The Rest Is Football

Were Manchester United right to sack Ruben Amorim? Gary, Alan and Micah debate whether United need to follow the model of Manchester City, Arsenal and Aston Villa, backing long-serving managers with real influence over recruitment — and ask the big question: when will the problems at Old Trafford finally end?  Praise is also heaped on Keith Andrews at Brentford, who has enjoyed an outstanding season, with his side sitting 5th and just two points off the top four. The panel also discuss the cagey affair at the Emirates. While it ended in a draw, the point keeps Arsenal six points clear of Manchester City, who were held by Brighton for the third league game in a row. The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/football. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why was Arsene Wenger so key to getting the best out of Thierry Henry? How did he encapsulate the essence of Va Va Voom in his play? Where does he rank on the list of the Premier League’s best ever strikers? Gary, Alan and Micah get together for the first show in our new series Premier League Greats: The Moments That Made Them. New episodes in this series will be released every Wednesday and each show will be dedicated to a specific Premier League icon. The guys will pick out five key moments that defined their career, discussing what made them so special and sharing some of their best stories from playing alongside and against them. The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/football Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Real Madrid academy graduate Gonzalo García steals the headlines with a perfect hat-trick as Madrid dismantle Real Betis. With García in red-hot form, can Xabi Alonso find a system that fits both him and Kylian Mbappé into the starting XI, and what does that mean for the increasingly out-of-favour Vinícius Jr? Over in Catalonia, Barcelona make it nine straight La Liga wins thanks to a stunning strike from Dani Olmo. Is anyone capable of stopping Barça’s charge to the title? Plus, Gary & Alex break down the sacking of Rúben Amorim, and debate whether his post-match comments at the weekend suggested he was already looking for the exit. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arsenal charge six points clear at the top of the table, do they already have one hand on the Premier League trophy? With Manchester City dropping points in two of their last three games and Erling Haaland now goalless in three, are they becoming too reliant on their star striker? Gary, Micah and Al also dive into Ruben Amorim’s post-match press conference, where the United boss appeared to take a subtle dig at the club’s owners. Is patience wearing thin, and could time already be running out for Amorim at Old Trafford? The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/football. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arsenal move four points clear at the top of the Premier League as Manchester City drop points away at Sunderland. Alan and Micah draw on their own playing careers to break down the pressure, mind games, and mental battles that come with a title race as the finish line approaches. Can Arsenal handle the weight of expectation and finally lift their first league title in 22 years? The guys also react to Chelsea’s decision to sack Enzo Maresca, debating whether the owners made the right call. The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/football. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How did Unai Emery’s genius win Aston Villa the game at Chelsea? Has Rayan Cherki’s brilliance been the spark that has seen Man City win eight games on the bounce? How has Keith Andrews got Brentford playing so effectively after losing Bryan Mbeumo & Yoane Wissa in the summer? Gary, Alan and Micah also debate whether Arsenal continuing to win these edgy games is a good sign for them or is asking for trouble.  The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/football  When you've done enough, Uber Eats. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod.  It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A short message from Gary to say a big thank you to all our listeners for their support so far this season and give an update on some of the exciting things we’ve got planned for 2026. Have a wonderful Christmas! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kylian Mbappé marked his birthday in style, matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s best-ever goal tally for Real Madrid in a calendar year. With over 200 more goal involvements than Ronaldo had at the same age, does Mbappé already have a case for being the better player at 27? Gary and Alex also break down Barcelona’s dominant form after their eighth straight win against Villarreal, is there anyone who can actually stop Barça right now? Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arsenal remain top of the Premier League at Christmas, but with Manchester City starting to look back to their best, have they taken the mantle as favourites for the title? Morgan Rogers scored two brilliant goals as Aston Villa made it ten wins in a row in all competitions. Does this season now look like a three-horse title race? Gary, Alan and Micah also debate a controversial weekend of refereeing, asking whether this is the worst standard the Premier League has seen, and if the introduction of VAR has played a part in the decline. The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/football. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How many of the Top 10 all time Champions League goalscorers can Alan and Micah name without mistake? Who is the surprise inclusion on the list? Why was Micah left to rue making up a new rule to allow them to get bonus points? Gary is quiz master once again as he tests the guys knowledge on the most lethal finishers in Europe’s elite competition, with a few rants and outbursts along the way! The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/football Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do players react when one of their teammates issues an ultimatum to force a move away from the club? Is it easy to forgive, or does it permanently damage relationships in the dressing room? The guys also dive into football superstitions — what rituals did they cling to during goal droughts, and did doubt start to creep in when the goals weren’t coming? Gary, Alan and Micah round things off by comparing their Fantasy Football performances, who’s on top right now? They also discuss The Rest Is Football’s particularly high ranking The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/football. Introducing Save Your WayTM from Hotels.com. Get instant savings now with Member Prices, or bank as rewards for later. Learn more at hotels.com/product/save-your-way-uk/ Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod.  