Derby Delight For Sunderland, City Are Back & Maresca Vs The Owners

Summary

The Rest Is Football

Episode: Derby Delight For Sunderland, City Are Back & Maresca Vs The Owners

Date: December 15, 2025
Hosts: Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards

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Episode Overview

This lively episode features Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards dissecting a thrilling Premier League weekend. From Sunderland’s derby upset and City’s resurgence, to deep dives into Arsenal’s resilience and Chelsea’s ownership dynamics, the trio blends sharp insight with locker-room banter. Beyond tactical analysis, expect frank opinions, passionate rants, and classic football nostalgia.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Match of the Day Mayhem

[03:11 – 04:45]

• Alan relives the chaos of a running order shakeup on Match of the Day after a flurry of late Arsenal goals, scrambling with Danny Murphy to adjust their post-match analysis.
• Shearer jokes: “It was bonkers… scrambling around to get some analysis.” (04:02, Alan Shearer)

Hair Banter and Personalities

[05:08 – 05:38]

• Micah brings classic humor, discussing his hair and the staples of on-air camaraderie: “Energized, I feel great!” (05:11, Micah Richards)
• Friendly teasing about growing his hair out and youthful looks.

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Main Segment Breakdown

1. Sunderland 1-0 Newcastle: Derby Delight (and Alan's Despair)

[05:38 – 14:29]

• Alan’s Furious Reaction:
  Alan doesn’t hold back on his beloved Newcastle’s performance:

  "Newcastle were dreadful. They were rotten and I was really shocked at how bad they were… pathetic in any game, let alone in a derby." (05:56, Alan Shearer)

• Team Selection Criticism:
  Shearer and Micah dissect Eddie Howe’s surprising lineup choices, particularly singling out Alanga starting ahead of Murphy.

  “Alanga has been poor at Newcastle… to put him in the biggest pressurized situation… ahead of Murphy. I thought that backfired.” (10:40, Alan Shearer)

• Newcastle’s Tactical & Attitude Failure:
  • Alan: “There was no desire. There was no energy. There was nothing.” (06:54, Alan Shearer)
  • Issues with Voltamarake not fitting the high press style, leading to Newcastle lacking intensity and aggression.
• Credit to Sunderland:
  • Sunderland recognized as fully deserving—well-organized, energetic, and supported by a raucous home crowd.
  • Micah: “That place is like a fortress. Every tackle was cheered by the fans… tactics went out the window, it was just about who wanted it more.” (08:11, Micah Richards)
• Player Quotes:
  Gary reads out Bruno Guimaraes’ honest interview, echoing Alan’s frustration:

  “I’m so embarrassed… there was no crossing, no passing, and no shooting… the fans expect and deserve better.” (11:04, Gary Lineker / quoting Bruno Guimaraes)

• Sunderland’s Survival & Regijs Labris:
  • Praise for manager and squad unity:
    • “Granite Jacket has been amazing to bring all those players in… to then get them to understand what it means to play for that football club.” (14:03, Alan Shearer)

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2. Are City Back? Haaland & Foden Shine

[14:29 – 21:41]

• City's Resurgence:
  • Micah: “Of course they’re back. Haaland…what he’s doing is ridiculous.” (14:50, Micah Richards)
  • Pep Guardiola’s men show clinical finishing and regain form.
• Haaland’s Center-Forward Masterclass:
  • Gary details Haaland’s textbook headed goal, educating on classic striker technique:

    “If there’s a lesson for young centre-forwards… head it where it comes from.” (16:13, Gary Lineker)

  • Alan: “He’s a freak, in the nicest possible way… a goal scoring freak.” (21:06, Alan Shearer)
• Foden’s Form:
  • Micah (with enthusiasm): “Phil Foden. Back on form. Phil fucking Foden. He’s back!” (15:33, Micah Richards)
• Crossing Back in Vogue:
  • Alan: “Crossing is officially back… it won Sunderland the game today, Arsenal yesterday, City today.” (17:07 & 17:29, Alan Shearer)

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3. Arsenal Find a Late Winner: Resilience or Over-Reliant on Saka?

[21:46 – 27:39]

• Crucial Win for Arsenal:
  • Gary highlights the importance of Arsenal’s late winner to maintain pressure atop the table, after a nervy outing against Wolves.
  • Alan: “Arsenal were poor… but somehow found a way.” (25:02, Alan Shearer)
• Team Structure & Saka Reliance:
  • Micah: “They need a little bit more imagination… you can’t keep relying on Saka to dig something out.” (26:44, Micah Richards)
  • Discussion on Arsenal’s overuse of the right-flank, crossing, and Saka's ambidextrous threat.
  • Alan: “He’s a dream for a forward… be a dream to play with.” (27:37, Alan Shearer)

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4. Fantasy Football Lament, Villa Praise, and West Ham Shoutouts

[22:12 – 24:38]

• Micah laments fantasy football mishaps, benching Morgan Rogers who bags a brace for West Ham.
• Praise for Villa’s resilience and comeback ability; Bowen and Rogers highlighted as underappreciated English talents.

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5. Spurs, Forest, and Goalkeeping Errors

[30:50 – 34:38]

• Forest 3-0 Spurs:
  • Gary surprised by Forest’s comprehensive win; Hudson-Odoi shines.
  • Micah fumes at Spurs GK Vicario’s error leading to a Forest goal:

    “Just get rid of the ball. You’re not going to gain anything from playing there… I just thought it was ridiculous.” (32:09, Micah Richards)

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6. Managerial Pressure & Ownership Issues: Maresca’s Cryptic Press Conference

[34:03 – 48:36]

• Chelsea's Performance & Maresca’s Discontent:
  • Discussion on Maresca's “cryptic” post-match comments, suggesting tension with Chelsea’s owners:

    “He said it’s not about the fans… So for me…he’s on about the owners, as if he’s not getting enough protection.” (45:33, Alan Shearer)

  • Alan and Gary agree Chelsea’s expectations should be tempered; Maresca’s output, given the young squad, merits praise:

    “Two trophies, top four… I think that’s where Chelsea are at this moment in time.” (47:52, Alan Shearer)

  • “Taking on owners is a dangerous…” (48:36, Gary Lineker)

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7. Liverpool: Salah’s Situation and Ekitike’s Emergence

[36:36 – 44:35]

• Salah’s Return and Legacy:
  • Gary is pleased with how Slot managed the Salah spat:

    “I think it was really well handled…you don't want his legacy tainted at Liverpool.” (37:41, Gary Lineker)

• Ekitike’s Arrival:
  • All three hosts marvel at Ekitike’s impact, questioning links and planning behind his and Isak’s transfers.
  • Alan: “He’s got a spark and an arrogance… a huge talent definitely.” (43:19, Alan Shearer)
  • Micah: “When you’ve got the fans on side… it just gives you that confidence.” (44:07, Micah Richards)

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8. Shoutouts & Special Mentions

[48:46 – 53:59]

• Harry Wilson:
  • Praised for technical ability and creative influence for Burnley, Gary and Alan laud his consistency:

    “I must say he’s a technician. He really is… silky little left foot.” (49:07, Gary Lineker)

