Manchester City Win The Carabao Cup

Summary

The Rest Is Football

Episode: Manchester City Win The Carabao Cup
Date: March 23, 2026
Hosts: Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards

---

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into Manchester City’s triumph in the Carabao Cup Final over Arsenal—an event that not only saw City assert their domestic dominance but also left Arsenal's trophy hopes dented. Gary, Alan, and Micah dissect Pep Guardiola’s tactical masterclass, critical moments and managerial decisions from the final, and ponder the psychological repercussions for Arsenal. The show also moves through the England squad selection drama, touching on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s omission, and rounds up major Premier League storylines, notably a fiery North-East Derby, the relegation battle, and top-four races. As always, the trio’s insight, wit, and chemistry shine through.

---

1. Manchester City Claim the Carabao Cup

City’s Tactical Brilliance & Individual Performances

• [05:10] Gary Lineker: Introduces City’s win and notes the end of Arsenal’s quadruple hopes.
• [05:28] Micah Richards:
  • Applauds Guardiola’s setup: “5 in 10. He said afterwards, you Let everybody know. He’s just an incredible manager, isn’t he?”
  • Praises the attacking fluidity: “Semenya on the right, Doku on the left, Xerki behind Haaland. Arsenal didn’t know what had hit 'em… Man City just dominated.”
• [06:07] Alan Shearer:
  • Expected City’s backup defense to give Arsenal a chance, but City “didn’t give them any chances, did they?”

Nico O’Reilly’s Breakout Game

• [06:24] Gary Lineker:
  • Defends Pep’s trust in O’Reilly at left back: “He’s played left back a lot this season and he’s been absolutely fine.”
  • Highlights O’Reilly’s impact: “Not only did he play really well, he scored the only two goals of the game.”
• [06:45] Micah Richards:
  • Hails O’Reilly’s adaptability: “The ability to play midfield and left back… it’s just brilliant to see and to be so adaptable, so young.”
• [07:07] Alan Shearer:
  • Notes England’s emerging depth at left back: “There’s some competition for England and left back, by the way.”

The Hincapié Conundrum & Arsenal’s Struggles

• [07:46] Micah Richards:
  • Criticizes Arteta’s handling after Hincapié’s yellow: “That was the difference… should have used the left backs on the bench… City dominated.”
• [10:14] Alan Shearer:
  • On the Kepa goalkeeping decision: “You’re under huge pressure to win… what are your feelings about not playing your best team or keeper in the final?”
• [11:03] Micah Richards:
  • On Arsenal’s keepers dilemma: “You have to start Raya in the game, especially because… not a trophy for five and a half years.”

Was It a Momentum Shifter for Arsenal?

• [12:55] Gary Lineker:
  • Asks if this loss could “be a momentum shifter?”
• [12:58] Micah Richards:
  • Acknowledges psychological impact: “It gives them a little bit of out maybe… But I think with a goalkeeper, especially against Man City, you play your best.”

Quote:
“He’s made a key error which was a game changer which gave them the lead and that’s it. And we wouldn’t have been talking about it if Arsenal had won.”
— Alan Shearer [14:01]

---

2. Arsenal’s Prospects & Player Analysis

On Saka’s Form and Arsenal’s Attack

• [16:32] Micah Richards:
  • On Arsenal’s struggles to create: “I do feel as though they do need to take more risks in games… they’re having to do too much defensive work.”
• [18:07] Gary Lineker:
  • Notes Saka’s isolation: “By the time he gets it, the opposition… can double and sometimes treble up on him… Not easy for him.”
• [18:32] Alan Shearer:
  • Predicts no drastic tactical change: “They’re not changing though, guys… Arsenal not changing between now and the end of the season.”
• [19:00] Micah Richards:
  • Believes players need more agency: “Big players turn up in the big games and that’s what they need to do.”

---

3. Guardiola’s Mental Edge & Mind Games

• [21:09] Alan Shearer:
  • “Five League Cups. Just astonishing… huge respect.”
• [21:47] Gary Lineker:
  • Praises Guardiola’s intensity: “His enthusiasm and energy... is remarkable.”
• [22:04] Micah Richards:
  • On Pep’s subtle mind games: “He’s already planting little seeds… he knows what it means. If Man City win the next game… it’s only three points in it.”

---

4. England Squad Controversies & Selection Debates

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Omission

• [23:06] Gary Lineker:
  • On the high bar for England selection: “It’s almost very difficult not to be in the squad.”
• [23:39] Gary Lineker:
  • Challenges the logic of omitting Trent: “Without Trent, it lessens your chances slightly, very slightly… Even if it’s half a percent.”
• [24:50] Alan Shearer:
  • Suggests Bellingham-Trent friendship might factor into Tuchel’s thinking.
• [25:11] Gary Lineker:
  • Calls idea ‘bizarre,’ suspects “maybe he’s leaving Trent out just to send another message.”

Quote:
“If you’re 15 minutes to go and you’re… one nil down, and he was on the bench and you could put that delivery and passing ability… I can’t see why you wouldn’t want that asset.”
— Gary Lineker [24:23]

England’s Overflowing Talent & Squad Management

• [26:21] Alan Shearer:
  • Supports rolling the squad to allow “a few days rest before, then come in and play your bit.”
• [27:32] Gary Lineker:
  • Notes Harvey Barnes’s late call-up, Anderson (Newcastle)’s opportunity.
• [28:14] Micah Richards:
  • On world-class fullbacks: “As a coach… it’s your responsibility to be able to get the best out of world class players like that… Top managers should be able to accommodate that type of player.”

---

5. Premiership Weekend Recap

North-East Derby: Sunderland vs Newcastle

[35:32 – 39:38]

• Gary & Alan, live from the Tyne-Wear Derby scene:
  • Gary: Describes pre-game atmosphere: “There were massive queues out of every pub… quarter to 10.”
  • Alan:
    • On Newcastle’s second-half collapse: “Sunderland wanted it more than Newcastle in the second half. And that is pretty damning.”
    • “Big questions will be asked… going to be a long two or three weeks for Newcastle now.”
  • On Anthony Gordon: “Ran himself into the ground… great finish.”

Relegation Battle: Spurs, Forest & More

[39:44 – 43:40]

• Alan Shearer:
  • Spurs’ woes: “I’d be really, really, really worried if I was a Spurs fan… there’s a huge chance they could be… relegated.”
  • Forest praised for defensive solidity and midfield class.
• Gary Lineker:
  • “You wonder what they do at this point… if they’re going to make a change, it would be now.”

