The Game

Tom Clarke is joined by regulars Martin Samuel and Gregor Robertson and special guest Wally Downes. They look back on the weeks champions league fixtures and the exit of Manchester and Newcastle United from Europe. Were Newcastle naïve to not kill off a game they led in? Did Manchester United even put up a fight?

After the break a reflection on Wally’s career in football, from being one of the founders of the crazy gang at Wimbledon through to his time in coaching throughout the leagues.

Timeline:

Newcastle

2’ Newcastle, yes they were good, yes they have progressed. But they still lost.

5’ Injuries and fatigue affected them.

7’ May well dip into transfer market.

8’ Limitations because of FFP

11’ Newcastle are not well known outside of the UK. That creates problems with income.

15’ It was nip and tuck, they were unfortunate. They are still ahead of schedule.

Man Utd

16’ Lost their identity. Buying the wrong players with the wrong attitude.

17’ Delusions on grandeur. Needs a sea change a policy change.

19’ Anthony given chance after chance. Dan James wasn’t

20’ look at the subs, not good enough.

22’ Man Utd did well to stay in the game, no chance of winning it.

24’ There is desperation now.

26’ Modern football doesn’t suit Man Utd – not as much up and at em’

28’ Red flag over Sancho.

Arsenal and Man City

30’ Both look good. Could draw each other.

31’ Final year of the current champions league format

Life and Career of Wally Downes

35’ Debut for Wimbledon at leatherhead – balled out by his keeper wrestling players and punched the keepers  brother in law.

38’ Style of play

40’ shuttle runs, fitness and 3 mile runs.

42’ not a cake walk to the top. Played on the crazy gang tag.

45’ they had very good players and developed good players.

47’ “can’t afford to show respect, we’d have got our arses kicked.” Never got cocky.

48’ Alan Cork took his boots off…”they’re not crossing to me.”

52’ Vinnie Jones story.

55’ Coaching style

59’ Nothing new under the sun, most tactical analysis is the same as it always was, just a different name.

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Tom Clarke has crawled off his sick bed to join Monday regulars Alyson Rudd and Gregor Robertson and special guest Jeff Stelling.

After a quick hello to Jeff its on to a brilliant set of matches this weekend. Spurs and Bournemouth are committed to attacking football, no compromise, at the expense of a tired Newcastle and a disjointed Manchester United.

Villa are the real deal. Emery has re-ignited Villa park, has strength in depth and has the fans and team united. The same can’t be said of Chelsea and Pochettino.

And a great week for Fulham.

Timeline:

2’ A big hello to Jeff Stelling. Whistle stop tour of all things Jeff, career, Hartlepool and more Hartlepool.

9’ Modern football, access to players, how things have changed.

11’ City players in the 70’s used to do a panto for the fas!

Spurs v Newcastle

12’  Postecoglou stuck to his principles and went for it, all guns blazing. It paid off. Newcastle looked tired, running on fumes.

13’ Eddie Howe is already picking youngsters, hard to see what else he can do. Pantomime of a game.

14’ Post playing the sort of game expected and welcomed at Spurs. The fans love it, it’s a thrown back to glory glory Tottenham Hotspurs. Newcastle out on their feet. Fans left after the game with no trains – again.

17’ As tired as Newcastle are, there is an element of poor form. Can form stem from fatigue. Howe not claiming tiredness as an excuse.

Man Utd v Bournemouth

19’ Bournemouth turned the corner. Iraola was on the edge now looks genius to appoint and stick with him.

20’ nit many sackings this year.

22’ Iraola believes in attacking football. Players now buying into that and starting to gel. Results and confidence are coming.

25’ Where do Man Utd stand. Limited plan or vision. Hard to know what the team will produce.

26’ Are players short of confidence or not trying…hard to tell.

27’ playing players out of position, lack of clarity. Martial…would he rather be Christmas shopping…

Villa v Arsenal

29’ Its not hype, Villa are very good. How is Emery doing it?

