Man City Without Haaland & The “Boring Arsenal” Debate

Summary

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Podcast Summary: The Rest Is Football

Episode: Man City Without Haaland & The “Boring Arsenal” Debate

Release Date: February 5, 2026
Hosts: Gary Lineker, Micah Richards (Alan Shearer calling in from Portugal)

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Overview

In this episode, Gary Lineker and Micah Richards (with a remote contribution from Alan Shearer) break down the latest Carabao Cup semi-finals, discuss Manchester City's fluidity without Erling Haaland, and tackle the debate around whether Arsenal’s methodical style is “boring”. The hosts provide tactical insights, reflect on squad management, poke fun at each other’s professionalism, and dissect recent transfer news.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

I. Man City’s Tactical Evolution and the Carabao Cup Semi-Final (01:30–17:54)

• Man City vs Newcastle Recap

  • City dominated Newcastle, effectively ending the tie within 10–15 minutes.
  • (04:57) Micah Richards: “After seven minutes where Mamouche scored, I’m thinking ‘It’s three-nil aggregate… there’s no way Newcastle get back into this game.’”
  • Discussed challenges as broadcasters energizing straightforward or one-sided games.

• Man City’s High Line & Tactical Tweaks

  • Pep’s use of a Barcelona-esque high line and midfield ‘box’ with Gonzalez and O’Reilly as double sixes, Foden and Reinders advanced.
  • Micah: “I don’t mind the high line… on the ball, that’s one of the best I’ve seen them this season.” (09:18)
  • Newcastle failed to adapt defensively.

• Can City Play This Way With Haaland?

  • (11:47) Gary: “Can you play that way with Erling Haaland?”
  • Micah: “Probably not… the reason why it worked is because Semenya and Mamouche are very mobile… with Haaland, you lose a bit of that fluidity.”
  • Haaland’s presence attracts defenders but doesn’t facilitate the same movement.

• Haaland’s Drought at Anfield

  • Haaland has never scored at Anfield; speculation on Pep’s selection for the Liverpool game.
  • (13:04) Gary: “Anfield’s the only Premier League ground that he’s not scored at. It’s quite a record.”

• Pep Guardiola’s Press Conference Frustrations

  • Discussed Pep’s “grumpy” responses about net spend and contract renewal, possibly tongue-in-cheek:
    Gary: “He said ‘the board should be giving me more money’—I think there was a tinge of irony.” (15:41)

• Mark Gay’s Eligibility Drama

  • Pep’s irritation about new signing Mark Gay being ineligible for the final.
    Micah: “That was literally the rules at the start of the season… rules are rules.” (17:28)

II. Arsenal 1–0 Chelsea & The “Boring Arsenal” Debate (20:52–30:59)

• Semi-Final Recap: Tactics and Atmosphere

  • Arsenal–Chelsea described as dull and cagey, with Chelsea’s five-at-the-back approach lacking ambition.
  • (21:04) Gary: “Dull. I can’t get more layman’s.”
    Clear that Chelsea didn’t take risks; Arsenal content to manage their advantage.
  • Richards defends Recena’s choices; insists formations (5 at the back) alone aren’t negative:
    Micah: “Just because you’re playing a back five doesn’t mean you’ll be really defensive… sometimes it just gives you more structure.” (22:30)

• Chelsea’s Set-Piece Defensive Innovation

  • Chelsea put three players on the halfway line during Arsenal corners to disrupt Arsenal’s routines.
  • (23:57) Gary: “Whenever they conceded a corner, Chelsea would put three players on the halfway line… I think it’s quite a clever way of defending against Arsenal.”

• Arsenal’s Momentum and Depth

  • Praise for Arsenal’s handling of multiple fronts: league, cups, Champions League.
  • (26:39) Micah: “They’ve been brilliant, haven’t they?”
  • Havertz and Jesus praised for returning to form and fitness.
  • (27:27) Gary: “Great finish from Havertz as well.”
  • Reminder not to get ahead of themselves (“take one cup at a time”):
    (28:07) Micah: “Take one cup at a time. Because everyone’s going to be saying ‘the quad now’ or ‘they’ll do the League’… Don’t get excited.”

