Thriller At Anfield: The Title Race Is Back On

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Rest Is Football

Episode: Thriller At Anfield: The Title Race Is Back On
Date: February 9, 2026
Hosts: Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards
Producer: Goalhanger

---

Episode Overview

In this episode, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards dive deep into a pulsating weekend of Premier League action, focusing on a thrilling Anfield showdown, the rejuvenated Manchester United under Michael Carrick, title race dynamics, VAR controversies, and the fortunes—good and bad—of various clubs. With their signature blend of humor, insider knowledge, and strong opinions, the trio break down the implications of the weekend’s results with lively debate and insight.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Anfield Thriller – Liverpool vs. Man City

Segment Start: 06:17

• Atmosphere and Stakes

  • Micah Richards: “You know, when you walk into a ground and you can feel it, you can sense it’s a big game. Everyone’s there early… you’re just thinking, this is a big game.” (07:02)
  • Both sides chasing crucial points: City for the title race, Liverpool for Champions League.

• VAR Controversy in Injury Time

  • Gary Lineker walks through a bizarre incident involving Cherokee, Håland, and Szoboszlai in stoppage time, with VAR intervening to disallow a City goal and give a red card.
  • Lineker: “There’s nothing I ever see that I’ve not seen before… then the last minute of injury time… two wrongs don’t make a right.” (08:09)
  • Alan Shearer: “There has to be an allowance for a bit of common sense. That’s no longer allowed.” (09:59)
  • Micah Richards: “It was the right decision, but it shouldn’t have been the right decision… let the goal stand.” (09:32)
  • Consensus: VAR got it right by the letter, but the game’s spirit suffers.

• Szoboszlai’s Stunning Free Kick

  • Gary Lineker: “Oh my god. The speed of it, and then the way it bent dramatically at the last minute—I mean, what a hit.” (10:43)
  • Shearer: “That takes so much time on the training ground… my goodness me, what a strike.” (10:58)
  • Richards notes poor wall placement contributed but gives full credit for the technique (11:49).

• City’s Title Charge Resilience

  • Shearer: “To be fair to City, though, wow, what a response… they refuse to give up. You have to give them huge credit for that.” (13:01)
  • Lineker: “For the neutrals, it keeps it alive. I still don’t think there’s any way Arsenal won’t win it.” (13:42)

---

2. Defensive Standouts and Transfers

Segment Start: 14:13

• Marc Guéhi’s Performance

  • Richards: Praises Guéhi’s reading of the game; “He reminds me of Ledley King in terms of the way he reads it… always in the right position.” (15:35)
  • Lineker: Notes Guéhi’s calmness and “a little bit John Terry” style. (16:05)

• Crystal Palace & Brighton

  • Big win for Palace; Brighton under pressure from fans due to poor form and high spending. (16:45)

• Booing of Marc Guéhi by Liverpool fans

  • Lineker: “I didn’t like the Liverpool fans booing Marc Guéhi… He’s such a lovely guy… it’s a sign of respect.” (17:05)
  • Shearer: “You don’t get booed if you’re a bad player.” (17:34)

---

3. City’s Squad Depth & The Phil Foden Dilemma

Segment Start: 18:41

• Richards: Questions why Foden, supposedly De Bruyne’s heir, wasn’t brought on when City needed a goal. (20:17)
• Lineker: “Does Pep trust him, ultimately? Does this affect whether he even makes the England squad for the World Cup?” (20:50)
• Shearer: “If he’s not playing, then he isn’t going to go [to the World Cup].” (21:06)
• Discussion on the weight of expectations on Foden and Pep’s trust issues.

---

4. Manchester United’s Revival Under Michael Carrick

Segment Start: 25:51

• Shearer: “He’s got them playing some really good football. They look really gelled, really together…” (28:41)

• Extended debate on a controversial red card and the impact of slow-motion replay on decisions.

  • Lineker: “If you watch it back in normal speed, it doesn’t look much… slow mo makes everything look horrible.” (27:58)

• Bruno Fernandes’ Record & Influence

  • Lineker: “He’s reached 200 goal involvements in 314 games… only Wayne Rooney did it quicker for United.” (29:47)
  • Shearer: “He was outstanding again, what a footballer.” (29:00)

• Kobbie Mainoo’s Emergence

  • Lineker: “If I was Kobbie Mainoo, I’d be thinking about whether I should sue [Amorim] or not… He’s taken a year out of that kid’s career… a wonderful footballer.” (30:07, jokingly)
  • Shearer: “He really must be cringing, watching the performances of Manchester United now.” (31:19)

• Lineker, Shearer: United now look like a genuine team, crediting Carrick’s calmness, tactical tweaks, and man management.

• Talk of “managerial bounce” but hosts sense genuine longer-term change.

---

5. Spurs, Relegation Scrap & Other Premier League Talking Points

Segment Start: 34:29

• Shearer: “Spurs could drop into the relegation area. Everyone gets injuries, you have to handle that.” (35:02)
• Lineker: Bottom two (“Wolves and Burnley”) seem gone; third spot up for grabs.
• Shearer: Praises West Ham’s revival, Nuno’s steadying job at Forest, pressure at Palace, Leeds’ home form likely their salvation.

---

6. Arsenal’s Strength, Squad Depth, and Title Credentials

Segment Start: 37:14

• Lineker: “I can’t envisage a scenario where Arsenal don’t win it. They’ve got such a big squad… they can cope with injuries.” (37:44)
• Shearer: “Even after to… they weren’t brilliant, but they won comfortably in the end…” (38:51)
• Debate on squad depth:
  • Lineker: “Do you think they’ve got the best squad in possibly European football?” (39:12)
  • Shearer: “The strength is incredible this season… defense is solid… they’re very, very strong.” (39:53)

---

7. England Player Debates & Rising Talents

Segment Start: 41:16

• Lineker/Shearer: With Palmer, Saka, Bowen, Rogers, Foden, and Bellingham, England face “tough decisions.”
  • Shearer: “I think Saka probably gives you a bit more defensively… but Palmer’s emergence is a real positive.” (42:03)
• Injuries to Bellingham and others could affect the national team selection.

---

8. Brentford’s Rise & Newcastle’s Troubles

Segment Start: 47:17

• Lineker: “Eddie Howe’s been the most successful manager you’ve had… to turn on him would be ludicrous. Be careful what you wish for.” (47:36)

• Shearer: “Eddie gave me my best day as a Newcastle fan… you have to look at the bigger picture.” (48:07)

  • Newcastle’s recruitment, especially post-sporting director, comes under fire. Poor summer window puts pressure on squad and manager.
  • Missed transfer targets: “They went in for Bumo, Dap, Ekitike, Sheshko, didn’t get any…”

• Shearer: “You’ve paid £125 million for two centre forwards and you’re saying they look better without them, and there lies the problem.” (51:53)

• Alan: Stresses the need for the club and fans to stick with Howe.

