Arsenal’s Historic Form, Liverpool’s Crisis & Max Dowman Shines Again

Summary

The Rest Is Football – Episode Summary

Episode Title: Arsenal’s Historic Form, Liverpool’s Crisis & Max Dowman Shines Again
Hosts: Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards
Release Date: October 31, 2025

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Overview

In this episode, Gary, Alan, and Micah review a dramatic week in the Carabao Cup, discussing everything from Newcastle’s victory over Spurs and Liverpool’s controversial squad rotation to Arsenal’s historic defensive form and the emergence of 15-year-old Max Dowman. Their frank opinions, trademark banter, and unique insights keep the conversation lively throughout.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Newcastle’s Carabao Cup Progress and Squad Rotation

[02:45 - 06:43]

• Alan attended Newcastle’s win over Spurs and praised the team’s depth:
  • “Not as much as other teams as did. But I thought yes spurs did all right...Newcastle were the better team, had the better chances.” [03:34]
• Squad rotation: Newcastle and Spurs made several changes but still fielded strong teams, showing their intent to progress.
• Atmosphere: The crowd was energetic, and Alan highlighted how much the fans and players want success in the competition.
• Player Praise:
  • Micah pushes for credit for Alexander Isak (Alpha Volta Mada), to which Alan responds:
    • “He’s done really well. He’s definitely not a number nine but...another really good header last night...he’s had a brilliant start to his career at Newcastle really has.” [04:43-05:23]
• Newcastle’s Turnaround:
  • Alan acknowledges an upturn in form after a rocky start:
    • “I think it’s starting to come together after a bit of a tough start and a bit of a tough pre-season...there are signs it’s just starting to happen for Newcastle now.” [05:33]
• Upcoming Fixtures: Next up are important league and European matches.

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2. Liverpool’s Rotational Gamble: Crisis or Caution?

[06:43 - 14:01]

• Liverpool rested a large number of key players and lost to Crystal Palace.
• Gary’s Critique:
  • “I wouldn’t say thrown the game but...the games coming up, obviously they’ve got Villa at the weekend and then they’ve got Real Madrid and I think that’s taken priority.” [06:43]
• Micah’s Perspective:
  • “I actually think it was the right decision...the fact that the League Cup compared to the Premier League and the Champions League, it’s not as big if we’re all being honest.” [07:38]
• Alan’s Concern:
  • “I think it’s a massive gamble and you’ll only find out it’s the right decision if they win on Saturday night against Villa.” [09:16]
  • If they lose to Villa and Real Madrid, “then it’s been a shocking decision because he’s left them out.” [12:00]
• Injuries Influencing Selection: Micah points to mounting injuries and fixture congestion.
• Stat Watch:
  • Gary: “Liverpool ... have lost six games since September 27th – more than any other side in Europe’s top five leagues.” [10:59]
• Sympathy or Not?: Alan has little sympathy considering Liverpool’s summer spending:
  • “He’s not going to get any sympathy after spending...£450 million in the summer, is he?” [12:59]
• Crystal Palace’s Credit:
  • Alan: “We can’t make this all about Liverpool...have to also see how great Crystal Palace were and what a job he’s doing there.” [13:00]

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3. Crystal Palace’s Performance and Jeremy Pino

[14:00 – 15:07]

• Skillful Play:
  • Alan describes Palace’s goals: “What about two good finishes?...the way they passed it through and the ability and skill and then to finish it off. Brilliant. Some talented players in that team.” [14:19]
• Jeremy Pino Praised:
  • Micah: “Since he’s come in...he’s really good on the ball, can see a pass, find space.” [14:37]

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4. Multi-View, VAR, and an Unusual Corner Kick

[03:10 & 15:32 – 16:36]

• Technological Advances:
  • Micah enjoyed the new multi-view feature for watching multiple matches.
• Jed Spence Incident:
  • Alan describes a corner kick scored while Spurs’ Spence was still tying his boots:
    • “Newcastle took the corner and scored from the corner, and all the Spurs fans were going mad.” [15:53]
  • Gary: “I think you’ve got to get on with it ... get your position first.” [16:28]

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5. Manchester City’s Squad Depth and Bounce Back

[16:46 – 18:16]

• City Goes Behind Early but Recovers:
  • Gary: “Manchester City went a goal behind...but they came back as you expected.”
  • Micah describes City’s response, highlighting individual performances (Mamush, Ryan Cherki, Doku).
• Swansea’s Star Goal:
  • Micah: “The Swansea goal bent it right into the top corner...it was really good.” [17:48]
• City “Not Firing on All Cylinders”:
  • Consistent with their season, but squad depth keeps them competitive.