It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are Real Madrid still struggling to find the right balance, and is Jude Bellingham being played out of position? Despite an away win at Alavés, questions remain over the performance, and frustration is growing among some Madridistas with Xabi Alonso. Raphinha is finally back after an injury-hit start to the season, and he made an immediate impact with two goals to keep Barcelona four points clear at the top of La Liga. Seven straight wins for the Blaugrana, can anyone catch them? Gary and Alex also break down Antoine Griezmann’s brilliant winner as Atlético Madrid stay in touch with the title race Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at: therestisfootball.com https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sunderland make it seven wins from seven as they beat fierce local rivals Newcastle in the derby. Are Eddie Howe’s problems growing as he tries to fit Nick Woltemade into Newcastle’s established system, and do they lack the energy that drove last season’s success? Manchester City look like they’re finally back — but just how much of that revival is down to the man in form, Phil F***ing Foden**? Enzo Maresca raises eyebrows with a cryptic post-match interview that hints at a lack of backing from the ownership. Is support behind the scenes starting to crack? Plus, Gary, Alan and Micah debate Arsenal’s struggles to break down low blocks and ask whether the Gunners have become too reliant on Bukayo Saka The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/football.Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is Xabi Alonso’s Jon under serious threat after City come from behind to beat Madrid? Noni Madueke’s stunner set Arsenal on their way to a sixth win in six, but did he really mean it? How important was it that Liverpool beat Inter Milan after Arne Slot left Mo Salah out of the squad? Gary, Alan and Micah also discuss a good point away at Leverkusen for Newcastle, as Alan is left dreaming of what might have been. The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/football.Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What was Alan’s message to Erling after he beat his record for getting to 100 Premier League goals? Why was the Norwegian superstar particularly fired up for this season, by people not talking about him over the summer? Why has Erling started his own YouTube channel and what is he hoping to showcase on it? Gary and Alan travel up to Manchester to speak to Erling Haaland and celebrate his achievement of scoring 100 Premier League goals in record time. They get into a deep dive on the art of goalscoring, with more than 1,000 goals between the trio. The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/football Whether it’s the same roast every year or something new that somehow becomes tradition overnight - Tesco’s food helps make every Christmas feel like Christmas. Shop Tesco food this Christmas, either in-store or online. Introducing Save Your WayTM from Hotels.com. Get instant savings now with Member Prices, or bank as rewards for later. Learn more at hotels.com/product/save-your-way-uk/ Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at: therestisfootball.com https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A loss at home and three red cards, will Xabi Alonso even make it to the end of the week? Reports in Spain suggest he could be out the door if Real Madrid don’t beat Manchester City in the Champions League. Can he turn things around for Los Blancos?  After Ferran Torres’ hat-trick vs Real Betis, who is Barcelona’s first choice Number 9? Gary & Alex also break down Villarreal’s impressive six-game winning streak in La Liga and discuss whether the Yellow Submarine are genuine title contenders Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at: therestisfootball.com https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Has Mo Salah just issued Liverpool an ultimatum with his post-match antics — is it him or Arne Slot? And if so, who’s really in the wrong? After Aston Villa’s huge win over league leaders Arsenal, the gap tightens once again. Is it finally time to talk about Villa as genuine title contenders? Micah also joins the pod from Abu Dhabi after watching Lando Norris win the Formula One World Championship, what was it that made it one of the best days of his life? The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/football.Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod.  It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have Arsenal already got one hand on the trophy? They consistently look like the best team in the Premier League right now. Meanwhile, Liverpool look out of ideas with problems all over the pitch, how much are they missing Trent Alexander-Arnold? Sunderland sit 6th in the Premier League, is this one of the most impressive performances from a promoted side in recent years? The Lads also break down Aston Villa’s terrific run of form, which has propelled them into the top four, plus Micah delivers a superb rendition from every English club he’s played for during his career. The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/football. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What’s Alan’s message for Erling Haaland after he broke his record as the fastest to reach 100 Premier League goals? Were Newcastle lucky to be given a penalty in their draw against Spurs? Is Jack Grealish in with a shout of making the England squad for the World Cup? Gary, Alan and Micah also discuss the big news that The Rest Is Football will be on Netflix throughout the World Cup this summer. We’ll be in New York bringing you daily shows all through the tournament, and it’s safe to say the lads are a little bit excited! The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/football Whether you’re hosting or guesting this Christmas, you need the UK’s best mobile network and broadband technology, only from EE. Introducing Save Your WayTM from Hotels.com. Get instant savings now with Member Prices, or bank as rewards for later. Learn more at hotels.com/product/save-your-way-uk/ Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Real Madrid have now drawn three straight games in La Liga, and some Madridistas are already calling for Xabi Alonso to be sacked. Is he genuinely under pressure this early in his tenure? Meanwhile, Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid have won seven in a row in all competitions. After parts of the fanbase questioned his future just weeks ago, could El Cholo actually turn things around and mount a serious title challenge? Gary & Alex also discuss La Liga clubs losing their grip on European football. English sides have beaten Spanish teams in 10 of the last 11 meetings. Is this the end of an era for La Liga’s dominance in Europe? Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod.  It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at: therestisfootball.com https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices