Did Man City Just Win The League?

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[00:00:00]Coming up on today's show, >> you have to fancy Man City now.

[00:00:03]>> Nico O'Reilly was absolutely sensational in this game.

[00:00:07]>> If O'Reilly can play like that for the rest of the season, he's got to start ringing at the World Cup.

[00:00:12]>> Where was this forward thinking Arsenal against Bournemouth last weekend?

[00:00:16]Because I think that's the result that might cost them the league.

[00:00:20]>> And the car accused Arteta now of of not having a go. It's just is it too little too late?

[00:00:26]>> They chucked him under the bus. Yes. Of the players. The performance was crap. I don't see Eddie in charge of Newcastle next season, unfortunately.

[00:00:33]>> I mean, they're serious favorites now to go down.

[00:00:36]>> Some of the decisions when they were 21 up were mindblowing.

[00:00:52]Hello and welcome to the rest is football with Michael Richards, Alan Sheer, and me Gary Linka. We're all over the world. But we'll we'll come to that shortly. But firstly, firstly, I want to congratulate John, producer John, um, who's not online with us tonight. Um, because he's had or his wife Ra has had their first child.

[00:01:16]>> A little boy called Archie two days ago.

[00:01:19]So many, many congratulations, John.

[00:01:21]>> Congratulations, John. Amazing.

[00:01:23]>> Congratulations, John. Fantastic. Well, he didn't have the baby, so he could still be online, could he?

[00:01:30]>> He thinks he's WHY IS HE I MEAN, YEAH.

[00:01:32]WHY IS HE NOT HERE?

[00:01:33]>> YOU'RE A hard pair, you two. You are.

[00:01:35]You are.

[00:01:38]>> Brilliant. Congrats, John. Well done.

[00:01:40]>> Right. Where are Micah? You're in Manchester. Obviously, you were at the game. Um the big game we'll come to um very shortly. Manchester City against Arsenal, which um we've certainly got a title race on our hands now. Alan, where are you?

[00:01:56]I'm in Tampa, Florida, Gary. Um I've got another maybe two or three hours left here and then I'm back home. I've been here this weekend with the Premier League for their morning live um fan fest thing they do with the invite all the Premier League clubs in and um all the fans to come in and watch the games. Um and it's been a really brilliant weekend. It's fantastic. Been really well looked after and it's been great.

[00:02:21]>> So excitement's over there for the World Cup. There is huge really I mean they love their soccer. Yeah, it's it's building up nicely. They there's a there's a huge appetite for the Premier League here and um clearly they could never do these events in England cuz people end up fighting and scrapping and whatever because of the rivalry, but the way they do it here in America is is they all come in and it it really is just got great energy. They create a great atmosphere and it's been a brilliant weekend for the Premier League and for uh for all concerned. I've been off to the sunshine as well. I'm here.

[00:02:53]I'm actually in Ia.

[00:02:56]>> Yeah. Yeah. Long weekend back home um tomorrow, but it's been great. And I just want to give a quick shout out, a quick thank you to So Farmhouse who managed to sort out a really nice screen to watch the match on. So thank you to Pepe, the general manager, Hana and Harry. You looked after us brilliantly and enabled me to watch the games. And what a cracking game it was. And we'll come on to that in just a minute.

[00:03:27]This episode is powered by Fuse Energy.

[00:03:30]Before we kick off a quick pre-match warm-up from Fuse, a question on the teams and players who make things count.

[00:03:37]Who has scored the most Premier League goals as a substitute?

[00:03:42]>> I I know this one.

[00:03:43]>> Oh dear.

[00:03:44]>> Oh, Mike, you know. Well, let Shall we let Alan go first then? Well, I'm going to go for Jermaine Defo.

[00:03:50]>> HE'S CHEATING AGAIN. SOMEONE'S GIVING HIM THE ANSWERS.

[00:03:53]>> Do you think that's the answer though, Mike?

[00:03:54]>> That's the correct answer. I knew that because I seen it at Stat the other week.

[00:03:57]>> Call it an honorable draw, but whoever gets the right answer for who's second wins.

[00:04:02]>> It's got to be Chikorita. It surely.

[00:04:05]>> Oh, you going?

[00:04:06]>> I I'm going then. Yeah, >> Alan, you are the winner.

[00:04:12]The best teams find an edge wherever they can. And it should be the same with your energy. Take control of your energy like it's part of your game plan. Sign up at fuseenergy.com/oot using code football all uppercase to save on your energy bill and get the chance to ask us your football question on the pod. Full terms and conditions at fuseenergy.com.

[00:04:38]Well, it was the result I think most people expected. I thought it was a cracking game between City and Arsenal.

[00:04:44]I thought actually Arsenal played really well at times. I thought City were really good as well. It was end to end.

[00:04:51]It could have gone either way. Obviously Arsenal went very close hitting the inside of the post on a couple of occasions, but City do what they tend to do in a title running. And you were there, Micah. So, let's hear from you first. I mean, what was it like there?

[00:05:06]>> Stand by before HE SAYS, "I TOLD YOU SO.

[00:05:09]WE WEREN'T OUT OF THE TITLE RACE."

[00:05:12]>> Go on. It's all yours, M. Yes, give me the floor, please. I said it was all going to come to this game and and the league's not done. It's it's not done.