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6. Arsenal’s Historic Form and Max Dowman’s Emergence

[19:56 – 26:29]

• Historic Record:
  • Gary: “Arsenal became the first English side in top flight history to win six games in a month without conceding a goal. Top flight history. I’m so, I’m shocked at that.” [20:53]
• Squad Depth:
  • Micah cites the changed but strong defense: “That is a second choice back four. It’s ridiculous.” [21:03]
• Set Piece “Narrative”:
  • Micah rails against fans/media branding Arsenal “Set Piece FC”:
    • “Can we get rid of this narrative of set piece fc?...I’m like what’s that got to do with anything?” [21:53]
• Max Dowman Reaction:
  • Gary: “Max Downman, I mean he had the most dribbles, completed the most fouls, won and the most jewels won at 15 years old.” [22:04]
  • Alan: “It’s incredible to go out and play on that stage...he belongs there. It’s mad.” [22:28]
  • Humorous banter: “What was you guys doing at 15?”
    • Gary: “Me, I hadn’t reached puberty. I used to hide in the showers, man.” [22:38]
• Arteta’s Quote:
  • Gary reads Arteta’s glowing praise:
    • “Max Dauman is a gem. If I’m not going to play him, that means I’m blind. When you look at Max Downman in training, you have to play him if you are not blind...he’s just different.” [23:16]
• High Expectations, Caution Advised:
  • Alan: “You can’t not talk about him, Gaz.” [24:11]
• Handling Young Talent:
  • Micah’s concern: “To keep developing, he needs to play. That would be my only worry.” [25:54]

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7. Chelsea’s Wild Win, Wolves’ Plight, and Coaching Challenges

[26:29 – 29:51]

• Chelsea vs. Wolves:
  • Alan on Wolves’ play:
    • “I’m thinking, you’re 2 nil down, you’re playing out from the back and you’re getting caught on the ball and it’s like, what are you doing?” [26:48]
  • Chelsea’s Gittens scores a beauty: “How good was that, eh?”
• Wolves’ Managerial Situation:
  • Gary: “He did a really, really good job and then...they sell their best two players...what do they actually expect?”
  • Both Micah and Alan express sympathy for Wolves’ coach, Pereira, hindered by lack of resources.

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8. Quarterfinal Draw Reactions

[30:09 – 31:51]

• Alan: “So what a few days it’s been for Brentford by the way...looking promising there. Tough quarter final draw for them though.”
• Draw:
  • Newcastle host Fulham, Man City face Brentford, Arsenal vs. Palace, Cardiff vs. Chelsea.
• Who Wins?:
  • Micah: “In a one-off game, I think Man City could beat anyone.” [31:45]
  • Alan and Gary tease Micah about his affections for Newcastle, Arsenal, and Man City.

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9. Fantasy Football Shenanigans

[31:51 – 34:43]

• Prize Controversy:
  • Gary: New rules will give more people a shot at winning monthly fantasy football prizes.
• AI and Cheating?:
  • Micah: “There’s a lot of websites out there using AI technology...it basically predicts the points that you’re gonna get and it suggests transfers. I think to make it fair, everyone...shouldn’t be going on them websites.” [33:19]
• Gary and Alan joke about everyone using these sites:
  • Alan: “You haven’t got that address for the website, have you? Please.” [34:34]
• Next month’s prize is a Marcus Rashford signed shirt.

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Memorable Quotes & Highlights

• Alan Shearer on young stars:
  • “It’s incredible to go out and play on that stage and just look, just look right and just look as if he’s...He belongs there. It’s mad.” — on Max Dowman [22:28]
• Gary Lineker on Arsenal’s defense:
  • “Arsenal actually became the first English side in top flight history to win six games in a month without conceding a goal.” [20:53]
• Arteta on Max Dowman (via Gary):
  • “Max Dauman is a gem. If I’m not going to play him, that means I’m blind...He’s just different.” [23:16]
• Micah on set piece criticism:
  • “Can we get rid of this narrative of set piece fc?...what’s that got to do with anything?” [21:53]
• Banter about puberty:
  • “I hadn’t reached puberty. I used to hide in the showers, man.” — Gary [22:38]
• Micah on Fantasy Football “cheating”:
  • “All the best players in the world on fantasy football are using some sort of AI tool.” [34:15]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:45 — Newcastle’s Carabao Cup win; Alan’s impressions
• 06:43 — Liverpool’s heavy squad rotation and defeat
• 10:59 — Liverpool’s bad form: “lost six games since Sept 27”
• 12:59 — Alan: “He’s not going to get sympathy after £450M spend”
• 14:19 — Crystal Palace skill and Jeremy Pino
• 15:32 — Spurs’ strange corner incident
• 16:46 — Manchester City’s comeback and squad depth
• 19:56 — Arsenal’s record streak and squad rotation
• 22:04 — Max Dowman performance
• 23:16 — Arteta on Dowman
• 26:29 — Chelsea-Wolves, management struggles
• 30:09 — Carabao Cup draw reactions
• 31:51 — Fantasy Football, AI debate
• 34:43 — Ending, next episode teaser

