The Rest Is Football: United’s Ongoing Mess, Brentford Buzzing & A Drab Affair At The Emirates

Date: January 9, 2026
Hosts: Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards

Episode Overview

In this episode, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards tackle the biggest football stories of the week, including the anticlimactic Arsenal vs. Liverpool showdown, chaotic scenes and confusion at Manchester United, Brentford’s surprise resurgence, and dramatic Premier League action elsewhere. With their signature blend of banter, tactical insight, and honest critique, the trio delivers engaging discussion, dressing-room tales, and sharp analysis of the season so far, shining a light on boardroom mismanagement, player attitudes, and VAR frustrations.

1. Drab Duel at the Emirates: Arsenal vs. Liverpool

Key Segment: 00:57–11:20

• Anticlimax in North London

  • The hosts admit the highly anticipated fixture was underwhelming—tactically contested, but low on genuine excitement.
  • Alan Shearer (02:15): "I mean, it was a bit of an anticlimax, wasn't it, big mix."
  • Liverpool pressed man-to-man with Sabaslai and Verts; Gakpo unexpectedly played left, Frimpong right.
  • Arsenal’s attack lacked punch; substitute Jesus added life but couldn’t alter the result.

• Significant Player Notes

  • Micah Richards: "Yokerez... needs to find something from somewhere. He needs to find it fast." (03:10)
  • Praise for Liverpool’s defense—Van Dijk and Connor Bradley highlighted.

• Big Picture

  • Result likely suits Liverpool more; Arsenal now six points clear but with lingering frustration for not beating a depleted Liverpool (Salah, Ekitike, Isaac all out).
  • Micah Richards (05:59): "Yes, they didn't lose the game. But I know in the dressing room they'll be frustrated that they didn't get all three points."

• On Arsenal's Mentality

  • Gary Lineker: "Even if they don’t play, if they're not at their best... they're still not getting beaten."
  • The panel notes Arsenal's defensive solidity and maturity in grinding results.

• Memorable Moments

  • Martinelli’s late injury raised concern: "You just hope he's alright." (Micah, 08:00)
  • Fantasy football frustration surfaces, especially as Gabriel misses a sitter and loses bonus points (09:59).

2. Manchester United’s Turmoil

Key Segment: 13:56–23:39

• Amorim Sacked: Boardroom Chaos

  • Alan Shearer delivers a blistering indictment of United's leadership:
    • "They have to accept their blame as well, because they've made an absolute mess of every decision they've made since they've been in there." (15:28)
  • Confusion over interim appointments: Darren Fletcher, others possibly stepping in; Tuchel rumors swirl.
  • Micah Richards critiques the lack of a coherent plan and timing of Amorim’s departure amidst squad injuries and the transfer window.
  • Gary Lineker: “It's become a bit of a basket case of a football club.”

• Managerial Uncertainty

  • The hosts warn against repeating past mistakes: giving the interim the permanent job if they have a strong run (Oli Gunnar Solskjaer déjà vu).
  • Alan: “I think Man United need a big strong manager now who’s been around…a big name to take control.” (18:41)

• Power Dynamics

  • Discussion of club structure—do coaches have control or are “the suits” (executives) running the show?
  • Gary (20:21): “Coaches don’t get full control… The suits taken over the game… people up in the top wanting to make decisions.”
  • Alan adds: The best-run clubs in the league give managers substantial say over transfers (City, Arsenal, Villa).

3. Premier League Drama: Fantasy Football, Memorable Matches & Controversies

Key Segment: 23:39–39:34

• Leeds vs Newcastle: Wild 4-3 Thriller

  • WhatsApp banter between Alan and Micah about "marching on together."
  • Newcastle equals rare record by winning after trailing three times.
  • Alan Shearer (25:50): “It was just one of those great games of football…just going for each other.”
  • Controversial penalty debated: "That wasn't a penalty, guys, surely!" (Micah, 26:57); Alan agrees it wasn’t handball but will "take it."

• Fantasy Football Gripes

  • Gary’s ongoing frustrations: “The more I understand about fantasy football, the less I like the bloody game.”
  • Classic fantasy woes—players dropped or swapped immediately score elsewhere.

• Everton’s Chaos

  • Michael Keane’s contentious red card for “hair pulling”: "I mean he jumped up obviously and his hand went on his hair...and he gets like a red card for that." (Gary, 29:57)
  • Goalkeeper “panenka” penalty embarrassment discussed (Micah/Alan, 46:05).

