Arsenal’s Resurgence, Spurs’ Reprieve & Marvellous Mainoo

Summary

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The Rest Is Football

Episode: Arsenal’s Resurgence, Spurs’ Reprieve & Marvellous Mainoo
Date: May 3, 2026

Episode Overview

In this lively episode, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards dissect a potentially historic period for Arsenal, Tottenham’s resurgence from the brink, and the breakout performances of young midfielders—most notably Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo. Drawing from decades at the center of football action, the hosts offer their sharpest opinions, tactical insights, and plenty of good-natured banter as they take listeners through the week’s biggest Premier League stories, VAR controversies, and the tense relegation battle.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Arsenal’s Dynamic Return & Title Charge

Timestamps: 04:36 – 15:54

• Arsenal’s Return to Form:
  The hosts praise Arsenal’s performance, returning to an energetic, forward-thinking style that defined their strong start to the season.

  • Gary Lineker (05:44): “That was… more like the Arsenal that were playing the first half of the season. Bit more, much more dynamic… Saka was higher, more energy I think.”

• Impact of New Signings:
  Micah singles out Viktor Gyökeres’s influence since signing from Sporting, breaking down how his movement creates space for teammates.

  • Micah Richards (06:10): “He did them really well. When he stretches the defence like that, it gives more space for the other players to get on the ball and that’s what gives Saka so much space.”

• Comparison to Alexis Sanchez:
  Gyökeres becomes the first Arsenal player since Sanchez to score 20+ goals in a debut season in all competitions.

  • Gary Lineker (07:03): “He became the second Arsenal player to score 20 plus goals in all competitions… That is this century."

• Tactical Tweaks & Youthful Impact:
  The panel highlight Miles Lewis-Skelly’s positive, forward-looking midfield role as transformative.

  • Lineker (09:03): “His first thought is to turn and look forward and quickly… a fundamental difference between the Arsenal we’ve seen in recent weeks.”
  • Richards (10:13): “He can break the line and he doesn’t have to do it with a pass, he can do it with running forward…”

• Mentality Shift:
  The sense of belief is back, with Lineker and Shearer suggesting this win could be a confidence catalyst heading into crucial fixtures.

  • Alan Shearer (13:00): “Whereas all the talk about their performance yesterday was how positive everything was…”

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2. Manchester United & The Rise of Kobbie Mainoo

Timestamps: 16:09 – 23:57

• Mainoo’s Emergence:
  Gary Lineker expresses astonishment that Mainoo was previously overlooked.

  • Lineker (16:10): “I absolutely bewildered by the fact that he didn’t get a look in under the previous incumbent.”
  • Shearer (16:28): “It’s incredible.”

• Credit to New Management:
  The hosts suggest Michael Carrick’s input (after managerial changes) has made an immediate difference, re-integrating Mainoo and others.

  • Lineker (16:28): “…brought back Mainoo, Harry Maguire at the back… a big improvement there.”

• Carrick’s Credentials:
  Shearer advocates for Carrick to be given at least another season.

  • Shearer (17:54): "He deserves at least another year to go again..."

• Mainoo’s Character & England Potential:
  Micah highlights Mainoo’s resilience and discusses his chances for England’s World Cup squad.

  • Richards (18:39): "He’s slowly but surely just grown in confidence and now is a mainstay in the team."
  • Lineker (20:24): “He was England’s best player at the Euros two years ago.”

• Midfield Competition for England:
  The crowded pool poses a challenge for Mainoo’s international hopes, but the hosts agree squad depth will be decisive in the uniquely demanding World Cup in North America.

  • Shearer (20:29): “It would take something huge for the manager to add another one in there in Mainoo.”
  • Lineker (22:07): “You’re going to have to rotate… the more players you’ve got that are seriously good, the better.”

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3. VAR, Handball Laws & The Modern Fan Experience

Timestamps: 23:57 – 28:04

• Handball Controversy:
  The team dissect the contentious Cesko goal and VAR’s role, venting frustration at the current handball regulations.

  • Lineker (24:48): “We’re in a position where we’re looking to see whether it flicks his nails on his fingers… that's where we are now with this absurd handball.”
  • Shearer (25:51): “This is what they have created with this… we’re now sitting debating whether it’s his fingers or his fingernail.”

• VAR and Fan Reactions:
  The absurdities of the handball law and the emotion VAR provokes lead to a comic aside about keeping calm (or not) during reviews.

  • Shearer (35:35): “It’s like watching someone slowly turn into a different person. You’re not you when you’re hungry.”
  • Micah Richards (36:15): “Just remember, everyone loses it sometimes. That’s football.”

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4. Tottenham’s Revival & Relegation Fight

Timestamps: 36:19 – 44:52

• Spurs Out of Danger:
  The team marvels at Tottenham’s turnaround—two away wins, out of the drop zone—and especially their pressing intensity under De Zerbi.

  • Micah Richards (36:33): “Tottenham are back. Tottenham are flying. They’re out the relegation zone.”
  • Richards (36:49): “They just looked more alive. They didn’t let Villa play whatsoever.”

• Conor Gallagher’s Role:
  Gallagher is praised for epitomizing the energy and character behind Spurs’ recent surge.

  • Shearer (37:39): “Conor Gallagher sort of epitomized everything what you need in terms of, of any performance...”

• The Mechanics of Momentum:
  The hosts explain how belief, energy, and tactical bravery all return with results—and how defeat and negativity sap it, as seen with previous Spurs inconsistency.

  • Lineker (38:21): “Belief in the way you’re playing… is really important. And the energy with the players there…”

• The Relegation Picture:
  They break down the survival chances: West Ham look troubled, Forest are not clear, and the points tally needed to stay up may be unusually high.

  • Lineker (40:10): “It is conceivable that 40 points… will not be enough to stay up, which is incredibly rare.”

