Max Dowman Makes History As Arsenal Surge Clear

Summary

The Rest Is Football: "Max Dowman Makes History As Arsenal Surge Clear"

Date: March 16, 2026
Hosts: Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards

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Episode Overview

This episode dives into one of the most exciting weekends of Premier League football this year. Gary, Alan, and Micah unpack Arsenal’s surge at the top of the table, led by the historic performance of Max Dowman, discuss the emergence of young talents like Rio Ngamoa, and break down all the latest action in the title race, relegation battle, and the drama at several top clubs. Personal anecdotes, legendary banter, and sharp analysis define a lively episode for football fans.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Charity Ball & Personal Updates (02:14 – 06:28)

• Alan Shearer recaps his charity ball, raising almost £200,000 for his foundation supporting families with disabilities.
• Micah Richards shares about the event, Ian Wright’s attendance, and the tough reality of partying into your fifties.
• Discussion of logistical challenges and plans to build another hydrotherapy pool with a £1 million fundraising goal.

Notable Quote:
“What we announced last night is...let's build another one. So we announced last night that we're going to have a target of trying to raise a million pounds this year.”
— Alan Shearer (05:12)

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2. Arsenal’s Max Dowman Breaks Records (08:28 – 13:07)

• Arsenal v Everton: Max Dowman becomes the youngest player ever to score for Arsenal in the Premier League.
• Dowman’s impact described as a “Rooney moment”; defenders sent "the wrong way" with deft footwork.
• The electric Emirates atmosphere and the sense of witnessing a turning point in the title race.

Notable Quotes:
“It was almost his Rooney moment...he came on, he whipped that cross, and then, of course, that moment was very, very special at the end.”
— Gary Lineker (08:45)

“He knows when to pass, he knows when to shoot, he knows when to cross, he knows when to dribble. Like he did for his goal...I just pray that he’s allowed to develop at the right rate.”
— Alan Shearer (11:09)

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3. Breakout Stars & Youth Talent: Rio Ngamoa and the Next Generation (13:07 – 15:13)

• The panel rave about Rio Ngamoa making his first Premier League start, comparing his sharpness to Kylian Mbappé.
• Discussion about the “stop start sharpness” and fearlessness in young players.
• The need for managers to nurture, not rush, their development.

Notable Quote:
“I’m not saying he’s Mbappé…but he’s got enormous potential. He wasn’t scared to take people on. Poro didn’t know which way he was going to go.”
— Gary Lineker (13:49)

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4. Advice for Bursting Young Stars (15:57 – 19:45)

• Micah shares his own “bursting onto the scene” experience and what advice he'd give to Dowman and Ngamoa:
  • Stay humble, be consistent, keep focused off the pitch.
  • The importance of strong personal networks.
  • Enjoy the ride but avoid pitfalls.

Notable Quotes:
“To get to the very top now, you have to eat right, you have to train right, you have to recover right…make sure that you have the right people around you.”
— Micah Richards (18:03)

“If you train really hard and live properly, there’s a lot of life to enjoy after football. Give yourself the best chance of succeeding and you’ll have no regrets.”
— Gary Lineker (19:56)

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5. VAR Controversy & Refereeing Decisions (20:14 – 21:41)

• Kai Havertz's penalty shout: The hosts are baffled by a clear foul missed by both the referee and VAR.
• Quick discussion on ongoing frustrations with decision inconsistencies.

Quote:
“He stood on the back of his heel. It should’ve been a penalty...when it’s gone to VAR, I don’t know how many...it took about 20 seconds to look at it and say: ‘No check. Cleared it.’”
— Alan Shearer (21:00)

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6. The Title Race & Arsenal’s Momentum (21:41 – 24:28)

• Arsenal’s position at the top looks secure; Man City need to win every game but it might not be enough.
• Comparison to Leicester’s famous 1-0 wins: “winning ugly” as a key trait of champions.
• City’s current lack of cutting edge highlighted.

Quote:
“I think Arsenal have got that, that momentum now…they win, they’re getting it done. That’s what you got to do.”
— Gary Lineker (23:17)

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7. What’s Missing at Manchester City? (25:00 – 27:55)

• Haaland’s dip in form: 19 goals in first 17 games, only 3 in the last 12 (since Christmas).
• Discussion of tactical tweaks, loss of ruthlessness, and potential midfield absence when Rodri advances forward.

Quote:
“It’s just all not free flowing, you know, it’s not happening for Erling at the moment...Football's weird—he’ll start banging them in again soon, absolutely no doubt.”
— Gary Lineker (26:37/27:50)

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8. Manchester United’s Revival & Michael Carrick’s Impact (31:24 – 35:43)

• Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro highlighted as key players in United’s upturn.
• Praise for Michael Carrick’s revitalization of United – now 3rd in the table, much improved since his appointment.
• Discussion on fixing tactical structure and playing stars in proper roles.

Quotes:
“The delivery from Bruno—I think he's playing some of the best football of his career.”
— Alan Shearer (33:00)

“He needs a lot of credit, does Carrick, because that was a difficult job to take at that time.”
— Alan Shearer (34:53)

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9. Aston Villa’s Wobble and Telemans' Influence (35:59 – 38:31)

• Unai Emery’s side appears tired; midfield losing structure.
• Villa missing the intelligence and composure of an absent Yuri Telemans.

Quote:
“Yuri Telemans...Brendan Rodgers used to say he’s the brain of my side…they’re missing that influence, such a clever footballer.”
— Gary Lineker (37:26)

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10. Top Four, Champions League, and Mid-table Shake-ups (38:31 – 41:30)

• Liverpool, Spurs, and Chelsea all show inconsistency; battle for Champions League places wide open.
• Liverpool’s energy and midfield balance questioned, especially when Szoboszlai is out or played out of position.
• Praise for Spurs’ resilience amidst a tough run and injuries.