• Contrast with Brentford:

  • Shearer: “Brentford… absolutely outstanding, and what a job Keith Andrews is doing… their energy and aggression, they’ve got players who can hurt you.” (53:26–54:47)
  • Lineker: Notes Brentford’s Thiago just three goals behind Haaland in the Golden Boot race. (54:04)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “There has to be an allowance for a bit of common sense. That’s no longer allowed.”
  – Alan Shearer, on VAR decisions (09:59)

• “He’s taken a year out of that kid’s career!”
  – Gary Lineker, jokingly about Kobbie Mainoo and Reuben Amorim (30:07)

• “Eddie Howe has been the most successful manager you’ve had in Premier League history… to turn on him would be ludicrous.”
  – Gary Lineker on Newcastle fans’ unrest (47:36)

• “You don’t get booed if you’re a bad player.”
  – Alan Shearer, on the treatment of Marc Guéhi at Anfield (17:34)

• “You’ve paid £125 million for two centre forwards and you’re saying they look better without them, and there lies the problem.”
  – Alan Shearer, on Newcastle’s recruitment issues (51:53)

• “Be careful what you wish for.”
  – Gary Lineker, warning about changing managers (48:00)

---

Segment Timestamps

• 06:17 – Start of football discussion: Anfield atmosphere
• 08:09 – VAR controversy explained
• 10:43 – Szoboszlai’s free kick reactions
• 13:01 – City’s comeback and title implications
• 14:13 – Marc Guéhi’s standout performance
• 16:45 – Crystal Palace/Brighton form and fan unrest
• 18:41 – Phil Foden left out, City’s depth and issues
• 25:51 – Man United’s revival under Carrick, Bruno & Mainoo
• 34:29 – Spurs’ struggles, relegation battles
• 37:14 – Arsenal’s squad depth and title charge
• 41:16 – England player dilemmas
• 47:17 – Newcastle’s form, recruitment critique, Brentford’s rise

---

Tone & Style

The hosts maintain their trademark banter, occasionally ribbing each other (“Come to the bald side!”), and inject humor even into serious topics. Their commentary is balanced by deep knowledge and insider perspective, with each host drawing on his own experience as a top Premier League player.

---

Final Thoughts

A compelling listen for any football fan: the episode combines tactical breakdowns (VAR, squad depth, recruitment), praise and critique of managers and players, and plenty of spirited debate. The chemistry between Lineker, Shearer, and Richards lifts the episode beyond mere analysis, providing both nostalgia and immediate insight.

---

For more information and episodes, visit: Goalhanger Podcasts

Transcript

[Dominic Sambrook]

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.

[Gary Lineker]

On Carvana.

[Dominic Sambrook]

Delivery fees may apply.

[Gary Lineker]

Ready to relax in your dream bath retreat without the stress of figuring out every detail yourself? At the Home Depot, your bath upgrade is covered shop fully designed rooms and curated bath collections to go from inspiration to transformation. Fast savings of up to 40% will make it easier on your budget.

[Alan Shearer]

And find everything you need, from tubs.

[Gary Lineker]

To toilets and all the tile in between to bring your vision to life. The Home Depot dream baths built here.

[Micah Richards]

Oh, it's back on.

[Gary Lineker]

You can't say it's back on.

[Micah Richards]

It's back on. It's back on.

[Alan Shearer]

Gaz, can you imagine if City lose a league by a goal difference on one goal?

[Micah Richards]

Man. City need a goal and they're not bringing him on. But Phil Foden was supposed to be the Kevin de Bruyne replacement.

[Gary Lineker]

If I was Kobbie Mainoo, I'd be thinking about whether I should sue him or not. I think to turn on Eddie and want him out would be ludicrous.

[Alan Shearer]

This summer, Newcastle's recruitment hasn't worked. You spent an absolute fortune. You've paid 125 million for two center forwards and you're saying they look better without them? I am.

[Gary Lineker]

Hello and welcome to the Rest Is Football with Alan Shearer at home, Mike Richards in the back of a car after long day's work, watching football, as he likes to call it, work. And me, Gary, at home. And. Well, before we start, I think we'll welcome you. Looking very smart in the back of that car. You look good on. You look very good on telly today.

[Alan Shearer]

Thank you.

[Gary Lineker]

Very good.

[Alan Shearer]

I thought, million dollars, million dollars, big me.

[Gary Lineker]

Before we get on to football, I think the country needs to know, Alan, what happened in the rest of your golf week?

[Alan Shearer]

Oh, guys. So Tuesday was the first day.

[Gary Lineker]

Going well.

[Alan Shearer]

Going really well. We sat in a really good position, third or fourth. Only two. Two shots. Two points off the lead with two days to go, Wednesday and Thursday. So we were really sensible Tuesday night, waiting to get up Wednesday morning to go again, and then it was cancelled because of the rain and the wind. So, you know, what, what do you do when the golf's Cancelled.

[Gary Lineker]

We head to the pub, get on the lash.

[Alan Shearer]

Well, what else can you do?

[Gary Lineker]

So we have conversations.

[Alan Shearer]

Well, we did. We went to the pub and had conversations. So we went to the pub and then we stayed in the pub and then we stayed in the pub a bit longer and then we watched the Newcastle Newcastle game. Yeah, we just. Oh, we just had too much alcohol and it just put us off our game on the Thursday.

[Gary Lineker]

What did I tell you this time last week?

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, I know you've got to be.

[Gary Lineker]

More professional when we all do it on these golf trips.

[Alan Shearer]

So then instead of blame your professional anyway, didn't you? Instead of blaming. Instead of blaming Peter this time, our professional who shot level par decent. Slightly disappointing actually because he was two under with four to play on the first day. He then after a day on the drink.

[Gary Lineker]

And I bet you took him out though. I bet you insisted he came along.

[Alan Shearer]

He came along. He had to come along with us. Yeah, absolutely. So from going from level par on the Tuesday, albeit in tough conditions on the Thursday, shot 10 over. Oh, God. So, yeah, we blew our chance.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. Oh, well, not to worry, Mikey. You were. You were in the studio. You're also on the pitch beforehand with. With Daniel. Storage. That was a nice little bit you did together there.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, I didn't like that.

[Gary Lineker]

How did it go down?

[Micah Richards]

Because I thought, you know, there's four of us in the studio, go down pitch side, get a little bit of reaction. Atmosphere from down under. I really enjoyed it. I really enjoyed it.

[Gary Lineker]

I think storage is very good, I have to say. I think he's come on quickly. I think he talks intelligently, he understands the game.

[Alan Shearer]

Very good.

[Gary Lineker]

Very impressed.

[Alan Shearer]

That was a good part on the pitch, I thought. Really good.

[Micah Richards]

Anything to do with strikers and knowing the game. I just think he's brilliant. Like yourselves when you talk about detail. And that's why I asked you guys so many questions because we've all played striker. We all think we can play striker but not play striker at that level. And it's them little differences that make the. The big differences. Actually someone like me who's listening to.

[Alan Shearer]

You.

[Micah Richards]

The subtle differences, they subtle ones. They're not big differences. I mean.

[Gary Lineker]

Why don't more people do it? Why don't more people do it? I tell you what, we've got lots to discuss. This episode is powered by Fuse Energy. Winter is all about energy. Switching on Christmas lights, warming your home for a cozy night in. Keeping the TV on for all the festive fixtures.

[Alan Shearer]

And Fuse keeps things simple, thanks to their fixed rates cheap tariffs and 247 support.

[Gary Lineker]

Better yet, Alan Fuse is the fastest growing energy company in the uk and you can play a part in building the infrastructure for clean, affordable energy by referring land to Fuse for renewables development. Not only will you claim your place on the starting lineup of the clean energy revolution, you can earn a 2,000 pound reward by referring 20 acres or more of land to Fuse for solar projects.

[Alan Shearer]

They're building a system that proves renewable power can be affordable, scalable in practice and accessible to everyone, not just an idea on a tactics board.

[Gary Lineker]

For more information about land referrals and energy powering the full festive fixture list, head to landfuseenergy.com let's talk about the first bike delivered by Uber Eats and well, chaps, what a match at Anfield.

[Alan Shearer]

Well, you were there, Micah. You sampled the atmosphere. Came across great on the, on the television and yeah, it was for the, for the neutral. I just thought there was so many things to talk about and a brilliant game of. Game of football, particularly the second half.

[Gary Lineker]

Second half was fabulous. Micah, what's it like being there?

