Gunners Fire Back, City Keep The Pressure On & Spurs on the Brink?

Summary

The Rest Is Football

Episode: Gunners Fire Back, City Keep The Pressure On & Spurs on the Brink?

Date: February 23, 2026

Hosts: Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards

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Episode Overview

In this episode, Gary Lineker, Micah Richards, and Alan Shearer dive into the weekend’s Premier League drama, focusing heavily on the North London Derby, Arsenal’s title charge, Manchester City’s relentless pursuit, Tottenham’s crisis, and the race for the Champions League spots. Laden with expert insight, proper football laughs, behind-the-scenes stories, and strong opinions, the trio breaks down what these results mean for the rest of the season. Notable moments include an inside look at the nuances of football punditry, player mispronunciations, and a celebration of football veteran James Milner.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. North London Derby: Arsenal Bounce Back, Spurs in Crisis

[10:21–17:39]

• Arsenal’s Response:

  • Arsenal delivered the response they needed after their previous stumble, dominating Spurs and reigniting their title challenge.
  • Special mention for Eze (hat-trick hero in the reverse fixture, netted two crucial goals here) and Gyökeres, whose “touch and finish” on the first goal was “executed beautifully.” ([18:24], [18:38])

• Tottenham Troubles:

  • Spurs, plagued with injuries, looked “bereft of anything,” with Micah labeling their performance as “shambolic” and even “pathetic.” ([11:11], [12:57])
  • Gary and Micah debate whether it’s a lack of effort or quality that’s undermining them; both conclude it's more about confidence and lack of depth than desire ([12:57], [13:45])
  • Important question raised: “Can Tottenham go down?” Both feel survival is likely but agree the threat is real given their form and thin squad ([16:53], [17:14])
  • Quote:

    “To put that performance on. I just think it was shambolic...I thought it was a pathetic performance and I never say that about Spurs.”
    — Micah Richards, 12:57

• Arsenal’s Title Prospects:

  • Arteta praised for bravery starting Eze; Gyökeres’s all-round play highlighted.
  • Declan Rice’s rare mistake sparks “Steven Gerrard moment” discussion but is seen as a one-off by both hosts ([19:06])
  • This is pegged as a “statement win,” keeping Arsenal in the title photo with a massive showdown at the Etihad looming ([20:45])

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2. The Title Race Tightens: Manchester City’s Pursuit

[20:45–33:13]

• City’s Form and Flexibility:

  • City’s improvement and their evolving tactics under Guardiola are covered at length, especially the emergence of young talents like Nico O’Reilly.
  • Pep’s tactical ingenuity—using O’Reilly in multiple roles—is celebrated, with both hosts agreeing his versatility will make him invaluable for England. ([23:27], [23:56])
  • Micah:

    “It’s his energy, what I like, and his running power...you need a variety of different positions, that’s what he gives you.” ([24:13], [24:47])

• Key Players and England Hopefuls:

  • Lewis Hall is praised for defensive intelligence and attacking ability; ideal as England’s starting left-back alongside O’Reilly.
  • Rodri’s gradual return to form after injury cited as crucial.
  • New signings like Semenyo and the difference Mark Gay makes are noted.

• Back to Basics:

  • Discussion of high defensive lines, counter-attacking risk, and what Pep’s involvement brings tactically.

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3. Champions League Race and Relegation Battle

[33:31–37:25]

• Liverpool’s Lucky Escapes:

  • Liverpool’s late win against Forest dissected; Gary calls their performance “really poor for much of the game,” though they “picked up towards the latter stages and got it going a little bit.”
  • McAllister’s disallowed goal and subsequent winner recapped.
  • VAR “semi-automated offside” confusion is ridiculed for its complexity and inconsistent application.

    “I think semi-automated means that it’s automated but we’ll give ourselves the word semi in case we make the odd mistake.” — Gary Lineker, 37:47

• Top Five Predictions:

  • Hosts pick their likely top five, with Gary favoring Arsenal, City, Villa, Man United, and Liverpool, with Chelsea just missing out.
  • United’s momentum and luck with injuries seen as key for their top-five ambitions.

• Relegation Battle:

  • Burnley get some deserved praise, but all three agree survival looks highly unlikely given their points deficit.

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4. Weekend Match Highlights & Squad Debates

[43:40–53:41]

• Newcastle’s Performance Against City:

  • Alan Shearer gives the Newcastle perspective—competitive, energetic, and unlucky not to get more out of tougher fixtures.

• Chelsea vs. Burnley:

  • Chelsea’s defensive frailties again exposed; Burnley capitalized with set-piece goals and solid game management.
  • Joao Pedro’s contributions are lauded; seen as more a “number 10 or a False 9,” not a classic target man.
  • Gary and the team debate Chelsea’s rotation and defensive inconsistency as their Achilles heel.

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5. Villa, Leeds & the Striker Carousel

[54:28–58:55]

• Villa’s Champions League Push:

  • Villa’s ambitions are recognized, with Tammy Abraham’s good start a highlight. Debate over whether he could oust Ollie Watkins in the lineup—and what that might mean for England squad selection.

• Leeds’ Resurgence:

  • Leeds are “entertaining to watch,” with Daniel Farke praised for maximizing Ethan Ampadu’s leadership and Stack’s contributions in midfield.
  • James Justin’s return highlighted, with Southgate once having earmarked him for England but for injury.
  • Special mention for Calvert-Lewin’s potential if he can stay fit ([58:28], [58:55])

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6. James Milner Milestone

[59:34–64:31]

• A Record-Breaking Career:

  • Milner’s career longevity—featured for Leeds, Newcastle, Villa, City, Liverpool, and Brighton at elite level—is celebrated.
  • Discussion on Milner’s adaptability (“probably played in almost every position”) and understated technical quality.
  • Micah reflects on playing with (and against) Milner:

    “The improvement. When I played against him at Newcastle, I absolutely bullied him...next minute, now, couldn’t get near him...he did all my running.” ([61:26])

• The 'Boring James Milner' Myth:

  • The trio agree his reputation as “boring” is entirely unfair—the real Milner is quietly funny, hardworking, and a model pro.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Micah on Spurs’ Dire Showing:

  “To put that performance on... I just think it was shambolic... I thought it was a pathetic performance and I never say that about Spurs.” ([12:57])

• Gary on Arsenal’s Response:

  “A brilliant bounce back from Arsenal. It’s exactly what they had to do...” ([10:22])

• Micah on Player Mispronunciations:
  “Wayne Rooney... was giving it the bigger, like he was going to nail the pronunciation—he did amazing analysis and he got the name wrong.” ([05:58])

• On City’s Youngsters:

  “O’Reilly is a player. But I just want to be careful with him because he’s only 20... it’s his energy and running power.” ([24:13])

• Gary on VAR Tech:

  “I think semi-automated means that it’s automated but we’ll give ourselves the word semi in case we make the odd mistake.” ([37:47])

• On James Milner:

  “Is he the most versatile player of perhaps the Premier League era? He’s probably played in almost every position.” ([60:40]) “He did all my running that game...all I had to do—he did everything.” — Micah ([62:24])

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• North London Derby analysis / Spurs crisis: [10:21–17:39]
• Arsenal’s bounce back & key players: [17:39–20:45]
• City’s title chase & youth integration: [20:45–26:10]
• Fantasy football & Arsenal/City allegiance banter: [21:13–22:49]
• Liverpool’s late win, Forest’s frustration, VAR debate: [33:31–39:33]
• Champions League race predictions: [35:08–37:25]
• Newcastle vs. City, Chelsea’s woes: [43:40–53:41]
• Villa, Leeds, striker talk: [54:28–58:55]
• James Milner tribute: [59:34–64:31]

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Tone & Chemistry

The hosts’ legendary banter and camaraderie shine throughout, with Micah’s self-deprecating humor (“I got all the plaudits and it was down to Milner!” [63:13]) and Alan’s dry wit (on birthday parties and fashion faux pas), punctuating the football analysis. Strong, honest opinions thread through the discussion, but always with a light touch and sense of genuine affection for the game and its characters.

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Summary Takeaways

• Arsenal’s comeback against Spurs is a pivotal moment in the title race.
• Spurs look like a club in crisis—depleted, low on confidence, but (just) likely to survive.
• City’s flexibility and young stars keep their title hopes alive; Arsenal vs. City at the Etihad is set as the season’s defining clash.
• Liverpool remain unpredictable but grind out results; United are surging at the right time.
• The relegation dogfight is brutal—Burnley get admiration for gameness, but survival is distant.
• Chelsea’s defensive chaos continues to undermine their progress.
• James Milner’s remarkable, versatile career gets the celebration it deserves.