[00:05:21]But I think this game, whoever would have won the game, Man City have won the game, it give them the momentum for the rest of the season. And it's disrespectful to say Man City have won the league now, but they're in with the chance. And I always thought this was going to be the pivotal game as we all and it's one of those things where you think Arsenal you've opened up the door.

[00:05:42]You've let Man City in there when they should have been more points ahead if you look at the say the last five games.

[00:05:49]But Man City here I thought in terms of the game it was an excellent game. Two teams going toe to toe. If you think about Arsenal and how they was going to set up, I thought maybe a lot of the fans thought they'd go maybe in a low block, but they didn't. They was aggressive. They pressed really high and they said, "Okay, let let's have it.

[00:06:11]Let's see who can get over the line."

[00:06:14]And Man City in the end, their quality shone through even though Arsenal, like you said, Gaz had a lot of good chances.

[00:06:21]But that's what it is. It's moments within the game. who who takes their moments and who doesn't. And on this case, Man City certainly took their moments.

[00:06:31]>> Where was this last weekend against Bournemouth? Where was this energy and where was this performance and where was this forwardinking Arsenal against Bournemouth last weekend? Because I think that's the result that might cost them the league last weekend rather than this weekend because they were just so flat. And I just thought today they were really good. I thought they were, you can't complain too much about their performance. I thought it was it was a good good game. They created plenty.

[00:06:59]They went they went right up against Man City and thought we'll take you on and I thought it was a brilliant game. Two two very good sides. Um Arsenal had their moments as you said Gaz, the chances they missed, the one v one htz, the header havt right at the end. But yeah, you have to fancy Man City now because with the last I don't know six or seven weeks with their performances, who they've beaten and how they've beaten them, um you still have to fancy them.

[00:07:28]But I don't I still don't think both teams will go and win every game this season. I still think it'll be a twist or two.

[00:07:35]>> I mean, it could it's not impossible that it'll be down to goal difference in the end. And their goal difference is very very close. I mean, it's great for for the neutrals because you want it to go as close as you can. So, it's really exciting right at the death. So, in that sense, it was good. You know, I feel a little bit for Arsenal. They're going through it at the moment. Obviously, lost in two cup competitions, but they're still in the semi-final of the Champions League. Um, so they've got, you know, plenty to play for. They can still win the league title. You know, a lot of people now will go a choke like this. it still could be a really memorable season for them. I'm not going to jump on that, you know, the bandwagon that they're going to throw it away. I think it's too soon um to say that yet.

[00:08:18]And I think they did show something today. Um even though the result didn't go their way. It could have been it could have been different. I thought there was some really good performances on the Let's start with the City side.

[00:08:31]Um for a start, Bernardo Silva was was superb. Turkey was absolutely brilliant.

[00:08:37]Oh, outstanding.

[00:08:38]>> So talented. And I want but I want to pick out one a young man. I think Nico O'Reilly was absolutely sensational in this game. And obviously he had a hand in the in the second goal. Some of his passes forward, the way he goes into midfield. I mean, it was a performance of a of of a mature player in absolutely in his prime, let alone um well, basically as a young boy.

[00:09:03]>> Yeah. I want to be a little bit careful with him because he's a young player and I remember a game with uh Miles Lewis Skellyy last season against Real Madrid and he had one of the best performances from a young player I think I've ever seen from left back going into midfield and I always remember that. But Nika O'Reilly in terms of making the difference, you know, scoring in the uh in the the League Cup final twice and then being able to go into midfield but looking so assured. You know, when you see with young players, it's almost sort of like energy and sort of a burst of pace or that might have a big tackle that gets the crowd going. his is more composed on the ball which I'm staggered to believe a player can have that much composure at that age.

[00:09:55]>> I'm staggered and obviously Pep is he's no m he's putting him in and he's paying it ahead of um Nory who who they signed.

[00:10:04]So it just shows you how good he is and now obviously we've got to throw it forward to England. I was always saying Lewis Hall, but if O'Reilly can play like that for the rest of the season, he's got to start for England at the World Cup. He he just has to because defensively sound, going forward is sound and technically he's he's very good.

[00:10:22]>> Yeah. And also he's he's a threat. He can score goals.

[00:10:25]>> So you mentioned Nikico O'Reilly and you already you mentioned David um Bernardo Silva I should say. Wow. I mean did you see when he went >> running back to defend against Kai Havots and won the ball? I mean, his his work in that game was just incredible and a great example to any youngster. I mean, it must be brilliant having him in your football club when you're youngster looking at him and his attitude and everything else he's done in the game.

[00:10:50]>> Yeah. And he's he's obviously off at the end of the season, isn't he? I mean, he'll always be remembered at City, that's for sure. I mean, he won six titles or something extraordinary.

[00:11:00]>> He's on the brink of another one.

[00:11:01]>> Have you just seen the way he plays though? I mean, he he's always been energetic in in terms of >> I wouldn't say the quickest, but he had that acceleration where he could play in various different positions. And I think when you look at David Silva, David Silva was always one of those players who could make something happen. Looks very tidy and his first touch was immense. But Bernardo Silva in terms of his versatility is just remarkable. He controls games.