Quotes:
“Liverpool are a better side when Szoboszlai’s in the midfield because of his energy…”
— Alan Shearer (39:50)

“Spurs rallied today…they had a real good go, and that’s all you can actually ask for.”
— Gary Lineker (41:30)

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11. Relegation Scrap (42:04 – 43:11)

• Intense battle at the bottom: Burnley, Wolves in trouble, but tight points gaps mean everyone above is still threatened.
• Leeds earn a valuable point with ten men and earn plaudits for determination.

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12. Closing Banter: Alan, Wayne Rooney & Anthony Gordon Disagreement (43:44 – 44:57)

• Spirited discussion about Anthony Gordon’s social media back-and-forth with Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer.
• Laughter about ex-players and Newcastle’s passionate culture.

Quote:
“That’s when Newcastle players turn against Newcastle’s greatest. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
— Gary Lineker (44:57)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with timestamps)

• “It was almost his Rooney moment.” — Gary Lineker [08:45]
• “I just pray that he’s allowed to develop at the right rate.” — Alan Shearer [11:09]
• “You just got to get it done. That’s what you got to do.” — Gary Lineker [23:17]
• “Make sure the people around you are around you for the right reasons. And enjoy it.” — Micah Richards [19:17]
• “That’s when Newcastle players turn against Newcastle’s greatest. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” — Gary Lineker [44:57]

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Important Timestamps

• 02:14 – Alan Shearer’s charity event details
• 08:28 – Arsenal v Everton instant classic: Max Dowman’s record
• 13:07 – Rio Ngamoa’s debut and future prospects
• 15:57 – Micah’s advice to young prodigies
• 21:00 – VAR controversy: Kai Havertz penalty shout
• 23:17 – Arsenal’s mentality and momentum in the title race
• 27:50 – Haaland’s struggles at City
• 31:24 – Manchester United’s resurgence under Carrick
• 37:26 – The loss of Telemans in Villa’s midfield
• 41:30 – Spurs’ resilience and Premier League relegation fight

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Tone & Chemistry

• Banter is ever-present, particularly in Alan’s and Micah’s exchanges.
• Personal anecdotes and friendly joking root the show in the real experiences of elite footballers.
• The tone is light-hearted yet insightful, making deep football analysis feel accessible and engaging.

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Closing Thoughts

This episode encapsulates why “The Rest Is Football” is essential listening: sharp analysis blended with laughter, heartfelt advice for the next generation, and authentic, insider perspectives on the ever-dramatic world of Premier League football. The story of Max Dowman’s breakout is threaded expertly through bigger questions of youth, pressure, and seizing the moment—while also highlighting why Arsenal, for the first time in years, truly believe they’re going to win the league.

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End of Summary

Transcript

[Alan Shearer]

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[Micah Richards]

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[Gary Lineker]

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[Alan Shearer]

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[Gary Lineker]

Coming up on today's show, a young man called Max Dauman came on. As you put. I mean, wow. Wow.

[Alan Shearer]

He sent me. I thought he was going left as well.

[Gary Lineker]

Rio Ngamoa. Oh, my word. I mean, you have Dalman on the right. The future looks bright. I mean, wow. He was incredible. I think they're going to have to win every game now. City realistically to. To have a chance. Even if they do, it might not be enough.

[Alan Shearer]

The delivery from Bruno. I think he's playing some of the best football of his career.

[Gary Lineker]

Hello and welcome to the rest is football with Alan Shearer and me, Gary Lineker. Actually going to be doing most of the pod with Micah later, but really just wanted to get you on now and just a. To see, you know that you've bit blurry this morning. Your eyes are almost sure. But also because it was obviously your charity ball. Do we call it a ball? Yeah, last night. And I know you're entertaining the whole weekend, so it's nice just to have a quick chat. Just really wanted to give your charity a bit of a plug again because it's so worthy and also. How did it go?

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, I apologize for my eyes and my voice and everything else. I'm definitely hungover. I haven't got a clue what time I got to bed. But it was an amazing night. Yeah, we had. Tom Grennan came and performed for us very kindly. What a guy. What a brilliant guy Tom Grennan is. So I think we raised just under 200 grand on the night, which is bloody amazing. Yeah, we had a right good party, a good ball, good sing along and it was great to see so many happy, happy faces. And of course, Newcastle kicked off at half five. When we were just Starting and Newcastle won. So I think that gave everyone a bit of a. A buzz in the room as well. So. Yeah, we had a great night. Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. What a weekend. I don't know whether you saw that Anthony Gordon wasn't necessarily that happy with.

[Alan Shearer]

Good.

[Gary Lineker]

Some comment.

[Micah Richards]

I love it.

[Gary Lineker]

I think he just wanted to clear things up.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, that's fine. You always get the. You always get the chance, the right to reply as a player. And I wouldn't change anything. I said the other night against Barcelona wouldn't have kept me out an illness for. For a game. And I know he said it was a manager's.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, his point was he was really wanted to play and was disappointed he didn't. So he said it was not his decision. I mean, he was ready to go, so that was that. I think that was just his point.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, I get that. I totally understand.

[Gary Lineker]

So who was there last night, Alan?

[Micah Richards]

We had Ian Wright came up, right? Yeah. Played golf with him yesterday morning. Took him up the course to. To play golf. Me, Tom and Tom's pal Dan. So we had a good game of golf in the morning and then we. We had a good drink and a good party in the. In the late afternoon stroke, evening stroke, early hours of the morning. So.

[Gary Lineker]

So you started early and went late?

