The Rest Is Football

Episode Title: Ekitike Shines, Carrick Keeps Winning & Man City Drop Points Again
Date: February 2, 2026
Hosts: Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards

Overview

In this lively episode, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards break down a dramatic Premier League weekend with key focus on Ekitike’s breakout performance for Liverpool, Michael Carrick’s strong start at Manchester United, and Manchester City’s faltering title chase. As always, the trio delivers honest opinions, tactical insights, and plenty of banter, addressing transfer intrigue, in-match drama, and ongoing managerial challenges.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ekitike's Star Turn for Liverpool (05:02 – 12:29)

• Newcastle v Liverpool Review:

  • Newcastle’s inconsistent season continues; strong first-half performance undone by Liverpool’s quality.
  • Ekitike’s second goal – old-school toe-poke finish reminiscent of Romario – labeled "world class" by Alan Shearer.
  • Alan Shearer (07:09): "His second goal was world class. The way he went down the left and then toe poked with his right foot, Romario-like. Don’t see many toe-pokes anymore, but his was brilliant."
  • Newcastle rued missing out on signing Ekitike; Shearer reflects on what could have been if he’d chosen Tyneside.
  • Ekitike’s on-pitch partnership with Wirtz praised; struck as ‘intuitive’ and similar to iconic striker duos (09:03).

• Is Ekitike World Class Yet?

  • Micah Richards (08:07): "Are we talking about someone now who could be the next on the world class list alongside Kane, Haaland, Mbappe?"
  • All agree it's too early for such comparisons but his potential is undeniable; Gary emphasizes need for 20+ goal seasons to reach that bracket (11:22).

• Liverpool’s Frontline Dilemma:

  • With Isak out and other talents on the bench, question raised about who leads the line once everyone is fit.
  • Discussion of Fernando Torres comparisons; hosts see some similarities but not a direct match (12:29).

• Wirtz’s Influence:

  • Gradually acclimatizing to the Premier League; creative risk-taking lauded, despite higher turnovers (13:36).
  • Micah Richards (14:13): "Sometimes he gives away the ball, but when you play number 10, you give it away because you’re trying to be creative. I’m absolutely buzzing to see him do well. I just wish it was a little bit sooner."

• Human Moment:

  • Tribute to Konate, who scored just days after his father’s passing. Praised for resilience; touching pitchside support by teammates (15:34–16:50).

2. Chelsea’s Wild Win and Rosenior’s Impact (16:50 – 22:14)

• Chelsea’s Comeback vs West Ham:

  • Example of the "game of two halves"; Rosenior’s first-half team selection panned, his in-game changes lauded.
  • Substitutions (Pedro, Cucurella) swing the match; tactical bravery earns widespread credit.

• Tactical Praise for Rosenior:

  • Micah Richards (19:43): "Say what you want about tactics or whatever, tactically he got it right. All his subs made an impact."
  • Rosenior’s presence and youthful energy noted as well-suited to Chelsea’s young side.
  • Debate on how English coaches are perceived versus foreign appointments; importance of giving local talent a chance (19:43–21:40).

Notable Stat:

• Rosenior becomes only the fourth English manager to win his first three Premier League games in charge (22:16).

• Chelsea’s Lineup Flexibility:

  • Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, and Gittens among several young attacking options; debate about best use of Palmer (central vs right wing) (24:47–26:13).
  • Injury updates: Lavia still awaiting his first full 90 minutes (26:13–26:23).

3. Relegation Fight, West Ham’s Hope & Bowen’s Brilliance (26:24 – 28:01)

• West Ham’s First-Half Dominance:
  • Continued frustration but Bowen praised as a key to survival — among top Premier League goal-involvers away from home since 2023/24.

4. Arsenal’s Dominance & The Title Race (28:01 – 35:08)

• Arsenal’s 4-0 Rout at Leeds:

  • Restores confidence after recent slip; powerful, "statement" performance.
  • Fixture run analyzed: Six of next seven versus non-top-six opposition (29:41).
  • Depth praised: Gyokerez, Jesus, and Havertz all among scorers; questions whether Arsenal can "break low blocks" still linger.

• Breaking Low Defensive Blocks:

  • Alan Shearer (33:28): "Find a way. Find someone who can make that killer pass. A forward who’ll make the brilliant run. It’s not a new thing — it’s just more highlighted now."
  • Micah and Shearer agree player rotation, intelligent movement, and persistence are keys.