[00:11:30]He's not the quickest anymore. And one thing that we was all saying as pundits at the start of the season, oh say you're lacking a little bit of energy, but what he lacks in the energy he makes up with his head, his football IQ is just insane. And watching him live when he, like Allan saying, running back and and tackling or trying to create something or making the right pass. He always makes the right pass. And watching him live today was a real a real dream. And it's going to be sad to see him go because he's a legend of the club. The legend of the as simple as that. Do you know what else I loved as well, guys? I loved the battle with Harland and Gabrielle.

[00:12:05]>> Yeah, I know.

[00:12:06]>> It's like good oldfashioned center half and center forward going toe to toe like fighting, scrapping. And I have to I'm going to mention this head Alan actually. Well, I tell you what, I got to mention this because I I I'm, you know, I said last week about the sending off from uh Martinez, Man United, and I said the game has to be very very careful what it's what it wants and what it's accepted in terms of V. The V >> sent the referee to the screen last week, Man United game with a tiny tug, if anything. I'm not even sure he meant it, with a tiny tug of the hair and he's sent off for violent conduct, Martinez.

[00:12:45]Yeah, you look at Gabrielle the way he shoved his head into Harland's head. How on earth is that not a red card?

[00:12:52]Seriously, what the hell is going on in our game with V? My take on it is is that they probably said we don't really want to get involved in the title race or something. You can't might not be seen to sending someone else off. And I think Harlem's done Gabrielle a right favor by not going to the ground because so many other players would have went to the ground when he stuck his head into his clear red card. It should have been.

[00:13:18]>> Yeah, I agree. It was a red card. And and the problem is with it, I think, is that Harland stayed on his feet and saved him from the red card. If he'd have gone, there's no question he'd have got it. But what that does, it encourages players in similar circumstances to throw themselves on the floor because they're going to well, you know, it got a red card under those circumstances. So, I absolutely agree with you, Alan. The the game needs to be a little bit careful. It it you know, it's close to being a non-cont sport. I know that we like to see a bit of physicality, but obviously there's a line that you draw and you can't you can't shove your head into someone else's head. I think I mean they were I think they were touching at the time. It was more like a push with a head than an absolute outrageous >> head. But you can't do it. You can't shove your head in someone.

[00:14:07]>> You can't do it. No, you can't.

[00:14:08]>> But but I I in fairness though, come on.

[00:14:11]In a game of this magnitude, I totally agree with you. I think you both raised good points, but you don't want to see someone sent off when he he does. It's wrong. By the laws of the game, he probably he should have been sent off.

[00:14:25]We all know that. But like because there was so much back and forth as as a viewer and as someone who's impartial watching watching watching the game say someone watching on TV, you don't want to see someone get sent off for that.

[00:14:38]However, I understand both of your your points. It was just the the the fact that it was back and forth and all that sort of stuff. I I totally understand why the ref has not given it, but by the laws he should have been off. I agree.

[00:14:52]You tell that to the next guy who puts his head in someone else's head in a in a week or two's time and gets a red card. See see what happens.

[00:14:59]>> In the Champions League when the guy picked up the ball on his hand, they said they didn't give it. It should have been a penalty, but they they said common sense in this game. I think there has to be a degree of common sense. If he would have gone to the side or a little bit of a a headbutt, I would totally agree. I I I understand it's a red, but I understand why he's not giving it on this occasion.

[00:15:24]>> That's all I'm saying.

[00:15:25]>> You can't go by what, you know, what kind of game it is.

[00:15:29]>> Otherwise, I mean, >> we've all played football, right? And you know what? It's a big intense game.

[00:15:35]We've both we've all played in derbies.

[00:15:37]I've seen some of the derbies that you guys used to play. I know the football was a little bit different then. you could get away with a lot more but some of the tackles in there you think okay let's just manage a game because it's a derby if if that was been given as a red it all the headlines would have been on that and we wouldn't really be talking about the football at the end of the day it was moments in the game Man City come on top you know and that's what I think is better be to be talking about rather than that incident however I agree it should have been a red >> and also it would have been a three-game ban which a massive blow to Arsenal. You know, taking away the fact that he would have missed the end of this particular game. I think that's that's probably more >> more the issue in this one. I mean, Churkeyy's been a good signing, hasn't he? I mean, he's uh I think he's the only player this season so far to get 10 goals and 10 assists. He took his goal brilliantly, didn't he?

[00:16:33]>> Brilliant goal, great feet, great balance, clever finish. I'll let you lot to the strikers talk about the goal, but I I just want to talk about it from a defensive point of view. A lot of people saying, "Why is Gabrielle backing off?"

[00:16:45]Because you don't want to be anywhere near him. It's retreat. Get get somebody to come and help you out, which they did, but it was a little bit too late.

[00:16:53]So, he made a mistake and he should have gone out. But yeah, the forwards take away cuz we're talking about that the splendid goal.

[00:16:59]>> We didn't score goals like that. Me now.

[00:17:01]>> No, we didn't. No, not at all. Once he once he's in the box, he's he's like pretty much untouchable, isn't he? Cuz he's looking for a for a dangling leg or whatever. And because his balance is that I mean, his balance is superb left and right the way he goes and then the finish was was so clever. He's such a skillful player, isn't he?

[00:17:18]>> It was funny cuz I put my um my phone on airplane mode cuz I knew I'd get loads of notifications and I was watching it.

[00:17:26]We were about a minute or two behind.

[00:17:27]So, I turned it off and I thought once the goal went in, I thought, I'll have a little look on our chat to see what we're all saying about that goal. And the first thing I saw was, "What's the keeper doing?" And I thought, "Oh, no."