30’ Emery always hard a better than average home record at his clubs.

31’ he is linking fans and the team igniting Villa park and its atmosphere, which is historically a hostile place to go.

32’ Villa were amazing against City, a bit lucky against Arsenal.

34’ They play an incredibly high line. The manager improves players.

36’ top four more realistic than title winners.

37’ Arsenal a bit below par, but unlucky not to have a goal or a penalty in last minute.

38’ Club built around Emery and to support.

39’ Arsenal not playing as well as last season, but right up there. Bodes well for a serious title tilt, winning when not playing well.

41’ could go to the final weekend.

Fulham

43’ Suddenly found some goals and the results are following.

47’ Good players finding confidence.

48‘ Palhinha top of the stats each week.

Chelsea

How do you spend a billion and look so poor…

Too many signings on potential.

Rumour has it Poch wants to sign more.

Poch was brought ot build a team, gel them together. Doesn’t look like he is doing that yet.

Behind the scenes the club is still messy. Poch is hinting at that.

Gap between perception and reality.

Will Poch be given time?

They need results, fast.

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The Thursday club of Tony Cascarino, Gregor Robertson and Martin Samuel join Tom Clarke to discuss a fantastic title race and a pressure mounting in midtable.

Villa park was rocking as they extended their unbeaten home run, playing front foot football and bullying the reigning European and Premier league champions. Man City look to be in a mini crisis. Meanwhile Arsenal are a reflection of their big summer signing, Declan Rice – powerful, accomplished and never give up. Rice looks a bargain at 100 million.

Forest and Palace are currently mid table, but the fans are not happy. Steve Cooper and Roy Hodgson are feeling the pressure as modern football is showing its about entertainment, not just survival.

Timeline

Villa

2’ Villa, not just top four but serious contenders. Christmas will be key.

3’ Emery is a very good manager. Does it reflect more on Arsenal that he didn’t succeed there…?

5’ Villa played a high line and battered City

7’ Well drilled, pace at full back, front foot full of confidence. Silk and steel.

9’ When Villa park is up it is a fabulous place. The feeling around the club is very positive.

10’ McGinn outstanding.

City

12’ Why isn’t Kalvin Philips in the team, is he worse than Akanji in midfield?

13’ midfield mismatch – McGinn, Luiz over ran City – Stone and Akanji.

15’ Is there something wrogn at City? MArhez, Gundogan both left and very hard to replace.

19’ very hard to do it three seasons running.  

20’ Very dependant on Rodri and De Bryne.

Arsenal

23’ Declan Rice. Mentality as much as physical ability. A bargain at 100m

25’ As with Bellingham Rice impacts a game.

27’ consummate professional, skilled, improves those around him.

Nottingham Forest

30’ Things don’t look good for Steve cooper. Chairman left at four nil and his pass was found flung into a nearby garden.

31’ But the Forest fans chanted his name in the second half.

33’ post match Cooper referenced the unsettled nature of his team.

Crystal Palace

35’ Hodgson under pressure. Fans want to see better football. Hodgson says the fans are spoilt.

37’ He was lucky last season with the fixtures. This season its proving much harder.

39’ Fans not happy with just surviving, they want better football.

40’ Not that long ago the conversation around palace was a lot different. Players from the local area, young exciting. Now its gone backwards.

42’ what’s the point of playing to finish 16th. Have a go, have fun.

Excitement

50’ Survival isn’t enough. Fans look down the road and think “why aren’t we playing like that?”

Moyes may see out his contract, but look at Bournemouth, Spurs, Wolves all playing exciting football.

Man Utd v Chelsea

54’ Good win, but it was the worst Chelsea team in a long time. Kept giving the ball to Utd.

55’ Chelsea haven’t put in one 90min performance.

57’ they’ve shipped out experience and bought potential, but not established.

59’ they won’t be a top six team. Look at their bench last night.

61’ Utd created lots of chances and things looked better. Only three of top four.

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Tom Clarke is back fresh as a daisy from his holidays, and he is joined by Charlotte Duncker, Tony Cascarino and Gregor Robertson to review the weekend’s goal fest.

Are standards slipping at City or were Spurs brilliant. Trent Alexander Arnold was outstanding, and he was everywhere, does it matter what his starting position is. 

All change at Sheffield United as Paul Heckingbottom bows out after a five nil defeat at Burnley. Chris Wilder is back, but with the current owners is the Bramall Lane job a poisoned chalice.

Plus big wins for Burnley and Everton and some boos for Steve Cooper.

City v Spurs

2’ Problems for City or brilliant spurs

5’ drop off in defending, standards not the same. Injuries are key – Stones, De Bryne.

9’ three games back to back with things to worry about and lack of control. Very un-City like.

11’ Spur were brave, clever and relentless. But could they have even won if they had tailored their approach just a bit?

13’ all or nothing under Postecoglou. 

Arsenal

15’ Rice adds resilience and stability. More pragmatic.

17’ Learning from previous seasons. Have a stronger squad this season.

 Liverpool and Fulham

19’ Trent AA outstanding. Should he just play in midfield. Teams exploiting the space he leaves though.

21’ Down to bones defensively, Matip and Robertson out for some time.

22’ TAA is a generational talent. How many players can do what he can do. But what is his role?

25’ Does it matter if he has a position. Do Liverpool have an alternate right back?

27’ Fulham lacking a bit of edge but played well. Similar to last season, need to strengthen. Still nearly men. 

Villa

29’ Over achieving, but now with champions league aspirations.

30’ Emery doing it with effectively the same squad Gerrard had. It is now Emery’s club, his staff, his set up. Involved in everything and working very well. But will they make top four.  

Sheffield United 

34’ Paul Heckingbottom out, Chris Wilder back in.

35’ coming into a a club up for sale, in need of players and a team dispirited.

36’ owners are a real problem. 

37’ Why would wilder go back to such a mess? 15 fit players before the season started.

40’ Owner admitted to being in touch with wilder all season, unfair on Heckingbottom.

44’ no chance of staying up. Owners fault, not Paul Heckingbottom. 

Burnley

 45’ Finally some relief for Kompany. Will this be the spark?

46’ Confidence yes, but turnaround, not sure. Look at who they beat…

48’ They have been the better team in many of their games, but to open to hang on. Does Kompany need to temper his principles a bit?

 Forest

51’ first boos for Steve Cooper at the City ground. Are fans starting to doubt him?

53’ leading striker out till new year. Replacements not up to same level. No shot on goal until 31st minute.

55’ next two games make or break for Cooper. Results need to improve.

57’ Everton created lots of chances. Chris Wood right up the street of Everton centre halves. Needed a different approach.

59’ Everton comfortable. But game lacked quality. Everton good enough to pull away, even with a ten point deduction.

60’ But Calvert Lewin injured again.

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Martin Samuel, James Gheerbrant and Jonathan Northcroft join Gregor Robertson for the Thursday edition of The Game.

Manchester United once again take centre stage. Free scoring, but also conceding freely too and dropping a two goal lead twice in Türkiye.  Arsenal in contrast are less expansive than last year but more defensively solid, they’re also top of their group and top of the Premier League…can they possibly be under the radar?

Newcastle suffered at the hands of VAR and the team finish by discussing the attempts being made to attract more ex-players into helping VAR officiating.  

A bonus section includes Martin Samuel giving his fascinating memories of Terry Venables

Timeline

Man Utd

2’ Scoring freely away from home, but conceding just as easily.

6’ Bruno Fernandes and Onana

8’ A poorly set up team, too stretched. Everton game was a warning sign. Everton had tons of shots.

10’ United have gone backwards this season, if you look at performance not result. Emotionally unstable as a team.

14’ players have to manage games, less flash and volatility. More steel sense and game management.

Newcastle

21’ ludicrous decision. But Eddie Howe’s reaction has been fantastic.

