Part 1

[Audio] that was it ladies and gentlemen, that was Sky’s commentary for the big moment. The Captain, Vincent Kompany, seven years almost to the day since his thumping header gave Manchester City the initiative in the 2012 title race from rivals Manchester United, and he’s done it again. But this time with a 30-yard wonder goal that not even he himself should have been expecting to score. 

Hello and welcome to a post-Manchester City vs. Leicester City world, this is the Total Football podcast, I’m Declan Harte and joining me, as ever is Andrew Conway. And making his long-awaited return is Matthijs O’Flaherty… 

Part 2

Part 3

It’s been a tumultuous season for all 4 clubs that have been battling it out for the final 2 Champions League positions in the Premier League. At times this season, all 4 clubs have looked imperious, but they have also, at times, looked absolutely dreadful. Besides a bizarre 8 goal swing next Sunday, Tottenham will be in the Champions League once again next season and they will be joined by a returning Chelsea. Unfortunately for Arsenal and Manchester United, another season of Europa League wilderness beckons, unless of course Arsenal win the Europa League itself in 2 weeks time. Where does this leave Arsenal and United? And were Tottenham and Chelsea fortunate to qualify? Are they ready for Champions League action next season?

Closing

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Part 1

This week there is only one place to start: A long, long-overdue Bielsa Watch.

Part 2

Part 3

As of recording, the PFA Player of the Year Awards will take place this evening where Virgil Van Dijk has been hotly tipped as favorite to win the overall award for Player of the Year. Recent previous winners include his teammate Mo Salah, Chelsea pair Eden Hazard and N’Golo Kante, as well as Riyad Mahrez. Last week the Team of the Year was announced, and rather predictably Liverpool and Manchester City dominated the side, with only Paul Pogba reaching the team from outside the top 2. However, as you may have noticed, the season isn’t over yet. Is there a more practical way to do these awards? Do they accurately reflect the season we’ve had?

Part 4

The Champions League returns this midweek, after a one week break. First up is Ajax vs. Tottenham on Tuesday and on Wednesday Barcelona vs. Liverpool

Closing

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Part 1

There have been many magical twists and turns, but we’re almost at the finish line. The Champions League final 4 have been decided. Between them they’ve won 14 European Cups, which is especially impressive when you consider that one of the clubs is Tottenham Hotspur. 

Part 2

Was Man City’s 4-3 win over Spurs in midweek the most dramatic Champions League match of all time? And was City’s 1-0 win over Spurs this weekend the least dramatic?

No one apparently wants to finish in the top 4, we’ve mentioned Spurs losing, but Arsenal lost at home to Crystal Palace and Man United were humiliated 4-0 away at Everton

Part 3

With only 7 games left between Liverpool and Manchester City, this title race is almost becoming boring with how often these teams just keep winning. Liverpool have already reached a club record of Premier League points on 88 and are on course to reach 97. Meanwhile City’s current form could see them pip Liverpool to the title with 98 points. Can title rivals be too good for our own enjoyment? Are they the best title contenders ever or have they simply pushed each other in ways English football has never seen before? And ultimately, who will come out victorious?

Part 4

There are midweek Premier League games this week as everyone catches up on games-in-hand. The big one being the Manchester Derby at Old Trafford. Is there any chance that United turn their form around or are they due an absolute spanking, Chelsea-style? 

Meanwhile, Arsenal play Wolves and Tottenham host Brighton.

Weekend fixtures include United vs. Chelsea, Spurs vs. West Ham, Leicester vs. Arsenal and Burnley vs. Manchester City

Closing

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Part 1

It's been yet another week of controversy surrounding the FAI as John Delaney was brought out in front of the Oireachtas committee to only answer a grand total of zero questions about his time as CEO. There have also since been reports of Delaney leaving the FAI completely and of his spending using the corporate credit card of the FAI. What did you make of it all, Andrew? 

Part 2

Manchester City were comfortable winners away at Crystal Palace, avenging their 3-2 defeat from December. Meanwhile a second half Liverpool blitz saw the Merseyside club blow away top 4 hopefuls Chelsea 2-0 at Anfield 

Arsenal have yet to play this weekend but victories for Man United and Tottenham have seen them slip to sixth place. 