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Final Thoughts

This episode captures everything that’s made The Rest Is Football a favorite for fans: incisive match analysis, inside jokes, strong opinions, and genuine football insight across the Premier League and beyond. From the rise of next-generation talents to debates on the cost of squad rotation and the ethics of AI in fantasy leagues, the conversation blends humor and expertise, making it both informative and entertaining.

End of Episode Summary

Transcript

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Hello and welcome to the Rest Is Football with Micah Richards, Alan Shearer and me, Gary Liner. We're going to look back on a very interesting week in the Carabao cup. And. Well actually you were at the game weren't you? You watched Newcastle Castle's victory against Spurs. Alan Micah. You probably were watching at home. Like me watching a variety of games.

[Micah Richards]

Multi view.

[Gary Lineker]

Yes. We did the same thing. The new multi view thing works really well.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

I thought it was really good actually.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

So you can actually watch. I think it was about four matches at once. Because they didn't have on the ones that were their main priority on the televised thing. So I enjoyed doing it. Watching it that way. Especially when there were so many interesting games. How was it? St. James's defending title?

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah. Very good. I thought the best team won. I was impressed with Newcastle. They changed it around a bit. Not as much as other teams as did. As did Tottenham. But they made four or five changes I think which was always going to be the case. But I thought yes spurs did all right. They made it difficult at times. But I did think Newcastle were the. With a better team had the better chances. Ramsdale had to make two very good saves in the second half to keep Newcastle in it. But it was a good atmosphere. They brought. They brought a lot of fans. They filled the top area. Tottenham. So it was a really good atmosphere. But you can tell again that Newcastle want this trophy. And he rotated the squad and did a really good job on the players that came in. And players that are on the fringe and not playing as much. Thought they did really really well. So it was good to be there. And it was a good atmosphere. And they got a great draw as well Newcastle. Haven't they?

[Micah Richards]

It was a draw.

[Gary Lineker]

They got a home draw at Fulham. I mean. Are you being a little bit disrespectful to Fulham there Alan? I could come back to bite you in the ar.

[Alan Shearer]

Might do. But you. You can't ask for any more than a home draw. And they've. And they've got that.

[Micah Richards]

Can I have some credit please? Alpha Volta Mada when you wasn't sure you wasn't really know about it. He's a good player, isn't he?

[Alan Shearer]

He's done really well. He's definitely not a number nine but Because a lot of his. A lot of his good game. And it is good is that he's coming towards the ball. But Newcastle have to get players beyond him. They have to get runners beyond him. Whether that's the two wingers or whether that's a midfielders.

And. And that will bring the best out of him and obviously you have to put crosses into the box because he's 6 foot 6 whatever he is. So he needs. He needs balls into the box. And another. Another really good header last night. Brief keeper made a bit of a hash of it. But he gets his goal. He won't be bothered about that. So he's. Yeah he's had a. He's had a brilliant start to his career. Newcastle really has.

[Micah Richards]

Just one more question from me. I'll wear a Newcastle because I know you was a little bit disappointed at the start. And it looks like they've turned it around. Is that fair to say?

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, I guess so. I think they had it. It was a big result for them at the weekend. Scoring the last couple of minutes at at home. They need to carry that on now they got West Ham this weekend. That's what they need to to do. I mean they've got West Ham Sunday and then they've got athletic bill bow I think on Wednesday. So two big games. But they need to get keep their league form going and start and climb the table. But I think it's starting to come together after. After a bit of a tough start and a bit of a tough pre season for. For Newcastle for obvious reasons. And it was always gonna. And I asked Eddie that the weekend didn't I Football Focus when I interviewed him that did he expect such a. A bit of a difficult rocky start. And I think because of what everything that's gone on then the answer to that was yes. But there are signs it's just starting to happen for Newcastle now.

[Gary Lineker]

He's got to sort their away format a little bit haven't they?