23’ Group still wide open, anything could happen.

24’ Eddie Howe has done a remarkable job

25’ the differing interpretation of the handball law between UEFA and all domestic league. Not a sustainable position.

28’ how can there be ‘a version’ of the rules…?

Arsenal

31’ what happened to boring boring Arsenal?

33’ are Arsenal under the radar. Top of the league and through as top of their Champions league group. Very effective.

35’ Rice outstanding, allows others to play. Used to be very exciting, second most goals per game last season. This season much further down, but seemingly more managed, secure.

38’ Declan Rice is rhythm guitar, and he is essential and really good.

41’ Arsenal have bounced back two season running after disappoint/frustrating ends to the previous season.

Refereeing

44’ How to overcome the accusation of bias if you’re seeking ex pros to be referees.

47’ more trust required. Ex pros have a lot to offer.

53’ something needs to change and probably will. It is now to regular.

55’ economically not viable to be a referee, takes a long time to qualify and doesn’t pay a lot. For ex players that will be problematic.

59’ can we ever foresee a top player officiating and not being called biased.

1hr it works in cricket.

Terry Venables

Why did he leave England…

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Tony Cascarino, Alyson Rudd and Tom Allnutt join Gregor Robertson on the Monday edition of The Game. The team pay tribute to Terry Venables and reflect on his eclectic range of interests outside the game and his tactical ability as a coach.

Reflecting on the weekends fixtures they look at the tactical battle at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, Man Utd have won five in six and are two off the top four. At the bottom, Everton’s belief and frustration couldn’t get a result, whereas Luton showed they never give up.

What will be the difference in making the top four or avoiding relegation?

Timeline

Venables memories

2’ A remarkable man who did so many things outside of football. Busi9ness, singing, tailor, bought a club…sold Maradona and bought Archibald.

4’ edit neil and tony.

5’ shrewd, negotiator, charismatic, loved football. Tactically ahead of his time.

7’ Loved in Spain, tactically respected. A Penalty shootout away from winning the European cup with Barca.

9’ Embodied Tottenham.

Tottenham v Villa

10’ Spurs opened very well. Unlucky not to be further ahead. Fair result could have been a draw.

12’ the offside derby, two teams playing a high line.

14’ Villa applied the break more often, spurs remained gung ho and paid for it.

15’ intriguing game. No compromise by either team. Good decisions by Emry, taking cash off, getting Teilemons on. Demonstrates the level of management in the premier league.

19’ Villa right in shake up for top four. But spurs heavily hit by injuries and suspensions.

Everton v Man Utd

21’ Not in the script for Everton to be hit by a wonder goal.

23’ where did Garnacho’s goal rank? Great goal, how important was it?

27’ Bergkamp, Adam, Crouch, Bergkamp again…

29’ Utd, fifth win in six games. Only two off top four.

32’ Everton now have a BIG job to avoid relegation.

Luton v Palace

36’ Lift off at Luton. Performances starting to get results.

38’ Fit team, heads don’t drop. Not capitulated in any game. Great self belief.

39’ Place facing injury problems to key players. Could they get sucked in?

40’ Injuries came at key time in the game. Hodgson has defensive know how.

Newcastle v Chelsea

48’ Is Tiago Silva starting to show his age? At 39 are the years catching up?

50’ Backward step for Chelsea and Poch. First time he has called out his players.

52’ Anthony Gordon gave Reece James a torrid time.

City v Liverpool

55’ there for city to win, they missed the chance.

56’ Good result for Liverpool, a point at City, how can you grumble?

Arsenal

Top and under the radar.

Brentford not at their best.

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Gregor Robertson is joined by Jonathan Northcroft, Tony Cascarino and Martin Samuel for heated discussion on the murky world of football finance and governance. As Everton face a ten point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability rules, the team ask, does the punishment fit the crime? The answer is a resounding no! But why is that, is it a level playing field and what are the wider implications for clubs such as Manchester City and Chelsea. After a quick look at the vote on multi club ownership models finally some actual football and a look ahead to the big game at the weekend, as Manchester City take on Liverpool.

