The Game

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 problems Nottingham 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.

Liverpool left it late again, is it a winning habit or a worrying trend? Or to quote Gregor, can both things be true? With Isak making his debut after his record-breaking transfer Liverpool now have a array or attacking options but with Wirtz, Ekitike, Salah and Gakpo all wanting to start could they have problems ahead? Harry Kane scored two against Chelsea, is he the best striker in Europe? For Arsenal, another impressive display away to Bilboa. While Liverpool are top and might have the best starting eleven, do Arsenal have the best squad in the league? If they do, then its time they won something thinks Martin Samuel. Finally, what’s wrong at Aston Villa? Tom Clarke is joined by Tony Cascarino, Martin Samuel and Gregor Robertson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City won the derby. Ruben Amorim took the blame. Is he really the right man for the job. Manchester reporter Paul Hirst thinks he looks like he wants to be as far away from it as possible. If Amorim doesn’t change his football philosophy will he still have the job by Christmas. For City it was a return to form for Foden and Rodri. As the Champions League returns which of the English teams are best placed to succeed? Arsenal have attacking options in abundance and a solid defence, Spurs are pragmatic under Frank and Liverpool and Chelsea have invested heavily…so who could win it? Plus, old school football is making a comeback and Gregor loves it. Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson, Alyson Rudd and The Times Manchester football reporter Paul Hirst. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thomas Tuchel knew what he was doing all along...didn't he? After an impressive five nil away win without many of his 'big names' will the England manager have the nerve to keep playing the likes of Rogers, Madueke and Gordon in place of stars like Bellingham, Saka and Foden? With Reece James playing so well at right back is Trent now in reserve? The Premier League returns this weekend and so does Ange Postecoglou - taking over at Nottingham Forest. Will he change his style or play the same football that created so many problems for him at Spurs? Plus, who’ll be in goal for the Manchester derby..? Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson, Jonny Northcroft and Martin Samuel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have England gone backwards under Thomas Tuchel, does he know his best starting XI? The team pick their best teams if the World Cup was starting tomorrow…is there a case for no Kane or no Bellingham…? After the break could football be facing a doping problem. In a special report The Times Chief Sports correspondent Matt Lawton joins the pod to discuss if football’s drug testing systems are fit for purpose. He calls football's current commitment to anti-doping pathetic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the window shut what difference will it all make? Who has done the best business, who has done panicked business. Martin doesn’t think Arsenal can win it from the back this season, they’ll need to score more goals. But with Isak still to come who can outscore Liverpool? Did Villa panic on deadline day? Have Chelsea had a lucky or a good start? With player power in the spot light Gregor has sympathy as players turn the tables on clubs. After the break - as Ederson leaves who have been the Premier Leagues best keepers? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a high spending end to the transfer window in the Championship with Southampton, Ipswich, Birmingham and Middlesborough all spending big. Wrexham finally flexed their financial muscle with a net outlay at nearly thirty million pounds. On the pitch Rob Edwards has his new Middlesborough side top and looking very strong, Frank Lampard has a free scoring Coventry team with a home to call their own and what’s going wrong at Sheffield United? In League One who saw did Cardiff being this good and tough times at Plymouth. And hats off to and Truro City fans making the long trip to Carlisle this weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool edged past Arsenal in a top-of-the-table clash, thanks to Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick - but will Mikel Arteta ever win at Anfield? Plus, we break down the biggest transfer news as Liverpool finally land Alexander Isak in a British-record £125m deal - can Arne Slot’s team be stopped now? Elsewhere, we analyse Manchester City’s defeat to a fearless Brighton, as 39-year-old James Milner scored a record-setting penalty before a late winner sealed the upset. Gregor Robertson is joined by Alyson Rudd, James Gheerbrant and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat to round up a dramatic weekend in the Premier League. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United suffer one of their most humiliating defeats in years, crashing out of the Carabao Cup on penalties to League Two Grimsby Town - but what does it mean for Ruben Amorim’s future? We also head to St James’ Park with The Times’ Northern sports correspondent Martin Hardy, to unpack Liverpool’s dramatic 3–2 win at Newcastle, and the latest on the Isak saga. Plus, we analyse West Ham’s miserable start under Graham Potter, and what’s going wrong at the London Stadium. Gregor Robertson, Tony Cascarino and Martin Samuel break down a chaotic week in English football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