• Tactical Praise for Spurs:
  The shift to a more aggressive press and use of Gallagher in a forward midfield role is credited as key.

  • Richards (41:54): “Gallagher was the one who started that [press]…”

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5. Coaching Futures, Transfers & European Spots

Timestamps: 28:04 – 31:34, 44:52 – 46:22

• Managerial Uncertainties:
  The precarious nature of Premier League management is highlighted—Eddie Howe’s future at Newcastle looks steadier; elsewhere, speculation continues.

  • Shearer (28:58): “He has to want to be there himself. And… those meetings went really, really well for both parties.”

• Bournemouth and Palace:
  The hosts find it odd that managers like Iriola (Bournemouth) and Glasner (Palace) may depart before finishing current campaigns.

  • Richards (30:37): “I just find the whole thing strange… all the hard work that you’ve done, you talking about leaving before the job’s done.”

• European Qualification Picture:
  The scramble for Champions League and Europa League places is still open, with Villa and Bournemouth well-placed but lots left to play.

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6. Fan Support & Expectation at Tournaments

Timestamps: 32:36 – 34:09

• Impact of Fans’ Momentum:
  The panel reflect on how growing support and social media amplify momentum and expectation, especially for England at major tournaments.
  • Shearer (32:36): “Momentum in any sport is huge… people start talking about what they hope will happen. And you feel that.”
  • Richards (32:58): “Then the famous slogan, ‘It’s coming home.’”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Arsenal’s Title Charge

• Gary Lineker (13:39):
  “This could be a historic season for Arsenal. They're on the brink of something that the club has never ever done. A European Cup, Champions League and Premier League double. It's not beyond the realms.”

On Mainoo’s Breakout

• Gary Lineker (16:10):
  “I am absolutely bewildered by the fact that [Mainoo] didn’t get a look in under the previous incumbent. How can you not see how good that kid is?”

• Alan Shearer (17:54):
  “Michael Carrick... deserves at least another year to go again.”

On VAR and Handball Laws

• Alan Shearer (25:51):
  “We’re now sitting debating whether it’s his fingers or his fingernail… this is what they have created with this.”

On Tottenham’s Fightback

• Micah Richards (36:49):
  “I thought spurs were absolutely fantastic. I thought they were aggressive in the press. I thought the second balls… they just looked more alive.”

• Gary Lineker (38:21):
  “Belief in the way you’re playing as well is really important… It looks pretty positive now.”

On the Relegation Scrap

• Gary Lineker (40:10):
  “It is conceivable that 40 points… will not be enough to stay up, which is incredibly rare.”

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Segment Timestamps

• Arsenal’s resurgence, tactical changes & title race: 04:36 – 15:54
• Manchester United, Mainoo's rise & Carrick’s job: 16:09 – 23:57
• VAR/handball debate: 23:57 – 28:04
• Managerial merry-go-round & European places: 28:04 – 31:34
• Tournament momentum & fan impact: 32:36 – 34:09
• Tottenham’s survival push & relegation fight: 36:19 – 46:22

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Tone & Chemistry

Gary, Alan, and Micah keep the discussion energetic, honest, and humorous throughout—whether poking fun at each other's “dressing room” situations, referencing their Fantasy Football fortunes, or trading jibes about “the oracle” Micah’s predictions. Their unique blend of deep football knowledge and relaxed banter makes every analysis both accessible and insightful for fans.

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For full match breakdowns, tactical insights, and more behind-the-scenes stories, listen to the full episode. But for now: Arsenal might be on the verge of history, Mainoo is one to watch for England, and Tottenham fans can breathe a bit easier—until next week, at least!

Transcript

[Gary Lineker]

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[Alan Shearer]

That for me, just it could be the weekend that you think maybe it's going to be theirs.

[Micah Richards]

Jocharis. That's the exact player that I thought it would be early on in the season.

[Gary Lineker]

I absolutely bewildered by the fact that he didn't get a look in under the previous incumbent.

[Alan Shearer]

It's incredible.

[Gary Lineker]

How can you not see how good that kid is?

[Micah Richards]

Spurs are absolutely fantastic.

[Gary Lineker]

Tottenham are back. Tottenham are flying. They're out the relegation zone. Two wins from two games, two away victories. What a time to be alive. Hello and welcome to the Rest is Football with Mike Richards, Alan Shearer, me, Gary Lineker. I noticed one thing here because I know we're recording this now just after Manchester United have played Liverpool and you two are both doing match of the Day, right?

[Alan Shearer]

Yep.

[Gary Lineker]

Right. And I know that you're both in your dressing rooms.

[Alan Shearer]

Yep.

[Micah Richards]

Correct.

[Gary Lineker]

Can I ask another point? Is it a pay grade thing that Alan's dressing room looks a lot nicer than yours?

[Alan Shearer]

I just about to say the opposite, guys. I was gonna. I've just had a little look around when Micah was flashing his camera around. I'm thinking he's obviously the earlist addressed me.

[Micah Richards]

I haven't really.

[Gary Lineker]

You look like you've got wallpaper.

[Micah Richards]

He's got wallpaper light. He looks fantastic.

[Gary Lineker]

I don't know. I don't. I don't want you falling out. You've probably been together all day already and you've got a long, long time to go. And very rarely and unusually probably because it's a bank holiday weekend, there's another game to come. So what we're going to do is get you both back. Maybe you could swap dressing rooms just to make keep the pace. When we come back to discuss obviously the relegation fight which we'll the second half because obviously big game between Villa and Spurs is coming up. But how's the day been so far?

[Alan Shearer]

It's been all right. Yeah, it's been long. As. As per normal getting here, Micah was stuck in a bit of traffic because of the Man United. Liverpool traffic, I guess.

[Gary Lineker]

Were you late, Micah?

[Micah Richards]

No, he was perfect.

[Alan Shearer]

He walked in with about five seconds.

[Gary Lineker]

I bet you were desperate.