Timeline

2’ internationals. Learnt nothing from England. But Italy Ukraine…a shocking decision and Martin thinks something stinks.

4’ Head of UEFA said Italy not qualifying would be a disaster. Why are officials saying who they want to progress.

Everton points deduction

8’ The facts, what were Everton penalised for?

10’ FFP is a construct of the riches clubs to keep the status quo.

12’ no such thing as organic growth because the best teams cherry pick the best players from smaller clubs. Inward investment to beat that system should not be punished.

15’ Everton have had a go and have been punished.

18’ why are the rules there, are they doing what they are supposed to do?

20’ the commission agreed it wasn’t an attempt to cheat, just poor management, but without danger to the club. The punishment doesn’t fit the crime.

21’ the commission portrayed Everton as ‘continually reckless.’

22’ Premier league stopped working with Everton, why?

24’ will there be, or should there be an independent regulator.

27’ What is the alternative? Unfettered spending, so long as it isn’t based on debt.

29’ is this punishment going to kill the under dog story? An arbitrary construct.

33’ We want two things in football, clubs not going into debt and going bust and healthy competition.

35’ Man City charges…being bogged down by expensive lawyers.  

38’ pick a team of lawyers because they’ll decide who wins what, but they’ll do it in five years time.

41’ City charges.

Vote to NOT ban signing players from associated clubs

49’ similar issue and touches on self regulation.

52’ need a robust set of loan regulations.

Historic agent issues

58’ The FA are looking into a breach from 2008 when Jermaine Defoe left Portsmouth to go to Spurs.

City v Liverpool

1’02’ Every player who has come in to the midfield has been an upgrade.

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In a special episode of The Game Tom Clarke is joined by regulars Gregor Robertson and Jonathan Northcroft as they speak to special guest Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu about his life and career.

Pelly is the first player to play for the same club from the national league through to the Premier league. Following ten years at the club, he is now mentioned alongside Luton legend Mick Hartford and has a mural, song and type of honey all created in his honour.

On the pitch he has played under an England manager and in a Wembley final. This is a chance to hear more from one club man Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu.

Timeline:

2’ start of career. Belmont and Boreham Wood.

6’ West Ham and playing for Allardyce.

8’ Dec 2013…on loan to Luton. Shock compared to Luton and Boreham Wood.

10’ John Still 100 goals and hundred points.

11’ Debut at Staines in the cup. Playing out of position at centre half.

18’ injuries and adjusting to the demands of regular league football.

21’ Nathan Jones. Great guy spoke a really good game, good tactically. Great use of data.

22’ Near misses and promotion to league one.

28’ Tough first season in the championship. Manager coming and going. The return of Nathan Jones.

30’ Footballers during covid.

33’ Nathan Jones leaves again. Pelly stays…why?

38’ loyalty to Luton and the opportunities they have given him.

 40’ fairy tales…getting to the premier league.

41’ What’s the difference in the premier league.

45’ difference between levels. League one, championship, premiership. In the prem ever chance is taken.

48’ the fans don’t change

50’ I think I’m a good player actually.

Reflection on promotion season and the arrival of Rob Edwards.

55’ Wembley and nerves who do you celebrate with.

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James Gheerbrant, Jonathan Northcroft and Gregor Robertson join tom Clarke to give VAR a grilling.

Does the mic’d up programme help or hinder the case for VAR in games? The team look at issues around how subjective football is, how effective current VAR is and are there other, better options to use the technology? After an inconclusive but heated debate it’s on to England’s midfield.

Bellingham and Rice seem certain starters, but who plays alongside them? Do England have a defensive midfielder, and if not, who plays instead?

Finally, Jonny recently voted in a poll asking who are currently the world’s best players…he names his top five.

Timeline

VAR

2’ VAR, are the audio releases helping or hindering

4’ Pain is not worth the gain. It is a really difficult job, but it has become farcical.