---

6. Race for Champions League & Europe

Villa, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea

[43:59 – 51:44]

• Manchester United:
  • Earn tough draw at Bournemouth; referee controversy over penalties and red cards.
  • “Could be a really important point” — Alan Shearer [45:31]
• Liverpool & Chelsea:
  • Both suffer damaging defeats.
  • Everton: Praised for intensity and organization.
  • Chelsea’s running stats: “Every team has outrun them this season… I think it’s amazing really.” — Alan Shearer [46:51]
• Manager under scrutiny:
  • On Chelsea manager Régis Le Senier:
    • “He’s a bright and articulate young man… but he’ll need to learn fast.” — Gary Lineker [48:53]
• David Moyes at Everton:
  • “He’s rinsing every bit of ability out of the players there.“ — Alan Shearer [51:24]
  • “He was sensational in the midfield as well.” — On Ghana [51:44]

---

7. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|-----------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 05:28 | Micah | “He’s just an incredible manager, isn’t he?... City just dominated. Especially in that second half.” | | 06:45 | Micah | “To be so adaptable, so young… it’s just brilliant to see.” | | 14:01 | Alan | “He’s made a key error which was a game changer… we wouldn’t have been talking about it if Arsenal had won.” | | 24:23 | Gary | “I can’t see why you wouldn’t want that asset, even if you don’t see him as a starter because you’re worried about him defensively.” | | 35:51 | Alan | “They got batted in the second half against Barcelona… Newcastle should have scored another, maybe two more… Sunderland were the better team.” | | 46:51 | Alan | “Every team has outrun them this season… I think it’s amazing really.” | | 51:24 | Alan | “He’s rinsing every bit of ability out of the players there.” |

---

8. Final Thoughts

• Manchester City’s tactical flexibility and Pep’s eye for detail again prove decisive in cup finals, with Nico O’Reilly’s emergence a key storyline.
• Arsenal’s defeat stings but doesn’t doom their season; mentality and risk-taking will be central to their run-in.
• The England manager’s selection headaches—especially over talents like Trent Alexander-Arnold—stir ongoing debate about style vs system.
• The Premier League’s relegation race is heating up, while the fight for European spots remains fiercely competitive.
• Throughout, the interplay of on-pitch performance and off-pitch psychology—mind games, belief, momentum—remains central to football’s drama.

---

For football fans craving analysis, banter, and insight, this episode is essential listening.

Transcript

[Carvana Advertiser]

This podcast is brought to you by Carvana. Car shopping shouldn't feel like preparing for a marathon of paperwork. That's why Carvana makes buying and financing your car easy. From start to finish. Search thousands of vehicles with great prices, all online, all on your time. And when you're ready, your new car shows up right at your door. It doesn't get better than that. Buy your car the easy way. On Carvana, delivery fees may apply.

[Chevrolet Advertiser]

Somewhere out there is a Chevy truck, and the person who drives it, well, that's a Chevy person. You probably know one, your buddy, your sister. Ones who always show up, they're the first to rise, the last to leave. They always have that little extra something, and maybe you've got it, too. Chevrolet together, let's drive. Visit chevy.com trucks to explore the lineup

[Gary Lineker]

coming up. On today's show, you have to start

[Micah Richards]

Raya in a game, especially because not a trophy. For five and a half years, he's

[Alan Shearer]

made a key error, which was a game changer, which gave them the lead. That's it. And we wouldn't have been talking about it if Arsenal won it.

[Micah Richards]

He's out of form. He needs to now say, okay, what can I do to make sure in the Champions League, in the FA cup, and in the League, I'm the sacker that everyone knows and loves.

[Gary Lineker]

Without Trent, it lessens your chances slightly.

[Micah Richards]

As a pundit, I think he should be in. Top managers should be able to accommodate that type of player.

[Gary Lineker]

Hello, and welcome to the Rest is Football with Alan Shearer, Micah Richards and me, Gary Linecutt. We're all over the place today. I'm up north, came up for the foodie weekend and took in the timewear derby. It's not saying that just to rub it in. Al. Al, you're down south because you're working for Premier League productions today. And Micah, I saw you on pitch side at Wembley with a certain Ian Wright.

[Micah Richards]

He says, hello, guys. He says, hello. He says he's missing you. He's missing you dearly.

[Gary Lineker]

He says, well, I'm missing his attire. I mean, there's not too many people could get away with wearing a hat like he had on.

[Alan Shearer]

Not on television, not on live television.

[Micah Richards]

He just looks magnificent, though, doesn't he? He's got some sort of aura, his personality. Oh, he's amaz to be around. You guys are lucky. You got to spend, what was it, 10, 15 years together.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah. Good lad. Great lad.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, he really is. I can't get away with a hat. I really look at, like, a Twat in a hat.

[Alan Shearer]

It's those lugs, isn't it? This is lugs that stick out, isn't it?

[Gary Lineker]

So how was Wembley, Micah? Was it pitch side? The atmosphere? Obviously you, you know, you probably didn't know who you really wanted to win and all that.

[Micah Richards]

Here we go. We've already put this to bed.

[Alan Shearer]

Seriously, I mean, what are you thinking? I mean, are you thinking I'm getting paid off City? One hand. I mean, Arsenal's my team. The other hand. What, What's. What's going through the mindset?

[Micah Richards]

You just try to be nasty, Ally, just because your team lost. Look at you. You're still celebrating winning three halves of football, are you? Hey, what was you saying before? You can all put it right. They don't put it right against Sunderland at the weekend. What happened to you, mate? Why there's a mouse in the group. He was giving him Billy Big bollocks yesterday. Wouldn't you then today. Quiet as a mouse.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

Hands up. We were shit.

[Gary Lineker]

Oh dear. Yeah, we'll come to that later. Alan and myself have recorded the second half already because we were waiting for you to get back to your hotel, Micah, because we were struggling with the signal in your car, as expected. So we'll take a pause in there and we'll discuss the Carabao Cup Final.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

This episode is powered by Fuse Energy. Before we we kick off a quick pre match warm up from Fuse. One question, four options and two contestants. Today's little question for you lads. Which goalkeeper has the most clean sheets in Champions League history? Is it A, Iker Casillas? B Gianluigi Buffon? C Manuel Neuer? Or D Edwin Van der Zaar, Manuel Neue.

[Alan Shearer]

For me, you know what?

[Micah Richards]

I'm gonna be different. I'm gonna go Buffon.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

You're gonna go Buffon. Well, Micah, that was not correct. The answer was one. Manuel Neuer.

[Gary Lineker]

Well played.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

The best sides don't give things away. It should be the same with your energy. Get more than just lower [e-mail] football. Use the code football. All uppercase. When you sign up, save around 200 on your energy bill and get the chance to ask us your football questions on the pod. Full terms and [e-mail]

[Gary Lineker]

so the first bike delivered by Ubereats. Well, it has to be the Carabao Cup Final. And the end to any possibility for Arsenal of winning the quadruple. It was Manchester City's win again. Yet another triumph in that competition that Pep seems to own.

[Micah Richards]

5 in 10. He said afterwards, you Let everybody know. He's just an incredible manager, isn't he? And we've talked certain times about making decisions, maybe in games, in big games. I remember one game when he put Fernandinho right back against Real Madrid. And everyone always says he does something weird and wonderful, but today he got it absolutely spot on. Semenya on the right, Doku on the left, Xerki behind Haaland. Arsenal didn't know what had hit him. They had their spell in the first 20 minutes, but after that, Man City just dominated. Especially in that. That second half. I thought there was outstanding, I must

[Alan Shearer]

admit, I thought when I saw that back four of Man City maker, I thought, Arsenal have got a chance here. But to be fair to them, didn't give them any chances, did they?