[00:17:39]And I didn't know which keeper it was, but I knew that something had happened.

[00:17:43]And and then >> and then a minute later, um, Don Rummer had a a nightmare, but he did make up for it with a couple of fabulous saves, um, later in the game. But it was I mean it nearly happened at the other end in the first minute or two, didn't it? With that just got away with it. Yeah.

[00:18:00]>> Yeah. I mean but managers want the keepers to play out nowadays, so they're going to they have to accept that they'll make mistakes now and again. But yeah, it's um it's I don't know about the keepers playing out that much as much as they do.

[00:18:10]>> Well, they did change it though in in fairness to Arsenal. They went a little bit longer.

[00:18:16]>> They they pushed up the pitch. I just I have to give it sounds ridiculous giving Arsenal praise when they've lost but if you look at the way they played if you if you take the the League Cup final which I was at that game and Man City pressed really high and didn't allow them to get out. If you look at what Arsenal did, the game plan was, "Come on then, let's press high man-to-man and then play to Harland and Gabrielle Oila win the header." And a lot of people were saying, "Well, the narrative is Arsenal going to bottle it. They're going to go to Man City and they're going to drop off, but they didn't. They actually tried to play." And on another occasion, they may have come out with a draw or a win. And we talk so much about moments, don't we, in football. Man City took theirs. Arsenal didn't, but tactically I thought they did really better than they have been doing in the last five games.

[00:19:08]>> Having said all that, I mean, you know, they took the chances, the other side didn't. How unlucky was Ezar with his his effort of an inch from being a goal. It really is. But and then obviously there was another one. That's it. That's the difference.

[00:19:25]>> Um, but ultimately it's it's what you do over 38 games. And it's it's now it's now very tight. It's very tight. Um and and Harland popped up. Big game, big man, big goal.

[00:19:37]>> The way he held um Gabrielle off and the strength and then still keep his balance and finish it was um was sublime. I thought I thought it was a fantastic piece of center forward play was brilliant from Harland.

[00:19:52]>> Arsenal have lost four of the last six matches in all competitions.

[00:19:56]They need a result. They've got to get a, you know, I know they got through in the Champions League and we forget that a little bit because of the nature and it was a bit of a bore draw, wasn't it?

[00:20:06]But I suppose, you know, I mean, if they missed out on everything, it'd be a a massive blow, but they they're certainly getting closer. I mean, would they, you know, they've got a chance in the Champions League. It's going to be really difficult, but they have definitely got a chance. The good news for Arsenal is they've got Newcastle next weekend who are absolutely [ __ ] >> Oh, you're not happy, Al. He's not happy. I was going to come to that later.

[00:20:36]>> That's the good news to come out of the weekend. Arsenal have got Newcastle at home next weekend.

[00:20:42]>> City unbeaten in the last 10 Premier League games with seven wins and three draws. It's their longest run without a defeat in the league this season. Are they now They're still three points behind. They've got to win their game in hand. The goal difference is not much.

[00:20:54]If they do win that game in hand, obviously the goal difference will improve. They'll probably go ahead of Arsenal. Are they favorites now?

[00:20:59]>> Yeah.

[00:21:00]>> Yeah. You think so?

[00:21:01]>> Yep. They've got B their game in hand.

[00:21:02]Correct me if I'm wrong. Is that Burnley and midweek >> Wednesday? Yeah, I'll be there.

[00:21:06]>> They've got the momentum. They've got the form. Yeah, they're favorites now.

[00:21:10]They're definitely favorites.

[00:21:11]>> They've probably got slightly more difficult fixtures overall, but there's not a lot in it. Arsenal need to get a little bit of a run going right at the right time. It's not it's definitely not too late for them.

[00:21:23]>> I think it's more that the psychological battle and we always talked about that.

[00:21:26]We we said that. So if they were to go out against Atletico Madrid in the semifinal, does that derail them? I would probably agree that their fixtures look a little bit better, but you can't handp pick fixtures anymore because it goes down to momentum and City have it at the moment and that can change. You know, a couple of weeks is is a long time in football.

[00:21:51]>> But I would think that those games are going to take a little bit out of them, but if they was to win against Atletico, go to the fin, it could give them all the confidence that they need. So, yeah, it's not it's not done. I would still say City your favorites because you you've always asked the question can City go on that run. It doesn't look like it but maybe you always said maybe Gaz because you always that glimmer of hope that they they could do and if we stay in touch in distance with Arsenal yet now now that door is open. So I would just say City slight favorites.

[00:22:25]Yeah, >> there is the Pep factor and and having done it many times before that I think that does make a difference. You could look at it going in that that Arsenal have got two huge games against Atletico in the Champions League. Um City have not got the Champions League which might help them a little bit but they have got obviously a semi-final in the FA Cup to play. Um but they'll be big favorites in that. So I think a lot might depend on how they do against Atletico because as you quite rightly said I mean confidence is is so so important particularly as you head down the stretch. I do think there's going to be twists and turns, guys. I don't think every team will win will win every game between now and the end of the season. If if only football was that simple, it's not. And having been in that position myself, I know how they're feeling. And I I really genuinely don't think both teams will win every game.

