The Game

A quick reflection on an epic night for Scotland, a big win for Wales and some of the surprises who have qualified for World Cup 26’ Then it’s back to the Premier League. How much will Arsenal miss Gabriel? They have strength in depth but are any up Gabriel’s tag of ‘defender of the season’ ? Predictions; first for the north London derby and Liverpool v Forest and then a much longer term - how will the table look come the end of the season? Tom Clarke is joined by Alyson Rudd and Gregor Robertson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There was magic in the air said Scotland manager Steve Clarke as his team won a dramatic winner takes all qualifier against Denmark at Hampden Park. The victory means Scotland are going to a World Cup – for the first time in 28 years. It was a night which will never be forgotten and that’s before mentioning the three worldie goals that were scored. Tom Clarke is joined for former Scotland under 21 international Gregor Robertson and Scottish football correspondent Michael Grant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson with all the latest from the EFL. It has been a mad fortnight for managers in the Championship with Norwich, Swansea, Southampton and of course Middlesborough just some of those undergoing a change at the top. Who is in line for the vacancies and how will the teams respond? League One is proving why it’s arguably the toughest division – with six points separating the top twelve clubs! At Charlton Nathan Jones is getting impressive results; Gregor has been to meet him. In League Two it is a quiet but welcome return for Tom Lockyer, the former Luton Town captain who had two cardiac arrests whilst playing for the hatters is now a regular at Bristol Rovers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He's back in the squad but can Jude Bellingham cement his place in the England team by next summer? Tom Clarke is joined by Tony Cascarino, Tom Allnutt and Gregor Robertson to discuss why the Real Madrid star continues to clash with the England manager Thomas Tuchel, and to debate the other starting spots in the England squad that are up for grabs. They also discuss Ireland's heroics after securing a play-off place in dramatic fashion, and which Times columnist has a WhatsApp group dedicated to Ireland's historic World Cup success? Also on the agenda: Scotland's match against Denmark, Italy's continued struggles and the Wythenshawe Vets - the Sunday League team packed with Premier League stars. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thomas Tuchel has boldly declared he won’t play Foden, Bellingham and Kane in the same team. The key question is will he be brave enough to stick to his decision? As Rob Edwards leaves Middlesborough after only ten months in charge to return to Wolves, is there any loyalty in football? Martin Samuel has met with David Kogan, the new chair of the independent football regulator. And amid the furore over corners, throw in’s and set pieces, is the Premier League in danger of being boring? Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson, Jonathan Northcroft and Martin Samuel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.