[Micah Richards]

You know, when you walk into a ground and you can feel it, you can sense it that it's a big game. Everyone's there, getting there early, everyone's on the pitch. Like there's this. I won't say there's a nervousness, but it's just everyone was really focused on what they had to do and you got all the cameras on the side and when we went pitch side, you're just thinking this is a big game that not in terms of maybe Liverpool and Man City of old where they're going for the title. But it was massive in terms of Man City, what, you know, staying in the. The challenge for the league. And then obviously Liverpool were trying to get into the Champions League so you could just feel it from earlier on. It was amazing. Absolutely amazing.

[Gary Lineker]

I thought it was absolutely fabulous second half. I mean it had things. All right, we'll start, we'll start with that actually after the game has already settled in many ways because I've watched football for far too long. Far too long. I've seen thousands and thousands and thousands of matches and there's nothing I ever see that I've not seen before. Almost nothing. And then the last, the last minute of. The last minute of injury time and they go through and Cherokee hits it towards the goal and Harlan breezes past Sublai like he's not moving. And Sabojlai apparently is the second quickest player at Liverpool after Frimpong since records began. And I mean, he pulled him back and then obviously he went through and then he pulled Sabojlai back before he could clear off the line. And everyone's going, go. I'm going to say this, I'll blow my own trumpet a little bit. But immediately I went right, be a red carp Shabaj. Like they'll disallow the goal and it'd be a free kick to Manchester City outside the box, even though I'd not ever seen it before. But you had to work it out, because two wrongs don't make a right. The truth is, without var, the referee gave it. Without Var, it would have been a goal. It wouldn't have made any difference. It'd been 3. 1. So Bojalai wouldn't have got a red card and everyone would have actually settled for that. It would have been fine. But because we have this Var thing now and they have to look at everything in minuti detail. And it was the right decision in the end. I said. We said. We were saying on the group chat, he has to go because. But without Var, it would. We wouldn't have had that. Yeah, it was a shame, but it didn't really make any difference. The only difference it ultimately makes is that Harlem would probably have had one more goal because he'd have caught that and I had him as captain. And I think you did Micah as well.

[Micah Richards]

Correct.

[Gary Lineker]

I'm sure you did. I hear you did. I'm reliably informed. So nothing would have changed. Except the fact that Sabojalai misses a game.

[Alan Shearer]

Oh. Unless Man City lose the title by one goal.

[Gary Lineker]

Good point, Al. That's. Yeah. Gone. Goal difference. Yes.

[Micah Richards]

If you got a feel for the game, which we all have, we all knew it was the right decision, but it shouldn't have been the right decision. Let the goal. On the. On the other hand, though, we can't criticize. Not you guys, but as a fun a fan base, we can't criticize refs for doing their job, because if they didn't do their job, then they would get criticized.

[Gary Lineker]

No, I totally agree. I totally agree.

[Alan Shearer]

There also has to be an allowance at certain times for a little bit of common sense that's no longer allowed.

[Gary Lineker]

Common sense. That is not in any guidelines I've read.

[Alan Shearer]

No, it's not in any guidelines. But it's like, come on, guys, just read the room, read the stadium. Read what? Yes, it's the right decision. Yes, it's the law. But yeah, it's like the handball. Look, it's like Come on.

[Gary Lineker]

It's just a nonsense.

[Alan Shearer]

Everything.

[Gary Lineker]

Everything is written down now.

[Alan Shearer]

It is. It's just a nonsense. That's what it is. And, yeah, can you imagine if City lose a league by goal difference in one goal?

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, absolutely. But anyway, quick word on, because the Sebastian I free kick. Oh, my God.

[Alan Shearer]

Wow.

[Micah Richards]

Wow.

[Gary Lineker]

They're like the speed of it and then like the way it just bent Dramat at the last minute. I mean, what a hit. And he's obviously not the first time he's done it. I mean, he's a pure striker of a footballer.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, that just doesn't. Just doesn't happen. That takes. That takes so much time on the training ground to do that type of thing. And he's obviously brilliant at it and spends a lot of time practicing, but my goodness me, what a strike. Incredible goal. Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

No, but the thing is, with that, watching it live, guys, was madness. So when he's stepping up, we think we can hit him. Him from. From them. Yes.

[Gary Lineker]

Was it the right end of the picture of the studio, Same bit or the other end?

[Micah Richards]

No, it was the other end. So you behind it.

[Gary Lineker]

Because that studio is right in the corner, Anfield, isn't it? It's a. It's like a bit small. You all looked a bit crushed up, like in four. Four sardines in a tin. But at least that studio has got its own loo around the corner, which I always thought was vital in my latter stages when I need the lure lock my age.

[Micah Richards]

It's brilliant. The hospitality was fantastic, but watching the free kick from behind it and seeing it dip and swerve and everything, the technique was just amazing. However, from a defender's point of view, you've got to have four in a wall. You've got.

[Gary Lineker]

Why I was thinking the same, especially as, you know, he can do that.

[Micah Richards]

Exactly. You've got to stop it from going there. If someone was in a wall, he would have blocked it. But let's not take anything away from the strike because it was phenomenal.

[Gary Lineker]

I wouldn't want to block that, would you?

[Micah Richards]

I wouldn't want.

[Alan Shearer]

Plug that.

[Gary Lineker]

Take your head off.

[Alan Shearer]

Sometimes you just got to say, well done. Well done. What an amazing goal. What a great strike.

[Gary Lineker]

Really important in terms of City's chances in the title race. It keeps the lead that it was prior to the weekend and I think we all thought it could be a pivotal weekend because that's a tough place to go. Anfield, their record's not great there. They've only won once there under Pep previously. So it Was. It was a big ask. And then they go a goal down. You have to say, you have to say we've not necessarily seen it from City in the last few, like, year and a half or so. They've coming back from behind in adversity and it was, it was a good little comeback.

[Alan Shearer]

Well, I, I was saying, wasn't I, on our chat saying, yeah, they've played that well, but they, they needed to score in that first half period, because I thought they're gonna, they're gonna regret this. And then when, when he pops up with the brilliance of the free kick as we've just spoken about, you thinking, yeah, that's it. To be fair to City, though, wow, what a response. I mean, they were done. The League was done at that time, but they refuse to give up. And you have to give them huge credit for that. And the way that they've. They've come back and you can imagine, Michael, a Tetta side home. Can't you think what a great result this is. Even. Even a draw. You think, yeah, you'll take that.

[Gary Lineker]

But they never admit it. But they do.

[Alan Shearer]

Of course you do. But then, yeah, it was like the brilliant response, I think, for the neutrals.

[Gary Lineker]

For the neutrals. It keeps it alive. I still don't think there's any way that Arsenal won't win it personally. But, but, but six points is a lead that I had with Everton when we with Liverpool back in 1986 and we conspired not to. Not to win the title, mainly down to losing key players to injury. So. But it can happen. That sort of thing can happen.

[Alan Shearer]

You didn't have a squad like Arsenal's or did you?

[Gary Lineker]

And a squad of 16. That was it. Yeah. Totally different game back then, of course.

[Micah Richards]

Can we talk about a few players, though?

[Gary Lineker]

Yes, please.

[Micah Richards]

Because, I mean, Mark Gay.

[Alan Shearer]

Wow.

[Gary Lineker]

I was just gonna ask you, Michael, I wanted a defender's opinion of him because he was so good, particularly in the first half.

[Micah Richards]

I mean, he reads the game so well. He's good in the air, he's good on the ball. Like you're looking at a center half. And no disrespect to Crystal palace, you know, fantastic club, but it's a step up, isn't it? Can you do it consistently for Manchester City? And he just is coming to that squad. I look like he's been there for two or three years.