[Micah Richards]

Oh, yeah, I started. We started after golf and had a couple of pints of Guinness and then I haven't got a clue what time we ended

[Gary Lineker]

and what's. What's happening today.

[Micah Richards]

We're all. We're all out again. So we have Carry It Carry it on. It's just a. A full weekend of party and I. I can't wait for tomorrow morning when. When everyone's gone and I'm back to normal.

[Gary Lineker]

I've got to tell you, you get to an age now you're not far behind me where you just need to. You might need to slow down a bit.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, you're absolutely right. Y. In my 20s and my 30s, maybe even in my 40s, it wouldn't have been a problem to go all weekend, but in my 50s, I'm struggling.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. And tell us where the 200 grand goes because it's, you know, it's for your found it your Alan Shearer Foundation.

[Micah Richards]

Well, because we give everything away for free. So whether it's a hydrotherapy pool, whether it's the sensory rooms, the music rooms or anything, we give. We. If you have a. A child with a disability, we give it all away for free. And we. What we announced last night is, I mean we. We started this 20 years ago. And my testimonial you with what started with one game 20 years on is now like a crazy obsession, I think. So we, we started with like a hundred, over just over 100 members some 20 years ago and we've got over 10,000 members now which, which is just incredible. So we have a, we have a huge hydrotherapy pool which is a huge help to people with a disability and it's the biggest and best that they want, that they demand, that they use all the time, but it's just not enough. We need. So I said two or three months ago, well, let's build another one. So we announced last night that we're going to have a target of trying to raise a million pound this year.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, that's brilliant. I don't think people realize either how, how much organizing these sort of events. There's a lot going on.

[Micah Richards]

Oh it is actually to, to go again for next year. The planning starts tomorrow, you know, so. Yeah, already trying to secure another music act for next year and it does, it's, it's, it is incredibly hard. And we have a guy, Matt Bowmaker who takes care of, of lots of that and he's a huge help to us all and does a great job. And the response I've got on my phone this morning when my blurry eye when I wake up that we all had a great night and we've raised an incredible amount of money. So that's our target is to raise a million qu 12 months to build another hydrotherapy pool.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, good luck with that, Alan. Thank you and thanks for popping on. And I think you thoroughly excused this weekend of not really watching any football. So I'll discuss that with Micah. It'll be pretty much a bit of renewable energy when we come back. This episode is powered by Fuse Energy. Before 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?

[Micah Richards]

Manuel Neuer.

[Alan Shearer]

For me, you know what? I'm going to be different. I'm going to go Buffon.

[Gary Lineker]

You're going to go Buffon. Well Micah, that was not correct. The answer was one Manuel Neuer. Alain, well played. 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 or 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] and look what else Fuse Energy can do. It can replace Alan Shearer with Micah Richards and it can make my camera work, which it wasn't doing this morning. How are you, Big Meeks?

[Alan Shearer]

I'm all good. I mean, from Alan to Micah Richards are younger, fresher, more mobile. Yes, fantastic.

[Gary Lineker]

To be honest, you look like you're in a Match of the Day dressing room.

[Alan Shearer]

Yes, I'm doing Match of the Day tonight.

[Gary Lineker]

Who with?

[Alan Shearer]

Four games with Choppers and Rooney.

[Gary Lineker]

Oh, lovely. How's Wayne? In good form?

[Alan Shearer]

Yes, very good form, yeah, as usual.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, the first bike delivered by UberEats. Well, it's got to be Arsenal, hasn't it? It was amazing, actually. I mean, the game obviously wasn't brilliant for most of it. Like a lot of games we're seeing at the moment a little bit dour. And then a young man called Max Downman came on, as you, and I'm sure you saw. I mean, wow, wow. I think it was one of. I think I was saying at the time, a lot of people were saying as well. It was one of those where you could say, I was there. It was almost his Rooney moment. Speaking of Wayne, I mean, we've known about him for some time, his reputation's been good. We've seen him come on, we saw him in the cup, didn't we, a week or two ago. Played really, really well. Probably the best player on the pitch. You know, this was a big game. Came on and made the difference. Brilliant cross for the first goal all game. I was crying out for people to actually get the ball in the box and you might actually something rather than just keep turning it over and then round again and then down the left, then back down the right. But he came on, he whipped that kind of lamina mile cross and Pickford made for him, I think, a rare error. And then, of course, that moment was very, very special. At the end, when Pickford went up for the corner, obviously it broke away. It kind of built and built and built. He had the awareness to just nod it in front and then, then he left Mike on his backside, turned away and ran it and everyone knew it was going to be a goal and everyone was already cheering before he put it in and wow, what a talent. The youngest player ever to score. Micah.

[Alan Shearer]

Wow, that's amazing. What was the atmosphere before we move on like? Because it it looked pretty tense, obviously, like you said, it was a massive game. But then when that second goal went in, it was like on, on tv, it looked like it was really loud.

