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- [00:01]
A
Toogood and Co Coffee creamers are made with farm fresh cream, real milk and contain 3 grams of sugar per serving. That's 40% less than the 5 grams per serving in leading traditional coffee creamers. For a rich delicious experience. Whether you enjoy your coffee hot, cold, bold or frothy, two good coffee creamers make every sip a good one. Two good coffee creamers. Real goodness in every sip. Find them at your local Kroger in the creamer aisle. Coming up on today's show, Come the
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B
end of the season, if they win the League, they have found a way to be the best team in the League. And the Arsenal fans will not give a jot what anyone says. If they go out and win the title.
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A
The next twist and turn has to go in City's favor. You would suspect otherwise. I think it might be too far.
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C
Yeah.
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B
I would say so, yeah.
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C
What do you think is going through referee's minds though?
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B
Because I feel like we're totally and utterly confused. The damage that Var has done to the referees and their performances has been absolutely incredible.
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C
Come on, Leeds. I'm starting to get worried now.
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A
Hello and welcome to the rest is Football with Micah Richards, Alan Shearer and me, Gary Lineker. The title race has taken another twist. I'm sure we'll get to that very soon. But firstly, chaps, how are we doing? Alan, you were at the game last night. Newcastle.
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C
Great.
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A
I thought you might have enjoyed that one. Micah, you were doing Match of the Day, which I watched the entirety of this morning. It would have been a late night because there was nine matches. I remember those midweek ones.
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C
You think the midweek or you'll get in there no problem. Games are half seven but you forget they're on for an hour and a half. We didn't get back till 2 o'.
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A
Clock. And you always go on air a little bit later because they have the news and then the local news. So you're generally on about what, 1040? Well, 1030. Yeah. So you did hour and a half, 10 past midnight before you finish. It's not like a real job.
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C
But no, I can't. I can't complain.
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A
But you know, you have plenty to go at on that program. But probably it sounded like it was really rocking at St. James's out.
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B
Oh, the atmosphere was fantastic. It was exactly what Newcastle needed after what happened at the weekend and being pretty poor at the weekend and a poor result. Yeah. A lot of criticism flying around and rightly so because players didn't play well. Players made mistakes and you get beaten in that manner. But then you've got the right to reply. And I thought the players were absolutely superb.
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A
Yeah. Particularly with 10 men as well.
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B
10 men didn't get any help again, from the officials.
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A
We'll come to that later. We'll come to that later. But there's something very, very important I need to clear up with you, Alan.
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B
Go on.
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A
We've had a message here from Adam Rosario. Hope that's how you pronounce it. Hi, guys. Great podcast. I need something clearing up. Ali McCoy claims that Alan always has sugar cubes in his coat. He claimed this during the Newcastle versus Manchester United game. Please, can this be confirmed or denied?
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B
Well, I'm in my court, but I had them in my hand because I was in my friend's box watching the game and Ali was 10 yards in front of me. It was just too easy. It was just a free hit, guys.
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A
Oh, you were throwing them at him. Oh, that's what it is. So you don't always have sugar cube.
- [03:29]
B
No, no, no. I went. I went inside, just seen his little monkey's arse at the back and I thought, I recognize that. That's Ali McCoist. And then him and Fletch were there doing the. Do the commentary. And it was just. It was just a free hit, lads. I just had no choice, but I did.
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A
You have. Do you have a few.
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B
It was it. Honestly, it was hilarious. So I was piggylum down there at him like that one was hitting him on the back and there was no response. And I'm thinking, is he feeling that? I've got to chuck another one.
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C
And then one last.
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B
He had his notepad with all his notes on and one hit him and land standard and stuck on his notepad. It was just. It was there for five or 10 minutes and he was trying to be as professional as possible.
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A
Did he never turn around and snapped at you or anything?
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B
No, there was nothing. I was waiting for him to turn around because I don't know whether he was angry or he knew or what. And then I text him just before half time, seeing if you're wondering what's hitting you on the back of the head, on the core, or what's on your notes. That's me chucking sugar. I got black sip. I thought it was you.
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A
That's not a very good Scottish, Jackson.
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B
Yeah. And then. And then, of course, him and Fletch turned around and realized it was. It was me.
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A
What you should have texted, Al. What you should have texted just through half time was, he's coming up to halftime. Ali, how many sugar cubes do you have in your tea?
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B
Yeah, so. So that was definitely me.
- [04:55]
A
Yeah. We'll go into depth, into the game shortly, but last night could have been a pivotal night in terms of the championship Premier League title. Micah, I know you keep thinking it'll be swings and roundabouts, but they can't afford the next wing. Can't. If that goes to Arsenal's way.
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B
Just. Just before you go on, where's. Where is. Where's the noise from the hall of England today on about City bottling it? Because if Arsenal had a drawn at home or Arsenal drew it home, then that's.