[Gary Lineker]

It's the same. Walked into the England team, though, wasn't it?

[Micah Richards]

Correct. But in the England team, I, I think it's a little bit Easier because it's a more defensive game. So the way Man City play, you're liable to a counterattack. Can you deal with that? And he deals with everything brilliantly. The only one blemish is probably when he pulls back. Salah, he was very lucky. This thing that Man City trying to do, where to keep the high line. On another day he could have got a red card.

[Gary Lineker]

But even then, though, Micah, he did work out very quickly, I think. I mean, if. If it had in the middle of the goal, he'd done that and he'd have got a red card. It might cost him the game. But I think he's evaluated it. He's let go just before he goes into the area and he's recognized probably immediately that he's in a wide enough position for it not to be a clear goal scoring opportunity.

[Micah Richards]

I think that's fair. I didn't know he was this good. I know he's playing with better players now, but it's his reading of the game. He's rarely in a bad position. He reminds me of a ledger king in terms of the way he reads it. And yeah, he's probably a bit faster. Ledley's knees weren't great, but he's just always in the right position. And watching him live in a big game like that against a top striker in Ekitike and how well he's been performing this season, I just thought it.

[Gary Lineker]

Was, yeah, a class above, different personality because he's quite inward, isn't he? And quite shy. But in terms of the way he plays a little bit. John Terry.

[Micah Richards]

Yes, it's a great shout.

[Alan Shearer]

We can ping it around both feet as well.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, both. He can play. He's really comfortable on the ball. He's strong, he's powerful, he's aggressive. He got a few goals at Crystal palace and a quick shout to Crystal Palace. Big win for them, Big win for the way things are going. And Stan Larson had a chance at the end but he missed and would have. Would have set them off better but wanted to mention them. So that was important. And pressure probably on Brighton a little bit now on the manager.

[Alan Shearer]

Well, they're in such a bad run of form and they spent a lot of money, haven't they? They. And because of what they've achieved before, where they've finished then I don't see it. Been a happy place down there. You can hear the booze when they're coming off. I know it's a big game against one of the. Well, their rival, but yeah, it doesn't it doesn't seem all as well down there.

[Gary Lineker]

No. While we're on the subject of booing, I didn't like the Liverpool fans booing Mark Gay every time he got the football now he wanted to go to Liverpool. He had this shirt on. He had a picture taken. It wasn't his decision. Crystal palace pulled him back and then he's come to the January window and City have gone in for him and they've done the deal with Palace. I mean come on guys, whoever's booing, I mean really such a lovely guy as well. I mean sign of respect.

[Alan Shearer]

You don't get booed if you're a bad player.

[Gary Lineker]

Well there is that. They care about you. You're obviously going to be good if they're booing. I thought, you know, I'd say it light heartedly but I thought hang on a minute. What's he done here? Yeah, he was desperate to go to Liverpool, wasn't he? In the summer. But such are football fans. Their behavior is. The title race is. It's. It's bubbling along now again.

[Micah Richards]

Oh, it's back on.

[Gary Lineker]

You can't say it's back on.

[Micah Richards]

It's back on. It's back on Gaz.

[Gary Lineker]

It's exactly where it was on Friday.

[Micah Richards]

No, no, no, man. City have won at Anfield. What is it, three times or something in their history. The last time they beat them was in Covid. Something's happening. I told you. Guys against spurs in the first half are excellent. Against Newcastle, early doors, Mamouche and Semenya, wide strikers, the combinations of B. The only thing that wasn't doing is putting the ball in the back of the onion bag. And Haaland did that today. He didn't have a great game. Big moments. He got his assist for Bernardo and then he gets his penalty. That pressure moment, I was delighted for him.

[Gary Lineker]

Even Pep though after the game, Micah, even Pep after the game said said we're not consistency enough in a game. He said we're doing it for spells at the moment. He said it's young and this might take a little bit more time. So I think he recognizes it himself that they're not quite. I mean you look at them now, I mean the one player I think that's such a glaring miss for them is Kevin De Bruyne. The service that he to provide you strikes and stuff is almost impossible to replace.

[Alan Shearer]

You're not going to ever replace him. He's one of the best we've ever seen and I know they've spent a fortune on other Players in that. In positions, but you're never getting someone like him again. He's a one off. He was amazing what he did, but I wouldn't feel too sorry for them with the players they've got, though.

[Gary Lineker]

Exactly. And. And unusually, I thought. I mean, it wasn't Alison's best day. He got himself caught in a couple of positions. He gave the penalty away. Donna Rummer was bike. In contrast with that save. I mean, from the deflection there from McAllister. Oh, my goodness me, that was huge.

[Alan Shearer]

It was a brilliant save. But you're right about Alison because he got. If when Mach went through as well, he got caught, didn't he?

[Gary Lineker]

Just. He could have.

[Alan Shearer]

He could have got. We should. He could have got a red, got him a red card.

[Micah Richards]

Allison.

[Alan Shearer]

If he hadn't wanted it more, I guess then. Then Allison would have seen red because he. He just needed a touch there and he would have been wiped out. And so there was. There was that and of course the penalty, which. Oh, I don't know why, what he's even doing, even thinking about coming out and doing what he did there. He's. It's. Yeah, just a crazy decision.

[Micah Richards]

While we're talking about good performances. Donna Roma, I thought it was excellent. I thought Bernardo Silva was. But is the Phil Foden question man. City need a goal and they're not bringing him on. You know, that is something that I've not seen for years and I can't believe it. And I know Semenio's playing well, Bernardo Silva's playing well. Mamouche did really well against Newcastle, got his two goals. But Phil Foden was supposed to be the Kevin de Bruyne replacement.

[Gary Lineker]

And he had a great spell, didn't he, before Christmas flying. And now he seems to have gone out of favor again with Pep. Does Pep trust him, ultimately? Does this affect. Well, it can affect whether he even makes the England squad for the World Cup.

[Alan Shearer]

Absolutely. It affects it. Yeah. Because if he's not playing, then he isn't going to go.

[Gary Lineker]

Especially considering there are so many players in that position.

[Alan Shearer]

Exactly. Yeah. Yeah, yeah. It's really strange, isn't it? Because you're right, it's had such a good time before Christmas, I think it was.

[Gary Lineker]

We were all saying, it's the real Phil Foden, he's back now. We have to be careful on these things. Because he intimated, didn't he, in a conversation, in an interview, that he'd had issues, personal issues of some sort the season before, which could explain things Certainly. So we have to be careful because who knows what's going on in the background? You never know with footballers. There could be something. I have no idea. I've got no inside information whatsoever. But I'd love to see him back playing like he was just before Christmas again.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, it's sad to see because we know what he can do and I'm his biggest fan, like I was with Jack Grealish and he can be the difference and when you see what he's done and how many premier leagues and whatnot on any one player of the year a couple of seasons ago, you want him to be that guy. But because of so much competition at Man City, it's very difficult and I feel like his performances, I want to say scrutinized more, but we expect so much from him. And then when he's not delivering, he's sort of the one that sacrifice. Which is sad to see.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, it is. Let's hope he can revitalize himself. It's a long season, plenty of time. That was the first bite delivered by Ubereats. And we'll take a break now, actually. And we'll let you go, Micah, because you're in the back of a car and you've had a long, hard day and we don't want to. We don't want to tie you out too much and Alan's had a week off playing golf anyway. And then we'll come back with the second half when we discuss Saturday's games. But we've already recorded that this morning, so that sounds a little bit odd, but hopefully not odd for you listening. So we'll be back in a minute. I know what we said. It's really good. You stick with us and we're going to discuss Manchester United. Are they back? This episode is brought to you by Hotels.com make your next trip work for you. Hotels.com just rolled out a game changing feature called Save your Way and it's as simple as it sounds. When you book a trip as a Hotels.com member, you decide how to use use your savings. Choose to take the instant savings now or bank the savings as rewards for later. It's your call. Envision converting discounts on this week's stay into rewards for a luxurious beach getaway next year. No complicated math, no blackout dates, just you choosing how to make your travels work harder for you. [e-mail] Save Your Way is available to loyalty members in the US and UK on hotels with member prices. Other terms apply. See site for details. This episode is brought to you by Octa. You hear a lot about AI agents now. They're everywhere, quietly running things, making decisions, speeding work up across organizations.