[Micah Richards]

I was.

[Alan Shearer]

I couldn't see a thing.

[Gary Lineker]

To be early.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, it's to be on time.

[Micah Richards]

I got a L. And you know when the. What's the best word? That the driver's dithering. So they got a driver. Sometimes I drive myself but I don't drive and he was dithering. I was like, I'm gonna be late. If I'm late I'm gonna get absolutely hammered by Alan. Come on, put your foot in. I got downstairs at two minutes to. I've never run so fast in my life. Full hamstring.

[Gary Lineker]

Nice. Did you tell your driver to put your foot on the gas? Which takes us to this episode is powered by Fuse Energy. Before we kick off a quick pre match warm up from fuze a question on the teams and players who make things count. Which Premier League player scored the most goals as a substitute in 2425?

[Alan Shearer]

Duran is my answer.

[Micah Richards]

It's not Duran. It's either Muniz or Wilson. I'm going to go Wilson then.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, you're both wrong. It's Muniz.

[Alan Shearer]

Goodness.

[Gary Lineker]

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

[Alan Shearer]

6.

[Micah Richards]

I'll go one up then. 7.

[Gary Lineker]

The answer is 6. Yes. The best teams find an edge wherever they can. It should be the same with your energy. Take control of your energy like it's part of your game plan. Sign [e-mail] 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 [e-mail] I think we should probably start. Even though it wasn't played today, I think we should start with Arsenal because that. That was. I don't know about A statement win. But it was more like the Arsenal that were playing the first half of the season. Bit more, much more dynamic, big difference. I would say to recent weeks. So nervy playing around, slow at the back. They were getting it forward. Saka was higher, more energy I think.

[Alan Shearer]

I guess the early goal gives them a bit of confidence and belief but yeah, they were much better, much more energy. Crowd seemed really up for it, backing the players and yeah, it was back to quick pass and getting in behind, getting balls into the box and scoring goals. And you could just tell that Arteta how, how happy and relieved he was to see, not only to see the win but to see the performance.

[Gary Lineker]

What was the difference, Micah?

[Micah Richards]

I thought the difference was, was definitely Saka, Saka but also Yokerez I, I, I thought he's running in behind was excellent. You know when we, when we talked about him before he signed for Arsenal and he come from Sporting and a lot of people were saying what type of player. That's exactly player that I thought it would be earlier on in the season and I noticed that he found it difficult at Arsenal and it's difficult going to a big club and you're going for the League and the Champions League and you've got more scrutiny. But in terms of the basics of his game, he did them really well. And when he stretches the defence like that, it gives more space for the other players to get on the ball and that's what gives Saka so much space. And Saka down that right hand side, his decision making and his weight of pass and the confidence he's playing with now, that's what they need from now to the end of the season.

[Gary Lineker]

I wouldn't disagree. We'll come to Sakura in more depth in a second. But as you mentioned Gyor Karez, he became the second Arsenal player to score 20 plus goals in all competitions. I think it's 14 in the Premier League in his debut season. That is this century. 25, 26 years and he's the first since Alexis Sanchez who scored 25 goals in 2014. 15. So that is all competitions and we've said all along as he needs to up his goal tally because ultimately that's how you judge as a center forward. But he did give Arsenal something in terms of he does try to get behind which stretches the oppositions to a degree and allows a bit more space for the midfield players. So I think, I think it's been a reasonable season for him and it could end up being a really, really good, good season. For him. Because he's going to play now, isn't he? He obviously scored in midweek as well in the Champions League, albeit a penalty. But I mean, most of Alan's goals were penalties, so he's not going to knock you on.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah. You know what, though? We said it early season. I said it very, very early on. In fact, it might have been in the first two or three games is that I feel as if you're gonna. And want to get the best out of him. You got to get balls into the box pretty early. And I still. And I've seen nothing that takes my mind away from that is like most goal scorers and center forwards who want to get into those positions, you need the balls delivered early into the box. And I don't think it suits his game when you go past pass, pass from right out to the left, back into the middle and. But I do think it suits his game when you've got a direct winger who's going to one either go past early and get the ball in or not even bother to go past the defender and get the ball in. And I thought the example of Saka yesterday, when he went past him whipped in, I thought that's a great example of how to get the best out of Jocheras.

[Gary Lineker]

I'm going to throw something in here because I think there's a fundamental difference between the Arsenal that we've seen in recent weeks and you know, no disrespect to Zougamendi, but he's. He's a cautious player, right. So he's a defensive midfield player and he's the player that predominantly knocks it back. I thought Miles Louis Skelly came in in a midfield position, not. Not like a left back that's moving in a midfield position. And his first thought is to turn and look forward and quickly. And I think that really enabled Arsenal to get it forward quicker. And obviously it was a bit of a plan. They pushed the wingers higher and Saka was getting the ball in time to actually take someone on. And. And I think he made a fundamental. And I think that's quite. It's quite interesting because he's a young player, we'd known him as a fullback, but in that midfield area, the way, I think the way he was so positive and looking for. We know what, right. Rice is a different kind of player in the sense that he's probably at his best when he's running with the ball, but he's also not really a player that tends to look for forward passes particularly Quickly either. So I think he really helped them. I don't know whether you agree.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, I think they're different. So I would say Zuba Mendes, sort of like a Rodri type player who likes to demand the ball and he sees everything in front of him. But I totally agree with Miles Luis Skelly. I remember a game, it was last season against Real Madrid and I think he was playing left back but was coming into midfield and did exactly what he was talking about. And the thing is with Zubamendi, he can control it, he could control the tempo. So he's a pep style player, we could say. But with Miles Luis Kelly, because he's got that injection of pace, then when we talk about breaking a line, he can break the line and he doesn't have to do it with a pass, he can do it with, with running forward, which then allows the likes of Saka to get on the ball. So you're completely right. And sometimes Zouamendi ends up in situations where technically he's very good, but he just, you know, when he needs to get away from someone, that was the difference. I totally agree with you guys and

[Gary Lineker]

I think that's been Arsenal's problem. They haven't been able to break the lines quickly.

