Arsenal’s Title To Lose, Liverpool Lose Four-In-A-Row & Man Utd’s Revival Continues

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Rest Is Football

Episode: Arsenal’s Title To Lose, Liverpool Lose Four-In-A-Row & Man Utd’s Revival Continues
Date: October 27, 2025
Hosts: Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards

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Overview

In this lively episode, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards break down a dramatic weekend of Premier League football. With Arsenal stretching their lead at the top, Liverpool in crisis after four straight defeats, and Manchester United’s unexpected resurgence, the panel provides sharp analysis, personal anecdotes, and plenty of banter. Set pieces, defending trends, fantasy football, and VAR controversies are all on the table, with each host bringing their unique perspective.

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Key Topics & Insights

1. Arsenal’s Commanding Lead and Defensive Strength

[05:37–10:15]

• Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the table to four points following another efficient victory, this time over Crystal Palace.
• The panel discusses Arsenal’s transformation into a team adept at grinding out results—especially after European fixtures—crediting their defensive solidity and set-piece prowess.
• Micah Richards on Gabriel:
  "He’s just turned into an absolute machine on set pieces. He’s so key for and against. People are calling them Set Piece FC, but it doesn’t matter—win however you need." (08:06)
• Alan Shearer’s take:
  "That’s the huge advantage they’ve got over City, Liverpool, whoever else. Their ability to just win a game even when they didn’t play particularly well." (09:17)
• General consensus: Arsenal’s resilience, depth, and ability to win ugly have made them title favorites at this stage.

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2. Liverpool’s Downfall: Four Consecutive Defeats

[11:04–17:40]

• Liverpool’s dramatic loss of form is dissected, with both Shearer and Richards highlighting defensive chaos and a lack of midfield protection.
• Alan Shearer:
  "Defensively, oh my word ... Van Dijk and Konate, the two centre-halves, have been terrible and they were at Brentford. They were awful, both of them." (11:10)
• Micah Richards explains the midfield’s impact:
  "McAllister was protection for them ... Now it’s completely different. Curtis Jones is a very good player, but not with the defensive qualities of the others. Teams are exposing that." (12:50)
• Discussion on long balls and set-piece fragility, with Shearer insisting the centre-backs have to do more, even without midfield cover.
• Consensus: Liverpool’s tactical tweaks and loss of old midfield energy have left the defense exposed, while keeper Alisson’s absence has amplified problems.
• Is the season over? The panel notes that, unlike previous years, the league is more volatile and competitive, so all is not lost for Liverpool with time to recover.

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3. The Wild, Unpredictable Premier League Table

[17:25–18:36]

• The pundits reflect on the topsy-turvy nature of the season: United resurgent, City stumbling, and Arsenal standing out for consistency.
• Micah Richards:
  "I do believe the league is gonna chop and change throughout the season. I don’t think you lose four games and you’re out the title race this year." (17:43)

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4. Manchester United’s Revival

[18:36–20:54]

• Man United’s back-to-back wins and revived performances earn praise. Confidence in the new system and bravery in approach are cited as key factors.
• Alan Shearer:
  "You’ve got to give big credit to Man United ... the run will give them huge confidence and the belief that his system can work." (18:36)
• Micah Richards adds:
  "That’s the first time I’ve been convinced they know exactly what their roles are. Now the challenge is consistency." (19:51)
• Special shout-outs for new signings like B. Mbuemo and Konya adapting smoothly.

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5. Manchester City and Aston Villa: A Tough Fixture

[21:13–23:01]

• City’s third consecutive defeat at Villa Park is broken down, with both pundits zeroing in on midfield energy deficiencies (notably missing Rodri) and Villa’s athleticism.
• Micah Richards:
  "Man City, they’re missing a little bit of energy in midfield ... Villa just had too much athleticism for them." (21:55)
• Villa’s organization, resolute defending, and ability to exploit City’s weaknesses are highlighted as a blueprint for City’s rivals.

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6. Overachievers: Bournemouth & Sunderland

[23:01–25:33]

• Surprise packages Bournemouth (2nd in league after 9 games) and Sunderland get their flowers.
• Alan Shearer:
  "If you’d have said before the season Bournemouth and Sunderland would be top three or four, people would have thought you were sniffing drugs or something!" (24:11)
• Sunderland’s rookie manager and rapid rise despite modest resources are lauded.

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7. Newcastle’s Grit and the Effects of European Football

[26:43–28:15]

• Newcastle’s late win (after a draining European week) shows depth and resilience, but Shearer cautions about the toll European football can take, even on bigger squads.
• Alan Shearer:
  "To play European football ... is draining, but you’ve just got to get the result after, and Newcastle did that." (27:47)

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8. “The Rest Is Football Derby”: Burnley v Wolves Recap

[28:35–29:27]

• Burnley’s last-gasp win over Wolves and their back-to-back wins are celebrated, particularly for their implications in the relegation scrap.
• The promoted teams (Burnley, Leeds, Sunderland) are all out of the bottom three, bucking preseason expectations.

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9. Set Pieces and Tactical Trends in the Premier League

[31:41–37:57]

• In-depth discussion about the resurgence of set pieces and direct play.
• Alan Shearer:
  "This year more than ever, it seems every single team, the importance of set pieces is incredible." (32:13)
• Traditional tactics (long throws, direct balls, and loading the box from kickoffs) are back in vogue—even among teams previously known for short passing.
• Gary Lineker:
  "It's almost like I’ve been asleep for 30 years and suddenly football from the ’80s and ’90s is back." (34:13)

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10. Refereeing & VAR Controversies

[36:20–37:36]

• Shearer voices strong frustrations with VAR interpretation of incidents, especially a Liverpool penalty and an Everton goal disallowed for offside interference.
• Alan Shearer:
  "It doesn’t sit easy with me ... There’s no way the keeper’s stopping that anyway, irrespective of whether someone’s in front of him or not." (36:20)

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11. Player Spotlights & Fantasy Football Banter

[38:26–39:53]

• Praise for Mickey Van de Ven (Tottenham), Gabriel (Arsenal), and Tottenham’s keeper Vicario for standout performances.
• Lighthearted mentions of fantasy football rivalries; Micah teased for benefiting from Van de Ven’s points haul.

