Is Arsenal’s Lack Of Firepower Cause For Concern? Foden Showing Glimpses Of His Best & Liverpool Starting To Tick

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2:41Myself, Yves Saint Laurent. And there's nothing to prove But I'm a dancer with myself Hello and welcome to The Rest Is Football. The big news this week is Arsenal crashing out of the Carabao Cup to lead two-side Fleetwood Town. Micah, I want to get your take on this first. Is the lack of goals in forward positions catching up on Arsenal? And is it going to cause them serious problems this season? I think of evidence last season, you'd have to say no, because they won the Premier League and they got to the Champions League final. I think the key thing for Arsenal was, have they got enough in the forward positions if key players get injured? I think that is more the talking point. So, Starboy Saka's injured.

3:21Zollis is injured. Havertz has been injured, come back into the fold. He's not really hit the ground running. I think one of the major talking points as well is Jokeres. And when he first arrived at Arsenal, and I was saying to the Arsenal fans, don't expect him to be scoring 25 and 30. What I really liked about him, he was good at running in behind. But he stopped doing the things that he's really good at. He sort of looks like he has no confidence. I don't know if he reports in the summer that they tried to get rid of him or not, but essentially he's had enough game time to show what he can do now at Arsenal. And it's just not happening for him. I think in January, because of the injuries,

4:07I definitely think they should go back into the market and find top cover around. It might not be, because of the way Arsenal play. And everyone talks about they need this player, they need that player. But the reason why they're so good is because what the front players do off the ball. So Isaka, Madweke, yeah, he's not everyone's cup of tea, but he works hard in a system that works for Arsenal. Obviously losing Trossard was a big miss for them in terms of what he does off the ball and how clinical he was with the opportunities given to him. But I think if they want to compete and then say dominate, then yeah, 100%. I think they need more firepower in that forward areas, for sure. Do you not think his confidence

4:52would have been suffered because it's clear that the manager fancies Havertz when the big games come around rather than Jokeres? Every player, and you guys have been strikers, and not just for strikers, defenders too. You need a couple of games where you build that manager's trust. So against, you know, when he's coming off the bench have been strikers and not just for strikers, defenders too. You need a couple of games where you build that manager's trust. So against, you know, when he's coming off the bench against one of the big six, he needs to score. He needs to take his chances. So many times where Jokeres gets in really good positions and I don't know if he doesn't back himself. I don't know if it's

5:19confidence. I don't know if the team doesn't back him to score, but he just, he doesn't put the ball away. So then it becomes a problem. You always say, and I always give strikers benefit of doubt at times when they play well, but they're not scoring, because I think that will come. But he's not playing well and he's not scoring. So that becomes very, and even the goal that he did score, I mean, it sort of bundled his way in. Was it an own goal? Did it come off him or whatnot? It's not clean, is it? You know? And I just, I just feel like he needs one of those opportunities where he plays a night in minutes, he scores, he builds confidence and he goes from there. Otherwise, you know, they're going to have to look to move him on.

5:58I don't see him as a, as a starting nine, particularly for, for a club of the stature of Arsenal. I think he can come off the bench and do a bit. I think he's more of probably a squad player. Yeah. But I think we've said it for a few years with Arsenal. But again, you've got to point out the fact they did win the Premier League last season. They are very solid at the back. I mean, I've got a stat here which probably shows the issue best. Saka's scored four this season, Odegaard four, Havertz two, Madweki two, Giochres one and Solis hasn't got any. That's all the forward players or stroke forward midfield players, obviously in the case of Odegaard. Haaland himself has scored 13, which is as many as all of

6:43the Arsenal combined. So, you know, they're still going pretty well in the other competitions, but let's give plaudits to Fleetwood Town. I mean, what an effort, Al. Amazing. Absolutely amazing. You know what it's like. We've all been and played in a competition or gone to grounds in League One and League Two where you know how difficult it's going to be. You know how much the crowd are up for it. And yeah, it is. Unless you do everything right in terms of preparation, mentally, physically, everything, you have to be spot on because otherwise you'll get punished because this happens very rarely for a football club like that. When the big boys, when the champions come to town, everyone's up for it. You can feel it and you can sense the atmosphere. And they were absolutely outstanding,

7:39weren't they, Fleetwood? Just everything about them. I thought their attitude and the atmosphere, they rose to the occasion. They scored a brilliant goal. I thought their attitude and the atmosphere, they rose to the occasion. They scored a brilliant goal. I thought the way he held the defender off and finished it, it was, I just thought, yeah, they deserved it. They were absolutely outstanding. It's very unusual to see a team that low down in the league win a penalty shootout. I know, yeah. I mean, because normally, obviously the more technically gifted players come through in that. And, you know, I thought once it went to penalties, I thought, well, let's give them a good run for the money.