[Gary Lineker]

Oh, it was incredible. Yeah. But the second one, as I said, the raw started as he broke away from Michilenko because know he wasn't going to miss from there. And it just carried on and then obviously that was right near the end. So that the spirits, when you're walking down the steps with like thousands and thousands of fans and they're all, they're all singing, you know, we're going to win the league and all this kind of thing. And I think, yeah, it was great to be there, obviously. This is former Everton, man. I thought they did really well. Everton, actually. I thought they played well and were unlucky, probably not to go in ahead at half time, hit the post. David Rare made a saver too, with

[Alan Shearer]

no Tarkovsky and no Branthwaite as well. I thought they defended so, so well. Obviously they had a game plan that stuck to it and had a couple of chances as well on that counter attack. I thought they was going to score at one point. But this story is all about Dalman. Like you said in the FA cup, he was just, you know them players and you know when someone's special, when they make decisions earlier than a normal player at that age would make and the timing of the decision. So he knows when to pass, he knows when to shoot, he knows when to cross, he knows when to dribble like he did for his goal and his footwork or the goal it looked like he sent me, I think he was going left as well. That little shimmy to the left and then the right foot to take it and then go. And obviously I'm working, like you said, working with Wayne tonight and myself, who we had success quite early in our careers and I just pray that he's allowed to develop at the right rate. He doesn't have any bad injuries because it reminded me especially the way he moved about Jack Wilsher and Jack Wilshire when he, when he burst onto the scene so early. We're thinking now this is a special, special talent. And an injuries hindered him massively. I just hope he can stay fit and get the required game time because you know what it's like. He's. He's up against Saka, he's up against potentially Odegaard, you know, Madweke.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

And Wenheri, who's had to go out on loan as well. So they've got competition in that area. But he's definitely a special player.

[Gary Lineker]

It's funny because obviously Moyes was the opposing manager and David Moyes would have been the manager when Rooney kind of launched onto the scene with that incredible goal against Arsenal for Everton. So it was like a switch. The same two teams, different kinds of goals, obviously, but both special in their own way.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, exactly that. And it's, that's why I was so glad for Wade Rooney. You know, he went on to do something really special and I think he's a little bit different because Rooney was built like a man at that age, wasn't he? He was ready to mix it, obviously. Max Dalman, he's tall, but he looks very, very slight. But to have the vision and the technical ability is just. Yeah, it's amazing to see. I'm so excited to see what he can produce in his career.

[Gary Lineker]

Now. You always slightly wary of getting ahead of yourself, but you, I think you recognize special talent when it, when it arrives. And I think he looks to me probably the most likely since Wayne Rooney to absolutely be a superstar. And funnily enough, while we're on this, I'm going to go off piece a little bit here for a different game, but Rio Ngamoa, oh my word. I mean, you have Damon on the right. The future looks bright. I mean, wow, he was incredible.

[Alan Shearer]

He was so good, wasn't he?

[Gary Lineker]

Oh, I mean, it was obviously his first start, I think, in the Premier League.

[Alan Shearer]

Correct.

[Gary Lineker]

And again, I don't want to get carried away. I'm not comparing him, but I'm saying that he's got that stop start sharpness of Mbappe, you know, I'm not saying he's Mbappe, I'm not saying because obviously he's one of the great players, but he's got enormous potential. He wasn't scared to take people on. He nearly, I mean, Poro must. He didn't know which way he was going to go. And then that clever little thread he passed through, he went very close a couple of times outside of the post. I thought it was really special. I was surprised he went off, actually.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, I thought the game changed a little bit when he went off because he was pushing spurs all the way back then the spurs stayed in the game and then got their goal. But I thought he was the player of the match by far, though. We've all been well, especially me in that position, Pedro Poro and you know when someone's got the better of you and he kept going and going and go, where's shouting? I see. Just, just Keep giving the ball to him. Let's see the battle. And then you're thinking, is he gonna go back into the mode of what we've been saying as pundits robotic and start getting it and then coming back? But he didn't. And that was the most exciting thing, where he just wanted to keep going and going and going and going with conviction. And on another day, he could have two goals, couple of assists. But I f. Overall performance for someone so young, it was. It was very good.

[Gary Lineker]

It was the two of them, diamond and Ungamar, I think the two of them are players that we've been crying out for that will beat. Players that can go past Ghost, past people, they're not. They don't want to just kind of regurgitate the ball and knock it around and they want to take chances. Now, these sort of players, on occasions, it won't happen for them and, you know, but I love that. That be brave enough and hopefully they'll continue to be encouraged to attack, to take people on and be brave enough, because that's what football fans love. That's what. It's just so exciting to see that young talent and two young English kids as well. Amazing.

[Alan Shearer]

It's amazing to see. Like you said, it's exciting. That's what we want to see. Excited football.

[Gary Lineker]

Micah, I know we jest sometimes about you bursting on the scene, but it was true. And a little bit like these young lads. I know you're a defender and it's slightly different in a way, but what are the things that you could say to them to be wary of?

[Alan Shearer]

Oh, good question, guys. I think so. When you're that age, you feel as though nothing can phase you. And I can't speak for him. I'm talking from experience, from myself, but you feel on top of the world and you feel as though you should be there. And you can sort of see the swagger in both of them, knowing the very good players. Yeah. So that's the first thing. And then it's the confidence to then go out and prove it week in, week out. So you need to be consistent. And it's. It's different for them because they're probably not going to start every week. Once I was in, I was in, so I had that constant pressure week in, week out. Although theirs is probably harder because of the teams that they're playing for. So the expectation level is going to be greater for them. So that's a couple of things from the start, and then it's just how you live your life. And I know I have the funny side and I tell the stories about all this sort of thingies but they have a chance now to be whatever they want to be.

[Gary Lineker]

Do you look back and regret slightly perhaps some of the off field decisions and.

[Alan Shearer]

Yes, but yes I do. But I don't think it would be the same for them because of the level that they're at. So when I come in was playing with Richard Dunn and Disstan and I saw that as a very good level but I thought I could get to that level because I was playing him. They're playing with the likes of Saka, you know and you know it's a different level. Who's England's right side midfielder which is someone who you can learn of and look up to and Ingamoa as he's got Gakpo and you know, if he wants to play, Wirt's out on there. So these are international players who have to do it week in, week out. But I didn't grasp the opportunity like I should have. So I had the ability playing for England at 18. But then I rested on my laurels a little bit and thought that's all I needed to do. I was going out every single week but not going out where it's a problem, but just enjoying myself. But to get to the very top now, you have to eat right, you have to train right. You have to recover right. You have to make sure and answer to your question, you have to make sure that you have the right people around you.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. Would that be your main advice?