• Leicester & Abdul Fatahu Goal:
  • Gary exults over Abdul Fatahu’s long-range, Puskas-worthy goal (“He megged him. He definitely megged him.” (51:44, Gary Lineker))
  • Micah humorously wishes the ball had gone direct in (“I would have loved to see it go straight in the net…” (52:01, Micah Richards))
• Harry Kane's Stats in Germany:
  • Gary’s jaw drops at Kane’s stat line: “10 hat tricks in 76 games” compared to Lewandowski’s 324 at Bayern:

    “Quite something, isn’t it?” (53:40, Gary Lineker)

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Notable Quotes

• Alan Shearer, on the derby loss:
  “That is pathetic in any game, let alone in a derby game.” (05:56)

• Micah Richards, on Sunderland's win:
  “It was just about who wanted it more.” (08:11)

• Gary Lineker, on Haaland’s headed goal:
  “If there’s a lesson… head it where it comes from. That was an absolute masterclass.” (16:13)

• Micah Richards, on Phil Foden:
  “Phil fucking Foden. He’s back.” (15:33)

• Alan Shearer, on Ekitike:
  “He’s got a spark and an arrogance. A good arrogance… a huge talent definitely.” (43:19)

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Memorable Moments and Fun

• Shearer’s passionate, expletive-tinged rant about Newcastle’s lack of fight after the derby (multiple moments through [05:38 – 14:29])
• Banter about watching old Shearer highlights (“I couldn’t sleep at night and I started watching videos of me.” (19:49, Alan Shearer))
• Fantasy football drama with Micah, his transfer regrets, and lighthearted competition.

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Thematic Threads

• Energy & Passion: Alan’s intense Newcastle disappointment, balanced by respect for Sunderland’s unity and the magic of derby day.
• Football Trends: The panel anoint “crossing” as the season’s resurgent art, giving old-school strikers and wingers a nod.
• Tactical Evolution vs. Emotional Reality: The hosts tackle the modern game’s challenges—managerial pressure, player adaptation, fan expectations—with seasoned perspective and playfulness.
• Youth Movement: Throughout, the trio celebrate emerging talents (Foden, Bowen, Saka, Fatahu, Ekitike) and the importance of building teams with spirit and skill.

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [05:56] – Alan’s ‘pathetic’ verdict on Newcastle’s derby flop
• [08:11] – Micah hails Sunderland’s fortress
• [11:04] – Gary reads Bruno Guimaraes’ scathing interview
• [15:33] – Micah on Foden: “Phil fucking Foden. He’s back”
• [16:13] – Gary explains textbook centre-forward heading
• [17:07] – Alan: “Crossing is officially back.”
• [21:06] – Alan on Haaland: “He’s a freak… a goal-scoring freak.”
• [27:37] – Alan: “He’s a dream for a forward… be a dream to play with.”
• [32:09] – Micah lambasts Vicario’s Spurs error
• [45:33] – Maresca’s cryptic comments and Chelsea’s owners
• [49:07] – Gary on Harry Wilson’s technique
• [51:43] – Gary & Micah geek out over Fatahu’s Puskas contender
• [53:39] – Gary on Kane’s astonishing hat trick feats

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Final Thoughts

The episode delivers classic “Rest is Football” vibes: passionate, irreverent, and utterly football-obsessed. Alan wears his heart on his sleeve, Gary mediates with good-humored insight, and Micah brings the youthful energy and fantasy football drama. Whether you missed the latest matches or crave deeper analysis and laughs, this episode captures the thrills and frustrations of the Premier League—and the people who love it.

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Transcript

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[Gary Lineker]

Every style, every home. Hello and welcome to the rest is Football with Micah Richards, Alan Shearer and me, Gary Lineker, recording this after the games on Sunday. Alan, I saw you doing Match of the Day last night. Just the four games, but there's plenty to talk about.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, did much of the day yesterday with Danny Murphy. With five minutes to go on that late game, Arsenal were last in the running order and then we were on at 20 past 10 and then at 10 o' clock it was like frantic because the goals had gone in, then started one for one minute they were leading and top analysis was like, oh my God. Because there's hardly any analysis that because it was last, we didn't have to do a lot. And then all of a sudden it was shoved right up the running order and with scrambling around to get some analysis and Danny had got some crossing analysis where they got 30 crosses in or something like that. So he very kindly gave me that because I really wasn't doing analysis in that game because that was going to be Danny's but because then the running order changed so much, like they were on second and he was doing the Liverpool game. So he was then thinking, well, he can't do Liverpool and then Arsenal. So it was bonkers. Yeah, bonkers like that.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, those late kickoffs on Saturdays because they're often a big game and you think maybe it'll lead the show. And then you're thinking, actually quite suits. As if it's a bit boring editorially because it gives you time to do a proper edit of the game. And yeah, I know exactly what. It's a bit like a one of those midweek ones where you games. Yeah, it's mental.

[Micah Richards]

It was. Who was editing the show?

[Alan Shearer]

Rich.

[Micah Richards]

Oh, rich.

[Alan Shearer]

Rich was there. Yeah, Rich Maresca bit as well, where Maresca came out in his press conference and came out with this cryptic clue.

[Gary Lineker]

Which was clearly welcome to that.

[Alan Shearer]

Which we had to go big into that as well. So, yeah, there was loads to talk about, even though there was only four games.

[Gary Lineker]

Absolutely. Micah, you were working today. Saw you. And then not for the last game. I have to say you didn't miss much. It wasn't. It wasn't a thriller. The Brentford game.

[Micah Richards]

I was on Air at 12:30, finished at 4:30. Half a day for me.

[Alan Shearer]

You love those days.

[Micah Richards]

Energize I feel great. I feel good.

[Gary Lineker]

Slight little change in the hair, the barnet on you.

[Micah Richards]

Oh, yeah, I'm growing it out.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. Yeah, I can see that. Yeah, but you've still got the nice trim at the top. You've definitely had it done this morning.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

What do you mean? What do you mean you're growing out. What? You're growing out my hair, Alan. What do you mean you're growing it out?

[Micah Richards]

You might know.

[Alan Shearer]

I had those. I had those problems one day. You're growing it out. Yeah, okay.

[Gary Lineker]

It was 15 at the time. It was 15 at time. Okay, let's talk about the first bite delivered by UberEats and. Well, apologies, Alan, but it has to be the time where Derby and you seemed a little bit grumpy on the group chat earlier on. You okay? Are you over it?

[Alan Shearer]

No, I wasn't. Newcastle were dreadful. They were rotten and I was really shocked at how bad they were because, I mean that. That is pathetic in any game, let alone in a derby game. Seriously, you're going to play in the biggest game of the season at your rivals and you've heard all the players all week. We know how much it means to the fans and we're gonna do this and we're gonna do that. Well, lads, they did nothing. They were awful, honestly. And Eddie made some big calls in team wise and I thought Eddie got it wrong as well. His players who we picked didn't perform for him. Elanga was awful. Gordon was awful. Walter Marta was awful. And they offered nothing in forward positions. Stop laughing, you two. You pair of. I wish I could see that word. I would call you that now.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, it's just. It's. I. I just love. I love that you care so much, Al. It's lovely. It's very refreshing, that's all.