8:09But I'm sure Arsenal win on pens. But they knocked them all away really well. Brilliant, wasn't it? I mean, you could hear. I mean, there's obviously way more pressure on them in a sense, although in the game there's not much pressure. But once it comes to a penalty shootout, you know, they wouldn't have gone through that experience too often whereas um Arsenal have including of course in the in the Champions League final so um I thought I thought it was brilliant I suppose the other big talking point in the game was was the Max Dallman straight red card which has caused a subsequent ferrari of press and you, Martetta was supposedly saying something, having a little pop at him as he left the pitch.

8:49He's 16 years old. He's still a child. You know, you can be critical of his response, but actually I quite admired the fact that he stayed on his feet for what was probably quite a dangerous tackle. I think the referee should have just perhaps given him a yellow card each and got the game going. He was very quick to get the red card out of the ref, wasn't he? Yeah. Do you know those challenges are normal in League One and League Two? They happen every single game. I thought it was a strong, hard challenge on someone who's going to be, and is a name. You have to accept you're going to get that when you go to these grounds and the occasion. Yeah, I agree. I thought the referee was a bit harsh in the red card.

9:36Never a red card. He is unfortunate because of how good he is. He is going to get that maxed out money. He is going to get people wanting to come in and crunch him. Yeah, but you know how annoying it is when people say he shouldn't react. What do you mean he shouldn't react? If the tackle would have been a fraction higher, a fraction lower, it breaks his leg. What do you mean don't react? That's the most ridiculous thing. It's just a natural instinct, a natural reaction to react, especially when you're 16. And yes, the whole arteta thing when he probably said don't react to whatnot but like you're in the game there's emotion the emotion takes over you someone tries to like you said i was completely

10:18right that happens every week championship i went to go watch championship i went to burnley the other day it was tackles flying in left right and centre absolutely loved it loved the fact and that we don't want that out of our game but that challenge could have broken his leg it was as simple as that so people saying he shouldn't react I don't I can't buy into that Do you think that's what's happened with Mikel Oteta he's actually said to him before the game you have to be careful about this. Do not react. Do not do anything. Do not give the referee a chance to do anything by reacting because you're going to get strong tackles. You're going to get them want to upset you. And do you think that's why Mikel reacted when he walked off?

10:59Quite possibly. It's hard to know what he said to him before the game, but he obviously muttered something at him as he went off. It's like, I suppose he talked about it and he's like, he's the same age as I think his kids or one of his kids and you treat them the same. So I suppose in that sense, you know, you're the person that can have a pop at him. Whereas if anyone else does, well, that's too far. But I mean, you've got to remember here, right? I've had four teenage boys and at 16 years of age, they make mistakes, right? Or they might react a little bit or, you know, they might be a bit grumpy and moody and not want to talk or they're going through things at that age. And it's part of his growing up.

11:46I don't, I didn't mind it. I don't mind seeing a player have a little bit about him, even though I never had anything about me. It reminded me a little bit of when Lennon, you kicked his head out for Newcastle. Which is a bit stronger, that was. You actually nearly took his head off. I was in the stand and it nearly reached me. Give me a bit of context though, Gaz. Give me a bit stronger, that was. She nearly took his head off. How would you understand? Give me a bit of context, though, Gaz. Give me a bit of context. So this buffoon in the group, Alan Shearer, said, what's he doing? He can't react there. He's got to know better. You have to understand, the more you have a bite, the more I just send another message to get you two idiots to respond.

12:21It was hilarious. And then Gaz released, Gaz released an amazing video. And what you did, oh, it was GBH, Alan. Honestly, you should have been locked up for that. Come on. It's a tough game, football at times. Come on. I was at the game. I was at the King Path when that actually happened. And honestly, I was in the director's box and I nearly caught Lennon's head. How stupid is he trying to headbutt my foot? But anyway, I think, you know, this will blow up. It's, you know, Max Dalman, he's super talented. Got a bit frustrated. Got, you know, it was a dangerous tackle. It could have hurt him. He reacted briefly, not in a way. He didn't punch him or headbutt him. He just shoved his knee in a little bit.

