The Game

Alonso and Carrick in; will Slot or Pep be leaving?

Xabi Alonso is in the Premier League, but not where many expected.As the Liverpool old boy joins Chelsea what can he expect and is it a huge positive for the Chelsea project? Where does the appointment leave Liverpool, the owners are wedded to Arne Slot but the fans don't seem to be.Man Utd look set to announce Michael Carrick on a permanent basis, what will his targets be next season? Pep Guardiola has a cup double to his name, but if it misses out on the league will he still be at Man City next season to try again?After the break the craziest final day in the SPL; who is the most underrated Premier League player and the enigma that is Neymar.Joining Tom Clarke are Gregor Robertson, Pete Rutzler and Jame Gheerbrant  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

65 min

Is Carrick right for Man Utd? And Celtic v Hearts

It is the best Scottish title race in years and it got even spicier last night.Celtic were awarded a penalty for literally the last kick of the match - they scored at took it to the final day as Hearts need only a draw at Celtic Park.What is the feeling in Scotland, was it ever a penalty and how will Derek McInnes' Hearts approach the game on Saturday?Man City took the title race to another weekend as they beat Palace...but can anyone see Arsenal dropping points?  Why do Chelsea hate Spurs so much? Michael Carrick looks set to make his role permanent at Man Utd, is he the right man for the job?At Chelsea is Xabi alonso in pole position?Plus 'Spygate' and best moments of the season. Gregor Robertson joins Alyson Rudd, Martin Samuel and Tony Cascarino Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

57 min

Has VAR decided the title and relegation?

Was it or wasn't it? Could one decision of foul or no foul have decided the title race AND relegation? It was the biggest moment yet for VAR, was the final outcome correct...or is it more complicated than that?Will john McGinn get a statue at Villa Park if he leads them to a european trophy?Who is ion a worse position - Liverpool or Chelsea ?After the break an update on the SPL as Hearts go for their first title in 66 yrs; the chaos at real Madrid and who has had the better season - Bournemouth, Bretford or Brighton? Tom clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson, Alyson Rudd and Tom Allnutt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

60 min

This is how Arsenal can beat PSG?

Arsenal are finding form at the right time. Four points clear in the title race and through to the Champions League final the double is still on. What has brought about the turn around in form and who have been the key players? PSG are on the verge of defending their European title, which for some would mark them out as one of the modern day great european teams...so, how good are they and can Arsenal beat them? Does Man City's slip at Everton show that many of the team have not won multiple titles are are feeling the nerves?Chelsea lost for the fifth time in a row where does the responsibility lie? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

59 min

EFL Extra: Round up and play-off Predictions

Ipswich did it on the last day...but with that squad were they always going to?Wrexham missed out to Hull City. That is Hull who stayed up on the final day of last season and faced a transfer embargo in the summer - quite an achievement.So, who makes it through the play-off's - is the smart money on the winner of Middlesbrough Southampton?In League One Stevenage defy the odds, Challinor does it again and Leyton Orient's Richie Wellens goes in two footed on his players.Lastly, in League Two final day heartbreak again for Salford and a step too far for Harrogate.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

35 min

All change...again

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.

65 min

Best game you've ever seen?

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.

62 min

EFL Final Day - It's Massive!

Join tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson to preview the final regular weekend of a fantastic EFL season.What a weekend we have in store, there are so many permutations and so much riding on some many games.Who is heading for the Premier League - Ipswich, Millwall or Southampton?Will Wrexham keep the fairy tale alive at the expense of Hull and Derby?In League One can Luton and Plymouth gate crash the play offs on the final day? At the bottom Exeter have it all to do and Leyton Orient are hanging on.And in League Two the tightest battle of all one of Crawly, Harrogate, Newport and Tranmere are leaving the football league...as Gregor Robertson says; "...on the final day sometimes as a player you're just s******g yourself." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

36 min

Who's staying up - West Ham or Spurs?

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.

58 min

EFL Extra: Leicester City Special

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.

25 min

Liam Rosenior gone, could Eddie Howe be next?