• The “Boring Arsenal” Social Media Talk

  • Hosts push back on claims Arsenal are “boring”.
    Micah: “It’s not Barcelona entertaining. No. But it’s not boring. It’s efficient.” (29:08)
    Gary: “Football’s not boring when you win.” (29:49)
    Reference to Ancelotti’s attitude:
    Gary: “He went, ‘Fans want to win… when you win, everybody’s happy.’” (29:55)

• Arteta’s Adaptability

  • Arsenal’s evolution to more controlled, pragmatic football praised as sensible in context.
    Micah: “Arteta’s had to adapt to what his team needs… If people want to call that boring, fair enough. Sometimes it is boring to watch, but it’s efficient. And if they win the league at the end of the year, no one will care.” (30:21)

III. Transfer Window: Final Day Talk (30:59–33:48)

• Liverpool’s Jeremy Jacquet

  • (31:27) Gary: “I quite like Jeremy Jacquet. 60 million quid, eh?”
    Micah admits he can’t comment beyond YouTube highlights:
    Micah: “I’ve only seen clips of him, so I can’t go big on him, sorry.” (31:44)

• Crystal Palace’s Spending

  • Strand Larsen’s record signing (£48m) questioned, especially with lack of goals.
  • (32:17) Micah: “That’s a lot of money for Strand Larsen, isn’t it?”
  • The pressure big fees put on strikers’ confidence noted.
    Micah: “If you spend that money, he needs to hit the ground running…” (32:28) Gary: “If you spend that much money on a striker, that should give the striker confidence.”
    Micah: “Yeah, but it doesn’t work like that sometimes.” (32:49)

• Brighton’s Low Net Spend

  • (33:06) Gary: “Brighton, 20th in the net spend graphs. They’re actually in profit… which is bloody unusual for a Premier League club.”
    Applaud Brighton’s data-driven recruitment and financial prudence; draw comparisons to ‘Moneyball’.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Broadcast honesty in dull games:
  (05:13) Micah Richards: “When the Energizer is not energized, you know there’s a problem… You can’t lie to the audience. The audience are not stupid. They want it as real as they possibly can give it to them.”

• Arsenal’s critics:
  (29:08) Micah Richards: “It’s not Barcelona entertaining. No. But it’s not boring. It’s efficient.”

• Arsenal fans’ priorities:
  (29:55) Gary Lineker: “When you’re winning, everybody’s happy.”

• Transfer window self-awareness:
  (31:44) Micah Richards: “The Oracle would normally have something to say [about Jeremy Jacquet]. I’ve only seen clips of him, so I can’t go big on him, I’m sorry.”

• Perspective on big-money striker signings:
  (32:50) Micah Richards: “Confidence…thinking ‘I’ve been brought in for just short of 50 million, I need to score every game, otherwise I’m going to get hammered.’”

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Timestamps of Important Segments

• Man City v Newcastle tactical breakdown: 04:57–11:47
• Can City play the same way with Haaland? 11:47–14:05
• Pep’s press conference and “grumpy” mood: 15:41–16:31
• Chelsea’s set-piece strategy/Clever corners: 23:57
• Arsenal on multiple fronts & “one cup at a time”: 26:39–28:07
• Arsenal’s “boring” style debate: 28:32–30:59
• Transfer deadline day discussion: 30:59–33:48
• Brighton’s Moneyball model: 33:06

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Tone & Chemistry

• Banter between Gary and Micah about Alan Shearer’s golfing absences;
• Honest, forthright discussion—willing to critique tactics and players, even their own analysis;
• Clear mutual respect, with good-natured teasing (e.g., “the Oracle”, “the Energizer”).

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Conclusion

The episode delivers both tactical analysis (particularly of City’s and Arsenal’s approaches), gentle myth-busting around social media debates, and a transfer window roundup with pragmatic skepticism. It mixes wit, storytelling, and in-depth knowledge, ideal for football fans keen for more than just surface-level chat.

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Transcript

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[Gary Lineker]

Coming up on today's show, a hell of a dilemma for you, Micah. Two of your favorite teams.