[Alan Shearer]

100 yeah. Because you're going to have loads of people, whether that be women, whether that be friends, whether that be agents, whether what? And especially now because of social media and I didn't have social media. We've talked about it many times before papers, but when you're on social media, even my punditry career. So I started on football Focus Final Score. Within a year I was doing Match of the day with you and. But I've got that experience. Like no, don't let it go to your head. You still got to prove yourself that you can do it at this level. And I had the experience of thinking I was but not in an arrogant way but just in a. It was a confidence. But it's a little bit more than confidence thinking I'm, I'm the man and all this sort of thing. So it's more just keep your feet on the ground. And I know all the pros always used to say that. It's true though, saying something and doing something is completely different because of the way that life moves so, so quickly, you know, and that would just be for me. Make sure the people around you are around you for the right reasons. And enjoy it.

[Gary Lineker]

Enjoy it because it's. It's a wonderful career. I always say, just give yourself the best possible chance to succeed.

[Alan Shearer]

Correct.

[Gary Lineker]

And if you do that and you train really hard and you live properly, there's a lot of life to enjoy after football. Loads of time to do all that after football. So my advice is always give yourself the best chance of succeeding and you'll have no regrets.

[Alan Shearer]

Totally agree.

[Gary Lineker]

It'll be interesting to see what Arteta is. Does with him over the next few weeks, because that was a performance. I mean, whether he'll start again in the, you know, in the Champions League, I don't know, but I. You can see him featuring more and more. I think he'll probably keep him on the bench for a bit, probably then start to give him maybe half an hour, then start him, give an hour like they did with Ungermart at Liverpool. So, yeah, exciting times. I was at the ground, obviously, so I. I couldn't see. But there's been a bit of uproar. I mean, it didn't really change the result in the end, obviously, because Arsenal won. But the awfulness of decision with Kai Havertz, it should have been. It couldn't see from where I was,

[Alan Shearer]

but, oh, my God. Yeah, he stole his heel. It was as clear as day. It's a penalty. And in fairness, maybe to the referee and on the first angle, I thought Kai Haver sort of played for it because he put his leg a little bit to the left, sort of to protect himself a little bit and get his body in. But then on the reverse angle, it was clear. He stood on the back of his heel. It should have been a penalty and it didn't. It didn't matter in the end, but it's still a bad decision, especially when it's gone to Var. So I've got sipping through the referee, but Var, I've seen it. I don't know how many. And it took. It took. Honestly. I know everyone said it was like three seconds. It was about 20 seconds. I took to look at it and say, no check. Cleared it. It was weird.

[Gary Lineker]

Let's move on to the title race. Because we said last week. Well, I said, if the next swing goes Arsenal' way, then I think it's not, obviously not done, but I think they're in such a good position now. And City slipping Up again, dropping points, what is it, nine points now with one game in hand and of course they meet. So if they win the game in hand and if they beat Arsenal, which is going to be very difficult, they'll still be three points behind. It's a big ask for City now.

[Alan Shearer]

It's a massive ass. But it's not impossible.

[Gary Lineker]

It's not impossible, but it's highly unlikely.

[Alan Shearer]

I think, I think it's going to be more down to. I think City could win a lot of those games, you know, because I still think against West Ham this should have scored more of them opportunities. Let's have it right. Haaland, who was fit and firing confident would be put in some of those chances away. However, I just can't see Arsenal dropping them. But because they just seem to get over the line like you said you was at the game and you think, you know, it's going to be a draw and then something happens, a mistake from Pickford, they're back in the game, then they go get another. And I think that is a difference at the moment, Arsenal are not playing that well, but getting over the line, man, City are dominating the ball. A lot of people saying in terms of. They don't look quite. I would agree, you know, in terms of playing for the right and the pace at which they're playing. But they're still dominating the ball but they're just not finishing off the, the opportunities. Which is the difference at the moment.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, I mean, and no one will Manchester City's nerve. No, but you know what it's like because Arsenal have not won the title for quite a long time. Everyone, you know, as soon as there's a little bit of a moment, but I don't think they're showing any, you know, the signs of that, that nobody's making terrible mistakes. Defense, they're very, very strong defensively, as we know. And I think it's hard to see City winning because I think they're going to have to win every game now City realistically to, to have a chance, I think, I think that's going to be a really rigidly big ask for them. And even if they do, it might not be enough because I think Arsenal have got that, that momentum now and I know that, I know they're not free flowing and they weren't great yesterday either. It was a little bit staccato, but they win, they're getting it done. That's what you got to do. I mean, I remember Leicester in my, you know, I bring whenever I can, it's a decade ago now. But down the home straight when we all thought, we all thought they probably collapsed, but they didn't. They kept winning like 1 nil. 1 nil found away and just did it. And that's what you got to do. You just got to get it done. And I'm pretty confident that Arsenal do it. Really confident now.

[Alan Shearer]

I think the next two weeks is really pivotal. Man. City have got Real Madrid losing by what, three goals. If they go out of that, it could give him a little bit more energy for the league. But then they've got the League cup cup and they've got the FA cup and I think man City's game, they've got Chelsea away as well, which is not going to be easy. So yeah, I think the next couple of weeks will show us exactly what's going to happen in the. In the league and all in all the cups as well.

[Gary Lineker]

That was the first bite delivered by Ubereats. What's missing, do you think, with City? Is it just the fact that Haaland's not firing at the moment because they've been so reliant on him, haven't they, in the last period of 18 months or so, two years.

