The Game

Nat & Gregor are joined by Matt Dickinson to discuss Liverpool's much publicised decision to furlough some of their staff! So should the club reconsider?More on this, Wayne Rooney's must read column in the Sunday Times, and a look back on the 2006 World Cup in Germany from Matt and his 'moles in the camp!' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Jonathan Northcroft to discuss whether there really is a "moral vacuum"in football, as billionaire owned Premier League clubs weigh up using government money to ease their financial worries.The panel also take on some football brainteasers to get you thinking, and choose their top 3 Premier League classic clashes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Matt Dickinson to discuss Harry Kane's proposal of the end of June being the moment that enough is enough and it's goodbye to this season!The panel discuss this, proposed 'World Cup style' camps for an accelerated end to the season, and discuss the greatest moments they've ever seen live in the flesh. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Alyson Rudd to discuss where the money should come from to fill the current financial void in football, and how the National League plans to scrap it's current season altogether!And you've been having your say on what the nation's favourite football film is, as the panel cast their decisive votes! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Matt Dickinson to debate who the greatest manager of all time is! Sir Alex Ferguson, Bob Paisley and Jose Mourinho all get a mention but Matt & Gregor believe that none of them deserve the accolade! Find out why as it's left to Natalie to cast the decisive vote. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are back as the beautiful game comes to terms with the most ugly of times.They're joined by Jonathan Northcroft to discuss what no Premier League football before the 30th April means for the future of the game in England and beyond.Plus Gregor has been catching up with some Premier League footballers about how they're getting on in isolation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie and Gregor are joined by the Times very own Alyson Rudd to look back on an awful week in the Champions League for Liverpool and Tottenham.Rebeccas Myers also joined them following a tough SheBelieves campaign for Phil Neville and his Lionesses.And, is football really football without the fans? As coronovirus takes it's toll on sport, we discuss whether anybody really wants football behind closed doors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by James Restall to discuss Man United's derby win at Old Trafford! But are the good times back under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer?Henry Winter brings a special report from Old Trafford on Bruno Fernandes watch, plus the panel discuss Newcastle's odd season, ask whether Mo Salah is Liverpool's greatest ever attacker - and Gregor talks pre-match rituals after Carlos Tevez and Diego Maradonna shared a pre-match smooch in Argentina for good luck! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor have Tom Roddy and Tom Clarke in to discuss Eric Dier hurdling seats to get involved in an altercation at Tottenham!And after the Giroud and Gilmour show at Stamford Bridge, should Billy the kid be on his way to the Euros? Plus we tell you which of the panel thinks Oliver Giroud would be a Championship striker in another life! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Alyson Rudd and Matt Dickinson to discuss Phil Foden's masterclass at Wembley! But has he got enough time to make Gareth Southgate's Euro 2020 squad?They also look at where Liverpool rank in the Premier League's greatest ever teams after their unbeaten run came to an end, and ask whether we should feel sorry for Wilfried Zaha. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Molly Hudson & James Restall to look back on Man City's incredible win at The Bernabeu, and discuss whether Kevin de Bruyne is now the best midfielder in Europe.They also ask whether Villa fans would be happy to win the League Cup and get relegated, and Natalie recalls her most bizarre interviews....including a chat with George Clooney! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No Natalie this week so Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor and Alyson Rudd for more on whether Arsenal's win over Everton proves they are well and truly back under Mikel Arteta.They also discuss whether Sean Dyche is getting enough credit and talk treasured sporting possessions after new Barcelona signing Martin Braithwaite admitted he'll never wash his shirt again after being hugged by Lionel Messi! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Tom Clarke and Alyson Rudd fresh from her trip to Madrid to see Liverpool's superstars humbled by a dogged Atletico Madrid.They also look at some of football's best strops after Dele Alli's antics against RB Leipzig, and with Erling Haaland taking the world by storm Gregor reminisces about playing against a 15-year-old boy wonder by the name of Wayne Rooney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of The Game podcast Natalie and Gregor are joined by James Restall and Tom Roddy!They'll be chatting Sean Dyche, changing room talk, Inter Miami and are there big changes on the horizon for Manchester City? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gregor is back! As he and Natalie discuss who was 'having one' on Sunday in the high profile bust up between Bournemouth's Dan Gosling and referee Jon Moss.They're joined by Alyson Rudd and Tom Clarke for more on this, Ben Gibson forcing his way out of Burnley, and whether Arsenal should be more worried about relegation than making the top 4! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gregor Robertson is back alongside Natalie Sawyer this week for the latest episode of The Game. They are joined by The Times very own, Matt Dickinson, and James Restall.They took an in depth look at the Championship and how Marcelo Bielsa can turn things around at Leeds.They also discussed where the problems are at Palace and the difficulties of coming to terms with ageing in football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No Gregor this week, but Natalie is joined by Alyson Rudd, Jonathan Northcroft and Tom Clarke to discuss John Stones' troubles under Guardiola at Man City.They also discuss West Ham's problems on and off the pitch, and pay tribute to the 23 brave souls who followed Barrow AFC on their 740-mile round trip to Dover! With an incredible tale along the way! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Molly Hudson and James Restall to discuss whether we can truly call Tottenham's win over Man City a Mourinho masterclass, and ask if Gareth Bale has done anything wrong by staying put at Real Madrid.All that plus a touching piece on Accrington Stanley striker Billy Kee, who announced he is retiring from football at the age of 29 due to ongoing mental health issues. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pep Guardiola has picked a fight with the Man City faithful over not selling out The Etihad - but has he got a point?Nat & Gregor are joined by Molly Hudson for more on this, Christian Eriksen bidding farewell to the Premier League by joining Antonio Conte in Milan, and whether West Ham are doomed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jurgen Klopp says none of his Liverpool stars will play their FA Cup 4th round replay against Shrewsbury. Fair enough or out of order?Nat & Gregor are joined by Matt Dickinson and James Restall for more on this, Newcastle's proposed takeover and David Moyes' unhappy Hammers.Plus they mark 25 years since Eric Cantona's infamous kung-fu kick! But does it get their vote for the most shocking football moment? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Tom Clarke and Jonathan Northcroft to discuss whether it's the end of the road for Ole at the wheel, and whether Edinson Cavani is nothing more than a flat track bully.All that plus Jonathan tells us why all is not well between Carlo Ancelotti and Jordan Pickford, and Gregor explains why Celtic and Rangers would beat the current Manchester United side. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined in the studio by James Gheerbrant & James Restall to discuss Liverpool's win against Man United at Anfield.But would this Liverpool side beat Man United's Champions League winners of 2008?The group discuss that, whether Adama Traore is now the best player outside the top 2, and whether we love or hate Mike Dean? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie & Gregor are joined by James Restall and Tom Roddy to discuss England's sticky striker situation with injuries to both Kane and Rashford.They rope in the help of Matt Dickinson to solve the VAR crisis sweeping the country, and James tells us why an Englishman should be considered the greatest footballer of all time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sergio Aguero has now scored more Premier League goals than any other foreign player. But is he really better than Thierry Henry?Nat & Gregor are joined by Matt Dickinson and Tom Clarke for more on this, whether football needs orange cards, and discuss if Eddie Howe is the Premier League's first "unsackable" manager. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There was only one winner in the Grealish v Maddison battle this week, but will the maverick midfielder be another talent ignored by England?Nat & Gregor are joined by Jonathan Northcroft and Tom Clarke for more on this, a turbulent week for Carlo Ancelotti, and settle the debate on whether Pep Guardiola has given more to English football than Sir Alex Ferguson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie & Gregor are joined by Alyson Rudd for a look back on an FA Cup weekend that threw up plenty of talking points!A pitchside monitor in use at Selhurst Park, a 40 year old hero for Rochdale, and Liverpool's youngsters heaping more misery on Everton at Anfield. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was lift off for Arsenal at The Emirates as Mikel Arteta secured his first win as Gunners boss against old rivals Manchester United.Natalie & Gregor are joined by Molly Hudson for more on this and the new manager bounce in action for Watford and West Ham.Plus Alyson Rudd with a special report on yet more Mourinho antics, and whether VAR had a good festive period. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson bring you your final instalment of The Game podcast for 2019! Joining them we have The Times' very own Molly Hudson to look ahead to an exciting weekend of matches. We give our take on the best stand out players and managers from the year and The Sunday Times' Jonathan Northcroft is down the line from Doha giving us his take the Liverpool side! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Kevin de Bruyne masterclass saw Manchester City sweep aside a hapless Arsenal at The Emirates as their search for a full time boss continues. But what can a new manager really change at the club?Tom Roddy joins Nat and Gregor for more on this, and an in depth look at Chelsea's slump under Frank Lampard.Plus we'll tell you why the omens look good for Liverpool in the Champions League after a mouthwatering round of 16 draw. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are back, and they are joined by The Times very own, Alyson Rudd to discuss who needs who on the managerial merry-go-round.With Ancelotti on the market, could we see him make a move back to the Premier League?Jonathan Northcroft also joined the podcast as Manchester City look to overcome their 'crisis' against Arsenal this Sunday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's 8 in 8 for Jamie Vardy as Brendan Rodgers' rampant Leicester City refuse to lie down in their pursuit of the most unlikely of titles. Heard this one before?Natalie and Gregor are joined by The Times' Molly Hudson for more on Vardy, why Man City need an overhaul in defence, and Gregor's warning to Liverpool ahead of the hottest prospect in Europe being unleashed on them this week in The Champions League.All that plus The Times' man on Merseyside Paul Joyce reveals why Duncan Ferguson's inspired win for Everton over Chelsea was all thanks to a sweatband and a broken watch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No fairytale return for Jose Mourinho as his Tottenham side were beaten at Manchester United. So could this be a turning point for Solskjaer? Natalie & Gregor are joined by Paul Hirst for a special report from Old Trafford.And how do Everton get themselves out of this mess? The Sunday Times' Jonathan Northcroft takes an in-depth look into their problems on and off the pitch.Plus Molly Hudson discusses a record breaking era for women's football with her team of the decade. Standby for some surprises... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Freddie Ljunberg's first game in interim charge of Arsenal ended in an entertaining draw at Norwich - but should he get the job full time?Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by James Restall for more on this and a busy weekend which saw Liverpool extend their lead over Man City to 11 points in the title race.Plus Gary Jacob discusses who's next up on the managerial merry-go-round. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer, and Gregor Robertson are joined by The Times very own, Tom Roddy to look back on a week of Champions League action, and they ask whether Mourinho could carry his new Spurs side to silverware in the competition.North East writer, Martin Hardy also joins them as Newcastle's expensive front-line falter.And, what next for Arsenal? Could they tempt Nuno Espirito Santo away from Wolves? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Premier League sack race really hotted up this weekend as Unai Emery, Manuel Pellergrini and Marco Silva all lost to heap more pressure on themselves.Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by James Restall for more on this and why there's more to come from Mourinho's Tottenham.Plus Paul Joyce tells us whether there's any truth in rumours linking David Moyes with a shock return to Everton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are back... And so is Jose Mourinho.We hear from Jose Mourinho speaking for the very first time as the new Head Coach of Tottenham. The Times very own, Alyson Rudd joins them as they discuss 'The Humble One's' first press conference.They also look ahead to Manchester City's huge clash with Chelsea this Saturday, and Bale's bother as he heads back to Madrid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are here once again for The Game Podcast! This episode they are joined by the Times very own Deputy Sports Editor, James Restall.Molly Hudson discusses all things WSL as we celebrate yet another record breaking day for women's football.Also, Henry Winter joins us as we take a look back at what was a very comfortable 2020 qualifying campaign for England.Remember for more award winning journalism visit: https://www.thetimes.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by the Times very own, Tom Roddy to look back at what's been a rocky week for England and Raheem Sterling.England also turned 1000... in games this week. Natalie quizzed the team as they looked back on some iconic kits.Also, Molly Hudson discussed a roller coaster 12 months for Phil Neville's Lionesses, and Gregor remembered some of the harsher penalty fines from his time in the game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After an action packed top of the table clash, Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by James Restall for all the fallout from Anfield including Paul Hirst's take on Guardiola's touchline antics.Plus the panel ask if Leicester are Liverpool's closest title contenders? And whether Bramall Lane could be hosting Champions League football next season! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer, Gregor Robertson and Tom Roddy preview the big one at Anfield as champions Manchester City take on leaders Liverpool.They're joined by The Sunday Times' Jonathan Northcroft to discuss whether this is now the biggest rivalry in English football, whether Watford's luck has finally run out and a look at the worrying findings from a government report into the demise of Bury.All that plus Molly Hudson joins the show to look ahead to a historic day for England's Lionesses as they take on Germany at a sold out Wembley Stadium. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by the Times very own, Alyson Rudd to look back on an action packed weekend of football.Gregor describes what it's like to go through a horrific leg break as Andre Gomes begins his long road to recovery.Also, we discuss how Liverpool have become so good at leaving it late, and, why the Emirates is so toxic?All this plus, just how good is Alex Neil doing at Preston... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by the Times very own, Molly Hudson to take a look back at an incredible week in the EFL Cup.Paul Hirst joins us to look at a very interesting debut for the teenage Man City star with a famous name.Plus Henry Winter has his say on UEFA's pitiful punishment.All this, plus, how far can Brendan Rodgers' Leicester side go? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A tough weekend for both halves of North London with incredible scenes at The Emirates as captain Xhaka goes to war with The Gunners faithful!Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by Matt Dickinson and Gary Jacob for more on this, Sean Dyche's call for red cards for diving and whether Tottenham's problems really are all Dele Alli's fault.Plus we hear how Gregor got on when he went to visit Sol Campbell at Southend United. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by The Times very own, Henry Winter and James Gheerbrant to look back on a great week of Champions League action for the English sides.They debate where Kane is most at home on the pitch, and whether he's the best at it.Also, Lampard really made his mark as a manager as Chelsea grabbed a good grasp on their group.And, who could be following closely in the footsteps of Chris Wilder? Gregor talks EFL. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has Jurgen Klopp got a point about VAR? Or is he trying to cover up Liverpool's shortcomings?Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by James Gheerbrant for more on this, including Matt Dickinson's verdict from Old Trafford and his considered take on VAR in the Premier League.Plus Tom Roddy reports on the racism scandal that shocked the English game this weekend less than a week on from that night in Bulgaria. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by the Times very own, Henry Winter, and Tom Roddy who were both in Sofia to witness the shocking racism aimed at England stars on Monday.They also discussed to of England's young stars lighting up the under 21 stage that, as Callum Hudson-Odoi - another of Chelsea's 'class of 19' - along with Leeds Eddie Nketiah shine.And we take a look at a mouthwatering return to the Premier League as Liverpool head to Old Trafford. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Maddison has hit the headlines before his England career has even started, but has he really done anything wrong?Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by Molly Hudson for more on this, plus Paul Joyce tells us why he's not happy with Gareth Southgate and Gregor assesses whether the gap between Scotland and England has ever been bigger. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Townsend are joined by The Times very own Bill Edgar, and Henry Winter as England head on the road to the Czech Republic and Bulgaria.Henry joins the podcast from Prague to give us some inside knowledge from the Three Lions camp.We also discussed those comments from Jamie Carragher, suggesting Trent Alexander-Arnold could one day step in to midfield. Plus, What's next for Sunderland after they part company with Jack Ross. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On a weekend where Liverpool's lead at the top of the table stretched to 8 points from 8 games - can they really blow it from here?Matt Dickinson joins Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson for more on this including Paul Hirst's damning report on Man City from The Etihad. Plus The Times' man in the north east Martin Hardy on Newcastle's new hero Matty Longstaff after his winner on debut against Manchester United. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by James Gheerbrant to take a look back at a bad night for Tottenham as they are broken by Bayern. The question has to be whether the end is near for Pochettino.Also, The Times Martyn Ziegler introduces the Premier League's new Chief Executive to the podcast.And, Gareth Southgate joins Frank Lampard in turning to Chelsea's production line. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.