what's going on at Liverpool.

[E]

I'd like to see him give him just one more season though because this season has been. I don't say transition and a lot of people say hold on, he spent a lot of money but the main strike has been out. They've had a death within the club in Jota players. The whole thing with getting players over the line with contracts, the saga with Salah, nothing's been straightforward, has it? You know and I would just like to see him with another preseason and then if next season it's not going the way by Christmas. Yeah. Make the apart just feel he's is the manager who's won the league. Let's not forget.

[F]

Exactly.

[E]

Just last season. And I know that's.

[D]

That in itself is a. Is a thing, isn't it that you win the league and yet you're miles behind this year after spending that much money. And I understand what you're saying in terms of the. The circumstances but you're talking about Liverpool Football Club for winning and spending a fortune yet they might not even finish in the top five and knocked out. That's why they have to, they have to get through the Champions League.

[F]

Yeah, I don't think anyone would argue with that. Let's take a break. When we come back, we'll discuss the other two semi finals. This episode is brought to you by Squarespace. All right, here's a quick off pitch tip for anyone thinking of getting their brand online. Squarespace is a game changer. The AI enhanced website builder helps you create a personalized website in just a few steps and a custom domain has your site looking professional from day one. Go to squarespace.comfootball for a free trial and when you're ready to Launch, use code Football All Uppercase to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. This episode is brought to you by Whoop. In the modern game, of course there are a lot more games and that feeling of being slightly off By Monday.

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your favorite drink or try one of our new protein lattes or matcha. Try it today at Starbucks. Welcome back to the rest is football with Michael Richards, Alan Sher and me, Gary Liner. The draw has taken place. We'll discuss the other two games that have been played. It's Leeds against Chelsea and Manchester City. Oh, I just knocked my mic over in excitement. And Manchester City versus Southampton. Both those ties, of course, will be played at Wembley. You predicted that, Alan, but at the

[D]

start, Leeds and Chelsea is a great game, isn't it? It's like the rivalry from. From years gone by.

[F]

Have you ever seen the highlights of the game that I think it was played at Stamford Bridge. I think it was. It wasn't a cup replay and where they absolutely kick lumps out. I mean, you fight, you can you find it on Google or somewhere? It's extraordinary in that in the modern game, I think 19 players would have got sent off. It was just. It was mad. I don't think it'll be quite that frenetic in this one. We just finished watching the Leeds game and it looked like they'd blown it. Well, West Ham, I thought West Ham played really well in the second half and they had a lot of chances. Hit the post a couple of times, couple of, you know, disallowed goals, offsides, etc, but it was a thrilling finale. But Leeds managed to dig themselves out of that hole by winning the penalty shootout. And Micah, you've got a little smile on your face.

[E]

Yes, they did. I thought Leeds were the better team in normal time and then West Ham were the better team in extra time. Then West Ham had a couple of goals disallowed. Then Leeds sort of couldn't get going. And then Areola gets injured. Bring on the young kid at 20. He saves the first penalty. It was written for him. What's his name now? I forgot his name. Let me get his name.

[F]

Finn Herrick.

[E]

Finn Herrick comes on, saves the first penalty. And I'm thinking, fair play to West Ham. They've kept going back in the game, but obviously I've got my. My loyalties to Leeds, being from Leeds and all that. So I want Leeds to go through. But the game was just bonkers. Absolute bonkers. Trore was really good. Tanaka scored the goal. Well, I mentioned at the start of the season. Hey, roll the tapes, Harry.

[F]

Plus, we've had to wait nine months for him to get a goal, for him to say something. And a big deflection at that.

[E]

A goal's a goal.

[F]

You.

[E]

You two the first to say that. And then you're thinking, oh, it's going to be West Ham's day. Danny Dyer was in the crowd every

[F]

two minutes, going through the mill, wasn't he?

[E]

Yeah, it was. It was a really great game. And then he just thinking, can Leeds get over the line? They've not been to Wembley since. Was it 87? Yeah, yeah, since 87. Before I was born.

[F]

Nearly 40 years. Wow.

[E]

But all in all, it could have went either way. He was really enjoying.

[F]

He was quite cocky. The young goalkeeper, though, wasn't he? Was giving it large chat.

[E]

Whoa. Because you know it really deep down, he's in himself, isn't it?

[F]

Yeah.

[E]

So you've got to act like that, you know, Come on, then. And then he gets his confidence from the pen and then. It just wasn't meant to be. But it was a great moment for him. Really happy for him.

[F]

Penalty shootouts. I mean, I. I still think. I still think we should do away with extra time. That's my. You know, except for finals, it should only be in any kind of finals, but the rest of it, 90 minutes, everyone's sitting at home. We're all hoping it goes to penalties because we like a penalty shootout. Yeah.

[D]

Unless you're a player.

[F]

Well, there is that, but do you want another half an hour, though? You know, you. If you played 90 minutes, if you've been substituted, it's different, obviously. But if you play and the amount of football that the players have been asked to play now and everything, that's somewhere where they can give back a little bit because they've increased the number of fixtures, especially if you're in European Football, but just to take off that extra burden of, you know, wandering around with cramp and all these sort of things in extra time. But, but that's my thought. So, you know, leads through to the semifinal where they'll play Chelsea who didn't, didn't have too many problems. Poor old Port Vale. But you know, their final was the last round really, wasn't it?