[Alan Shearer]

I think there's a few things. I think they're not ruthless like they used to be. I feel as though they need another midfielder in there at times. So O'Reilly does really well when he plays there. But when Rodri and I don't know if you watch the the game Rodri was was excellent on a four in the game. But when he goes forward, the missing that someone in midfield who could just protect it and vice versa. It's almost like when City goes the all go and then it's just the back four. And because teams are playing in a low block, Rodri's advancing really high when it just leaves them exposed on the counter. But not just. It's easy to say just a counter. It's the fact that teams historically have come out a little bit more. But because teams are so low and especially with someone like West Ham who are fighting for their lives, they're really low. And when Rodri is the one pushing up. It happened against Bodo glimped away in the Champions League as well. Exact same thing. They're all having to go and they just leave them exposed and I think teams are just better defensively. They know how to work it and they're finally more difficult to break teams out. Also this Harland role playing up front with another one, it was evident the other day There was crosses coming into the box, he wasn't there. Then he gets one at the edge. He's just, it's just all not free

[Gary Lineker]

flowing, you know, it's not happening for Erling at the moment. I mean it's with all strikers go through these spells, however good you are. In his first 17 Premier League games this season he scored 19 goals and had a shot conversion rate of 29%. In his last 12 games he's had 36 shots and only scored three times. A drop to just 8%. Since Christmas Haaland's got as many Premier League goals three as, as Virgil van Dijk. So you wouldn't have thought saw that coming. It's weird football, I mean it. And he'll start banging him in again sooner, absolutely no doubt about that because he is one of the great goal scorers of our time. But it is funny. I've always tried to work out what causes these runs of bad form. I mean but the one thing is definitely true that form is fickle and class is permanent, to use that cliche. And he will come back and I thought he looked, you know, at times yesterday with a couple of chances and it just a brilliant save from Herman some one of them low down as well. What will happen is that somebody will block one, it'll bounce off his backside and go in and then suddenly he'll be back and banging him in again. I'm sure.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, I have all the faith in him. He's just going through one of them spells, isn't he?

[Gary Lineker]

The important thing I always think is just to make sure that it's not you. So therefore just keep making the runs, keep making them, keep going. Eventually something will happen for you. One thing you don't want to do is shy away from, from getting in the box, getting in the six yard box. I don't think he's doing that. I think it's just one of those things at the moment. A bit of lack of form and sometimes confidence. So yeah, it's hard to get out of them. It's hard to get out of them but once you do it's. It's so weird. Can't tell you how many times I went five, six games without a goal and then you get one and then often you get a hat trick the next week. So weird. It's so weird how it works. But all in all I think it's looking pretty good for, for Arsenal now. It really is. Let's have a break and discuss the other games when we come back. This episode is Brought to you by Microsoft 365 copilot guys, where would we be without our teammates? Who's your favorite team mate?

[Micah Richards]

Mine would have to be Teddy Sheringham Gaz with England. Just one of those partnerships that worked, that clicked for you.

[Gary Lineker]

Micah Pablo Zamoletta by any chance?

[Alan Shearer]

How did I know he was gonna say say that I would have to pick Johar 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. I would probably go probably Peter Beardsley, who I had amazing partnership with with England. I think I was about a goal, a game when he played well. 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 write, analyze, create and summarize. Learn [e-mail] M365Copilot this episode is brought to you by Whoop. In the modern game, of course, there are a lot more games and that feeling of being slightly off by Monday.

[Micah Richards]

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

[Gary Lineker]

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[Alan Shearer]

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[Gary Lineker]

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[Micah Richards]

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[Gary Lineker]

If you want to understand your health better and how your daily habits impact you over time, head to join.whoop.com T R I F to get started with Whoop. My day kicks off with a refreshing Celsius energy drink, then straight to the gym, pre K pickup back home to meal prep. Time for my fire station shift. One more Celsius. Celsius. Gotta keep the lights on when the three alarm hits. I'm ready. Celsius Live Fit. Go grab a cold refreshing Celsius at your local retailer or locate [e-mail] welcome back to the Rest Is Football with Mike Richards and me, Gary Lineker. Will you be doing your analysis on Manchester United or did they leave Wayne to do that one?

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, Wayne will be doing United's analysis and it's probably gonna involve Bruno Fernandes because again, he's taking. But I also thought Casemiro did really well.

[Gary Lineker]

I was gonna say the same thing.

[Alan Shearer]

And he had a difficult spell, didn't he? And everyone was talking about his wages every week and his contribution. And he was in that two under Amarin. It didn't suit him at all.

[Gary Lineker]

Correct.

[Alan Shearer]

And now there's three of them in midfield build. Fernandez is playing in the number 10. Him and Mainu have built up a nice little relationship. They're staying in front of the back four and then going for when this time.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, you don't win numerous Champions Leagues for Real Madrid without being one hell of a player.

[Alan Shearer]

It was sort of hung out to dry a little bit.

[Gary Lineker]

Correct. Absolutely.

[Alan Shearer]

Someone who, you know, okay, physically he's got it. He can read the game, he's aggressive and he's not a bad passer as well when knee presses. But if you're leaving him exposed in the middle of the pitch where you've got runners either side of you, it was always going to be difficult, you know. So I have to give a shout out to Casemiro because I thought it was outstanding again.

[Gary Lineker]

Me too.

[Alan Shearer]

First time.

[Gary Lineker]

Me too. I think a lot of Man United fans will be wishing might change his mind and perhaps stay a little bit longer because he's obviously said publicly that this is going to be his last season. The other thing as well, how good is he at getting on the end of crosses and corners and free kicks?