[Alan Shearer]

Oh, there was just a. There was no desire. There was no energy. There was no. There was nothing. You go away to Sunderland and who aren't a great team and after half an hour, sunderland had about 70 possession. As if. I was thinking, am I missing something here? Are we going away to Arsenal or Man City here? We're going away to Sunderland. Okay. They're hard to be at home. They're really well organized.

[Gary Lineker]

They're above you in the table.

[Alan Shearer]

They're above us on the table. Yeah, but come on, it's not. They're not Barcelona or Real Madrid. Are we gonna have a pop of them or what? Have a go. At least. There was nothing from Newcastle. It was really, really awful.

[Micah Richards]

Can't we give A bit of credit to Sunderland.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah. They were. They deserved to win. They had the. They were up for the fight. They had the energy. They won every second ball. They won every challenge. Well done.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

Newcastle were terrible.

[Micah Richards]

What about the fans though?

[Alan Shearer]

Newcastle ones were brilliant.

[Micah Richards]

We've mentioned atmospheres at grounds. Liverpool being excellent. Your Jordy boys. Newcastle brilliant. Especially on Champions League nights. But Sunderland today. Wow. I think that's the loudest I've heard it this season.

[Alan Shearer]

Heard what?

[Micah Richards]

Are you hard of hearing? The fans. The Sunderland fans today were absolutely incredible. Going to. That place is like a fortress. Every tackle was cheered by the fans. Didn't give Newcastle a. A minute to breathe on the ball. That was an amazing performance tactically. All the tactics went out the window. It was just about who wanted it more. And yes. The goal was an own goal by Voltamarake.

[Gary Lineker]

Come on.

[Micah Richards]

I did feel sorry for him because. Thinking. You know when you. The night before a big game and he's sort of imagining how things are going to go. Oh I want to get the winner. I can be the hero. You know. And then he scores a normal goal like that. I mean. I don't know how he's going to sleep.

[Alan Shearer]

You know. You mentioned. You mentioned Volta Marda. As good as he's been in the goals he scored and lovely technique and touch. He's. It is a difficult problem that Newcastle have with him because. And I've met this not the first time I've said it technically. Very good ball at his feet. Very good. Albeit he wasn't today. But he does pose a problem for Newcastle. Because he can't press. Everything about Newcastle's success over the recent years that Eddie's brought into it is about energy. High press. Not letting the opposition play. Did he see us today? Did you see us today? Sat back 4. 5. 1. No pressure on the ball. Nothing. And that's a bit of a problem for Newcastle. Because he hasn't got great energy. He's not quick. He's got other strengths that he brings. But everything about Newcastle success hasn't been about that. It's been about energy and about high press. And he can't do that. And that's one of the reasons. I'm not saying it's the full reason. But that's one of the reasons why Newcastle have struggled away from home.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah. But you've got to be able to adapt though. Al Voltima is a very good player. He's got very good technique for a big man. It brings people into play. Drops in them pockets of space that We've mentioned so often on Match of the Day and on this pod as well. He's coming into the derby for the first time. He probably didn't know what hit him. He didn't get a second. Ballard was all over him. All over him. I'll take you wider point about Newcastle are the best being aggressive on that counter attack. Murphy. I thought he missed Murphy today. You mentioned Alanga. I think Murphy's been brilliant.

[Alan Shearer]

Just before you go on. That was another big surprise to me and I think another one that Eddie got wrong today. Because Alanga has been poor at Newcastle. He's carrying a heavy price tag through no fault of his own. Hasn't played well. One or two on his back. And I thought for Eddie to put him in. In the biggest pressurized situation in the Derby game away ahead of Murphy. I thought that backfired as well.

[Gary Lineker]

It seems that Bruno Guimares largely agrees with you. Alan. I've got some quotes that he's just come out here. I'm very angry. I'm so embarrassed and I'm so frustrated. There was no crossing, no passing and no shooting. No nothing. It was a mess in my opinion. We know we have a better team than them. Sunderland. But we didn't play like the better team. It was a mess. The consistency isn't there. The mentality isn't there. We didn't compete. The fans expect and deserve better. We accepted the way they play with the long balls. You need to compete in a derby and we didn't. We only have one way we can go from here and that's winning in a few days. So. He seems to concur with you, Alan.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah. I prefer you talking on the pitch by the way, rather than off it. The only consistent thing about Newcastle is their inconsistency.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean it's mad how you change. I was singing their praises a week ago, Mike. I remember saying, oh, we're back with this, with that. But it's real. It's real. He's real. He's a proper fan.

[Micah Richards]

I really love the passion. I love the passion from Al. But I just think it was one of those games where Sunderland were at it.

[Alan Shearer]

It wasn't one of those games. It's a derby game. You can't have one team out in one. Not if you're gonna. If you're gonna get beaten, you get beaten. Going down having a scrap. We had a scrap with a minute ago. That was the only scrap I saw. I would prefer that to happen in the first minute than the last minute. You can't say it's a derby game. Yeah, it is a derby game. So you need to be fighting, scrapping from the off, not in the 90th minute when it's too late.

[Micah Richards]

Derbies have not been like that though of recent years. I think Sunderland made it a throwback. It was an old school classic derby which Newcastle just didn't know how to deal with. And they played on that. Use the crowd to their advantage and yeah, they got a lucky goal. But in the end it was a three points that mattered.

[Alan Shearer]

They deserved the points. They were there. They deserved it more than you can.

[Gary Lineker]

And that's seven games they've won this season. Now they're only four points off the top four. I mean, you've got to give them enormous amount of credit. Even if, you know, if Newcastle have one of those days and we've all played in the Alan where you just. Something's not right. You don't know what it is. There's a lack of energy, but I know it. It shouldn't be in a derby, but. But we've all been in those circumstances where it's one you've got to forget. But for Sunderland. For Sunderland, I mean, I think they're safe already. I think they are safe. I mean at the start of the season we all said Sunderland as. As is always the case, pretty much the team that goes up via the playoffs generally goes down. What is with Regis Labris a great name and what. I mean, extraordinary job he's doing. Yeah, they. I mean they play the basics and this and that the other. But wow, they deserve enormous credit.

[Alan Shearer]

As much as it pains me, by the way, I have to say, Dan Ballard, I thought was absolutely exceptional and has been all season. Granite Jacket has been amazing to bring all those players in and to knit them together and to then get them to understand what it means to play for that football club and then go out and fight and scrap and the way they did. Yeah, well done him and well done them. They're having a brilliant season. As much as it hurts me to see it.

[Gary Lineker]

On that note, we'll move on. That was the first bite. And boy, did Alan bite. Delivered by Uber eats generally elsewhere. I mean a city back. Micah.

[Micah Richards]

Of course they're back. Harland. Did you see Harland's goal, by the way?

[Gary Lineker]

I did.

[Micah Richards]

Matthias Nunes water ball in the box. I'm thinking what's he gonna do? Is he gonna go near post and try flick it? He goes back across the goalkeeper and he had. He didn't have a touch and for those who didn't see the game, palace were actually very good in the game, particularly Jeremy Pinot had some good chances to score. They had a lot of possession forcing City back, but couldn't capitalise on those opportunities. And then City grew into the game. Shirky, a little bit of magic. Philip Foden back on form. Philip, I want to say it. Philip fucking Foden. He's back.