[Gary Lineker]

I saw after the Real Madrid game when obviously Nico O'Reilly made a possible error.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

Some people were saying, oh, you know, you brought him in. He's been playing in midfield recently. I think he was a bit miffed by it. And he said, well, hang on a minute, he's played left back a lot of this season and he's been absolutely fine. And then you wait to this moment and then you say you're wrong to play him at left back. And I think he's got a point. Then he comes in, he played this game. Not only did he play really well, he scored the only two goals of the game.

[Micah Richards]

What a talent. And we've talked about it many times on this pod before, but the ability to be able to play midfield and left back. And if you look at where his goals come from and his interview afterwards, he was talking about he's been a midfielder all his life. So in terms of this position, he goes and scores, scores a goal. It's just brilliant to see and to be so adaptable, so young.

[Alan Shearer]

There's some competition for England and left back, by the way.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. Can you remember a few years ago, it was all about the competition for England at right back and we didn't have any left backs because Trippy was having to play there. Luke Shaw was injured. Now it's the other way around. You've got Lewis hall in particular and Nico O'Reilly. If I think he was sure to be in the squad, O'Reilly, I think he might even start because, I mean, he's also flexible, like you said, Micah, that he can play and he's proven that he can play really well in midfield and it gives Tuchel more options. And we'll come to the England squad a little bit later on, actually. I want to do that before we go to the break. But he's really made a case for himself. I think he'll definitely, definitely be there.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah. Well, Al's mentioned, and I've mentioned before previously, Hall, Newcastle, I think he's the outstanding candidate to be that left back. But O'Reilly, because he can play in variety of different positions and not only they play differently, don't they? So hall also was a midfielder growing up and he's playing left back, very good technically, likes to challenge. But I love the runs from O'Reilly, the way he can run from deep and his physical attributes too. So if you're up against the physical team, he's a big old lad and he's got an engine, he can get up and down. And that's why a lot of people question it. Thinking in the Madrid game, why play him at left back in the first leg when he's been so good in midfield and gives City that energy that they've needed. But like I said before, for him to adapt and especially in a pep team, because when you talk about tactics and being able to adapt. So you've had Haaland and Semenya played up front, didn't he? And then Semenya didn't play. Haaland played up front, gets his. His goal. Then he had Semeno wide on the right up against Hencapier, who. It was a. It was a difficult day for him. And once he got that yellow card and I've been in that position, guys, right, when you have a yellow card as a defender, you take away not all your attributes, but in Capier, his attributes, he reads the game well. He's nice and aggressive, but he gets out to people quickly. And for the goal, if he hadn't been on a yellow card, he would have gone out to the ball. But because he was thinking about, I can't make that challenge, I can't be aggressive. And that's where I think Arteta got it wrong. In the game, when you've got left backs on the bench, you have to use them. And I know he likes Ncapier, he's been brilliant for Arsenal this season, but in that moment, I think that was the difference. Yes. We can talk about Kepa. He made an absolute howler by his standards. We know he's a good goalkeeper and he's played really well in League Cup. However, I just think they could have made a change in that moment because man, City was absolutely dominating the game and you always have to look and you guys always talk about Strikers in the second half, when Semenya went against Hincapie, he beat him the first time he went up against him and that was a sign of things to come. So as a manager, you got. You got Skelly on the bench, you got kind of your own advantage. Just make the decision early. And that could have been the difference in the game.

[Alan Shearer]

We need to mention that, by the way, because I was going to bring that up about the goalkeeping situation. For me, you're under huge pressure to win a trophy and that decision could affect you going forward for the rest of the season. And what could be like, huge momentum, you know, if they win today. Yeah, you stick with a keeper who you think I've given a chance to, and I think he deserves to keep on going in this competition. He's played.

[Gary Lineker]

He's more than.

[Alan Shearer]

He played his part in getting us to the final. But then what's your feelings about them not playing your best team or your best keeper in the final? For me, I think I would, but people will say, well, Pep didn't, but he's won the trophy, so no one's going to ask any questions of that. Arsenal haven't. And the keeper's made a mistake by a decision that he's made on that.

[Micah Richards]

I think it's a really good talking point, I think. Do you remember when they brought in Raya to Arsenal and they had Ramsdale and Arteta come out and said they'll be fighting for the number one spot. So if you would have gone with a Ramsdale, you would say that's fair. However, it's a first and second at Arsenal and we wouldn't be talking about it if he didn't make a mistake, but he did. So we have. Exactly. So we do have to talk about it. And you have to start Raya in the game, especially because, like you mentioned, Al, not a trophy for five and a half years. I think it was different for Manchester City because Trafford was brought in as the number one, wasn't he? Pep trusted him to be the man for Man City going forward. But then Donnarumma became available and you have to sign him at that money. Was it 20, 25, 26 million quid? As someone who's just won the Champions League, so that's where I think the difference is between, you know, Kepa starting and then Trafford starting. And Trafford has been outstanding. When he played, I remember he played up at Newcastle. He was brilliant, so he fully deserved it. But in answer to your question, Alan, I definitely would have started rare in that Final because of the importance of the game.

[Gary Lineker]

The only thing I would say, well, I mean he's not got great memories of Wembley as he kepi remember the five years of the penalty shootout when he wouldn't go off and all that sort of stuff. But you know, you feel for anyone who makes that sort of error and that's backfired on artists. The only thing I would say to you, Micah, even though you're saying you've got to start rare, I think it was only a week or so ago you were saying, I don't think this competition matters that much to Arsenal. There are bigger things ahead and maybe they should prioritize the other things.

[Micah Richards]

The point I was making, you still play your best team, but it's not end of the world if you lose because they're in other trophies.

[Gary Lineker]

Is it a momentum shifter though? Will it be a momentum shifter?

[Micah Richards]

Yes. And that's the point that you was, was making. And if you play your best team and you lose, then maybe psychologically you're thinking, wow, City have absolutely battered us, but Arsenal didn't. So it gives them a little bit of out maybe. But I think with a goalkeeper and especially because how good he is on the ball and he starts the attacks. How many times have we talked about his shot stopping really good. But then the way Arsenal want to play and play out from the back, his pivotal in what they are doing or trying to do, especially against a Manchester City. So I take your point and I don't. I still don't think it's the end of the world for Arsenal season going forward if they go win the League. Even if they just win the league, it's still a successful season. However, I just think to make, make that decision not to play number one when psychologically and you've not won a trophy for that long, maybe Arteta will be kicking himself.

