The Game
The Game is a football podcast from The Times and The Sunday Times, offering previews and reviews of matches every Monday and Thursday. Hosted by Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson, it covers the Premier League, EFL, Champions League, European Championships, and World Cups. The show features tactical analysis, data insights, transfer news, and special guest appearances.
Episodes
WORLD CUP DAY 23: England kick off farce and Cape Verde drama
What a night of drama! FIFA threatened to change England's kick off time against Mexico due to storms only for discussions to break down, Matt Lawton joins Tom to offer the latest on a bizarre and farcical situation at this tournament.Drama on the pitch too as Cape Verde come agonisingly close to beating Argentina, scoring some stunning goals in a 3-2 defeat. Paul Hirst reports from that thriller
WORLD CUP DAY 22: Ronaldo through and Spain look strong
Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup odyssey continues but he needed VAR to intervene and ensure Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in a match packed with incident and drama. Ronaldo and his team face Spain in the next round after they beat Austria. Tom Clarke is joined by Ian Whittell and Peter Rutzler to discuss both of those matches and hears why Spain should be considered as one of the favourites. I
WORLD CUP DAY 21: Harry Kane rescues England
It wasn't pretty and it was mighty tense but England are through - just - thanks to a late brace from Harry Kane.A performance lacking fluidity in attack and a defense that looked porous at times leaves Thomas Tuchel with far more questions than answers.The talking points: Kane is world class, England's right side and how does Tuchel fix the defense?Matt Lawton gives reaction live from the Atlanta
WORLD CUP DAY 20: Mbappe and Olise shine, can Kane and Bellingham follow?
Is there a more iconic or productive World Cup duo than Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise? Gregor Robertson joins Tom Clarke to discuss another brilliant performance by France as they swat Sweden aside to reach the Round of 16. James Gheerbrant sends his thoughts on Norway's win against Ivory Coast and another goal for Erling Haaland. And Jonathan Northcroft joins Tom to preview England's clash
WORLD CUP DAY 19: Paraguay stun Germany
Germany have lost a World Cup penalty shootout for the first time in their history as Paraguay produced one of the stories of this tournament so far. Tom Clarke hears from Michael Grant at the ground and is joined by Gregor Robertson to dissect that momentous win and also discuss Brazil's comeback against Japan. In part two Tom Allnutt reports from Monterrey and an astonishing penalty sh
WORLD CUP DAY 18: Round of 32 predictions and England update
From now on it's knockout football. Who goes through, who goes home?Tom, Gregor and Tony attempt to predict all of the remaining round of 32 ties...and work out who makes it to the final. Spoiler alert is isn't Australia.We take a more detailed look at England and their next opponents DR Congo, take some listeners questions "What is Thomas Tuchel's beef with Trent Alexander Arnold?" And a qui
WORLD CUP DAY 17: England win but do they need to improve?
England top their group and progress to the round of 32. It was better than Ghana, there were some reasons to be cheerful, but let's be honest...it was a bit laboured. How far can England go playing like that? Is there more to come or is this the limit of England's ability?Immediate reaction from Matt Lawton at the ground before Tom Clarke, Gregor Robertson and Alyson Rudd take a closer look at th
WORLD CUP DAY 16: Cape Verde heroics, now England expects
They did it! Cape Verde are into the knockouts after a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia and will face Lionel Messi and Argentina in the next round. Ian Whittell joins Tom Clarke to discuss their heroic World Cup story and Tom also hears from James Gheerbrant who watched Spain beat an angry Uruguay and Tom Allnutt who saw a thrilling draw between Iran and Egypt. There are six more games to go i
WORLD CUP DAY 15: Ecuador joy as Brobbey becomes unlikely hero
Ecuador stunned Germany in an eventful round of final group stage games, as they qualified for the knockout stage. Tom Clarke hears from Times journalists across America as Paul Hirst reports on Netherlands 3-1 win against Tunisia, James Gheerbrant watches Sweden rescue a draw with Japan and Peter Rutzler see Turkey salvage some pride by beating co-hosts USA 3-2. In part two Tom chats to
WORLD CUP DAY 14: Scotland tortuous and why Mainoo needs minutes
They are not out, yet. That is about as good as it gets for Scotland after a 3-0 defeat against Brazil. Michael Grant and Gregor Robertson dissect another dismal display with Tom Clarke and ponder whether Steve Clarke's side deserve to go through? In part two Jonathan Northcroft joins from the England camp with the latest on injury fears for Reece James. He and Tom wonder whether Thomas Tuche
WORLD CUP DAY 13: England thwarted, Ronaldo invigorated
After brilliance in game one there was boredom in game two for England their fans as Ghana battled for a 0-0 draw. Tom Clarke is joined by Matt Lawton, Alyson Rudd and Gregor Robertson to dissect a frustrating game and ask what more Thomas Tuchel could have done to get the win. Elsewhere there was a big win for Portugal and two goals for Cristiano Ronaldo - Tom Allnutt checks in from the
WORLD CUP DAY 12: Greatest Golden Boot race ever?
Lionel Messi is the all-time record goalscorer at World Cups and he is leading the Golden Boot race for this tournament with five goals but Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are hot on his tail. Can Harry Kane keep pace? Jonathan Northcroft joins Tom Clarke to preview England's second match with Ghana and discuss the impact Jude Bellingham is having on this World Cup as his partnership with Ka
WORLD CUP DAY 11: Cape Verde joy and Rashford's renaissance
They've done it again! Cape Verde have shocked the world once more, getting a brilliant and deserved 2-2 draw with Uruguay and become the story of the tournament so far. Can they qualify for the knockout stages?Tom Clarke is joined by Cape Verde super fan Gregor Robertson to discuss that match and Iran's spirited draw with a struggling Belgium.Ian Whittell checks in after watching Spain and Lamine
WORLD CUP DAY 10: Sweden stunned and stick with Ronaldo
A stunning win for Netherlands against Sweden has turned Group F on its head. Graham Potter's side were thrashed 5-1 and Tom Allnutt was in Houston to watch it - he joins Tom Clarke to discuss that game and preview Portugal's massive clash with Uzbekistan. Can Roberto Martinez afford to drop Cristiano Ronaldo?In part two, Tom chats to Martin Samuel about England's impressive start, the big-game pl
WORLD CUP DAY 9: Hope for Scotland and big dreams for USA
Defeated but not downhearted. Scotland lost to Morocco but showed fight in the second half which offers hope for reaching the knockout stages. Gregor Robertson and Michael Grant join Tom Clarke to dissect Scotland's second match and debate those controversial penalty calls. Elsewhere Peter Rutzler reports from a jubilant USA camp as they qualify in style - are they Dark Horses for the tr
WORLD CUP DAY 8: McTominay mania and who is Anthony Barry?
