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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 reporter Ian Whittell who offers his view on Brazil and Spain and previews Cape Verde's huge clash with Saudi Arabia as they attempt to keep their remarkable World Cup story going. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Tuchel has overdone it on 'vibes men' in his squad and discuss the need for Kobbie Mainoo to get some game time against Panama. And despite Scotland's misery Tom has still seen two of his goals of the tournament for Canada and Haiti. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 ground to offer his thoughts. And we look ahead to the final round of group stage matches as Scotland prepare to face Brazil - how are the nerves Gregor!? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Kane improves. Paul Hirst reports from another Messi masterclass and James Gheerbrant survived the rain and storms to watch France, Mbappe and Michael Olise reach the knockout stages before Haaland got Norway a 3-2 win against Senegal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Yamal comfortably beat Saudi Arabia and in part two Tom chats to Matt Lawton with the latest news from the England camp as preparations continue for the second game against Ghana. Will Marcus Rashford get a start? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 players who are delivering and how this World Cup compares to previous editions of the tournament. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 trophy? And James Gheerbrant watches Brazil get back to winning ways against Haiti before Turkey are dumped out by 10-man Paraguay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 knockout stage. In part two Jonathan Northcroft offers further reflections from the England camp and reveals more about Thomas Tuchel's assistant, Anthony Barry, and explains why he thinks the new brave, no-nonsense approach to coaching, is proving so effective. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 time, but it was a win, an impressive one, and England had a cutting edge.Tom Clarke gets immediate reaction from Matt Lawton who was at the game in Dallas, and is then joined by Gregor Robertson and Alyson RuddIn the second half Tom Allnutt reports from an underwhelming performance by Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 biggest stars. And now, it's England's turn. They kick off their tournament against Croatia, Jonathan Northcroft joined Tom to preview that match and wondered if Harry Kane is ready to show he deserves to be regarded in the same group as those modern greats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 conference.Tom also spoke to Michael Grant to hear how Scotland are coping with being top of Group C and he chatted to Paul Hirst who is with the Argentina camp as Lionel Messi prepares to defend his World Cup crown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 gave Graham Potter and Sweden a big win against Tunisia.Tom Clarke also caught up with Matt Lawton in the England camp and pondered who Thomas Tuchel might pick to start against Croatia. And in part two Tom chatted to Chief Sports Reporter Martyn Ziegler about ticket prices, VAR and those controversial water breaks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 come on Day 4. Tom Clarke chats to Gregor Robertson and James Gheerbrant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 take on Haiti, McTominay is fit after a minor shock, can they do it? Oh and it's Brazil and Morocco too!Tom Clarke chats to Gregor Robertson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 will they go in the tournament, are the public following it and how much pressure is on Mauricio Pochettino?Tom and Pete join Tom Clarke on day one of his World Cup marathon, watching every game without waking a three month old baby.See you tomorrow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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?Gregor details his recent trip to Croatia to meet Luka Modric; what to eat if you're staying up all night and is 4-4-2 about to make a massive come back!?Tom is joined by Gregor Robertson and Alyson Rudd.From tomorrow we'll be here every morning with your essential World Cup Daily Briefing - listen every morning and don't miss a thing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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/privacy for more information.
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 guide them to the final?Who are the dark horses - Senegal, Japan, Norway, Ecuador...And lastly what of the rest, the first timers, the romantics choice and the rank outsiders. Tom Allnutt, James Gheerbrant and Paul Hirst join Tom Clarke to asses the best of the rest.We're here with our daily update show from Friday 12th June and we'll have a USA and the hosts special next week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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. Why was Slot sacked and is Iraola what Liverpool need? If the spaniard does come in will there be signings and if so who will be sanctioning the signings...Richard Hughes or the new manager? Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson, Tony Cascarino and Alyson Rudd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 time?Before the big preview Gregor Robertson, Tom Clarke and Tony Cascarino look back at a huge win for Oliver Glasner and Crystal Palace, why Adam Wharton didn't make the England squad and Anthony Gordon moving to Barcelona. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
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.