[Alan Shearer]

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

[Gary Lineker]

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

[Alan Shearer]

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

[Gary Lineker]

That's the bit Octave focuses on. They secure the identity of AI agents themselves. So there's one clear layer of control and one consistent standard of trust across the whole system.

[Alan Shearer]

Which means every agent has a clear identity, clear permissions and a clear line of accountability.

[Gary Lineker]

Developers can move faster, IT and security teams stay in control and risk becomes something you actually manage not guess at. Secure every agent, secure any agent. Okta secures AI. Welcome back to the rest Is football just Alan Sheeran, me, Gary Lineker, we're going to discuss Saturday's games. Alan, you doing much of the day? So you got that lovely privileged position. It's the one thing I probably miss actually about not doing much of the day is that sitting down and watching the three o' clock games. I think we should start with probably the resurgence of Manchester United. I mean, Carrick's come in, he's won all his games in charge. They're playing free flowing, entertaining football. And I mean, quite the contrast, isn't it?

[Alan Shearer]

He's got them playing some really good football. He's got them really well organized and they're controlling games. It helps when you have a bit of madness from the opposition when a player gets sent off for a stupid tackle. But that's not his fault or their fault. They can only do what's.

[Gary Lineker]

Can I, can I just, can I just pull you up there? Right, so. Okay, I'm gonna go against the field here and I, I understand totally why they gave it a red card. I think he was just a bit unlucky. I think it was a block tackle. No, it. I watched. Yes, I watched it live and I watched much of the day and I watched it all. The analysis, half time yesterday, at the end of the game, I never saw one single replay shown in normal speed. Speed. If you sit in north, I'll rewound it, you know, like you can do on the TV now. You just go, it's back. And three times I watched it and it was like, it's just a 50, 50 in which he's fractionally late. He's got a bit the ball and he's gone through foot really low in the ground, so clearly doesn't want to hurt him. I don't think there's any intent there. I just think slow motion, it makes everything look horrible. And also over the weekend there were two other tackles. There was one from, from Brobie Sunderland that looked worse to me, that was actually over the top. Romero didn't, definitely didn't go over the top of the ball. And there was one more in that game, the United game, it was Diallo. It was very, very similar. So I understand why they gave him a red because if you're going to see that in slow motion, it looks awful. In his defense, I don't think there was anything. I mean, you go for the ball, you go down, your foot goes in and in. If you watch it back in normal speed, it doesn't look much, but then you see in slow mo and he's hits his ankle, obviously it goes over. So I totally get why they sent him off. I'm not saying they shouldn't. But there were other tackles this weekend that were the same and I, I think we. If you go really over the top of the ball then that. Like you did in our day. No one does that anymore, thankfully. But I don't know, that's just, it's just an alternative opinion and I'm not saying the referees or the VAR got it wrong, but I just said with this bloody slow motion nonsense.

[Alan Shearer]

Well, you're absolutely entitled to say that you have your opinion, but what I would say is, is that the referee saw it in without slow motion. He saw it in full speed and he was 10 or 12 yards away and he thought it was a really dangerous tackle. I did, I thought, I thought it looked. I thought it was a nasty tackle. I know you've also got to know your players and all of those things and I think Michael Oliver got it right. I thought it was a dangerous tackle. You could see the way Casemiro's ankle buckled. I thought it was a stupid challeng. And if you make a stupid challenge like that, you're giving the referee on the day the chance to send you off and I thought it was a dangerous one. So I thought he got it right. But anyway, back to Man United.

[Gary Lineker]

Yes.

[Alan Shearer]

That's not their fault or their problem. Yeah, they're playing some really good stuff.

[Gary Lineker]

He's.

[Alan Shearer]

He's totally changed the attitude. As Michael Carrick, they. They just. I don't Know, they're just a. They look really gelled. They look really together. They scored a really good set piece from a corner, which is obviously something they've worked on. On Bruno Fernandez. Clearly loving playing for Carrick. He was outstanding. Again, what a footballer.

[Gary Lineker]

Isn't it brilliant? I mean, I loved his finish, you know, clever, because what he did, they knew the ball was going to bounce up. So he thought, right, I've got to get my knee over the ball and just let it hit me wherever it hits me on this, whatever part of the shin. And he definitely meant that. I think he said in the interview on Match of the Day after the game that he did, he did mention it and that was absolutely pure football intelligence. I mean, we talked, didn't we, a bit prematurely about contenders for player of the season earlier a couple of podcasts ago. I mean, he's playing wonderfully well. It's a great start here, actually. He's reached 200 goal involvements in 314 games now for Manchester United, only Wayne Rooney has done it in fewer games. 295 games.

[Alan Shearer]

How embarrassing does it look for Reuben Amaram at the it.

[Gary Lineker]

I was thinking the same thing. Do you know what? You know, if I was Kobby Mainu and I. I say this in jest, I'd be thinking about whether I should sue him or not. I mean, he's taken a year out of that kid's career. This kid is a wonderful footballer. I mean, God, he makes it look so easy once the boy receives it with anyone around him and he turns, always makes the right decisions. He's graceful. I mean, I can't start laughing at your comment.

[Alan Shearer]

I would sue him.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, I tell you, I mean, come on, he's been absolutely detrimental to his career. I mean, if he doesn't make the World cup squad and I sense he probably. If he can stay fit and if he keeps playing because he's just a seriously good football. I mean, I know his brother got in a bit trouble, didn't he, for saying with a T shirt, free. Free copy. But he has absolutely got a point, his brother. I think he was.

[Alan Shearer]

I mean, there are, there are so many things. I know that, but that's not the only one. I mean, the system, Goodness me. The system that he refused to go away from and when he did, he won the game and then went reverted back to his own system and it didn't work again. But there are so many things that he must. I don't know, he must be cringing at the performances of. Of Manchester United now and the atmosphere and what Michael Carrick has done since being in there. He really must be cringing, sad if he is watching. I don't, I'm not sure, but he's. He has to be because. Oh, it.

[Gary Lineker]

Wakely gets the letter from Cobby's lawyer.

[Alan Shearer]

Oh, goodness me, there are so many.

[Gary Lineker]

I say this in jest, obviously, but, but I mean, come on.

[Alan Shearer]

I know.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, I, I, it was so, so baffling that he couldn't see how good that young man is. And I thought to myself, as something happened as he's, as, as, as he got, you know, bu station. But he's come back in. You think? No, no, he's exactly what he was before, which was actually, if you think about it, good player. England's arguably England's best player in the Euros.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, well, it's crazy. Absolutely bonkers. But yeah, he's put them in a great position, Michael has. Michael Carrick to get Champions League football, which I must admit seemed impossible, what, two months ago. Yeah. That he's done a fantastic job. He's obviously settled everything down and the noise coming out there of is. Is all positive now instead of all negative, which it was under Reuben Amaram. It really is a remarkable turnaround.