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A
They've done it. That's the reward you get for having years of success. I think.
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B
All right, well, I don't.
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C
I don't think any of them bottle it. I mean, it just happens, doesn't it?
- [05:32]
A
But it's the nervousness that everyone gets. But when you're actually out playing, you. I mean, I don't know about you two, but did you ever feel nervous? You just. You're just so engrossed in the game, aren't you? And I don't. I mean, maybe it's me. I don't. Did you.
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C
It's different for you. Those strikers, I mean, I've said.
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A
Do you mean we're the ones under the most pressure to deliver?
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C
This is. This is a nonsense, you know.
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B
What are you going on about?
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C
Nonsense? So the keepers probably got the most pressure in the game because any little mistake, it's game over. Then it's the defenders, then the midfielders can sort again. And then the strikers, you get a tap in and you're the hero.
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B
Never heard so much in all my life.
- [06:16]
A
Nonsense.
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B
What a load of rubbish.
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C
The pressure of strikers. Zero pressure.
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A
There's no pressure to score a goal
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B
when that ball's coming across and you have to score. You've got that penalty and you have to score. There's no pressure.
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C
The only pressure you have, I'll give you that, is penalties. And then the one versus one. If a cross comes in and you get ahead or your shot, you're not expected to score. If you score a world, you're not expected to score.
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A
Did you see the one Cole Palmer missed the other week from under the cross?
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C
Oh, yeah, that was. Yeah, that was.
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A
I agree with goalkeepers, right? I mean, that's a separate sport for me. But defenders, get me real on it.
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C
Get a.
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A
You got pit anywhere when you're under any kind of pressure, when you're a
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C
defender going into A game. And he playing a massive game. Unlike the Arsenal defenders. That's why they've been so great. Gabriel in particular. But you know if you make a mistake, you're gonna get punished at this level.
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A
And you know, as a striker, if you miss a chance, you will be the person to blame.
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C
No, but you could. You could miss 10 chances. Score the winner and you're the hero.
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A
You're talking to Alan. We could make 10 chances.
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C
We could make 10. Unbelievable.
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B
Many chances. He's frozen.
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C
One mistake and you're the villain. You know it's true, lads. You know it is nonsense.
- [07:41]
A
Absolute nonsense.
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C
I say, what a nonsense to say.
- [07:47]
A
What is not nonsense is Fuse Energy. This episode is brought to you by Fuse Energy. No one likes a panic buy on deadline day. The smart teams do their business early, not relying on dodgy fax machines. Are they still a thing? Rushed medicals or watching a plan B target become a plan C?
- [08:08]
B
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- [08:13]
A
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- [08:36]
C
And it doesn't stop there. Switch to Fuse Energy and you could have your question answered on the show.
- [08:42]
A
Sign up to Fuse Energy@fuseenergy.com Football. Use the referral code Football. And you could also win a 1990 England shirt signed by the three of us. The rest is football. Well, whatever way we look at it, there was a significant twist in the title race last night and I don't think probably any of us saw that one coming this midweek week. Because if it was going to twist one way or the other, you would have expected probably City to win at home and Arsenal facing a tough one away at Brighton. Even though Brighton are on a bad run.
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C
Yeah, I mean, I'll called it and you can go in in a second now. He said there's going to be twists and turns like you said, Gaz. Maybe not this game, but I thought forests were actually very good on on the night. Yes, they have to defend low. Yes, City missed chances, but then when they got their chances, imagine having to take your chances with just 30% possession. And the Anderson goal was brilliant and so was Morgan White.
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A
Goal was so quick thinking and great technique. Love that goal.
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B
Clever.
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C
But City Had a chance, Savinho, in the last minute to win it. And I was just. I was just thinking, City gonna score here? When you play for Man City, you always have the feeling that at the Etihad, you'll get another one. You'll get another one, don't worry. You'll get a late goal and then it. It just didn't come. I agree with that. I think there's gonna be more twists and turns, but it's gone from Man City's hands now into Arsenal's hands, so it's going to be interesting.
- [10:18]
A
And the next twist and turn has to go in City's favor. You would suspect otherwise. I think it might be too far, yeah.
- [10:24]
B
I would say so, yeah. But I still. I still. I don't think either team will win every game, I guess. So there are. There are going to be twists and turns, so.
- [10:31]
A
And they do play each other, of course. That's true.
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B
Y.
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A
Of course, yeah.
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B
But no, I just think yesterday was typical of what will happen. Not every week, but it will happen once or twice in the next couple of months when. When all the games are played and it's not. I don't think it's a surprise when you've been there. I guess even when City have been there so many times, it's still tough. But because they're chasing now, they know that now they. They just can't make any mistakes now. But let's see. It's great. It's great for the neutral law.