[Alan Shearer]

The timing. The timing. Seven goals, honestly. But the delivery as well.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, Bruno, you don't.

[Alan Shearer]

You. You don't get there. The delivery from Bruno, I. I think he's playing some of the best football of his career. I really do. And people might say, well, yeah, he should score more goals, but I think that's 16 assists he's got now in. In the Premier League from the positions that he's running the game every time I watch him and, you know, because you've got him as you in your fantasy football captain. Me and H always have a little discussion about fantasy football, and since I've put him in, he's not let me down every single week.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, he's so good. 16 assists, as you said, he only needs four more to equal Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne in a single season, which would be very special. Word on Michael Carrick. Since his first league match back in charge, which was January 17, they've earned 22 points in nine Premier League games, which since that time would put them top of the league. Won seven, drawn one last one. Pretty. Pretty impressive considering that they were in pretty dire straits, confidence wise when he took over. As you are when you. You know, when a manager leaves.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, but it simplified the game for them. He's got better players now, obviously, the way he's using Sesco, bringing him on Kunya, Mbuemo, Fernandez, Diallo. Like they're all playing a good part now. And I think.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, because they're playing in their rightful positions.

[Alan Shearer]

That's the thing. And that's the thing. The frustrating thing with Amarin, you haven't got the players to play your way, but you continue to play that way. And then when you go back to a 4, 4, 2, 3, 1, you get a result and then you revert back to going back to three and just. I didn't understand it, but he needs a lot of credit, does Carrick, because that was a difficult job to take at that time. His reputation was on the line no matter what.

[Gary Lineker]

Definitely.

[Alan Shearer]

We've seen social go there. We've seen ex pros from Man United saying it's. It's not the right fit. Long term. I believe it is.

[Gary Lineker]

I don't understand why they say that. I mean, you can't say that until he has a good go at it. He's doing all right.

[Alan Shearer]

No, but in fairness, I think their opinion was higher. The best. So they tried that. Trophies. Yeah, they tried that. I just think he was the best available right now. Feel good factor tactically. He knows he's been at the club before, he knows the players. So it's almost like it's perfect. He might not be the manager for Man United to go win the league in future seasons, but for right now the. He might be. He's a perfect fit. And I said that from day one.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. They've moved three points ahead of Villa. Now they're comfortably in third place. Looking good for a Champions League spot. Villa looking a bit leggy. I just wonder whether all this football, and you know, European football as well, whether it's catching up with them a little bit.

[Alan Shearer]

It's more than that. We've bigged up Emre so many times. Super tactical coach knows exactly what he wants. However, I feel as though the games have played a part. Definitely they're playing a lot of football, but also they're all over the place in midfield. I've done pieces on Villa this season saying the box in midfield, the four of them don't move. You might be able to get down to the side of them, but they will never Be dominated in that midfield area. Now they're all going at the same time and not defending at the same time, leaving big gaps. And then defensively they're making, making simple errors in terms of communication, where to be, and they just look a little bit all over the place at the moment.

[Gary Lineker]

Why do you think that would start to happen when they've been so good tactically for most of the season? Why would they suddenly lose it?

[Alan Shearer]

It's a really good question that. Because I think, you know, when you're, you're the underdog and you stick to a formation and it's working, but when you start. Because let' forget two, three weeks ago, we all said Villa would be the Champions League. There was loads of points ahead. And I'm not saying you rest on your laurels, but you start doing things maybe that when you've got confidence, you go away from the basics in, in terms of what the manager wants from you. That got you there in, in the first place.

[Gary Lineker]

Let me throw one name at you, Micah. Yuri Telemans. He's been out for a while now and he is. I remember Brendan Rodgers. He was really good at Leicester for two or three seasons. Kind of tailed off in the last. Wanted to move and all that sort of stuff. But he always said he's the brain of my side. He's. He's the coach on the field. And I wonder whether they're missing that influence because he's such a lovely and clever footballer.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, I think definitely. Oh well. Both on the ball and off the ball. On the ball, he used to start the attacks. He used to play some sublime balls through to Rodgers. That's, that's not happening at the moment. But also his position off the ball was, was really good as well. Broke up play when he needed to and organized organization is, is massive. But I don't know if that's using a bit of an excuse because we've praised Villa's midfield, no matter who's been in there and they've all known the jobs, but maybe the longevity over has shown why he was the number one in, in that position.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, I think you're probably right there. It's going to be interesting to see who get the other spots for the Champions League. I mean, presuming it's five. But if all the English teams crash out of the Champions League this week, that might change. But I mean, Liverpool drop points to spurs at home. I don't think many of us envisaged that happening. Spurs rallied a bit, Villa lost, Chelsea lost. So it's really looking like obviously Arsenal and Man City very likely to be Manchester United and then probably two from three or possibly one from three. I think it'll still be five.

[Alan Shearer]

Hopefully still five.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. But you know, the others are, you know, slipping a bit. What do you make of put them in the same thing? Liverpool, Chelsea Villa we've just talked about.

[Alan Shearer]

Liverpool are inconsistent. They look very good in spells of the game. So last week in Galatasaray first 20 minutes I thought it was excellent, excellent. Pressed really high. They could have had two or three goals. Don't score, they end up losing the game. Now they've got it all to do at home at Anfield which won't be easy by the way. And then defensively I think the balance in midfield when Szobozlai doesn't play in there and he plays right back is not the same.

[Gary Lineker]

They lose something.