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For football fans, this episode is a must-listen masterclass in analysis, storytelling, and laughs—capturing everything thrilling and maddening about the Premier League right now.

Transcript

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[Micah Richards]

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[Micah Richards]

In a North London derby. To put that performance on, I just think it was shambolic. A pathetic performance.

[Gary Lineker]

Tottenham is a very well run business, but is it a well run football club? Can Tottenham go down?

[Micah Richards]

I still have Man City. If they win at home against Arsenal winning League I think Arsenal will do it.

[Gary Lineker]

I think it'd be tighter than I thought. I thought they'd run away with it.

[Micah Richards]

We talk about Shoeings. He would be my starting left back. It be him and Nico Riley for sure. For sake.

[Gary Lineker]

K TK Hugo. Hugo, come on.

[Micah Richards]

Just edit, please. Everything Edit.

[Gary Lineker]

Hello and welcome to the Resties football with Michael Richards and me, Gary Lineker. Alan Shearer is another friend's party birthday party, which he seems to have almost every other Sunday. You'll hear him in the second half because we've already recorded that when we discuss Saturday's games or most of Saturday's games, we. We left Man City side of things because obviously that is all encompassing with the title race, etc. So, Micah, how are you?

[Micah Richards]

I'm good. You know what? I think you need to put your foot down though, guys. You need to put your foot down. Alan is getting away with all sorts. Is he part of the team? I've not took one day off for socializing. I might have been ill or I might have been working. That's different.

[Gary Lineker]

Or in Abu Dhabi.

[Micah Richards]

Well, yeah, I was working in Abu

[Gary Lineker]

Dhabi at the Grand Prix. Well, you did actually make an appearance. I mean, I don't know. Alan's quite scary. I don't know physically whether I'd be man enough to. To stand up to him and give him a bollock in, let's see in the second half. But we've already done the second half, so it's too late for me to give me. Oh, dear. Micah, you were doing Match of the Day yesterday. You were with Wayne Rooney.

[Micah Richards]

Yes, I was with Wayne.

[Gary Lineker]

And I mean, thank heavens you got a dec game at the end because apart from that, it was like 1, 1, 1, 1. Not much going on really, was there?

[Micah Richards]

It was very difficult. You're picking out certain things and always going to be about low blocks and defensive and strikers not being able to put the ball in the back of the net. But then we got some goals and it was all right.

[Gary Lineker]

Can I bring up something here? Because I saw this thing on social media where with you and Wayne Rooney, where. Where Strauch obviously scored the goal and then. No, no, it wasn't.

[Micah Richards]

Sorry, it was. So this is where it's thinking Stack

[Gary Lineker]

scored the goal, Dax scored the goal,

[Micah Richards]

but Strauch is who he was talking about on his analysis. Ah, okay.

[Gary Lineker]

Of course, yes. You're absolutely all right. So I just saw the clip, but it wasn't. It was. Clearly you were cracking up about something. But you need to tell me why, because it wasn't really explained. But I mean, it still made me chuckle. And Chappers was chuckling away as well.

[Micah Richards]

Okay, for context, you be that. Be what, 25 years. You know how it goes. So, you know, we always have a camera on the pundit when he. When they're doing their analysis.

[Gary Lineker]

They do now that's fairly modern, that. Yes, used to, but they do now.

[Micah Richards]

It goes to what the. The pundit is talking about, or it might go to the presenter, or it might have all of us depending on what shot it is. So you couldn't see me at the time. So on the show, you could sort of hear me maybe glid a little bit, but I wanted to be as professional as I could be. So all day he's doing the Villa Leeds game. Wayne Rooney, he's doing the Villa Leeds game and he's doing his analysis. He's putting it all together. We go around back to do and put all the things on and all the pierro we called it. And when he was doing the rehearsal before, he kept going, how do we say this guy's name? Strauch. So then we're doing rehearsal on the floor and he's asked again, how do you pronounce this guy's name? Strauch.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

And I said to him, just leave it alone, because what you're gonna do, you're gonna be so fixated on his name, you're gonna get it wrong. And he goes, aww, I'll be fine. Trust me, I've got it. Strauch, Strauch, Strauch. He said it about three times. So he's doing the analysis, right?

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

And it comes to the bit and he was talking about. Strauch was jumping, so he was going to app to. I think he was talking about someone for Villa in a hole. It might have been Buendia. And as he come to it, he goes. And. Yeah, and when Stoke jumps out there

[Alan Shearer]

and that's.

[Gary Lineker]

That's when you went, I've gone.

[Micah Richards]

Because I've told him, I've said, I've been in that position before. Just don't do it. Just say the defender jumps, he's highlighted. His name's on the analysis, so don't even try. And he went for it. And honestly, I'd gone, I'd gone. I had to stop myself because I was crying because he was giving it the bigger, like he was going to nail it. He did amazing analysis and he got his name wrong. So that's what it was all about.

[Gary Lineker]

It's the new Martin Keown. For those of you wondering what I'm on about, Martin has almost a panic attack about sense getting the correct terminology of someone's name or the correct pronunciation, I should say. And he'd ask everyone about 50 times, so how do you say his name? How do you say. How do you say his name? I mean, he's so slightly different. He's not in the sense that, well, Wayne Rooney suddenly thought, nah, got it covered. Like, Martin would still be doing it, wouldn't he? Just a few seconds before you go on air. And then even over the thing. And he would. He was always so nervous about getting someone's name wrong and talking about getting people's names wrong. I mean, I heard you on a couple mentions today, people keep calling you Mika.

[Micah Richards]

I don't know why.

[Gary Lineker]

I saw James Milner, actually, credit to you here, Mike. I don't know whether he's. I. I sent it in the group chat. He did a little thing, you know, one of those things they do now for social media, where they go, you know, the best player, the best, the quickest. You played against the, you know, the best finisher. The best finisher, unfortunately, named Alan that he played with. But he said the strongest was, it would have been really good if it had said Micah Richards. But he did say Mika.

[Micah Richards]

Oh, come on, Millie.

[Gary Lineker]

Mealy. Mealy. You should call him Mealy. Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

I don't understand why people, you know,

[Gary Lineker]

what I understand why it is, Micah. I'll tell you why it is. It's because you call Big Meeks and that confuses people. So they get. It's like.

[Micah Richards]

And I've.

[Gary Lineker]

I've done it myself on occasions and have managed to wrestle it back at the last second. Because we call you Meeks or Big Meeks and so then it's it. You would think it's because it's Mika, but it's not. It's Micah, but it's been going on a while.

[Micah Richards]

I blame Frankie Bun, my academy coach, Alex Gibson and Paul Power, all those three. They started it. And then remember all them years ago when I scored that header.

[Gary Lineker]

They started Big Meeks or they started Mika.

[Micah Richards]

They started Mika. Her name is Mike. It's simple. It's like Michael but shorter. Micah. That's it.

[Gary Lineker]

Simple. Yeah, it is simple. But because you call Big Meeks, that's where the confusion comes in, I think.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, but my nickname is Mike's. Not. Not Meeks. Everyone just call Big. Yes.

[Gary Lineker]

I've never heard anyone call you Mike's.

[Micah Richards]

That's what I mean. Because you're not one of my close friends.

[Gary Lineker]

Oh, really? Well, I'm your boss. You can't be that close to your boss, Kenny. It's all a little bit confusing. Which takes us into, well, Fuse. This episode is brought to you by Fuse Energy. No one likes a panic buy on deadline day. The smart teams do their business early, not relying on dodgy fax machines. Are they still a thing? Rushed medicals or watching a plan B target become a plan C?

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[Micah Richards]

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[Gary Lineker]

Sign up to Fuse [e-mail] Football. Use the referral code football. And you could also win a 1990 England shirt signed by the three of us at the rest is football. Right, let's talk about the first bike delivered by Uber Eats and well, it has to be the North London Derby. And there's a former Spursman, Micah Meeks or Meek or whatever your name is.

[Micah Richards]

Mike's.

