Alan Shearer (1:26)

Goodness.

Gary Lineker (1:27)

So the winner is the person that is closest to guessing the number of goals that Rodrigo Munes scored coming off the bench last season.

Alan Shearer (1:37)

Six.

Micah Richards (1:38)

I'll go one up then. Seven.

Gary Lineker (1:40)

The answer is six. Yes, the winner.

Micah Richards (1:44)

Well done.

Gary Lineker (1:45)

The best teams find an edge wherever they can. It should be the same with with your energy. Take control of your energy like it's part of your game plan. Sign up@fuseenergy.com football using code football, all uppercase to save on your energy bill and get the chance to ask us your football question on the pod. Full terms and conditions@fuseenergy.com coming up on today's show.

Alan Shearer (2:12)

I just feel as if there's been a change in Arsenal and change of mentality in terms of how positive everything is.

Micah Richards (2:18)

Miles Lewis.

Alan Shearer (2:21)

Brilliant.

Micah Richards (2:21)

What a performance.

Alan Shearer (2:22)

You know he does Micah, very different to what Zubamendi does when he gets the ball. His first thought is forward, can I pass it forward? And I think that makes a huge difference for Arsenal.

Micah Richards (2:34)

They're coming into form at the right time and that's the most Important thing

Gary Lineker (2:38)

for Arsenal and England, one or two of them, which is encouraging.

Micah Richards (2:41)

Kravoskali is my favorite winger in. In European football.

Alan Shearer (2:45)

They're going to have to be at their very, very best to stop this PSG team.

Gary Lineker (2:49)

I've just got this sneaky feeling. Arsen. This double. Hello and welcome to the Rest is Football with Micah Richards with a beaming smile on his face. Alan Shearer and me, Gary Lineker, we're doing this very late at night after the Champions League semi final between Bayern and psg. We've been waiting for big Meeks. They're getting the money's worth out of you, Micah.

Micah Richards (3:22)

Oh, my. It's been a long day, but it's been eventful to say the least. I was with Beckham today. Hang on, hang on, hang on, hang on, hang on.

Alan Shearer (3:34)

Just pick that name up there. Hang on. Just.

Micah Richards (3:36)

That's what I'll be. I was with a real superstar today, actually. Yes, I was with David.

Gary Lineker (3:42)

Sir David, if you.

Micah Richards (3:44)

No, no, no. We're on. It's different for me. Like we're mates, you know what I mean? I don't just call him Sir David, I just call him Dave Davo. You know what I mean? That's a connection with Kunde.

Gary Lineker (3:56)

I love it.

Micah Richards (3:56)

So, yeah, it was on his show for a while and then went back to our show. So it's been eventful to say the least.

Gary Lineker (4:02)

Yeah. Al, you were at the game. Let's start with that one, actually, because obviously huge for Arsenal. It's been a great two weeks, ten days for them, hasn't it, really? I thought they were really good last night. I mean, it's tough opposition. Atletico really well organized. They probably didn't play too much. Great football. Athletico. I thought Arsenal played really well. Solid, some excellent performances. You were there. What was it like?

Alan Shearer (4:24)

Like? Yeah, I thought it was a great atmosphere. I felt as if the whole atmosphere in the stadium was very, very positive after the weekend. I just feel as if there's been a change in Arsenal and change of mentality in terms of how positive everything is after Saturday, after Monday, when City drew and then last evening, I just. Yeah, I just think there's been a huge change in attitude and everyone's together, everyone's all excited rather than nervy and edgy and I got that. You know, I think athletical, I don't think they were great. They certainly lacked a bit of quality up front, I thought. But yeah, I thought Arsenal did more than enough and without doubt the best team deserved to get through.

Micah Richards (5:05)

Micah Miles, Lewis Skelly, Brilliant. What a performance. He played him against Fulham, wasn't it the weekend and the big debate was, was he going to bring Zubamendi back, put his energy in there, his tenacity, his game, his confidence. I just thought it was brilliant to do that as a teenager.