[Micah Richards]

But also, if you look at Odegaard, one of my favorite players in the Premier League in terms of touch and technique, you know, when someone's very good on the eye, but what Odegaard does, it comes beyond the midfield line. Instead of getting the ball in the pocket, it gets it behind the line. Then when you're defending against him, it's very easy to just shut up shop and get back into some sort of shape. Whereas when Masu is able to drive and Declan Rice are able to drive, he can also beat the press that way as well. So, yeah, it was different. And Essay played well, didn't he? Eze had some good touches and yeah, he looks very confident.

[Gary Lineker]

You know that Eze is not phased. You can tell his attitude. You know, he was the star man in the cup final, wasn't he, for Palace? He delivered that brilliant moment last week and, and his interview after the game. And I just thought, this guy's a relaxed dude and hugely talented as well. So I think it was a really, really important win. It doesn't necessarily mean a certainty to win the league they've got, I mean, because City are more than capable of winning the two games in hand and then it'll be really close again. But I think what it will do at the right point, I said This. I said I thought this would happen at some point, that they'd find a. A performance and what that does to your confidence and belief and the whole mindset of things. Everything. All the noise just evaporates a little bit and the world's a better place. You've got a smile on your face and you look forward to the next game rather than thinking, right, we need to win the next game.

[Alan Shearer]

Even after the beat Newcastle. It was, it was a. I don't know, it wasn't a great performance. The goal.

[Gary Lineker]

He's got Newcastle in Michael already.

[Alan Shearer]

It was very edgy, wasn't it? It was very edgy really against Newcastle. Nervous. And yet a lot of the talk after that game was that whereas all the talk about, about their performance yesterday was how positive everything was, how Sack, how good Saka was, how good Louis Kelly was in the. In the midfield. And all of a sudden it's all. Everything's better everywhere you look in every position and the belief and the confidence that they'll take into. Into Tuesday's game and into next weekend I think will be huge. And that, that for me just. It could be the weekend that you think maybe it's going to be theirs.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, I mean we've all, you know, we've all. We pontificate, don't we? We talk, we talk endlessly because we've got podcasts to do. But there's a different kind of vibe now. So you. Even though. But we, I think we said it many times. You know, you're in the semi final Champions League and you were top of the league, so why worry too much? But suddenly no one's having that con. They're just going right, wow, this could be, this could be a historic season for Arsenal. They're on the brink of something that the club has never ever done. A European Cup, Champions League and Premier League double. It's not beyond the realms. I mean their favorites now to go past Atletico and I think this game will influence that as well. The whole, the whole demeanor as they approach that game I think will be much more positive. And then in the final, yes, there'll be second favourites in the final because the two teams they're up against are seriously good. But the way Arsenal play and you know, the nature of it and the fact that the. Neither Bayern nor PSG defend brilliantly and Arsenal do defend really, really well. It'll be. It'd be a fascinating one off final. So that is possible if, if Manchester City don't get three points against Everton on Monday night and That's a tough game. Everton fighting for, you know, European football, possibly even a, you know, Champions League spot should Villa finish fifth and win the Europa League. So it could be really special for them, you know.

[Alan Shearer]

Could be, yeah. I think the belief and confidence that will give them yesterday will be huge.

[Micah Richards]

I'd agree with both of you but. But when you've not done it, that's when a little bit of doubt. So you're watching the game tomorrow. We're recording this on Sunday. You know, your eyes on Everton, man City tomorrow and then Atletico, they need to get over the line on that as well. They just need to believe in themselves, don't they? They've got this far. It was really good in the league phase. Yes, they had a little bit of a bumpy road, but they're in the position now. It's can he get over the line? And after that performance that they showed against Fulham, it shows that. I won't say they're not nervous, but they can still put in big performances and that is. That was the most important.

[Gary Lineker]

I think it was a really, really important game and could prove pivotal. We don't know, of course and we know City are good down the stretch and we' they get on against Everton elsewhere. I quite enjoyed the United Liverpool game.

[Micah Richards]

Talk about another player.

[Gary Lineker]

Mileskelly we talked about already as a player that last season we were all said he's going to be an England regular and so. And so Kobbie Mainoo, I thought was the star of this game. I absolutely bewildered by the fact that he didn't get a look in under the previous incumbent.

[Alan Shearer]

It's incredible.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, what, what am. I don't get it at all. And even whatever system you play or anything like that, how can you not see how good that kid is? Now I, I've seen two or three, you know, I shouldn't really look at these social media things and you know, these Manchester United fan things. I think one of them I saw, he's not even a real Manchester United fan. Apparently he pretends he is. And they all said, yeah, but this, this is all because of what Amarim has done previously prior to this. And this is because they bought well and stuff, but which won't be Amarin's job, obviously. Who did decide that they sign? I think it's quite extraordinary and I think you've, you know, they're taking it away from Michael Kat because for some reason they don't want to appoint him. So the main new thing for me is the absolute evidence that this is not the leftovers of what Amaran was doing. This is the fact that he's played Bruno in a more forward position. The fact that he's brought back Mainoo, Harry Maguire at the back who was, you know, know, not looked at too often. So I just think there's a big improvement there. I mean, I mean they're still, you know, they're still not got overall probably the players to compete for the league next season and the bigger test will be the fact that they, at the moment they're only playing once a week and that, that obviously you can plan more but the improvement is stark.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, without doubt. I mean, I think he's done, I think he's done a really, really impressive job. Michael Carrick, he's done everything that's asked of him. They qualify for the Champions League. I think it would be incredibly harsh if he wasn't given the goal ahead to go again. And now even if that's for a year, I've said it, even if he hits, has to hit certain heights or certain incentives to get there, but he deserves at least another year to, to go again. Now they clearly need to get rid of a few and then they'll have to bring a few in because they're going to have to improve and they will be playing a lot more football next season than they have done this season. But that's not his fault. He was coming and asked to do a job and he's done that job really, really well and for me deserves another crack at it.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, I would agree. Just moving on to Mainoo, I think in terms of his resilience, you know, let's not forget Mainoo is just a young lad and that part of your career where a manager's not playing and you can go the other way, that self doubt comes in, you start sort of questioning everything that you're doing that is being professional outside of work, all the things that we go through as young professionals. But for him to come in and then don't remember when he got a game and everyone was saying, oh man, he's got to play well today. He played well. I wouldn't say he was outstanding, but he played well. Seven, seven and a half out of ten. And he's slowly but surely just grown in confidence and now is a mainstay in the team, might even be a