[Gary Lineker]

Mike's Yikes. I mean, as a Spurs fan I'm a little bit worried. It was a brilliant bounce back from Arsenal. It's exactly what they had to do. But I look at Tottenham at the moment and I, I, I, I see a team that's obviously massive amount of injuries and devoid of any confidence. You would think, you know, North London derby. Yes, he had a bit of a go early on, but God blimey. I mean when you consider where they were not long ago when they had Kulasevsky son and Madison and lots of really good players. Now I know there's nothing you can do about Kulasevsky and Madison's injuries, big injuries, but they just look bereft of anything at the moment. I worry, I worry Micah and I don't blame you.

[Micah Richards]

The, the sheer lack of quality on show from spurs, you know, if he was a Spurs fan, it was just hope, you know, when they got the goal back from Kolo Muani they didn't have any combinations. The formation. I understand why they went with it with the five at the back, the three and the two. Xavi Seaman, sort of Kola Mwani. But I've always sort of defended spurs in terms of what they haven't got on the field, the injuries and whatever it may be. But that effort in a North London derby, you can say they give a little bit, but there was so casual on the ball.

[Gary Lineker]

I just think it's a lack of confidence

[Micah Richards]

when you're struggling guys and I've been there, you, you not so much because you're always a top player, but

[Gary Lineker]

when I know my cry, I was relegated.

[Micah Richards]

Yes, it wasn't your fault. I when I was playing really obviously not when I was really bad at Villa, I would still give 100% and spurs have got better players than they're showing now and whether when they won the Europa League last year it was a horrible game. But you get over the line in a North London derby. To put that performance on. I just think it was shambolic, the decision making when to dribble in the areas where there was dribbling out from the back, the passes, everything on show was just poor. I thought it was a pathetic performance and I never say that about spurs, but because of the occasion you think can they rise to it? And they just didn't at all.

[Gary Lineker]

No, I was desperately disappointed. I know they've got a lot of players out injured and that is an absolutely legitimate excuse. I don't think it's about effort, I think it's about quality. For a start, they haven't got the depth in the squad that they've needed with the injuries. And I think when you. Things go against you a little bit in games like that, I don't think it's that they didn't want to win or they're not trying or. I just think sometimes when you've got no confidence and you, it, it kind of sucks the energy out of you. And I've. You saw that. I mean, look at Manchester United. They're totally different proposition now to what everyone was saying beforehand. Oh, they weren't really trying. They don't care. The players don't care, care. But I just think it, it just saps you, saps your strength, saps your ability, saps your confidence. And then you start performing nervously. And I think it's, It's a lack of confidence that it is. I don't think it's an effort thing. I mean, crike, you've got a new manager, you would think to yourself, every player will want to impress. But, you know, Arsenal are, you know, they did what they had to do. They came, you know, bounced back after a disappointment of conceding two goals against WOL late on and I thought they did well. And I suppose if, you know, if the referee hadn't given the foul for a slight push in the back of Gabrielle, who made obviously the most of it and went down very easily, if the referee hadn't whistled, I don't think VR would have turned that over. It was one of those and then it would have been two, two and who knows? But overall, overall they were. Yeah, they were really fan wanting.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah. But I don't take people's point that they, the players are not good enough. I, I take your point in terms of the lack of confidence, but if you go through their side, Palina was just at Bayern Munich not so long ago and it wasn't much there, but best play for Fulham when he was in the Premier League. Van De Ven at one point was talking about him and Romero as the best partnership.

[Gary Lineker]

They miss Romero today. There's no, I mean, there's no question about it. He's a proper player.

[Micah Richards]

Spence. We was talking about him six months ago about him perhaps starting for England. Archie Gray, when he was at Leeds, everyone was talking about him, all the Gray family.

[Gary Lineker]

What position did he say today?

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, I know, yeah, he's played out of position.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, play players out of position, it doesn't generally work.

[Micah Richards]

But he's still, he's still a good player. Out of position.

[Gary Lineker]

It is, of course he is. And he's a young boy, Gallagher, who's

[Micah Richards]

just at Atletico Madrid. Yes, he would like to play a bit more, but he played in the structure. Structure. That was disciplined. That suited him. Column Wani psg.

[Gary Lineker]

He did get his goal.

[Micah Richards]

He got his goal. And then Zabi Simmons, who they've just paid a lot of money. So I, I can't take that. They've not got quality in there, I think.

[Gary Lineker]

Yes, they've not got top four quality. That's what I would say. Yeah, they've definitely got more quality than the position in the league where they should, you know, where they should be at least, you know, midterm. And I think, you know, you can keep going through. You know, everyone's saying Thomas Frank's fault. Well, they look, is it, I don't know. Tottenham is a very well run business, but is it a well run football club? And ultimately, generally the league positions are comparative with the spending that you make on the players that you make, etc. And Tottenham's overall expenditure is roughly that of a mid table Premier League club. So they're underperforming because they should be at least in the mid table at the moment. They're in danger. Mike, do you think, I mean, we'll come to Arsenal and apologies to Arsenal fans because it was your day. Can Tottenham go down? I mean, they're four points, aren't they? Above West Ham are in 18th, Forest just behind them. It's not inconceivable.

[Micah Richards]

No, it's not. But I think, I think they'll just have enough. I, I watching Forest, really good. I thought that was unlucky. Watching West Ham, the playing well, a lot better. The confidence is ice. But I just feel as though spurs can, can get over the line just because of the players that I mentioned.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. And you know, if they get Romero back, maybe they'll get one or two players back before the end of the season. But I never had terrible lot the last two years with, with injuries, but it, I mean I'm just, as a former Tottenham, I'm just, just really concerned. But. Right, let's go on to probably the more significant aspect of this game. It was a bit huge bounce back from Arsenal. Just what they needed.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, I thought they were excellent. I thought that there was, there was a, there's a big conversation about Eze and after he's got his hat trick in the first time they played. When was it in? It was eight, was 18 games ago and he scored that hat trick and a lot of Arsenal fans expected him to then go on and make that position his own. That didn't happen for him. It was brave of Arteta to start him today because I thought Odegaard was going to start and then to repay the team with two goals and a good performance, I thought that was brave from the manager. I thought Jocherez was outstanding.

[Gary Lineker]

Very good, very good. And we've been slightly critical at times of Gyokerez, but I think to perform like that. And both goals were excellent finishes, particularly the first one, the touch and then the finish. He executed it beautifully, well done.

[Micah Richards]

But just his work weight and his movement as well. It looked like he was in control of what he wanted to do. Yes, he's up for it because it was a derby. But in terms of his all round performance, not just because he scored his link up play, he's running, he's coolly taking his finishing. And Arsenal was just by far the better team in all areas. They had that little bit of a slip. Declan Rice trying to dribble out and call him Warne, put it in the back of the net.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean it was quite the irony at one point we were saying if he, if it goes a bit pear shaped for Arsenal here, it might be like a Steven Gerrard moment, you know, when he grabbed. Because soon as the goal goes in, he obviously gathered the group together and he's giving it mentality and all this we got and it was like a very open to the public view of the fact that it was obviously with the thought of the game against Wolves in his mind. We can't let this happen. And then he of all people who so rarely makes any mistakes and you thought to yourself, oh boy, oh boy, surely not that kind of moment.

[Micah Richards]

Why is he trying to dribble out there though? It needs. It normally makes all the right decisions.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, it's so rare. I mean you, you see players do think everybody makes mistakes, everybody makes mist.

[Micah Richards]

Everyone makes mistakes. But.

[Gary Lineker]

But it's so rare for him that you go, wow.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, it was like Raya, it was

[Gary Lineker]

like Raya, wasn't it, the other day in the Wolves game. And then you go, oh, wow, Raya's made a mistake. It's so rare.

[Micah Richards]

But it was just the way he made the mistake in terms of trying to dribble there. Of course that's all it was. But I thought all in all Arsenal did, you know, when I talked about Man City having that statement win against Liverpool coming back, this was one of those. That could have been a banana skin to come through that game. That Then gives them the confidence they need. I still make the point that it's going to go to the Etihad. When they play each other in the League, that's going to be the game.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, we've got a tight race on our hands. Which brings us obviously to City and they had a tough game against Newcastle. They're still. Then we. They're not where they were two years ago. We know that. But they are improving. They are getting better. I think you've. I think we're going to get a really exciting title race now because I, I see both teams. It's gonna ebb and flow and a little bit of, you know, you drop a couple of points here and it's. It's gonna be. It's what we want, isn't it?

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, definitely.