[Micah Richards]

Everyone's gonna be saying oh, the quad now. Oh, they'll do the league. They're at the top of the table of the Champions League. A league cup, whatever. One cup at a time.

[Gary Lineker]

Haaland's never scored at Anfield against Liverpool. Does he try the same way or does Erling come back? I quite like Jeremy jacket. 60 million quid, eh?

[Micah Richards]

The Oracle would normally have something to say with him. I've only seen clips of him so I can't, I can't go big on him. I'm sorry.

[Gary Lineker]

Hello and welcome to the Rest Is football with well Just Micah Richards and me, Gary Lineker. This morning, Alan is on the golf course in Portugal. What a life he leads. Micah.

[Micah Richards]

Guys, is this. Is this acceptable?

[Gary Lineker]

Come on.

[Micah Richards]

When we started this pod, it was supposed to be, give everything, make sure you're available. I've not missed one. One day through the. The niceties of life. Let's say it's only because of work. If I'm working, sometimes I can't make it. And even if I were, I try to do it after work. He's been to Portugal. He's been to Barbados. Where next?

[Gary Lineker]

I don't know. I mean, to be honest, though, Micah, this is true. When I obviously got my dream team together, my dream team together, I thought to myself, if there are three of us, because all our other podcasts on Goal Hanger are two people, right? And if someone's missing, you can't do it. But I thought to myself, because I want to do lots of episodes and we have this motto always on. So I thought, if there's three, then. Then you can have the odd one off. I didn't see at that point that Alan would be constantly playing golf, constantly on holiday and const whining about Newcastle's performances wherever he may be in the world. And we'll come to that a little bit later. But there's only one person on this podcast that I don't think has missed a single episode, albeit one when you. You shafted me for timings or a technical problem, and that is yours truly, Micah. We're going to cover the Carabao cup games and, well, they weren't very exciting, let's put it that way. Arsenal Chelsea was a damp squib of a game. And last night's game, we're doing this on Thursday morning. Last night's game between Manchester City and Newcastle was all over in what, 10, 15 minutes. It was done.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

And you were working on that, Micah, obviously. I've worked on lots of games like that over the years, and it's very difficult with a live broadcast to try and instill a little bit of excitement that. Particularly at Halim at the end because it was all over so early. I mean, I. I carried on and watched. I actually quite enjoyed the game. It was end to end. Both teams played trying to score goals. Newcastle should have scored a few more because Man City played quite, let's say, precarious high line at times. But as a broadcaster, Micah, it's difficult, isn't it, when. When there's. There's. There's nothing no longer at State. There's no jeopardy anymore.

[Micah Richards]

Yes. Guys, I'm normally the energizer. I bring the energy. That.

[Gary Lineker]

What.

[Micah Richards]

That's what I like to do.

[Gary Lineker]

Micah. The energizer is. I quite like that.

[Micah Richards]

It's got a really energized.

[Gary Lineker]

What.

[Micah Richards]

What was on the. What did you call me? The. The gospel. What did you call me last week?

[Gary Lineker]

The Oracle.

[Micah Richards]

The Oracle. A lot of my friends sent me that. But you know, when the energizer is not energized, you know there's a problem. So after seven minutes where my move scored, I'm thinking it's free, no aggregate. And you can't lie to the audience. The audience are not, are not stupid. They want it as real as they possibly can give it to them. And I'm just like, there's no way Newcastle get back into this game. So you look for things tactically. At halftime there were some good moves within the goals of Mamouche and big players needed to perform and all that sort of thing. But in terms of the game itself, it was over after seven minutes. If Newcastle was to get or would have got the first goal, it could have been exciting. But after that, as a broadcaster, you're floundering of things to keep it going, really.

[Gary Lineker]

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[Gary Lineker]

For more information about land referrals and energy powering the full festive fixture list, head to landusenergy.com well, we're back with the Energizer and. And to that little break. Yeah. What do you think to Man City's tactics in terms of. It was almost a Barcelona esque high line in the game. Do you think Pep was trying something?