13:10Do you know what was Admiral O'Gas? What? I admire the way, because there were so many players. In fact, there were a lot of players that would have gone down screaming, rolling around, getting that challenge. Yet, he stood up and took what he had to take, you know. So from that point of view, I thought, yeah, I don't mind that. But I thought the referee was very quick to get the red card out. Yeah, it's a storm in a teacup. It'll blow over. He'll learn from it. And that's what you do, or you hope you do at that age. So let's turn our attention to Man City Brighton who play game actually at the weekend don't they so what'd you make of it Micah? It was okay it was entertaining two teams trying to play football as we know it was end to end at

13:59times City still conceding sloppy goals Brighton still playing terrific football but they're easy to to get out as well the way they play so it was always going to be a good spectacle I think 2-2 was probably a fair result and then it was just about who's gonna hold their nerve when it went to to penalties but I think it was a typical City performance. It was nice to see Schurke and Foden play together. Schurke played in the hole in the first half. He was amazing. Second half died off a little bit. And then Foden, some of his touches, guys. I'm telling you, he's cooking something. And his penalty, top corner. Yeah, I just hope he can stay on it now. Me too. I feel like I'm always the one to sort of, not back him,

14:51but maybe make excuses for him at times because I know what he can do. And then when he got PFA Player of the Year a couple, three seasons ago now, wasn't it? I want him to get back to that level because he's got all the ability in the world. Just a feeling that he's, level because he's got all the ability in the world. Just a feeling that he's, yeah, he's starting to, yeah, I agree with you, Micah. And there's definitely a, I think there's a look about him that I think he means business again. If you've, I mean, if you've got Foden flying and it's quite a while now since we've seen him. He had a little patch, didn't he, last season and then he started the season okay. I mean, it's baffling

15:29a little bit because he was so good, wasn't he? I mean, so good. And I think he had that, didn't he, season where it's really dipped and he alluded to kind of off the field issues without ever saying what it was. So whatever they are, I hope he puts them behind him because he's a lovely, clever little footballer to watch. He's got so much going for him. He's got a great work ethic and does all the right things. I suppose if you were, you know, Maresca and you had to pick between Cherky and Foden, which one would you go for? It's difficult, isn't it? Foden. If they're both flying and both playing well, then Foden for me. They're best, yeah. Micah likes the Cherk still, though, doesn't he? Well, he does.

16:17I mean, Cherky's got a lot of quality. But I think maybe, I've offered my opinion before, Micah, I think that if you're playing against a team that defend and play a low block, then Cherky's probably got a bit about him. And if not... Hold on, hold on, hold on. Before we move on, before we move on, before you finish, all the terminology, when I started saying low block, when I started saying between the lines, when I started saying, fuck, put the kick in space. The bots have got to Gary. The bots have got to him, Micah. They've got to him. They've finally got to you, Gaz. Welcome to the dark side. Do you know what? I feel, I feel mildly ashamed. I've allowed these, these influencers to distract me so much.

17:03So I'm going to say if, if a team sits really deep, which is what we usually said, like we used to say, if a team sits really deep and just defends with 11 men behind the ball. There you go. Let's go old school. That's it. One episode only. But I think if you play in a team that, two teams that are really attacking, say in a big European game, say Man City-Bayern Munich or Man City-Barcelona, somewhere like that, I think I'd probably prefer Foden because I think he'll possibly buy into it a bit more defensively. Yeah, I think it's fair. And before we move on, Michael, with that, if ever you hear me say pocket of... I'm not even going to say it now, right? It's just space. He received it in space.

17:57Who would I have? I would have Phil Foden because he's better off the ball. And I think the modern day teams and the modern day player need more than just to be really good on the ball. If you ask me who's going to entertain me more, I would say Shirky. But who would I play in a big game? I would go Phil Foden. They play a game, of course, at the weekend. Erling Haaland wasn't playing in the Carabao Cup game. But I think Erling will be looking at that game with the way Brighton press high and he'll be thinking, hmm, might get a few little behind, might one-on-ones with the keeper here, Al. Yeah, maybe. But I think I saw the graphic last night where Brighton have played Man City now, I think it's five times over the 90 minutes

18:46City have not beaten them. So I think that'll be another really good game actually, a really entertaining game. But yeah, Erland will definitely look at that line and look at how he can exploit that and he would fancy his chances to score. But on the other hand, if Mike has said it earlier about Man City and conceding goals and mistakes and what have you, then Brighton missed some big chances again last night as well. So, yeah, I think it'll be another entertaining game and a hard one to call, actually. I thought they played really well. I mean, they do. I'm not even going to say that word. I'm going to say they do close the ball down really well. Remember that one, Micah? Yeah, you say the pressure's been going for 40, 50 years.