[Gary Lineker]

FF.

[Micah Richards]

I've not said that for 18 months, guys. I know he is back. Yeah. I mean, what this guy is doing now, I just look in that central role, the way he just glides on it and just. He gets the ball on the half turn. How many times have I said that? But he's shooting end product this season has been exceptional in front of the.

[Gary Lineker]

England manager, I may say.

[Alan Shearer]

Was he there? Was he?

[Micah Richards]

Was he there?

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

They cut to Tuchel in the stands and I think it was actually after Foden scored that they did that, so. And another two goals for Harland. He could. He couldn't do it for you at Sunderland Allen, but he did do it in this one. In second was a penalty. But the first one, I mean, that is. If there's a lesson to be learned to young center forwards about how to head a ball, that is exactly what you do if you're in a fart. You head it the way it's come from because it actually, the keepers usually generally move in the other way, so it gives you an edge and also it strikes you. You watch the ball right ont your head and it hits the middle of your forehead. Whereas flick headers from those things, it's very difficult, A to direct it and B to get any sort of power. So I would say, I mean, that was what I was taught when I was very young, is heading exercises were always headed where it comes from. Head it where it comes from. Head it where it comes from. I mean, it's different, obviously, if you're running at near post, then you've got no alternative but to flick it. But that was an absolute masterclass in what to do.

[Alan Shearer]

Do you know what it is? Crossing is officially back.

[Gary Lineker]

It's officially back.

[Alan Shearer]

It is. It's like for the last 12 to 18 months, probably more so this season.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

I haven't checked the stats, but I can just see it with my own eyes. Crossing is back.

[Gary Lineker]

Xc they call it crossing.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

I mean, it is one Sunderland the game today, it won. Arsenal the game yesterday, it's won City. It today with that goal, it. Crossing is officially back. Great to See, for the center forward union, it is.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, we would have gone mad in that period with no crosses. Yeah, just scream at wingers, give them a hard time. You know, when they cut back and they play and you just. Just get it in the game. Box, man.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, it's happening more and more, guys. Honestly, it's like it went missing for a few years where it was, pass, pass, get to the byline, come back out, pass it back, pull it back. But now crossing is back.

[Micah Richards]

I know we've got you on the show, Alan, and you was a top, top, top striker. I actually think you had a little bit more in your game in terms of holding it up. And for some reason, I was watching loads of clips on you the other day to just see how good you was and you hold the play was, to quote the word that you always use, magnificent.

[Alan Shearer]

Have you. Have you had a drink? Have you been far too nice. What's up with you?

[Gary Lineker]

Stop this. Stop this now. Stop this now. Where's he going?

[Micah Richards]

Look at this. I'm like, I've had this since the. A bit of Negroni, a little bit. We won't put the. We won't put the brand in there. We'll just put the name a bit in the groan there. I've looked at this 10 or 15 times and I'm just thinking, shall I shall tie? Shall I? And I've stayed strong. I've stayed strong, Micah.

[Gary Lineker]

But, yeah, go on, have a little bit. Just have a little bit.

[Alan Shearer]

Go on.

[Gary Lineker]

That's the same Negroni that used to play up front with Ribaldi.

[Micah Richards]

So, yeah, anyway, I was watching some clips about.

[Gary Lineker]

And without. Why are we doing that?

[Micah Richards]

I don't know.

[Gary Lineker]

You got a crush on him.

[Micah Richards]

Asleep at night. And I was. I was doing. I was on WY Scout, looking at different teams and all that sort of stuff, and I come up again. He was talking about Alan Shearer's goals or whatever. I was just on YouTube for ages watching him. But what he didn't get a lot of credit for is the way he held up the ball. I seen him pushing Desai off the ball. I'm thinking, this is big out. I thought he was just a lucky striker when he said belt.

[Gary Lineker]

Lucky to. Is.

[Alan Shearer]

This is the time. This is the time I'm getting worried when he says to me he couldn't sleep at night and he started watching videos of me.

[Gary Lineker]

Whatever floats your boat, M. If you.

[Alan Shearer]

Just asked me, I'll just send you a message.

[Gary Lineker]

Send you. No, no, I was going to say.

[Alan Shearer]

Carry on, Micah. I'm enjoying this. Carry on.

[Gary Lineker]

But then, Alan, when you send in that pick, can you make sure it doesn't go in the group chat? You just send it to Mike personally.

[Micah Richards]

Thank you.

[Gary Lineker]

Personal request there.

[Micah Richards]

But then I look at Haaland and his ability not to be in games and still score a goal. It must be one of, if not the best we've seen in the Premier League era. It has to be. He sometimes he has five and six touches a game and then he scores. It's ridiculous what he's doing.

[Gary Lineker]

He talked about that in. When we interviewed him, didn't we? And if you haven't heard that yet, it's. It's obviously still on our feed, so please do. So he talked about that. About, you know, when people say, I just get tappings. He didn't do anything. You don't mind. He went. I love it when they do that. So. Yeah, and it's. It's, you know, I guess.

[Alan Shearer]

Freak. He's a freak. That's what. In the nicest possible way. He's. He's a goal scoring freak. And. Yeah, and you know what it is? Micah, he's absolute gentleman to go with it. What a brilliant bloke.

[Gary Lineker]

He is lovely, wasn't he? Really was. Yeah. You can see that though, can't you? You can see that players respect him and like him.

[Micah Richards]

He actually messaged me on Instagram saying, why wasn't I doing the pod? I said, I mean, it was. It was a striker's pod.

[Gary Lineker]

You were in the Grand Prix.

[Micah Richards]

I'm just relaying information.

[Alan Shearer]

That's all I'm doing.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, you were too busy getting on the grid.

[Micah Richards]

Too busy.

[Gary Lineker]

So by. The title race is, you know, it's quite. I mean, it's still early. I mean, Arsenal kind of stuttered and wobbled, but they still got the three points and you know, that late, late winner was huge for them. Otherwise obviously they'd be on. On a par now with Manchester City. So. And Villa came from behind. Let's talk generally from, you know, West Ham Morgan Rogers, by the way. Wow.

[Alan Shearer]

Wow.

[Gary Lineker]

Of his goals.

[Micah Richards]

Don't. I can't talk about him.

[Gary Lineker]

You can't.

[Micah Richards]

I made my changes.

[Gary Lineker]

You've taken more garages out your team.

[Micah Richards]

I accidentally put him on the bench and didn't press.

[Gary Lineker]

How you accidentally put someone on the.

[Micah Richards]

Bench because you always, you know, the, the on. On fantasy football, you don't just do it week by week. I change my team probably ten times a day.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

Up until. And I think, okay. And I went with it. I went with Rogers. Okay. He's at West Ham. West Ham have been doing a lot, but there might be an occasion where he finds some space. He goes and gets two goals, honestly.

[Gary Lineker]

And you took him out.

[Micah Richards]

He's on my bench. I put Kudo. I'm praying. I'm praying that Semenya tomorrow against my United or today.

[Gary Lineker]

He's got flu.

[Micah Richards]

Has he?

[Gary Lineker]

Please. No, he's not.

[Alan Shearer]

Calm down, calm down.