[Alan Shearer]

It's only. I think it's fall four goal scorers in the league which that needs to to improve. But yeah I think yeah positive signs I would be would be reasonably confident going into this weekend's game at West Ham that they can. They can go then and and do something. Hopefully get the three points. But it's looking decent for Newcastle. Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. Both Newcastle and Spurs left out a few players as most teams did but by and large still played really strong team. Liverpool by contrast left an awful lot of players out. Now this was I think a bit of a G Campbell from Slot. I think he's almost. I wouldn't say thrown the game but I think he's in the bigger picture. He's decided that the Carabao cup wasn't important. That the game's coming up. Obviously they've got Villa at the weekend and then they've got real Madrid and I think that's taken priority. But when you're in a bit of a losing run, is that a good call? And I think even, even the teams that did make a few changes, they still had strong players on the bench that they could bring on. If you looked at Liverpool's bench last night, I think most people would struggle to recognize most if not all of the players that were on the bench.

[Micah Richards]

In fairness though, with Liverpool, I remember in previous seasons they've always used their youngsters certainly at this stage of the cup. So in answer to your question, maybe for a little bit of confidence you could have put a couple of bigger names on there. But I actually think it was the right decision, really, I really do. And I know they've been through a difficult time, but the fact that the league cup compared to the Premier League and the Champions League, it's not as big if we're all being honest about the situation. And I think you're alluding to more of the confidence in the camp and having another loss and then the pressure and then the fans piling in.

At this moment. At the moment. At the moment.

[Gary Lineker]

Very good.

[Micah Richards]

At the moment, Liverpool are just searching and expectation levels are massive because of last season. They've brought in some new players. The new players haven't performed at the level. It's as simple as that we've talked about. Liverpool will try to give them all the excuses that they want and things take time.

[Gary Lineker]

But.

[Micah Richards]

But top players are bought for 100 plus because they're not supposed to take time. That, that is the thing with Liverpool. And I just think for a manager, he's got to pick and choose the right moments for the players to get the wins and losses. And yesterday wasn't the biggest competition. So I totally understood why he did it.

[Alan Shearer]

I think it's a massive gamble and you'll only find out with the right decision if they win on Saturday night against Villa because clearly that's his priority. And Real Madrid and then I think it's City the following weekend, isn't it City away to put all those youngsters out. I know they still had some experience in there, but to put them there and against that very, very good, talented Crystal palace side. I don't know. I sort of get why managers do it and no one says anything if they go out and they win the game. But when you are beaten and you're beaten as easy as like that, when you're a massive club like Liverpool and they're going through what they are, we will only find out if it's the right decision, if they beat Villa, if they don't beat Villa, then the pressure will mount massively on him because.

[Micah Richards]

Counteract that though, don't you think? Esac's been struggling with his groin. McAllister's not being up to full fitness which is probably why he played Graven Birch has been carrying something. Frimpong got a hamstring injury early doors. The goalkeeper Alison's been out without to change with Mama Dashvili. I just think you can look at two ways and I think you have a valid point and a good argument. But in, in the, in the grand scheme of things, in the, the bigger picture, if you could keep your first team players fair and give them a little bit of the rest, now would be the time to do that.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, but then you need, you need a result. You're in a. You're correct.

[Micah Richards]

Correct.

[Alan Shearer]

I don't think the word crisis is the right word but they're in it. They're in a sticky situation.

[Gary Lineker]

Liverpool, if you look at the statistics, Al, that's. They've lost six games since September 27th which than any other side in Europe's top five leagues and they've also conceded in all of their last 10 games. So you're right, it's, it is a sticky moment. He's had to make a call and he's made, he's made that call that.

[Alan Shearer]

He got it wrong, didn't he?

[Gary Lineker]

Well, they've got it wrong in terms of the Carabao cup. But maybe he's thinking, you know, there's a lot of games to be played this season. There's a lot of time to go. There's a lot of Champions League matches extra nowadays of course than they used to be because of the, the new league.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, but you get done on a dodgy decision or last minute goal and you think, okay, when you're getting done three nil and battered anfield, then the, then, then that adds more pressure. What he, what they didn't want last night was that what exactly what happened going in against a really good Palisade who batted them in front of their own fans. Palace fans are singing can we play you every week. That's when it turns out into an awful decision. But the bigger picture is he's left them out because he needs them ready for Saturday night and he needs them ready for Tuesday evening against Real Madrid. Villa and Real Madrid, if, if they lose those two, then it's been a shocking decision because he's left them out because they need a Rest and they need to try and get a bit of confidence in preparation for those games. So basically they have to get and they have to win on Saturday evening for it to be the right decision.

[Micah Richards]

Can I just ask you out. Are you talk from your opinion as a fan, a pundit, ex player. Would you have a difference of opinion if you were still in management or you just think if you was in management at Liverpool you would have just played your. I wouldn't say your best team but more first team players because it's interesting to know what your opinion or how managers think differently to us watching a game on the side.