- [10:57]
A
Yeah. And, you know, we kind of stuck with Arsenal throughout. We thought we'd. And I think their resilience will see them through. I think they're so difficult to score against. I know they've conceded one or two in the games prior to last night, but they're very difficult to break down. And when they've got, you know, Gabriel particularly, I think, and Saliba, I think there's such strong defenders. They've got a great work ethic in the team. Everyone's fighting for everyone else, whether it's a corner. I mean, obviously they score other kinds of goals as well, and they did last night, although it was obviously, I think they were a bit fortunate last night, to be perfectly honest, to get all three points. I thought Brian played really well, but they couldn't finish it off. But that's the problem. There's so much pressure on strikers these days. Al,
- [11:43]
B
what do you. What's your thought on this? I. I think it's absolute nonsense about people saying, not great football to watch. Don't want to play that way. I just think that is complete nonsense. I just think that's jealousy.
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A
It's the opponents having a pot.
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B
Yeah, but that. Yeah, that was the Brighton manager said it himself, didn't he? I mean I couldn' believe he came out with that rubbish. He concentrated on his own team and their form and where they are in the league rather than speaking about someone else's team.
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A
Yeah, he spoke after the game of course on that and he. He had a swipe, didn't he at the way the goalkeeper went down. Injuries, I mean teams do that nowadays. That is something they need to look at. I mean because goalies don't suddenly get injured three times in the last few minutes of a football match or. Or twice. Most teams do it. When a team is doing really well there's always going to be some jealousy at that and we saw it with Liverpool last season as well times. In fact he wasn't the only one that complained because slots had a go as well. He was speaking about it not after they lost. I think it's important to add that. But he spoke about it I think before the game in his press conference when he thought the game, you know he's. He doesn't love the game at the moment. He doesn't think the Premier League is very entertaining. I think it has taken a strange turn. It's become obsessed with set pieces and long throws. I even saw. Have you seen this thing they do at kickoff now some teams like scoot the ball up and do like massive hoik it right up in the air to the edge of that. I mean come on that guys. It's embarrassing.
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B
Everton did that, don't he.
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A
It's like an up and under. Eddie Waring, the BBC rugby league commentator when I was growing up and he used to go and there he goes, he said up and under. And that was exactly what they're doing. You need to be a certain age to remember that idea listeners. Most of you will not be that age. I mean we talked about in the episode of Monday, didn't we about Micah in particular about how robotic a little bit the sports come. How defenders now are the ones that touch the ball more than the midfield players.
- [13:41]
C
Yeah but I think, I think you have to adapt to what the league needs. Yes, sometimes it's not pretty football but what I would say with Arsenal and you mentioned defensively, I don't just think it's the defenders, I think it's the whole team. If you look at Arsenal, the way they defend as a group and the wingers when they lose the ball, they get back in and then they're just waiting for the.
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A
That.
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C
For that moment. I also think it's got to do with the amount of football. And I know we have this debate all the time, guys, and you say back in your days and. But football now is. Is more intense. It is. And they're playing too much football. Especially the teams that went to the club World Cup. You can see in some of the performances.
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A
Look at Cole Palmer. I mean, he's struggling with his injury. Manchester City played in that. You can see maybe Phil Foden or, you know, they just don't look quite the same this season.
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C
If you look at the team, like even taking it to the Champions League, PSG have been a fraction of their selves as well. And they'll bring it back because they always do. I think there's too much football. The quality of football hasn't been the same this season. I think you can't get the same output from your body when you constantly play. And some players can. Some players maybe not. What I'm going to say a word here. The fast switch athletes.
- [15:02]
A
So that's slow twitch and fast twitch. Yeah, that's been around forever.
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C
The fast twitch show the players who are a little bit more dynamic.
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A
So the muscles been a term even. That's not necessary, mind you, Mike, I must mention now you've mentioned strange terms twice last night. I watched the whole. Twice.
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B
What did he say? What did he say?
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A
Pockets of space. Twice. Just say pockets or space. I mean, we used to say. Do you remember though, in your defense. I'm only kidding here. Of course, in your defense, it. You go back 10, 20 years. It was in the hole. In the hole, yeah. So there's always. It's. The language changes. But you did say it twice and
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C
I was going to say, you know, it is though.
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B
You don't you go up on about this, that none of that is Arsenal's fault.
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C
Exactly.
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B
Come the end of the season, if they win the League, they have found a way to be the best team in the League and. And the Arsenal fans will not give a jot what anyone says if they go out, win the title.
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A
Do you know what, though? Do you know what? I've got one or two Arsenal friends and a friend of mine, Briak French, long lifelong Arsenal supporter, he's texting me, he's going, why is everyone always having a. Why are they so. You know, why do they hate us so much? You know, they didn't do this. And I say to him, you've got to take it as a compliment. It's because you know you're a threat and that's why they do it. So I think some of them do take it a little bit personally. But if they go on to win the League, they'll get all the plaudits, except for those that are jealous and take that, you know, enjoy that, I would say.