19:35You can say press. We're going old school today. So they close the ball down really well. And they do. They're very well organized. Yeah. Yeah, I think that's going to be a great game Brighton play some of the best football in the Premier League without doubt and I think the good thing to say about Brighton it doesn't matter who plays like they had loads of players from quote unquote their best team didn't even start and they still played the same way it's incredible what they're doing I'm looking forward to that the weekend I'm going to go quote-unquote, their best team. Didn't even start, and they still played the same way. It's incredible what they're doing. I'm looking forward to that at the weekend.

20:10I'm going to go 4-2 Man City. A lot of prediction, yeah. The oracle has spoken. Another game that went all the way to penalties was Liverpool-Chelsea. There was a few of them, wasn't there? What about Liverpool starting XI? They're starting, I I think to take shape you've got Barclay, Ungermeyer Isak Wulbert what's the best front three ooh yeah I mean I was I was being super impressed with Ungermeyer obviously we did him in the Champions League last weekend he was outstanding but there's there seems to be something clicking, I think, with Isak and Barcola. Even just little bits last night, when I look at their movement and their understanding and when and how to pass to each other, I just think there's something brewing between those two.

21:00So, N'Gomoa, Isak and Barcola, I think. You've got Munoz as well in there. And Wurz in is a 10 or whatever. But, yeah, that front three, I think. You know what I think is very underrated for Liverpool? And I know it can be frustrating for Liverpool fans, but Gakpo's always in the right position. He always works really hard off the ball and gets into some really good positions. Yes, he doesn't always score. Yes, he doesn't always play the right pass. But for the way Liverpool want to play, I think Gakpo is important. You know, I really do. But in terms of the most electrifying front three, Balcola's got to be in there. Rio's got to be in there. And Isak's got to be in there. Rio's got to be in there and Isak's got to be in there.

21:45I see Isak gradually creeping back to form. I mean, we know from his time at Newcastle, when he's fit, he's a real handful. He's got amazing skill. He's a really good, confident finisher. And you can see a little glimpse of that coming back now because obviously he's not really had a good run of fitness as he really been in fine shape for for quite some time but he's starting to build up appearances which is important because he's a very good centre forward now yeah no I was no doubt no doubt about it and uh yeah I think there's a there's a definitely an understanding of how to get the best out of him now. And I know he had injuries and form and everything else, but I do think that they're starting to play earlier to him,

22:32both from wide positions and from midfield in behind. And I've said it once, or I've said it before, I'll say it again, that's how you get the best out of him. And I think that's starting to work now. And with his confidence and his belief because he's been through a tough time. And as you say, he's a very, very talented forward. Interesting stats really that showed that Chelsea slightly dominated the game. There was 50% possession each. Liverpool had 22 touches in the box, Chelsea 21. Shots inside the box, eight each. Liverpool had 22 touches in the box, Chelsea 21. Shots inside the box, eight each. Shots on target, four each. And shots overall, Chelsea had one more, 11 to 10. So absolute domination from neither side there. It was a very even game in terms of the stats.

23:24Note there, I didn't find anything that began with an X, Micah. I like it. Yes, they looked a lot more organised than against Spurs. And I think you asked the question last week, Gaz, in terms of maybe the personnel and system and all that. Welbeck makes a massive difference because I've got someone to play off. He really holds up the ball well. But it's not only that, it's his timing of the runs and the way he takes defenders away so players can get on the ball, like the Rodgers, like the Nettos, whoever might be there in those areas. I just think if Jao Pedro's not fit, Welbeck's got to play and they've got a chance. It makes a team completely different. We've not seen much of Estebal this season, have we?

24:13Strange, isn't it? What's going on there, guys? I've no idea because he's obviously this super talented young man. We're all very excited to see him play, but he's not had much of a look in. Neto's been playing well, though. If you look at the shape, where would he fit in? And Neto could do his defensive work. There have been times where Neto's been playing wing-back and had to do that defensive. Obviously, he can do that more than Estabal. But on the ball, Estabal, there's a place for him in the team. Definitely, it's just sort of finding the balance, really, because I think he's one of the best talents in the Premier League. I think he's that good, and I don't feel like we've seen the best of him yet at all.