[Gary Lineker]

mainstay in the summer. Micah.

[Micah Richards]

Yes, and I think he's an option in there because the blessed in those positions, I would say because if you want to play Rice, Rice plays a little bit Deeper sometimes for England, you've got Anderson, who's been fantastic for Forest. If only Al would have listened to me all them months ago when I said when he was at Newcastle, here he goes, Al.

[Gary Lineker]

Here he goes.

[Alan Shearer]

Extraordinary.

[Gary Lineker]

The oracle.

[Micah Richards]

So, yes, I would 100% take him, but again, we don't want to exaggerate. Like, he's the best defensive midfield in world football. My thing with it is he's gone through a little bit of difficult time. How can he react? And he's reacted in the right way. So that means he's got the ability, but he's also got the character. So from now on, he can go on and be whatever he wants to be because he's been tested at such a young age.

[Gary Lineker]

He was England's best player at the Euros. He was England's best player at the Euros two years ago.

[Alan Shearer]

The one thing I would say with it with England, guys is that I think the positions that the manager has probably already cemented in is that midfield where he's got. He's got Rice, he's got Anderson, he's got Henderson in there, he's got Wharton in there. We've seen another great performance today and last week and the week before and for such a long time now with Alex Scott at Bournemouth, he's. He's in there. Wharton as of as I've mentioned. So I think it would take something huge for the manager to add to put another one in there in Minu. Having said that, penny for Amaran thoughts now with him leaving him out, blanking him completely. And him. Him playing such a pivotal part now for Man United is incredible.

[Gary Lineker]

The thing I would say, though, he'll make the squad.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

So therefore, and I think this is really important, this World cup is like no other we've ever had. There's an extra round of matches and it's going to be played in exceptional heat. But mostly World Cups are. But there are a lot of games to play and you're going to have to rotate. Players are going to get injured and the more players that you've got of that are seriously good, the better. Now, you could. You could see Rice and I would talk about Declan. Declan is overplayed, right. He's played so many games this season and he probably covers more yardage than most players. So he could run out of steam at some point in the World cup and need a rest. So to have options, particularly in this World cup where there's an extra round in there, it's going to be invaluable. I Think to have someone like that is bursting to.

[Alan Shearer]

Full squads are no bigger, though. You can only have certain amount of players in there. The squad.

[Gary Lineker]

They're big squads.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

But no, no, that's my point, Alan. My point is that you might. You need the squad in this World cup more than you've ever needed the squad before. Because most times you get. We'll all be arguing about what should be the starting 11.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

And even in our time, the starting 11 was never the same at the start of the tournament is at the end of the tournament. But in this one, I think there'll be more rotation than there's ever been before because you'll need to do it.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, I agree. Yeah. I do think it'll be incredibly tough because of the competition. I think that that is in and around that central midfield yet. But I'm not seeing that. What you're seeing is wrong. I'm just going along with. You can only pick so many in there. Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

But you know, Rice has played so many matches. Rodgers has played so many matches. I think the real bonus for England in a weird way is one or two of the injuries that we've had. People like Saka now coming back. Great performance. He'll be fresh as a daisy going into the World cup, which is really positive. I'm slightly more encouraged than I maybe two weeks ago about the World cup coming up. Because of that, Harry Kane rested frequently. Right. Jude Bellingham had a long injuries out for a long time. If he picks Trent, he's just come back and starting to play. He's played some really good football. So we have got a number of players now that might not be exhausted, which is often the problem for England going into these tournaments. But, you know, that's perhaps a conversation for another day. Quick one on Bruno. Apparently he's been given the assist but not given the assist, which I'm only bringing this up because it equals the record of Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne if he's got the assist. So fantasy football have given the assist. I mean, obviously they're the most important thing in football nowadays and the Premier League haven't.

[Alan Shearer]

He'll keep it touched with his hand, isn't he? That's. That's it, isn't it? Keeper, touch it with his hand.

[Gary Lineker]

Everything's determined by handballs these days.

[Micah Richards]

Fantasy football's the most important. Important, yes. He's got the assist, that's all.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, because we've all got him in our team. I think everyone has, though. If you've not Got him in your team. You're mad. What did we make of the Chesco goal? Or Cesco? Do we see Chesco or Cesco? I've heard commentators use differently. Or Chesko, not quite sure what it is. Or was it handball? Was it not handball? I mean, this is where we are now. This is where we are now with this absurd handball. Or we're in a position where we're looking to see whether it's flicks his nails on his fingers. I mean. I mean, that's all it was. And. And if it did, then the referee should overturn it.

[Alan Shearer]

Well, it did.

[Gary Lineker]

I couldn't tell on. I looked at replays lots of times. I couldn't.

[Alan Shearer]

We could.

[Gary Lineker]

Couldn't be sure.

[Alan Shearer]

Pretty much straight away, myself and Micah, but we. I don't want to see that given as handball. Right. And I hate the handball law, as you know. But for. For the avoidance of doubt, the law is if it hits his hand, who scores the goal, any part of his hand, it has to be disallowed. Now, if you want inconsistency, then that has his hand. So by the letter of the law, it should be disallowed. Now, I'm not for it being disallowed. And under the. Under any part of me, I want to see that given as a goal. But for consistency on the law, it says it should be disallowed.