[Gary Lineker]

Why would you wish the flu on anyone? Oh, so if he's injured, you get Morgan. Rogers comes back in. Is that. Comes on.

[Micah Richards]

He's the first sub. Yeah. The Villa class, aren't they?

[Alan Shearer]

Going behind again and then coming back to win the game. Bloody hell.

[Gary Lineker]

Behind twice in that. In this particular game. Jared Bowen, he does his stuff. You know, he's. He's really good. I mean, without him, I think West Ham would be in real trouble, don't you?

[Alan Shearer]

Well, they are.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, they're in real trouble, but you know what I mean?

[Micah Richards]

They'd be.

[Gary Lineker]

They'd. I think they'd be hopeless. They'd be without any possible chance of staying up. But I think. I think because of him, I think they'll be okay.

[Micah Richards]

Great. His movement. His movement in the box is just to say he's a right winger. I know he plays up front and then off the right for West Ham, but his movement is just remarkable. He's always in the right place. Right place, right time. And it was a good little finish. It was Potts who had the shot, wasn't it? But, yeah, I think he's another player who's quite underrated. I know it's very difficult because, you know, we lose a lot of games this season, but I just. I think he's a top player.

[Gary Lineker]

I agree with you. As is Morgan Rogers, by the way. And I think brilliant England players are finding their form. But that's because it's December. Come June, obviously. Obviously, things will change, as usual.

[Alan Shearer]

I was going to say we probably need him to slow down a little bit. We need to see. But Villa fans won't thank me for saying that, but. Oh, my God, he's like, what a player. What a goal as well. Yeah, his second one.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. What a strike, wasn't it? Like, I swerved at the end, didn't past the keeper. Brilliant and fantastic effort. But in terms of the overall, I mean, it was such a hugely important winning goal for Arsenal, wasn't it? Because if, you know, if that doesn't go in all of a sudden, it gets a little bit. Everyone's saying oh, Arsenal are going to choke. All that sort of stuff.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, we were watching it in. Arsenal were poor. I mean they got the goal and then Wolves got the goal back and thinking that's it done them. But they somehow found a way. It was a great ball and really unfortunate for Wolves to lose that way. But from an Arsenal point of view, wow, what, what an important goal that could be. Because we were all saying if you want a game after you've been beaten the week before in the League, then you'd want Wolves at home. But Wolves really made it hard for them and frustrated them at times. And yeah, they, they got, somehow they got through Arsenal which I guess you just have to do that and it was a massive three points.

[Micah Richards]

You know, I feel Arsenal have a little bit of a conundrum because Madwick is playing really well and Saka's their best player. I think you need them on the pitch at the same time. Although Madweke is not that great on, on the left hand side, he's way better from, from the right. Wolves can see them two goals and you look at Arsenal, how they're going to break teams down. Arsenal need to do a little bit more Saka. The two reliant on Saka all the time. A lot comes and if you look at the goals that Trossard scores or Martinelli or whatever, like they need to do what Saka's doing from the right hand side. On the left hand side it feels as though all the dangerous play has to come from Saka always down the right hand side and then Sa needs to do a little bit more. Obviously he gets his hat trick in the North London derby. Odegaard comes on the pitch. But that's how teams are going to set up against Arsenal now because they're the team to be in that low block and I think they need a little bit more imagination in, in the games now because I think that you can't keep relying on Saka to, to dig something out. It needs to be shared around.

[Alan Shearer]

Do you know I was on about the crossing earlier, guys. The reason I said, one of the reasons why I said it is because Arsenal yesterday put 33, 030 crosses into the box and it's not because of who they were playing. That was the second most in the game this season. I'll say they're playing Wolves. They got, they put 32 crosses in against Manchester City and. But the vast majority obviously coming from that side where when Saka's playing, I mean Saka yesterday put crossing after crossing after crossing and he's so good as well. And ultimately, I know it was an old goal, but the cross has won them the game yesterday. And he's, he's brilliant at it because he can go left and whip one in with his left foot. He can get to the line and ping one in with his right foot. He's so good, Saka. He's unbelievable.

[Micah Richards]

He's really good.

[Alan Shearer]

He's a dream for a forward. Be a dream to play with.

[Gary Lineker]

Exactly. And that thing you said, they can go either way because that's such a big advantage if you as a fullback, if you're against him and you know, you know, if you know a player prefers to go one way, you can show them the other way, can't you? Whereas with him, you know, he can do you both ways and he says he's a proper little player. Let's take a little break and talk about some of the other games when we come back.

[Micah Richards]

This episode is brought to you by Barclays.

[Gary Lineker]

That's right, because this year they're celebrating 25 years of supporting football. And let me tell you, they truly have made a difference.

[Alan Shearer]

And don't forget, they ended up being the biggest ever commercial investors in UK women's sport when they started sponsoring the Barclays Women's Super League League.

[Gary Lineker]

But it's not all about the big leagues, is it, lads? There's no football without grassroots footballer.

[Alan Shearer]

Well, that's right. I mean, we wouldn't have had the careers that we've had, guys, not one of us, would they, without grassroots football. That's where it all started. The Love of the game final went.

[Gary Lineker]

Back to Alston Park Football Club, which, where I started to play and all the lads were playing and the girls were playing all across, everywhere. And it was so beautiful to see all these young people. One little lad came up to me, must have been about 9 or 10, and he came over to me, he went, my granddad used to play with you. Now that really is grassroots stuff. It's why Barclays has invested millions into grassroots programs and community initiatives to give opportunities in football to those who need it most. Search Barclays Football to find out more.

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[Alan Shearer]

This episode is brought to you by McAfee yes, playoff tickets.

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[Gary Lineker]

Welcome back to the Rest Is Football with Michael Richards, Alan Sher and me, Gary Lineker, discussing the weekend's games. Lots to discuss. Actually. We didn't really talk about one of the Sunday games, which was quite an important result for both teams, really. One for Forest, who I watched last week, who weren't very good against Everton and they'd bounced back and won. And spurs, who've had a good week, have made a real backwards step because Forest won by three goals to nil. So yeah, I didn't really see that one coming.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, I didn't. I was working on the. On the Newcastle game, so I didn't see the full game. Obviously he was keeping an eye on that result. And I'm with you guys. I didn't. I thought it would have been a really tough game and maybe Forest would edge it. But it sounded as if it was really comfortable for Forest pretty completely.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, Hudson Adore was really good. Two goals. I think one of them was across. No question about that. Which you probably blame Vicario for.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

But yeah, Forest played really well. I mean, I told the story last week about in the lift, didn't I? With.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

With the chairman when it said it was going down, down. But I think they'll be fine. I mean, Sean Dyche. No, you know, he's Forest on Gundam. No, not with Sean Dice as well, I think. I don't think so. They've too much talent there. Too many Good players. I mean, even the central defenders, you know, are really good.

[Alan Shearer]

Not with him in charge. They're not going down.

[Gary Lineker]

No, I agree.

[Micah Richards]

On another note, Vicario for Spurs. The ball that he gave, bubbly ball. But firstly he's bubbling, then he plays to his weaker four. Then he blames Archie Gray. Yes, it's one of those balls that come into here. He got to whip it around first time, but it was on his left foot. Like, what is he supposed to do? Okay, he could have checked his shoulder, but why is he giving him the ball there? I don't understand it. He can see the whole picture in front of him. The whole picture. Just get rid of the ball. You're not going to gain anything from playing in there. You're putting yourself under pressure. I just thought it was ridiculous. I did.