[Gary Lineker]

I may say, as a neutral, which I'm a neutral. I don't know what you are, because obviously you. Look, I think I need to.

[Micah Richards]

You know what? I actually think I, I really.

[Gary Lineker]

Because. No, I don't think you do.

[Micah Richards]

No.

[Gary Lineker]

But it doesn't matter, does it?

[Micah Richards]

I actually think I do, though, because City fans. I was on. I was on cbs still having a go here. I was on CBS the other day and Arsenal, we had on the phone. We had a score or whatnot.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

I had Gabrielle captain. You know what fantasy football's like.

[Gary Lineker]

I had him triple captain.

[Micah Richards]

Yes.

[Gary Lineker]

When they conceded.

[Micah Richards]

You're devastated. They've clipped that up. Carrigan's going, oh, why you sad for. They didn't show the whole context of the video and me saying, and I'm getting absolute pelters from Man City. What started as a joke. Oh, I love football as a boyhood. Like, I. I liked Arsenal when I was a kid, when I went to Manchester City. I've been Man City through and through, ever since. But it's crazy to think that Man City, this, this thing. What I said, I like Arsenal or whatnot. And I think the term I use, I support Man City on there. Arsenal off air, which was on League of the Roan, on a format where we're having fun and people are actually taking that as gospel. Like, I don't bleed Man City.

[Gary Lineker]

It's.

[Micah Richards]

It's. It's madness to me. If City going for all competitions, I want Man City to win. The whole Arsenal thing, yes, I liked him as a kid, but it's. The joke's gone too far now. It's.

[Gary Lineker]

Some people, they. So tribal. I mean, I wish tribality was only about football. I generally do. And I mean, that'll be, you know. But you can understand why people get in their camps and in all sorts of things in. In the world that. More important things than. Than football. Although. Is there anything more important than football?

[Micah Richards]

Football's life, isn't it?

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. As Bill Shanky once said. Yeah. But I wouldn't. I wouldn't worry too much, Mike. I think most. I think most City fans know that, you know, you, You. You do want City to do really, really well. You want them to win everything.

[Micah Richards]

Anyway, the game.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

Nico Riley. It was special, wouldn't he?

[Gary Lineker]

He's a talent.

[Micah Richards]

Where is he?

[Gary Lineker]

With England. My car. Is he. Is he. I mean, I mean, to have the confidence of Pep Guardiola, not only to Pep, bring him in when they've got one or two injuries and he's had to play at fullback, but to trust a young man to play at fullback, which is not his position. And now he trusts him to play. I think he's sort of playing a diamond at the moment. Do you think? Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

A box midfield. Yes.

[Gary Lineker]

It's very flexible, isn't it? Moves around a little bit. So. And, and to play him in there and he's so young and. And he's so technically gifted. He's calm, he's measured, he makes good runs, he can finish. I mean, two cracking goals. I mean, bl.

[Micah Richards]

He's a player. But I just.

[Gary Lineker]

He's going to be in the England squad, isn't he?

[Micah Richards]

I, I just. I. I just want to be careful with him because he's only 20 and you remember when Rico Lewis came in and he was a right back playing midfield and on all the things necessarily

[Gary Lineker]

help you sometimes when he's constantly played out of position.

[Micah Richards]

Correct. Yeah. And you become. Utility comes with it. Yeah. And. And the Foden and all the young players who. Coming through. It's brilliant. But it's. It's his energy, what I like, and he's running power. So when you ask about England squad, definitely. Because you need a variety of different

[Gary Lineker]

positions, that's what he gives you, isn't it? Correct. He can play any of the midfield roles, probably. He can play definitely at fullback. We've seen him do that really well as well. So in terms of the squad is what you need. It's almost like, oh, I can actually play an extra forward in the squad because I've got a player that. That covers me at fullback and covers me in midfield.

[Micah Richards]

Exactly that. And it was. It was interesting because I was watching Lewis hall as well.

[Gary Lineker]

He's good. Oh, he was great. In the game again, I was

[Micah Richards]

his decision making when he's defending and all that. There was a. There was a moment in the game and I was watching and I think, think someone came deep. It might have been Harland or Mamouche. And you know, sometimes when defenders commit. He half committed to showing one way so he then could change his body to then show him one way if he got beat. And I was like, that is defending right there. He gets it.

[Gary Lineker]

And he's not only brilliant at defending, he's great going the other way.

[Micah Richards]

Oh, I love him. I. I love him. If we talk about Shoeings, he would be my starting left back. It'd be, It'd be. Yeah, it'd be him and Nico O'Reilly for sure.

[Gary Lineker]

Who can cover both positions.

[Micah Richards]

Definitely.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

And you know. And you know, Lewis Hall's a midfielder by trade as well, you know.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. When he was at Chelsea and stuff.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, it just shows you anyone can play fullback. Micah. But I mean, I'm very excited about. About the entire race. Also the fact, I think if you look at City, no, they're not quite what they were a couple of years ago, but all of a sudden you've got eight Nori, who's fit again. He's. I think he's looking good. You've got Rodri, who's starting to look like, dare I say Rodri. And it's been eight. When you've been out that long, I don't care who you are, you know, and you've come back and then you've got a muscle injury and then it's. It's very, very difficult. But poco a poco, as they say in Spain. Little by little, he's getting back to the player that he was then they've signed. Semenya is always a threat and Mark Gay has been. Did you see his interview post, Match Mark Gay, where he was saying, I've had to learn everything. It's like a rebrand almost.

[Micah Richards]

And.

[Gary Lineker]

And he's. And he's. He's clearly lo.

[Micah Richards]

I didn't actually hear that because we

[Gary Lineker]

only get a BBC interview.

[Micah Richards]

Or was it a Sky interview? Or. It would have been tnt, wasn't it? It would have been a TNT maybe.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. And he spoke well. He was going off coming and I've had to learn everything and I've had to learn it really quickly and it's totally different, he said. But I'm loving it.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah. He's a class act. He is. He really is. That signing in January, that could get them over the line. Him and Semenya, although I thought Semenya was quiet get in the game from his standards. I thought Mamouche was really good. Yeah. Just his intelligent runs. You know, him and Harlan playing off each other. Wayne Rooney did a really good piece on. On Harland and I've. I wasn't critical but I said Harland at times was becoming a little bit predictable with his runs. Now he's completely changing and I think that's down to Mamouche running.

[Gary Lineker]

But it's also interesting that probably I don't know whether it's the first time his career but I doubt it's happened very often. But they're sort of playing the top, aren't they?

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

And they both separate. So that would be a different role for Harley would have pretty much been accustomed to two wide players or fairly wide players. You know the. The forwards as we call them. Wide right, wide right and then him down the middle. But then to. Suddenly that's changed now Pep's playing obviously the box or whatever you want to call it in midfield and he's relying it one, you know, for the fullbacks for his width and getting high. But it is different when you have it. You know, it takes me back to. To my days. Most of my career I play 442 until probably the latter stage of my career when it would be 441 1. You know, you play afloat like whether it was Beardsley with England or you know, different players at Tottenham over different times but. But generally nowadays they used to play in that role and you can see him having to do a little bit more work defensively possibly because of this. I mean crikey, he was. He. Did he get a defensive point? Harry, did he get defensive points? Because he deserved them. I mean he cleared about three or four things at the back and I had him captain. I mean he obviously got an assist. So. Did you have him captain?

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, I had him captain.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. I was hoping for a goal to be honest.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, I was hoping for a goal

[Gary Lineker]

particularly as against Newcastle would give Alamson stick. But I thought. I mean we've already spoken earlier about the second. With the second half with Alan I thought Newcastle were pretty good. Made it very tough for. For City.

[Micah Richards]

I. I thought big Dan Byrne was. Was brilliant.

[Gary Lineker]

Wasn't he brilliant? He played Harlem brilliantly.

[Micah Richards]

That B class. Back and forth or back and forth. I like Chiao as well.

[Gary Lineker]

Chia's good. Is he?

[Micah Richards]

I like Eddie how he just set up and said okay, let's go toe to Toe whoever wins it. Gordon. Gordon's is something else. You know, he's runs. It just needs the last bit. It's mad how he could do it in the Champions League and in the Premier League. It's not as. He's not as clinical.

[Gary Lineker]

Maybe that's down one of those strange phenomenons. It'll change at some point. He'll start scoring loads in the Premier League and he won't be to score in Europe. You know what it's like.