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12. Sheffield Wednesday’s Administration – A Plea for Fans

[40:24–41:57]

• The hosts share sympathy for Sheffield Wednesday fans facing a 12-point deduction due to administration.
• Lineker observes:
  "I always think it’s like kicking a club when it’s down, when it’s at its lowest ... the fans take the punishment because they’re the constant." (41:07)
• Shearer adds a note of optimism, referencing Coventry’s resurgence as hope for struggling clubs.

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13. Coventry’s Unbeaten Run

[42:10–43:01]

• Both hosts praise Coventry City’s flying start—unbeaten, outscoring everyone in the Championship.
• Coventry’s example is held up as a reason for hope for supporters of embattled clubs like Sheffield Wednesday.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Micah Richards (on Arsenal’s Set Piece Mastery):
  "People are starting, they’re calling Arsenal Set Piece FC but it doesn’t matter. Win the games however you need to win them." (08:06)
• Alan Shearer (on Liverpool’s Defense):
  "Van Dijk and Konate, the two centre-backs, have been terrible and they were at Brentford. They were awful, both of them." (11:10)
• Gary Lineker (on changing league landscape):
  "Apart from Arsenal, no one’s been particularly consistent." (18:18)
• Alan Shearer (on tactical changes):
  "This year, more than ever, it seems every single team ... the importance of set pieces is incredible." (32:13)
• Banter Highlights:
  • Shearer and Richards teasing each other about club loyalties and fixtures (05:58–07:35)
  • Micah complains about being targeted by Man City fans for his childhood Arsenal support (05:58)
• On Fantasy Football:
  "I might get one first at my age. So what’s gone wrong with Liverpool?" – Gary, joking after a wild gameweek (11:04)
• Shearer on surprise packages:
  "If you’d have said before... Bournemouth and Sunderland in the top three or four, people would have thought you were sniffing drugs or something!" (24:11)
• Closing with Hope:
  • Coventry’s revival is highlighted as an inspiring story for fans facing tough times (43:01)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Arsenal & Set Pieces: 05:37–10:15
• Liverpool’s Struggles: 11:04–17:40
• Man United’s Revival: 18:36–20:54
• Man City–Villa Analysis: 21:13–23:01
• Bournemouth & Sunderland’s Rise: 23:01–25:33
• Newcastle & European Impact: 26:43–28:15
• Burnley v Wolves & Newly Promoted Teams: 28:35–29:27
• Set Piece Tactics: 31:41–37:57
• Refereeing Controversy: 36:20–37:36
• Fantasy Football/Fanlight Moments: 38:26–39:53
• Sheffield Wednesday/Coventry: 40:24–43:01

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Tone & Style

The episode blends relaxed humor, candid opinions, and expert insight. Richards, Shearer, and Lineker maintain playful banter, but pivot easily to serious debate when discussing on-pitch problems or footballing injustices. Their Premier League experience allows for layered, informed takes—but the show never loses its fun, fan-friendly atmosphere.

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Conclusion

This episode of The Rest Is Football is essential listening for fans wanting a nuanced yet entertaining breakdown of a wild Premier League weekend. From tactical deep dives to heated VAR arguments and grassroots financial woes, no corner of the game is left unexplored—and the camaraderie between Lineker, Shearer, and Richards keeps it fresh throughout.

Transcript

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A new signing providing power and energy. That sounds like a bit of me back in the day guys.

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Hello and welcome to the Resties Football with Mike Richards in the back of a car. As often happens on a Sunday, Alan Shearer clearly at home and me go and also at home after. Well, fascinating Weekends football in many ways because we've seen big twists at the top. Arsenal have stretched their lead thanks to defeats for. Well, not Manchester City, Chelsea and of course Liverpool yet again. Let's start perhaps with the leaders. I mean also, you've had a busy day, Micah, but we're recording this actually just after most of the games on Sunday and the Everton Tottenham game has just started. Harry's got it on the laptop there. He's showing me what's going on. So we're going to do this because, Mike, you're in a car so we need to get you done. And then Alan and myself later on we'll perhaps come back and discuss Everton against Tottenham. Unless it's a drab nil nil draw and then you'll never, ever, ever hear from us again. I promise.

[Micah Richards]

There's no chance Alan's coming back for a second time. I'm surprised we've got him today.

[Alan Shearer]

Don't you worry, we'll cover you again, Mike. And we guys have got this covered. We'll work our nuts off just so you can go and do whatever you have to do on a Sunday night.

[Gary Lincoln]

So what's happening on these Sunday things, Mike? Because you did like half a shift and then suddenly the main G, the big late game's on and you've, you've gone.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah. So what's happened when there's European football and the teams need to play on the Sundays. So today there's five games. We do the build up to the two o', clock, which are all live now, two o' clock games. And then the later team does the Everton spurs game. So it's a different team completely. So we get early finishes.

[Alan Shearer]

That's good. That suits you, doesn't it?

[Micah Richards]

Don't.

[Alan Shearer]

Half a day.

[Micah Richards]

Don't say that.

[Alan Shearer]

Half a day.