Cometh the hour, cometh the man? Scotland are in need of a performance from their talisman against Morocco, can Scott McTominay deliver on the World Cup stage?Tom Clarke previews that big game with Michael Grant and also chats to Peter Rutzler about USA v Australia, as well as catching you up on all the overnight action as Canada thrash Qatar and Mexico become the first side to qualify for the kno
WORLD CUP DAY 7: England and Kane deliver in style
England finally got their World Cup underway and it was worth the wait as they beat Croatia 4-2 in an entertaining game.Two goals for captain and talisman Harry Kane, one for Bellingham and Rashford and a performance that at times resembled the high intensity Premier League type game that manager Thomas Tuchel has so often talked about. There were issues defensively and Tuchel wasn't happy at half
WORLD CUP DAY 6: Messi, Haaland and Mbappe shine - over to you, Harry
What. A. Night.Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland showed their star quality with two goals each as France and Norway impressed but then along came Lionel Messi. A hat-trick for Argentina's captain as he kicked off his sixth World Cup in style - Tom Clarke spoke to Paul Hirst, James Gheerbrant and Martin Samuel who were at the grounds to witness some big performances from three of the games bigg
WORLD CUP DAY 5: Cape Verde joy and waiting for Messi
Four draws and our first 0-0 but when it's Cape Verde getting a point against Spain we don't care! Tom Clarke hears from Martyn Ziegler who spies some empty seats at Saudi Arabia's 1-1 draw with Uruguay and Peter Rutzler who was in Los Angeles to witness Iran's controversial start to this tournament with an entertaining 2-2 draw with New Zealand - which was followed by a remarkable press conf
WORLD CUP DAY 4: 19 goals and teasing Tuchel
A thrilling night, loads of goals and familiar names making the headlines. Germany thrashed Curacao 7-1 but maybe the newcomers don't care - Tom Allnutt was in Curacao to watch their debut with the locals as they celebrated their first ever World Cup goal. Ian Whittell was at the game of the night as Japan snatched a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands before Victor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak g
WORLD CUP DAY 3: Scotland win, just, and water breaks dictate
Blimey, that was tense! But Scotland have a World Cup win and sit top of Group C thanks to John McGinn's winner against Haiti. Which players stepped up and which need to offer more? Steve Clarke's side top the group after Brazil draw with Morocco in an entertaining game. Brazil turned the game after the drinks break - is football now a game of four quarters? And we pick the best games to
WORLD CUP DAY 2: C'mon Scotland!! USA look good
The USA started their campaign in style, scoring four against Paraguay. The stadium was full, celebs were out in force and the team looked full of energy. Suddenly USA in the next round or the round of sixteen looks a tough draw - how far can they go?Not so euphoric for Canada but a decent result against a tough Bosnian side.In the second half - Scotland's big day is finally here. At 0200 GMT they
WORLD CUP DAY 1: The Azteca, Team USA and a cave
The World Cup is up and running. The mighty Azteca stadium became the only stadium to host games in three different world cups. Its turf has seen Pele, Maradona and now the 2026 Mexico side. Our reporter Tom Allnutt was in the stadium. Did the match live up to the hype, does it matter? Pete Rutzler is our reporter following team USA, he gives us a quick run down of the American team...how far
WORLD CUP 2026 - Are you ready!?
It is finally here. Tonight Mexico will play South Africa in the opening game. Will it be a tournament for the ages or a step too far for over heated and over worked players?So, a quick look at England - Bellingham or Rogers, Rashford or Gordon?Your favourite World Cup opening games; teams we'd love to see do well and Tom Clarke's mad challenge to watch every match - what are his chances
WORLD CUP 2026: SCOTLAND PREVIEW
Scotland could not be happier going in t the World Cup. When was the last time you heard that - 1928!?Eight goals in two games and believe it or not even some talk of their talisman John McGinn not making it into Steve Clarkes first eleven. The Tartan army suddenly have a cutting edge, confidence to burn and mounting expectation. Bring on Haiti!What could possible go wrong?Who better to ask than t
WORLD CUP 2026 - LIVE PREVIEW SHOW
As part of our build up to World Cup 2026 we hosted a live event at The Times building in London.Tom Clarke hosts the event with Martin Samuel, Jonathan Northcroft, Hamzah Khalique-Loonat and World Cup veteran and former Republic of Ireland forward Tony Cascarino.The team discuss England and Scotland's chances and what to expect from the other tournament contenders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/
How far will England and Scotland go?