Cardiff now surely relegated after defeat to Burnley

Part 3

The Champions League quarter final first legs took place look week, the game of the round undoubtedly being Ajax versus Juventus, but Manchester City suffered defeat at the hands of Tottenham, Man United were poor against a not very good Barcelona and Liverpool were as comfortable as expected

Part 4

We’ve looked ahead to the Champions League second legs, but the Premier League title race marches on as City face Tottenham… again. Liverpool go to Cardiff, big chance for Liverpool if City drop points.

Top 4 battle also sees Man United go to Everton, Arsenal host Crystal Palace and Chelsea host Burnley.

Closing

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Part 1

After winning the FA Cup semi final against Brighton 1-0, Manchester City have moved a step closer to the unprecedented Quadruple. Fear not though, Liverpool fans, for I have had a premonition. While looking at the remaining Premier League fixtures, I have identified 4 games in which I think City will definitely drop points in 3 at least of: Crystal Palace away, the Manchester Derby, Tottenham at home and Leicester City away. 

Part 2

Liverpool continued their charge towards a 19th title with an uncomfortable 3-1 win at Southampton. Can you imagine conceding to Shane Long?

Big week for Chelsea and Tottenham in the top 4 hunt, as they won midweek while United and Arsenal lost away matches at Wolves and Everton

In European football, Bayern re-took the lead of the Bundesliga in convincing fashion, while Barcelona are now basically champions once again.

Part 3

It was widely reported this week that figures from the top European clubs met to discuss future plans for the Champions League that could see its biggest changes since the early 90’s. The proposal put forward by the likes of Juventus and PSG are not 100% clear, but changes could include moving to 4 groups of 8, while also moving to a promotion/relegation system. Certain clubs are also looking for matches to be played on weekends and that leagues would be reduced from 20 teams to 18 and reducing the number of domestic trophies.

Part 4

Big, big week of action coming up in the next 7 days. First we see the return of European competition. On Tuesday night:

Tuesday: Tottenham vs. Man City & Porto vs. Liverpool

Wednesday: Man United vs. Barcelona & Ajax vs. Juventus

Thursday: Arsenal vs. Napoli

Also a huge weekend in Premier League action, particularly Sunday

Saturday: Man United vs. West Ham

Sunday: Crystal Palace vs. Man City & Liverpool vs. Chelsea

Monday: Watford vs. Arsenal

Closing

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Part 1

Heroes can emerge from the unlikeliest of places at the unlikeliest of times, and it was on this Sunday, the 31st of March 2019, that Thomas Meunier emerged as the modern day man of the people. With a simple 10 word tweet: “Does someone have a streaming link for Portsmouth-Sunderland? Thanks” his name was writ in legend. What a guy, Thomas Meunier… 

Part 2

Huddersfield equalled an impressive record this weekend. Unfortunately, it’s not the good kind of record. Relegated in record time, only the second team to be relegated from the Premier League in March. A lovely tribute to that awful Derby County team

Liverpool continued their title charge with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Tottenham. Is it fair to say Hugo Lloris dropped that into goal for the winner?

Defeat means Tottenham are now level on points with Man United and only 1 point ahead of rivals Arsenal and Chelsea. Arsenal will surely leapfrog Spurs and United into 3rd on Monday night

Part 3

On Thursday afternoon it was confirmed by Manchester United that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been appointed permanent manager of the club on a 3-year contract. But the first performance of his permanent reign left a lot to be desired. This is a squad that is playing Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Nemanja Matic, Ashley Young, and expecting to compete against Barcelona in the next few weeks, to compete with Manchester City and Liverpool for the title next season. Where does Solskjaer go from here? Much like with Zidane at Real Madrid, what does the Norwegian need to change this Summer so that his squad can compete at the very top?

Part 4

There are midweek games in the Premier League this week, as teams look to catch up on the number of games played. 

Man United go to Wolves on Tuesday night.

On Wednesday, Chelsea, Man City and Spurs all play at home against Brighton, Cardiff and Palace respectively. However, first game at the new White Hart Lane  for Spurs

Also a big week in the Bundesliga next weekend as Dortmund go to Bayern Munich in a crucial title decider

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Part 1

Last week, during the lull of international break, France Football, the people behind the Ballon D’or, released their ranking of the 50 greatest football managers using the following criteria "club winners, track and inheritance left on the game, personality - in addition to a fourth: the duration and impact of the career".