[Alan Shearer]

I think the key is he's made a mistake, he's made a key error which was a game changer which gave them the lead and that's it. And we wouldn't have been talking about it if Arsenal had won. It would have been talking about something else that would have happened. But he has made the error which has changed the game.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, obviously the one or two players missing Odegaard as a. The more creative players probably in there, but you know, they didn't really look like breaking City down. Obviously. That amazing triple save from Trafford. I thought he spoke quite well after the game talking about how difficult it's been this season. But he also said, you Know I've been rewarded for, you know, training properly and carrying on doing all the right things. Be interested to see what Trafford does.

[Alan Shearer]

He's coming to Newcastle lads.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. I mean, Donna Rumma's young, so I don't think he'll be satisfied by being a number two. He's. I mean, he's clearly incredibly talented and it'll be interesting to see what happens to him. Maybe this summer.

[Alan Shearer]

Wouldn't surprise me. I think it was. It was almost. It was almost signed, almost done and dusted last summer and for whatever reason City then came back in with the buyback clause and all of those things and I guess he thought he was going there as number one and clearly other things took over with Donna, Roma and what have you. But yeah, I would. I would like to think Newcastle are going to be back in for him. I know he'll have. He'll definitely have options, but if he was that close to Newcastle last summer, I would see no reason for him not to be that close again.

[Gary Lineker]

What do you think about this now? Because obviously they're going to the international breaks a lot. You know, Arsenal are well ahead in this. They're in the Champions League. Obviously. This is a blow. Losing a Cup Final is always a blow. Will it play with their minds or is it better that now that they get a break and they go and play for your country and then you come back rejuvenated?

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, I guess. I mean, their next game, Arsenal, is in the FA cup. They're going to be playing Southampton. The way I'm doing that game, I think, yeah, I guess if there was one competition that they would say, okay, and I guess that the team and playing Kepa tells you that what Mikel Arteta is in terms of mindset, which is fine, I get that and understand that in terms of priorities. But it would have been so much better mentally if they could have got that over the line. But then they'd say, okay, let's reset, let's go again. We'll have a couple of weeks off or players will go off on international duty and come back and hopefully be ready to go and reset for. For the FAA cup in what should be a huge push and it should be a huge end of the season for Arsenal.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, it should be. But when you're watching the games and we're doing our pundit trial, we look at sort of chances created and we know Arsenal will always score a goal. But I do feel as though they do need to take more risks in games. So if you go to The Everton game up until Dowman came on, Everton played a blinder. They couldn't really break them down. And what happens is when you look at the bigger picture, then you say, will Arsenal win? And we've been positive about Arsenal in terms of getting over the line, doing what it takes to win. However, when you're not playing free flowing football and you're not creating the chances that he expects, because when you've got Saka and Trossard and Jokers, you know, this is where you see or separate the men from the boys. First, I think comes from the manager because I think they're having to do too much defensive work. So when they're getting on the ball, they're having to travel too far up the pitch. And I've said that consistently throughout the season. And then it's about the players now taking the responsibility because these are good players. Saka is a top player but we're not seeing it because one, the setup and then two, he's out of form. He needs to now say, okay, we've lost this, it's not the end of the world. What can I do to make sure in the Champions League, in the FA cup and in the League I'm the sacker that everyone knows and loves because that's a big player. Big players turn up in the big games and that's what they need to do.

[Gary Lineker]

But can he do it the way they're playing? Mikey, you said they get the ball deep and he's having to do so much defensive work, by the time he gets it, the opposition side are all back and deep and they can double and sometimes treble up on him and he fight and I mean he still, still plays brilliantly but it's not easy for him. Whereas, you know, if they were like you said, higher up the pitch, they could get the ball to him early and then he's one on one and you've got half a chance then it's very difficult beating two and three players every time.

[Alan Shearer]

They're not changing though, guys. Arsenal not changing between now and the end of the season.

[Gary Lineker]

No, it's worked for them so far. That's why, isn't it?

[Alan Shearer]

They're not changing, Micah.

[Micah Richards]

I'm not saying they need to change, they just need to take more risks in certain areas. And I was watching the Arsenal game, I've been looking closely at Arsenal because I'm thinking about the whole, you always get that question towards the end of the season, who's better equipped to win the League? So then you end up Watching more games and watching more games, and I'd say eight weeks ago, Arsenal was sort of just sitting in. There has been occasions where Saka has been let free, but then he comes back in the inside and then he doesn't want to. Thierry actually did a really good piece on Monday Night Football where he's in certain positions, but he's sort of, I don't say programmed. So you know how Pep talked about Grealish, when he goes in wide areas, it was almost like, don't lose the ball. And I think that's what Arsenal have them at the moment is just don't take the extra pass. Just, just wait and don't, don't force it. That's what they're doing. And I think now players are going to have to take it upon themselves to say no, actually, if there is a one on one situation, I will take it. Yes, guys is completely right. They're not getting as much opportunities to do that, but when they do the opportunity, they have to take it. They can't rely on young Dalman to get him out of trouble. Redknapp was calling for him at halftime and I was like, that's all well and good, but he's a 16 year old kid. You know, Yokerezi bought for big money. Trossard's coming to the team and everyone's been raving about him. Martinelli, all, all these players, Saka, they need to turn up in the big games and I think that is different. They need to take responsibility is what I would say. And they're still top of the League. They're still going well. The route to potentially the final in Champions League is looking good for them. And then they've got Southampton away in the FA cup. So they're still in a good place. Now they have to put all the outside noise to the side because you know there's going to be a big overreaction. Other fans are going to be piling into Arsenal saying Arteta's bottled it again, but they need to use that instead of feeling sorry for themselves, use that to advantage to say, well, that's not going to happen again. When we go into a big game,

[Gary Lineker]

yeah, the world's against us. Use that one. The old correct technique down the years. And Pep Guardiola, I mean, it's an. It's yet another trophy for him. And before we move on to other things, I mean, his enthusiasm and energy and his desire that you see on the touchdown, let alone obviously his tactical genius and brilliance in terms of football, he's remarkable, isn't he?

[Alan Shearer]

Five League Cups. Just astonishing. I missed, like, absolutely ridiculous. The success of that man has just been phenomenal. So huge respect.

[Micah Richards]

You could see, though I don't know if you saw the pictures when he was watching the game, but his celebration, yeah, you can tell it, how animated he was on the touchline. He knows what it means.

[Gary Lineker]

That's why I said it.

[Micah Richards]

Micah, I love to see that part of him as well, because sometimes after, after a win, he's standard for Man City, winning over the years. But then when, when things don't go well, then he gets very emotional. But I like the emotion in that way. To say he still cares, it still means a lot to him.

[Gary Lineker]

I also think, Michael, I also think that he would have thought, if we can win this, it just puts a little glitch into Arsenal and their belief and going forward and it might. Even though they're still obviously massive second favourites for the League, just gives them a little bit of something, doesn't it?

[Micah Richards]

It's playing mind games. So afton his interview, I don't know if you heard, he said, well, you know, I'd rather be in Arsenal's dressing room, you know, nine points clear. He's already planting little seeds and, you know, like, if Man City win the next game and then they was to beat Arsenal, there's only three points in it. And Arsenal are still favourites, aren't they? They just need to overcome this hurdle.