It is World Cup week! England treated their friendly against New Zealand as a training session...can we learn anything? Does Thomas Tuchel already know his line up to face Croatia or is it still in doubt? How worried should England fans be that three of England's team are already in the red zone, prone to injury or burn out? Scotland are looking confident with eight goals in their last t
WORLD CUP 2026: THE CONTENDERS
If England don't win it who will?France, Spain, Portugal are all among the favourites, but only one European team has ever won in the Americas...can they change that?Lionel Messi will be at his sixth World Cup, can he lead Argentina to defend their crown? Brazil have gone twenty four years without a World Cup, can ageing talisman Neymar and the experience of manager Carlo Ancelotti guid
Managers, Transfers and England update
All the latest from a busy domestic scene. Silva leaves Fulham...is he Benfica bound? Crystal Palace look set to appoint the former Lens coach Iraola to Liverpool, Ederson to Man Utd and Nottingham Forest are asking for £120m for Elliot Anderson...is that value for money?After the break an update from the England camp in Miami - who is training, who looks good, who looks knackered and has Anthony
WORLD CUP 2026: BIG ENGLAND PREVIEW
World Cup 2026 is nearly here! Can England win it? Has Tuchel picked the right squad, what is England's base camp like and what will be England's biggest challenge?With inside knowledge from within the England camp our team cover it all - from which players will be most affected by the heat and who can cover at number six to secret England tactics and who starts at number ten.Join Times Sport
Arsenal's big signing? Iraola to Liverpool?
Arsenal fell agonisingly short, was there anything they could have done differently or did they just come up against a generational team in PSG?What if anything could Mikel Arteta have changed, or was focusing on defensive organisation always going to be their best route to success? Who do Arsenal need to sign to get better?In the second half Slot out and potentially Iraola in at Liverpool. W
WORLD CUP 2026: Scotland special - Craig Levein
This is a one off special from our colleagues in Scotland who join former player and national team manager Craig Levein. They look at what reaching a World Cup means to Scotland, and how the team might fare.Scotland correspondent Michael Grant is joined by Mark Palmer and former Scotland international Craig LeveinIn the run up to World Cup 2026 we will be releasing a series of specials.J
Arsenal v PSG - the key battles?
Arsenal have a chance to do the double on Saturday evening, but they have to face a PSG team which many believe are the best of their generation.Can they beat them and if so how? There are intriguing one v one battles all over the pitch, from Rice v Vitinha to Saka v Mendes and who plays right back against Kvaratskhelia? what will be the keys to Arsenal lifting the Champions League for the rest ti
EFL Extra: Play-off final reactions and end of season awards
Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson wrap up the 2025/26 EFL season with a look back at the three play-off finals - and give their own end of season awards. They discuss Hull City’s hard earned victory over Middlesbrough, Bolton Wanderers’s win against Stockport County, and Notts County besting Salford City. Plus, praise for standout seasons from Coventry City, Lincoln City and Bromley. Hosted on Acast
Big season review and awards
Joining Tom Clarke are Tony Cascarino, Gary Jacob and Peter Rutzler to wrap up an astonishing Premier League season. What went wrong at West Ham and what do they need to avoid further collapse? How did Sunderland’s fairytale campaign end in European qualification? Plus, the team hand out their much-coveted end-of-season awards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
EFL Extra: Play-off final predictions
Gregor Robertson and Tom Clarke go over each of the Play Off finals - who is favourite, who is in form...who goes up, who stays down?And Gregor gets his say on Spygate Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
ENGLAND SQUAD: IMMEDIATE REACTION
Jonathan Northcroft Chief Football Correspondent for The Times and Sunday Times joins Tom Clarke for immediate to the England squad.Who is in, who is out and what do we make of it? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Villa, Arsenal and Spygate
Aston Villa added to a crazy week in English football last night, winning their first trophy in thirty years and their first european trophy in forty four years. Is it the first of many for Unai Emery at Villa? How does a club and squad like Villa take the next step to challenge for the Premier League or Champions League?Arsenal are still celebrating their title win - who were the key players for
SPECIAL EPISODE: Arsenal are Champions and Pep leaves City
What a week in English football!Arsenal are Champions again after a twenty two year wait.How did they do it, what were the key moments, who were the key players or staff and will it be the start of something bigger?Tom Clarke joins The Times Arsenal reporter Gary Jacob to assess a memorable night for the Gunners.After the break the worst kept secret in football - Pep Guardiola is set to leave Manc
Alonso and Carrick in; will Slot or Pep be leaving?