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 Manchester City at the end of the season and be replaced by Enzo Maresca.The Times Chief Sports Correspondent Matt Lawton joins Tom Clarke to discuss his departure, what comes next and his legacy to the English game.Tom Clarke is joined by Matt Lawton and Gary Jacob**More on the 'Spygate' saga in tomorrows episode Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 could be in line for manager of the season?And for player of the season could the Man City and Arsenal votes being split lead to one clear candidate from the third placed team - Bruno Fernandez.Arsenal have put the pressure back on Man City with two wins, and they have a striker with twenty goals for the first time in years. Does that make Gyokores a success? Alyson Rudd, Gregor Robertson and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat join Tom Clarke. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 the four semi finalists, how many Arsenal players make it in?After the break is it time Michale Carrick was givne the Man Utd job and which midfielders will they be targeting in the summer?Last, a look ahead to the relegation battle and reaction to Scott Parker leaving Burnley.Tom Clarke is joined by Tony Cascarino, Gregor Robertson and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 sacking of Liam Rosenior, is that ever acceptable, or is it just a sign of the chaos at the club?Arsenal are back on top, will that level of performance take them all the way to the title?Plus an exclusive interview with Roy Hodgson - the grand old man of football still gaining results and admirers at the age of seventy nine.Tom Clarke is joined by Alyson Rudd, Tom allnutt and gregor Robertson. All in a brand new studio, check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetimessport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 special episode Jonathan joins Tom Clarke to discuss the plight and future of the former Champions? Will they bounce back or could it get even worse? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 the conversation for the Ballon d'or.Hugo Ekitike has ruptured his achilles, an injury Gregor robertson suffered in his career - how bad is it and do you ever fully recover?After the break should hair pulling be a red card are Leeds safe and is the Chelsea project in jeopardy?Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson, Martin Samuel and Tony Cascarino. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Portsmouth have had back to back wins against top four sides, Leicester look to be doomed and could West Brom be joining them because of matters off the pitch...?League One is all about who can make the play off's - Luton are a way back but they have games in hand.In League Two Barrow...oh my word Barrow - last minute winner against Oldham and still fighting for their life! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Zerbi couldn't stop Spurs falling into the relegation zone, he thinks his team need a father figure not a coach...will that be enough?Plus, the best title race in years north of the border and Bruno Fernandes is a really nice guy off the pitch.Jonathan northcroft and Gregor Robertson join Tom Clarke. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 big week for Southampton with Arsenal in the cup followed by the two teams below them Wrexham and Derby. At the bottom Portsmouth have a very tough run of games, starting with two relegation rivals.In League One do the teams on bad runs have a big enough cushion...Bolton, Bradford and Stockport are looking over their shoulders at Plymouth and Stevenage.Almost the entire top eight in League Two still have to play each other...it is far from sorted.We'll be back next week for a bonus episode to review a busy Easter weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Artemis II is NASA's next big mission to the moon – the first in over 50 years. It's part of the space agency's long-term plans to build a space station called Lunar Gateway, where astronauts will be able to live and work.It is also America's best effort to beat the likes of China in the space race to return to the moon.Niall speaks to Tom Clarke, our science and technology editor, and Thomas Moore, our science and medical correspondent about what NASA hopes to achieve with the lunar flyby.Have you got a question for the podcast? Email us: why@sky.uk
A school pupil and a university student have died in Kent and 11 other people are seriously ill following a meningitis outbreak.Meningitis can kill a person in less than 24 hours if it is not treated quickly. But outbreaks like this have been rare in recent years. Vaccination programmes have helped but anyone over the age of 10 will not have been offered a vaccination against MenB by the NHS. However, it has been available to infants since 2015.Niall speaks to Dr Tom Nutt from Meningitis Now and Sky's science editor Tom Clarke about why meningitis can be deadly, what the symptoms are, and why the vaccine is not free for teenagers.