[Alan Shearer]

Well he's never going to get any sympathy from anyone in terms of seeing that the squad debt when he's. Because he said about Manchester City afterwards that they made 10 changes I think or nine changes from the weekend but you could see in their squad was much better than the one that Liverpool put out last night. But he's not going to get any sympathy after spending I don't know 450 million in the summer, is he? So I'm seeing it, I'm seeing it from a, from a. From everything from the bigger picture I guess is that all teams make changes but when you, you have to also be conscious that fans are paying really good money to go and see your team get a result. You know, not to see a lot of kids go out there and get battered by a very good Crystal palace team and you. We can't, we can't make this about Liverpool. We have to also see how great Crystal palace were and what a job he's doing there because they've got some, as we've said so many times, some very, very good players and that was a great performance. Don't forget they're in Europe as well, you know.

[Gary Lineker]

Absolutely.

[Alan Shearer]

Crystal Palace.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. And they had a poor result obviously in Europe a week or so ago which was a surprise. But they've got time to turn that around. So let's, let's have a word on palace because that's a great victory. Whoever you're playing if it's at Liverpool is Melissa as well.

[Alan Shearer]

What a good. What about two good finishes? The one way flicked it around the corner and then. And then got it back and then bent it in. What a goal. Incredible the way they passed it through and the ability and skill and then to finish it off. Brilliant. Some talented players in that team getting.

[Micah Richards]

Rid of Eze and then bringing in Pino, Jeremy Pino. What a player he's been since he's coming to the Side. He's obviously, I'd say slightly different to sa, but plays in that role where he's. He's really good on the ball. Can see a pass, find space. I would say Eze was more of a dribbler at the start, especially when he was at qpr. I thought he's adapted his game a little bit. But Pino is just fit straight in.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. Not the only Pinot I enjoyed last night. I had a nice bottle.

[Micah Richards]

I didn't enjoy Pinot because I'm off the alcohol.

[Gary Lineker]

Pinot Noir. Yeah. It was nice while we watched the football.

[Alan Shearer]

Nice. Very nice.

[Micah Richards]

Did he cook gas or. No.

[Gary Lineker]

I actually went out for an early dinner last night. Got back in time for the football. So. Yeah. Went to a place called Reaver in Barnes Market.

[Alan Shearer]

Guys, can I just. Going back on the Newcastle game. Did you. Did you see the incident where. I think it was Jed Spence for the corner. He went down to fasten his boots.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

Fasten his laces. But then there was a. As Thomas. Thomas. Frank's interview afterwards suggested that he wasn't happy with the referee at all for allowing the corner kick to be taken. Did you see it, Micah?

[Micah Richards]

No, I didn't see.

[Alan Shearer]

So the ball went out for a corner. Newcastle's corner and Jed Spence's. There was a. Some sort of tackle and his. I think his laces became undone and he had to take his boot off to put. And he had to put it back on. And he took nearly a minute to do that. And just as he got it on and was running back into the box to pick up whoever or get his position. Newcastle took the corner and scored from the corner. And all the spurs fans were going mad saying the referee should have waited a lot longer for him to get back in. Did you see it, guys?

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, I saw it.

[Alan Shearer]

But no, I mean, I'm not.

[Gary Lineker]

I think you've got to get on with it and get.

[Alan Shearer]

Get you get your position and if you have to. If you have to put your boot on a minute later, then do it. But get your position first.

[Gary Lineker]

Have you noticed, Mike, how he magnificently got it back to Newcastle?

Absolutely. Manchester City went a goal behind which was. It was a cracking goal that was scored. But they came back as. As you expected. They did. And. And it is true that when. You know, when pep kind of juggles. They have got a big squad, haven't they? Where they've. You know, you look at the team and you go, oh, there's a lot of talent still right throughout.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, there is. Swansea could have Made it two. Yes, with a shot just past the post. But then I think Man City dominated without scoring at that time. And then once they scored a couple, it was nice to see Mamush back made a goal, Ryan Shirky back from injury and Doku. Doku's goal was a slight deflection.

[Gary Lineker]

A slight deflection.

[Micah Richards]

Well, I mean, a deflection there. It was a deflection.

But yeah, their goal was amazing, wasn't it? Did you see the goal?

[Alan Shearer]

Baptista Franco saw the Man City goals. Yeah, obviously I was at the game. I saw the Man City goals.

[Micah Richards]

It was amazing. The Swansea goal bent it right into the top corner. It was just effortless. It was really good go. But for Man City. Yeah, still not firing on all cylinders, but just doing what they need to do. That result against Villa last week was. Was really frustrating because it didn't create a great deal. But yeah, back to normal service.