24:52There's quite a few rumours I saw linking him with perhaps a loan move or something to PSG after the Kravac-Kelja injury. Might be the agent working, you never know. Might be the agent weaving his you never know. Might be. Might be the agent weaving his magic, trying to get him. But that was an interesting one. Hold on two seconds. The gardener's blowing leaves, mate. He's making a racket. Two seconds. The gardener, listen to him. How many gardeners have you got, Micah? The gardener's blowing leaves. The gardener's making a racket, mate. Do you hear that, Al? The gardener. Things have changed since Saturday. If you just give your cleaner a shout to tell the gardener to shut up, that'll be all right,

25:39yeah? It's not a cleaner, he's got a housekeeper. Oh, right, okay, yeah. Micah, did the butler address you this morning? I tell you, it's a good time to take a break. You go and have a little word with your leaf blower. I don't know about you two. Are leaf blowers the most annoying and pointless things on the planet? What's the point of them? They should push what is the point exactly oh you know what when i first got the gardener as well so i ain't got a big garden i've got a small little garden at the back yeah yeah but i've got this leafy and there's trees everywhere so like you know what you do it's like when you first get a cleaner or someone at your house or what, you do little tests, don't you?

26:26You might leave a few quid in the pocket and see where they put it. So I was in my bedroom and I was looking out and it's high and it's sort of towards next door, big leaf, and there's a flower bed. Then there's what we call a barbecue area, you know, whatever it may be so i seen him blowing leaves from the barbecue area just under the trees at the end i'm like what's the point surely you're gonna blow them and then get rid of them otherwise you're just gonna make the place over there more filthy than that needs to be as well. So I'm with you guys. I don't understand about the leaf blower. I don't get it. I think they would argue if you blow them under the trees into the soil, they turn into,

27:13I think it's quite good for the soil. Not when it blocks the pipes. I'm with you. I'm just giving you the alternative. Micah, if you just get your butler to tell the cleaner, to tell the cleaner, to tell the gardener, to tell the plumber to clean the pipes, it'll be all right. All of that going on while your chef cooks you breakfast. Let's take a break. Go on, Micah, go on, sort it out. This episode is brought to you by Guinness. Some things are just part and parcel of match day and with the weather getting colder and cosy season kicking in, for a lot of us, it's the pub. Particularly you, Alan. Hey, you can't beat a little good pint, can you? There we go. Oh, yes. That sound. I'm getting good at this now, you know.

28:02You're getting used to it, aren't you? You should be. I'm lucky now. Yeah, you're not bad, Micah. What makes a good at this now, you know. You're getting used to it, aren't you? You should be. I'm a lucky now. Yeah, you're not bad, Micah. What makes a good pub? Good people, good pints and good crack. And especially before a match. Why have we not been invited to this pub? That's a very good point, Micah. You're invited every single week, boys, whenever you want. Sounds good. Make your match day a lovely day for a Guinness official beer and non-alcoholic beer of the Premier League. Search for pubs serving Guinness near you with the Guinness Pub Finder. You might even find one that's made it into the Guinness Harp Guide

28:35for pulling a particularly good pint. 18 plus for the facts. Visit drinkaware.co.uk. Please drink responsibly. Somewhere out there is a chevy truck and the person who drives it well that's a chevy person you probably know one your buddy your sister ones who always show up they're the first to rise the last to leave they always have that little extra something and maybe you've got it too che Chevrolet, together let's drive. Visit chevy.com slash trucks to explore the lineup. Shaq here. What's it like to buy a car from Carvana 100% online and get it delivered to your door? Let me tell you, your car is here, Mr. Shaq. Thank you, Mr. Carvana guy. Can't wait to take it for a spin. Only the best for you, Mr. Shaq.

29:25Hey, have you always been so big, tall, and handsome? Not always. I was 6'10 once. Seven days to love it or return it, Mr. Shaq. Not that I would. You never do. No, I never do. So buy your car today on Carvana. Delivery fees may apply. See our seven-day return policy at carvana.com. Welcome back to The Rest Is Football with Micah Richards, Alan Shearer and me, Gary Lineker. Has the gardener gone quiet? You know what? He's doing a fantastic job. He's actually, I've sent a video into the group. He's actually put the leaves in a bin. Jesus. Yeah? Yeah, he's doing a fantastic job now. Well, can you take a leaf out of his book and do a fantastic job for us, please, Micah? Bournemouth, they've found a bit of form of late,

30:18thumped Aston Villa and started to look a bit better under Marco Rose because the start was a little bit iffy to this season. Took them a while to get going hasn't it and then beating Man United at the weekend making all the changes that they did I know Villa made lots of changes as well but yeah this seems to be again they've got themselves going haven't they and tough game when you're playing against Bournemouth really really tough they were brilliant when they came to Newcastle went 2-0 up and were battering Newcastle what was it a month or so ago so there's an understanding I think now and he seems to has got his players to buy into to what he wants to do there now you know can we talk about a player

31:01quickly before we move on who gets I don't feel like he gets any credit, but he's such a good player. Tavernier. Yeah, Harry took him out of his fantasy team. Did he? A few weeks ago. And even though he was doing well, I think he put in Pascal Gross as he stopped doing well. And I think it's needled him quite a bit, to say the least. But he works so hard. He's got great delivery. He's got the spatial awareness. He's got everything. He's got a goal in him as well. He's got a goal in him, yeah. I really like what he's doing. He's looking really good. Yeah, I would agree with that. It's interesting looking at it because a lot of the teams mix their starting lineups and it just shows you how the game has changed.