Xabi Alonso is in the Premier League, but not where many expected.As the Liverpool old boy joins Chelsea what can he expect and is it a huge positive for the Chelsea project? Where does the appointment leave Liverpool, the owners are wedded to Arne Slot but the fans don't seem to be.Man Utd look set to announce Michael Carrick on a permanent basis, what will his targets be next season? P
Is Carrick right for Man Utd? And Celtic v Hearts
It is the best Scottish title race in years and it got even spicier last night.Celtic were awarded a penalty for literally the last kick of the match - they scored at took it to the final day as Hearts need only a draw at Celtic Park.What is the feeling in Scotland, was it ever a penalty and how will Derek McInnes' Hearts approach the game on Saturday?Man City took the title race to another weeken
Has VAR decided the title and relegation?
Was it or wasn't it? Could one decision of foul or no foul have decided the title race AND relegation? It was the biggest moment yet for VAR, was the final outcome correct...or is it more complicated than that?Will john McGinn get a statue at Villa Park if he leads them to a european trophy?Who is ion a worse position - Liverpool or Chelsea ?After the break an update on the SPL as Hearts go for th
This is how Arsenal can beat PSG?
Arsenal are finding form at the right time. Four points clear in the title race and through to the Champions League final the double is still on. What has brought about the turn around in form and who have been the key players? PSG are on the verge of defending their European title, which for some would mark them out as one of the modern day great european teams...so, how good are they and ca
EFL Extra: Round up and play-off Predictions
Ipswich did it on the last day...but with that squad were they always going to?Wrexham missed out to Hull City. That is Hull who stayed up on the final day of last season and faced a transfer embargo in the summer - quite an achievement.So, who makes it through the play-off's - is the smart money on the winner of Middlesbrough Southampton?In League One Stevenage defy the odds, Challinor does it ag
All change...again
Have Spurs turned a corner with De Zerbi? Two wins and a draw in his first three games, took them out of the relegation zone after West Ham lost heavily at Brentford. Was Aston Villa's performance cause for concern ahead of their semi final second leg against Forest. Unai Emery's team have lost three on the spin and look out of form. If the award doesn't go to Arteta or Pepe who else cou
Best game you've ever seen?
PSG v Bayern served up nine goals, but it was so much more than just goals. There were hardly any defensive errors and few shots outside of the goals actually scored. Was it really one of the greatest ever games and if so, why?Were Arsenal unlucky to leave Madrid with only a draw? Regardless of who wins the second leg how will they go about stopping PSG or Bayern. If you had a combined team from t
EFL Final Day - It's Massive!
Join tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson to preview the final regular weekend of a fantastic EFL season.What a weekend we have in store, there are so many permutations and so much riding on some many games.Who is heading for the Premier League - Ipswich, Millwall or Southampton?Will Wrexham keep the fairy tale alive at the expense of Hull and Derby?In League One can Luton and Plymouth gate crash the p
Who's staying up - West Ham or Spurs?
It is relegation central as we look at the fixtures and decide who stays and who drops?Spurs finally win but with two big injuries and other teams winning will it be enough? West Ham look 'happy in their own skin' but their fixtures are the tougher ones. Perhaps hardest of all are Leeds fixtures, could they still be dragged back into the fight? The FA Cup saw Chelsea show more fight after the
EFL Extra: Leicester City Special
Where did it all go wrong?Premier League winners ten years ago; only four years ago FA Cup holders, Community Shield winners; last four in europe competition and battling for top four in the league. What happened?Times and Sunday Times writer Jonathan Northcroft wrote: 'Fearless - The Amazing Underdog Story of Leicester City, the Greatest Miracle in Sports History.'In a specia
Liam Rosenior gone, could Eddie Howe be next?