After five defeats and no goals Chelsea bit the bullet and sacked Liam Rosenior. Where do the problems lie at Stamford Bridge - the ownership, the players the coach or the whole project? Given the chaos who would wan tthe job?Man City beat Burnley to go top, but showed familiar signs of frailty in doing so. They're top only on goals scored...could we be heading for a play off?While Chelsea are in turmoil Newcastle quietly have their own problems - they're 14th in the table, european football is looking unlikely and there is talk of selling more of their star players. Who could be leaving and where does that leave manager Eddie Howe?Tom clarke is joined by Newcastle reporter Martin Hardy, Gregor Robertson and Martin Samuel.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

55 min

Will City or Arsenal stay unbeaten?

Where is your money now? Man City have made it a proper title race by beating Arsenal. What was the difference between the two teams, tactics, personal, injuries or mentality?With only five and six games left can either go unbeaten until the end of the season? Chelsea fell further back in the race for Champions League qualification, how much responsibility lies with Liam Rosenior? What happens to a billion pound squad if they don't qualify for the Champions League?  Is Morgan Gibbs White now the form number ten in the league...will it be enough to get hi ma World Cup spot? And are Leeds and Forest safe now, is it a two horse race between West Ham and Spurs...who wins it?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

57 min

PSG make it look easy. Arsenal make it look hard

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.

56 min

EFL Extra: Who has got the Play Off momentum?

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.

37 min

Is it panic stations for Arsenal and Spurs?

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.

61 min

Anfield can't save Liverpool from PSG

Liverpool suffered a 'chastening' defeat in Paris. Will the famed Anfield atmosphere be enough to save them from a dominant PSG team?Arne Slot tried a new formation and a new line up, none of it worked - the question is why? Was it his personal, the quality of PSG or his tactics?Bayern shone in Madrid, and brightest amongst them were Harry Kane - can he really still be under rated? and Michael Olise a player Gregor spotted while still playing for Reading - what is so special about him?After the break Danny Welbeck, David Raya, Arsenal's win i nLisbon and the return of the Premier LeagueTom Clarke returns with Gregor Robertson, Hamzah Khalique-Loonat and Tony Cascarino Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

58 min

EFL Extra: Promotion chasing or relegation threatened - "The games are running out"

Tom clarke and Gregor Robertson with all the latest from the EFL.Lincoln are promoted! Tom was there and reflects on a remarkable day. Just how impressive is the Imps achievement ?The play offs are still wide open in League One, the top teams have found some form but as far down as Luton in tenth still have a chance. At the bottom it looks like only one place left in the relegation fight.In the Championship could Southampton still have a chance of second? how do Middlesborough arrest their slide and are Wrexham's hopes over?Plus Leicester fail to launch - again and in League Two big wins for salford and swindon, a crushing run for Tranmere. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

33 min

Pressure builds on Arsenal and Liverpool

Where does defeat to Championship side Southampton leave Arsenal? The positivity of Max Dowman's goal against Everton on 14th March seems a long time ago - out of two cups and with poor performances to boot can they bounce back?Liverpool were thumped by a resurgent Man City, but the comments of captain Virgil Van Dijk are perhaps most concerning for Liverpool fans - he thought his team gave up. Why and where does that leave manager Arne Slot.Leeds are in their first FA Cup semi final in nearly 40 years, but did it come at a cost as key players were injured. West Ham lost but showed fighting spirit ahead of the relegation run in.Plus, Spurs players, Chelsea projects and Southampton away kits.  Gregor Robertson is joined by Alyson Rudd and Tony Cascarino   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

54 min

Who would you pick in the England Squad?

Was Thomas Tuchel's experiment of playing Phil Foden as a 'false nine' a waste of time? Tony Cascarino thinks it was. Either way the attempt seems to have signaled the end to Foden's World Cup hopes. Did he learn anything else from the two disappointing friendlies? Gregor robertson, Martin Samuel and Tony Cascarino pick their own World Cup squads, and have a guess at who Tuchel will pick.A quick look at the plight of Italian football, the new reign of Roberto De Zerbi; and is the Chelsea project about to stall?   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

52 min

EFL Extra: "Easter weekend is big!"

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.

45 min

Episodes

Alonso and Carrick in; will Slot or Pep be leaving?

Is Carrick right for Man Utd? And Celtic v Hearts