[Micah Richards]

I think he's been doing it for a Few games though guys. And I think that's where they've been caught out. I think since Pep Linders has come to the club there's been certain moments when he's turned to him.

[Gary Lineker]

And that's the coach that was with Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

[Micah Richards]

Yes. Which was bizarre I thought. But you know if there's any insight you can get in Liverpool all the better. And has changed his coach multiple times. Pep people gone on to be managers. Arteta Maresca and so forth. And I didn't. I did. I don't mind the high line. There's nothing wrong with the high line. I feel like when we talk about high line as defenders I was like oh it's a bit. As long as the team know what they're doing. So when was playing spurs and there was winning two nil half time. It's. There's a time and a place to do it. And if you're going to be high all know what to do when you lose the ball. And if you can't win the ball high just give yourself an extra five yards. So in terms of that I don't mind it. But I have to say being at the ground. Man City on the ball were amazing. And they did it sort of in a different way. Not. Not something that they haven't done before. So have the box in midfield. So you had Gonzalez and O'Reilly as the two number sixes. And then Foden and Rinders as your two number tens. But the split the strikers really high and wide. So the width was coming from the strikers. So Mamouche down one side. So played on the right. And Newcastle just didn't know how to deal with it. Because what they was doing it was going really deep to get the ball. And then Foden and Reinders could get on the ball. So maybe Foden the Reinders would make the run. Then Semenya would stay wide. Mamush and then they would come in. But Newcastle was only played with three defenders.

[Gary Lineker]

They were at a loss. Newcastle they couldn't cope with it at all.

[Micah Richards]

They didn't know what to do. Three center Rafts was playing essentially five at the back. But when Man City got the ball in the areas where they wanted. They only had three at the back. Because they broke that line. If Trippy and Hall was a little bit higher than expected. And Newcastle just didn't know what to do. So in terms of Man City on the ball. That's one of the best I've seen him this season. I thought that was excellent. And the High line helped them a lot with that to cage Newcastle in.

[Gary Lineker]

We were on the group chat last night, weren't we? And I think it's fair to say that Alan was a little bit grumpy and he desperately wanted to be part of this podcast. So he's done a little video for us. Micah, here it is.

[Alan (Golf Course Caller)]

Yes. Guys, another poor performance or poor result from Newcastle at the Etihad. Probably didn't expect anything different, particularly after the first leg, but yeah, we were not good enough in forward positions, particularly in center forward positions. We had a few chances but didn't take them again. So the best team won certainly over the two legs and they're going to the final and we're not. And just to make matters worse for a day, our Pro Am was cancelled the day because of wind and the rain and Newcastle knocked out, which we didn't deserve anything more. So there you go. Apart from that, it's been a great day.

[Gary Lineker]

Cheers. He didn't have a very good, slightly.

[Micah Richards]

Odd shot of that. He's like got his. His arms crossed with his legs crossed full body. He's definitely had a drink. 100.

[Gary Lineker]

That's his full grumpy pose as well. Full grumpy pose. Yeah. He didn't have his best day yesterday. He was going quite well the day before. He's quite chirpy because I think they were about third in the order of the. The golf event, but then it got rained off. But I just want to come back to that point that you made, Micah, about the way and it was really interesting tactically the way they did it and split the two forwards. Can you play that way with Erling Haaland?

[Micah Richards]

Oh, that is what a question that is. I. Probably not.

[Gary Lineker]

It wouldn't come naturally too, because I.

[Micah Richards]

Mean, he could try it. If Man City dominating someone against the better teams, I feel as though he would struggle. The reason why it worked because Semenya and Mamouche are very mobile and you said it right from the start. I've got to give you credit, Mamush, he's got really good movement, he's lively. But when he plays in a number nine and he's trying to hold off defenders, it doesn't work for him. When he can touch and spin into the corners like he did for his goal, it was just. It was amazing. It was a lot more fluid. And when we talk about Haaland and I'm his biggest fan for what he does and just not the fact that we all know Haaland can't really hold up the ball like we expect him to do. But what he does very well.

[Gary Lineker]

But he's not his strength.

