The Game
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© The Times
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The thinking fan's football podcast, providing previews and reviews of all the action - every Monday and Thursday.
Listen to the best of The Times and The Sunday Times journalists as they cover the biggest sport on the planet; from winners to losers, who's in and out on the transfer roundabout, tactical developments, data analysis and the dreaded VAR.
Hosted by Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson alongside special guest appearances, the team bring you the latest on the Premier League and the EFL, as well as a front-row seat to international tournaments including the Champions League, European Championships and World Cups.
We know football isn't life and death. It's much more serious than that.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1249 Episodes
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Manchester City blew Liverpool away and closed the gap at the top of the table to just four points - can Pep Guardiola challenge his old friend Mikel Arteta and will this be his last season? Or does he have renewed energy? Sunderland's late equaliser denied Arsenal but was this an example of an exciting finish to a poor game of football? We debate whether the new, more direct style is killing the spectacle in the Premier League. Elsewhere we ask why can't Newcastle win away, look at the relegation battle and ask who will finish higher - Manchester United or Tottenham? We finish with a discussion about the striker who is still playing - and scoring - aged 50! Tom Clarke is joined on this show by Gregor Robertson, Alyson Rudd and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tom Clarke is joined by former football league professional Gregor Robertson to discuss all the latest for the EFL. The Championship is thriving this season. Very competitive, tons of goals and arguably the top eight are all surprise packages. Stoke and Coventry can’t stop scoring and Preston and Charlton are confounding the pundits by threatening the play offs. Southampton had a much-needed win after sacking Will Still, Norwich need a win, but can under pressure Liam manning deliver it?In League One Luke Williams swaps the Airport for the Posh and Reading look for an Oasis in their season by swapping Noel for Leam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
There are four English teams in the top eight qualifying spots of the Champions League, Spurs and Chelsea are just outside. Are English clubs starting to dominate Europe again? Although Qarabag did try to derail the narrative.Trent alexander Arnold was booed on his return to Liverpool, is anyone really surprised? Is booing anything the new normal. Gregor Robertson asks the question - do players like fans? A quick look at what is happening at Wolves and what is the greatest ever solo goal…Maradona, Ronaldo (R9) Gemmill? Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson, Jonathan Northcroft and Martin Samuel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is Thomas Frank under pressure already? Another home defeat for Spurs against Chelsea and a stale performance had home fans making their views clear on Saturday. He needs to silence some critics with two more home games to come. Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson, Tom Allnutt and Alyson Rudd to discuss Frank's future -- and other big stories.Also on the agenda this week: Pep Guardiola compared Erling Haaland to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo while Liverpool picked up an important win and Arsenal kept another clean sheet. Can Mikel Arteta's side compete for more than one trophy?At the bottom, Vitor Pereira paid the price for Wolves' terrible start - who would want the job of getting them out of the bottom three? West Ham's win against Newcastle gives them hope as Eddie Howe's side produce the worst away performance of the season. And the team discuss a battling draw between Nottingham Forest and Manchester United. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Was Arne Slot right to play the youngsters? His Liverpool team have now lost six of their last seven games – are there similarities with Man City from last season?Chelsea beat Wolves but had another man sent off, do they have a discipline problem?North of the border an ugly row has broken out between Celtic share holder Dermot Desmond and ex manager Brendon Rogers…where does the truth lie?Finally, why does Spurs manager Thomas Frank want to play down his teams chances in the league? Tom Clarke is joined by Tony Cascarino, Gregor Robertson and Martin Samuel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Administration, points deductions and the hunt for new owners - it's been a huge couple of days for Sheffield Wednesday and on this special episode of The Game we analyse the latest news and ask what might be next for the Championship club. Paul Hirst, a football reporter for The Times and Wednesday fan, joins Tom Clarke to outline the grim realities facing the club now and the brighter hope for a new owner and a better future, on and off the pitch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What was the most significant result of the weekend? Burnley beating relegation rivals Wolves? Leeds doing likewise to West Ham? City losing again, Liverpool losing again? Arsenal going clear, Sunderland beating Chelsea at the Bridge or Bournemouth going second? And Man Utd looking resurgent.This season seems to be different. Arsenal aside – we’ll come to them – anyone can beat anyone. And it is great!Are Liverpool’s problems so big that they are now out of the title race? What makes Arsenal so good, and can the promoted clubs really start eyeing the top of the table instead of the bottom?Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson, Alyson Rudd and Pete Rutzler. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Liverpool returned to form with an impressive win in Frankfurt. A new formation and no Salah. Was it a one-off experiment or the start of a new look Liverpool? Arsenal kept yet another clean sheet as they beat a normally tough Atletico Madrid; just how good is this Arsenal back four? Would any get into some of the best in Premier League history – Arsenal 98’, Man Utd 08’ , Chelsea 04’ and Liverpool 18’?Did someone say there was a recruitment process to appoint Sean Dyche at Forest? Hang on a minute! And can Nuno save West Ham from relegation…probably not. Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson, Jonathan Northcroft and Martin Samuel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The ‘Unfashionables’ are still going strong in the EFL. Coventry top the Championship with a goal difference not seen at this stage of the season since Fulham in 2000/1. They are closely followed by Middlesborough who reminded Ipswich that points don’t come cheap in the Championship. Also up there are Stoke and Millwall. In League One despite losing, Stevenage are still in the top two. They lost to another unfancied club – Lincoln City. Tom was there and delights in giving his assessment of the Imps. Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Manchester United win at Anfield for the first time in ten years and Liverpool lose four on the bounce for the first time since 2014. So, has Amorim finally turned a corner and is Arne Slot facing a blip or a crisis? Nottingham Forest sack Ange Postecoglou seventeen minutes after the final whistle at the City Ground, will he be back or is that the end of big Ange? And who is in line to replace him?In a mad weekend in the Premier League that is only the half of it! Arsenal go clear at the top, Wolves lose again and Villa come from behind to beat Spurs. Tom Clarke is joined by Alyson Rudd, Charlotte Duncker and Gregor Robertson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
After another good win for Thomas Tuchel’s England which places are still up for grabs in his starting eleven? The full backs, number ten? Lots of listeners offering up cult heroes from their clubs; from Alan Hutton and Stan Bowles to John Kaye and Terry Hurlock. Were Tony or Gregor cult heroes at any of their clubs?Gregor has been to see how former players are progressing as they become referees…they’re finding out what a difficult job it is.After the break a look ahead to some of the big games this weekend…will Liverpool’s two big signings start in the game against Manchester United? Tom Clarke is joined by Tony Cascarino Pete Rutzler and Gregor Robertson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What makes a great cult hero – amazing skill, trying hard, being a bit weird or relentlessly dependable. From Tony Hibbert to Jay Jay Okocha via Lee Trundle and Dimitar Berbatov…we want to know your favourite cult players. Alyson Rudd has a theory – England don’t need a manager, certainly not one on five million pounds a year. England have some much quality they would have to work hard not to qualify. Thereafter they should appoint an English manager for the tournament - one who has worked for a club all season and is match sharpened.Tom Clarke, Alyson Rudd and Gregor Robertson discuss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is it different this time…? Is the Premier League as open as it appears – Bournemouth, Sunderland, Palace and Everton are in the top ten. Has the power balance changed, or will it revert to type and by Christmas it will be the same old top four and the promoted clubs in the relegation zone? Who has been the signing of the season so far? Kudos, Truffert, Mosquera, Grealish?As England prepare to play Wales who is in pole position to play number ten And Sir Jim Ratcliffe has given an interview to The Times in which he suggests Manchester united are making good progress, Ruben Amorim has three years, and the press have unrealistic expectations. The assembled members of the press – Jonny, Martin, Gregor and Tom discuss Tom Clarke is joined by Jonathan Nrthcroft, Martin Samuel and Gregor Robertson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson with all the latest from the EFL.Coventry City top the Championship and Stevenage top League One…did anyone see that coming?Frank Lampard has his team scoring for fun, and they’re not the only surprise in the Championship with Preston, Stoke and QPR all flying high. Does it sign post a change in football style or will the money and ‘progressive’ football of Ipswich, Birmingham or Wrexham eventually rise to the top?In League One, two managerial changes as Blackpool and Luton ditch Steve Bruce and Matt Bloomfield. Was it coming and who is likely to fill the vacancies?In League Two Walsall are back on top - can they stay there this time? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Chelsea beat Liverpool to send Arsenal top. The top ten are separated by six points and it seems anyone can beat anyone. It could be a vintage season or will it revert to type?Moises Caicedo was at the heart of Chelsea’s performance, how good is he? For Liverpool where do the problems lie? How will Arsenal respond to being front runners?Elsewhere, Ange Postecoglou is under pressure having not won in his first seven games. Have Man United found a goal keeper and who are the Premier League's best one touch finishers?Tom Clarke, Gregor Robertson, Tom Allnutt and Pete Rutzler with A LOT to talk about. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is Arne Slot facing his biggest test yet as Liverpool manager? After back to back defeats is his team in transition or in deeper trouble? Many felt the period of transition should have been after Jurgen Klopp left, but has it come 12 months later? Martin Samuel wonders if there is another factor at play, one perhaps being over looked.Arsenal won again and are gaining momentum, but people don’t seem too pleased for Mikel Arteta….After the break; Rory McIlroy gave a bit back to abusive American fans at the Ryder Cup and he was praised for it. But if a footballer did it what would happen?Gregor Robertson is joined by Pete Rutzler, Alyson Rudd and Martin Samuel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As Brentford, Brighton, Sunderland and Palace beat the so-called bigger clubs has the Premier League ever been stronger?Crystal Palace could have won by more as Oliver Glasner once again showed he knows how to beat the Champions. For Arne Slot and Liverpool does he have a problem with one of his marquee signings?While Chelsea and Man Utd came unstuck, Arsenal showed championship winning mentality as they left it late to win at a raucous St James Park. Could this be a turning pint for Mikel Arteta’s team?And as West Ham change manager again, will Nuno be the right man? Gregor Robertson is joined by Tony Cascarino, Gary Jacob and Martin Hardy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Plus: Forest, Villa and Liverpool’s