8’ Running VAR can be exhausting, in the spotlight, no clear right and wrong, walking a tightrope

Possible clips

11’ the number and detail of incidents can’t be assessed in the time allowed.

15’ modern mania to achieve perfection…in a subjective sport.

17’ timing is an issue; it takes too long the flow of the game has been affected.

20’ Has the mic’d up programme improved things or further mudded the waters.

22’ sin bins. Good idea or not?  Keeping refs mics on would stop player dissent quickly.

26’ do players influence VAR by appealing and asking refs to check things.

England midfield

31’ who plays alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.

33’ the chemistry of the three is important. Southgate prizes control over everything else. Gregor thinks still Philips.

35’ can’t pick Philips or Henderson because of lack of top flight football.

37’ Trent Alexander is the answer according to Jonny.

40’ James, consider Connor Gallagher.

45’ stones, Rico Lewis, Foden Maddison. Jonny think whoever Jude wants Keep Bellingham happy.

Best players in the world

49’ Jonny voted for worlds best players. Hard to over look Premier league and England players. Haland, Rodri, Kane, Bellingham.

55’ Kane now getting the coverage he deserves.

57’ Messi still the man. What about defenders??

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Alyson Rudd, Gregor Robertson and Tony Cascarino join Tom Clarke to discuss the weekend’s games. And what a weekend of fixtures, 37 goals, the top five separated by three points and last minute winners.

Stamford Bridge saw one of the games of the season so far. What stood out, team performance or individual brilliance? At Molineux Wolves mounted a stoppage time come back to stun spurs, who have now lost twice in a week and dropped to fourth. Hot on their heels and only three off the top at Villa after yet another convincing home win, led by a very impressive John McGinn. Plus West Ham, Liverpool and Everton.

Timeline

Chelsea and City

3’ great game at the bridge.

4’ Raheem Sterling, fantastic performance. How can he not be in the England squad.

7’ Is it turning for Poch, all the signings and stars starting to come good?

9’ Chelsea were very good, but can they replicate it.

12’ what is to come from Chelsea, very exciting, to play that well and still be a work in progress. Chelsea fans are excited.

15’ Poch says team should be in top four, that’s is the expectation. Young players now coming good.

18’ Are City at their best? Probably not but they still scored 4 away from home. And with no De Bryne.

20’ if City don’t win the title, who could? Liverpool seems to be the consensus. 

23’ City still have best squad and know how to win. When its crunch time they get better.

West Ham

25’ Moyes development and blending old with new. Ward-Prowse on song. Lots of flare and creativity in the West Ham team now.

28’ Gregor a little less convinced. Team reliant on moments of brilliance from players not team identity or playing patterns. But still achieving and deserve credit. Is there a next step to take…

Newcastle and Bournemouth

32’ Poor result for Newcastle, and a tough day for Trippier.

33’ Alyson thinks the fans have become a bit entitled.

38’ Team are ravaged by injury, they tried very hard. Fans should see that. Look how far they have come.

40’ Well played Bournemouth.

Wolves Spurs

44’ Wolves a well drilled, well coached, well organised team. With key players playing well. When they win the ball, they know what to do with it. For spells they outplayed Spurs.

46’ Spurs need certain type of player in key positions, with both centre halves out it makes a big difference.

47’ Fantastic coaching from the sideline by Gary Oneil. Spurs wiped out by injuries and suspension.

Top four…

50’ Who‘ll make it? Seems there is confidence in Villa making it…

Villa

53’ Villa Park is a great place to watch football. Tactically intelligent, versatile. They have control, pace and interchange. Gregor VERY impressed with Villa.

John McGinn is the poster boy for a fantastic team. Gregor loves his bum, its big and he uses it as a weapon.

Everton

58’ Dyche working magic. Team have momentum, getting goals and have the third best away record in the league.

1;00” Goals coming from places other than Calvert Lewin.

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