[Gary Lincoln]

Can I ask you a question? Because I find it quite a little bit odd, but I don't, you know, I'm not in the television world anymore in terms of doing football. But you all look slightly, you know that standing up in a square thing that you do like for the early games, for the start. And they used. And they do it sometimes on Saturday Night Football as well where you all, you, no one knows how to stand, you're all swaying a little, little balls you put in your heels. It's, it's, it's, it's a bit odd. It's a bit odd. I mean, I love, I think I'm a great fan of what sky do. It's amazing. But I think that just looks so peculiar. I always think the four of you, like, stood so far away from each.

[Micah Richards]

Other, it's just sort of could get the screen and.

[Gary Lincoln]

I know. I know exactly what it is, but it just.

[Micah Richards]

You're not sure about it.

[Gary Lincoln]

I'm not sure about it, No.

[Micah Richards]

I think. I think it looks cool, to be honest.

[Alan Shearer]

It's not.

[Micah Richards]

It's not. What's going on there?

[Gary Lincoln]

You've just gone dark. Disappeared.

[Micah Richards]

I've disappeared.

[Alan Shearer]

Brilliant.

[Gary Lincoln]

Back. So, let's start with Arsenal. They've stretched their lead at the top to four points now. And you think to yourself, given the nature of how difficult they are to score against that, they could take some stopping this season. Which obviously pleases you, Micah. There a. You'll be. You'll be all over Arsenal now they're on top, won't you?

[Micah Richards]

Oh, my gosh. This is. This is ridiculous, isn't it? I've put my statement out about this many times before. Gaz and the Man City fans are chastising me at the moment. City fans, I love you. I absolutely love you. They did help the other day.

[Alan Shearer]

Too late now. They all know you support Arsenal, but the cbs. City fans, I love you. Honestly, what a. Have you ever heard so much in all your life, Man? City fans, I love you.

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Oh, my.

[Micah Richards]

I do. I know it's hard for you to love Alan, but I love the City fans.

[Alan Shearer]

It's a shame they don't love you.

[Micah Richards]

I know they don't at the moment.

That's because the pilots like you keep bringing up that. I. I was past tent, if you know what that was, Alan. Pass tent. I was an Arsenal fan growing up. Now I support Manchester City. How many times do I have to clear this up?

[Alan Shearer]

If, honestly, if Man City were top of the League, you'd be saying, oh, Arsenal fans, I really love you and I really feel sorry for you. Honestly, Arsenal fans, I really mean it. Please believe me.

[Micah Richards]

You know, you did play for other teams, not just. You won the League at Blackburn. Alan.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah. I've got great respect, Micah, for Blackburn and for Southampton have played huge parts in my career. But I was actually born in Newcastle and I love Newcastle and can't help that. And I wouldn't say that about Arsenal or City or Leeds or Villa or. I mean, come on, what's up with you?

[Gary Lincoln]

Mike is treading on quicksand here.

[Micah Richards]

We can get hammered because of you to every single week.

[Gary Lincoln]

All right, Michael, we'll stand off. Right, I just want your opinion now on the game between your favorite team, Arsenal and Palace. What did you make of it.

[Micah Richards]

The game, it wasn't a classic, was it?

I thought palace did rather well in the first half, a few chances but Arsenal just snuff them out. Don't they just know how to kill a game that's so good at it? Gabriel, what a player he is. And I wasn't sure about him at the start. I thought he made a few mistakes, it looked a little bit clumsy but now he's just turned into an absolute machine on set pieces. He's so key for and against. And the thing is what people are starting, they're calling Arsenal Set Piece fc but it doesn't matter. Win the games however you need to win them. That's the most important thing. And Arsenal are finding ways to win games and that's why I believe they're strong. I've got a strong case now for, for winning the league and I never quite believed it with Liverpool's players and especially the window, the sign, the signings, everything else. But now I just. They don't give teams opportunities, they just don't. And yeah, in terms of the game it was nice for Essay to score but all in all they just look like a well oiled machine.

[Alan Shearer]

I would say. So many of the games, particularly after Champions League week are similar to what Arsenal had today in terms of not as comfortable as they'd like, not a great performance, but somehow you've just got to win the game. And Arsenal did that. And that's the huge. And it's a. That's the huge advantage they've got over City, Liverpool, whoever else thinks they can challenge them before ball was kicked. Now that because of their set pieces, because of their resilience, because of their squad, they're so much more in the driving seat than. Than the other two are now because of their ability to just win a game even when they didn't play particularly well. That they can just win the game because of. Because they can, because of the set pieces, because of everything else and how good they are at the back. And that's why they've got such a clear lead at the minute.

[Gary Lincoln]

Sorry I interrupted that because spurs have just scored.

[Micah Richards]

Please.

[Gary Lincoln]

Kudos Van de Ven. Yeah, he's got Van der Ven, his fantasy team. Honestly, I have had the worst week ever. Mike and Martins. The only person who scored points was the aforementioned Gabrielle. No one else that's done anything for me. Obviously they're two of my former clubs. Micah. But I'm a Leicester fan. But I do like Tottenham. Oh Micah. It's been disallowed they are.

[Alan Shearer]

Calm down, big mix. Calm down.

[Gary Lincoln]

I'm joking, I'm joking. Micah.

Got him. A beauty.

[Micah Richards]

So you two give me a heart attack one of these days, you know that.

[Gary Lincoln]

I might get one first at my age. So what's gone wrong with Liverpool? What's going on?

[Alan Shearer]

Where do you start? Where do we start? I mean I, I, no one saw this coming. We all every, I think the vast majority of people, the vast majority of pundits, I can't remember any pundits in that Liverpool would have problems defensively. I could only remember people saying because of the squad they've got, because of the investment and the players that they've signed, that they were the team to beat. But they are so bad all over the pitch. And I mean say what you want about them in midfield, a lack of protection or the upfront, the lack of connection between their, their signings. But defensively, oh my word. I mean van Dijk and Canate, the two fullbacks have had a lot of stick and a lot of criticism and I understand that and I get that. But the two center offs, they are all over the place. They've been terrible and they were at Brentford. They were awful, both of them. I mean van Dijk and Canate, weren't they?