• Bournemouth vs Spurs: Semenyo’s Emotional Farewell Goal

  • Alan Shearer: “For him to turn out every week and play and put a shift in…what a way to sign off.” (31:32)
  • Celebrated for professionalism and attitude despite knowing of his imminent move to Manchester City.

• Player Criticism and Boardroom Silence at Spurs

  • Spurs’ Romero lashes out at club leadership on Instagram, suggesting “at times like this, it should be other people coming out to speak, but they don't… They only show up when things are going well.” (32:45)
  • Alan and Micah debate whether players are deflecting blame or making legitimate points about club leadership's public absence.

4. Chelsea’s Ongoing Struggles & Rossinya’s Appointment

Key Segment: 37:01–42:53

• Red Card Controversy

  • Cucurella sent off against Fulham; panel agrees it’s probably the right decision, but debate over “forward play” and defender’s error.

• Striker Hope

  • Praise for The Lap: "I think he will score goals if he stays fit and strong. I’d love to see him get a real run of games." (Gary, 37:55)

• Liam Rossenya’s Managerial Challenge

  • Micah predicts (and takes credit for predicting) Rossenya’s rise to the Premier League.
  • Gary jests about Micah’s trumpet-blowing.

• What Rossenya Needs to Do at Chelsea

  • Alan: “He’s got to get in top four and win trophies.”
  • Micah: “He’s got to win over the fans.”
  • Gary: “It’s great to see a young English coach getting an opportunity.”

5. VAR Frustration & the Relegation Battle

Key Segment: 42:53–44:57

• Forest’s Crucial Win Over West Ham

  • Alan: “West Ham…so fragile at the minute…looking very, very likely that the three that are there are the three that are going to go.” (43:44)

• VAR & Officiating Complaints

  • Disallowed Somerville goal met with despair: “What has our beautiful game become… you absolutely scrutinize every little detail now.” (Micah, 43:56)
  • Gary’s repeated call for an appeals system: “It’s seriously putting a dent in our wonderful game.” (44:58)

6. Brentford’s Unexpected Resurgence

Key Segment: 44:58–46:19

• Praise for Manager Keith Andrews

  • “None of us saw that… Dreamland.”
  • Brentford’s ability to thrive after losing stars (Mbeumo, Bissa, Norgaard) praised as a modern miracle.

• Thiago’s Sensational Form

  • Alan Shearer: “Big Thiago up front. Wow. Sensational.”

7. Miscellaneous & Notable Quotes

• Tributes and Football Losses (10:24–12:34):

  • Remembering Martin Chivers and Terry Yorath; condolences for Gabby Logan.
  • Alan on Kevin Keegan’s cancer diagnosis: “He was my hero…sending all our love and my love to Kevin and hope he’s okay and he can come through this.” (11:33)

• Banter Round-up:

  • Gary on Micah’s exploits: “I’m looking over your shoulder at your cabinet there. I’m trying to find your trumpet.” (39:13)
  • Group fantasy football taunts: “You’re last in our group by the way.” (Gary, 39:34)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Arsenal vs Liverpool Review: 00:57–11:20
• Man United’s Managerial Chaos: 13:56–23:39
• Leeds vs Newcastle Madness & Fantasy Football: 23:39–31:00
• Bournemouth/Spurs & Leadership Critique: 31:00–36:12
• Chelsea, Red Cards, Rossenya’s Appointment: 37:01–42:53
• VAR, Relegation Battle, Brentford Boom: 42:53–46:19

Memorable Quotes

• “They have to accept their blame as well, because they’ve made an absolute mess of every decision they’ve made since they’ve been in there.” — Alan Shearer on United’s hierarchy (15:28)
• “The more I understand about fantasy football, the less I like the bloody game.” — Gary Lineker (27:27)
• “It’s become a bit of a basket case of a football club.” — Gary Lineker on Manchester United (17:33)
• “You just hope he’s alright.” — Micah on Martinelli’s injury (08:00)
• “At times like this, it should be other people coming out to speak, but they don’t, as has been happening for several years now.” — [paraphrase of] C. Romero’s Instagram, discussed by Gary (32:45)
• “It’s not killing the game; that’s hyperbole—but it is… putting a dent in our wonderful game.” — Gary on VAR (44:58)

Tone and Chemistry

True to form, the episode delivers a lively, honest, and entertaining blend of informed punditry and friendly ribbing—never shying away from strong criticism of club hierarchies, nor missing a chance for a fantasy football dig or a tribute to player attitude. The rapport between the trio is as warm and banter-filled as ever, ensuring fans get both sharp analysis and a genuine feel for the characters behind the microphones.

For more insight-packed discussion and proper laughs on all things football, tune in to "The Rest Is Football" wherever you get your podcasts.