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B
Yeah, I agreed.
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C
Totally agree. If they win it, they deserve it. There's no fluke over 38 games, is there?
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A
No. Let me read you the quotes of her and then see what you think he said. In the end, it's about the rules in the Premier League. The referees allow everything. Then it's difficult. They make their own rules. At the moment, I have the feeling they are doing their own rules no matter how they are playing. That's why I think it's difficult to judge that. I will never be that kind of manager who tries to win in that way. I want to develop players. I want players to keep improving and keep playing football on the pitch. In the end, of course, every team will manage and waste time, but I think there has to be a limit, and the limit has to be set by the Premier League. The limit has to be set by the referee. At the moment, they can just do what they want. He also said, is this what the supporters are paying for? And I think that's perhaps the important thing in what he's saying here. I want to ask now, everyone here in the room, did they really enjoy this football game? I'm sure maybe one raises his arm because he's a big Arsenal fan, but besides that, no chance. He's just lost a football match. You got to bear that in mind as well.
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B
Yeah, I get that. I understand that. And it's perhaps the worst time to talk to a manager after a game, particularly when they've lost, because there are so many things racing through your head and you might say things that you might not mean or you might regret, but the Arsenal fans won't give a damn what he thinks, won't give a damn how Arsenal perform, so long as they go out and win that game.
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A
Particularly, they just want to win the title, don't they?
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B
Yeah, I guess the Arsenal fans would have watched that game and enjoyed it and enjoyed the result. Absolutely. He wouldn't, because his. His team are not doing as well as what they should do. I don't know what they won 3 and 16. So he'd be better off concentrating on his own team rather than the other
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C
team talking about Some of the refereeing decisions. I don't know if you want to wait to go into that, but let's
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A
do it now, get it out the way.
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C
Some of the decisions, I mean, in the Bournemouth Brentford game. Oh my God.
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B
Was it that bad?
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C
It was Coyote on Tavernier. He's got a tap in at the back post. Just tap it in. No problem at all. Coyote accidentally trips him. So he still gets his shot away.
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A
I saw that.
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C
He has to divert his shot shot because he's been clipped and they didn't give it. I was. That was shocking. Harland one I thought was a penalty. Some might say not.
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A
I thought he shoved his foot out. I think he knew what he was doing.
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B
I thought the same guy having been
- [19:13]
A
in that position and I never obviously would have done that myself, you know what he's doing. But if the keeper comes sliding out, it gives you the. You know, he has come out and not made and not got the ball. Anywhere else on the pitch. Anywhere else on the pitch. No one would have batted an eyelid if they'd have given it.
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C
Exactly.
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A
I think though, if they'd have given it on field, they would not have turned it over either. But he did push his leg out towards him. So it's one of those where he bought it. But for me, I'm never on the side of keepers in those things. If there's. If there's any contact at all, whether the. Whether the forward kind of forces it or whether he doesn't. Because keepers don't get too much sympathy from me.
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B
We'll wait until we go on to the Newcastle game to discuss the referee's performance in that because I was raging as well. By the way.
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C
What do you think is going for referees minds though?
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B
Because I feel like they're totally and utterly confused. They're wrecked. They're done. Var has done them in and confidence wise and belief wise. There are two or three, maybe four to push good referees that have the belief and the confidence and the ability. But I think the, the damage that Var has done to the referees and their performances has been absolutely incredible. I think we're really at an all time low in terms and to sit here and say how it's. It's a very, very difficult job. In fact, it's almost, it's almost impossible for them with the. How the laws are meant to be interpreted and given for them. It's it that. That the decision makers are making it almost impossible for them in terms of their performance. Right. I agree.
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A
I agree. I don't Think it's their fault at all? In many ways, yes. They make mistakes. Of course they do. We all do. We miss chances and, you know, has
- [21:02]
B
totally ruined us a lot of them and a lot of their performances. They're so bad. Bad, so bad. I mean, we get back to this same thing again. All time and time again, we get back to the same decision is that it wasn't meant to be like this way. It wasn't meant to give us a millimeter or two offside or this decision that some might think, some might not. 50, 50. And then it wasn't meant to be, that it wasn't brought in for that.
- [21:31]
A
If they had a vote now, a vote for getting rid of VAR completely or keeping it like it is, what do you think the percentage would be?
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B
I think it would be a large percentage to get rid of it.
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A
Around last season I saw one where it was something like 72% to 28. I think it'd be even more now. I think supporters, particularly at the ground. It's a dreadful experience. You don't know what the hell's going on. It's bad enough watching on television, I think it's. I think, yeah, yeah.
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C
I mean, when was the last time you guys went to a championship game? Honestly, it's way better.