[Gary Lineker]

It is. And people will jump on and say, yeah, but it's just. Might just be a quick bounce. But I see, I don't see that. You look at them now and they look like a team. Kunya and Mbumo, really good signings, settled in really well. Lemons in goal. I think it looks like they've got a, you know, really, really promising young goalkeeper there. He brought back, obviously, Harry Maguire, who's stable, really, in both boxes and he's playing Bruno further forward. A clever little system that I think. Danny did a thing, didn't he, last night? Very good to how he's, how he's worked it. Carrick even. Everything's coming off at the moment now. There'll be tougher times to come, obviously, and I suppose they still got to answer the. I mean, you can put spurs in this bracket, but they did go down to 10 men the next three games. West Ham, Everton and Crystal palace for United. West Ham away is next and the fellas one game away from getting his haircut. You know, social media. Yeah, I mean, he does really does need it. Must be desperate.

[Alan Shearer]

He must be desperate.

[Gary Lineker]

Oh, dear.

[Alan Shearer]

If they win it, then just come to this side, mate. Or whatever your name is. I forgot your name. Come to this side, take it all off.

[Gary Lineker]

Come to the bold Side, the bold side. It is a managerial bounce and we see that. But, you know, it also brings me back to the point about United players and the criticism they got during the Amarin period, saying they don't care, that they. Players do care, they do care, but performances are affected by confidence. And you can see now they're all confident and they're all as one and they clearly believe in the way they're playing now.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. And they're all on board and there doesn't seem to be any animosity or anything. It's. You just. He's just gone in and calmed everything down and got this to a. To a system or different little tweaks that players understand and want to do and can play and relate to, to. And I guess he's just speaking their language, if you know what I mean. And something that is pretty basic, pretty simple. And he's. He's got all of those things back into the dressing room. And it's amazing what happens when. When you do that. He's doing a fantastic job.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. It's good to see, by contrast, Spurs. I mean, obviously the red card affected things quite in a big way, but also the amount of injuries they've got. I mean, it's devastating injury. Listen, they're only six points clear of West Ham. West Ham are going definitely improving, I thought. I mean, they won the battle of the Clarence blue.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

And, you know, look much improved on what before. Nuno is doing well, our Spurs. Is it conceivable that spurs could drop into that relegation area?

[Alan Shearer]

Well, where they. Where they finished last year. I mean, everyone was astonished, weren't they? Is that that spurs can't finish that. But they. Then, I mean, they haven't got any better. And as you say, the injuries obviously are hurting them, but then at some stage of the season, everyone gets injuries and you have to be able to handle that. And they should be doing a lot better because, well, they are in the Champions League. But I mean, I said it last.

[Gary Lineker]

Night, I think the bottom two done Wolves and Burnley, I think they're done for. I think even their own fans would probably accept that. And then it's probably West Ham or probably West Hamill Forest now. It'd be lovely irony for Nuno, wouldn't it, if he sent Forest down. I mean, lost his job there this season. Wow, that would be quite nice.

[Alan Shearer]

Well, yeah, I mean, when you got to look at palace as well, because they're in a dreadful run form and it all depends what happens. How does Strand Larson does he, does he hit the ground running and start scoring some goals? He has to, otherwise they're in trouble. Leeds, I think because of their home form and because of the atmosphere and everything else, then I think they might be okay. So, yeah, I, my guess is at the minute and, and, and we know how quick it changed because a month ago West Ham were gone.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, we thought the bottom three were as good as they, the bottom three. But they have rallied.

[Alan Shearer]

They've have. And I think we should point out.

[Gary Lineker]

Alan, just before we move on that we are recording this piece of the podcast before the Sunday games, even though it's the second half and we've already talked about the Sunday games and we don't know what's happened at this point. So obviously one of those games involves Palace.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, that is very true. So at the min minute. Yeah, I guess West Ham or Forest, I mean Forest are in Europe as well. So how that sort of does that hinder them or not, I don't know. But yeah, it's, it's, it's, you've got to give credit to West Ham because I thought they were, they were, they were really positive and have been really positive ever since that Wolves result. They've. Yesterday they went two up top again. It's like an old fashioned 442 it was yesterday. The way they had Somerville and Bowen on either side and pinging it into two center forwards. So yeah, they deserve their three points and I tell you what, they've made a right fist of it and all the others around them that dragged them right back into it.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. Just before we go on to one or two of the other games, I slightly go back to Manchester United, the 12 points behind Arsenal. They've got no European football this season. They've got no FA cup, they've got no Carabao Cup. Can they win every game and pip, Arsenal for the League. I've got a couple of big friends of mine that have had, I've had to bet on Man United to win the League. Why don't you just give it to charity?

[Alan Shearer]

It's only, it's only you haven't been drinking. It's only just after mid Deer recording this.

[Gary Lineker]

So yeah, I, I said you better off giving it to charity or you could, or, or you could give it to Reuben Amin to, for his, to defend his case in court. That's coming up from Copy Man. Oh goodness. Arsenal though. They, I, I, I just can't, I can't, I, I can't envisage a scenario where it Unless they. I mean, they've got such a big squad as well, so they can cope with injuries. They don't seem to have many injuries. Sackers injured at present, but not too many compared with other clubs. They're not always wonderful on the eye, but that doesn't really matter. Incredibly well organized one comfortably again. Even though I thought, you know, Sunderland made it difficult for them.

[Alan Shearer]

It was a bit of. A. Bit of quality from one of the big signings in the summer. Zuba Mendy, who. Who got that first goal.

[Gary Lineker]

Beaut goal.

[Alan Shearer]

Great strike. And Sunland did make it really difficult for them. You know, they put them under some big pressure. But I thought that yesterday when you look at. I think Saka was out, Odegaard was out. Yeah, yeah. They're bringing on Eza, Yokerez, Martinelli.

[Gary Lineker]

It's not bad, is it?

[Alan Shearer]

It's unbelievable. So absolutely their strength is. Is incredible this season. And what a position they're in. What a fantastic position. I mean, even after to. They didn't. They weren't brilliant yesterday, but they. They won comfortably in. In the end. But that has to be a good sign as well, you know, so. Water. What a position.

[Gary Lineker]

Do you think they've got the best squad in possibly European football? If you're talking about the overall squad, I mean, there will be teams with probably maybe A.

[Alan Shearer]

Maybe better 11.

[Gary Lineker]

I don't know, 11, maybe.

[Alan Shearer]

Defense is solid as well. Is that the defense on a goalkeeper? I know, yeah, they're. God.

[Gary Lineker]

He actually made a mistake yesterday. Nearly conceded the first goal. You know, when you see Rya make a mistake, you go, oh, my God. It's so rare.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah. Brobby should have scored actually should have.

[Gary Lineker]

Done better than what he did clearing it.

[Alan Shearer]

But yeah, that, that. That squad of theirs is. Is really, really strong. Who, who are out injured, who they can bring in, who they can bring off the bench. Fantastic.

[Gary Lineker]

He did also make one or two really good saves.

[Alan Shearer]

It's.

[Gary Lineker]

It's worth pointing out how many trophies can they win this season. As Micah said in the last episode, you've just got to take one cup at a time.

[Alan Shearer]

I know, but then. And when you look at their form in the Champions League. Won all eight games. They're in the final of the Carabao, flying at the top of the Premier League. I mean, gee, unbelievable. This could be their best season ever. Ever.

[Gary Lineker]

Interested. He's changing things around up. Up front at the moment. Arteta Gil Kres is sort of come out of the side. There was also a stat match. They scored in all competitions. He Scored more goals than any other Premier League player since the start of this year. Maybe he's more of an impact player coming on as well. You got Havertz, obviously, a different kind of player. Then you've got Jesus, who looks to get behind, who was marginally offside, otherwise they'd have got a penalty. Yeah, on the halfway. Shouldn't have been offside there. He should have just didn't need to do that. So they've all of a sudden from having basically no number nines that were doing anything, now they've got probably three.