striker problemsNottingham Forest returned to Europe with an impressive draw away at Betis, are Forest fans warming to Angeball?Was Hugo Ekitike stupid or passionate? Do his actions speak to the wider cult of young players, looking for Instagram moments and perhaps thinking less about the team?After the break Jonathan Northcroft outlines his thoughts on the changing face of modern coaches – one type who wants to be seen as the author or controller of everything and an alternate style which offers more freedom and decision making to players. And has Unai Emery been strengthened or weakened at Villa?Gregor Robertson is joined by Martin Samuel and Jonathan Northcroft Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What has happened to the really Pep Guardiola, he put out a team which ended with his lowest even percentage of possession. But a cautious Mikel Arteta didn’t set his side up to capitalise so in the end who should be happier with the point shared at the Emirates? Liverpool won again, but again they looked shaky towards the end of the game. Is it the sign of champions, a team in third gear or a problem that needs solving? Chelsea have lots of wingers but no top goalkeeper, did Man Utd turn a corner and how long has Graham potter got? Gregor Robertson is joined by Tom Allnutt, Alyson Rudd and Paul Joyce Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson return with all the latest from the EFL.Will Chris Wilder – and all his coaching staff – return to Sheffield United be enough to arrest the slide at Bramall Lane?Did anyone predict that Middlesborough, stoke and Bristol City would be at the top of the Championship after five games – will any of them stay the course?In League One Bradford City are making the most of their impressive home support and a big change at Wycombe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Paul Joyce may be a good correspondent, but he's a lousy podcast contributor. This should have been joyous, but listening to it was like pulling teeth.
only one English team made it to European semi final and zero minutes on it. whereas spend 20 mins on a washed up manchetser united and Chelsea in mid table
Absolute horseshit episode, presenters barely spoke about Liverpool, this boy has tunnel vision
What a prat of a presenter! Says things just to sound controversial
Very incite full apart from Hugh. So much hatred out of one biased individual. Had to unsubscribe
Gregor is fantastic, full of facts to support opinions. The complete opposite to the host
Hugh gets more irritating and unnecessarily argumentative by the week. Thinks he's on Sky Sports.....
Alison Rudd talking the most sense. She's right about the identity - under Southgate we haven't got one. Opponent teams are not afraid of England, though they are wary of individual players. Our attack is world class, our defence is anything but. Southgate, unfortunately, is too soft and listened to the media too much. A top manager that actually wins things, has to be bloody minded and tactically brilliant. Southgate has never won a thing, apart from relegations!
Rudd made the most sense, overall, with stone very insightful points. One of the blokes (not the host) was right about Southgate deflecting criticism or potentially negative discussion, by referring to the last two tournaments, where England did well on paper (they had fortunate run-ins). Southgate reminds me of a middle-aged trendy teacher who tries to please everyone, but ultimately does not deliver the goods. He has made a huge mistake with tl insisting the team does the BLM knee as a way he and the team can "educate the world". Well it pisses the world off and it pisses most England fans off. Black players are, of anything based on demographics, overrepresented in football, because of their talent etc - racism has not held back development. If you're good enough you'll get a chance. Football is a business where sporting/hiring choices are based on meritocracy. Southgate has lost a lot of goodwill earned from the Euros, because of his insistence this particular political view of his
you forgetting benrahma Bowen antonio ?
A cathartic result for the nation - we *needed* sometime to get beyond the semis of the Euros or the WC. Absolutely nothing wrong with being nationalistic and patriotic, even jingoistic! You can still love football, still be respectful to openents. As much as I've loved football all my life, love of country is stronger. Football is a part of England, not the other way round!
Is this the Matthew and Mark comments show? Please stop inviting Vs you know you know you know
Todays Matt Dickinson "You Know" count... 236
WTF is wrong with Matt Dickinson??? I can barely get through an episode every time he is on... The man cannot say a sentence without saying "you know" at least 10 times... It's ridiculous. The man is on a platform "communicating" with an audience. Would this man write the same way he speaks? Why doesn't anyone pull him up on it? Is it some form of tourette's? Either sort it out or get shot of him and get someone in that can actually speak. You know, you know, you know, You know, you know, you know, You know, you know, you know, You know, you know, you know, You know, you know, you know, You know, you know, you know, You know, you know, you know, You know, you know, you know,
I don't know who Tom Clarke is, but after listening to this edition of the podcast I know he's a moron.
You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know.You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know.You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know.You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know.You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know.You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know.You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know.You know. You kno
Jesus Christ!!!! I could not get through this episode due to Matt Dickinson's inability to complete a sentence with the phrase "you know". It's as if he has some bizarre form of tourette's. If you have some time on your hands listen to this & count how many times you hear Matt say "you know". I got to 30 and then lost the will to live. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know.
Molly Hudson sounds about 15 years old.
they are less accurate in their predictions than Robbie savaged mum or my dead cat
Please please PLEASE stop inviting the pompous Matthew Syed on to this podcast