[Gary Lineker]

Okay, let's. Let's take a break there and come back with a few of the other fixtures in a moment.

[Alan Shearer]

Close your eyes, exhale, feel your body.

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[Gary Lineker]

Welcome back to the Rest Is Football with Alan Shearer, Michael Richardson, me, Garrett Lineker discussing The Carabao cup ties that we've had this week amongst those. Well, Arsenal continue to impressed and he rotated a reasonable amount. But it also shows you the strength in depth that Arsenal now have. They won. Well I thought Brighton gave a good fist of themselves particularly in the first half. Had chances. Kepa came into play, didn't he? And made one or two really good saves. But. But they've won again. Another clean sheet.

[Alan Shearer]

Just going to say that. Yeah. And again a clean sheet or not yet. I saw the Brighton couple of chances that they went through one on one and missed it. But yeah, they keep on going Arsenal and they're looking incredibly strong. And you're right with the squad that they've got. They've got a really good squad now with the players that they've brought in. And the youngsters got some downwind started last night, didn't he as well and impressed.

[Gary Lineker]

15. It's not 16 yet. It's incredible.

[Alan Shearer]

Brilliant, isn't it?

[Gary Lineker]

Arsenal actually became the first English side in top flight history to win six games in a month without conceding a goal. Top flight history. I'm so, I'm shocked at that.

[Micah Richards]

But do you know the change the whole of the back four as well. This, look at this for a. A second string defense. Ben White. Masa. Is that how I pronounced it? Masa? H. I think it is H. And L. Skelly. That is a second choice back four. It's ridiculous. That is ridiculous. And Arsenal now they're really cooking the. Cooking on. On. On something. But can we, can we get rid of this narrative of set piece fc? Set pieces were always used in a great light before a broadcaster poor the table up. If Arsenal didn't score from set pieces and there wasn't. I'm like what's that got to do with anything?

[Alan Shearer]

It's a new world, Micah. It's content, I think. I think that's what it's called.

[Micah Richards]

It's ridiculous. It's ridiculous.

[Gary Lineker]

Content. Spoke with a.

[Micah Richards]

Uh.

[Gary Lineker]

What about. I mean we mentioned him briefly but Max Downman, I mean he had the most dribbles, completed the most fouls, won and the most jewels won at 15 years old.

[Alan Shearer]

Incredible.

[Gary Lineker]

My goodness me.

[Alan Shearer]

He's got, he's got to obviously get the balance right in terms of using him and playing him, looking to protect him and look after him. But bloody hell man. 15. I mean it's not, it's like wow.

[Gary Lineker]

15.

[Alan Shearer]

It's incredible to go out and play on that stage and just look, just look right and just look as if he's. He belongs there. It's mad.

[Micah Richards]

What was you guys doing at 15?

[Gary Lineker]

Me, I hadn't reached puberty. I used to hide in the showers, man. Honestly, I was a little boy in all, in all ways.

Honestly, 15.

[Alan Shearer]

His lugs were bigger than his.

[Micah Richards]

Still oral.

[Gary Lineker]

Do you know the one thing that doesn't stop growing are your bloody ears as you look in life. I mean, really.

[Micah Richards]

I mean, really.

Oh, dear.

[Gary Lineker]

You absolute dick. Anyway, let me tell you what Arteta said about him. He said, max Dauman is a gem. If I'm not going to play him, that means I'm blind. When you look at Max Downman in training, you have to play him if you are not blind or I am blind. I know if you look at a passport, he's 15. He's just different. The feeling that I have is that genuinely Max loves it here. He's huge Arsenal supporter and his family also. Hopefully for many years he will be with us. Arteta added with the scholarship contract signed, but also a pro contract for 2026. Already agreed. Ahead of the future.

[Alan Shearer]

I talent.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, I think people are thinking a generational talent here. Maybe, maybe, maybe England has found one. England has got one special. But you have to be slightly hesitant, not build him too much.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, but you can't not talk about him, Gaz. You have to, you have to say, yeah, you can't.

[Gary Lineker]

It's like Lamina Mal. We talked about him when he was 15 and 16. He was coming into the Barcelona team in similar circumstances, plays in a similar position. If there's something as exciting in terms of talent as Max Dman, then, then let's, let's talk about him because ultimately a lot of how well he does will be how he handles this kind of thing. And he seems to be obviously someone mature beyond his years, but it will be part and parcel of how well he does he have. He'll have to deal with fame at a very early age and which is not easy. But, you know, we've seen it before with, with young talent. You know, someone like Wayne Rooney, remember when he came through, is a little bit older, but I find it quite exciting.