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A
Me, I went a few weeks ago. So much better. I went to qpr Coventry and yeah, it's. It's different. And obviously I watch Leicester quite a lot on. On tv. So, yeah, it's not. It's lovely. And you think, oh, it's a goal. Yeah. And everyone's done. You could do. It's all the music and everything goes off and you don't have a shred of doubt that it's going to be changed. And yes, they'll stick. They'll make the odd mistake. You can. You'll say, you had it in the FA cup, didn't we? A couple of times where they go, oh, if we had VR, Var, it would. I think. So what, really? Because they don't always get it right, even with var. Far from it.
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C
So, okay, so VAR is the problem. So we've said the refs. It's difficult and Al's articulated it really well. But in terms of it, then. Then it's the VAR who are making the decisions. What.
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A
What.
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C
What is the reason that they can't make the decision if they've got time to make the decision.
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A
Some of this is time though, isn't it? It's too long. That's one of the issues.
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B
It's a Completely different. Different skill set.
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A
Yeah.
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B
Sat in the VAR room operating some computer. Looking at that. Looking at that. It's clearly a different skill set to being on the pitch and then having to make split decisions like that. And they're just getting. They're just getting so many wrong. I mean, I know the one at Newcastle yesterday when he gave him another yellow card for diving. I mean for that referee to be in that mindset to think he is actually conning me. Right. You're a big cheater. You've made a massive dive and I'm
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A
going to show you. Changing that as well.
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B
Exactly.
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A
That'll be another thing for that referee
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B
to actually think that he's gone through. He's tried to con me massively and he's dived. He didn't even. He didn't even look up or. He didn't even appeal. He didn't even appeal or nothing.
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C
Them.
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B
I mean, it was a nonsense decision. Yeah. Newcastle have to play. As it happens, it probably did them a favor in terms of. Because of the way they galvanized themselves and got back together and rallied and battled with 10 men. It was an awful decision.
- [24:10]
A
Yeah. We're going a bit all over the place but while we're on that, we'll stick with that game then. I want to come back to a couple of things about City. But with Manchester United, I think they still struggling against. Against the Low. I think in a way perhaps they'd have been better off playing against 11 men. Do you know what I mean? Because Newcastle do have a real go. Although I would say Newcastle still had a real go with 10 men. I just. Yeah.
- [24:33]
B
So I thought Newcastle were the better team with 11 man and 10 men. Didn't. I thought I was. I wasn't disappointed in Man United. I thought they were really poor. I thought Newcastle with the form that they've been in. I was a bit edgy because Man United have been winning games and they've without doubt changed under Michael Carrick. But. But I thought Newcastle dominated last night. A couple of really, really big decisions from Eddie Howe got them right. Playing Ramsdale. Whatever happened with Valtoma, whether he was poorly or not. But that sort of made a change. And I thought Joel Linton midfield, wow. He was just immense. He was brilliant. Man United I thought were really, really poor.
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A
With the exception I would serve Bruno Fernandes again, who I thought was incredibly creative. I mean he made so many chances for them, didn't he?
- [25:19]
B
He was getting frustrated.
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A
He's now created 92 chances in the Premier League this season. 36 more than any other player.
- [25:26]
C
It's ridiculous.
- [25:27]
B
Yeah, Very, very good player.
- [25:29]
C
Running out of superlatives to talk about him, aren't we?
- [25:32]
B
Yeah, he was without doubt the best of a bad bunch last night for. For them. Yeah. Yeah.
- [25:36]
A
You see, there's a little bit of beef between Paul Scholes and. And Michael Carrick. He's sticking him out. He's not exactly being very supportive. His old teammate, is he?
- [25:45]
B
Strange. It's weird, isn't it?
- [25:46]
A
Yeah, it's an old one. Maybe there's a bit of history there, who knows?
- [25:49]
C
I need a fact checker on that, though. I still. I still don't believe it's true. Everyone's saying it's true. He's got all the headlines and everything and he's not come out on his social media and it's hard to know
- [25:59]
A
what to believe these days. I mean, it is.
- [26:02]
C
But if he did say that Scoles, when you see him, is one of the nicest guys ever and I don't think he's got any aspirations to be a coach and he's an ex team member. I thought they just had love for each other, but that. That it was. It was strange, to say the least.
- [26:20]
A
Apparently deleted the Instagram post not long after he posted it. Maybe he'd had a couple and they lost. You know, maybe it's just like. Like all fans, we even Alan. Occasion gets upset with Newcastle.
- [26:34]
B
I. I had a few things typed out last night because I had a few pints of Guinness and I didn't press send, so that was the only thing.
- [26:41]
A
I thought that might be it.
- [26:42]
C
We saw you in the crowd, Al, what we was doing back to the day you had orders. He was looking very snug.
- [26:49]
A
Great stuff. Throwing his sugar cubes around before we move on. Just. Just quickly. It's quite. I mean, Erling's going through a tough spell, but he's in the new system that they're playing. Do you think it's making life a little bit more difficult for him? Is he just going through one of those spells that all strikers go through?
- [27:08]
B
With Semenya more up alongside him, then he's maybe not getting into the positions that he would have beforehand because Semenya was there. You got to work off each other, so it's slightly different for him. But do I think it'll. It'll change him? Do I think. No, it'll be. It'll be back. It'll just be a matter of time. No worries.
- [27:29]
A
Yeah, it'll be back. Banging in Loads of goals and it might be for the next. Whatever it is to the end of the season.
- [27:36]
C
You know what's interesting though about his position and you guys are strikers, but have you looked at his overall game? His movements a lot different now. He's less.
- [27:46]
B
It has to be when you're playing with a partner, isn't it? You have to. You have to adjust.
- [27:49]
C
Yeah, yeah.
- [27:49]
A
If you play with a partner as opposed to just one and you're a central focus. Yeah.
- [27:54]
C
And normally you would have people wide or whatever and so many are still going in wide areas at times when they're on the ball. But even his work rate, I remember a couple of games ago he's playing at a center half for a while, heading stuff back and then it was on the right hand side and dribbling and trying to assist people. So we can't criticize him or not. You're not criticizing, but people can't criticize him now for trying to advance his game. And he's not being in that middle of the pitch a lot because Pep wants him to do a slightly different role. Although it is hampering. He's chance. Yes. You know, because he's in different positions now.
- [28:31]
A
Worry less. Don't worry. We will though, because we'll be back with the second half. This episode is brought to you by Squarespace. What's worse than missing a penalty? A brand without a solid website. Squarespace makes it easy for you and customers with new mobile pay links. Customers can pay for your products or services via text, email, social or QR code fast and hassle free. 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 Specsavers. Football is a game that requires serious awareness to see and hear what's happening on the pitch. The pass that came out of nowhere, the split second decision that won it all. And then there's Wally fc. Last season they managed to scrape together four points. Four. But this season, Spec Savers have stepped in to do what they do best. They're providing proper support and money. Can't buy experiences to take Wally FC from the worst team to the best worst team. Because they're not hopeless. They've just been playing without vision. You might say they should have gone to Spec Savers. They've even brought in Micah Richards, Big Meeks himself as assistant manager, which means enthusiasm won't be a problem. He's fully invested in giving this Essex team a proper lift. He's been on the touchline, sharing his knowledge and he's even called in his former Manchester City teammate, the ultimate pro, James Milner, to elevate training standards and improve fitness. So if you fancy following a brilliant grassroots football story, search Specsavers Best worst team on YouTube. 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.
- [30:34]
B
And that's how it shows up. Not as an injury, it's just fatigue creeping in off the pitch.
- [30:39]
A
Everyday life stacks up to work, travel, late nights, early starts.
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B
Whoop.
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Helps you see how sleep recovery and stress are impacting your overall health over time.
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Makes it easier to see what's helping you stay well and what's taking more out of you so you can build habits that actually last.
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It's about keeping yourself steady over the long run. Consistency beats intensity every time.
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A
If you want to understand your health better and how your daily habits impact you over time, head to join join.whoop.com T R I F to get started with Whoop. Welcome back to the Rest is Football with Alan Shearer, Michael Richardson, meet Gary Lineker. Defeat for Liverpool just as they've started to look like they're maybe getting their act together. Two successive wins for Wolves. Producer John was happy last night. He thinks they're going to do a Leicester and maybe stay up when Leicester. I'm going back a decade here when they won seven of the last nine to stay up and then they go and win the league next season. Could that happen to Wolves? Unlikely. But. But a great victory for them.
- [31:55]
C
I've told you. I've told you. Wolves the eye test. Forget all, forget the stats in the table. Yeah. I mean they don't score enough goals, they don't defend well enough. Alan put it right earlier on into the season, which he's totally correct. However, they've got some good players and there was always in games and now they're putting them chances away. They defend a lot better but it's a lot easier when there's less pressure. That that's the only thing I would say. I applaud their spirit and their fight and their attitude, giving everything for the manager because they could have rolled over, which they haven't.
- [32:35]
A
I think that speaks volumes to the manager and the togetherness there. Because we all know they're relegated. I mean when any, you know, they know that. But to keep them going and to have that kind of drive and commitment under those circumstances, it's easy to hide, isn't it?
- [32:51]
B
And yeah, I've been impressed with them. I think the way he's sort of got them organized and definitely harder to play against because they were, they were, they were easy. They were too played through too easily. But not so easy now. Much more organized and they're a threat. I mean to score what, two against Arsenal, Arsenal, two against Aston Villa, two against Liverpool and get the results as they have done.