Alan Shearer (5:25)

You know, he does Micah very different to what Zubamendi does. When he gets the ball. His first thought is forward, can I press it forward? And I think that makes a huge difference for Arsenal. Rather than getting the ball and going sideways in the cross and allowing teams to get their shape, I think he, he can make that defense split and pass or through the midfield into the forwards and I think that makes a huge difference for them. I thought there were three big, big performances from Arsenal last night. Lewis, Skelly, as you said, Declan Rice and Yokerez. I know he missed a big chance, but I thought his performance was outstanding as well.

Micah Richards (6:01)

Well, what was different with Yokerez because you know, when we talked about Yokerez, we're saying he needs to run forward getting behind a lot more. And you've said Alan a lot about the need to find him earlier. Are Arsenal doing that now?

Alan Shearer (6:15)

Yeah, they are, yeah. I think certainly with Saka at the weekend, the ball that he played in for his goal and the forward pass that he received last night for running in behind because there wasn't a lot of space and Atletico were getting men behind the ball but that run from his and then the ball into him made all the difference and that's what in the end won them the game. So throw that ball, then the cross and obviously the finish, the shot and the finish from, from Saka was in there to tap it in. But his hold up play I thought was brilliant. And of course that running in behind and I said it after a game or two, if you're going to get the best out of Yokerez, you have get balls early into him. Not just balls up to him, but balls in behind and balls into the box.

Gary Lineker (6:58)

His performance at the weekend as well was really positive and I think that helped him going into the game. They seem to getting the ball forward quite quickly, much more quickly than they've been doing in previous weeks. And Louis, I think, I think you're right. I think Miles, Louis Skelly was one of the reasons for that. The way he turns on the ball and looks forward, he can burst the lines as well. Declan was running past people. I mean, crikey, does he covers some mileage. I mean he really is an amazing, amazing athlete. As well as a wonderful footballer. I would actually add Ben White in there as well. I thought he was terrific, really good. But I know you're talking about the spine and understandably so. And Gyokerez, Yeah, it was like he was, I don't know, reinvigorated, I thought in that game. It was like he wanted the big occasion maybe, or. But I think primarily is a. He was offering himself all night and they were actually looking for him early. And even getting the balls into the box, which is really important for any striker, Alan, isn't it?

Alan Shearer (7:53)

Particularly him. Because I. I think there's nothing flashy about his play. I think he relies so much on teammates to supply him with balls. I think he looks an average player if you don't do that. But once you get the ball into him quickly, once you get your ball in behind quickly and balls in the box, that's what he feeds off and that's why he looks, when he looks, a good player.

Gary Lineker (8:16)

Remarkable statistic here. I'm switching my attention a little bit to the back two central defenders, Gabriel and Saliba, when they've been on the pitch together. Arsenal haven't conceded a Champions League goal from open play since Kimmich scored against them in April 2024, over two years ago. Goals have conceded since then in two whole seasons. One against Inter, which was a penalty. One against Sporting, which was a corner. One against psg, which was also a penalty. Bayer Leverkusen, a corner, and Atletico penalty as well. It makes me think ahead of ourselves a little bit with the final. I mean, it' interesting contest between two sides with different styles. Although I thought PSG tonight showed that they can defend when they get a lead if they have to. Luis Enrique can do everything. I mean, I think he's such a talented coach. Gets the best out of his players in whichever way he plays. But Arsenal are tough to score against and they really are.

Micah Richards (9:17)

Yeah, because I've got the balance of the center half. I think they know each other's game really well. Saliba, we all know, is very good on the ball. Gabriel's more of the leader.

Gary Lineker (9:27)

He's a warrior, isn't he?

Micah Richards (9:28)

Yeah, exactly that. But to add to that, I have to add David Ray. I think all the players for Arsenal have, you know, got over the line in terms of staying within the title, getting to the Champions League Final. They wouldn't be there without David Rayer. Some of the stops that he's made. He should be nominated for player of the Year as well. You know, you talk about the Spine of the team, guys. Raya, Gabriel, Saliba, Rice, you know. And Saka. Saka has come back. He's not been the same this season, but you talk about big moments in games. He stepped up, didn't he? He showed it against Fulham and then he gets a goal against Athletico. So they're coming into form at the right time. And that's the most important thing for

Gary Lineker (10:15)

Arsenal and England, one or two of them, which is encouraging.

Micah Richards (10:18)

But you have to give a bit of credit to Arteta as well.

Gary Lineker (10:23)

A lot, I would say.