[Alan Shearer]

I've.

[Gary Lineker]

Havertz is a classy act.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, he is. He's a. He's a very good footballer, isn't he? Technically excellent. So they've got some really interesting options. I think Yokerez is on eight Premier League goals now, so. And yeah, that. I did see that. Obviously saw that stat doing much of the day. So, yeah, they're very, very strong. And it's. It's looking incredibly good for Arsenal.

[Gary Lineker]

It's hard to look anywhere else at present. Cole Palmer has come back fit, starting to score. I know two of them were penalties, but it's a nice little return to form. And he was caught playing off the right mostly, wasn't he? But drifting in into those central positions. And again, if we bring up the England issue here, got Palmer or Saka? It's not a bad choice to have, is it? And then behind that, you also play on that side. Bowen sort of plays there a lot. I'd wait Wiki as well. I mean, he's got tough decisions. I mean, he's going to be leaving some seriously good players out of the squad coming in the summer. But what do you think? Palmer or Palmer or Saka? I think Saka probably gives you a.

[Alan Shearer]

Bit more defensively on that right side. I think Saka, yeah, I think that's his position. Saka, if he's fit. But that was really interesting listening to Cole, seeing. But he's. He's having to manage his. His injury in a specific way. Way.

[Dominic Sambrook]

It's.

[Alan Shearer]

I hate being in that position as a. As a player, you know. You know that you're getting through an injury, not able to train as much as you want to, and then you're just getting out into the game and then you go back to square one when it might be feeling okay because you had the 90 minutes and it's a horrible position to be in that. So the sooner the better he can get.

[Gary Lineker]

I know that injury, Alan. Funnily enough, I spent a year At Everton with that injury.

[Alan Shearer]

Really?

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, that, that exactly the same. It's niggling. I couldn't, I never trained. And that's where people used to say, oh, he never trains. He just has a bath every day. And there a reason I, I. And I was struggling but it didn't stop me playing. And you could play through it. Yeah, but it was a niggle that was there all the time and then it wasn't really until I had a break after the World cup that it sort of went away. It's a weird one because it's, it niggles you and once you get playing a little bit, you're all right and then you can do something. It stiffens up again. If it is exactly the same injury. But from when he's talked about the club have talked about it, it sounds very similar. He also said some really nice words about Liam Racino. This is his quote. Life under Liam racing is amazing. He gives us all confidence. He lets us be ourselves, play free. I'm sure when I'm back proper fit, you'll see the best of me.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, I mean he's had a. Another out the carabao, but he's had a really good start and I think the next two games maybe Leeds Burnley as well. So then it might get a bit tougher after that. But he's had a really good start. You do get the feeling that there is people just waiting for him to fail because, because of, of some of his interviews, I guess. But he can't control that.

[Gary Lineker]

I don't see why. I mean he, he talks openly and I know some people have said it's a bit David Brent at times, but they said that you could say the same thing about, about Arteta and some of the things we've seen from him in the past, but it doesn't matter that it. I think he's, he's had to come in there as a young coach and to exude confidence. Confidence, yeah. And I think it's great to see young English coaches doing really well. Michael Carrick being another one. Yeah, it's encouraging. It's been so long, isn't it really, that we've had coaches also coaches that are at big clubs. I mean it's so rare.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah. Do and say what you want. So you win games, it doesn't really matter. You shove all the words down people's throats, just win games. That's what he's there for. And at the minute I think he's had a really good start and with two really exciting or two games, you'd expect them to. To win. Win. So, yeah, it's good for him.

[Gary Lineker]

Both Carrick and Rossena have won their four games in four Premier League games I should. Should have, which is just the start you need. And, well, it's helpful. I mean, I know it might be a managerial bounce, although I saw some statistics on that the other day, that it's actually a bit of a myth that it actually pans out about the same generally. So I'm not. I'm not sure whether that was right or not, but Villa drop points again. I think that rules them out of. Of any conceivable chan. Not that we ever really thought they would, but. Yeah, you know, because Arsenal probably too strong, but, you know, they're still going well. Morgan Rogers, another goal for him. I mean, the one thing we thought about him a season or two ago, didn't we? Would he score enough goals? Would he get enough assists? But he's definitely upped his game in that. And there's a. That's another debate, isn't it? Who do you play in there? Could it be Bellingham? Could it be Rogers? Could it be Palmer? Could it be Foden?

[Alan Shearer]

Incredible talent. Yeah, he's a brilliant talent. And he is adding. He's adding something or he's adding goals to his. To his game. And there's a maturity about him, I think, and he's brilliant. I love watching him play. He's got this. I know he's got this strut, hasn't he, which I really, really like.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

But I think if for Villa, if they just get into the top four, top five, I think that would be a brilliant season for them.

[Gary Lineker]

If it all were fit and well. Who would you plan that If. If he did, if he does decide to go with a 10, which he might not, who would you.

[Alan Shearer]

I think he'll play with the players that he's already played. Yeah. I think he'll have Anderson and perhaps Rice and then. And then Rogers ahead.

[Gary Lineker]

Ahead of Bellingham. You don't think Bellingham makes it? I mean, I know he's injured at the moment, Jude.

[Alan Shearer]

He's out for a month at the minute. I think that's. That's what he'll. If it was. If it was tomorrow, I think that's what he would go with.

[Gary Lineker]

It's. It's an interesting one. I did this. That was one of the three o' clock games. I. I didn't see, but I caught a little snippet. On Match of the Day, Bournemouth looked like their Replacement for semen year old Brazilian Ryan.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah. Did really well. His first Premier League goal. Yeah, he looked really positive and confident and everything he did was going forward, you know, so, I mean, he scored a great goal. I mean, let's say what you want about Villa's defending Nicodinha. Just stood and let him run past him, didn't he? But yeah, he looks really, really promising. And their, their recruitment's been good, hasn't it? In terms of they know someone's going, they've got to get someone else in. I'm done really well, Bournemouth and doing that.

[Gary Lineker]

All right, Alan. I've saved the worst till last.

[Alan Shearer]

Thanks. I knew it was coming.

[Gary Lineker]

The best till last if you're a Brentford fan. Yeah, there's a lot of kind of unrest at St. James's part, a lot of booing. Eddie Howe seems to be under pressure and I, I. Before you offer your opinion, Alan, I'm going to get it in a minute. I want to put my two pennies worth.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

Eddie Howe has been the most successful manager that you've had in Premier League history.

[Alan Shearer]

Yep.

[Gary Lineker]

He's won you a competition. There was a bit of turmoil in the summer obviously and. And the recruitment so far has not borne fruit. I think to turn on Eddie and want him out would be ludicrous. Ludicrous. And boy, oh boy, be careful what you wish for because I think he's such a talented coach. So before you speak, I wanted to get that out from my perspective. Where are you?

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, I'm with that. I mean, Eddie gave me my best day as a Newcastle fan in my lifetime. So I'm not turning on him at all. I think you have to look at the bigger picture and is to see why and what's gone on rather than just say okay and I get it. That results because of the very high standards that he set. Champions League football continually get into latter stages of a cup competitions, which we've always struggled in, you know, and getting to Champions League and all, all of that. And that's the standard that he's set now. So when you drop below that, then you're going to come in for some criticism. And I get that and understand that because as a manager you have to go out when you have to win games and at the minute Newcastle are not. And they're not sitting pretty in the Premier League with what they've spent. So let's get back to the. Let's look at the bigger picture. What happened and how come Newcastle are here now?