After five defeats and no goals Chelsea bit the bullet and sacked Liam Rosenior. Where do the problems lie at Stamford Bridge - the ownership, the players the coach or the whole project? Given the chaos who would wan tthe job?Man City beat Burnley to go top, but showed familiar signs of frailty in doing so. They're top only on goals scored...could we be heading for a play off?While Chelsea are in
Will City or Arsenal stay unbeaten?
Where is your money now? Man City have made it a proper title race by beating Arsenal. What was the difference between the two teams, tactics, personal, injuries or mentality?With only five and six games left can either go unbeaten until the end of the season? Chelsea fell further back in the race for Champions League qualification, how much responsibility lies with Liam Rosenior? What happen
PSG make it look easy. Arsenal make it look hard
Is this PSG team the best since Pep Guardiola's Barca team? They beat Liverpool showing they can defend as well as they attack.Arsenal managed only one shot on target beating Sporting. What happens now for Mikel Arteta's side, top of the league and semi final of the Champions League, but are they in danger of ending up with nothing?Harry Kane is having the season of his life, surely he is in
EFL Extra: Who has got the Play Off momentum?
The latest from the nail biting EFL with Tom Clarke and former player Gregor RobertsonCould Southampton really grab second place in the Championship? Unbeaten since Jan 17th, beating play off rivals and rotating a talented squad - they look ominous. Ipswich looked confident of second but a shock loss to Portsmouth has opened the door. They play Southampton in the penultimate game.At the bottom Por
Is it panic stations for Arsenal and Spurs?
Arsenal are out of form and low on confidence, but they are still six points clear and very likely to be in the Champions League semi finals. Man City are in form and full of confidence - so, who are title favourites now? With the two meeting next week what does Mikel Arteta have to do to lift his team and do Man city have a higher ceiling in terms of performance?Across North London Roberto De Zer
Anfield can't save Liverpool from PSG
Liverpool suffered a 'chastening' defeat in Paris. Will the famed Anfield atmosphere be enough to save them from a dominant PSG team?Arne Slot tried a new formation and a new line up, none of it worked - the question is why? Was it his personal, the quality of PSG or his tactics?Bayern shone in Madrid, and brightest amongst them were Harry Kane - can he really still be under rated? and Michael Oli
EFL Extra: Promotion chasing or relegation threatened - "The games are running out"
Tom clarke and Gregor Robertson with all the latest from the EFL.Lincoln are promoted! Tom was there and reflects on a remarkable day. Just how impressive is the Imps achievement ?The play offs are still wide open in League One, the top teams have found some form but as far down as Luton in tenth still have a chance. At the bottom it looks like only one place left in the relegation fight.In the Ch
Pressure builds on Arsenal and Liverpool
Where does defeat to Championship side Southampton leave Arsenal? The positivity of Max Dowman's goal against Everton on 14th March seems a long time ago - out of two cups and with poor performances to boot can they bounce back?Liverpool were thumped by a resurgent Man City, but the comments of captain Virgil Van Dijk are perhaps most concerning for Liverpool fans - he thought his team gave up. Wh
Who would you pick in the England Squad?
Was Thomas Tuchel's experiment of playing Phil Foden as a 'false nine' a waste of time? Tony Cascarino thinks it was. Either way the attempt seems to have signaled the end to Foden's World Cup hopes. Did he learn anything else from the two disappointing friendlies? Gregor robertson, Martin Samuel and Tony Cascarino pick their own World Cup squads, and have a guess at who Tuchel will pick
EFL Extra: "Easter weekend is big!"
Tom Clarke and and former EFL player Gregor Robertson with all the latest from the football League. Easter is always pivotal. With two rounds of matches in the space for four days the promotion and relegation picture will be a lot clearer come next Tuesday.Which teams have the biggest fixtures over Easter? In the Championship Middlesborough home to Millwall on Friday lunchtime is huge, it's a
Is De Zerbi right for Spurs? And did Tuchel learn anything?
