The Rest Is Football

Episode: United Crash Out, Semenyo’s Dream Debut & The Biggest Upset In FA Cup History?
Date: January 12, 2026
Hosts: Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards

Episode Overview

This episode dives into an explosive FA Cup weekend filled with dramatic upsets, emotional moments, and big headlines. The trio of Lineker, Shearer, and Richards deliver their unique blend of punditry and banter as they discuss Macclesfield’s huge shock over Crystal Palace, Manchester United’s continued struggles, Tottenham’s frustration, Semenyo’s dream debut for Manchester City, and more. With personal stories, sharp analysis, and trademark laughs, this is a must-listen for any football fan.

Key Discussion Points

1. Macclesfield’s Historic FA Cup Upset Over Crystal Palace

[03:37–13:39]

• The Fairytale Result:

  • Macclesfield, a team six leagues below Crystal Palace, defeats last year’s FA Cup holders—a feat likened to Greece winning the Euros in 2004.
  • “It’s like Macclesfield beating Crystal Palace in the FA Cup...unbelievable.” – Micah Richards [03:37]

• Game Analysis:

  • Palace didn’t have a particularly bad game, but Macclesfield played with aggression and composure—especially in defense and on set pieces.
  • Paul Dawson’s opening goal was described as a “perfect connection.” – Alan Shearer [04:51]
  • The victory was deeply emotional, coming just a month after the tragic passing of Macclesfield player Ethan McLeod.

• The Magic of the Cup:

  • The panel reflect on why the FA Cup remains so special and how moments like this create lifelong memories for players and towns.
  • "This is what the FA Cup's all about." – Gary Lineker [06:18]

• Wayne Rooney’s Brother on the Sideline:

  • Light-hearted commentary on Wayne Rooney’s brother working at Macclesfield and Wayne’s dignified presence.

• Memorable Quote:

  • "It's a moment that in 50 years it'll still be talked about: the day Macclesfield beat the holders of the FA Cup in the third round." – Micah Richards [09:15]

2. FA Cup Memories: Personal Stories

[09:32–12:39]

• Gary Lineker recounts playing in two FA Cup finals (including the all-Merseyside final) and describes winning the trophy with Spurs.
  • “I played in two FA Cup finals...it was magical, especially when I grew up, that was the thing to win." – Gary Lineker [09:50]
• He vividly recalls moments with Terry Venables and Brian Clough at the old Wembley, and the bittersweet day when Paul Gascoigne was injured.

3. Tottenham v Aston Villa: Spurs Struggles Persist

[13:35–18:46]

• Game Recap:

  • Villa continue their strong run with a convincing win over a lackluster Spurs.
  • Spurs’ fans are growing restless; Micah notes boos at half-time and a tense atmosphere.
  • Villa’s defense and team spirit stood out, with Spurs only showing fight after falling behind.

• Injury List and Recruitment Issues:

  • Missing key players (Kulusevski, Madison, Solanke, Kudus) leaves Spurs looking toothless.
  • “Even with 200 million pounds of forwards on the pitch, Spurs lacked cutting edge and confidence.” – Alan Shearer [16:44]

• Stat Highlight:

  • Spurs have lost 37 games in all competitions since the start of last season—a worrying trend. [19:01]

• Romero’s Frustration:

  • Discussion about unhappy players, hints at promises made regarding transfers.

4. Semenyo’s Dream Debut for Manchester City

[20:09–22:26]

• Impactful Start:
  • Semenyo scores and assists on his debut, drawing comparisons to Sergio Aguero’s iconic first game.
  • “He's the first at Manchester City to score and assist on his debut since Aguero.” – Gary Lineker [21:43]
• Praise for Composure and Professionalism:
  • Both the player and Bournemouth receive applause for how they handled the transfer.
  • “[Semenyo] has the respect of the football world for how he handled his move.” – Micah Richards [20:44]
• City’s Dominance:
  • City score ten without a goal from Haaland; Rodri’s return also highlighted.

5. Manchester United Crash Out of the FA Cup

[25:07–29:16]

• A Season in Decline:

  • United’s early exits from all cups mean just 40 games this season—their fewest since 1914–15.
  • “They will only play 40 games… the fewest since 1914-15. Over 110 years ago.” – Gary Lineker [25:42]

• Managerial Uncertainty:

  • Disjointed approach, talks with former players (Carrick, Solskjaer) for interim solutions.
  • "How does everyone know they've been spoken to? That tells me there's issues.” – Micah Richards [27:50]

• Squad Critique:

  • “Should be good enough, but it isn’t...” – Alan Shearer on United’s lineup [27:16]

• Fans' Patience:

  • Lineker notes Old Trafford’s crowd rarely turns fully against the team; frustration is mounting.

• Darren Fletcher’s Twin Sons:

  • Anecdote about Fletcher’s twins being both English and Scottish-registered.

6. Newcastle’s Dramatic Win

[29:26–31:03]

• Newcastle triumphs in a penalty shootout, with Alan Shearer's delight noted by the others.
• Harvey Barnes’ form receives special mention, with speculation about international futures (Scotland vs England).

7. Chelsea and Liam Rosenior’s Promising Start

[31:03–34:43]

• Early praise for new manager Liam Rosenior’s confidence and presence.
• The panel wonders about Chelsea’s real objectives and the challenges of interference from above.
• “If they give him time, they’re a young side and can get better. But six and a half years is rare in football.” – Gary Lineker [33:38]

8. Other Notable FA Cup Moments

[34:11–36:44]

• Leicester secure a win, prompting tongue-in-cheek predictions.
• “My fourth team are still in it!” – Alan Shearer jokes after multiple team allegiances [35:42]
• Mental penalty shootouts, particularly Everton-Sunderland.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It was like when Greece won the Euros... They play the worst football...Anyway, congratulations.” – Alan Shearer [03:02]
• “He stuck it on, didn't he?” (on Dawson’s goal) – Micah Richards [04:55]
• “It’s a moment that in 50 years it’ll still be talked about. The day Macclesfield beat the holders.” – Micah Richards [09:15]
• “I played in two FA Cup finals...it was magical… that was the thing to win more than anything else.” – Gary Lineker [09:50]
• “They have lost 37 games since the start of last season… that's extraordinary.” – Gary Lineker [19:01]
• “He’s the first at Manchester City to score and assist on his debut since Aguero.” – Gary Lineker [21:43]
• “It doesn't matter how long his contract is—if they want to get rid, they'll get rid.” – Micah Richards on Chelsea [33:57]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• FA Cup Magic: Macclesfield’s Shock — [03:37–13:39]
• Personal FA Cup Memories — [09:32–12:39]
• Tottenham v Aston Villa — [13:35–18:46]
• Spurs’ Woes & Loss Statistics — [18:57–19:05]
• Semenyo’s Dream Man City Debut — [20:09–22:26]
• Manchester United’s Exit and Struggles — [25:07–29:16]
• Newcastle’s Dramatic Win — [29:26–31:03]
• Chelsea & Liam Rosenior Assessment — [31:03–34:43]
• Everton-Sunderland, Leicester, Alan's “Fourth Team” — [34:11–36:44]

Conclusion

This episode captures the drama, romance, and unpredictability of the FA Cup, while seamlessly blending sharp football analysis and the unique camaraderie of its hosts. Whether you’re interested in giant-killings, club crises, or simply love football stories, this episode is a snapshot of why fans cherish this competition and the sport as a whole.