The Rest Is Football — Episode Summary

Podcast: The Rest Is Football
Episode: Arsenal Top At Christmas, Rogers On a Rampage & Referees Under Fire
Date: December 22, 2025
Hosts: Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards

Overview

The trio of Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards dive into the latest Premier League drama as Arsenal reach the top of the table for Christmas, but with Manchester City and Aston Villa hot on their heels. The panel discuss key matches, star performers like Morgan Rogers, issues with refereeing standards, transfer window intrigue, and the wider state of football including European and Scottish leagues. The conversation blends sharp tactical insights with plenty of laughs and candid opinions.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Arsenal Lead at Christmas – Can They Stay There?

Timestamp: 05:59 – 11:35

• Arsenal's Position:
  Arsenal hit the top spot at Christmas after several strong performances, but the group debates their ability to hold on.
• Historical Nerves:
  Gary references past years when Arsenal led at Christmas but failed to seal the title.
• Man City Chase:
  There’s respect for City, especially given their form and Erling Haaland’s scoring spree.
• Micah’s Analysis:
  “Man City will always outscore Arsenal… It just depends on form at the right time.” (07:45 – Micah Richards)
• Key Factors:
  The health and form of star players like Haaland (City) and Saka (Arsenal) described as make-or-break for each team.
• Alan's Take:
  “Man City…weren’t required to get out of second gear yesterday and they still won at a canter.” (09:00 – Alan Shearer)

2. Star Player Highlights

Timestamp: 10:07 – 11:35, 42:12 – 48:18

• Erling Haaland:
  Praised for relentless scoring, his presence seen as City’s secret weapon.
• Saka & Gyokérrez:
  Saka’s penalty duties questioned after Gyokérrez stepped in, but the group liked his courage:
  “I love that in someone where you’re prepared to put your neck on the line…” (10:41 – Alan Shearer)
• Morgan Rogers (Villa):
  After Villa’s game vs. Man United, Rogers lauded for his development into a clinical and hard-working #10.
  “He’s so good, isn’t he? And he’s so different as well… two unbelievably good finishes.” (43:06 – Micah Richards)

3. Manchester City and Squad Dynamics

Timestamp: 14:54 – 17:42

• Squad Variations:
  Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden, and Shirky commended for unpredictable movement and creative play, breaking earlier patterns.
• Youth Development:
  Brief chatter on young talent breaking through, like Mukasa and Emile Heskey’s sons at City.
• January Transfers:
  The group speculates on possible moves:
  “It’s really interesting whether the big boys will go in deep in January.” (16:42 – Alan Shearer)

4. Refereeing and VAR Controversies

Timestamp: 11:37 – 13:56, 21:02 – 22:03, 27:04 – 28:41

• Quality Concerns:
  Alan: “The standard of refereeing in the Premier League is the worst it’s been for a long time.”
• Impact of VAR:
  “I think it’s made them worse referees…I think it’s clouded their judgment.” (12:45 – Alan Shearer)
• Consistency Pleas:
  Micah: “It’s not…the fact that we’re calling out referees. It’s the fact that we just want consistency.”
  Gary: “We’ll never get that…it’s difficult.”
• Specific Incidents:
  Newcastle–Chelsea penalty shout called “absolutely ridiculous” not to be given.
  Spurs–Liverpool red card branded overharsh, partly due to slow-motion VAR:
  “Everything does in slow motion. It looks…horrendous. They’ve got to get rid of slow motion.” (28:30 – Gary Lineker)

5. Match Breakdowns and Performances

a. Newcastle vs Chelsea

Timestamp: 19:21 – 25:38

• Newcastle's Resurgence:
  “It was a great game of football. I think Newcastle’s performance the best I’ve seen this season.” (19:27 – Alan Shearer)
• Penalty Controversy:
  Panel unanimous that Newcastle should have been awarded a penalty.
• Player Praise:
  Lewis Miley shone at right back, with his defending compared to Paolo Maldini for a single outstanding sequence.
• Rhys James:
  Applauded for his role in midfield and at fullback, and his ability to control play and produce moments of brilliance for Chelsea.

b. Aston Villa vs Manchester United ("Second Half" of Pod)