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, they were. And I think what we're seeing now is Van Dijk needs help. How many times in previous seasons Van Dijk's bailed them out and you look at partnerships and we've always talked about Van Dijk and how good he is. He needs Canary to bail him out at the moment and that's not happening. So you can't have two year center halfs not playing well at the same time.

[Gary Lincoln]

It's just why is it happening, Mikey, do you think to those two because they were so strong last season?

[Micah Richards]

Okay, well if you look at the tactical view and Al sort of brushed over it there when he made his point. It's midfield, it's a Midfield area.

[Gary Lincoln]

Protection.

[Micah Richards]

McCallister was protection for them, Bravan Birch was protection and Saslai had legs last season. Now it's completely different. They're trying to go with a Curtis Jones, very good player but he's not got the defensive qualities of the other midfielders. I, I've mentioned Vert as well. We know Vert is going to become a good player. We know that he needs to find somewhere in a team where he can excel. But in terms of if you're a midfielder now and you're playing up against Wirtz, you're worried about what he can do on the ball but off the ball he's small, he's petite, he's not very strong. He's come from a different league. You're gonna expose that and that's what teams are doing now it's energy in midfield why Liverpool were so consistent.

[Alan Shearer]

Let me put it to you then Micah about forget the lack of protection from midfield what about long balls that are coming into the box? Where are the two center halves? I mean there's no protection there. Then you need your centre off to go and put your head on it and go and compete and go and win a header that's got nothing to do with protection in midfield so. And I don't see the two centre.

[Micah Richards]

Offs doing that but the thing is this season to answer that Alan is last season when they went, when they pressed they pressed together and there wasn't exposed to that long ball. And don't forget slots tweak the way they played or they played last season to this season. Do you remember we talked about Liverpool last season with slot that didn't change too much. They were a team that were patient in build up they were low block at times when they needed to be. They're trying now to press the ball a little bit higher the bypass in the midfield and then defenders are not reading it. I agree with you defenders should be doing better but the goal for. For Konate he's not normally in. In that position. Don't forget when Trent was there Trent would stop a lot of the counter attacks because he's positioning when he used to go from right back into midfield. Now that is not happening. They've got too many players going forward at one time leaving that and the defenders yes agree should do better but they're not used to constantly having to defend that one versus one at the back.

[Alan Shearer]

What about the long throw in. What about the long throw in or set set pieces that come into the box then you're not getting any protection from midfielders Then you still need your center offs to go and win that long throw.

[Micah Richards]

Agreed. Agreed. But I think the wider problem with Liverpool is more teams being able to play through them and if you look at their results from early part of the season they've conceded so many chances Chances that they wouldn't have conceded last season because of the way they're trying to play. In a roundabout way they've added verts to the team tried to be more creative but that stopped them from being a little bit more robust in the center of the field which is now Leaking onto defense. Yes I take your point of that the long throw ins and all that you must defend better. And another key element. How many times did Alisson save them when they. When teams did go through one on one. Mama Dashvili very good goalkeeper but the communication between the defense and the goalkeeper at the moment doesn't seem to be working Even if he's still making really really good saves. It's just when. When to come out of the goalkeeper when you want your defenders to deal with it. He's finding it hard to get that connection with his center backs.

[Gary Lincoln]

It's quite the irony isn't it that Liverpool look worse defensively than without Trenton Alexander Arnold because the fact that he moved into midfield and filled the areas. So it is interesting. Do you think this is a blip or will they sort it out?

[Alan Shearer]

Well can you remember when if you lost maybe three games certainly four in a season that the league was done years ago. I mean Liverpool have now lost four on the spin. Is that. Is that the league over for them or what?

[Gary Lincoln]

It's the number of games they lost last season isn't it? 4 in its entirety which is. I mean it's not all over because if you look at the league table they're not that many points behind and if they can galvanize themselves and find the Liverpool that was there last season then obviously they'll. They'll still be very much part of it. But four games ago they were top of the league and even though they'd been we could see the early signs couldn't we but it is, it is quite remarkable that the fall off but it's a big test for Arnie slot now.

[Alan Shearer]

Massive.

[Gary Lincoln]

I mean imagine if this was his first season there'd be a lot of question marks now but he's. But because he did so brilliantly in his first season then obviously he deserves a lot more time. And I mean my. Such is the madness of football. Who knows.

[Micah Richards]

I think the league's changed though.

[Gary Lincoln]

You think the league's changed?

[Micah Richards]

I think. I think the league's changed you know to add to you guys points. Do you remember Liverpool were ahead and Arsenal were chasing it. It looked like Man City started well at Wolves and everyone was talking about they they're going to take some stopping Man United the start of the season were pathetic and now they put you know a couple of games together and look a decent side. I think I do believe that the league is gonna chop and change throughout the season this year I don't think it's. You lose Four games and you're out the title race this year. I don't.

[Gary Lincoln]

Manchester City losing as well. Manchester United winning. It's all gone a bit topsy turvy, isn't it? I mean, I mean, Man United are doing way better than, than we thought they were doing. But I suppose apart from Arsenal, no one's been particularly consistent.

[Alan Shearer]

No, I mean, great. You've got to give big credit to Man United after their, after their result last weekend. They had to because you can imagine if they win at Liverpool and then they don't win at home, you know what this scenario and what everyone's going to be saying.

[Gary Lincoln]

So I thought they played really well yesterday.