- [33:15]
A
Having said that, you know, we said they're down but they've won the last two they're running. Brentford, West Ham, Leeds Spurs, Sunderland, Brighton, Fulham and Burnley win all those might get into Europe. John.
- [33:31]
B
No, but at least they're going down. At least they're going down with a fight which I mean it wasn't so long ago that that people were talking about them, them getting the record and getting at least a number of points ever. So at least they're having a fight in a battle. And Liverpool won't be looking forward to going there in the FA cup on, on. On Friday again. And I'm doing that game of the BBC so it'll be really interesting to see what happens. But I thought Wolves were worthy winners. They did enough to win it defensively again all over the place.
- [34:03]
A
Arnie Slot came out and said most of the games in the Premier League are not a joy to watch. My football heart doesn't like it. It.
- [34:10]
C
Well, I mean he's, he's entitled to his, his opinion. And I feel as though when you're watching it I would tend to agree with him. It's not that exciting. And even this game, Wolves, Liverpool only really got going the last 20 minutes, didn't it of the second half. So Liverpool just. It became very open and then they just couldn't deal with it. Which is strange. You know, even like Van Dijk for one of the goals. Goals I thought Canate had it covered and then Alisson came running. Now if he stayed in his position, he just grabs that. So they're experienced players and reliable players are making those little mistakes which is costing them and the scored what. They've conceded late goals in five games now. And it's unlike Liverpool and you're trying to stitch it together because Van Dijk's not become a bad player overnight, has he?
- [35:05]
B
He got pushed off the ball so easily though. Barged off the ball didn' Sydney.
- [35:09]
A
Yeah. Not like him.
- [35:11]
C
It's strange to see that they just can't find the balance. I think slots finding it hard to. Yeah. To get the balance right of what the team needs and then they'll win a couple of games and you think the back. And then they go back to the. To the same old Liverpool who were making it too easy for teams which is really strange.
- [35:33]
A
Five games they've lost this season by conceding a 90th minute goal. So that's. That's quite damaging for anyone's. It's a good night for Chelsea really because obviously Manchester United slipped up and Liverpool slipped up as well and Chelsea by contrast a really good victory for them. So it's now it's really tightened up quite a bit because we. We think there'll be five teams in the Champions League and now it's the top two are clear then it's Manchester United 51, Aston Villa 51. They lost as well of course. Chelsea with their win 48, Liverpool 48. So there's three points SE4 clubs. I think one of them is going to miss out.
- [36:15]
B
Yeah, I think it was. It was a really impressive result especially after going 1 nil down. I mean they had some really up. They've been really up and down haven't they? Playing Le and then Burnley and yeah Villa look we said it the other day. Villa looked knackered, don't they? And they've got their formers just nose dived at the wrong time for them. And they look all over the place at the minute. I only saw bits of that last, last evening but big, big win for Chelsea.
- [36:41]
C
You know what, that's one of the best games I've seen Villa play in in a while. They were dynamic. They were playing through the lines. They. They had loads of chances again loads of chances.
- [36:55]
A
Ollie Watkins. Watkins had probably unlucky with the offset. I mean another one offside. Ridiculous offside I think but he went through a couple of times.
- [37:02]
C
You just think he'd strike the ball and it didn't. And then they got punished at the other end. End. Watkins could have easily had a hat trick in that game. And we're talking about a different. I don't think that was a. I think previously the last couple of games before the Chelsea game, Villa did look like they played too many games. Looked like they needed a rest in this game that was up for it. It was end to end. It was such a good game of football.
- [37:29]
A
It was really good.
- [37:30]
C
Chelsea took their chances of Villa didn't.
- [37:32]
A
Yeah, Xiao Pedro was the difference in many ways. The one thing I would say with NY Emery after the game, he said, yeah, I recognize we're in a bad moment. He said, but overall the season's really good. He said, we have got now a break, I think, you know, because the FA cup he means so he can rest everyone and yeah, that might galvanize them. So he recognized that. But. But Pedro has been. Xiao Pedro has been a terrific signing. You've got him in your fantasy team, I can tell. Mark your face. So he got a cheeky little assist as well.
- [38:05]
C
There's he with his hip.
- [38:06]
A
Yeah, yeah, good finishes tricking assist. I mean, he's got. I mean, I don't think they probably necessarily bought him originally as thinking he's a nine, but I don't know. He might be the answer to that, I think. I mean, what's his record in the last? It's. That's 17 goals in all competitions and eight Premier League goals since Ross Senior took over.
- [38:32]
C
Over.
- [38:33]
B
It's impressive.
- [38:34]
A
Really impressive. He's bringing out. I mean. And credit to the, to the coach for getting the best out of him as well.
- [38:40]
B
Very good, very good, very impressive. And he's. I only saw the goals, but second goes lovely.
- [38:45]
A
Very little dink. Yeah, he's a very clever, very intelligent, isn't he?