[Micah Richards]

Yes, but it attracts so many players to him to allow other players to play. And no one really talks about that. That's amazing for the team. But the difference with Mamouche, the. When he gets into them little pockets and then spins and then goes and it's just a different way of playing.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. They're at Anfield this weekend. Erling Harland's never scored at Anfield against Liverpool. Does he try the same way with the same players or does Erling come back?

[Micah Richards]

Has he never. He scored against Liverpool? He's called. But Liverpool. Is that the Etihad though? Not. Not. Not. Okay. No Outfield.

[Gary Lineker]

So I'm reliably told.

[Micah Richards]

No, no, I think you're right. I think. I think you are right. What would I do that.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, it's not what you do, it's. What do you think Pep will do?

[Micah Richards]

What I mean, no, I think. I think he's left him out a.

[Gary Lineker]

Couple of times now, but I. I think you'll.

[Micah Richards]

I think you'll start Harland and in. In Harlem's defense, he has played a lot of football. I remember the. The Exeter game. He started that game. Did he really need to play that game? Probably not. And then he got Champions League and then he league. And the one thing about Haaland, he's still getting chances. He's just not taking them. So.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, even last night when he came on. Yes, he had a couple particularly dragged it just wide.

[Micah Richards]

Would you have gone the keeper's near post there, guys? I just thought it all set up for the goalkeeper to go that way and he went that way. I thought he was going to do a cheeky one when he was just going to go to the near post.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, it's very easy to say should he have done this when you miss? If he'd have knocked it in, we wouldn't have been able to conversation. But as he did miss, you go, well, yes. So it's easy after the event. But every striker will miss chances. Every striker will go through a phase, a little spell where things are not going for them. And it's clearly happening with him. He obviously got the goal in Europe, didn't he? But in terms of domestic football, shall we say, at present he's going through a little bit of a sticky spell. But you know, he's still got a smile on his face when he's missing and so he'll bounce back. It Happens to every single striker at some point in pretty much every season. You'll have a little spell. And Anfield's actually the only Premier League ground that he's not scored at. So it's. It's quite. It's quite a record. He's got. He's got some record in this competition. He. Pep in the league, Carabao cup, league, cup, whatever you want to call it. It's remarkable how often he's got his team to the final. He's been a big, grumpy impress conference last few days. He had the. Did you see the. The little rant about the net spend?

[Micah Richards]

I didn't. I didn't see that one. No.

[Gary Lineker]

No. Well, he had this thing where they were going, they've spent so much. Everyone said, oh, you bought this player that bad. Spend a fortune again in the window. And he's gone. No, he said the six teams whose net spend is bigger than ours and that our net spend is seventh in the table. He said, the board should be giving me more money. I should be buying more players or words to that effect. But I think there was a tinge of irony involved with it. At least I. I hope that. And then there's obviously the constant questions he's getting about whether he's going to renew his contract, whether he's going to stay beyond the end of this season. He's been a little bit like. Bit like owl when Newcastle lose. A little bit grumpy. But I think getting to the final will cheer him up a little bit.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, I. I mean, it's. It's hard though, isn't it? Because, you know, the standards have been so high. Imagine winning the league four years in a row. Imagine winning four competitions in one year. Imagine winning the treble when no one said he could do it. Everyone was saying, he can't play that way over here. He's achieved everything and more. It's just now all the teams are more competitive and you want to bow out as the king, don't you? When it's not going your way, you are going to get frustrated.

[Gary Lineker]

He had one more rant, didn't he? About. Well, it wasn't such much a rant, but he. He wants Mark Gay in his side for the final. Did you see that one?

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, we did that last night.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, I must admit, I. I did bow out on the final whistle, Micah. So my apologies for not sticking with you at that point. I thought I did well to make the whole 90 minutes.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah. His point was he signed Semenyo before the first leg of the carabao and he could play and assign gay after. So he can't basically play. But rules of rules. I would always back Pepe if I feel like he's been agreed with something, but that was literally the rules at the start of the season. So we we can't be complaining about them now, can we?