[Gary Lineker]

Of course they are.

[Micah Richards]

But you know, Man City, if they sniff something, they're going to be fighting all the way to the end. So it sets up the league really nicely.

[Gary Lineker]

It done half help when you've seen there, been there and done it.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, absolutely.

[Micah Richards]

You're not wrong.

[Gary Lineker]

Really did well. That was the first bite delivered by Ubereats. But I just want to move on to actually the England squad. Firstly, what did we make of the fat Was it. It's almost very difficult not to be in the squad. So many players.

[Micah Richards]

Exactly. I told you. That's why I'm getting called up.

[Alan Shearer]

He's not that desperate.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. If only those knees were still good, Micah, you'd be guaranteed to be in. In the squad.

[Alan Shearer]

But I.

[Gary Lineker]

What I will say is that with always when we talk about England squads and it'll be the same when we go for the World cup, you generally tend to spend most time talking about those that don't make it, rather than those that perhaps do for obvious reasons. Because you're looking to say, oh, my goodness, you know, Trent Alexander, Arnold's not in the squad, which, personally, I find that difficult. There's stories in Spain running tonight, actually, we're doing this on Sunday night, obviously, that he didn't play. He was on the bench for the game against Atletico. The one down at half time.

[Micah Richards]

He's. He's on now, Gaz.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

He's on now.

[Alan Shearer]

All right.

[Gary Lineker]

There were rumors in, I think Mara, the newspaper there ran it, that he was late for one of the training sessions towards the end of this week and that's why he didn't start him. Now, I don't know that's true, but that's what Mara says. But it. For me, looking at the squad and, and, and the fact he's not put him in this squad when he's obviously been playing a bit now in Real Madrid, it suggests to me that Tuku's not having him. If he suddenly plays brilliantly and they go on and win the Champions League and stuff, he'll probably be to put him in. But what I will say, I think without Trent, it lessens your chances slightly, very slightly. Even if it's like half a percent, whatever. If you're 15 minutes to go and you're playing in the quarterfinals of the World cup or the semi finals and you're one nil down, I mean, and he was on the bench and you could put that delivery and that passing ability something completely different. I can't see why you wouldn't want that asset, even if you don't see him as a starter because you're worried about him defensively. That would be my point. And I know I'm a, you know, huge Trent fan.

[Alan Shearer]

I.

[Gary Lineker]

Look, I've just. It's given me a lot of joy watching him play and he's passing and he's crossing over the years.

[Alan Shearer]

What about if I chuck this at you?

[Gary Lineker]

Go on.

[Alan Shearer]

Me and. Me and Wayne were talking yesterday. Jude Bellingham and Trent are a pretty powerful couple. Would there be a point in Tuchel's mind where he thinks that if those two are together, I'm not going to play either of them, or may play one of them or one or the other, that then they have an influence on the squad?

[Gary Lineker]

I think that would be bizarre. What I will say what we might be thinking is that he left Bellingham out, didn't he, the previous squad, maybe to send a message. Maybe he's leaving Trent out just to send another message. But we're getting quite close to the competition now. I don't know. I don't know whether they're problematical people to have in your side that. What I do know is the two unbelievably talented and brilliant footballers that have delivered over recent seasons. So, I mean, it's impossible for us to know what the connection is, or lack of connection between Tuchel and those players. What he thinks there's only one man who decides. He picks the squad. It's up to him. And what I was. Who was I talking. I was talking to John Terry, actually. I interviewed him for the podcast that will go out sometime in the next few weeks. I said, what do you think's missing with England? And he went, I think it's been someone that absolutely is the boss. And he's not worried about egos, not worried about, you know, he is in charge and he thinks that Tuchel is that kind of person. So if it works, we'll all applaud him. If it doesn't, we'll do what we usually do. We'll be. We'll be critical. But, yeah, exactly. What did you think of the idea of the massive squad and that it's like half here and some will get a rest?

[Alan Shearer]

I think it's a good idea.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

I think it gives them a rest

[Gary Lineker]

at a good time. I don't think you want to be overplaying. I mean, our players are largely knackered at this time of year anyway, so I think. I thought it was a good idea.

[Alan Shearer]

I think it's a good idea. I think it's pretty sensible to say you have a few days rest before, then come in and play your bit, or if you've played the first game, then you have a rest after. I like that forward thinking. And also in terms of the squad, I also. What is he going to take a score of 26 and he's named a score of 35 on this occasion. I also look at the center forwards and I think Welbeck, who's 35, who's the top Englishman scorer in the Premier

[Gary Lineker]

League this season, scored two again.

[Alan Shearer]

I also think Ollie Watkins got a goal today. I think maybe he's looking, thinking, okay, I know what you guys can do, particularly Watkins. I'll have a look at you, Calvert, Lune, I'll have a look at you, Solanke. I'd be amazed if either of those two were to go.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

Instead of Watkins, Solanke's three Premier League goals this season, he's been injured a

[Gary Lineker]

lot of the season.

[Alan Shearer]

Let's say that Calvin Lewin's got two in his last 12. I'd be really surprised if those two were picked ahead of Ollie Watkins in the squad of 26.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, it sounds like Harvey Barnes. I think Harvey Barnes is breaking news. I think it's been pulled into the squad because as he's out injured. So Harvey Barnes turned down obviously the chance to play for Scotland. So what do you think of that? Anderson Newcastle? I think he's had a really good spell. He's been in cracking form.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, he's been in decent form and clearly had the choice to make. And he said no to Scotland in the hope that his form or his ability would somehow get him into the England squad. And he's being called up now. So he's another one that has now got an opportunity to impress and I hope he does it because he's done well for Newcastle.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

What jumped out for you Micah?

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, just going back to you. Trent, Alexander, Arnold one. I think there's a couple points to look at really. If you look at someone like Marcelo or Roberto Carlos or whatever. As a coach I think it's your responsibility to be able to get the best out of world class players like that. And it's not happened for him at England and he's not performed at his level and he'd be the first to say that. So that's the first thing. However, we was sort of lauding the fact that Tuchel was coming in to make difficult decisions and what we said around Southgate in games and in game substitutions. Tuchel we know tactically he has that, you know. So if I'm in Trent camp I'm disappointed as a pundit I think he should be in and I feel as though top managers should be able to accommodate that type of player because other nations would be taking their top players again a little bit. Trent has to look at himself. He's like he's been injured and then he's got to look at form as well. Could he have done better? But then Southgate has been to two finals, did ever so well. We've praised him for that but couldn't get over the line. The whole point of being too close it is to get over the line. And we're not managers. We're fans. We want England to do well. But that's why he's a manager. Because he see things that we can't see or maybe we can see them but not brave enough to say them or implement them. I think that is the difference with Tuchel. So now I have no problem with it. But the problem becomes like again let's take it back to the Arsenal game today. If they go and it doesn't work, then we can have the questions. But if they go and win it, it's going to look like his decision is justified. So I think two things can be right at the same time. But me as a fan and a fan of Trent, I'm disappointed not to see him there because I think he's an incredible talent. And back to your point, Gaz, even if it's just that 1% or half a percent, he can create that, and that's a disappointing thing.