31:49Because you look at the teams and the personnel and you go, well, that's actually quite a strong team, but it's not quite the team that they normally play. But the depth of the squads now is so much greater than back in Dere when we didn't use nonsensical football language. Yeah, that's a huge difference. And even, I mean, we, years and years ago, we were saying about the bigger teams when they used to rest all the players. Obviously, everyone's doing it now, but you're right. The size of the squad that everyone has now is so much bigger now than what it was 10, 15 years ago. Just on that, when you said back in day, 15 years ago. Just on that one, back in day. You know, in your days, guys, and I'm not even taking a mic here.

32:32Football must have been different, though, in your day, if you didn't have no subs or you allowed one sub. One or two subs, yeah. Surely the intensity must be different then. I know football was different and we've talked about the pitches and all that sort of stuff. But imagine the guys now having one sub. It'd be impossible with the amount of football that they play. Micah, back in those days, men were men. We're real men, weren't we, Al? Micah, they had more cup competitions. They had like, I don't know, what was it? Zenith did or Rumbelow's Cup and all of those things. Rumbelow's Cup's the same as the Carabao Cup, Al. And the Milk Cup, the Coca-Cola Cup. Well, it's like, yeah, but they did have the same.

33:15It's like one sub used to have to go out and play. Yeah, but what happened if you got injured, though? What if you had two or three injuries in the game? You know, the 1966 World Cup final, there were no subs. You weren't allowed subs back then so you know broken leg players hobble around the pitch every single player played the extra time and the whole thing so yeah in my day it was always it was one when I started and then it moved up to two and I think right at the end of my career I might have stretched to three in a World Cup it was it was great because you knew there was very little chance and I think right at the end of my career, I might have stretched to three in a World Cup. It was great because you knew there was very little chance of you being taken off.

33:51So that was quite good. The squads, I don't know, you'd probably rely on 16 players for the whole season. You'd be playing in tough conditions. You see, you know, you can harp on about the modern game, Micah, and all its terminology. But basically, you know, we were tough. You had to be. You had to kind of – you very rarely played 100% fit. You'd be carrying something. You just got on with it. You got on with it. You went home and you got up an hour before you went to bed. To quote Monty Python. I think even in 96, Gaz, so what we're talking 30 years ago, Terry Venables in that game against Holland, was it? No. It was a Germany semi, wasn't it, where he didn't make any changes? Germany semi-final, sorry, yeah, where he didn't make any changes,

34:44went all the way through extra time and up to penalties and there wasn't one. But that was a preference, wasn't it, when he didn't make any changes? Germany semi-final, sorry, yeah, where he didn't make any changes, went all the way through extra time and up to penalties, and there wasn't one sub. But that was a preference, wasn't it? There wasn't one sub, you know, so it's, yeah. Must have lost the number nine board. Must have lost the number nine board, Al. Bit tougher, Micah, bit tougher. Behave yourself. It was walking pace back in your day. Oh, you mad walking pace. No, I had this discussion the other day with Rafa Benitez at the Ballon d'Or about teams pressing. And like I said, like Ian Rush was one of the best at doing it.

35:15He was, very good. He was brilliant at closing defenders down. Closing people down, Alan. That's what it is. Yeah, exactly. Yeah. He was. And also, generally, it, that's what it is. Yeah, exactly. Yeah. He was. And also, generally it was 4-4-2, certainly in English football. And the two strikers would have to do way more work than the one striker that plays there now. So you've got the two wide players. So when we played, the ball would be thrown out to the right back or knocked around the back four to the right back or the left back. And one of those strikers, you had to bomb out there and try and close him down before he knocked it down the touchline into the channels, Micah. Into the channels.