- [38:50]
C
Yeah, he takes you one way as a defender, comes back and then he makes good runs. And he's not the quickest, but he's decent in the air as well. Yeah, he's good on both feet technically. Yeah, technically, really good. We all knew he was a good player, but having to sort of play the number 9 and the number 10. The link up with Cole Palmer was good as well. So, yeah, he's had an outstanding season.
- [39:16]
A
24 years old would be Brazilian Brazil striker in the World Cup, I would think. Gotta be, isn't he?
- [39:22]
B
What about richarlison?
- [39:24]
A
I'd have. I'd have Xiao Pedro slightly ahead of him. Personally, I don't know what you think. Oh, he did score the other night.
- [39:30]
B
I would have him heading with as well. Absolutely, yeah. What are you laughing at? What you laughing at?
- [39:35]
C
He said, what about Rich?
- [39:38]
A
You take the piss there, Smed,
- [39:42]
C
wasn't it? Wasn't it?
- [39:44]
B
No, not at all.
- [39:45]
A
If you remember the last World cup, he scored two go. Two cracking goals in one game. Didn't he?
- [39:49]
C
Remember we was at that game.
- [39:51]
A
I remember it.
- [39:52]
C
Jil Berto, was it? Me, you and Jill Berto, yeah. And then Gaz, obviously. Hold on Boston. Yeah, yeah, I remember that.
- [40:00]
A
God, that's nearly four years ago. Well, actually three and a half, isn't it? Because it was a winter World Cup. It's got quite interesting down the bottom as well, hasn't it? Obviously Tottenham play tonight. That we're doing this on Thursday evening just before the Tottenham game. So you can have it on the episode out on Friday. But a lot of pressure on Tottenham now with those results. Forest got a great point away at Manchester City. West Ham win. Winning as well. It's really made it very. I mean, look at it now. It's West Ham have got to 28, Forest 28, Tottenham 29. Leeds has lost as well, didn't they? That's 31. Spurs really do need a result in this game. You'll know by the time you hear this what's happened. But cor dear, I mean that as
- [40:45]
B
pressure right on that result. What a win for West Ham.
- [40:50]
A
Yeah, they have.
- [40:51]
B
They have been a lot better West Ham, haven't they? I mean, they're the turnaround.
- [40:56]
A
He's made a real difference, Nuno. He's clearly a very good coach. He's starting to instill a little bit what Forest had last season. It's just whether it's too late.
- [41:04]
B
It doesn't look like having an incredible time as well. Isn't he in front of. In front of goal. What a difference he's made his form.
- [41:11]
C
7 and 10 in all comps. I think it was. You know, I'm starting to worry for my. My hometime team because they're playing well, they're getting into good areas but not finishing things anymore. And. And I'm starting to worry. And on. On 31 points.
- [41:29]
A
Shouldn't Leeds have had a penalty? Micah, you think they hold on the 100%.
- [41:34]
C
It was 09, wasn't it?
- [41:36]
A
It was unbelievable.
- [41:37]
C
It was ridiculous. It was a stone wall. That was the other decision. I. I remember too who I forgot to talk about.
- [41:46]
A
Stonewall is a. It's a game movement, Micah. Stone cold penalty. It's a regular mistake that everybody makes.
- [41:53]
C
Is it stole coal pellet, not Stonewaller.
- [41:55]
A
Well, people, because of the phrase stone war, which was about a kind of gay LGBT movement, just gay movement. I think some time ago. And then people started to say, oh, it's a stone war penalty. Well, it's actually like stone cold penalties.
- [42:11]
C
Stone cold penalty.
- [42:12]
A
That's what it should be. That's. That's my.
- [42:14]
C
Yeah, I like it. So it was a stone cold penalty, wasn't it? We could all agree on That I
- [42:20]
A
think we can all agree.
- [42:20]
C
But come on, Leeds, I'm starting to get worried now. The marching on together.
- [42:30]
A
I think, I think, I think they'll probably be all right.
- [42:33]
C
Come on.
- [42:34]
A
I mean, the form of West Ham has dragged so many teams into it because few weeks ago. They look gone. They look gone.
- [42:42]
B
Exactly.
- [42:42]
A
Yeah. And we'll be gone in just a second, so goodbye from me.
- [42:46]
C
Goodbye from me.
- [42:47]
B
Goodbye from me. Close your eyes. Exhale. Feel your body relax and let go of whatever your can carrying today.
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A
Well, I'm letting go of the worry that I wouldn't get my new contacts in time for this class. I got them delivered free from 1-800-contacts. Oh my gosh, they're so fast.
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C
And breathe.
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A
Oh, sorry. I almost couldn't breathe when I saw the discount they gave me on my first order. Oh, sorry. Namaste. Visit 1-800-contacts.com today to save on your first order.
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