North London’s on top - but can Tottenham’s fast start under Thomas Frank last? Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds showcased their squad depth and a 15-year-old wonderkid, but with this firepower, surely there can be no excuses for Mikel Arteta this season... We also look at Jack Grealish’s dazzling debut in Everton's new home, Chelsea’s mauling of West Ham, and Gregor takes us inside one of the Premier League's newest rivalries dubbed the “El CASico." Alyson Rudd and Peter Rutzler join Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Arsenal swoop in to hijack Eze deal from Spurs - we break down how Mikel Arteta’s side sealed a £67.5m move for the Crystal Palace star. Plus, the latest on the Alexander Isak saga at Newcastle: will the striker force a move before the transfer window closes? We also bring you reaction to Leeds’ 1–0 win over Everton on Monday night, and take a closer look at the brazen ownership style of Nottingham Forest boss Evangelos Marinakis. Tony Cascarino and Martin Samuel join Gregor Robertson and Tom Clarke. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Only two weeks into the EFL season - but that’s time enough for Tom and Gregor to start reading the runes. Could this finally be the year Stoke City turns things around under Mark Robins? Winger, Million Manhoef and forward, Divin Mubama have both put in star performances, putting the team at the top of the Championship. But they’re not alone: Middlesbrough and West Brom also boast perfect starts, while Birmingham follow close behind. Down in League One, what’s going on with Plymouth? Pre-season, they were showing plenty of promise, but things have not gone to plan so far. Former football league defender Gregor Robertson joins Tom Clarke to assess the first weeks of the EFL. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maybe the Premier League isn’t a closed shop after all. Before the season started the talk was could any of the promoted teams buck the trend and stay up. Well straight away Sunderland thumped West Ham. Could it be the year the promoted clubs have a chance? Man City looked reinvigorated; Manchester United looked better, Brentford looked worse and are there areas for concern at Arsenal and Liverpool? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new season is nearly here! On the eve of the first game who will be fighting for the title, who’ll be the surprise package and who will be scrapping at the bottom? After a season of some surprises will we revert to type this season? Almost a billion pounds has been spent in the transfer market, the Isak affair rumbles on and Arsenal finally have a number nine. Will any of the promoted clubs manage to break the recent trend and avoid relegation? There is a lot of be excited about, and much to look forward to. Jonny Northcroft, Tony Cascarino and Martin Samuel join Gregor Robertson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newcastle, Sunderland, Leeds and Burnley The last in our team by team look at the new Premier League season. Who have they signed? Who do they need to sign? Reporters give the inside track on any pending transfer business then its open house - how will they get on next season and why? Newcastle – Isak, does he stay, or does he go? The Magpies have had a tumultuous window, struggling to hold on to their star striker while failing to land any reinforcements. Are things going to change in the final weeks of the window? Have any of the three promoted clubs – Sunderland, Burnley or Leeds done enough business to tip the odds in their favour? Sports data suggest it is getting harder for promoted teams to survive? But why is that ? North East reporter Martin Hardy joins Gregor Robertson and sports data journalist George Willoughby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United, Manchester City, Villa, Forest and Wolves The third in our team by team look at the new Premier League season. Who have they signed? Who do they need to sign? Reporters give the inside track on any pending transfer business then its open house - how will they get on next season and why? Manchester United have spent big up front, will that be enough or do they need a number six as well? Manchester City have their best player back in Rodri. But is their manager rejuvenated or knackered? Nottingham Forest need players, and plenty of them. Expect them to have a busy close to the transfer window. Likewise, Wolves, without signings are they looking at a relegation fight? Villa may have to sell big before they buy big as they’re restricted by financial regulations, will they have enough with the squad they have? Tom Clarke, Gregor Robertson and Charlotte Duncker run the rue over the clubs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool, Everton, Fulham, Bournemouth and Chelsea. The second in our team by team look at the new Premier League season. Who have they signed? Who do they need to sign? Reporters give the inside track on any pending transfer business then its open house - how will they get on next season and why? Liverpool have been very busy big name players in and lots of fringe players out. Will they finally get their man in Isak, is centre half where they are really short? At Everton a new ground awaits but they have struggled to get new players. What do the next few weeks hold? Chelsea have also been busy and they intend to do more…but who? Is injury about to change their plans? Both Fulham and Bournemouth have been quite quiet in their transfer dealings. Is that by accident or design? Join Tom Clarke, Paul Joyce and Pete Rutzler for the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.