35:59So what's a mixer? Mixer. Into the mixer. That's in the box. You know, lump it into the box. Or you could put it into the hole. Into the hole, yeah. Which is, Micah? Obviously, well, we call it a sausage roll. Yeah. Oh, you see, it was still part, but that obviously is the term, the roll, into the hole. Into the hole, yeah. Into the hole. Into the space. That's right, Micah. Well done. You're getting there. That's right, Michael. Well done. You're getting there. In today's episode of The Rest Is Football, Gary Lineker sounded like an old fart. Gary Lineker is an old fart. Who can't control his old farts now because that's what happens when you get old. Palace went through, Sunderland went through,

36:45Bradford went through as well probably an important win for Sage at Palace because they're having a bit of a tough time in the league yeah highlights are yeah the highlights I saw Fulham I know they went there and they beat them in the league didn't they early in the season but the highlights that I saw in that game Fulham missed some big chances. But it's a big, big win for Palace, yeah. Big win. I like the goal from Manketia as well. You know, we've talked about him before, where he's been playing as sort of one of the ten. He plays a bit forward, the run. That's what he could do, but he needs to do it now. He was doing that in the celebration as well, like talking, everyone's talking. So, yeah, let's see. Good home draw for Palace as well. Yep, we, everyone's talking. So yeah, let's see.

37:25Good home draw for Palace as well. Yep. We'll come to the draw in a moment, but, which was a good incentive for Newcastle. Well, by the time everyone is listening or watching this, Newcastle will be in the draw. Fleetwood away. Oh, that might come back to bite you. Probably will. We're doing this on Thursday before the Newcastle game. Before Newcastle take on Everton, of course. At Everton as well, Al. It's going to be a tough one. Let's talk about that, the draw. And then I want a little word on Harry Kane, of course, because we haven't actually talked since the Ballon d'Or was given to him. So, as you said, our Fleetwood town will face either Everton or Newcastle, everyone last night. Manchester City, Bradford City, Palace Sunderland,

38:18and then Liverpool Bournemouth. So I suppose the big teams have been kept apart. And Fleetwood, another big opportunity at home, which is the important thing for them, I think. Although, would you as a player playing in League Two, would you prefer to play away at a ground like St. James' Park or go to Everton? I was listening to the goalkeeper the following morning. He was on BBC Breakfast and asked him what draw would he like. And I think he said something like, I would like to go to Man City or somewhere like that rather than have someone at home. But I think it's great for them to have it and for their fans to have another Premier League club, whether that's going to be Everton or Newcastle,

39:02go to their place. And it'll be absolutely rocking again for them. It will. You just think as a player, if you've never had that opportunity of playing at one of the big clubs, I mean, they play at home every other week. But the one thing it does, it gives them a slight chance of causing another upset. And then, you're talking about a two-legged semi-final. So you'll definitely play, well, depending on the draw, of course. But yeah. What about Harry Kane winning the Ballon d'Or? I was really pleased for him. We were there, Alan. Yep, we were. Yeah, we were there. You were giving one of the prizes out. In fact, you gave it to Harry, didn't you? Yeah, I give him the best striker of the year. And actually, what I found really interesting,

39:56because afterwards when we were walking off stage, I sort of said to him, I said, because I knew the award next was going to be the... Big one, yeah. The big one was going to be the Ballon d'Or, the best player in the world. And I said to him, have you got any idea if you've won it? He goes, I haven't got a clue. He said, all my family were as anxious as each other. He said, honestly, I haven't got a clue whether I've won it or not. So he genuinely didn't know. I assume they might give them a little whisper. I thought that because when Kylian Mbappe turned up from Real Madrid, I was thinking, ooh, he must have been told here. Do you know what I was thinking as well, Mike, about Kylian, because he didn't really get a mention all night.

40:40So you've got Luminium, who did the Young Talent Award, as they called it. You've got Harry Kane, who won the goal scoring one. But having said that, that's not voted. That's obviously just numbers. Yes. So he was going to win that anyway. But Killingham was sitting there in the front row, not really mentioned, just sitting there. And I was starting to think, hmm, what do you have come if they, but maybe they don't tell them. mean they don't in the oscars and it's obviously become a little bit like oscars night such a big deal all the big players do turn up i mean it the show was a was a bit of a shambles to be to be honest so many things were going wrong and it was yeah i felt for them on stage it was It was difficult and it was long and it was delayed.

41:26They seemed to be more focused on the red carpet than actually the night. So Alan, it was funny, Mike. You know Alan loves to be early, right? So I'm still at home getting ready and Al's gone, I'm down in the bar if you want to come. Because on the invitation, it said something like, arrivals from 4.30 to 6.30 and 6 to 7.30 go to the place. And I was there, bang on the button. You must have been first in the door. So honestly, I got on the transport with Shevchenko, Lucy Bronze and a few others. And we were on the first bus. But we ended up getting to the event, and we had to sit in the transport waiting for 30 or 35 minutes. Yeah, we had that as well. And I'm thinking, what are we doing here this early, man?