[Gary Lineker]

I just thought it might have. Might have flicked his. His fingernails. Now, is that part of your hand or is it just something that's attached to your fingers? I mean, I think they need to define this law properly, but that's where we are.

[Alan Shearer]

This is what they have created with this exactly of. Of everything. It's like we're now sitting debating whether probably as it's. It's. It's his fingers or his fingernail, whatever you want to call it.

[Micah Richards]

But this is.

[Alan Shearer]

This is what they've put us into, this position. How we're debating this crap.

[Gary Lineker]

It's just ridiculous. It really is.

[Alan Shearer]

What do you think, Micah?

[Micah Richards]

Humble.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

It's simple as that. We don't like it. We all know we don't. We shouldn't be looking at it. And. But the truth is, with his hand, and I've seen angles where the ball deviates and the motion of the ball changes. So it's on ball. And if I can see that with my eyesight, surely Var can see that. It's as simple as that. I understand why Slot was raging after the game. I don't know. People say you get some and you don't get some. The truth of the matter is it was am ball.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. Will slot be there next season?

[Alan Shearer]

I think so. I think in terms of what he did last season and winning the league. Manager of the season. I guess with the issues and the problems I've had at Liverpool this year then then yeah I do. I think if it was my choice then then I would have him as manager. Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. 11 defeats in the Premier League.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah. I would still have him still in

[Gary Lineker]

a Champions League position.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah. Champions League position. Still Premier League last season. I think where the scrutiny comes is that the signings have not worked have the ESAC's been injured. Wirtz has not been at the level that we all expect. Frimpong is he a right winger? Is he a right back? It's not really working working out. So Kirkez has been a shadow of the player he was at Bournemouth. I don't know if that's pressure. I don't know if that's system And Liverpool all in all are too slow. They're too passive. They're too easy to play against. And what you normally associate Liverpool with is being aggressive, hard to be work work rate especially under Klopp and the none of those things. So I'd like. I'd like to see the manager get a chance to change that round.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah I would agree with that.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

I think it only I wouldn't be surprised if we saw Xavier Alonso there next season. I wouldn't be surprised but I agree with you. But it's a brutal business his management game. I know you've got to get back because you've. You've got a meeting shortly and you've got to watch the later game. But I want to get word on Newcastle just about Eddie really because it seems there's been. I don't know it's an official announcement but it looks like Eddie's going to be there and wants to be there next season. Now you got a little bit on social media. I saw Al but and I think I'm fairly personally and I wish it was unfairly. Yeah you people, you know because she was saying I don't think Eddie will be there next season. I think people thought you were insinuating that you didn't think he should be there next season when I actually think you were saying that I'm not sure he wants to be there next season. I just thought we should clear that up.

[Alan Shearer]

What I did say was that it all being equal I want him to be there but he has to want to be there himself. And I gather that the meeting that they had because all the top brass were in Newcastle last week for two or three days and had a meeting. And by all accounts those meetings went really, really well. Well for both parties. So that tells me that if it is true, and I gather it is, then Eddie was happy with what he heard and they were happy with what they heard from. From Eddie as well.

[Gary Lineker]

And you would be happy to hear that.

[Alan Shearer]

Absolutely. Yeah. If there's. If I guess if there's one manager that deserved the chance to go again. To go say okay, we've had a bad season. Fine. Recruitment hasn't helped at all last summer. And we know that it's been a really, really tough season and the quicker it ends for Newcastle the better. So they can start planning for. For next season. And I'm pleased that if it is true, which it sounds as if it is, that Eddie's going to be the

[Gary Lineker]

helm to do that, we'll come back after the break and we'll talk about obviously the game that's about to take place between Villa and Spurs. And it's interesting with Villa who could. Liverpool lost. So it's. I think it probably between Liverpool and Villa who's fifth? If Villa are fifth, I think it's worth saying that, you know, it's quite open who might then get into the Champions League in sixth place if Villa win the Europa League, that is. Which is. You know, it's probably 50, 50 against Forest in that semi final and Bournemouth are currently in that sixth position. And Iriola is obviously leaving at the end of the season. I don't think he'll be short of people clubs trying to sign.

[Micah Richards]

I don't know. It's strange, isn't it? You know when managers say that they're going to go or the rumour to go before the end of the season. Season's not finished and you've not finished what you've started. It's. It's madness.

[Gary Lineker]

It's odd, isn't it? You've got Glasner as well, haven't you? Palace, who you know, they're in touching distance of the final, the conference.

[Micah Richards]

I understood that one a little bit more because he sort of threw his toys out the problem, didn't he? Because he didn't get the players that he wanted. But like with Bournemouth, the season that they had, if they go get Champions League football, you're the guy to take them there. You'd want to have at least a season in there, wouldn't you? But I just find it strange how we talk about everyone's got to work out, everyone's got to be on it and we don't say anything to the media, to the end of the season or whatever it is, and then it comes out and it's just like. I just find the whole thing strange, quite fascinating, but all the hard work that you've done, you talking about leaving before the job's done.

[Gary Lineker]

I'll tell you what is fascinating. I know you've got a meeting now. So Oliver Glasner's quote on Palace's performance against Bournemouth. Let's say you have a friend's birthday and your wedding is a few days later. You're more excited for the wedding. This is the same Bournemouth semi final was today. Ours is on Thursday. Very good. I like that. Okay, we'll chat again in a couple of hours. This segment is brought to you by Hotels.com Fans from around the world will travel across Canada, Mexico and the United States this summer to follow their teams. There's always that sense of excitement at the start, but as the tournament goes on and results start going your way, that changes. It stops being about just being there and starts to feel like you've got a chance. So, chaps, when a team gets on a run, how much do you notice that that support starts to build around you?