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 those managers - Slot, Carrick, Pep and Rosenior will still be in place next season?A quick look back at a terrible night for Spurs as they lost at home to Crystal Palace, where now for Tottenham...could Igor Tudor even be gone before the international break? Who on earth would replace him?Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson, Alyson rudd and James Gheerbrant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 rest of the top six how it will finish? Or are Hull and Wrexham still ripe to be picked off by the likes of Watford or Southampton?In League One Lincoln City are a point off the top but perhaps just as significantly they're ten point clear of third place Bolton. from fourth place down it is any one's guess with seven teams fighting for the three remaining play off places. Title, play off's and relegation are all still up for grabs in League Two...who has the momentum?Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson round up all the latest from the EFL. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
US civil rights activist and religious leader, Jesse Jackson is remembered, following his death at the age of 84. He campaigned alongside Martin Luther King in the 1960s, and later ran for president twice - his political message was infused with the traditions, and the cadences, of the Black Baptist church. A musical film called The Testament of Ann Lee was released in the UK this week. It explores the story of a woman from Manchester who preached gender and social equality as the founder of the Shakers movement. Dancing, singing and a search for ecstatic experiences were a central part of worship, as well as vows of celibacy. Documents in the US ‘Epstein files' reveal that Donald Trump's former adviser Steve Bannon discussed plans with Jeffrey Epstein to "take down" Pope Francis, even exploring a film based on a controversial book about the Vatican. The messages, reported by CNN and Religion News Service, cast the Vatican as a geopolitical pressure point in wider culture wars. Presenter: William Crawley Producers: Katy Booth and Bara'atu Ibrahim Studio Managers: Sam Biddle, Tom Clarke and Elijah Waddington Editor: Tim Pemberton
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.Lincoln fan Tom Clarke makes his pitch for the excitement of League One. It's tight at the bottom and around the play offs, but at the top are Cardiff and Lincoln away and clear?In League Two wins for teams at the bottom who were written off and... a mystery called Walsall, any fans listening please get in touch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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?Eddie howe and Fabian Hurzeler were both booed by their own fans, fair?Thomas Frank is in the orange zone, his captain hasn't helped and forest are in serious trouble now, could Nuno even send them down...? Tom Clarke joins Tom Allnutt, Gregor Robertson and Alyson Rudd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 affect their respective situations. So where does the power lie?It was a quiet transfer window did anyone club come out of it happy? Sheffield Wednesday look like being a key test case for the football regulatorAnd finally, a look ahead to the big match of the weekend Liverpool v City, which club is in the stringer position...Tom Clarke is joined by Tony Cascarino, Martin Samuel and Gregor Robertson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 be accepting or would the referee abuse just get worse? Alyson Rudd thinks Alexander Isak could be a waste of money, as Wirtz and Ekitike shine, can they really play all three?Lastly who is the Premier League's most versatile player?Tom Clarke is joined by Alyson Rudd, Gregor Robertson and Pete Rutzler Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Manchester United make it two statement wins under Michael Carrick — but are they really back? Arsenal's lead at the top is down to four points after a 3–2 defeat at the Emirates… so why were fans booing a team still top of the table?Elsewhere, Liverpool's unbeaten run ends in chaos at Bournemouth, Chelsea and the chasing pack keep the race for Europe wide open, and pressure grows on Tottenham and Crystal Palace towards the bottom.Plus, two strikers thriving in very different worlds: Alyson Rudd visits Bromley to meet League Two's unlikely star Michael Cheek, and Hamzah Khaliq-Loonat travels to Germany to decode Harry Kane.Tom Clarke is joined by Alyson Rudd, Gregor Robertson and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Artificial pitch and injuries aside Man City lost to Bode Glimt, a team who haven't won in the Champions League all season. After the match Pep Guardiola said, ‘everything was wrong.' Could this be his final season in charge? Is he tired or ready for a rebuild?Chelsea won, but Cole Palmer was missing again…is his England place no in doubt? Elsewhere another memorable goal for