[Alan Shearer]

It was really a big wing for them and Bumo getting his. Getting a couple of goals under pressure in the last few minutes of the game, but then obviously he gets that goal and then it's all over with. But yeah, that, that, that result and the run, the run will give him huge com and the belief that his system can work. He was right after all. Let's see. I think, yeah, good result, but let's see in the next month or so, that's what's going to make the difference. But for them going forward and for the last few results, you've got to say well done to them.

[Micah Richards]

What Man United have been crying out for is if you're going to play that system, be brave. And Luke Shaw was very brave the way he stepped in. And then they go and get the goal. And if you look at the positioning yesterday of Acuna Kunya was filling in, in that midfield role. I watched Match today and I thought Michael Carrick.

[Gary Lincoln]

Yeah, very good.

[Micah Richards]

Really, really good. And these are all the things that I've been saying, if you're gonna play in this way, and I've never said a lot of people will say, oh, I thought the system can work, that the system can work. I just don't think they're playing it in the right way. And I don't think about the players to do that. That's the first time I've been convinced that they know exactly what their roles are. And I agree with Alan now. Now the challenge is consistency. That's what it needs to be. And then Burmo, you give him, you give him time and space, he's gonna hurt you. And I thought he played really well as well.

[Gary Lincoln]

He's really good in Burma. I think he's. I mean, he's also, I suppose, the question mark against someone that's done consistently well at a club like Brentford with With all due respect, is to then jump to, you know, one of the, one of the giants in world football and be able to handle it and he clearly can. It's not phased him in in the slightest. So. And I would say the same with Konya. I mean, obviously he's got experience of Atletico in Madrid, which, you know, is obviously one of the big boys in, in Spain. But, but Manchester United is a little different and, and they've gone there at.

[Alan Shearer]

The most difficult time as well, haven't they? I mean, it's not as if they're going into a football club that's flowing and winning games and all that. They've gone into a really t club that has had a really tough time and it's, it's toughest time to go on there and perform. So yeah, he's done really well.

[Gary Lincoln]

I watched the Arsenal palace game because Obviously there were four games kicking off at 2 o'.

[Alan Shearer]

Clock.

[Gary Lincoln]

I didn't catch the Villa Man City game, but, you know, I think that's three defeats on the bounce at Villa park for Manchester City, isn't it Mike? What. What were they. Did you watch that one, Alan, or the other one?

[Alan Shearer]

I was flicking in between. In between? Yeah. Haaland had one headed late in the second half. Was very rare to be honest. I thought Villa defended him really well. They scored a really good goal. I always thought that was going to be a really tough game for, for Man City going there. It is after Europe, you know, after, after Champions League week when it's. It's as tough it is. But that's a big result for Villa and, and one they. Yeah, they were under the kosh a bit second half but thought they played really well and defended well.

[Micah Richards]

Villa totally agree with Alan. I thought Conso was superb for Anana in midfield. He. He put in some really good tackles when Man City tried to open them up. Man City, they're missing a little bit of energy in midfield obviously. No Rodri Nicole Gonzalez was, was, was on the bench. So they started with Reinders, Bernardo Silva and Foden and with Morgan Rogers and Anana just had too much athleticism for them. They just couldn't deal with it. Then they would go into the low block. Man City couldn't pick them off. And then what Man City were doing on the ball, John Stones was coming into midfield to help him with a little bit of physicality in the middle of the part. But when Villa won the ball back on the transition, they just could not deal with it. Just couldn't deal with it. At all. And then the set piece comes in. Matty Cash, edge of the box. And then it was always going to be difficult after that because it's just always in control. Really good finish by Matty Cash.

[Gary Lincoln]

I think we expected Villa to bounce back after their bad start to the season. So I don't think it's, it's, it's a particular surprise. They've got a very good coach and they've got a lot of very good players elsewhere. Bournemouth, I mean they're flying, aren't they? Second in the league after nine games. It's not, you know, it's not after four or five games now it's nine games. Comfortable win it seem against Forest and Tavern is going directly from a, from a corner. Some unusual things. And the 19 year old croupy junior another. That was a cracking goal. He scored two last week, didn't he?

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah. Great result. Let's. I'm against Forest who you think the new manager coming in going to stiffen them up a little bit. Good result in the week. Yeah, we, as we said it before, they're, they're a good team, Bournemouth and anyone going up against them knows they're in for a, in for a tough game. What a star. I mean unbelievable. I mean them. If you, if, if you would have said before Ball was kicked that Sunderland and Bournemouth were going to be in the top three or four then people would have looked at you as if you've been sniffing drugs or something, aren't they? It's like honestly, it would have been but well done to those two. Incredible, isn't it?

[Micah Richards]

You can't say that.

[Gary Lincoln]

You can say that.

[Alan Shearer]

I mean honestly, if you can say.

[Gary Lincoln]

That on the podcast, that's not.

[Alan Shearer]

Can you imagine if you understand after nine games.

[Gary Lincoln]

I don't think he's actually saying anyone has.

[Alan Shearer]

No, I'm just saying they thought, they would have thought you would have Bournemouth in second and Sunderland third. Particularly if. Can you imagine if I'd have come on here before Ball was kicked and said I think Sunderland after nine games are going to be third. You lot be thinking what a fool he is.

[Gary Lincoln]

I'd be thinking, have you been sniffing drugs again? Will you please stop sniffing drugs all the time?

[Alan Shearer]

Honestly. Brilliant.

[Gary Lincoln]

We must mention. Well, I mean you said there Sunderland. I mean it must be quite painful for you at the moment, Alan. But I mean what performance. I mean as well you know you talk about. I mean the coach has done such a brilliant job, hasn't it? I don't know how to say his name Properly Regis Labris or Regis.