[Alan Shearer]

Definitely. I guess even more so now with, with social media because the noise gets louder and louder. But you know as well as I do, momentum in any sport is huge. So you win your first game, you win your second, then all of a sudden people start talking about what can and what they hope will will happen. And you respond and you. You feel that. There's no doubt about it as a player where.

[Micah Richards]

And then the famous slogan, it's coming home. That's what it starts, doesn't it? It's coming home. I've said it. Gus.

[Gary Lineker]

No, I think we should ban it because it's. It's clearly bad luck. Keep saying this.

[Micah Richards]

It's coming soon. Hopefully before you pass away. Gas.

[Gary Lineker]

It's coming

[Alan Shearer]

and better hurry up then.

[Micah Richards]

Hopefully in my lifetime. But I've got a few more years than you. But it's coming home. I love it. I love it. That's what went up. Like Al says.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. I've watched so many World Cups since 1970, I can't remember 66. I wasn't old enough when we actually won it. So I've watched every World cup since 70, waiting, played in a couple, worked on numerous and be working on this one as well. And God, it'd be lovely to see if, if England could do it. But it's tough winning the World cup, it's tough. But the fans do make a difference. And that traveling contingent, they travel to all parts of the world to watch.

[Alan Shearer]

Amazing. The cost, the cost of it is, is huge as well. But the, the, the, the fans never, ever let you down. They're always in their thousands. Amazing.

[Gary Lineker]

And, and it does make a difference. And I remember in Italia 90, the, you know, the first game, there were a few and then we started to do quite well and the momentum was really know what was going on at home because there was no social media. You didn't, you couldn't really watch your own tv, obviously because you're abroad. And then you, you actually start to feel it because of the massive fans that are coming. There's more and more coming to your games. So it really does make a difference. And whether fans are following one of the favorites or it's their country's first time at a tournament, there's always that excitement at the start. But as results start to go your way, that support turns into belief and then into the dreaded expectation. You can sense it in the stadium and you know it's building back home as well. If you're traveling to be part of it, Hotels.com rewards you along the way. Stay 10 nights and get £100 back in Hotels.com cash to use towards a future stay. Hotels.com it's all in the name loyalty. Members aged 18 plus average cost per night must be £70 or more. Terms apply. This episode is brought to you by Snickers. Right, so VAR goes up and whether you're watching with your mates or just watching on your own, it all kicks off. You're arguing, fuming, getting way too worked up, honestly.

[Alan Shearer]

It's like watching someone slowly turn into a different person. You're not you when you're hungry. Classic.

[Micah Richards]

So maybe it's a sign. A sign for Snickers.

[Gary Lineker]

Never a bad call to help you avoid a full on meltdown. I've seen a few in my time.

[Alan Shearer]

Remember Tamuri Kit's buyer? And he wanted to prove a point to the manager that he should be in the team. He scored the goal and whipped his shirt off and threw it into the Gallagher end and started absolutely smashing the advertising board. Volleying it, didn't he? Can you remember? VAR might test your patience, but it's a shared frustration everyone laughs about. Remember, it's a sign for Snickers.

[Micah Richards]

Just remember, everyone loses it sometimes. That's football.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, you're not you when you're hungry. It's a sign for Snickers. Visit snickers.co.uk to learn more. Welcome back to the Rest Is Football with Alan Sheeran, Mike Richards and me, Gary. It was a long break for us. It won't be for you listening or watching. So we've seen Tottenham. Tottenham are back. Tottenham are flying. They're out the relegation zone. Two wins from two games, two away victories. What a time to be alive.

[Alan Shearer]

Go on, Micah, you can start on that.

[Micah Richards]

I thought spurs were absolutely fantastic. I thought they were aggressive in the press. I thought the second balls that they, they just looked more alive. They didn't let Villa play whatsoever. And you think it's either. Where has this been? Obviously maybe the manager coming in deserve me. I seen quotes of him earlier in the week talking about he doesn't want people who are negative around him. Let's think about the positivity at the club and he's made such a difference just in their application. And yeah, you're missing a few players, but it just shows you. And I've said with spurs, everything to go down because of the quality, but actually it's been their work rate that's got them through. I got the wins in the last two games. I just thought everyone on the pitch was amazing.

[Alan Shearer]

I thought they just went, they went after Villa from the very first minute and chased them down, pressed them down and they had so much energy and that's where they won the game. They just didn't allow Villa to settle on the ball. They won every tackle on every second ball and they were outstanding from start to finish. Conor Gallagher sort of epitomized everything what you, what you need in terms of, of any performance or an away performance. And they were outstanding and deserved the three points.

[Gary Lineker]

You beat me to it there with Conor Gallagher. I thought it was exceptional. I mean, we know, you know what you get with Con Gallagher, you get honesty and you, you know, you get great.

[Alan Shearer]

Quite seen that as yet though, have you from him guys, have you?

[Gary Lineker]

Well, you've seen it coming into a struggling team and, you know, different coaches, different. It seems now under Deserbi, they've got a little bit of, you know how important belief is and confidence and, and belief in the way you're playing as well is, is really important. And the energy with the players there and I know fans always was that. Where was that before? But sometimes defeats and a lack of confidence sucks out that energy. It's a strange thing. I think we've all been there, haven't we, in positions where you can't. But it looks, you know, pretty positive now compared, because they're. Now obviously that brings Forest back into it, possibly they've got that game in hand. That's against Chelsea tomorrow or tonight, if you're listening, on Monday, Forest perhaps back into it now. They've got a big game this afternoon, if you're listening, on Monday morning against Chelsea. So that would be their game in hand. Currently It's West Ham 36 points, Spurs 37, Forest 39. It's going to be a much higher points tally to stay up this season than we've. We've had in the previous ones, that's for sure. Because. Because both, particularly West Ham, where they were a few weeks ago, and Tottenham in the last, last probably month, have rallied really strongly.