[Gary Lineker]

I wouldn't disagree with.

[Micah Richards]

I don't understand why. And I really like Vicario. When he first come shot stopping, he was really good. But recently he's been making a few bad errors. I understand certain managers want to play certain way. We all get it. We know with the modern day, the way teams want to set up, they want to play out from the back, but you've got to play out when it's on. It was clear what it was trying to do. There's waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting to jump soon as they take a touch. And then all your hard work throughout the week, just undone by that. And once I scored that goal, it was always gonna be difficult for them to get back in the game. And I just think, Vicario, like, you're a good goalkeeper. Just have a bit of patience, a bit of calmness. When you need a goalkeeper to be calm, he makes too many rash decisions. And then Archie Gray, the young lads, gets the blame. Yeah, I didn't like that.

[Gary Lineker]

He looked really guilty, didn't he? So that goal, you could see that. Did you see the Sangari goal there?

[Micah Richards]

Oh, wonder. Strike.

[Gary Lineker]

What a goal that was.

[Alan Shearer]

Was it a good goal? Was it? I haven't seen it yet. Was it really?

[Gary Lineker]

Absolute rifle block. Knocked it back to me. It first time, it just flew in.

[Alan Shearer]

Brilliant.

[Micah Richards]

He just cut across it, though, didn't it? So he had that, like, swirl.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, like outside the foot. Because it was going across him, wasn't it? So he hit across it. You think Thomas Frank's under pressure or not? But I mean, the truth is, when we say these things, only the owners know, right? Really, don't they? But he's had a. I mean, they've had a decent week. They're Going okay in the Champions League generally, they've had one or two good results. It's a bit up and down, isn't it? But it's like all these. I mean, you need time, don't you? You need time.

[Alan Shearer]

The inconsistency of everyone this season, actually.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

Other than perhaps Arsenal. I know Arsenal were beaten last and.

[Gary Lineker]

Villa after the first few games of.

[Alan Shearer]

The season and Villa after the first.

[Gary Lineker]

Few games, and City more recently as well.

[Alan Shearer]

The inconsistent decency from everyone. I mean, Chelsea who will speak about. Yeah, I mean. And there are so many others that you can mention about. Oh, you think? Yeah, they're okay now. And then a week or two later, it's like they're under. He's under huge pressure.

[Gary Lineker]

Why do you think that is? Do you think it's because the Premier League is, you know, that you don't get easy games very often in the Premier League, do you? So you need to be on top of your game all the time. You can't afford to be slightly off.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, I think one or two, maybe three or four, have improved massively and perhaps one or two of the big teams, Arsenal excluded are perhaps not hitting the levels that they have done.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, I would say that's fair.

[Gary Lineker]

And I think City are creeping back after a tough season, I think. Yeah, you can see that.

[Alan Shearer]

They're still question marks against them defensively, though. See.

[Gary Lineker]

No, there are. There are. They conceded chances to Palace. Quite a few of them. Yeah, there are, but I think, well.

[Alan Shearer]

They'Ll be there or thereabouts it, you know, at the end of the season. City, so. And Arsenal know that as well.

[Micah Richards]

To answer your question, though, guys, I think you asked about Thomas Frank to start with, there's only four points between exactly 12th.

[Gary Lineker]

Yep.

[Micah Richards]

And fifth, you know, 26 points. Palace are on. And spurs are on 22 points. So, you know, you can have a good week around Christmas time. Yeah, normally up, obviously it's more ferocious. Only one game on Boxing Day, but normally around that Christmas period, you can change it around, can't you? And there's only four points of fifth place. Where, when we're making our predictions at the start of the season, spurs are fourth, fifth, sixth in that. So they're on track for where they need to be. I just think the fans are a little bit disappointed in the football that they're seeing. So that's where the pressure comes from.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, they were very gung ho with obviously, Ange Postecoglou, weren't they? And it was, you know, we did get entertaining games one way or the other. Whereas I think Thomas is probably more pragmatic in his approach. But I mean I can't see why he'd be under pressure at the moment. You've got to remember as well that Tottenham finished 17th last season. Now you. I know that towards the latter stage of the competition there was obviously a clear priority and that was the Europa League. But having said that, he still did finish in 17th place. But so, so yeah, I mean it's way too early really. I mean you need to establish yourself at football club. He's not really had one window yet. I mean he came in halfway through and then the one or two transfers mostly fell through, didn't they? Morgan, Gibbs, White and as well who ended up going to Arsenal. So you know, that was difficult before you start. So cutting some slack there surely. I mean just the madness of it all. You know, we talked about Liverpool and all the issues that they've had. They're now sixth place, just two points behind Chelsea who are four. It's, it's, you know, it's. It's topsy turvy world. And while we're on the subject, I really enjoyed the Liverpool game yesterday. Not necessarily for the game itself, but the whole Mo Salah, Mohamed Salah issue, I thought it was really well handled overall since it's happened. I think Slots dealt with it very well, very maturely. Mo's kept his counsel obviously, but he was part of the squad. It was really important. He was on the bench. He had a smile on his face and the Liverpool fans, I think the fact that when he got up and he came on and there was. It was 100 applause. I thought that was really good. And I'm relieved because I said before, you don't want his legacy tainted at Liverpool. That would be really sad. And you know.

[Alan Shearer]

So do you think that's the end of it then?

[Gary Lineker]

I don't. Who knows? I mean, you know, you don't know what's going to happen in the future. But I think now there is a situation where he goes to the African cup of Nations. Whatever happens there is by the by in terms of his Liverpool, Liverpool thing. But he comes back now and he's. I think they've clearly had a conversation. Mo may have apologized for his slightly emotional outburst. I don't know. But it seems to me that there's a chance that it could easily have been resolved during this. So we'll see. You never, I mean you never know in football. You know, they said, what do they say? A week's A long time in politics, but yeah, you're right. Yeah, so we'll see. But I would I it it. For me it looks like it's, you know, you know what it's like. You're in a relationship. Every now and again you're gonna have a tiff like a lover's tiff. That's all it seems to me. Get over it, move on. And that seems, seems from the outside to appear to be what's happened.

[Alan Shearer]

Let's see.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, I know you said last night, I don't think it's over, but I don't.

[Alan Shearer]

I'm. Look, we're guessing. I don't know. Know. What I do know is that he's going away for what, four or five weeks, which will maybe calm the situation. There are so many different ways he could look at it, both positive and negative, but we'd only be guessing. So I don't think we should do that. So I, I don't know, Mike. I'm reluctant to say it because you could say either way and we don't know.

[Micah Richards]

No, yeah, I, I think it's nice that this is going away now. Yeah, I agree with you guys. I think think Slot dealt with the whole situation very well. Even when he could have threw Salah under the bus, he didn't. Obviously Salah's had an outburst and all top players have egos. It was nice that he got on. And the most important thing, he looked sharp when it went. When he went on. Probably should have scored, but he should have scored.

[Alan Shearer]

Don't think he had a choice, by the way.