5. Man City’s Problems Intensify & Tottenham’s Second Half Revival (37:04 – 44:01)

• Man City Throw Away Another Lead:

  • At Spurs, City surrender 2-0 halftime advantage; defensive lapses, loss of in-game control emphasized.
  • Micah Richards (39:40): "Man City should have been 3, 4, 5 nil up in that first half, but they're just not killing teams off. It's a worry."
  • Criticism of lack of defensive communication, fullback depth, and general vulnerability to pace.

• Tottenham’s Tactical Simplicity:

  • Switch to 4-4-2, high energy, direct play — not tactical genius, just renewed urgency.
  • Noted that City have now failed to register a shot on target in the second half of three consecutive games (42:15–42:36).
  • Hosts skeptical City can now "go on a run" comparable to previous title-winning seasons.

6. Villa and Arsenal’s Quadruple Hopes (44:01 – 48:58)

• Villa drop points; Arsenal’s run continues.
• Debate if Arsenal are "suited to the Premier League" (45:45) or more to Champions League ("good defense, not always scoring freely").
• Quadruple talk softly dismissed as premature.

7. Goal of the Weekend & VAR Drama (48:58 – 51:41)

• Dominic Solanke’s scorpion goal lauded as "sensational" and intentional (49:21).
• VAR Controversy:
  • Disallowed Villa goal due to questionable “out of play” decision — hosts flag lack of conclusive evidence (50:16–51:08).

8. Manchester United’s Renaissance under Michael Carrick (51:41 – End)

• Carrick’s Early Impact:

  • United win third straight; tactical improvements highlighted, especially playing people in proper positions.
  • Gary Lineker (53:48): "I think the sensible thing would be to see how it goes until the end of the season. But he’s done everything right so far."
  • Midfield blend with Mainoo, Casemiro, and Fernandes working well.
  • Carrick’s managerial profile compared favorably with Solskjaer; praised for calmness and clarity.

• Bruno & Mainoo in Spotlight:

  • Bruno’s stats (5 goals, 12 assists) flagged; potential Player of the Year contender.
  • Mainoo’s composure under pressure and development since returning from injury commended.

• Man United’s Prospects:

  • Likely not ready for a title bid, but Champions League qualification now realistic.
  • Gary Lineker (59:33): "The top six, I think, will remain the top six. It’s just whether anyone can chase down Arsenal — that’s the most interesting thing left for the season."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Alan Shearer (07:09) — on Ekitike:
  “His second goal was world class. You don’t see many toe-pokes now but his was brilliant, a brilliant finish.”

• Micah Richards (08:07) — on Ekitike’s potential:
  “Are we talking about someone now who could be the next on the world class list alongside Kane, Haaland, Mbappe?”

• Gary Lineker (11:22) — on stepping up:
  “To be considered one of the best strikers, you need to score 20 plus a season, season after season. There’s a way to go.”

• Micah Richards (19:43) — on Rosenior:
  “Say what you want about tactics… Tactically he got it right. All his subs made an impact.”

• Alan Shearer (33:28) — on ‘the low block’:
  “Find a way. Find a pass. Find a forward who’s good enough to make that forward run… that’s how you do it. Find a way.”

• Micah Richards (39:40) — on Man City’s malaise:
  “Man City should have been 3, 4, 5 nil up in that first half, but they're just not killing teams off... it's a worry.”

• Gary Lineker (53:48) — on Michael Carrick:
  “He’s clearly a very cerebral guy. The way he played the game… most of the great managers are former holding midfielders.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [05:02] – Liverpool vs Newcastle, Ekitike and Wirtz analysis
• [11:22] – The “20-goal” benchmark for elite strikers
• [16:50] – Chelsea’s wild comeback; Rosenior’s tactical tweaks
• [22:14] – Rosenior’s historic start as Chelsea manager
• [24:47] – Chelsea’s squad depth and Palmer debate
• [28:01] – Leeds 0-4 Arsenal, Arsenal’s title credentials
• [33:28] – Breaking down the “low block”
• [37:04] – Spurs 2-2 Man City, City’s defensive woes
• [44:01] – Arsenal’s fixture run and quadruple hopes
• [48:58] – Solanke’s scorpion kick, VAR controversy
• [51:41] – Carrick’s Man United turnaround

Final Take

This edition of The Rest Is Football packed insight, stats, tactical assessment, and honest reflection. Ekitike’s rise, Carrick’s new manager bounce, and City’s woes dominate the conversation, all delivered with the hosts’ characteristic humor and ex-player candor.
Fans are left to ponder: Can Arsenal be caught? Is Ekitike a future Ballon d’Or contender? And can Carrick revive United’s former glory?