[Gary Lineker]

But, but you know, someone's going to be left out. There'll be a lot more disappointed people. Yeah, and we'll talk about that. But there is, there's a lot of talent in there.

[Alan Shearer]

Alan. Yeah, absolutely. But I, I do think there's a. There's a part of him that thinks I know about him and I know about him, so I perhaps might not put him in this one and I'll have a look at him and then, yeah, when I have to name my 26, I think they'll, they'll, there'll be players we'll look back on in this squad and say, well, that's probably why he's done that.

[Gary Lineker]

Micah, we've already recorded the first half, so thanks for joining us late on, but. Well, we're going to take a break now, but I've just noticed that the game has come to life in Madrid. It's now Atletico 2, Real Madrid 3. And guess who got an assist for Vinicius Jr? The aforementioned Trent Alexander. Arnold. Well, hope you're watching Thomas. We'll be back after the break.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

It's Gary Lineker here from the Rest is Football. Do you love the show? Why not come and see us live on stage at London South bank center in September? On Friday 4th September, Alan, Micah and I will be reviewing the World cup and taking you behind the scenes of the tournament. Buy your tickets [e-mail] this episode is brought to you by Microsoft365Copilot Guys, where would we be without our teammates?

[Gary Lineker]

Who's your favorite team mate?

[Alan Shearer]

Mine would have to be Teddy Sheringham. Gaz, with England, it's just one of those partnerships that worked, that clicked for you, Micah.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Pablo Zabaletta by any chance?

[Micah Richards]

How did I know he was gonna say that? I would have to pick Joe Hart just on the pitch if I made a mistake. I just knew he had my back.

[Gary Lineker]

I'm sure you kept him very busy.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

I would probably go probably Peter Beardsley,

[Gary Lineker]

who had amazing partnership with, with England I think I I was about a goal, a game when he played well.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Microsoft 365 Copilot is that level of support off the Pitch. It's your AI assistant for work built into Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other Microsoft 365 apps you use, helping you quickly

[Gary Lineker]

write, analyze, create and summarize.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Learn [e-mail] M365Copilot

[Gary Lineker]

this episode is brought to you by Whoop. In the modern game, of course, there are a lot more games and that

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

feeling of being slightly off by Monday.

[Alan Shearer]

And that's how it shows up. Not as an injury, it's just fatigue creeping in off the pitch.

[Gary Lineker]

Everyday life stacks up to work, travel, late nights, early starts. Whoop.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Helps you see how sleep recovery and stress are impacting your overall health over time.

[Micah Richards]

It's like a health scout working quietly in the background down, no screen, no constant pings, just deeper insight into your health when you actually need it.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Whoop. Makes it easier to see what's helping you stay well and what's taking more out of you so you can build

[Gary Lineker]

habits that actually last.

[Alan Shearer]

It's about keeping yourself steady over the long run. Consistency beats intensity every time.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

If you want to understand your health better and how your daily habits impact you over time, head to join join.whoop.com T RIF to get started with Whoop.

[Gary Lineker]

Welcome back to the rest is football with just Alan Shearer and me, Gary Lineker. Now much to discuss. I went obviously, as I said, I've been up in the northeast, Alan, on the one time when you were down south, you were down south. So unfortunately we didn't get to share a pint but made a few days of actually a bit of a food trip.

[Chevrolet Advertiser]

Good.

[Gary Lineker]

Started just outside York at a restaurant, restaurant called the Black Swan.

[Alan Shearer]

Right.

[Gary Lineker]

Tommy Banks is the chef there and it was absolutely marvelous.

[Alan Shearer]

Nice.

[Gary Lineker]

We had fish and chips in a lay by which was extraordinary. And then we went to Pine Restaurant. Al, do you know that it's beautiful taste in menu, absolutely sensational.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

Did the game and then had a lovely Indian after somewhere. You've probably been double wild, Jeff.

[Alan Shearer]

Did he look after you as he. I'm pretty sure he would, wouldn't he?

[Gary Lineker]

Jeff looked after us fabulously, as did Newcastle at the game as well. So the only thing that was missing, Alan, was it was a home, home victory.

[Alan Shearer]

So you know, honestly it's like I was doing, I was doing plp, as you know, which is why I wasn't at the game and I was getting so frustrated and stronger. I'M pleased everyone looked after you by the way. There was never in doubt.

[Gary Lineker]

I must say. Before we get to the game. Alan. The atmosphere. I mean. Paul Frank. I mean for a 12 o' clock start. I think we walked from the hotel to the ground. It's about. It's about half an hour walk. And we went past so many pubs and they were everyone. There were massive queues out of every pub for they were waiting for them to open. And I think this was like quarter to 10.

[Alan Shearer]

Oh no.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

Such a shit.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. But Sunderland did really well. Particularly in the second half. I mean what a season they've had. What job Richie Labri is doing there. And. But looked like it was going to be a good day for. For Newcastle. I wonder whether midweek caught up with them a little bit. Possibly it's an excuse.

[Alan Shearer]

I'm not accepting the midweek core. But I'm not in a derby game. Don't. I'm not. I don't buy that.

[Gary Lineker]

No.

[Alan Shearer]

You can't be tired. You can't. That's not an excuse. They got batted in the second half against Barcelona. I get that. I understand that and the traveling and all of that. That and they were a better team. Newcastle in the first half. And Sunderland really struggled to cope with the intensity. I mean it was madness the way Sunderland gifted Newcastle the first goal. Brilliant finish from Anthony Gordon. But I mean what on earth are you doing in the F. Inside the first 10 minutes trying to play out like that. And that's what Newcastle want you to do. And they punished them for that. And I was getting so worried and I said it half time. That Sunderland can't be as bad in the second half because. Because Newcastle should have scored another one. Maybe two more. And I was always fearful that they would come back and increase the intensity. And they did that right from the first minute. Sunderland and Newcastle couldn't cope with it. I'm saying Come on. Get someone just put the foot on the ball. It's like. Oh. I was just getting so annoyed and so angry. And yeah. Sunderland were the better team and punished us. And Brian Brobie was probably the best player for Sunderland.

[Gary Lineker]

A real handful.

[Alan Shearer]

17 million he caught lost from Ajax. You compare that to Newcastle's recruitment in the summer. And what they paid on forwards. I mean there lies the problem that's been a huge problem for Newcastle. Inconsistency. Sunderland wanted it more than Newcastle in the second half. And that is pretty damning. Particularly after the way Newcastle played in the first game at Stadium Alight. And he got it all wrong in that game. And he couldn't lift his players in the second half. And that is really, really worrying. And disappointment. Well done, Sunderland. They were a better team. They deserve to win. Good on them. As much as it hurts me to say that. But worrying for Newcastle and bigger big questions will be asked. And it's going to be a long two or three weeks for Newcastle now. The international week break, I should say. Because people will be hurt. People will be angry. And there'll be so much shit thrown at Eddie and Newcastle now. And he has to cope with that and understand that. As do the people that are running the club.