[Alan Shearer]

It misses that energy and it's not only what he does going forward. It's like the amount of times he works back and has that energy midfield and keeps him going. Mac Allister at the moment he's struggling off the ball, on the ball, neat, tidy. But he's getting overrun in midfield and they need. The need to look at that. They need to look at that. And he played Fringpong high and on the right and Saboszlai. But Liverpool are a better side when Szoboszlai ends in the midfield because of his energy without getting out the energy

[Gary Lineker]

is that is the interesting thing, isn't it? Because obviously I know he's a different style of coach than Klopp and it really worked last season but this season it's. It's really petered off and. And you wonder whether that's, you know, the gradual decline post Klopp. I don't know. It's probably a bit unfair but. Possibly, possibly. But they'll be buoyed by, you know, the performances of n' Gomoa coming on that gives them something. But they miles up from where they were last season. I mean it's quite baffling.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, it's. It's weird. No conviction in front of goal. Salah, come on. And I thought he did really well and then he's snatching at shots. Could have got a couple of assists. Ekitike, come on.

[Gary Lineker]

He could have nicked it in the end.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah. And I think you have to give praise to spurs with all the pressure coming into the game and Liverpool are wasteful. Can you stay in the game and then for them to go get an equalizer it was just massive. It probably wasn't deserved served if the Liverpool have took their chances. But you've got to stay in the game and that's exactly what they did.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, I think we've, you know, we've been pretty critical of spurs in recent weeks and. And rightly so. But they rallied today. They had a real good go and that's all you can actually ask for. We know they've got loads of injuries, a ridiculous amount of injuries. But those on the pitch today, I thought, you know, they had a real go and that's, you know, Richarlison got his goal. I thought he was a threat for most of the game. I know he's. He's a bit hot and cold, Richarlison. But you know, I thought it was a bit more encouraging. It's gonna be. It's gonna be tight at the bottom because they all drew, didn't they? Forest, West Ham.

[Alan Shearer]

It's so tight.

[Gary Lineker]

It's really tight. It's like, what is it? So you've got, I think, you know, Burnley and Wolves obviously pretty much no chance. West Ham 29 top and Forest 29 top. Spurs 30 points. Eight games to go, all to play for.

[Alan Shearer]

And Leeds, Leeds as well.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, they got a good point as well. Decent point. They missed a. Obviously. But they did a lot of the game with ten men, didn't they? I didn't see that.

[Alan Shearer]

They did just at half, time, wasn't it? Goodmanson got sent off for second yellow. But I, I like the way Leeds defend. I. I really do. I. I think watching them and going down to 10 men, you're thinking at palace, it's a. It's a difficult game that. Very difficult. But they rallied and they got the point. And then Daniel Farker after the game, he looked. Yeah, he looked really happy. Fully deserved in here. Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

You had Goodmanson, your team, didn't you?

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah. Minus two red card.

[Gary Lineker]

Sorry to bring that up

[Alan Shearer]

but honestly, I feel like walking out the room. I was like, why? Why?

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, I think Leeds will be all right. I think. I mean it's tight. It's going to be interesting. It's quite, you know, it's quite exciting down the bottom there, but just Chelsea. I think we didn't mention Chelsea. A defeat at home. Alan didn't even see the game. He had his. His big dude.

[Alan Shearer]

I, I didn't. I didn't see the game either because I was watching the other game. I was trying to get it on thingy but my sky wasn't working properly. So I Could only watch one game.

[Gary Lineker]

Don't you know anyone at Sky, Micah? So someone there that come and saw your bloody telly out. Oh, deary me. The race for Champions League spots and definitely the battle to avoid relegation are going to keep us occupied and plenty to talk about as we come towards the end of the season. Micah.

[Alan Shearer]

Yes. One. One last thing before you go. I think Anthony Gordon had a little popper. Wade. Rudy.

[Gary Lineker]

We mentioned it. Well, I did a little bit with Alan about his night and he said he's a part. I saw him mention Wayne but I didn't see him mention Alan as well. But saying yeah, it was about the fact that he didn't play and he was. He. I mean it was just a misunderstanding. I think he just wanted to make it clear that he really did want to play.

[Alan Shearer]

Wayne said he got it the other way around. He said it was Alan who was the one was calling him. He said if he wasn't that fit, why could he not start instead of. Come on. That's what Wayne's point was. And then he said what he thought he said. Alan actually said, I love it.

[Gary Lineker]

Al Alam just went well that's, that's. That's. That's great. I like that. He said it's fine. He said that's. That's what he said. You've always got. You've always got the right of reply in football. So come on and score a goal, you know.

[Alan Shearer]

But he used some words. What was the words he used? They have a responsibility. It's not good. He said something he did say. Yeah, I love it.

[Gary Lineker]

That's when Newcastle players turn against Newcastle's greatest. It's beautiful, isn't it?

[Alan Shearer]

Oh, it's brilliant. I want to get the quotes. We need to get the quotes of the pod.

[Gary Lineker]

We will. We'll get them. We'll wait for Alan for that one. Yeah. Yeah, we'll wait for Alan for that for the next episode. Okay, Micah. Well, have a good show tonight because we're doing this on Sunday evening and by the time this goes out we'd have seen you being your usual brilliant, energetic self alongside Waza. So have a good one. Goodbye from me.

[Alan Shearer]

Goodbye from me. Have a good week.

[Micah Richards]

Close your eyes. Exhale.

[Alan Shearer]

Feel your body relax and let go of whatever you're can carrying today. Well, I'm letting go of the worry

[Gary Lineker]

that I wouldn't get my new contacts

[Alan Shearer]

in time for this class. I got them delivered free from 1800 contacts. Oh my gosh. They're so fast. And breathe. Oh, sorry. I almost couldn't breathe when I saw the discount they gave me on my first order. Oh, sorry.

[Gary Lineker]

Namaste. Visit 1-800-contacts.com today to save on your first order, 1-800-contacts.