His track record is not sensational. Before Sunderland, though, he was at Lorion, wasn't he? And he actually got them relegated and he, he lost his job there and then sundered appointed him. But what an appointment it seemed to be that he's. He's done so well.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, I mean we talk about, we talk about recruitment and the money spending from clubs and what have you. And Sunderland brought a lot of players in, so for them to get the balance right as the. As they have done and to. For some of their performances and again, I mean we always said about their home form, even, even their own fans would think we're not really expecting to go there and get a win. They go there and hope they go there because they support the team, but I don't think many of them would have thought they were going to go there and win the game and get three points in the way they did. So they've had a brilliant start. And as, as much as it pains me and hurts me to say it, you have to say well done to them.

[Micah Richards]

Why? Why does it pain you, Al? You're supposed to be impartial pundit.

[Alan Shearer]

I, I have to be a bit impartial and match the day, but I can say what I want on the podcast, Micah. So as much as it hurts me and pains me to say about Sunderland, you have to say well done to them. They've had an unbelievable start, brilliant results, some great performances and. Yeah, well, I know their fans are pretty much enjoying it and yeah, well done, Sunderland. You have been superb.

[Gary Lincoln]

We'll move just up the road a little bit to St. James's Park. And you were there and actually you interviewed Eddie Howe, didn't you, before the game? I saw that was going quite viral and Eddie was saying lovely things about you and I don't know what's wrong.

[Alan Shearer]

With him, but I said to, I said, Eddie, when we were doing the interview, he said something in the went about, we're talking about my goals and he tried to replicate them and he's in the garden when he was a youngster. I actually text him afterwards and I said, hello, you're 48. What you're on about, man, you go. He said, he said, yeah, but I used to be in the garden. 18.

Yeah, they left it late, Newcastle, didn't they? Yeah, just a bit. It was, it was, it was, yeah. They won the game. They weren't brilliant. I thought Malik Chow, it sent her off, was superb. Bruno got a brilliant goal. Captain's performance. But yeah, it was. It was pretty. They made hard work of it yesterday. Philip. Fulham came very, very close to going away with point and you have to feel for them a little bit.

[Gary Lincoln]

Do you think European football has been difficult to deal with A little bit that has an effect?

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, I think it is. I think even. Even if you've got the biggest of squads, I think to. To play European football to the. With the emotion, how draining it is and everything else. Yeah, it does. There's no. There's no doubt about it. But I think very much like you've just got to get the game after a European week. You've just got to get the result. No matter how you get it, you've just got to get it. And Newcastle did that. So it was a big three points and hopefully they can get their league season going now.

[Micah Richards]

Why are you not working this weekend anyway, Alan?

[Alan Shearer]

I was. Micah. I was working on Football Focus yesterday just before the game.

[Micah Richards]

One little interview. Come on.

[Alan Shearer]

One little interview. You got to get there at 9:30 in the morning. I was there 9:30 till like 1:30 and then I could have the afternoon off and have a few drinks.

[Gary Lincoln]

Before we go. Before we go we must talk about the rest. Is football derby we can call it because we've got John producer John Wolves fan and we've got obviously one of the fellow owners of Gold Hanger Tony who's a big Burnley fan. And Burnley pipped it right at the end. Huge game to win.

[Alan Shearer]

Massive. I mean for them to win back to back, Burnley is huge because we always said about their home form they won last weekend. But for we, we. For them to go there against a team who are obviously going to be in and around them come the end of the season and beat them and beat them in the way they did in the last day in the last minute despite being two up and then being clawed back. So What a huge 3 points for Scott Parker and his team, eh?

[Gary Lincoln]

Did you see Fleming's first goal? What a finish. First time volley. Beautiful.

[Alan Shearer]

Superb, wasn't it? Yeah.

[Gary Lincoln]

Really was. Really was a cracking finish. It's it. I think it's good for the league this year. It might change. But the. The three teams that were promoted, none of them are currently in the bottom three. In fact they're all pretty comfortably away from the gap at the moment. Yeah, they're five points. Burnley are five points clear of the bottom three. Leeds are six points clear. And as we. As we know Sunderland are flying high. So that's great. Let's take a break. Mike, you continue Your journey home. And Alan and myself will come back shortly with Tottenham and Everton. It's one nil to Tottenham at the moment. But Micah, safe travels, safe trip, big meets.

[Micah Richards]

I shall see you tomorrow, Alan.

[Alan Shearer]

See you tomorrow. Yes. Don't be drinking too much this evening. Have a good night.

[Micah Richards]

Don't drink anymore, Alan.

[Gary Lincoln]

You know that it's off the booze. Back shortly.

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[Gary Lincoln]

Welcome back to the Rest Is Football with just Alan Shearer and me, Gary Lincoln. Now I'm glad. I'm sort of glad Mike has gone a little bit because he'd be gloating now about his fantasy because he had Mickey Van de Ven, who scored two and got a clean sheet and bonus points and all sorts. So he would have been pretty insufferable.

[Alan Shearer]

So I can see him in the car now, you know, his stupid little laugh, getting all excited.

Yeah, you can see sh has gone. He'd be delighted, wouldn't he?

[Gary Lincoln]

Oh, yeah, he'll be very happy. As will Tottenham's fans. As will Thomas, Frank and their team. I thought, you know, it was an exhilarating game, but, you know, it's a match won by set pieces. And I thought Tottenham dealt with Everton set pieces really well defensively, but Everton couldn't cope with Tottenham's.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, first team to go there and win in that stadium. Away team. They deserved it, didn't they? I thought I said. I said earlier about when you've played in Europe and how difficult it is then coming back to the weekend. But some, I guess if you get everything right and do what. What spurs did, then they made pretty light work of it. In the end and yeah, because of, because of two brilliant set pieces and the determination to get on the, on the end of balls coming into the box. I mean set, set piece. And I know they've always been important, but this year more than ever, it seems every single team, it's, it's like the importance of them is incredible.