[Gary Lineker]

You could sense that at the end of the game. You know, obviously to lose a derby is bad enough. But that's the double that Sunderland have done of course over Newcastle. Which that hurts. I can tell. You can really get that feeling up here when you actually come to the game. But as you said, it was. It was great for Sunderland. But few exceptions with Newcastle. I thought Anthony Gordon ran himself into the ground. Might have run out of steam a little bit towards the end of the game, which is understandable. But he put in a shift. Great finish. Hall had whipped a couple of absolutely brilliant crosses in great balls in which they probably, you know, could have scored from. From one of those. They hit the post. But they did have that lead at half time. And I thought they were well worth it. And then second office. It was like a completely different football match. You know. Sunderland changed things a little bit. Went a bit more direct. A couple of scruffy goals maybe. But they all count. They all count, don't they?

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, they all can't. Sorry, I'm just having a sip of red wine. I have to. Because my anger for today I had to sit. That was the early game obviously at plp. And I had to somehow lift my spirits because we had another two games after that.

[Gary Lineker]

We got.

[Alan Shearer]

We got this. The Forest game and of course the Villa West Ham game were going on at the same time. So I had to do that. And then of course another hour after that for the goal show and finish at 6. And had to keep my energy after feeling. And so flat and angry after the Newcastle game. So yeah, well done Sunderland. Enjoy your. Enjoy your season. You. You deserve to be us on both occasions. But really shit. From a Newcastle point of view.

[Gary Lineker]

He says through gritted teeth.

[Alan Shearer]

Gritted teeth.

[Gary Lineker]

Through gritted teeth. Let's talk about the relegation battle. Really. I mean, Carl Spurs.

[Alan Shearer]

I mean it could be worse. It could be a Spurs fan.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, well, indeed. There are so many Chances early on. And then you suddenly thought, and I mean 3 nil at home to the side that one of the sides that you're obviously trying battling against down there that, I mean, particularly after there was like a little bit of a glimmer of hope in the last two games. They got a point at Liverpool and I know they lost in the Champions League, but it was at home win and they did score three goals. And then it's. Then this. This is kind of demoralizing as well.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, but I think in reality, guys, no one, they weren't under huge pressure going to Liverpool last week because no one really expected. Expected them to win and similar thing in midweek in the Champions League. But they were under massive pressure today being at home against Forest. And it was always going to be a really intense game. But they only had one shot on target until they were three nil down. You know that there was that brilliant shot in the first half save, I should say. Other than that, all right, there wasn't a lot in it, but that was a killer blow. It was for spurs going 1 nil down at half time in the manner that they did. Free header from a corner. And I was thinking the next goal is all important here because what. What have you got in the second half? Spurs? Show us what you're about. Show us that you want to stay in the Premier League. And if I was a Spurs fan, I'd be really worried with the response or the lack of response in that. In that second half from them. Just the ability to defend and either stop across or stop a shot or just getting in, getting your body in front of a. Of a forward who's making a run. You know, all of it. All of the things that should. Pretty simple at this level of football. Massively worried for spurs that there's a huge chance they could be. They could be relegated this season. I felt that before the game, but watching that performance, I'd be really, really, really worried if I was a Spurs fan.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, I think all spurs fans will be really worried at the moment. Understandably so. I suppose the only saving grace for them is that West Ham lost as well. But you'd probably expected that a little bit more though. Village have struggled of late, but Villa beat them. Actually, really important win for Villa as well in terms of Champions League places, especially with Chelsea and Liverpool having lost. We'll come to them shortly. But yeah, Forest look like they've got a bit of momentum going reasonably well.

[Alan Shearer]

They quite enjoy the defensive side of things. They don't mind Doing the hard work off the ball. Some of the defenders, I thought played really, really well. Olenkovic played really well again, Gibbs White in the midfield I thought was superb. Anderson up front. So, yeah, I thought Forest were brilliant. That you would think that the belief and the confidence that would give them going forward would be huge.

[Gary Lineker]

I would say so as well. And for spurs, that knock on their confidence again and it's, you know, they're in turmoil. Obviously, the new guys come in. He's not really been any kind of bounce. You wonder what they do at this point. Where do they. I mean.

[Alan Shearer]

Well, if they're going to make a change, it would be now because of the international break. Yeah, I mean, pretty embarrassing if they do for the guys that have made the decision in the first place, because this isn't Igor Tudor's fault. I mean, he's walked into a really messy, ugly situation and it's not his fault. But there hasn't. There hasn't been an improvement. In fact, things may be getting worse in the five games. He's got one point out the five games, so things may be getting worse, but. So it wouldn't surprise me at all if they were to make another change

[Gary Lineker]

for a club like spurs to go. I mean, for any club to go down. But. But spurs, really, I mean, come on. Yeah, we say that, but they did finish, what, 17th last season, which is exactly where they are now, funnily enough.

[Alan Shearer]

Unbelievable.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, we'll have to follow that very closely. And West Ham have been better in recent weeks. Forest certainly been better in the last. So you start to, you know, you start to look at this side without any momentum whatsoever. And that spur.

[Alan Shearer]

So, yeah, and I think their next. I don't think they play until another three weeks. West Ham play Wolves, I think, on Friday evening, in a couple of weeks time at home. So what a game that is. So by the time, the next time they play spurs, the. There's every chance they could be in the bottom three.

[Gary Lineker]

Let's turn our attention probably to the Champions League places. It had looked a little bit. Bit bleak for Villa, but they. They managed to win today. The game against West Ham. Obviously Manchester United got a point, I think. Well, let's discuss that game first. They got a point. They look in good shape, really, in third. I mean, that twist of, you know, they go one up and then there's another penalty shout, which did really look like a penalty. And then for the team to go to the other end of the pitch and score, it's like a double whammy. Against them and then Maguire gets sent off for something that was quite similar to. To the one earlier on.

[Alan Shearer]

So I think the referee messed up in that. I mean if you're going to give one of those then you have to give the others as well. For me, I think he messed up and I'm certain that the var and the referee were thinking, oh no, when, when Bournemouth court the other end 20, 25 seconds later in school, it's the worst thing ever.

[Gary Lineker]

It might have impacted their decision slightly because I bet they've gone, oh, imagine this. If we actually give the penalty that also means we're disallowing a goal. No,

[Alan Shearer]

there's no doubt it should have. I mean, yeah, I think they messed up. It should have been a penalty or not to tell him then that would. That was a penalty for me. So. But it's disappointed as they were, I guess and not taking all three. I think it could be a really important point for. For Manchester United. Tough place to go. Bournemouth are in pretty decent form and I think a point is a decent result and could be a good one for them come the end of the season. Season.