[Micah Richards]

He's special, isn't he? He's special. I think the differences that I see with him is normally you get thrown in at 15, 16 because you are physically developed and he's not, he's technically developed, which would say that he's going to be something special once he's just got a window From, I'd say 16 to 18 to keep developing at the Same rate. And Arteta comes with these quotes, but he has to be playing also because you can't get 30 minutes here and then 90 minutes because other people are developing at a quicker rate than you'd be. Maybe he needs to go out on loan. I know that's maybe too early. I don't think he can go out alone. I know, but he's not going to get the game time.

[Gary Lineker]

If he's that good, he will.

[Micah Richards]

But he plays in a position that Saka plays, so he's. He's not well.

[Gary Lineker]

I've seen him play in other positions.

[Micah Richards]

That he could play number 10 and he could play the other side and all that sort of stuff. But the manager, the way he is, is, I would say, as on the side of being a little bit more defensive than Taki and then allowing the players to come on. But he's not going to play in the head of Saka. But to keep developing, he needs to play. That would be my only worry.

[Gary Lineker]

It's going to be really interesting following his career and how he, How Arteta does deal with him. He's like anything. If you're that good, you find a way.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, exactly.

[Gary Lineker]

He'll find a way to play him, there's no question about that. Wolves Chelsea was quite an encounter. Producer Jon. He's not, he's not. He's not on today, so I think he must be in the. In a state of depression or something. Bless him. They were getting battered, but they did at least show a little bit of spirit and, and, and came back and got themselves back into the game.

[Alan Shearer]

When I saw the goals, I'm thinking you're 2 nil down. You're playing out from the back and you're getting caught on the ball and it's like, what are you doing? I mean, and then I'm hearing the fans singing, you're getting sacked in the morning to the manager and it's like, oh, my goodness. I mean, they were terrible, but they had a bit of a fight back, didn't they? They got one just before half time. A little bit of a fight back. Second half. What about. What about Gittin's goal? The fourth goal for Chelsea?

[Gary Lineker]

Oh, the last one. Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

How good was that, eh?

[Gary Lineker]

Abso. Absolute beauty, wasn't it?

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

Classical.

[Alan Shearer]

You know when you. You gotta sometimes try and help yourselves. And I look at Wolves and the two nil down at home getting booed and they're just like, well, there's some of that play from the back was.

[Gary Lineker]

Like, what are you doing? I Feel a little bit though for, I mean for, for the, for the manager, coach. He came in, didn't he, last season. He did a really, really good job. And then what happens in the summer? They sell their best two players, eight, Nori and Kunya. And they are really, really high class footballers. And I mean, Eitan always had a bit of an injury. He's just come back this season for Manchester City. Kunya's had injuries as well. But he's also played exceptionally on occasion for Manchester United. So if you lose your best two players and then don't really replace them and spend, I mean, what, what do they actually expect? And as usual, who will get the blame? The coach and I, I. It just makes me feel like, what chance have you got? It's such a hard, hard game.

[Micah Richards]

You know more about culture than me. Being in that, in that situation where you want more but you, you can only work with what you've got. And that's the situation Pereira's in at the moment, which is difficult. I remember interviewing him at Man City last season.

[Alan Shearer]

Wolves.

[Micah Richards]

He was at Man City, Wolves were playing Man City. And I believe what he said, that was going for a difficult time, but he turned it around and he said with more time he's going to be a top Premier League manager. But if he's not got the tools to do it, what's he supposed to do? What is he actually supposed to do? And it was a good comeback yesterday. 30 down. To come back and get three goals is big for them. It went 3 2, didn't it? Then it went to 42 and then 4 3, I think it was.

[Alan Shearer]

They had Dap sent off as well, didn't they? Another red card.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah. Dap sent off.

[Alan Shearer]

It's a stupid challenge, wasn't it?

[Micah Richards]

But it is quite impossible for a manager when he's not got the players to do what he wants. Simple as that.

[Alan Shearer]

I don't suspect this Dan Strand Larson thing helped either. You know, when it was touching Newcastle.

[Micah Richards]

You're talking about Liverpool unsettling Isac. You unsettled Strad Larson.

[Alan Shearer]

I never mentioned that at all. You mentioned you brought that up.

[Micah Richards]

It's all right when it works in your favor, isn'?

[Gary Lineker]

Me, as you mentioned there, another red card. I mean two yellows for. For Dap having come back from injury and came on it. What was he doing?