42:16But I think there were thousands of people outside, and I don't know whether it's taken them by the organisers by surprise or what, I'm not quite sure, but it was like, oh. Well, it also coincided with the first day of the No More Pedestrians on Oxford Street as well and obviously the theatre was just around the corner from there. But I think it was more they wanted to kind of just bring people at different times to the red carpet. Right. So it wasn't overcrowded at once. But, I mean, I got – I said to the mates, I said, I can get there about half six, and you were there – I think it was about five o'clock you texted me. Yeah. And I thought, Christ, and I was still there. And we were hanging around for ages before we –

43:01then we got on a bus, then you get there, then you wait, and it was near. It was, it was near, it was about nearly nine o'clock before it actually started. So, but that aside, well done, Harry Kane. Well, I mean, I thought he handled it really well. He's, you know, he's, he's incredibly modest, but at the same time, he knows what, he knows he's good. I thought he spoke really well. I thought that he's, he deserves it. I think I was really well. I thought that he deserves it. I think I was really genuinely chuffed for him. Yeah, outstanding. It's just been amazing. His numbers are off the charts and have been for such a long time now. Can you suspect this was his... I don't know. Can he go again and win it

43:38again? I don't know. It's like... You would think this was going to be his best chance of winning it. So I'm absolutely delighted that he did. It's so good, wasn't it? Because a genuine superstar, he was at Spurs and he was getting questioned, not winning anything. Go to Bayern. And a lot of us raised eyebrows, thinking, why does he want to go there? And then he talked about it, wanted to win the Champions League. And his performances have just been exceptional. And he's a worthy winner. Some of us, Mike, have said what a great move it is to go to Bayern Munich. You said that. Yeah, I just wanted him to go. If he was going to leave Spurs, it's a Barcelona, it's a real Madrid. But Bayern Munich are a huge football club.

44:22I'm not saying they're not, but I'm saying the league, the domestic league, is not as competitive as years before. That's all I was saying there. Bayern Munich are a massive club. Absolutely fantastic. But I don't know. I wanted to sort of see Real Madrid. And they are the biggest, you know? Second biggest. Yeah, it's nothing against Bayern. I love Bayern. But I just wanted to see Real Madrid. But to go to Bayern and do what it does and then what it's done, it's just, yeah, it's unbelievable. So congrats. Guys, did you see the reaction of Jamal and Mbappe when Harry's name was announced? I mean, it's bloody horrible sat there. Oh, yeah. And you haven't got a clue. announced. I mean, it's bloody horrible sat there. Oh, yeah.

45:05And you haven't got a clue. And then it's obviously it's not you. It's like, oh, it's so difficult to sit there and just clap and say, yeah, well done. It's like, oh, God. Yeah, well done, yeah. You can imagine their feeling is how they're feeling, you know. It's like the Oscars and they obviously all the contenders, they stick at the nominees. They all stick a camera in their face, don't they? And then you're probably thinking, right, it's not me. I just need to go, yeah, man, I saw you, you twat. That's how I felt, mate. Going to Barbados last year, British Airways. Rest is football. No, see you two's faces and not mine. Well, it was yours. It was cut off or it wasn't put. tony pastor who are the owners tony pastor

45:49gary lilliker and what's your other shareholder jack jack jack jack honestly you talk about promotion this promotion that i've signed my contract my contract the ink is dry. Can you put me on, please, the promotion on the flight to Barbados? Why weren't you on it? I don't know. That's what I know. They just said they only wanted the big hitters' faces on there, Gaz. That's why. They asked me, they said, what should you do? I said, yeah, just fuck, Micah. Just put me and Gaz on there. Were you travelling in first class though, Mike? No, no, I wasn't actually. That was another one of his, guys. If you pop to first class, Mike, you're on. You'll find your picture on there. He had his cleaner ring the butler

46:38for the butler to then ring the chauffeur to take him to the stairs of first class. No leaf blowers in first class either. So if you go first class, Micah, it's just your face. Oh, is it really? Yeah, the rest of the plane in club and economy is just Alan and me because you're big time. Great stuff. Let's call it a day there that's it for this episode the rest is football goodbye from me have a great weekend everyone Hi, I'm Emily, your friend and jeweler at Shane Company. Wear a small box with a burgundy bow will help you win the holidays. As an in-house designer, I love creating meaningful, fine jewelry gifts. Choose a necklace with a gorgeous infinity charm to symbolize your everlasting love.

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