[Gary Lincoln]

Are we seeing a bit of a shift?

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, there's no doubt we are.

[Gary Lincoln]

We sort of joke about it a little bit, but you know, corners, long throw ins. I mean corners have always been a thing, but long throws definitely come back in. And the thing about long throws, it's actually more probably difficult, I think I've said it before to deal with because as, as a defense you can't push up because you can't be offside from a throw in. So it makes it more difficult. But it seems to be a lot of long throw merchants around at the moment.

[Alan Shearer]

No. Unbelievable. I mean, penny for a thought for big salmon Tony Pulis, who I wouldn't, I wouldn't say were ridiculed but, but we're also looked upon as these direct balls. Long dinosaurs, long throw ins. Worked so hard on, on set pieces, percentage football. I mean it's, it's, it is incredible how it, I don't, I wouldn't say it's, it's. It's always been gone, but how much of the importance and how it's returned. I mean we even, we're even getting teams now who were renowned for passing and keeping the ball. Knocking the ball out from a kickoff to 3 yard, 3 yards back to a midfielder who's booting it out of play five yards from the corner flag so they can, they can get up further up the pitch and put the team under pressure. I mean it's, it's really, it's unbelievable. I've seen Newcastle do that so many times this season. Other teams are doing it as well.

[Gary Lincoln]

Yeah, a lot of teams are doing. It's. It's almost like I've been asleep for 30 years and suddenly football from the 80s and 90s is back.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, but it's like, you know, we had the, we had the. I don't know whether this is the right word or not. The philosophers as in the, the, the insistence and the importance of playing out from the back, the passing, the will not kick it. Long football will. Whatever. But it's like, I don't know. It's, it's. It does seem this season that they'll. We're seeing more long balls. We're seeing more long Throw ins. We're seeing more, more balls go into the box. We're seeing more balls go long from kickoffs to, to put teams under pressure. It really is a big shift from what we've seen over the past 10 or 15 years.

[Gary Lincoln]

Yeah, definitely. And spurs showed today that they are quite a handful from, from corners particularly and Mickey Van de Ven who's got both of the goals. But it is difficult, they are difficult things to. To defend for particularly for goalkeepers.

[Alan Shearer]

I mean there's so much has to go right. Obviously you need a brilliant ball in the way the movement is, the way the blocking goes on the way how someone has to show great desire to get on the end of it. Whether that's at the near post or the far post. Then if that the first, you don't win the first one, you have to win the second one and all those things have to have to work, you know. So. And I guess it's. It's fantastic for these set piece coaches who work so hard in training to see their work come into fruition I guess in, in. In the game which is what it's all about. And two set pieces ultimately really won it for, won it for spurs today.

[Gary Lincoln]

Yeah, you can see there's been a lot of work particularly on the deliveries now. There's so much consistency from quite a number of players. What did you think about the disallow goal for Everton on jai on the goalkeeper? I mean he wasn't given us a foul. It's given offside. He was in an offside position but he didn't touch it was. I mean he probably just about interfering with the goalkeeper.

[Alan Shearer]

But yeah, I mean it doesn't, it doesn't sit easy with me. Well it's very difficult to argue with the, with the laws because there's no way the keeper's stopping that anyway irrespective of whether someone's in front of him or not. I mean I got, I got. I was getting on my high horse yesterday. I was sending text left, right and center about that. The penalty that Liverpool conceded with van Dijk.

[Gary Lincoln]

Oh, what did you think about that? Because we didn't mention it in the first half. I thought it was. I mean, I mean I was just talking about.

[Alan Shearer]

Honestly I was just on about we're not going to re. Referee, we're not going to interfere. It's only for the clear and obvious. But then they come back and say oh well it's factual because it was a foul. There's no way if that. If the referee thinks that's in the box. He doesn't give that. It's all right, I'm giving a free kick. But I'm pretty sure that if he thinks that's in the box, then that's not going to be given as a penalty. We've all been in the game long enough to know that and understand that.

[Gary Lincoln]

Yeah, I think you, I think you're spot on there.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, it didn't sit easy with me, but it's very difficult to argue against the laws. But it. I. I don't like it. I don't like it at all. I mean, Virgil van Dijk was slow on the tackle, whatever you want to say about that. But no, it didn't say easy with me. And that didn't today with, with Evan. Because the keeper's not stopping that. Even if someone's.

Not in and around him, he's just not stopping it.

[Gary Lincoln]

No, I agree. I think I'm talking.

[Alan Shearer]

But you know, you're looking at today, guys, if you look at today tell the importance of set pieces. Arsenal won the game. Villa won the game. Spurs won the game. That, that's just off the top of my head. That's the importance of them. They've got the three points for those teams today.

[Gary Lincoln]

Yeah. You go back to long throwing yesterday with Brentford as well.

[Alan Shearer]

Well, when they helped them win the game.

[Gary Lincoln]

Help them win the game. So no, there's definitely something in it. While we're on goalkeepers as well. I mean Vicario's had a good week. What a saving that from the double deflection. Particularly that.

[Alan Shearer]

Oh yeah, what a save. It was brilliant. Yeah. Made a couple of good saves. And he was brilliant in midweek at Monaco as well, wasn't he? I think he got man of the match of Monaco.

[Gary Lincoln]

He did. He made about five or six saves in that.

[Alan Shearer]

Fantastic idea. Yeah. Superb. Yeah. Very, very good. Good.

[Gary Lincoln]

Yeah. And that takes spurs up to third above Sunderland. We mentioned in the first half that sun them were third but they were when we were speaking, they're not now. So really good start for Thomas Frank Allen. I mean he's, he's positive.