[Alan Shearer]

Second challenge is silly, stupid. When you're on the yellow card and then to go and do that, it's like no manage. No wonder managers get frustrated and get angry with players. Sometimes when, when that happens. Especially when you're on a run like they are. In terms of the red cards.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

And he's just come back as well, hasn't he? From injury.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, elsewhere on Tuesday night, Brentford put five past Wickham Wanderers took Fulham all the way to penalties but missed out. Cardiff won the Battle of Wales after beating Wrexham two goals to one. Story that could have been for Wrexham, but alas, it wasn't. The quarterfinal draw, as you've already mentioned now has been, you think, kind to Newcastle.

[Alan Shearer]

Full of draw.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, I might beg to differ. Man City got a home draw, Micah. Against Brentford. Cardiff. Chelsea. Arsenal. Crystal Palace. Newcastle. Fulham.

[Alan Shearer]

So what a few days it's been for Brentford, by the way. Beat beating Liverpool in the way they did and then just putting five past Grimsby knocked Man United out, didn't they? In the earlier round. So what a week it's been for. For them. It's looking. It's looking promising there. Tough quarter final draw for them though.

[Gary Lineker]

Who are you fancying, Micah? Who's your money on what for the whole thing. Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

He knows he wants to see Newcastle, but he's stopped himself.

[Gary Lineker]

What he's doing here, Alan? He's deciding whether he wants to go for Arsenal or Manchester City. I know exactly what he's thinking.

[Micah Richards]

No, I, I do like Newcastle. I think the, the really explosive. I think you need to score more goals of what you have though. I think that's fair. I don't know if you got the balance quite right there on the wings that is. But he played a lot better.

I like Palace. I, I, I really like Palace a lot.

[Gary Lineker]

Tough draw by Arsenal.

[Micah Richards]

But I think Arsenal beat them.

Man City.

I think it depends on the draw. But I. Yeah, in a one off game, I think Man City could be anyone.

[Gary Lineker]

Okay, before we go, we need to announce the winner of this month's Fantasy Football prize.

[Micah Richards]

And before you go on to that, who's bottom of the fantasy football?

[Alan Shearer]

Who? Is it you, Alan? Oh, is it? My son is useless, by the way. Honestly.

[Gary Lineker]

Oh, he gave me his son.

[Micah Richards]

Now when he wins, it's him. When he loses, it's his son. Oh, you can't make it up.

[Gary Lineker]

Oh, that's harsh. Anyway, we need to announce the Fantasy Football prize now. I think we've cocked up a little bit with this because you'll recall that Dan Hyman had topped the league after Mickey van de Ven's 23 point haul. He's done it again. Dan Hyman. And he's, he's, he's sneaked ahead. Now, he's obviously a very deserved winner, but, but we. The idea is not really to get the same people winning all the time, but he will get his prize. He'll get a signed shirt, a different one. But from here on in, I think the way we're going to do it, we're just going to do it for the actual month itself. So that also gives everyone a chance that, like, not at the top, because obviously if you're at the top, if you run away with it, you win it every single month. And we, we don't want that. But we can't change the rules after we've announced them. But what we can do is we can change them from now. So even if you're near the bottom of the fantasy football league, if you have a really good month, you could still win a prize. Even you, Micah.

[Micah Richards]

Guys, Just a quick one, though. A lot of people are cheating.

[Gary Lineker]

How do you cheat?

[Micah Richards]

There's a lot of websites out there using AI technology, something that I'm a part of. I think you need to. And I've not used it, by the way, before you ask alumni that. It basically predicts the points that you're gonna get and it suggests transfers. I think to make it fair, everyone who's doing the league shouldn't be going on them websites.

[Alan Shearer]

How can you, how can you stop them, though, if you've just announced it to the world?

[Micah Richards]

Well, from, from now on. From now on, we've got to pay for some of these websites. Not everyone wants to pay for it, Alan.

[Alan Shearer]

Okay. And if you ever been on these. One of these websites. Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, AI knows things and it knows about. Obviously it takes information from everything, but it can't. It can'. Predict if somebody's going to play well or get injured or. I mean, they can't.

[Micah Richards]

All the best players.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

In the world on fantasy football are using some sort of AI tool.

[Gary Lineker]

You think? But there's nothing in the rules that says you can't, is there?

[Micah Richards]

No, there's not. But I mean, if you want to give out prizes every week or every.

[Gary Lineker]

Month, everyone can use AI if they want to get into it.

[Alan Shearer]

Then I suppose you haven't got that address for the website, have you? Please.

[Gary Lineker]

Anyway, the next prize will be. We got another shirt signed by Marcus Rashford, who was kind enough to do that for us. And we'll see you on Monday and when we'll be reviewing this weekend's fixtures. But for now, goodbye from me.

[Micah Richards]

Goodbye from me.

[Alan Shearer]

Goodbye from me. Have a great weekend.