[Gary Lineker]

No, you can't. Rules are rules. Let's take a little break and then when we come back we'll talk about the other semi final, which also for for different reasons created a little bit of controversy about tactics, etc. Back shortly. This episode is brought to you by Whoop. January is full of noise about doing more, but in football you learn quickly that more effort isn't always the answer.

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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. Okta secures AI. Welcome back to the Rest is football with Micah Richards and me, Gary Lineker. City are in the final of the Carabao Cup. They'll play Arsenal. A hell of a dilemma for you, Micah, with two of your favorite teams. You knew I'm going to mention that, didn't you? At some point. But it was a bloody hard watch the Arsenal game.

[Micah Richards]

I was working. I've seen all the highlights, I've seen the stats and everything.

[Gary Lineker]

I watched it.

[Micah Richards]

What was the game like? Explain. Explain it in a layman's terms to you, Please guess.

[Gary Lineker]

Dull. I can't get more layman's. It was clear tactical plan from Chelsea. First time he's played five at the back or three at the back, wing backs, whichever way you want to describe it. And Arsenal obviously had the lead anyway, so they didn't take too many chances either, as they never do really. They're very good defensively. So it was a little bit like absolutely nothing happened for an hour. It was a negative aspect, but you could see his plan was clearly. And the hour mark roughly he'll bring on Palmer and Esteval and then have a little bit of a go. Now, in the last half an hour, I would say Chelsea were on top, didn't really create any chances. And then right at the end, Arsenal hit them on the break and score the goal. I don't think Arsenal looked in too much trouble. I understand why Rosenya did what he did and he made the point. He's got a lot of criticism because it didn't work, work. And you know what it's like in football. If it had a work, people have gone, let's see that. What a clever plan. But if it doesn't work, you get the stick. And he said that himself. He said it's easy in hindsight. So I understood what he was trying to do. A lot of the fans after, after, I'll say when they've lost are going, oh, come on, you can't go out like that. You can't go out of the damp squib. You've got to give it everything, have a right go. And I also understand that aspect as well.

[Micah Richards]

It's difficult, isn't it? Because if you going back to the. The Newcastle game, they set up with a five and they was sort of on the front foot. And then Chelsea obviously against Arsenal have gone with a back five and it's seen as a negative. And just because you're playing a back five doesn't mean you're going to be really defensive. It just means you have more structure sometimes down the width of the pitch if that's where they're going to try and expose you. I don't mind the fact that Recena is trying out different things because even the other day when there was two nil down, it brings on subs. Yes, there was probably the subs to bring on. They end up winning the game. 32 against West Ham and then it goes into a five now. So he's still working out bits and pieces and he is up against Arsenal who are top of the league in really good form. So he can't really win unless he goes and blows them away really. And I think we're looking sometimes too much into the tactical side of the game and oh, he should have done this or they should have went for it. And that's people's opinion and that is fair. And as a Chelsea fan, you do want to be on the front foot. You do want to play best players, you do want to go all in attack. But if Arsenal go and score after 7 minutes then it would be game over like it was for Newcastle against Manchester City. So there's no real way of doing it. It's just how you feel on the day.

[Gary Lineker]

They obviously conceded three set pieces in the first leg of the semi final. Chelsea. Arsenal as we know are brilliant from set pieces. And he did an interesting tactic from corners. I mean I've seen it done before. But whenever they conceded a corner, Chelsea would put three players on the halfway line and create. Meant obviously that Arsenal had to go back. Funnily enough, I remember trying the very same thing. We did it in training with Terry Venables at Barcelona. He did it with way more. He put five up. He said, like let's see what they do now. We tried it in training all week and by the end of the week he went, not sure, let's not do it. But Rosenia did it. Having said that, I went to. And it's. I mean it's nothing new but it's interesting tactic I think, particularly against Arsenal because they crowd your goalkeeper and it means you can't really do that because you can't immediately. Arsenal put three, four. Well, they have to put four back because you always need one more behind. So I thought it was, you know, he's obviously trying to think things through on that and I think that's quite a clever way of defending against Arsenal.

[Micah Richards]

It's hard though, isn't it? No gas because if you leave more Rope. I understand why they do it, because you think one of your best headers will have to go back. But it also gives Gabriel more space in the box, and that's the last thing you want to give him.