All change at Spurs again. After only 44 days in change and one point from five Premier League matches Igor Tudor left the club on Sunday...but who on earth comes next? The clubs top candidate doesn't want it until next season and presumably only if they're still in the Premier League and the rest, well its not a strong list.With England did Thomas Tuchel learn anything from England's limp display
Where does Salah rank among Premier League greats?
Mo salah is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season. What is the Egyptians legacy - to Liverpool and to the Premier League ? does he make it into your top five all time Premier League forwards, there is mixed opinion in the studio.Will his departure have a big effect on the future of Arne Slot?Is Trent Alexander Arnold really England's seventh choice right back? Why isn't he in a 35 man squad?&
Worst weekend; Spurs, Liverpool, Arsenal or Newcastle?
What was the most significant result of the weekend?Could Arsenal losing in the cup final affect the rest of their season?Spurs losing to Nottingham Forest puts them one point clear of relegation and looking unbelievably fragile. could a club this big go down? Liverpool slipped up again, is Arne Slot now under serious pressure with Xabi Alonso waiting in the wings? Chelsea were thumped
EFL Extra: Southampton on a surge
With eight games to go time is running out for teams who want to climb out of relegation or into automatic or play off contention. So who is best placed?Southampton are on an incredible run and followed up wins over Fulham and Coventry by beating norwich to break into the play offs, Middlesbrough stalled again at home and West Brom turned a corner with an eye catching win over play off hopefuls Hu
Chelsea Troubles and Arsenal for the quadruple?
And then there were two... six English teams qualified for the knock out stages but only two progressed. Newcastle, Spurs, Man City and Chelsea conceded 28 goals between them, so what went wrong?Chelsea's troubles are not just on the pitch they are off it to, with a hefty fine from the Premier League, but will fans of teams like Everton and Nottingham Forest wonder why it wasn't a points deduction
How good is Max Dowman?
It was a gritty win for Arsenal, but one lit up by the talent of 16 year old Max Dowman. Just how good is he? The stats say there is a simple way to get points off Liverpool - go long. Spurs proved the point on Sunday. Can Slot fix it? And is Richarlison Tudor's man for the run in?Man City again dropped points, is a team built around Haaland faltering now the striker is struggling to find the
Was Premier League power exposed?
It was a torrid week for the English clubs in the Champions League. Liverpool Arsenal and Newcastle are in the balance, but Chelsea, City and Spurs look all but out. Did they under perform or did some of the giants of europe like PSG and Madrid just find their form?What do the results say about the Premier League, very physical but technically inferior? For Spurs the defeat came with yet
Who is best placed to challenge Arsenal in the future?
FA Cup reaction and the future of Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City and Man Utd.Port Vale provided a much needed FA Cup shock and Wrexham showed their enormous progress going very close against Chelsea.Of the big six left in the cup - Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City, who is best placed to challenge Arsenal in the future?Where are the strengths and weaknesses of each team? Bringing in Man Utd which of t
Why are Arsenal getting so much stick?
Arsenal went seven points clear beating Brighton one nil but Brighton manager Fabien Hurzeler said 'only one team wanted to play football' and 'he would not want to win like that.' What was he talking about, is it fair comment and how many others feel the same way?Has football across the board changed, are Arsenal just the best at the new physical style?Man City stumbled again but forest's im
EFL Extra: "Six pointers everywhere!"
Are Leicester or West Brom really heading to League One? It doesn't look good for at least one of the midlands giants who are stuck in a battle for survival at the bottom of the Championship.At the top it is four on the spin for Coventry and their Christmas wobble seems a long time ago. They look well set for promotion to the top flight. Ipswich are chasing Middlesborough in second...is the r
Do Arsenal only win ugly? Are Spurs just ugly?