[Micah Richards]

But he's runs and he's very good. He's very, very quick.

[Gary Lineker]

Bloody quick.

[Micah Richards]

And he really, really.

[Gary Lineker]

That's what I mean. They had to get Kusanov on really, didn't they? To cope with. I mean he is rapid by the way.

[Micah Richards]

Really good.

[Gary Lineker]

Dan Burn. Does he play for England?

[Micah Richards]

I think he gets in the squad.

[Gary Lineker]

He's definitely in the squad.

[Micah Richards]

I don't think, I don't think he starts. Yeah. I, I, I think it be gay and Conza for me.

[Gary Lineker]

I think the same.

[Micah Richards]

But I, I think he gets. And he could play left back back and, and said a raffle.

[Gary Lineker]

Not sure about left back.

[Micah Richards]

Well, he played there a lot for.

[Gary Lineker]

I know. But I think in left bat he get, he can get found out one against one. Someone's running at him. That doesn't really happen in the center because by and large you, you're facing the play and it's balls and you can see your striker where he is. You can, I mean, you know, if, if you're intelligent, you can drop off against someone that's really quick. Whereas if you're as a fullback. I, I thought he got found out in terms of his pace on, on too many occasions I wouldn't put him in as a fullback.

[Micah Richards]

But that's league. We know international football's a lot slower, don't we? Just as an option.

[Gary Lineker]

Until you play the very best. Until you play the very best.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah. True.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. Yeah. So who's going to win the league? Micah? We're going to do this every single week.

[Micah Richards]

What did I say when you and Al, you and Al went for Arsenal, didn't you? I, I'm.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, we all went for Liverpool at the start, but we'll talk about them in a second. But

[Micah Richards]

I'm gonna say I think Arsenal still win it if Man City could beat Leeds, which is going to be tough. I know Arsenal won there 4 0, didn't they? Then the game is at the Etihad. Don't forget they've got League final though as well. So when you say who's going to win. Yeah, I think a lot could be taken from that game.

[Gary Lineker]

I think if City win, that'll have a. Do you think that'll have a psychological effect on everything?

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, but it could. It could have on. On City as well. If Arsenal win as well. Thinking maybe we're just a little bit short. Not. Not in terms of experience. In terms of. Actually Arsenal think, well, we could beat him then. Why not? It might just give them the impetus that they need. But in terms of experience and in terms of Man City taking the game to people, I still have Man City. If they win at home against Arsenal

[Gary Lineker]

winning, I can't go throw.

[Alan Shearer]

Ifs.

[Gary Lineker]

I could say, bro, I think Arsenal win. If they win every other game.

[Micah Richards]

Okay, well, I said. I said Man City. I said Man City. City.

[Gary Lineker]

I think Arsenal will do it. I think. I think. But I think we. I think it could be really. I think it'd be tighter than I thought. I thought they'd run away with it, but City's improvements over the last few weeks. But I still see a little bit of vulnerability there. Certainly counter high line. The high line. He's playing a braver high line than he has for quite some time.

[Micah Richards]

I think that's the involvement of Pep Linders. I remember there's one of the goals that.

[Gary Lineker]

It might help them as well. Well, it might help them as well.

[Micah Richards]

I don't know. I think you can drop back five yards and you can still do what you need to do.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, well, I think the key is you drop back five yards when there's no pressure on the ball.

[Micah Richards]

Correct.

[Gary Lineker]

Anyway, the title race is very much alive. That was the first bite delivered by Uber Eats. As for the second bite, well, it was a late bite from Liverpool, wasn't it? I mean, it was Amazing actually, because McAllister had the gold, if allowed, where grapes battered against his elbow. And we know the law, whatever you think about the law, it was disallowed and. And then it was a kind of very similar action, wasn't it, that led to his. His winning goal.

[Micah Richards]

It was weird. Ekatike's got a score that though.

[Gary Lineker]

Have you got Ekatika?

[Micah Richards]

Yes, yes.

[Gary Lineker]

That's why I had him as well.

[Micah Richards]

For sake.

[Gary Lineker]

Ekatike.

[Micah Richards]

Hugo.

[Gary Lineker]

Hugo. Come on. What is it with these glancing headers at the moment? Push it back where it came from.

[Micah Richards]

Just Edit, please. Everything Edit.

[Gary Lineker]

Have it.

[Micah Richards]

I honestly, I was flicking through games as well because it was.

[Gary Lineker]

I was just watching Forest Liverpool game. So you talk about a little bit

[Micah Richards]

more than me, but I was Flicking through games because I had Munoz at Palace and then they had a penalty that the Henderson saved. So I flicked on to Liverpool. I thought, okay, we'll be fine here. And I said it was nil. Nil. And all the commentary was saying that Forest was really good in the first half and Liverpool was probably lucky to win the game. Is that fair?

[Gary Lineker]

I would say Forest had the better of it. I thought Liverpool were really poor for. For much of the game. They picked up towards the latter stages and got it going a little bit, but. But they got the result and they need it. I mean, it's pretty tight up there, isn't it, for the Champions League spots.

[Micah Richards]

Who's your top five? Who's your top. Go on then.

[Alan Shearer]

Who.

[Micah Richards]

Who's your top five? Obviously got. Mark, you've got Arsenal, man. City and Villa are going to be your top three. Who's the other two?

[Gary Lineker]

Well, I would say Villa probably. I mean, as long as they don't. I mean, you know, they've got a lot of fixtures and, you know, but they have got a decent enough squad and I think the addition of Tommy Abrahams will help them. So, yeah, I would say Villa will be in the top five. I think it's. Then it's probably two for them, two from three. So you've obviously got. Let me have a look at the league. So Chelsea, I mean, at the moment the three of them are on 45 points. Manchester United have a game in hand which they play tonight. If you're listening to this, on Monday, and that is. I mean, United, I, I think the way they're going and I think if they can keep injury free because I don't think they've got much depth in their squad. Manchester United, if they can keep relatively injuries free, I think think United will take one of them. Who would have thought that at the end of last season if you'd have said, I think man United might finish above Liverpool next season. You, you know, even a few weeks ago you'd gone, what? So, yeah, I think it'll be between Chelsea and Liverpool for the other spot. I think United will do it. I think they've got a bit of momentum, bit of belief, bit of confidence. As long as they don't get any bad luck with injuries, which can happen because I don't think they'll cope with that.

[Alan Shearer]

That.

[Gary Lineker]

I think if they don't, I think they'll finish in the top five and I think we'll get five European Champions League spots.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

So. And then I think it's between Chelsea and Liverpool and they're both a bit erratic. Chelsea I think have got a lot going for them but a good run but they're bit inexperienced. I think Liverpool was like you get, they're definitely better than they were in the first half of the season. That defensively is the key. They're not, not giving as many goals away now. So I think ultimately if you, you, you pinned me against the wall and said, right, you've got to choose your top five. I go Arsenal, City Villa, Man United and Liverpool.

[Micah Richards]

That's, that's what I think.

[Gary Lineker]

Chelsea just miss out.

[Micah Richards]

Could just miss out. It could, yeah, yeah, they could just miss out. But we'll see.

[Gary Lineker]

We will. I mean there was an element, wasn't there of. Well, I think Forest fans will think it a little bit suspect. I mean it was, yeah. The thing is now we've got, we've got technology. Haven't we decided whether you're offside or not or semi automated, which is I

[Micah Richards]

what explain to me.

[Gary Lineker]

I think semi automated means that it's automated but we'll give ourselves the word semi in case we make the odd mistake. I don't know what it, why is it semi auto? What does that mean?

[Micah Richards]

You know what, you know what annoys me about it? So sometimes when they do the on side or offside, sometimes they show you it, sometimes they don't. Sometimes they said the machine wasn't working like I thought this was supposed to iron out all these problems. And then if you look at Van Dyke on the angle I saw looked like he was offside. It goes to the semi.

[Gary Lineker]

Also there was a dang it ugly legs but you couldn't kind of work it out because it didn't look like it had any socks on on the freeze frame that I saw. And I'm thinking, I don't, I, I, I. And it was so tight but they, they immediate it was within unusually quick, which I'm happy with. I quite like it if it's Pacey, but I don't think yet. I think we trust goal lane technology, don't we? Yeah, I think we do. Whether it's as accurate as they say it is, I don't know but I think we trust it and we just, just carry on at the moment with semi automated because the, even the wording semi automated suggests it's not actually 100% right, doesn't it? I mean, doesn't it?