[Gary Lineker]

If I were a striker in my day, I would have been going, oh, I like this. Because what do you want as a forward? Let's say forward, not a striker. Because obviously corners you get defenders. Well, what you want, the more space you get, the better. I mean, I know Arsenal crowd it and they score goals in a different way, but if you've got a bit of space, you can also, like, you've got half a chance of making a run, which makes it better. I actually, you know, I went to Loftus Road to watch QPR against Coventry. QPR did exactly the same tactic it. This was last weekend. They did exactly the same thing. As soon as Coventry got a corner, QPR put two wide players and one center forward right on the halfway line and Coventry were going, oh, right. So they had to put loads of players back and it worked for them. They ended up winning the game. They didn't conceive from a corner. So it's not new. And I. I get it. And I particularly think against Arsenal because the way they score their corners and the fact that they crowd the goalkeeper, they do that thing where they all gather on the far post and all go towards the goalkeeper. So I think it's. Well, it did work because they didn't concede from a corner. They ended up conceding from a breakaway when the game was, you know, obviously chasing the game right in the last few seconds. So. But Arsenal going on forefronts, Micah, four fronts.

[Micah Richards]

You know what? They've been brilliant, haven't they?

[Gary Lineker]

They really have. They really have.

[Micah Richards]

Because of the fact that after the. The United game was. They had Leeds, didn't they? And to go to Elham road and win 4 nil and be comfortable in the game. You know, when we talk about psychology, Gaz, when you have that and sometimes you beat it up. Arsenal had to win that game. They had to win that game against Leeds for their own confidence. And now they've gone there, they've gone to Ellen Road where everyone's expecting them to drop points, maybe not lose, but draw and then go into that game against Chelsea and go to the final and you've got the squad to deal with it. Havertz back, you know, Jesus back.

[Gary Lineker]

Great finish from Havertz as well.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, he's a top player though, isn't he?

[Gary Lineker]

He's a very Stylish footballer.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, I really like him. And now you're thinking the real deal and it's not been being negative, but do you remember a couple of years ago, it was more than a couple years ago. It's when I first started at radio. I remember doing it and Liverpool were for him for all trophies and they ended up with the League cup and, and not the Champions League of the League, I think it was. So they ended up with them two. Arsenal now just need to take one cup at a time.

[Gary Lineker]

You know, that could be a new football cliche that you've invented there. Take one cup at a time.

[Micah Richards]

Take one cup at a time. Because everyone's going to be saying, or the quad now or they'll do the League. They're at the top of the table of the Champions League, A League cup and effort. One cup at a time. Don't get excited because I've seen it. Everyone starts talking about it, you start believing in the hype and then what happens? You end up with not a great deal at the end.

[Gary Lineker]

You're only as good as your last cup.

[Micah Richards]

Correct.

[Gary Lineker]

I like this. There's quite a bit of chat going around and there's always a lot of chat going around. This is football and we, we were guilty of it ourselves. The Arsenal style of play is boring.

[Micah Richards]

Who say that again? Sorry, did you. Someone said that? Are you saying that or someone.

[Gary Lineker]

No, no, no, no. I'm not saying that at all. There's a lot of chat going around on social media. Beware that their, their, their style of play is boring.

[Micah Richards]

Well, it's not Barcelona entertaining. No, but it's not boring. It's efficient. It's efficient. I've done. I've covered Arsenal a couple of times this season and when you're there, it is very cautious, but what it is, it's very organized and you can depend on this team to get back in the. In the shape very well. Defenders know exactly where they want to be. I would like to see their wingers stay a little bit higher so when they get the ball, they've got a little bit more to do. And I just feel like they're having to run from so deep. But I wouldn't say it's boring because tactically, especially from a defender looking at.

[Gary Lineker]

It, it's not boring when you're winning. Micah. Football is not boring when you win.

[Micah Richards]

Exactly.