Micah Richards (10:24)

When Arsenal play and start the season, look really good, didn't they? And there was getting over the line, still unbeaten in the Champions League. But then you come to a crossroads, don't you? And everyone's sort of talking about your style of play, and at times we know they've not been great. They went through a little bit of a blip, and he could have sort of changed his style to appease everyone else, and he didn't. And thinks, you know what, this is how we're good. This is how we're going to get results, and this is what we're going to do. And that's what's got them to the final, and that's what's kept him competitive in the Premier League. And there's. There's no harm in that if he gets over the line. No one talks about how you play. It's about what you win. So he deserves, you know, great credit for that.

Alan Shearer (11:08)

One game ticked off. They've got four to go. Four to go. To write themselves into the history books at Arsenal Football Club forever. Those players and that manager to. To achieve something that no one's ever done at Arsenal is Champions League and League Double. I think be. Be an unbelievable achievement. Four games.

Gary Lineker (11:26)

It really would. It'd be something very special indeed. And, you know, I don't think there was a really weak performer last night. I thought every one of their players did well. Probably had a bit of luck with the penalty decision. Bar didn't turn it over. I don't think it was enough to turn over. Personally. I think they actually gave a foul against Gabriel, but I don'. It was probably a foul, and that's why they said they didn't give the penalty. And if they didn't, then Griezmann, he probably did get touched. But you can go back to the first leg and say, well, hang on a minute. They definitely didn't get the best of it in the first legs and it possibly evens itself out, but they're in the final. And it's going to be a tough game, but I think one that we'll all look forward to. I mean, Arsenal have been unbeaten in the Champions League all season. The only team, obviously, to do that. Fewest goals conceded and the most clean sheets as well. I mean, they've been sensational in this tournament, really. I would say.

Alan Shearer (12:22)

Yeah, I mean, they. I think they had the. They've had the smoother run through to the final, but they deserve that because their performance in the. In the early parts, you know, in the. In the. In the. In the league games or the league phase. So I know it doesn't always work out, but if you sit top of it, then you give your chance yourself a better chance of. Of getting better draws. And they've done that, so you can't. You can't point that at them.

Gary Lineker (12:45)

No. Harry. Harry just told me, Mike, that you got to ask a Kayo Sakura question at the end of the game. After the game.

Micah Richards (12:52)

Well, well, I asked him, who does he want in the final?

Gary Lineker (12:55)

Which they never answer.

Micah Richards (12:57)

Which he never answers. But he said he saw a loot. He said. What were the words he used?

Gary Lineker (13:04)

You know, he said, who do you think? Or, you know, who do you think?

Micah Richards (13:10)

I don't know. That's why I asked the question,

Gary Lineker (13:14)

who do you. He would have wanted in the final? Let me ask you to both that question.

Alan Shearer (13:21)

Probably Bayern. I would say. Yeah, probably buying.

Gary Lineker (13:24)

Yeah.

Micah Richards (13:24)

Yeah, probably buying. Psg.

Gary Lineker (13:27)

They're very ridiculous.

Micah Richards (13:29)

No, they're ridiculous. All the players are unbelievable. I know we're going to come into them in a little bit, but I don't really see a weakness. And I know as pundits, we always use the word unbelievable, don't we? It's like a safety word or someone's unbelievable, but they are actually unbelievable. Unbelievable team. Unbelievable coach. The style of football's amazing. And, yeah, it's going to be a great final for sure.

Gary Lineker (13:55)

Yeah. It wasn't that different again. It's just the finishing wasn't quite as. As explosive as the first. Apparently more shots in this game. Yeah. Than there were last week, which I was a little bit surprised about. But I mean, again, that front three, they're so. I mean, Kravitzkeli. I mean, oh, my goodness. Well, on the other, you just go through.

Alan Shearer (14:17)

If you go through that team, by the way, Mike is right. I totally agree with you, Micah. There isn't a weakness. I mean, even. Even Hakeem is not in the side tonight.

Gary Lineker (14:25)

Yeah.

Alan Shearer (14:25)

And then you still go right through it. There's not in every single position. I thought they were outstanding. I mean, we've spoken so much about their forward players and rightly so over the last sort of seven days and then they get the goal straight and it was a brilliant. It was a brilliant goal after three minutes.