[D]

Yeah, seven. I mean, yeah, I mean it was, it was a tough one. As soon as he scored in the first minute, you just thought, oh, could be trouble here. And, and it wasn't. It's all about your attitude in those, those games, isn't it? And their attitude was really good. I guess the talking point before the game was, was Chelsea banning Enzo for, for a couple of games.

[F]

What he said, I thought that was slightly odd. I don't think he said anything particularly bad or detrimental to Chelsea. He basically just said he'd like to live in Madrid. Kukureya said something similar and didn't get punished at all. We saw obviously Rodri saying, you know, I mean, who wouldn't want to play for Real Madrid? I mean, it's just. Well, I don't understand why that. But. And also I think to give him a two game ban for it. Yeah, find him. If you want to do it, find him and keep it in house. I just don't think what's, I don't see how that helps you. But you know, they came out and won 7 nil, so it didn't make any difference, blah, blah, blah. But I just thought it was a little bit odd the way Pep handled Rodri. I know he's much more experienced and he's done it all. But Peps, yeah, you know, we want him to sign another contract, we want him to stay, but you know, he's, he's from Spain and you know, who doesn't want to play for Real Madrid? And if you want, like all my players, if, if they want to leave, we'll sell them.

[D]

What's the difference? One of the attitude of a guy that's won it all and rather than the guy that's just, yeah, into the game, I guess he's trying to make a, a statement for the dressing room and a stance that you can't. It's not, it's not the right thing to say, but there are different ways of going about it. But I guess finding players who were on 150, 200, 250 grand is not a deterrent, is it, anymore?

[E]

So, yeah, I think he had to do it. You Know, guys, I think with all the pressure that Rossini has been under recently and players are coming out and saying that it makes you look weak as a manager. If you don't say anything. What I would have done if I was a manager, I would have said, I'll leave it, leave him out the next game because it's Port Vale and then he's available. I wouldn't say two games, you know, so then it looks like he's disciplined him, but he's still back for the Manchester City game, so. Because he's going to need Enzo because he's one of their best players. But he had to say something. It's easier to say for Pep.

[F]

Alan, can I just ask you something? Has the sun gone down in Portugal?

[D]

The sun's gone down. I haven't even turned the light on and I can't, I can't be asked to get up and turn the light on.

[F]

You're going gradually fading.

[D]

Oh, yeah, sorry. The only problem you've got with discipline and someone and missing the games is that when another player steps out of line straight away, then they're going to think, well, hang on, he disciplined him for game wise. So you have to then do something similar when it comes up next. You know, that's the, that's the only problem.

[F]

It's not an easy situation, particularly for a young manager. He's finding his feet. We should cut him a little bit of slack. And it was, it was a good victory for them. So we've told you the draw. Leeds, Chelsea, man, City, Southampton. I suppose there'll be obvious favorites in that one City in particular. It'd be hard. I mean, Southampton did brilliantly to, to get past Arsenal. Can they do it same to Manchester City? We shall see. And at least Chelsea might be. That could be closer. I mean, at this stage of the competition now, I think the way it works out in TV rights, if I'm not mistaken, Alan, you'll, you'll tell me because she's obviously still at the BBC. So TNT will get first pick of those semi finals and then BBC will get the other one. Yeah. So it will be interesting because there's not much in it really. You can make a case for both. I think if it had obviously been, you know, Chelsea, Manchester City, that would be an automatic first choice for, for either broadcaster. But yeah, I don't know which one they'll go for on. I think I'd probably go, I think the underdog Southampton, the fact they're in the Championship, you know, even though I think by and large, they're not far off being a Premier League club. I think that would perhaps be the more interesting for. For the neutral.

[D]

But I don't know, at least Chelsea's got plenty of. As we said, it's got plenty of history over the years, so.

[F]

I mean, very much so.

[D]

That's it? Yeah, it's it. I don't know, I guess it's 50. 50.

[F]

City.

[E]

You go City every time, don't you? The underdogs versus Champions. Yeah, you gotta go City.

[D]

Chelsea final.

[E]

City. Chelsea final.

[F]

Yeah, could be. But Chelsea have not beaten Leeds this season. They lost once and drew one in the league this season. So I don't know, I think that might be a tight, tight one. Chelsea have to be favorites, obviously, for the positions in the. In the league table, but all to play for.

[E]

Hold on. City can still win the treble, you know.

[F]

Well, I was going to mention that, Micah, right at the end. I mean, imagine after all that if they. If they went and won the treble and Arsenal ended up with nothing, which, I mean, I. I've got lots of Arsenal friends and they're all like meltdown at the moment. They're all having a blind. Blind pan. But that, I mean, that would be too. That'd be too cruel. That'd be too cruel. Although Tottenham fans might disagree. I think we need to end this podcast before you vanish into the dark.

[D]

Yeah, exactly. Sorry, guys. It'd be far Easy to walk 5 yards until the light on.

[F]

That was just the way you played out. No, I'm not leaving a six yard, but I'm staying exactly right where I am, even if the floodlights have gone out. But. So let's call it a day. There, that's it from this episode. The rest is football. Goodbye from me.

[E]

Goodbye from me.

[D]

Goodbye from me. Have a great week.

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