[Gary Lineker]

Especially when you, you consider the fact that both Liverpool and Chelsea lost. They're both, you know, struggling. I mean Chelsea, I thought Everton were really good.

[Alan Shearer]

Everton were brilliant. Everton really good. Absolutely. From the first minute. And that came. There was only ever one team going to win that game and only one team wanted to win it. In terms of the aggression, their attitude, their desire and everything that you have to do to win a match. Not, not with the ball, I guess, but without the ball. Everton was so much better than Chelsea. But it comes back to the same old problem with Chelsea. I think in terms of not having a top class goalkeeper keeper and not having a top class centre off and even maybe a center forward.

[Gary Lineker]

Jael Pedro has been pretty good this season.

[Alan Shearer]

I don't think he's an out and out nine and I think he would be even better if he was in that 10th position with a top class number nine. And that's. I think that's what they miss. But did you see the stat that I said on Match of the Day in terms of Chelsea? Every single Premier League game they've played this season, home and away, every team has outrun them.

[Gary Lineker]

Oh right, yes. I saw it on socials actually. I didn't have the chance to watch much of the day.

[Alan Shearer]

Fascinating. I had to get the guy to check it three or four times. The Stack guy said really? I mean that's unbelievable that every Single team they've played this season has run more than that.

[Micah Richards]

Wow.

[Gary Lineker]

What does. I don't know. What, what does that say? Question of attitude.

[Alan Shearer]

Well, I mean I, I know, I know sometimes that you're going to have the ball a lot more than the. The opposition, I guess. And that's Chelsea's style of play and it's not always an important read but in every single game. Every game, wow. Premier League game. It's just. I think it's amazing really. But they were done with a straight through ball against Newcastle last weekend. And they were done with a straight through ball again inside the center. Halfs all over the place. And they were punished again with the first goal that Everton scored better. So them and Liverpool are going for fifth and sixth and one of them is going to be massively disappointed.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean a lot of people obviously look at the coach come in. They had an initial bounce, they did pretty well. But the last few weeks have been pretty grim for Chelsea.

[Alan Shearer]

I mean I listened to Rocinha afterwards in terms of the noise that he says about roundabout Chelsea. I guess that comes with having a huge football club and managing the huge football club and the expectations. But don't you think sometimes that it's up to the manager to try and not increase that noise? And I think some of the things that he's said and done has certainly increased the noise. I mean the stuff around the ball and respecting the ball and all that nonsense. I mean, I don't know. Sometimes I just think you have to try and protect your club and your players by not giving, given the media extra things to grab onto. And I think he's, he's sort of done that too many times already.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, I wonder. I mean he obviously wouldn't have faced that kind of examination at Strasbourg because you know, they weren't even in league. I mean he's done plenty of coaching obviously and I think he knows his football clearly.

[Alan Shearer]

He's definitely a bright coach.

[Gary Lineker]

He's a bright and articulate young man. But I think maybe he's come in there and he's been a little bit not naive in, in some of the ways and occasional lack of self awareness or. Well, just to take the heat out of things.

[Alan Shearer]

I think so, yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

And if you're that inexperienced it's, it's understandable. But he'll need to learn fast I think.

[Alan Shearer]

But them, I mean they, they, they I guess have appointed him to finish in a Champions League position. And if they don't finish in the Champions League position then he would be under huge pressure as well.

[Gary Lineker]

I was thinking actually that you know there's talk about Ross Senya obviously there's talk about Tudor. There's also talk even Arnie Slott is pressure with Liverpool. Although they did get through in the Champions League and they, they were pretty good in midweek. So I mean he won the league a few months ago.

[Alan Shearer]

So yeah, I think, I think we were all slightly hesitant, a bit reluctant to go overboard about Liverpool in midweek because of their opposition, how poor they were, Galatasaray particularly they've been away from home but they had, they had a bit, they had a lot more energy in midweek. You're thinking okay, let's see that again again. But I thought Liverpool were a mess. I mean van Dijk and Canate, they got the run around by 35 year old Welbeck who had a field day. He gave them a torrid time and they looked really, really poor and they were flat. There were no energy, there was no press. I know Ekatike went off early in the game which would have put them off their stride but there was nothing about Liverpool's game that would give me confidence that they're going to finish in a Champions League position.

[Gary Lineker]

I think it's almost certainly going to be Manchester United I would say probably and probably Villa after that was a big win for them and then it might be either or if English clubs get fired, which I think, I think they shouldn't do. They're well clear and at least two teams got through to the Champions League court finals and elsewhere in Europe.

[Alan Shearer]

So you look at even Everton and Brentford and I mean what a job he's doing. I mean David, amazing. I know they've, they haven't struggled a couple of occasions at their new stadium but the atmosphere yesterday at their new stadium looked incredible and sounded incredible and the players sort of responded to that. And I thought Everton were brilliant and I just look at David Moyes and the job he's doing. I got so much respect for him, you know Moisey, I just think he's been absolutely outstanding and is, it is a great block. He's been a great servant to our game and he's getting his rewards again at ever.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean it'd be amazing if you got them in the Champions League, wouldn't it? I mean particularly when you consider when he took over. Obviously they're in you know, real trouble, right? And you know just fractionally above the, the relegation zone last season and you know just, just shows you that he knows what he's doing.

[Alan Shearer]

He's rinsing every bit of ability out of the players there. I mean, and in, in Ghana, in midfield, the England call up, what a performance he put in. He was. He was sensational in the midfield as well. He looked the best player on the pitch, I thought yesterday. So, yeah, he's getting every bit of performance out of those Everton players.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, it's great to see as a former Evertonian that they might, I mean, a really good chance of Europe and, you know, outside, outside stab at Champions League football. Lovely place to finish. But before we go, Alan, I just want to make it clear to everyone that we're not in the same hotel room. Even if you can see this on either Spotify or YouTube, it looks like we're in the same room but in different sides of it, the curtains and everything. Let's make it clear. I know Alan shares his bed with his mates, but not me. Okay.

[Micah Richards]

Love it.

[Gary Lineker]

Okay, that's it for this episode of the Rest Is Football. Goodbye from me.

[Alan Shearer]

Goodbye from me. Have a great week. Foreign.

[Monster Energy Advertiser]

Everybody knows White Monster Zero Ultra, that's the og it kicked off this whole Zero Sugar energy drink thing, but Ultra is a whole lineup now. You've got Strawberry Dreams, Blue Hawaiian Sunrise and Vice Guava. And they all bring the Monster Energy punch. So if you've been living in the white can brand, Chow Ultra's got a flavor for every vibe and every single one is Zero Sugar. Tap the banner to learn more.

[Alan Shearer]

Pet owner Save this.

[Carvana Advertiser]

TikTok has free training guides and behavior

[Alan Shearer]

tips, potty training tricks, healthy diet ideas.

[Carvana Advertiser]

No expensive classes needed. Just scroll and learn.

[Gary Lineker]

Download TikTok now.