[Alan Shearer]

That's a big tough weekend for. For West Ham after being beaten quite convincingly and then having to sit through that, that Tottenham game and watch how good Tottenham were. And I think with West Ham with their games coming up, their next two are Arsenal at home and Newcastle away. And then I think I'm right in saying they finish with Leeds at all season. Yeah, I think there's probably three points there for. For. For West Ham out the next three games. So. Been a terrible weekend for West Ham.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. It is conceivable that 40 points is. Will not be enough to stay up, which is incredibly rare. That is a possibility. Unlikely. Unlikely. Because Forester on 39 at the moment, you know, Spurs 37, West Ham 36. You've only got to win two games each there. And that that then becomes factual, which is you would never thought in a million years when you looked at that in say, February, March, would you?

[Alan Shearer]

No, exactly. Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

It's. It's mad, isn't it? Because West Ham picked up their form, aren't they? And then you get a bad result.

[Gary Lineker]

It was a funny game though, wasn't it, the West Ham game.

[Alan Shearer]

Woodwork two or three times.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, two or three times. And then got made a couple of appalling defensive kind of.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, terrible. Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

Just going back to the spurs game quickly. I thought it was. If you look at the game tactically, you know, Conor Gallagher has been playing a little bit deeper, you know, with Xavi Simmons and sometimes teams have been allowed to play out against them and then spurs have had to go a little bit deeper. But if you actually saw when spurs were pressing, they were really high. And you mentioned it many times in the room when we was watching the game. Look At Conor Galley. He's there, he's going. Which then that allows the back line to move up a little bit and not having to deal with. With balls into the box. How they conceded. I thought Danzo was very aggressive. Van de Ven was aggressive and it just helped out the back line. It took a bit of pressure off them. Obviously. Benton Cler and Pollinha was good winning the tackles as well. And if you see, if you actually watch the game, what they was trying to do, because Villa liked to sort of play through the middle, they was stopping the passing lanes into the middle of the pitch. And then if someone was to get on the ball in there, they was very aggressive the way there was jumping. So, yeah, Color Gallagher was the one who started that.

[Gary Lineker]

I think he's better when he plays in that slightly more forward midfield role. I think we saw that Chelsea quite a lot. And back in the day and even in his early days at Atletico Madrid, he was playing kind of. He's such a good energy for pressing.

[Micah Richards]

Yes.

[Gary Lineker]

And we've. We've even seen him play that way with England. England, you know. Is he technically the most gifted footballer ever? Well, you'd say probably yes, given the first goal today. But generally. But he's. He's one of those. And he 100% closing down. He's really good at that. Great energy and a hundred percent trier.

[Alan Shearer]

Well, they've set the tone tonight, haven't they? Tottenham with that performance and that attitude. They've set what must be a regular now. That's the standard that they've. They've got to keep up to. Now, we haven't seen that rarely, if at all this season.

[Micah Richards]

But going back to the. The relegation battle, I think spurs are going to do it. I think spurs are going to be all right.

[Gary Lineker]

They've got that little momentum now. Yeah. Two wins on the bounce. Could have been three because that Brighton equalizer was really late in the game, wasn't it? Yeah. And to come back from that sickening blow really wasn't. Speaks volumes for them. I mean, it does look. Looks most likely to be spurs or West Ham, but Forest aren't quite at the mayor yet and they've got obviously the. That European tie in the middle of it as well, which they'll be focused on, as did Villa today, I think it's fair to say, perhaps. Yeah, a little bit like the quote I did Glasner in the. In the first half. I think the same applies to Villa, I think. I mean there's. What is it? A six point Gap I think from them to. To Bournemouth in sixth place should be enough.

[Alan Shearer]

Villa made seven changes, didn't they? You know I Emory made seven changes but it didn't do anything for. For their performance. They were really really poor. I mean own fans going after them. But I guess because of where they are in terms of the semi final and the position in the league you can accept that maybe once or twice because it's so important for them as well winning that Europa League or getting through to the final.

[Gary Lineker]

That's three away games in a row now that West Ham have failed to score. And that makes it difficult. I mean you've got to find a way to score. But I think Nuno will always sure you up defensively. Although they certainly weren't very good defensively in the game on Saturday. But yeah, I think spurs have got that momentum now. Although we've seen it shift and shift again so many times we can't predict, can't we? Well you can't. That's the beauty of football though, isn't it? You know people have oh you were wrong about this. You were wrong. Well yes, because we don't. I mean only Micah is the oracle.

[Micah Richards]

No one else.

[Gary Lineker]

No one else that I know personally is in the same league. Let's have a the fixtures West Ham's you've just mentioned Alan. I mean your Arsenal at home. Tough, tough as it gets Newcastle away. They should get three points ahead. Well Newcastle you know got finally got a win and Leeds at home. Leads are probably safe, not quite mathematically yet. And then spurs fixtures, Leeds at home. Big game. Well they're all big now. Chelsea away and then Everton at home on the last day of the season. Both Everton and Chelsea most likely be chasing some kind of European football or could be so not easy either. But you would look at those and think spurs having a point advantage as well. Probably favourites to stay up now.

[Alan Shearer]

So Leeds are going to play a huge part in who goes down and go to spurs and West Ham. Wow.

[Gary Lineker]

Marching down together.

[Alan Shearer]

I think West Ham best chance of getting three points I think is that last home game. Whether that's going to be enough or not, I don't know. But it's tough for them now. It's been a really really tough weekend for them.

[Gary Lineker]

Tough at the bottom, tough at the top man. City playing this evening on Monday. Huge game they've now got to win. Tough one away at Everton. Let's see how that goes. But that's for another episode. Goodbye from me.

[Micah Richards]

Goodbye from me.

[Alan Shearer]

Goodbye from me.