Gary Lineker (14:43)

But I.

Micah Richards (14:43)

The.

Alan Shearer (14:43)

The most impressive thing for me tonight was how they defended.

Micah Richards (14:47)

Yeah, they were.

Alan Shearer (14:48)

I mean, Marquinhos, goodness, mean Pasha, just, just brilliant midfielders. So great on the ball forwards, brilliant running with the ball. Just. Yeah, they're outstanding.

Micah Richards (15:00)

Yeah, I think not only that as well, you know, I always like to look at the tactics of the game. So if you see when PSG scored the goal, Bayern tried to go man to man. So if you look where Tar's position is on one side, he's gone all the way across and Upa Meccano's sort of gone the other way, like telling Tar to come to come across and sort of plug the gaps and then Uppermukanu goes in and then Tar can't cover round because he's trying to go man for man. But what, what PSG did, if you look at Zai Emre who's a midfielder but he was playing right back because of Hakimi. So when they was on the ball psg, he was going all the way into midfield and then a Bayern player was following him, which gives like PSG overload in certain areas of the pitch. And then they didn't know how to figure it out on the pitch and by the time they sort of grasped it, it was a little bit too late. And for someone to have that tactical nous at such a young age. We talked about Xia Emery before and thier he's talked about him when he came on on the pod. He's a midfield player, but to have that because he's played left back, he's played right back for PSG this season. But to be able to see it play out in such a big game, I just think tactically Luis Enrique got it spot on.

Gary Lineker (16:27)

He's so good. And always the danger when you do go man to man on a team is if a player beats the person that's marking them, what happens then? That is always the problem. Let's discuss that game in a little bit more detail and what we think will happen possibly in the final after this break. This episode is brought to you by Duluth Trading Company. Whether it's the 19th inning, the 12th quarter or the fifth and a half shift, overtime isn't going anywhere. Which is why Duluth builds hard working gear for Folks who work their butts off their work shirts are built for function and comfort, giving a big foam middle finger to all that's futile. And the new ultra tough no quit utility shirt is equipped with cooling and wicking tech to keep you comfortable. Give no quits shop at a Duluth store near you or@duluth trading.com Dirt sweat,

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Gary Lineker (17:52)

Welcome back to the Rest Is Football with Michael Richards, Alan Shear and me, Gary Lineker. I want to talk about PSG's goal. I mean that 12 on the half line, the touch from Kravitz Scully and then the 12 and then he went. I mean that was, that was a piece of absolutely exquisite football.

Alan Shearer (18:09)

So early on in the game as well. I mean just the pass and the movement, the weight of pass the ball across and the finish was just like poetry. It was poetry in motion.

Micah Richards (18:18)

But don't you think, guys, you know, looking at it, when we watch wingers now, everyone wants to come to the ball and not so did you see Kabashki's movement? He failed to come to the ball and he just goes in behind. A simple movement. Surely, surely wingers can do that more often. Yes, you don't have all the space all the time. Sometimes in the Premier League we've seen a lot of low blocks, we know that. But just that simple movement and then having the quality just to put it on his plate for his mate Dembele, it was just, it was, it was brilliant. Kravoskhelli is my favorite winger in European football by far. And I believe if he was called Kravashkelia Dinho, he'd be worth 300 million. That's how good he is. They call him Caradonna, don't they?

Gary Lineker (19:09)

You can. I mean he's, he's just a joyous footballer. I mean, it's such a shame he's not playing in the World cup because Georgia didn't qualify. Do you think we could perhaps borrow him? Just take. Come on, just for a month. We want the best players in the World Cup. We'll give him a game. I think he'd get in our team.

Alan Shearer (19:30)

What a player.

Gary Lineker (19:31)

Just about. But yeah, I think over the two legs, I think PSG probably edged it.

Alan Shearer (19:35)

Yeah.

Gary Lineker (19:36)

I mean, Bayern had their, you know, efforts tonight. They didn't have like sitter. I mean Harry one fell to him and he finished it with, you know, in true Kane style.

Alan Shearer (19:45)

But I thought the decisions went against them a little bit by Munich. Yeah, yeah.

Gary Lineker (19:50)

I wanted to last.