[Micah Richards]

Sorry.

[Alan Shearer]

He had to, didn't he?

[Gary Lineker]

Had to what?

[Alan Shearer]

Well, he had to come on and do well. Well, after what he said, you always.

[Gary Lineker]

Want to do well anyway, but put.

[Alan Shearer]

Him back in the squad. He had to run around and he had to do well. I know. You missed a chance.

[Micah Richards]

The bigger picture though, Al, is there was question marks whether he still had that electric pace and he does.

[Gary Lineker]

There was one run, particularly where you saw him going, oh, hello. He's still.

[Micah Richards]

Maybe not at the consistency of previous seasons, but from a. A football point of view he's like, oh, Salah looks very sharp here. We could have seen this a little bit more during the season, but that was my takeaway from him. But I would, I would agree with Alan as well. He's not going to go on there. Have a stinker, is he? He's going to be running around, he's going to be energetic, but it was just good to see that he's still on And I never doubted it. I just think he was going through a spell where it wasn't scoring. You know, mo Salah on the team makes your team better. He was going for a bad spell, end of.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, I mean he's one of the greats. He's one of the Premier League gates. He's had a tough period. Ekatike. Boy, oh boy. I mean he's. I mean he's very good. He's got it all. I mean, he can beat players. He's seriously quick. Seriously quick. Fantastic in the air. His movement is exceptional. I mean, what a talent.

[Alan Shearer]

They've got a really good player there. I would love to. I would love to know the full story about Ekatiki and Isak. Whether they wanted them both or was just a. Whatever, I don't know, paid.

[Gary Lineker]

They paid a lot of money for both. So what. How can you not want them both?

[Alan Shearer]

Well, because when they signed E for 85 million, I mean they're not. They're not going to be. Looks as if they're not going to be playing together. And I know they played two up at Milan, but I guess for most it'll be maybe one or the other. And if you're paying that much for one and leaving the one, then I think there's always going to be issues. And unless the big plan is that they're going to. They're both going to want to. To play up there. But let's. Let's wait and see on. On that one. But I. I don't know. I'd love to know the full story as. As to. Because obviously Newcastle came in for him, we're talking to him and then he chose Liverpool. Fine. I get that and understand that. And then obviously the Liverpool situation with Isaac, I don't know. Not convinced we know the full story.

[Micah Richards]

I pretty much agree with Alan there.

[Gary Lineker]

I.

[Micah Richards]

When they got Ek through the door, I. I feel as though that was a signing that esac no longer happening. And then when it came back to the table, you're thinking, tried and trusted Isak. He's the final piece to. Isn't it? And no one expected. Even spoke to Thierry. Thierry, who knows him very well, he said he's going to be a very good player. Is he ready for the Premier League? We have to see right now. So in terms of Ekitika, it was a little bit of a gamble. You knew what he was going to get with Isaac. So I think I agree with Alan there. There thinking, okay, well, we only went for Ekitiki at the time because we didn't think Isaac was going to happen. I would agree with that.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah totally. I. I mean Ekatike though he's brilliant though.

[Alan Shearer]

I think he's. He's got a. He's got a spark and an arrogance. A good arrogance. He's got a belief and a confidence that. Because I mean he's gone into a really tough environment and he's really really stood out out for obvious reasons. Which is not always easy by the way.

[Gary Lineker]

No.

[Alan Shearer]

When you're going into a club and the rest of the team aren't playing that well. But he, he without doubt I think him and Slobozlai have been the. The outstanding players for. For Liverpool. So for him to go in there into a new club, new environment tough as it has been for him to do what he's done and doing great credit to him and he's going to be. Yeah he's a huge talent definitely.

[Gary Lineker]

He looks really special to me.

[Micah Richards]

Just. Just to finish on that. He's got the fans on side as.

[Gary Lineker]

Well I'll bet you.

[Micah Richards]

No but earlier on you guys know what it's like as strikers when the fans are singing your name so early on just gives you that confidence don't you? And it works really like you mentioned all the stuff his attributes guys but when you've got the fans on side some players take a little bit longer and the lose a little bit of confidence. He's had the confidence from the get go because Isak wasn't ready to go from the start.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. No you're absolutely right.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

Let's finish off with quite interesting Comfortable victory for Chelsea. Good to see Cole Palmer back and scoring a goal but slightly concerning that he's still saying he's got to manage the injury and it's and I think Maresca said the same thing but perhaps the most interesting thing which was picked up on Match of the Day Alan that I watched and and it he seemed to intimate they showed didn't either the press conference that he's not happy with the way he's looked at over the last 48 hours he said it's been the most difficult period. I presume he's talking I mean we don't know but it was a little bit cryptic but I would say and he did say it's not about the fans. He said that I'm happy with the fans and so I think. I think he might be talking about the owners whether he's getting significant support support or not. I mean that's what it seemed to me might be Reading too much into it, I don't know.

[Alan Shearer]

But no, I agree with you. Yeah, definitely. I mean, we would not have mentioned anything about that story at all.

[Gary Lineker]

With a 2 nil win. Why would you?

[Alan Shearer]

Exactly. And the performance of Gusto and that's what he replied to in the, in the question about his performance. Then he came out with that. So he, he, he wanted us and everyone else to bring this up. And for me, he wanted to bring it up because it wasn't about the fans. And he said it two or three times, know the fans, we love the fans, fans are great, blah, blah, blah, blah. So for me, and I think the big picture is he's on about the owners, is that he probably feels as if he's not getting enough protection when Chelsea lose a game or maybe, who.

[Gary Lineker]

Knows, maybe that, you know, we know a lot of owners do like to interfere, like to say who they should think should be playing. You don't know, we don't know.

[Micah Richards]

But what more do they want from him? Guess he's top four. He's won the, the Club World cup, he's won the Conference League with young players also.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, well, I think that's also a key point, Micah, because Chelsea now to Chelsea, 15 or 20 years ago, when Chelsea bought the superstars and we had to go and win the Champions League and the league title, it's highly unlikely that they're going to do that with the current mode that they're in in terms of they buy young players to develop them and then possibly sell them on, give them long term contracts, not maybe give them as big a salary salary as what they may get, or they could give them protection of long contracts. But when you buying young talent to then produce them and make them better, that's unlikely that you're going to be winning the league or winning the Champions League when you're in that situation. So I'm with you, Mike. I think the trophies that he's won, he's won two trophies. He's currently in the top four. I think that's probably as good as it's going to get for Chelsea. Chelsea. Now I know that the fans may say, well, he tinkers a bit too much and he changes the team too much. I get that and I understand that. But the bigger picture, two trophies, top four, I think that's where Chelsea are at this moment in time and I don't think they're any better than that. And I think Heath is saying he wants a bit more protection when people or the media come for him or the maybe the fans have one or two months that he wants a bit more protection from the owners.

[Gary Lineker]

I think he's got a. I've got a point. If he's not getting that support court behind closed doors because I think he's done a remarkably good job. That is not an easy place to have gone. Particularly when he did that huge dressing room. Remember so many players you got to sort out.

[Alan Shearer]

You've got.

[Gary Lineker]

You've got to placate unhappy players because they're not in the squad, they're not in the team. And he seems to have managed it really well. He's won trophies. They're near the top of the table. As you said, with a very young team. I think he deserves enormous credit.