[Micah Richards]

I mean talking about semis eye to

[Gary Lineker]

the naked eye but there was a dangly leg and we were looking at it and we couldn't quite work it out.

[Micah Richards]

Are you doing this on a purpose? You're talking about semis. A dangly leg. You. I was like, what?

[Gary Lineker]

Like at my age, those days along. I don't even think like that anymore.

[Micah Richards]

I never thought. I was like. I was like, is he doing this on purpose? Where is he going with this?

[Gary Lineker]

I genuinely wasn't. I wish I was. I wish I hadn't been that.

[Micah Richards]

I think you said, I don't even know what semis are anymore.

[Gary Lineker]

I'll tell you what, I could do with something automated that might help. Oh, I need a half time break. Micah. I need half time break. The blue pill. This episode is brought to you by Squarespace. What's worse than missing a penalty? A brand without a solid website. Squarespace makes it easy. Easy for you and customers with new mobile pay links. Customers can pay for your products or services via text, email, social or QR code fast and hassle free. Go to squarespace.comfootball for a free trial and when you're ready to launch, use code FOOTBALLALLALL all uppercase to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. This episode is brought to you by Octa. You hear a lot about AI agents now. They're everywhere. Quietly running things, making decisions, speeding work up across organizations.

[Alan Shearer]

And that's all well and good until you stop and think who's actually in charge.

[Gary Lineker]

Because if you don't know who an agent is, what it's connected to, or what it's allowed to do, you can't really trust it to act in your interests.

[Alan Shearer]

It's like letting someone loose with the keys but not knowing what doors they can open but which ones they shouldn't.

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[Alan Shearer]

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Developers can move faster, IT and security teams stay in control. And risk becomes something you actually manage, not guess at. Secure every agent. Secure any agent. Octa secures AI. This episode is brought to you by Whoop. If football teaches you anything, it's that careers are shaped between matches by how you recover and sleep and how you manage the days in between games week after week.

[Alan Shearer]

It's not about doing more. It's about getting it right. Right, so you're ready to go again tomorrow. On and off the pitch.

[Gary Lineker]

That's where whoop comes in. Al it shows you how your body is responding day to day. Your sleep, your recovery, your workouts and how your small daily habits add up over time.

[Micah Richards]

And it's calm. No buzzing or unwanted alerts. You check your data when you want.

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Whoop gives you personalized insights to help build routines that last so you get into a better rhythm across the week without second guessing yourself. If you want to better understand how you can feel and live at your best for years to come, I'm definitely up for that. Head to join whoop.comtrif and get started with Whoop today. You can even sign up for a free 30 day trial so you can try Whoop risk free and start your year with momentum. Welcome back to the Rest is Football with Micah Richardson now Alan Shearer and me, Gary Lineker recording this on Sunday morning because where you are foul just

[Alan Shearer]

got a pals do birthday so there's a lord of us going out so

[Gary Lineker]

I can't believe how many pals you've got and how many birthdays.

[Micah Richards]

Socialite, isn't he? Absolute social. If it's not golf, it's drinking. If he's not drinking. Wow. Well God knows what you're doing.

[Gary Lineker]

You DJing Michael?

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

Pull your headphone down.

[Alan Shearer]

What's up with you? It's called having friends lad. You should try it now and again.

[Gary Lineker]

That's what I was thinking.

[Micah Richards]

I what a popular chat you are

[Gary Lineker]

and I can't understand why. So Alan, yesterday, Saturday. You know you did plp right?

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, I did plp.

[Gary Lineker]

Premier League Productions for those that are not aware of that. So you'd have. We'll talk about Saturday's games. We've already spoken about the title race but obviously recording this before Arsenal play at Tottenham Island. But before we move on to the other games on Saturday just give us your Newcastle perspective. I thought they. I thought it actually played really well.

[Alan Shearer]

Well I said beforehand if man City were looking for a game to try and put pressure on then that was the game Newcastle because of their record I think before Yesterday it was 16 wins on the spin against Newcastle at the etiquette he had for see that

[Gary Lineker]

was the first goal they've scored since 2018.

[Alan Shearer]

Something like that. Yeah. It's crazy. So Newcastle's record was diabolical. It really is so but I thought. I thought they were really competitive. I thought after going one nil down they showed a great attitude. He changed one or two things around again Voltimara playing in midfield. Gordon again playing in the center forward role and I thought particularly first half actually I think thought the pace that he had on Newcastle had caused man city problems. But the second goal was a bit of a. Well, I think both goals could have been avoided really. I think Port perhaps should do better for O'Reilly's first goal and Valtomada should do more in trying to stop Semenya. Obviously Kieran Trippier's position is all wrong. The fullback when the ball comes in. So I think from a Newcastle point of view, conceding those goals was poor. But yeah, I thought at least they were competitive and they played well. Albeit they didn't get the three points.

[Gary Lineker]

No, they didn't. Two games we're going to discuss actually now they're both 11 draws. Start with Chelsea. Drop points obviously in there. I suppose after a Champions League spot. It's a damaging one, isn't it when you, you know. Burnley obviously rallied a bit in the last week or two, but Chelsea would have fancied their chances in that one. And once again a late equalizer for Burnley probably hampered by the Fafana. Two yellow cards subsequently a red.

[Micah Richards]

It was a strange game actually because Chelsea came out the blocks. Joao Pedro scored the goal. It was excellent. And I thought, ooh, Chelsea look up for it. But then Burnley went into. I won't say a defensive shape, but they was biding their time when to press. Chelsea had a couple of opportunities. Cole Palmer looked like it was something back to his best, but then he was was snatching at things. He could have had a couple of assists but when it went 1 nil, half time you see Burnley in that first half started putting in some. Some crosses. And Chelsea's defending from crosses. Not only just set pieces, crosses in general has been really, really poor. And then the momentum happened. Fofana gets sent off and then the ascendancies with Burnley. But having watched the game, a lot of people think, okay, the turning point was the red card. But actually Burnley managed the game very well and tried to create opportunities at the right times. Soaked up the pressure and then they got the goal from the set piece. It was absolutely brilliant from the ball in. First from Jaym Ward Prowse who came on and then Fleming with a lovely header.

[Alan Shearer]

They could have won it. Should have won it actually because they missed another big chance right after that, didn't they? From a similar ball in. And it could have been a lot worse for Chelsea. Yeah, I thought Burnley did well. I feared the worst when Chelsea scored early on. After four minutes they just cut them open, didn't they? The way they passed through the middle, passed in behind ball into the box and Pedro gets on the end of it. And I thought, here we go. It's going to be. Going to be a boatload of goals here. But to be fair to Burnley, he's stuck in there. And that's been Chelsea's problem. In two nil up at home against Leeds. Drawn two to one nil up against Burnley. Drawing one one at home. And that's. That's going to cost them massively.

[Gary Lineker]

While we're on the subject of Pedro, it's another goal. He's now got 11 goals and eight assists in the Premier League this season. Let's talk about signed strikers this season. So, you know the big names, Ekatike, Isak, Gior, Korez and probably Shesco were the. The big ones, weren't they signed in the summer? Joao, Pedro has perhaps performed. Ekatike's done really well in similar numbers. But say Pedro's perhaps gone slightly under the radar and how well he's done.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, I think he's a really, really talented player, isn't he? I think whether he's enough to take Chelsea to the next level in terms of Champions League, where they want to go, where they want to be is a different conversation. But in terms of his ability. Yeah, he's excellent.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, I think he's a little bit different to the rest of them. Yeah, I think he's more of a number 10.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

Or a false nine.

[Gary Lineker]

He's a bit. He's like a bit of a Havertz.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, he's. He's a bit. He's a bit of both. So when you look, his goal record is very good for the positions that he picks up on the pitch. He goes really deep, links the play really well. He's very clever. And he's really good in the air, actually. You know, every time Chelsea have got a corner, he's always near the ball or knocking it down. But in terms of where he's on the pitch, I think he's done ever so well. But we knew that, didn't we, when he was at Brighton. He was excellent. But I have to agree with Al. I don't think he's a number nine. I think they still could have have him playing the number 10 and someone else sort of in front of him.

[Alan Shearer]

Do you like him, guys?