Timestamp: 42:12 – 51:51

• Morgan Rogers’ Brilliance:
  Two excellent goals; his evolution from a promising player to a major match-winner.
• Villa’s Strength:
  “That’s 12 wins in 13 in the Premier League…They’re right up there keeping pace with Arsenal and Manchester City.” (49:41 – Gary Lineker)
• Man United Improvements:
  Gary notes “a team in progress…definitely moving in the right direction,” especially with young players stepping up in adversity.

c. Other Standouts and Surprises

Timestamps throughout – notably 31:22 – 36:09, 55:19 – 57:44

• Leeds United’s Form:
  Noted for set-piece prowess and strong home atmosphere at Elland Road.
• Calvert-Lewin for England:
  Shearer and Lineker urge caution; Watkins seen as ahead for backup striker role.
• Wolves & Strugglers:
  Panel highlights the impact of confidence and individual mistakes for relegation-battling sides.

6. England Squad Selection Debate for World Cup

Timestamp: 46:15 – 49:08

• Midfield/No.10 “Dilemma”:
  The hosts declare England’s attacking midfield riches (Palmer, Foden, Bellingham, Saka, etc.) are a “lovely problem” for Thomas Tuchel, but one that means talented players will miss out.
• Squad Rotation:
  Consensus is that form, fitness, and Tuchel’s tactical trust in himself will ultimately shape his XI.

7. Scottish Premiership Shake-Up

Timestamp: 55:19 – 57:44

• Hearts’ Title Challenge:
  Hearts now six points clear, with Gary noting this could be the first time in decades someone other than Celtic or Rangers wins the league:
  “Can they do it?...It’d be good for Scottish football if someone other than Celtic or Rangers won the league.”
• Legendary Players:
  Both hosts reminisce about greats like Henrik Larsson and their memories of Scottish football.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Micah (on the title race):
  “Man City will always outscore Arsenal even going into the new year…” (07:45)
• Alan (on VAR’s negative impact):
  “I think it’s made them worse referees. I really do. I think it’s clouded their judgement…” (12:45)
• Gary (on referee consistency):
  “We’ll never get that…because so many subjective decisions, you know, it’s difficult.” (13:48)
• Alan (after Newcastle–Chelsea):
  “If you ever need an example of goals changing games…that piece of brilliance from Rhys James…the free kick changed it completely.” (20:45)
• Micah (on Lewis Miley):
  “If there was a manual on how to defend a winger, that was it. Absolutely perfect.” (22:20)
• Gary (on slow motion VAR):
  “Everything does in slow motion. It looks…horrendous. They’ve got to get rid of slow motion.” (28:30)
• Alan (on Calvert-Lewin):
  “We do know there is a very, very good center forward in there if he can keep a sustained spell of fitness.” (32:18)
• Gary (on Elland Road):
  “I love Elland Road. I love Elland Road more than you love Elland Road.” (33:26)
• Micah (on Morgan Rogers):
  “He’s so good, isn’t he? And why…he’s so different as well. For a number 10…two unbelievably good finishes.” (43:06)
• Gary (on the England squad):
  “What you need in these circumstances is a coach that trusts himself, trusts what he wants, doesn’t listen to the noise…Tuchel…he can’t be swayed…” (48:18)

Key Timestamps for Reference

• 05:59 — Arsenal’s Christmas lead, City’s form, title race analysis
• 09:00 — Man City’s win, Haaland’s scoring form
• 11:37 — Penalty debates, refereeing concerns
• 14:54 — City’s creative evolution, transfer window talk
• 19:21 — Newcastle vs Chelsea deep-dive
• 22:20 — Lewis Miley’s Maldini moment
• 27:04 — Spurs-Liverpool red card rant
• 31:22 — Liverpool/Leeds/Calvert-Lewin/England debate
• 42:12 — Post-Villa-Man United analysis, Morgan Rogers’ brilliance
• 46:15 — England midfield selection headache
• 49:41 — Villa’s remarkable run, squad depth vs. United
• 55:19 — Hearts’ Scottish title ambitions

Tone, Chemistry, and Style

The hosts engage in sharp banter, honest critique, and plenty of nostalgia. Their differences — Micah’s exuberance, Alan’s bluntness, Gary’s wry humor — provide “brilliant chemistry” and deep insight, ensuring even routine football topics feel fresh and engaging for listeners.

For Further Listening

This episode is essential for Premier League fans invested in the title race, transfer rumors, VAR debates, and the evolving face of English and Scottish football. The combination of big stories and personal anecdotes makes it brimming with both expert analysis and trademark laughs.

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