[Alan Shearer]

Why else would you bring it up? Why else as a manager after a two nil win at home when you've put in a really good performance on the back of a disappointing performance, you go back into the top four. Why else as a manager would you bring that up if you don't want people discussing it?

[Gary Lineker]

The only thing I would say taking on owners is a dangerous.

[Alan Shearer]

No, you're absolutely right. Especially those owners who are very different. I mean it is, it is. It's a different football club to any other.

[Gary Lineker]

Totally. Couple of other things before we go. We. We. I think we must give a shout out to Harry Wilson. I mean he's got five goals and five assists this season and he got a goal and two assists in the game at Burnley. And I know you did you analysis and Burnley were pretty woeful defensively particularly in the first half. But I mean Harry also.

[Alan Shearer]

I was.

[Gary Lineker]

I went to the Everton. When I went to the Everton game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. I was in the boardroom. I was with Kevin Ratcliffe. I was talking about Wales because obviously he's Welsh and said what do you think? Can you make through the playoffs? Said what we'll need. We'll need Harry Wilson fit and on form because he's, he's. He's a class act. I mean I must say he's a technician. He is a technician. I mean he really is, isn't he? We saw that goal that he scored against spurs away and he. He's. He's got silky little left foot there. Isn't.

[Alan Shearer]

He's felt a bit guilty to. I mean it was only because the defending situation with Burnley was so bad. I mean. Oh my God, it was. It was terrible. Particularly the first goal that they conceded from the. But yeah, I felt a bit guilty because Harry Wilson two assists and the goal. Another brilliant finish. The way he sort of curled into the corner.

[Gary Lineker]

Oh, he makes that look very easy.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, he was, he was. He was superb and having a great time, isn't he? I mean, some of the things he's doing are brilliant.

[Micah Richards]

Quick shout out to Uguchuku as well. I thought for Burnley. He played well, didn't he? Yeah, he's a good little player. He is. But yeah, I mean Wilson's always been good. I've sort of flirted with him. Fantasy football for, For.

[Gary Lineker]

For.

[Micah Richards]

For weeks and weeks now I might have to bring him in because his left foot is.

[Gary Lineker]

Don't do that to him. Don't do that to him. To hear that.

[Micah Richards]

I think he's on a cheap as well. H. Correct me if I'm wrong. Is it 5.4 million, something like that?

[Alan Shearer]

Correct.

[Gary Lineker]

Correct.

[Micah Richards]

I think. I mean, I've been observing him for a while.

[Gary Lineker]

Harry brought Harry well the weekend, didn't he, really? Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

Wow. Two assists on the call. Well done us.

[Gary Lineker]

Thank you. He's doing insufferably well, I have to say, unfortunately. But do you mind if I give Leicester City a brief mention now? We're not doing terribly well, but we've made a bit of progress in the last couple of weeks. But I put it on the group chat a certain goal by Abdul Fatahu, who I think is a sensationally talented player and I. I fear the worst in terms of. I don't know how long we'll have him at Leicester, but. And he was out pretty much all last season, which I think was hugely important for Leicester in the Premier League because he had that awful injury cruciate. So. But he's come back and he's, you know, he's. He's such a talent. I mean, I mean that's a puskus contender, I'm telling you, that goal because not only did he score from not it was way behind the halfway line, but he also had a nutmeg. Someone to get into that position before he hit.

[Micah Richards]

Did that go for. Did I go through his legs? I couldn't see close enough. It looked like he did it.

[Alan Shearer]

He went.

[Micah Richards]

Definitely went through his legs.

[Gary Lineker]

He megged him. He megged him. He definitely. I'm pretty sure he did. Unless my eyes are playing up, which is very possible. But I mean, blimey, what a goal.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, it was. Hey, I can't go against any of that. It was. It was a superb goal. Magnificent.

[Micah Richards]

If I was being very, very critical, guys, I would have loved to see it go straight in the net. You know, when it bounced first, I was thinking, please hit the net. Hit the net.

[Gary Lineker]

No, this is where you're wrong, Micah. That the easy way is just to land it straight into the goal. Right. The difficult way, why way to do it is actually to scientifically work out when you strike it to bounce and go under the bar.

[Micah Richards]

Great goal, really. But I did see on social media that he'd scored one before. I'm sure he scored another.

[Gary Lineker]

Hit the bar. He hit the bar? Yeah, he hit the bar with one.

[Micah Richards]

Are you sure? H, you've got to double check.

[Gary Lineker]

No, I'm positive. I saw exactly the post you did. It was Lester's post and it was saying the last time he hit one, it was fantastic effort and it went. Didn't bounce. See, he's learned his lesson. You got to make it bounce to go just under the bar as opposed to directly when it hit the bar. So, yeah, he didn't quite score it on that occasion, but he's. That kid is super talented, super talent. I shouldn't say this because I'll end up. We'll lose him, but it's inevitable. Anyway, but one quick word before we go ago on a certain Harry Kane, because we. Because he's playing in Germany, we don't always mention him. He's just scored a late equalizer. They were at home to the bottom club, Mainz and losing 2 1. And Harry scored again in the 88th minute. He didn't score hat trick today, but he did, of course, a few days ago. And he's now got 10 hat tricks in 76 games. 10 hat tricks in 76 games. It took Lewandowski, the great Robert Lewandowski, 324 games to do the same at Bayern Munich. Munich.

[Alan Shearer]

Amazing.

[Gary Lineker]

Quite something, isn't it?

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, well, I described Earling as a freak earlier and Harry's a freak also, isn't he, in terms of goal scoring, just magnificent.

[Gary Lineker]

He is. As were you, Alan. As were you. Absolute freak. But I'm not talking about your goal scoring. Okay, chaps, let's call it a day. Goodbye from me.

[Micah Richards]

Goodbye from me.

[Alan Shearer]

Goodbye from me. Have a great week, everyone.

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[Hannah Fry and Michael Stevens]

Hello, I'm Professor Hannah Fry.

[Alan Shearer]

And I'm Michael Stevens, creator of Vsauce. We thought we would join you for a moment completely uninvited.

[Hannah Fry and Michael Stevens]

We are not going to stay too long. Unless you want us to.

[Alan Shearer]

Of course. We're here to tell you about our brand new show. The Rest is science.

[Hannah Fry and Michael Stevens]

Every episode is going to start with something that feels initially familiar, and then we're going to unpick it and tear it apart until you no longer recognize it at all. You know, banana flavor doesn't taste like bananas.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, what is that about?

[Hannah Fry and Michael Stevens]

So it is supposed to taste like an old species of banana that was wiped out in a bananapocalypse, and now you will only find it in botanical collections in the gardens of billionaires.

[Micah Richards]

Wow.

[Alan Shearer]

Banana candy is actually the ghost of a long extinct banana.

[Hannah Fry and Michael Stevens]

So if you like scratching the surface.

[Alan Shearer]

Thinking a little bit deeper or weirder.

[Hannah Fry and Michael Stevens]

Yes, definitely.

[Gary Lineker]

That too.

[Hannah Fry and Michael Stevens]

You can join Michael and I every Tuesday and Thursday, wherever you get your podcasts.