[Gary Lineker]

I think he's a very good footballer. He's technically, you know, very gifted. He had a bad patch this seat. Well, a patch without scoring many goals. And that was when he was in my fantasy team. Not that. That bloody new thing, that fantasy Gets on my nerves now, but anyway, so I think, I think he's a really good player. I don't think. I think you're right. He's not an out and out nine, but. But he's got a bit of both. Yeah, he does remind me a little bit of habit. Similar sort of players, very technically gifted, you know, they, they kind of glide along the ground. They both can play as a 10 or a 9, but not sure if either of them are exactly one or other. But I, I, Yeah, I think he's a really good player, as you said, quite rightly so. He's, he's a real threat in the air. And while we're talking about things in the air, Rosen came out, didn't he, after the game. Game. And well, he said one of his players had an assignment of marking Fleming. Who's their best head of the ball, he said. But he marked the wrong player.

[Alan Shearer]

It was. Was it Santos that was originally with him and he ran off Santos. So I don't. Is it what. Maybe he's. Perhaps he's having a pop or maybe

[Gary Lineker]

he's saying somebody else should have been on him. Santos. It's a little bit vague, but he said he didn't want to name the player because he didn't want him publicly. And I think that was definitely the right decision to do that. But obviously a bit of a mix up there.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, I mean it was one of those where. And I did it on Match of the Day yesterday is Burnley kept free on the box at the edge of the box. So in the box Chelsea still had extra men, so I couldn't understand why they couldn't deal with the set piece. Yes, you can pass someone else on, but they still had the advantage in the box and that's where you need a leader. You know, if it was, I don't know, Liverpool with Van Dijk or Man City of all with Kompany or John Terry, everyone would know their jobs. And Rhys James was off the pitch, I believe at the time and maybe he would have organized it a little bit more. But to have that lead and then give it up to a set piece where it's something as simple as just defending or marking someone or putting your body in or stopping a run and that, that they're the basics of football. So I understand why.

[Alan Shearer]

Well, Fafana would have been in there as well, but for the red card, but for the stupid challenge when he's already on a yellow card. So he would have been in there as well, wouldn't he?

[Gary Lineker]

Very True. And obviously he wasn't the one assigned to Fleming otherwise, because it would have been very difficult for him to be the person. Yeah, it's. It's quite unusual that a manager coming out saying, saying something along those lines. I think he might not get it publicly, but I think he'll get it private. Privately, whoever the player was.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, but if he didn't want to, you know, when he says, oh, I don't want him to chuck him under the bus, then he's just going to get everyone speculating and guessing anyway. So just say we should have defended it better.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

Do you know what I mean?

[Gary Lineker]

I know he didn't need to make that point. No, really, not publicly, but, you know, he's. He's a young manager.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. And they're a very young team as well. Do you think that's why the perhaps struggled occasionally to close out matches? Bit of an experience.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah. And also I just think defensively, the money that they've spent, I just think they're still short of one or two leaders at the, at the back in, in those crucial positions.

[Gary Lineker]

They've lost 19 points from winning positions this season.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, but you can look at that both ways, can't you?

[Gary Lineker]

They start really well.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah. Defensively. Defensively they can do better and concentration's got to be better. But, but yesterday the game should have been out of sight. Normally Cole Palmer scores one of those. Joe Pedro gets another goal. Neto, who played quite well, I think as well. The system with, with Rocinha is. I think he's tinkering a little bit too much. So Alan's exactly right in terms of the back four, the constantly changing the back four. But this time he put Neto on, on the left hand side and then it was Fernandez on the right hand side and it looked a bit lopsided at times. So playing in one position, knowing where to cover, knowing when to run in the box, knowing when to defend, and they're all top quality players, but I just think, I think they need the need their, their positions now. I need to stick with it. And that's how you, you build that consistency can burn.

[Gary Lineker]

But it's too late. Too little too late.

[Micah Richards]

It's not. It's never too late.

[Gary Lineker]

It's never too late.

[Micah Richards]

It's never too late.

[Alan Shearer]

It's too late.

[Gary Lineker]

Until it's too late.

[Micah Richards]

Until it's too late.

[Alan Shearer]

Are you saying. Are you saying Burnley can stay up?

[Micah Richards]

Micah, I love Burnley. I told you this at the start of the season.

[Gary Lineker]

That's not the question.

[Micah Richards]

The best prize in the land.

[Gary Lineker]

The best.

[Micah Richards]

The best pies. The staff is incredible when you go that the hospitality is amazing.

[Alan Shearer]

So let me ask that again then. Do you think they can stay up, Micah?

[Micah Richards]

No.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, they are eight points behind Forester in 17, so I mean that's a lot. That's a lot of points in the last 11 games of the season. But on to Villa Leeds, any tiny outside chance of the title up would suggest went with that result, even though obviously for much of the game they were trailing.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, I mean, I don't think any of us seriously thought that Villa were going to be going for the title. I think I've always said that if they managed to get top four Champions League football, that still would be a great achievement when you consider what the others around them have spent and how big the other squads are, etc. So I think for Villa it's always going to be try to get to the Champions League and that'll be amazing if they do do that.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

A great goal from Stoke. God, Tommy Abrams had a good start back at Villa.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, I've actually been in a dressing room. I didn't play with him because I was injured at the time. It's when Villa was in the championship. And he's got all the attributes to be maybe not top, top level, but a very good striker within the Premier League. Obviously he's gone abroad. He went to Roma, he went to Besiktas. I think it was. He scored a few goals. But I think when Watkins is not playing at his level, it was a little bit different with Marlon. We had the conversation about why would you get rid of Marlon? Marlon goes to Roma, he's doing really well, but in terms of they didn't have a like for like and Abraham is certainly that and he took his goal ever so well. I, I think it was more the way he adjusted his body, the instinct, wasn't it? Yeah. You know, and he was alive, he was waiting for it. And I just think he's, he's an all round class act off the pitch and on the pitch he works really hard as well and he known as some young players who don't really like to take on information the field. Like they've already made it. He always wants to improve and playing under Emre can only improve him.

[Gary Lineker]

So, yeah, interesting situation there at Villa because you've got two strikers there. Ollie Walk. I, I know he brought him on because they were chasing the game and played both of them, but you would think mainly it'll be Ollie Watkins or Tommy Abraham that's in the starting lineup. Now, if Tammy Abram can force out Ollie Watkins in the Villa team, he could conceivably do the same. In terms of the England squad, I suppose he's got. It's quite unusual that, because I would say Tammy Abrams is an outside shout because he's not really featured in any. Any of Tuchel's squad so far. But if he did go on a run, it could be interesting. The Villa dressing room.

[Alan Shearer]

He would have to have an amazing run in between now and what's. What we got left. 11 games is it for something like that. He would have to go on an amazing run in between now and the end of the season to force himself into. Into Thomas Tuchel's reckon, I would say.

[Micah Richards]

So can we talk about how good leads were, by the way?

[Gary Lineker]

I was just about to come to leads.

[Micah Richards]

Oh, sorry. I thought he was going to. I thought he was going to move on. I wouldn't dare to look.

[Alan Shearer]

He's back.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

Six points ahead of West Ham now, which. I think they'll be all right, don't you?

[Alan Shearer]

Yep.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, they'll be. They'll be fine. Ethan Ampadu, oh, my word. His energy, his football intelligence, his technique. Do you remember him early doors at Chelsea?

[Gary Lineker]

Everyone was talking and raving about him and then he disappeared a little bit in terms of his reputation. And then I saw one or two people saying, oh, he's not. I'm not sure about him, but I've been really impressed with him.

[Micah Richards]

But it was different, though, when he was going for at Chelsea, a center half, he was a center who was good on the ball and now he's center midfield dictating play. It's been amazing. Along with Stack, Stack's been really good this season. Bogle has been playing really well and Justin, especially when they adapt to that five at the back five. But it's just the way they're creating chances to defend well. They're entertaining to watch. Daniel Fart's done a really good job there so far, guys.

[Alan Shearer]

You know, you. You know you mentioned earlier about all the strikes, strikers and how much money's been paid and Shesco and Valtomada and Visser and Yokarez and all of these guys. One of the best around who've been for a while is Calvert Lewin.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. Yeah. He just needed to stay fit, didn't he?