[00:23:16]>> Just lastly for me on on this game, I I think I I said I think it was on Sky 6 months ago that Arsenal need to take the handbrake off and I think they did. I thought Kai Hbert was excellent. Yeah, I thought it held up the ball really well.

[00:23:31]His his movement, yes, you look at the chances that he probably should have scored, but to go with Madi on one side, Ezie on the other side, and Odigard as well, that is more offensive. Yes, some people might say they've not been all fit at the same time, but he had a go.

[00:23:46]And they can't accuse Arteta now of of not having a go. It's just is it too little, too late? That that's going to be the the question because we've seen when the when they go for it, they're a good side.

[00:23:57]>> Yeah. Well, they're still ahead at the moment, so it's going to be fascinating down the home stretch. Um, let's look at other matters like the Champions League spots and European spots, which is really tight now, and um, the relegation battle after the break.

[00:24:16]This episode is brought to you by Squarespace. All right, here's a quick off- pitch tip for anyone thinking of getting their brand online. Squarespace is a gamecher. The AI enhanced website builder helps you create a personalized website in just a few steps. And a custom domain has your site looking professional from day one. Go to squarespace.com/foot for a free trial. And when you're ready to launch, use code football, all uppercase, to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

[00:24:50]This segment is brought to you by hotels.com.

[00:24:53]At international tournaments, the atmosphere can feel very different, especially when fans have traveled out in big numbers to follow their team. You can sense it when a stadium is right behind a team. It changes the feel of the game slightly, even in the small decisions players make out on the pitch.

[00:25:12]So, it does actually really make a difference. And it's it's surprisingly so, isn't it, Al? Oh, there's no doubt it'll make a difference when you when you're having thousands follow you and they create such an atmosphere and you're giving them something to shout about. Um then oh, it makes a huge difference when you know you've got a big following behind you.

[00:25:31]>> Just gives you that little bit of I don't know a little bit more, doesn't it? Keeps you going.

[00:25:35]>> You respond to it.

[00:25:36]>> It's like when you go to the gym by yourself. You can do it. You can get through it. But when you've got people around you, it just pushes you on a little bit more. That's exactly what it is.

[00:25:48]>> Do you have about 10,000 people cheering you on when you're doing a workout?

[00:25:53]>> Why do you think these guns are the size they are?

[00:25:58]>> I mean, I remember the the the two World Cups I played in the first one, Mexico.

[00:26:03]Um, and there was I mean, it's amazing how the the English fans and fans of all countries all go to great lengths to make sure they support their team at a World Cup. I mean even even in Mexico in ' 86 we we had I mean there was couple of thousand probably there and I remember they world cups it was different back then the stadium that we played in was one of the games was it wasn't completely full and when we when we scored and went 3-0 up with my hat trick don't like to mention they were doing the conga right round the ground it was amazing it really I mean such such a lift >> you know there's going to be an amazing atmosphere for the uh for the for the games. So when you go out as a player, you've got to then give them something.

[00:26:48]You got to keep that momentum and that atmosphere going. It's up to you as a player, as the team to keep that going.

[00:26:54]Um but it is a it's a special feeling.

[00:26:56]>> Should the crowd motivate the players or the players motivate the crowd?

[00:27:00]>> Both.

[00:27:02]>> Both.

[00:27:02]>> It starts off with a crowd, doesn't it?

[00:27:04]But then you have to respond as a player to then give them something to shout about.

[00:27:08]>> Oh, I think it's the other way. I think it starts off with a player. The players have got to give something for the crowd to shout about and then you go if if they're watching dross, you know what I mean? But you've GOT TO GIVE THEM SOMETHING, A LITTLE TRICK, A little tackle, header, something. But fans fans are what make football as we saw in co.

[00:27:27]>> Yeah. And the the big players turn up, don't they? On the on the big occasion from the big crowds.

[00:27:33]>> Yeah. Because you love it. You love what you're getting back off the crowd. You love to impress and you love to be the the the story. And that's that's why they do it.

[00:27:41]>> Hope we get a World Cup final like we got three and a half years ago, whatever it was. I mean, that was incredible, wasn't it? Talk about I mean, the atmosphere, the occasion, and the Messi and Mbappe shows that bit more of that would be great.

[00:27:54]Uh, when a team knows the fans are with them, you can see it on the pitch.

[00:27:59]Players just seem to find a bit more in those moments and trust themselves when the pressure's on. Those small margins can make all the difference on the biggest footballing stage. If you're traveling out to be a part of it, Hotels.com rewards you along the way.

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[00:28:33]Welcome back to the rest is football with Michael Riches and Sher and me Gary Lica. I think we know which teams are probably going to be in the Champions League now with um Chelsea losing to Manchester United. It's looking good for United. Um good win for Villa. Um couple of goals for Ollie Watkins as well.

[00:28:51]>> Yeah.

[00:28:52]>> At the right time. Um and a a crucial win I think as well for Liverpool. What was it about the 100th minute? Virgil van Dijk got the head absolutely sick for for Everton they can't seem to get a result against Liverpool and because obviously Everton one of those teams battling for for European spot and there's also a scenario that England could have six teams uh in the Champions League. It's quite peculiar one. It only will happen if Villa win the Europa League which I think they've got a real chance of doing because Emory is very good in that competition and finish fifth. If Villa finished third or fourth, it doesn't apply. Um, it only applies if they finish fifth, which that could happen as well. So, it's, you know, the sixth place could still be a Champions League spot. And then if you look at the table there, my goodness, it's incredibly tight. Um, there's just a couple of points separates the like what a handful of teams really. Six or seven sides are in with a a chance of European football um if not Champions League football. I'm just looking at the table now. It's it's it's madness.

[00:30:01]Chelsea are on 48, Brenford on 48, Bournemouth on 48, Brighton on 47, Everton on 47, Sunderland on 46, Fulham on 45, and Palace and Newcastle are on 42.

[00:30:14]>> Well, Palace have got two games in hand.

[00:30:17]>> It's mad. The table's absolute madness, isn't it? But this is what we talk about the Premier. if any other league if you go to La Liga or Bundesliga or Syria or whatever it may be although we've talked about the quality maybe not so in the Premier League but in terms of entertainment look at the race we've got first and second and then the race at the bottom of the table that's what makes it so interesting like the >> I I don't know the excitement >> towards the end of the season is just remarkable I can't I can't wait for it >> we were questioning last week, weren't we? The entertainment value a little bit in the Premier League, whether it's gone a little bit negative, a little bit, you know, in terms of set pieces, etc. But this weekend, there was some some absolutely cracking games, comebacks, lots of goals, and lots of excitement.

[00:31:09]>> Yeah. But you know what that is? The difference now is pressure. When you come towards the end of the season, a lot of people are under pressure. So you you are going to see these types of of results. I mean I watched some of the game the filler game Abraham last minute Sunderland went down one end should have won it and Abraham goes down the other.

[00:31:31]I was thinking oh my it's it was absolute madness but that's the Premier League. That is the >> and teams have to go for it as well now though as well don't they? So there there's no there's no point in sitting back now is there? What's the point of sitting back and finishing mid table?

[00:31:45]You might as well just chuck everything at him and think, well, we've got a really good opportunity now to finish sixth, seventh, eighth or whatever and might get a European spot.

[00:31:54]>> Exactly. I think I just want a quick word on on your your view on Ollie Watkins because he's found a little bit of form coming to the World Cup.

[00:32:03]Personally, I think he's the best option still behind Harry Kane. If you're looking at another nine in the Premier League at the moment, an English player, um obviously Harry Kane's definitely first choice, another goal today. Bayern Munich have clinched the title, so congratulations on another title. Um those trophies are coming in quick and fast for Harry at the moment. He's got a good chance in the um in the Champions League as well. But Ollie Watkins, backup striker, I he get my he get my tick from me.

[00:32:34]>> Even when he wasn't named in the uh 35 or 36, whatever it was, England squad, I always felt he would be the one that still goes as backup >> cuz I I do think he deserves to go. I do think he's better than all the others who are challenging whether that's Calbertt Lewen, whether that's Salanki or whether that's Wellback. I think he's the best option and he's been there and he's also done it. M >> I think maybe Tupel was perhaps just having a look at the others in training and the games but also knowing what Ollie Watkins can give him and I do think >> still he'll go with him instead of the others.

[00:33:09]>> I hope so.

[00:33:11]>> Yeah, totally agree. I I think Watkins plays better when he's angry as well. Do you remember when John Duran was at Villa and he he took him out of the the starting 11 for and then he come in and he started playing better. Now he's got Abraham brea breathing down his neck as well. He's just he's just I don't know.

[00:33:30]I don't know if he's a confidence player. I don't know if it's a player who needs that competitive edge against someone else. But yeah, I I would 100% because he's done it. Totally agree with he's done it he's done it in the Euro.

[00:33:42]He scored big goals. So for sure I would take him.

[00:33:44]>> A word to I think for for Manchester United. Um big win for them away at Chelsea. I know Chelsea had one or two good chances in that game and they're on a bad run now. Chelsea, but he, you know, he's I think he's done as well as you could really realistically do.

[00:34:01]Michael Carrick, >> before I let you guys go on this, I said Rinior was cooking after the Champions League. I don't all of the aspects of a good play, but they just can't. They're not defending and they're not putting away the chances. So, >> combination of a problem youngsters. So, he's he's cooking, but he's he's not cooking like I thought he was cooking in terms of I thought he was making A A SUNDAY DINNER COOKING a Chinese top wings in Manchester cooking. He's not he's not doing that sort of cooking.

[00:34:32]He's he's uh he's baking at the moment.

[00:34:35]He It's not ripe. He's gone into the oven and the things the What's the uh when you're making a um a cookie or um a cookie?

[00:34:47]>> IT'S STILL A BIT It's still a bit A cookie. Yeah, a cookie. It's >> not quite done. A bit mushy in the middle.

[00:34:53]>> I THINK YOU'RE LOOKING FOR THE WORDS.

[00:34:54]He's [ __ ] burned it.

[00:34:58]>> I mean, yeah, it's it's tough there at the moment as well cuz obviously there's fan demonstrations. Um, not just Chelsea fans, but Stras some Strasburg fans joined them as well, didn't they? I mean, in a combined um against the group that run Chelsea, there's there's clearly issues there. I saw a thing that they've not been filling the stadium. Um they've not had a 40,000 crowd for for quite some time. Um you know they've they've adopted this thing of long-term contracts and lots of young players and at the moment it's not working for them >> because of the way that club's run.

[00:35:33]Whoever goes in there is going to have a really really difficult job as we know because you're giving these young players on long long contracts in the hope that they might coach him into better players and maybe sell them on.

[00:35:46]That's that's a tough gig for anyone. I don't care who is. And they might be looking to change it because they might have all of a sudden realized that that's not going to work if they want to be successful and challenged for the title and challenging Europe. They can't go keep on going down that road and they have to change it. So, whoever was going to go in there was going to find it difficult. Having said that, you can't have any sympathy for for for him because you whoever goes in there knows what they're taking on.

[00:36:12]>> It's difficult. four straight defeats without a single goal in any of those games as well.

[00:36:18]>> Yeah, but you've got a you've got a you've got a club that spends God knows how much over a billion pound is it and they still haven't got a top class center forward or top class center off or a top class goalkeeper. I mean, how do you work that out?

[00:36:30]>> It's all it's all good questions. I think obviously after they won the the club world cup bringing in Ja Pedro who's who's done really well this season I I thought but like Alan said he's probably at number number 10 rather than an out and out number nine the lap sort of he's trying to find his feet a little bit it's fair to say >> he's not had a good run of games has he with injuries and things like that I think we we'll reserve our judgment there for a while >> there's definite talent in there but not for Chelsea yet >> yeah and especially the expectation of the fans and Chelsea. Um he needs a little bit of time to to get going for sure.

[00:37:06]>> Yeah, you're right. Cole is a big he's been a big miss for them cuz he was he was looking like an exceptionally talented player in that central defense which they they've kind of chin changed a little bit, haven't they, a lot of the time this season. Not really found a permanently strong partnership um post his injury.

[00:37:27]What about things at the bottom? I mean I mean Forest turned it around, didn't they?

[00:37:32]>> Morgan Gibbs White.

[00:37:33]>> Yeah. Hatrick, you know, as well another player that could be on the periphery of of of the England squad. I He's been there before. Um making a little run at the right time. And I mean, big turnaround for them. If West Ham beat Palace um well on Monday night, tonight if you listen to this on on Monday, Spurs are four points behind them and that that and there's only five games to go. I mean, I thought I thought Tottenham played really really well yesterday. I think it's the best performance I've seen from them for quite some time, but that was a devastating blow right at the end, wasn't it?

[00:38:12]>> As well as they play though, they still give you chances. And there's so many chances that they're still given away.

[00:38:18]And up to now, as we sit here, as we're recording this on >> Sunday afternoon, evening, afternoon for me, evening for for you guys. Um >> it's been a disaster of a weekend for uh for Spurs at the minute.

[00:38:30]>> It really has. And um I mean, it was actually a very good game. There's some great goals scored in that, you know, the two-2 draw. Some great goals, but I mean there's a I mean there serious favorites now to go down. I mean, >> Spurs in the Championship, >> I feel they got a little bit of fight.

[00:38:47]If you look, take the positives from it.

[00:38:49]Zabi Simmons was was excellent. Um, there was pressing a lot higher. It looked like they had a little bit more confidence, >> but I I have to agree with Al. Some of the decisions when they were 2-1 up were mind-blowing. You you've got fullbacks trying to press their strikers leaving the and Zabi Simmons at this point is struggling with his he's obviously got cramp just sit in that's all you have to do and then take break us down and they've been used to being being in that low block of of recent times. Obviously have been a bit more expansive since the Zerby came in, but some of the decision making I can't get on board with that. They they're experienced players now and I know they're going through a difficult time and confidence is massive in football, but some of the decisions that they made when they went up was were remarkable. I they need to they need to sort that out. and some of the decisions perhaps by the board. Um do you think if they'd have appointed if they could have got maybe they tried to get Derby after instead of TUDA he would have had probably a bit more time because you can see that he's making a little bit of a difference um even if they are still committing errors.

[00:40:15]>> Yeah, exactly. Yeah. No, I agree with that. Yeah, they should have I don't we don't know what's going on behind there.

[00:40:20]Whether they did or not, whether he wanted to take it on there or not. I don't know whe as much as it is >> for him now. I don't know. Um but yeah, if that was the case then with the improvement we saw yesterday, you would think that they would have been in a much better position than they are currently.

[00:40:38]>> Well, they've got Wolves next and that is a must-win game. It's simple as that.

[00:40:42]>> Absolutely.

[00:40:43]>> If they were to lose that then I' I' I'd be conceding that Spurs. But if the if if they win that, I think they're in with a with a with a fight. Just just the confidence wise. You get the you get the draw at home and then the fans are behind you. You go to Wolves away. If you pick up three points there, there's a little bit of momentum going into the last few games.

[00:41:01]>> Wolves's form has, you know, they showed a little bit of something, didn't a few weeks ago, but it's dipped again. So, it's it's it's a hu it's a huge match.

[00:41:11]Depending on West Ham's result, it might not even be enough even if they win next to get them out the bottom three.

[00:41:17]>> No, exactly. If West Ham If West Ham beat Palace, that's a four-point gap.

[00:41:22]So, it's going to be really difficult for them. One of my former clubs, Spurs, >> another one, my club that I support, um, looks practically certain to head to to League One, Leicester City. What a mess, >> guys. How has it got to this? You've got an amazing training ground. You've got amazing stadium. Obviously, Daniel Le is has left now, but you're thinking with all the players that they have, yes, they've had big injuries, but to to be in a relegation fight, I I can't comprehend it. I can't. If it can finish 15th, 14th, okay, you say you can have a bad season. It's only a couple of seasons ago. They finished what was it? fifth under on under. Now they're in a relegation fight. The Premier League waits for no one, doesn't it?