[Alan Shearer]

Really positive. Yeah, I think he's not surprised me. Yeah, just. I mean he's. He's taken what he was brilliant at and obviously what he was brilliant at Brentford. He's taken that into spurs great organization. Got his players knowing their roles, knowing what to do and of course we've mentioned the set pieces. He's got his players wired into set pieces which you have to be both for and against because equally as Important. So, yeah, they've had a, they've had a positive start under Thomas. There's no doubt about it, really.

[Gary Lincoln]

Had, I think we mentioned earlier about Gabriel and his significance that he's had at Arsenal and how important he's been to them. But Mickey Van de Ven, who had obviously a couple of injuries last season, had hamstring issues. But I mean, he's, he's all round game. I mean, he can play. He's like lightning. He's brilliant in the air, he's big, he's strong, he's. I mean, if he can stay fit.

[Alan Shearer]

I mean, I'm sure we said that cup two or three weeks ago. I'm sure we said the same thing as whether they can keep him fit. Because. And that's a big if because of, I mean, when you, when you're as quick as he is, then inevitably I think you're going to get, get injuries or hamstring injuries throughout the season, maybe once or twice.

[Gary Lincoln]

But the only thing is though, Alan, perhaps, I don't know, this might be a little bit unfair on Postecoglou, but perhaps because of that high line, he would have had to make more sprints, whereas Thomas doesn't play quite that way. I mean, he just like to press and play reasonably high, but it's a little bit different. So he might not be put under quite as much stress.

[Alan Shearer]

I hope so for his sake, because there's no doubt he's a, he's a quality defender. He really is very, very good.

[Gary Lincoln]

Okay, well, it's been a good weekend for North London, that's for sure.

I want to talk, Alan, just a quick one before we go. A little words of comfort or whatever. It's probably not the right word, but empathy, really, I think, for Sheffield Wednesday and their supporters, you know, gone into administration, obviously, which hopefully they can, you know, sort it all out, but they've got a 12 point penalty. They're now, I think, on minus six or something. I, I understand why, you know, clubs have to suffer repercussions, but I just think, I always think it's like kicking a club when it's down, when it's at his lowest and we've had this with other clubs and I just, I don't know, it doesn't sit well for me. It's like, it's almost like the fans take the punishment because, yeah, through no.

[Alan Shearer]

Fault of their own, the fans, because they're, they're the constant. They're the ones that are always going to be there, there. But I do I do sense as bad as it has been and it has been horrific for them and. But I do sense a bit of relief and they might have to suffer a little bit more, but I guess they've got now got their club back. I know they're in administration, someone else will come in and. And hopefully buy the club and they probably have to be relegated. So it is going to be a little bit more pain before it gets better. But I guess even them taking the letters out of the stands with these. His. His. His name on. On their stand. I saw them doing that. Yeah. Yesterday. Even that. That relief to get rid of him out the club and gone. At least they can have a sort of a clean slate and try and look forward now, as tough as it's going to be.

[Gary Lincoln]

Well, let's hope they can.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah.

[Gary Lincoln]

Find someone that's got the best interest of the club at heart to take them forward. So, yeah, good luck to the Owls. Final word too on while we're on the championship on Coventry. Blimey unbeaten, flying in the league.

[Alan Shearer]

They're not only winning games, guys, but they're actually battering teams and scoring like ridiculous amount of goals, aren't they?

[Gary Lincoln]

Yeah, I think more than any other.

[Alan Shearer]

Team in the three yesterday, wasn't it? Or three.

[Gary Lincoln]

It was 34 in total. Alan.

[Alan Shearer]

Is that what they've got, 34? What a job he's doing, Frank. Great to see, isn't it? So pleased for him, actually.

[Gary Lincoln]

And me too, because he's not only, you know, very thoughtful on the game, he's also a top bloke.

[Alan Shearer]

Lovely bloke. Yeah.

[Gary Lincoln]

They'll be so pleased and hopefully it can continue.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah.

[Gary Lincoln]

It's funny, I think I, I thought at the end of last season, you know, they had that great run, didn't they, when they just missed out in the playoffs. They got to the playoffs and then they missed out in the. Didn't quite make it to the.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah.

[Gary Lincoln]

Through to the Premier League. But I thought to myself at the time, I think that was probably the best thing for. For, you know. Yeah, probably for Coventry and for Frank. I know you want to go up, but I don't think they'd have been ready so.

[Alan Shearer]

Do you know what it is though, guys?

[Gary Lincoln]

I.

[Alan Shearer]

What what I think and what we've just been on about Sheffield Wednesday. Look at the situation Coventry were in a few years ago. So if they're looking for something to look forward to, hopefully Coventry is an example that as bad as it gets for Sheffield Wednesday fans, there might be a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel and, and in. In a few years time that might be them sitting at the top of the table and hoping to get back to the Premier League. But yeah, brilliant.

[Gary Lincoln]

I remember being involved when Leicester went into administration really way back, way back, like early 2000s and you know, 15 years, 16 years later, they won the league. So, yeah, Premier League. I'm not sure that's going to happen. Who knows? Who knows? Okay, let's call it a day there. Alan. Alex has been out, the rest is football. Alex Aljo has been out in Madrid. Yeah. And she's done an interview with Rakitic, which we're going to put out on on Wednesday. So I look forward to seeing that. I'll be back on Tuesday with the rest is football, La Liga with Alex who's been out there at the game. So which Real Madrid have won it kicked off a little bit at the end as well as directed at Lamina Mal. Some of the players were saying, you're talking too much at him and he got all. Got a little bit heated for a while, as it often does in the glasses.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah.

[Gary Lincoln]

So we'll have a bit to discuss on that, but for now, goodbye from me.

[Alan Shearer]

Goodbye from me. Have a great week, everyone.