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. What did happen, Alex?

[Alan Shearer]

Well, I'm not on the inside so I'm only looking at it from an outsider's point of view. It looks as if to me is that what's happened in the summer hasn't helped anyone because they didn't have no sport and director, they didn't have any chief executive and that, that for me clearly wasn't right and it left the club in a bit of turmoil. They then have gone from being a club that has recruited so well. I mean look at hall, look at Liv, Ranto look great. Tonali, Bruno, all these guys at the brought in for. For big money. ESAC was another one and so, so they brought all these guys in for. For decent money and all these guys have been a brilliant. Yet this summer Newcastle's recruitment hasn't worked. They spent an absolute fortune.

[Gary Lineker]

They have. But do you think because of the ESAC situations a bit more of a panic buying situation?

[Alan Shearer]

Well, of course, yeah. They were left in a really difficult situation but with no sport and director and no chief executive who was managing that situation, who was actually this happens, we have to have cover. If he stays, fine. But if it doesn't then who are we going to get? And they went in and I don't, I don't think they went in for so many players and lost, lost out. They went in for Bumo, they went in for Dap, they went in for ek, they went in for Sheshko and didn't get any of those players and were left scrambling towards the end. And there's no doubt they've paid, they've paid a fortune for some of these players. Visser hasn't hit the heights.

[Gary Lineker]

I still think Visser might come good. He had a long injuries out for a long time and he's come back and it's not quite happened for him yet but I'd see a goal scorer in there and I think maybe. I think he'll come good Volta models. Not sure what he is. He's a 10 probably, isn't he?

[Alan Shearer]

I think he's half and half. I think he's half and half and he's really struggling with the physicality and with the pace of the Premier League at the minute.

[Gary Lineker]

Because he's not the quickest, is he?

[Alan Shearer]

No, no. And. And also I look at what are we used to where Eddie Howe's team is that? How did they get the success? How did they get into the top four or five? How did they win the Carry Carabao Cup? How do they continually go against teams? For me it was always high press High energy, going after teams and being relentless. That at the minute is, is miles off what, what we've expected or what we'd hoped because last season was brilliant. I'm not seeing that at all. I'm not seeing the same energy from this group of players. I know they've got injuries and all of those things. Things. But that's the hard thing to take.

[Gary Lineker]

The games that I've seen lately. I think they look their best when they play the three wingers up top.

[Alan Shearer]

What with, with the energy that they've got.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean I know he's not a natural 9 Gordon, but there is an energy and they do look to get behind.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, but there lies the problem. You've paid 125 million for two center forwards and you're saying they look better without them and there lies the problem. The recruitment this summer and I don't know whose idea it was or whose. Whose decision it was. I guess it was a team decision. But whoever is responsible for bringing those players in at the minute, it hasn't worked. And clearly it hasn't worked because he keeps flip flopping between Visser and Volta, Marder and Alanga. That hasn't worked. Ramsay the paid 40 million for that. Showing one or two signs but nowhere near enough. So the one that has worked is Malik Chow. Yeah, he's a really good, good player. But no, I'm. There's a lot of discussion and you should never listen to it online, but I'm without a doubt stick with Eddie. Yeah, just be careful. Just be careful what you wish for. This guy has given us the best day of our life in terms of winning a trophy. My life anyway. And he's a brilliant coach and there's, there's no doubt that he's having a tough time at this moment in time. His first real test best. But that doesn't mean you get rid of someone when they're having a bit of a tough time in their first time. So for me, stick with them. We try and stick together as a football club because there's a lot of noise and that's the way you get better and, and you improve. But it, it is, it is. It has been poor recruitment up to now.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, recruitment's everything. Not just in football, any club, but also in life, in business.

[Alan Shearer]

Before we go any further, before the Brenton fans have a poppers, they're very.

[Gary Lineker]

Good pop point I was just about to make.

[Alan Shearer]

They were absolutely outstanding and have been. And what a job Keith Andrews is. Incredible, isn't it? We talk about Recruitment. I mean, Watara, he was the replacement for maybe Mbuemo or Whistler, whatever. But he was brilliant against Newcastle. The cross he put in his finish. I know maybe Nick Pope can. Could have done better, but yeah, on the other side of the recruitment and him and what Brentford are doing have been absolutely superb.

[Gary Lineker]

They've also got the second highest scorer in Thiago in the league. I know there's been a few penalties, but so is erling Haaland. He's only three behind Haaland.

[Alan Shearer]

Brilliant.

[Gary Lineker]

17 Holland on 20. I mean, Keith Andrews, I mean, they're seventh now in the Premier League and only four points off. Chelsea are in fifth, which will almost certainly get a Champions League spot next season. He's got to be one of the managers of the season.

[Alan Shearer]

I think I'm correct in saying, guys, did they maybe win one out of seven or something like that or. Or really struggling?

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, we're all going, oh, they're gonna miss, you know.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, it's like, it's incredible the job that he's and I get, you know, whoever goes in against Brentford, it's very much like Sunderland. Whoever goes in against Brentford and Sunderland, they know they're in for a game, by the way, because they've got an aggression, they've got an energy, they got a pace about the game and they've got players who can hurt you.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, totally agree. Good, positive way to finish this episode of the Rest Is Football. So. So goodbye from me.

[Alan Shearer]

Goodbye from me.

[Gary Lineker]

Where's your playlist taking you? Down the highway to the mountains or.

[Alan Shearer]

Just into daydream mode while you're stuck in Traffic? With over 4,000 hotels worldwide, Best Western is there to help you make the.

[Dominic Sambrook]

Most of your getaway, wherever that is.

[Alan Shearer]

Because the only thing better than a.

[Gary Lineker]

Great playlist is a great trip.

[Alan Shearer]

Life's the trip. Make the most of it. At Best Western, book direct and [e-mail].

[Dominic Sambrook]

Hi there, everybody. It's Dominic Sambrook here from the Rest Is History and Gordon Carrera from the Rest Is Classified. Now, over the last month or so, the regime in the Islamic Republic of Iraq, Iran has been pushed to the edge, having seen the largest protest for a generation ripping across the country. Tens of thousands of people have been killed by the Ayatollah's forces since the uprising began. And a lot of people outside Iran are asking, is this the beginning of the next Iranian revolution? And Goal Hanger is covering every element of this on the Rest Is Classified. David and I have looked at the role of intelligence agencies in this conflict, with the Internet blackouts and so much on the unknown, we've been looking at whether spies are best placed to judge whether the regime is truly at risk of falling. Now on the Rest Is History, we have been looking at the origins of the Iranian regime at the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which saw the fall of the last shah and his replacement by the rule of the ayatollahs. Now, given that the last shah's son is being touted abroad as the man who might, just might, save Iran, you can't understand what is happening now without understanding what happened back then at the end of the 1970s. But it's not just our own two podcasts that are covering Iran. If you want to know whether Donald Trump's military buildup in the region means it's likely he's going to wade in and force regime change, here Alister Campbell and Rory Stewart cover the latest developments in the Rest Is Politics. And our dear friends at the Rest is Money have been looking at the economic collapse, the corruption and the impact of the sanctions that have been eating away its social cohesion in Iran over recent years and have pushed so many people onto the streets. And on Empire, they've been looking at the similarities and differences between 1979 and today. How is it that a country that less than 50 years ago forced the Shah out of power is now seeing crowds chanting Long live the Shah? So whatever happens next to the people of Iran and to all those brave souls who've turned it on the streets to protest, stay tuned to Goal Hunter Hanger for all the context and the answers and the analysis that you need, find the rest is history. The rest is classified empire. The rest is politics. And the rest is money. Wherever you get your podcasts.