[00:42:13]>> I thought you were about Leicester.

[00:42:15]>> Well, I was. I was. And I I was quite appreciative of the fact that you changed the subject cuz we were talking ABOUT LESTER THEN. SORRY, MATE.

[00:42:23]>> YEAH, I WAS. YEAH, I was.

[00:42:27]>> But to be honest, they're not really what I'm talking about anymore cuz they've gone. But 10 years Well, it's it's nearly 10 years ago, isn't it? 2016 when Leicester actually won the league.

[00:42:37]Now we're heading to League One. I mean, it's it's it's mad. I mean, three or four seasons before that they were in league before they won the Premier League. 10 years ago, they were in League One. So, maybe it's just doing a cycle again in three or four years time.

[00:42:50]We'll win the Premier League. But it's Leicester fans are absolutely distraught.

[00:42:54]>> Um it's it's a it's a shambles at the moment, the football club. It's it's it's mad with football. Um and you never know.

[00:43:01]>> Both of our clubs, guys, your club and my club, Newcastle.

[00:43:04]>> Well, you're all right though, aren't you? You're in the Premier League.

[00:43:07]You're in, you know, you're all right.

[00:43:08]Go. Do you want a little rant? Have a little rant. Have a little rant. Al, go on.

[00:43:12]>> Did you watch it yesterday? Like, did you watch it yesterday? I mean, >> I I wasn't on TV. No.

[00:43:19]>> Well, I Yeah, I I was going to say I was lucky enough. I I sat I sat and watched it as well. Oh my god, the players the players were terrible. I mean, I as as tough as it is for uh for Eddie, I don't know what's going to happen with him. I listened to his interview afterwards and I looked at him on the and I just think is he going to is he does is he going to want to go again? Is he going to get a chance to go again? There are so many moving parts to it I guess from his point of view.

[00:43:46]>> Do you think he should? You've always been very supportive.

[00:43:49]>> If if all things are equal then yes I would I would like him to. But does he does he feel as if he's going to have the chance? Does he want to to do it again? Um are Newcastle going to have to sell?

[00:44:01]>> That's a different question though. got money to spend and he doesn't have to sell then then yeah but I look at the players yesterday Gaz and if that if that's what they call fighting for their manager because he's under huge pressure whether you like it or not and if that's what they that's what they're prepared to give is I mean they were terrible they chucked him under the bus yesterday of the players the performance was crap from every single one of them um and I I do I do look it's a tough situation tough summer for Newcastle coming up we've got some big decisions to make.

[00:44:33]>> Well, you're not going down.

[00:44:34]>> But I don't I'm not I don't as I sat here, I don't see I really don't I'm not I don't see Eddie in charge in Newcastle next season, unfortunately, because I look at his interview after the game and I just think not sure the fights there.

[00:44:49]I think I think it's a very different club now to the one um to the one that he would would want to go forward. I don't know. It's I just Yeah, it doesn't it doesn't look it doesn't look in a good position. Can we finish on a positive?

[00:45:02]>> Have you got a date tonight?

[00:45:04]>> No, definitely not. It's not this time.

[00:45:06]>> We'll finish on a positive. Gaz had his leg over at IA.

[00:45:13]>> I struggle to lift my leg nowadays.

[00:45:17]I didn't mean that that way. That didn't come out.

[00:45:23]I tell you what is going up. Coventry City. Let's finish with uh let's finish with congratulating um Coventry. Um >> Super Frankie >> Super Frankie Lampard. What a great job he's done. When he took over they were not far above the drop zone last season.

[00:45:41]They made the playoffs. Didn't manage to get up in the playoffs and and then this season they've, you know, they've pretty much start to finish at the top of the table. They've made it into the Premier League. They're the first team ever um to be in the Premier League, then go down to League Two and then get back to the Premier League. Um as a you know, it's one of our rivals, Leicester, but I mean I have to say I'm chuffed for Frank.

[00:46:05]>> Yeah.

[00:46:05]>> And um I've got a few Coventry City friends, so I'm pleased for them. It might be tough in the Premier League, but it doesn't matter.

[00:46:11]>> Can we get him on the pod TO CELEBRATE, GUYS? I MEAN, you're good mates, aren't you?

[00:46:16]>> Well, I can ask him. Well, I'd like to think so. I'd like to think so. I think that'd be a lovely thing. Let me um I'll I'll send him a message and I don't know whether he listens to the pod or not.

[00:46:26]Surely he does.

[00:46:27]>> I sent him a message congratulating him.

[00:46:30]One of football's good guys he is. So he deserves he deserves the success he's getting. So yeah, he's a nice guy.

[00:46:36]>> I always thought he he had something in him as a coach. I said it from the very beginning. Incredibly intelligent footballer, brilliant work ethic, and um what a great job he's done.

[00:46:47]Super super frank super super frank super super Frank.

[00:46:59]>> Did you say stupid Frankly? Frankie Lamp far from it. Um okay chaps. Um that that's it for for this episode of the rest is football. Goodbye from me.

[00:47:11]>> Goodbye from me.

[00:47:12]>> Goodbye from me. Have a great week.