Alan Shearer (19:51)

Last, last week, obviously with a penalty this week with certain handballs, I mean. Yeah, we even get onto the handball law again. It's just not fit for purpose. It's ridiculous.

Gary Lineker (20:01)

There was a twist in this. This law obviously had his arm out and he hit his arm and he. But yes, I mean, I think we all agree for a start that that sort of thing should not be a penalty. The ball's blasted at you and it hits you on the arm. But you would have thought under the guidelines that that should have been a penalty. Alas, no. The referee waved away the buying protests with the video assistant referee also not intervening. And a lot of social media was left wondering why. Spotkit. But according to the laws of the game, it's not a handball if it hits you on the hand or the arm by the ball, which has been played by a teammate, unless the ball goes directly into the opponent's goal or the player scores immediately afterwards, in which case a direct free kick is awarded to the team. So there you go. It covers when the ball is unexpectedly hit at you by a teammate, even if your arm is away from your body. So therefore it's not a penalty because that was definitely the case in this one. But what happens if, like this, if it gets deflected by someone before that? I mean, I don't. They've got. They seem to have everything sort of covered. Do you know what. Do you remember the old handball law?

Alan Shearer (21:14)

Yeah.

Gary Lineker (21:15)

Sometimes you'd argue about decisions but you sort of knew really when a penalty would. Was right, when a penalty was wrong. But I don't think that's the case now. But by the letter of the law, of this particular law, that I have to admit, I mean, I know, I've known. I know the laws of the game. I've, I've. I studied them a lot, but I didn't realize that one. I didn't. I wasn't aware of that one, to be honest. Must be clause 17F or something.

Alan Shearer (21:43)

Doesn't feel right. It doesn't. I'm just.

Micah Richards (21:45)

No, it doesn't, does it? It doesn't feel right. We don't want it seem given for that. But it looked fishy, didn't it? You know it did.

Gary Lineker (21:55)

But if that's the law, it's not fishy.

Micah Richards (21:58)

Okay, read it one more time, guys, because I want to try and.

Gary Lineker (22:02)

According to the laws of the game, it is not a hand ball if it hits the hand or the arm. The ball that is, which has been played by a teammate, unless the ball goes directly into the opponent's goal or the player scores immediately afterwards. It's fairly plain.

Micah Richards (22:20)

It doesn't seem. It doesn't seem right to me. So if we're playing and you're playing at the back and you. And I've got my hand. I've got my hands everywhere. It can hit my. It can hit my hand. That it's not. I don't. I don't get it. I don't get it.

Alan Shearer (22:32)

The handball was just. It's not. It's not fit for purpose. And the handball law in any. I don't like that one last night. I don't like what they're doing or what they've done with the handball law. And I guess buying will feel harshly done by. And also with a new Nor Mendez thing as well. When he handled it because he was already on a yellow card and he could have got another yellow card, which they said it hit Lima's hand.

Micah Richards (22:54)

It looked like it did. Yeah.

Gary Lineker (22:56)

I think it did. Well, I don't know, but I think, think. Well, Var can't intervene because it's yellow, not it's a second yellow. But I'm not so sure it was. It was clear that he did. I think Vincent Co. He. He said after the game that he thought he saw the referee go for the yellow card, then realized who it was. The fact that it would be a second yellow and didn't. It wouldn't send him off because of that, which only the referee knows if that's true.

Alan Shearer (23:22)

Yeah. I only said it because I just felt one or two of the decisions that Bayern will think went against them. But I do agree that PSG were probably best team over the two legs.

Gary Lineker (23:31)

27 years ago, Lis Enrique and Mikel Arteta were both together at Barcelona as players. Now they're facing each other in a Champions League final.

Alan Shearer (23:41)

Brilliant. Outstanding.

Gary Lineker (23:42)

Yeah, I think it'll be a. A fascinating game. Who do you fancy? I mean, PSG have to be the favorites.

Alan Shearer (23:49)

They will be the favorites. Yeah.

Gary Lineker (23:51)

But Arsenal are tough nut to crack.

Alan Shearer (23:55)

I. I agree with that. If there's one team that could on a one off game, if there's one team that could sort of dog it out and make it really tough for them, then I would say that as Arsenal. But they're gonna have to be at their very, very best to stop this PSG team because their experience, their know how and just the ability that they've got in the team that they'll be the favorites.