It's as you were at the top of the table as City and Arsenal both win. Are Arsenal too reliant on set pieces or do fans and team alike not care so long as they get over the line?Across north London Spurs have a new boss, but instead of a bounce man do they have an 'arsonist?'Who is in contention for player of the season?What does Gtregor make of proposed rule changes...?Did VAR rob Burnley an
Bonkers Bodo and Lammens shines for Man United
Giants Real Madrid and PSG just managed to qualify in the Champions League last 16 but who is the best we've seen in the competition so far? Bode Glimt may not win it, but what a team - a town of 54,000, a wage bill a fraction the size of most Premier League teams and a playing style which is hugely adaptable.Domestically, Man Utd are on a charge, led by one of their unsung summer signin
Can Spurs go down?
If there were any questions ahead of the North London derby Arsenal answered them, emphatically. Spurs by contrast looked like relegation candidates. could they really go down? The panel think with West Ham, Forest, Leeds and even Wolves looking like more cohesive teams Spurs are in searious trouble. Is Tudor the man to save them?Where does Viktor Gyokeres rank alongside the other big summer
Nervy Nervy Arsenal - Is it happening again?
"Arsenal are blowing it? Their best chance of a title in over twenty years and they are looking nervy, again."Or..."Winning a title isn't easy! this season isn't like those of recent years you won't need 98 pts."Are either true?If they are to hold it together, what does it take psychologically to get over the line in a title race?Wolves manager Rob Edwards has the fans on side and is seeing encour
EFL Extra: What is the best league in England?
Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson with the latest from the English Football League.Is the Championship the best league in England, Gregor Robertson thinks so. Coventry's win over rivals Middlesbrough sends them top again but six points separate 6th to 16th. Who is best placed to come from the pack? At the bottom some huge clubs look in severe danger of relegation in West Brom and Leicester.Linc
Spurs or Forest to go down? And what will Arsenal win?
Spurs and Forest have rolled the dice again...but will Igor Tudor or Vítor Pereira have the desired effect? Is either appointment on merit, or a reflect of clubs who don't know who they really want? Will the instability mean a player exodus at either club come the summer? Which club should be more worried, Forest or Spurs?Was VAR so bad after all...well yes says Gregor robertso
Spurs and Forest sack the boss - will it work?
Spurs won the sack race! They got rid of Thomas Frank 24 hours before Nottingham Forest said goodbye to Sean Dyche. Why did they go, was it the right call and who could be next?In contrast England manager Thomas Tuchel has signed an extension to his contract, what has he done to earn it and why now?On the pitch do the managerial change give West Ham a better chance of staying up?and the fight for
VAR is finished but City aren't
It's all about VAR again, and Gregor is sick of it. But Tom Allnutt thinks the officials at Anfield got it right - so, time to do away with it or accept nothing is perfect?On the pitch City's fighting win keeps them in the title race, but Arsenal don't look they're feeling any pressure.Man Utd won again, is it the biggest mid season turn around ever? Does that mean Mainoo makes it to the World Cup
"Player Power...give me a break!"
Who has the power in modern football - clubs or players? In the summer Alexander Isak was called morally bankrupt, where would he be now had he not forced through his move? As the transfer window closed Dwight McNeil was left stranded as Crystal Palace chose not to pursue his transfer and Harvey Elliot remains at Villa with a £35 million price tag which no one wants to pay - both powerless to
Coventry are wobbling, who can take advantage?
It is not a blip anymore, Coventry are now in full wobble, Middlesborough have joined them at the top but there are other, unfancied teams waiting in the wings - who if any can come from the pack - Millwall, Hull, Wrexham or Derby?Hull have done some impressive transfer business with with so many players over performing their XG is it sustainable?At the bottom, is there any light at the end of the
Wastes of money, most versatile player and who's lost their swagger?
It was a weekend of two halves - Chelsea, Spurs and Fulham all came back from two goals down at half time...only Fulham didn't hang on. As Man City wobbled they looked to have lost their swagger - Gregor Robertson thinks it is clear why. Chelsea came back to win, but why did they make so many changes in the first place? There was plenty of moaning about VAR but if it was taken away would fans
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