Part 2

Ireland kicked off the Mick McCarthy era 2.0 with a 1-0 win away at the mighty Gibraltar

After an absolutely disastrous 2018, Germany started 2019 with a 3-2 away win against rivals Netherlands

Part 3

On March 1st, Sunday Times journalist Mark Tighe was ready to break the story of John Delaney’s 100,000 euro bridging loan to the FAI. After reaching out for comment from Delaney himself, the story was eventually brought to court on the 16th as Delaney sought an injunction to prevent the story from reaching the public. On the 17th, the story did break, after the injunction attempt failed. Since then, the FAI have released 8 separate statements on the matter, John Delaney has ‘stepped down’ from his role as Chief Executive, only to then create a new role for himself as the Vice Executive President, which sees him essentially retain all of his old responsibilities except for running the League of Ireland and the Irish National Team. 

Part 4

The International break is over and done with, and with it sees the return of the Business End of the Premier League™ 

Man City vs. Fulham

Man United vs. Watford

Chelsea vs. Cardiff

Liverpool vs. Tottenham

Arsenal vs. Newcastle

Closing

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Part 1

The last few seasons of Champions League football has graced us with some amazing second round ties. Now that this year’s Last 16 is over and done with, consigned to the history books, how did it compare to recent seasons?

Part 2

We’ve got our FA Cup semi-finalists. Man City escape Swansea scare. United limply go out to Wolves. Brighton win on penalties and Watford?

The Europa League draw took place. Arsenal - Napoli very much the tie of the round

The International Break is now upon us. Are we ready for Mick McCarthy’s long-awaited return as Republic of Ireland manager?

European clubs are reportedly planning a boycott on FIFA’s rebranded Club World Cup, set to take place in 2021. Seems like an ok idea being executed terribly

Part 3

Before the Last 16 of the Champions League, Andrew and I convened here and completed a power ranking of the remaining sides left in the competition. Since then, 8 teams have been eliminated from the competition. With only 8 remaining, let’s see how those sides shape up now.

Closing

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 Part 1

In a week in which Arsenal and Manchester United both went to France and played in staggeringly different 3-1’s, the build-up for Sunday’s match at the Emirates essentially wrote itself. Yet, football is a funny old game and it was the side who lost 3-1 that came out the victors yesterday… 

Part 2

Part 3

“I think it’s really a reason of pride when a club where you worked before wanting you back.”

These were the words of Jose Mourinho just a few weeks ago as speculation mounted of his return to Real Madrid. So I’m sure he’ll understand the pride that Zinedine Zidane must be feeling right now. We have no doubt that Mourinho wishes Zidane all the very best… 

Part 4

This week’s Champions League is perhaps more in the balance than last week looked, but there’s still plenty of chances for teams to turn around ties in dramatic fashion. Will any of these teams overturn first leg deficits, and who will find the fatal blow in these balanced ties?

Closing

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Part 1

It was announced this week that there would be a slight change to the free kick rules. Attacking players are no longer allowed within 1 metre of the defending wall. Of all the possible rule changes to football, why was this the one made?

Part 2

Manchester City go top of the table after the most dominant 1-0 win I’ve ever seen. A 0-0 draw away at local rivals Everton sees Liverpool fall to second

Arsenal and Tottenham played out a 1-1 draw where referee Anthony Taylor took centre stage

Manchester United leap frogged Arsenal to move into 4th place after a frantic 3-2 win over Southampton. Each goal was fantastic, have to go back a while to see so many excellent goals in one match

Barcelona have left Real Madrid for dust, effectively knocking them out of 2, out of the 3 trophies up for grabs in the last 7 days

Part 3

We are left with 9 games to go in the Premier League season, but instead of letting it all unfold before our very eyes, we thought we’d save you the hassle of wondering how it would play out by telling you right now. Going week by week, in chronological

Part 4

Champions League Last 16 Second Legs start this week. Surprisingly underwhelming, but we’ve been underwhelmed before and still been surprised. Will any of these teams overturn first leg deficits?

Ajax (1) vs. (2) Madrid

Dortmund (0) vs. (3) Tottenham

PSG (2) vs. (0) Man United

Porto (1) vs. (2) AS Roma

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Remember to rate/review the show on your podcast provider of choice and do tell friends and family about the show. The more the merrier!