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, that's the thing. Yeah. I mean, they took a punt on him. Yeah. And he's. He's a handful and you're Right. It's just staying fit for him, isn't it? That's been his problem.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. I mean there was always potential there and there was always ability. He was excellent in the air particularly I think thought and a good all round center forward. But he, I mean God, he's had some bad luck with injuries over the last few seasons. So Liam, good luck to him. Let's hope he, he stays fit. You, you. You mentioned there James Justin. I just said align because obviously I watched him a lot. He was a Leicester player and I think he was. Well actually Gareth South Guy. I had a chat with him a few years ago and he had a. He had two actually very serious injuries. James Justin and one of them was. Was not long before I think it was the World cup four years ago. And he was absolutely brilliant that season. And I, and I, and I said to Gareth, I said James Justin must have been close. He said he would have been in my England squad but for his injury because he was playing so well. So I'm really pleased to see that he's getting a return to. To the form that I saw a lot at Leicester, not necessarily the last season. I think he was fighting to come back. You know how long it takes from serious injuries. So, so that I think that's good to see. See another thing that was good to see. And before we go we've got to give a shout out to one James Milner who of course you both played, both played with even you Alan. They're playing still around. That's going the most cap player, if that's the right phrase. Caps. You don't get caps for club appearances. You get them for international appearances. And actually I'm going to be interviewing him in a couple of weeks about his feet and his career which should be great. I've got his stats here. I mean it's remarkable really. At 48 times you've play for Leeds, 94 for Newcastle, 100 for Villa, 147 for City, 230 for Liverpool and 35 for Brighton.

[Alan Shearer]

Amazing.

[Gary Lineker]

What a record. And is he the most. Is he. I don't know. He's most versatile player of perhaps the Premier League era. He's probably played in almost every position.

[Alan Shearer]

I was just about to say that. You know, when you're reading out the appearances I was thinking I wonder how many of these players played it on the wing. I wonder how many he's played in midfield. I wonder how many he's played at fullback. I mean his attitude is as an example I guess to Anyone who wants to make it into the game. He's got a superb appetite and attitude and all of those things. And you have to have that if you've gone on as long as he has the number of appearances and games and amazing football clubs as well. Big clubs. Big, big clubs as well. So, yeah, brilliant for him.

[Micah Richards]

My thing is the improvement. When I played against him when he was at Newcastle, I absolutely bullied him. Bullied him. Thinking this is the whole hype because I'm a Leeds lad. Him and Aaron Lennon was the wonder kids. Jay's Miller this, Jay's Miller that. I thought, okay, I'm from Leeds too, you know that. Let me show you. Play. Played. We played him. Absolutely bullied him. Next minute. Now, he was similar to like Gareth Bale played him when he was at Southampton. No problem. Stature grown. He's stronger, he's faster. He's. He's. His football intelligence is better.

[Gary Lineker]

Do you think possibly Micah, that having played against you, you just really increased their confidence?

[Alan Shearer]

Guys, when you. When you interview him in a couple of weeks time, ask him if he remembers that mug Riker Richards playing against him.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, I'll definitely, absolutely bullied him. And then he went to Villa and I couldn't get nowhere near him. It was ridiculous the way he used to play the one twos. And then he's. He's. He's got way more ability than people give him credit for. For right foot, left foot, can pass. Good enough dribbler when he's on the wing. And then of course he come to Man City and I played with him. He did all my running that game. When we did the 61 at Old Trafford, James Milner was by far him and David Silva the best player. I got an assist and I got man of the match in that game. But James, he was. He did everything. All I had to do.

[Gary Lineker]

You must have been brilliant then. Michael, please.

[Micah Richards]

I got all the plaudits and it was down to him. And then he goes to Liverpool, wins a league with Liverpool and he's still going. And it's just a testament to him, his character, the way he's lived his life. He's just been impeccable.

[Alan Shearer]

Some athlete, isn't he? What an athlete.

[Micah Richards]

What, what an athlete.

[Gary Lineker]

You've got to be happy to play that many games over such a long period of time and obviously avoid serious injuries along the way to do that sort of thing. He also had that reputation being like boring James Milner. Rem that and. But he, but he's actually obviously the complete antithesis of that because when you see him, he came out on social media, you remember he was doing all those funny things like using scissors to cut his grass and all that play into that, that kind of boring image a little bit like. Remember Steve Davis, the snooker player? I mean he's, he's still commentates obviously regularly but Steve Davis started to play up to that interesting Steve Davis and all that sort of stuff because he was seen as being boring but far, far from it.

[Micah Richards]

So sure he's not boring. I can that.

[Gary Lineker]

Who?

[Micah Richards]

James Milner.

[Gary Lineker]

Oh, go on, go on.

[Micah Richards]

No, no, no,

[Gary Lineker]

tell me more, Mike. Has he been on a couple of nights out with a big me?

[Micah Richards]

I'll tell you what, he. He might not drink but he enjoys himself.

[Gary Lineker]

Good lad. Well, that's good, that's good to hear. Before we let you go, Alan, I've been mesmerized by your car.

[Micah Richards]

Mesmerized. What a word that is. What could you possibly mesmerize? Just.

[Gary Lineker]

I just thought. Is that. I thought for a while and then I spotted the buttons. But I thought why is Alice still got a blanket?

[Alan Shearer]

Listen, listen to the ambassador of Tommy Hill minger. Look, look at him.

[Micah Richards]

Tommy Hill.

[Alan Shearer]

Micah's got his Hugo Dross top on. Look. Well, I must be in trouble when I'm taking fashion advice from you guys.

[Gary Lineker]

What do you mean? I would like bloody Top Model.

[Micah Richards]

Are you still next guys or not?

[Gary Lineker]

Just. No, the contract ran out. That's fine. Did get renewed then they didn't renew the pension arrange. Still flogging crisp. So good old walkers. Yeah, we love them. Okay, that'll do us. Enjoy your cheers, boys. Whose birthday is it? Come on, give him a shout out.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, it's one of.

[Gary Lineker]

The.

[Alan Shearer]

One of the older boys. You don't. You don't know him so. But yeah, it's his birthday today and there's maybe you've not forgotten his name, have you? No, there's 12 of us. Not Martin. Okay, there's about. There's 12 of us. Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

So we'll give him a shout out on his birthday. But I do not want to say happy birthday. Happy birthday, Martin. What sort of friend are you?

[Gary Lineker]

Out.

[Alan Shearer]

Come on, what's up with you?

[Gary Lineker]

Happy birthday, Mark from us. Yeah, have a few. Have a few on us. Not on us, on Al. Al's pain today. So that's. It's good to hear. Enjoy. Enjoy boys.

[Micah Richards]

Thank you.

[Gary Lineker]

So that's it for this episode. Goodbye from me.

[Micah Richards]

Goodbye from me.

[Alan Shearer]

Goodbye from me. Have a great week.

[Dominic Sambrook]

This episode is brought to you by Nespresso Introducing Vertuo up the latest in a long line of innovation from Nespresso. It's innovation you can touch, sense and taste in every single cup. With a three second start, easy open lever and dedicated brew over ice button, it's even easier to enjoy your coffee your way. Sit for yourself. Shop Vertuo up [e-mail] hello everybody and

[Tabitha Syred]

welcome to the Book Club, a new podcast from Goal Hanger hosted by me,

[Dominic Sambrook]

Dominic Sambrook and me, Tabitha Syred. As some of you may know, I have been Dominic's producer on the Rest Is History and we even did a miniseries last year about all things books

[Tabitha Syred]

and since we enjoyed that so much we have decided to roll it out as its own show so be coming out every Tuesday. We'll be doing a different book each time and digging into all the stories behind them.

[Dominic Sambrook]

And we are going to be talking about the historical contexts behind some of the greatest and most famous books of all time. We're going to be digging into the remarkable people behind them, the unexpected stories behind the stories, and also unraveling the plot of each book a bit and delving into the depths of the story.

[Tabitha Syred]

Now, you don't have to have read the books to listen to the show, but we hope hope that by the end of each episode you will be able to pretend to people that you've read them. That is the key thing. And either way, whether you read them or not, we hope that you'll learn lots of fascinating facts, you'll do lots of great stories, and maybe Tabby the Odd Laugh.

[Dominic Sambrook]

We will be looking at thrilling gothic bodice rippers like Wuthering Heights and Frankenstein, as well as iconic stories like the Great Gatsby or Little Women and then also some more modern stuff. So Game of Thrones, Normal People, the Hunger Games, Hamnet, all manner of exciting stories.

[Tabitha Syred]

So please join us on our journey into all things books. Wherever you get your podcasts, just search for the Book club every Tuesday and hopefully we will see you there.