Dominic Szoboszlai…is he a captain in the making, relief for Thomas Frank and unrest at Crystal Palace.Tom Clarke joins Martin Samuel, Jonathan Northcroft and Gregor Robertson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael Carrick brought back a touch of the glory days for Manchester United fans on Saturday. his team were on the front foot as they beat a lack lustre Manchester City. Was it a one off or is he finally the man to bring back some cheer to Old Trafford?With City losing it was time for other to capitalise. no one did. Arsenal eeked out an extra point, but the top four look a little tame. Is it a poor season or is the rest of the league just getting better?At the AFCON bizarre scenes saw Sengal leave the pitch in protest at a refereeing decision. Can that ever be justified...?and shoudl anyone be feeling sorry for Thomas Frank or Oliver glasner? Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor robertson, alyson rudd, Paul Hirst and Ian Hawkey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It was VAR and goalkeeping errors that made the headlines across the two League Cup semi-finals. Chelsea's Robert Sanchez gifted two goals to Arsenal at Stamford Bridge and at St James Park a bizarre decision from VAR denied Man City a goal. New Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior picked the goalkeeper but he didn't pick Palmer, Gusto or James seemingly at the prompting of his medical department. Is this a worrying early sign for the new man? If you had the choice, would you get rid of VAR? Is it worth the trouble it causes?After the break, where can Carrick take Man Utd and favourite rivalries ahead of the Manchester derby. Tom Clarke joins Martin Samuel, Tony Cascarino and Gregor Robertson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Upsets, late drama, near misses and lots of goals. The FA Cup third round had it all.It may have lost some of its shine in recent years but at the weekend the FA Cup showed why it is still the greatest cup competition in the world. Macclesfield pulled off what was on paper the biggest shock in the history of the competition…but it didn't look like that on the pitch. There was misery at Spurs and Manchester United what next for the managers at both clubs? Michael Carrick looks set to be appointed interim manager of Manchester United but what is expected from him? And for Thomas Frank is it ‘the end of days' ?Tom Clarke, Tom Allnutt, Hamzah Khalique-Loonat and Gregor Robertson review a frantic weekend of football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Never a club to be upstaged Manchester United sack their manager Ruben Amorim just four days after Chelsea sacked their manager Enzo Maresca.Are both decisions a reflection of failing managers or failing hierarchy's?Who is in line for both jobs at two of the biggest clubs in England? And whoever gets them, who will have the tougher job – at Chelsea or Manchester United?After the break Arsenal look like title winners, West Ham look doomed and everything at Spurs looks unhappy.Tom Clarke, Gregor Robertson, Pete Rutzler and Alyson Rudd give their verdicts on Ruben Amorim's sacking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's the new year, Enzo Maresca is out, but what does the future hold for both the manager and the club? And is Liam Rosenoir the right choice to replace Maresca? On the latest episode of The Game, the team also discuss Arsenal's statement win against Aston Villa, Liverpool's draw with Leeds and another big performance from Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. And finally with the increased use of set pieces we continue the debate about entertainment in the modern game. Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Reaction to all the Christmas fixtures as Villa keep winning, Arsenal look nervous and City look ominous. If Villa win at Arsenal can they go all the way?Are Liverpool's signings starting to click and hats of to Keith Andrews and Regis Le Bris.Elsewhere, Palace look knackered, Ruben Amorim finally plays a back four, West Ham need to buy a defender or they are down and will Iraola change his system?Tom Clarke is joined by Alyson Rudd and Gregor Robertson.We'll be back on Friday to review the new year fixtures and predict the rest of 2026. Happy New Year and we'll see you then. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's Christmas but the EFL doesn't stop and neither do Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson – here with a bonus Christmas edition of EFL Extra. They're doing their end of year awards – teams, players and managers of the year for each of the divisions…and many more.If you need a break from the festivities, go for a walk or find a quiet corner and join Tom and Gregor for all the latest from the EFL.From everyone at The Game podcast – a very Merry Christmas. We'll be back for an end of year episode on the 29th, see you then. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.