Gary Lineker (24:15)

Yeah, they saw off Bayern Munich. I think we should have a word on Vincent Kompany. I think he's been really brave with the way he's played football. They had a real go. They really did have a go. I thought they, you know, they huffed and puffed, they didn't quite create anything clear, but they had lots of kind of efforts from around the edge of the box. But I think, you know, he should. Should be proud of his team. I thought he looked a bit like a security guard tonight. But that aside, with his outfit. But that aside. No, I mean, he's still. I think he's done. He's done a great job at Bayern Munich and it's proved to be a brilliant bit of recruitment by the German club.

Micah Richards (24:52)

Yeah, it really has. And I was actually reading a little bit up on about Vincent Kompany and apparently he wasn't the first choice, second choice or potentially even the third choice, but they took the gamble on him after, obviously, Burnley got relegated, but in terms of what he can provide, the football he plays, his knowledge of the game, I think it's an absolute perfect fit. I'm just gutted he didn't reach the final. I would have loved to see him in the final. Bayern Arsenal would have been great, but wasn't meant to be. He said in an interview afterwards as well he was. He keeps going, keeps going.

Gary Lineker (25:29)

Well, of course, he's had it. He still had a great season.

Micah Richards (25:31)

Yeah, it's still a great season.

Gary Lineker (25:33)

Yeah, it's not bad at all. Who wins it al

Alan Shearer (25:38)

psg. I think just because of. They've. They've. They know what they're going into and I don't see this much pressure on them. And maybe Arsenal and just because of the ability they've got in every single position and. And Lewis, Enrique, he's. He's done it so. Only because of that reason. But I do think it. I'm not sure it'll be a great final, but I think they'll have enough ability to get through.

Gary Lineker (26:00)

I don't know. There's a lot of good players on that.

Alan Shearer (26:02)

I know. Yeah.

Gary Lineker (26:03)

Finals are often dogged affairs and that's. I've just got this sneaky feeling Arsenal are going to do this double.

Alan Shearer (26:09)

Yeah, maybe I just have.

Gary Lineker (26:10)

I don't know. You know, I think PSG have to be favorites going into the game. You probably say 60, 40 in their favor, something like that.

Alan Shearer (26:18)

But I've just.

Gary Lineker (26:19)

I don't know, I've just got a feeling. My feelings are usually wrong, by the way. In fact, at my age, I'm just glad to have any feeling, especially after a few glasses of wine that I've had tonight.

Micah Richards (26:31)

But anyway, there we go, big mix.

Alan Shearer (26:33)

Who do you think?

Micah Richards (26:34)

Who do I think?

Gary Lineker (26:35)

Come on, Mr. Creosote. The Oracle. He knows he's the oracle.

Micah Richards (26:40)

You know, it's. It's a good. It's a good question. If you, If. If you analyze the whole season, Arsenal have got a better chance than people give them credit for. So they won the League phase, didn't they? And they were the best team.

Gary Lineker (26:54)

They won every game.

Micah Richards (26:56)

You can't just put it down. I think. I think if Arsenal score first, the winner, but I think PSG have more ways of playing, so they can play defensive and they could play. Could match you. So on that basis, I would say PSG win. But if Arsenal score the first goal, then they can lock it up. So whoever scores the first goal wins.

Gary Lineker (27:21)

Oh, here he goes. Basically, yeah. It could be anything then.

Micah Richards (27:27)

Yeah, yeah, But I mean, we don't know.

Gary Lineker (27:30)

The truth is, we don't know. But psg, I think, have to be favorites. They've come into form at the right time. They haven't played anywhere near as much footballers as Arsenal, which will be in their favor. But in a one off, in a one off final, you never, Never. No. And on that note, I think we'll call it a day here.

Micah Richards (27:49)

You know what? No, I'm not going. No, I'm not going on. PSG are better individual players, so they have to be favorites. So if you're doing it by stats, then you have to say, psg, you're gonna win. Yes.

Gary Lineker (28:02)

Oh, he's come off the fence.

Alan Shearer (28:03)

All right.

Gary Lineker (28:04)

Thank you very much. Lovely way to finish. Goodbye from me.

Micah Richards (28:07)

Goodbye for me.

Alan Shearer (28:08)

Goodbye for me.