[Gary Lineker]

When I spoke to Ancelotti a couple of months ago, remember the interview, he went, fans want to win. He said, people talk about the football and all this, but but he went, they want to win. And when you win in, everybody's happy.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

And I think the Arsenal fans will be bloody, they ought to be bloody happy at the moment. Flying in the Champions League, flying in the Premier League final of the Carabao cup, still in the FA Cup.

[Micah Richards]

I think the wider point though, guys, isn't it? I think Arteta has changed the way he wants to play. So do you remember when we first was covering Arsenal when Arteta went there on Match of the Day and there was energized, there was running all over, there was pressing, there was high, there was playing through the lines, all this stuff. But what Arteta has had to do, he's had to adapt to what his team needs and to get the best of them. And if people want to call that boring, fair enough. Sometimes it is boring to, to watch, but it's efficient. And if they win the league at the end of the year, no one will care.

[Gary Lineker]

No, absolutely, you do what you do to win. I mean, I, I like watching them play. I don't find them boring. They've got too many good players for that. Before we go, M Deadline day, what caught your eye? Any transfer? The one that caught my eye, I mean that Liverpool signing the Stand Ren defended the great name Jeremy Jacque or Jeremy Jacket. I quite like Jeremy jacket. 60 million quid.

[Micah Richards]

Hey, the Oracle would normally have something to say with him. I've only seen clips of him, so I can't, I can't even go bit. I can't go big. I did not see him from two or three years ago. I can't claim this one, guys. I've only seen clips so I can't go big on him. I'm sorry.

[Gary Lineker]

He won't join till the summer anyway. They haven't signed anyone for now in the Premier League. Crystal Palace's window was a little bit, bit of a shock. I mean, the club's in a bit of turmoil, but they have, I mean they have spent a hell of a lot of money for Strand Larsen. 48 million quid, a club record. And then obvious Mateta's move fell through because of I think an injury with his knee or something. Didn't pass the medical for Milan.

[Micah Richards]

That's a lot of money for Strand Larson, isn't it?

[Gary Lineker]

I know he's not. One goal this season if he gets.

[Micah Richards]

I don't know. They must have thought Mateta was going.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, clearly, clearly you've still got.

[Micah Richards]

Mateta there anyway and I'm sure I'll be fine to the end of the season, I think you just need to get Strand Larson playing as soon as possible to get his confidence up. Because if you spend that money, he needs to the ground running next season because palace could struggle next season.

[Gary Lineker]

If you spend that much money on a striker, that should give the striker confidence.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, but it doesn't work like that sometimes.

[Gary Lineker]

It doesn't work like that.

[Micah Richards]

Confidence. Thinking I've been brought in for just short of 50 million, I need to score every game, otherwise I'm going to get hammered. And we've seen with the likes of Volta, although he scored nine in 24, but he's. He's only scored one goal in the last 18 games in all comps.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, one other line because we were talking about net spends with Pep earlier on Brighton, a 20th in the net spend graphs. They've made 2.8 million euros in the last five years and actually in profit, which is bloody unusual for a Premier League football club. They're very well run, we know that. The way they use data etc, as do quite a few clubs. Now, I was reading a thing recently about a data company that they all use and clubs like Hearts use them as well. Look how well they've been going. It's that money ball kind of. Great movie. Great movie. And it's. It seems to be working in football to a degree as well.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, it does.

[Gary Lineker]

Right, Mike, I've got to go because I've got to do Pilates. What about that?

[Micah Richards]

You got Pilates, have you?

[Gary Lineker]

I've got it now, yeah. Yeah. 10 minutes time. So I need to run off, get myself going. Pilates is brutal. You know, you. You basically lay down and do hardly anything. But it, it's killing, stretching and stuff. Good for the, great for the core. You got to work on your core, Micah, as you well know, fitness fanatic that you are. We'll speak on Sunday, no doubt.

[Micah Richards]

Yes, I'll see you on Sunday.

[Gary Lineker]

Okay. But for now, that's it. Goodbye from me.

[Micah Richards]

Goodbye from me. Have a good rest of your week.

[Gary Lineker]

Close your eyes, exhale, feel your body relax and let go of whatever you're carrying today.

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[Gary Lineker]

And breathe. Oh, sorry.

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[Gary Lineker]

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