The Game
1,389 episodes — Page 21 of 28
Liverpool lacking stability as Klopp loses the brain
Gab Marcotti is joined by Jonathan Northcroft and James Scowcroft who run the rule over the relegation run-in in the Premier League. Plus Paul Joyce helps dissect the disharmony at Liverpool that led to assistant Zeljko Buvac stepping away just days before the second leg of their Champions League semi-final. And are pundits like Shearer and Souness harsher on players than ever before? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wenger pushed towards messy departure from Arsenal
Gab Marcotti is joined by Henry Winter, Stewart Robson (who’s forced to say some nice things about Arsene Wenger) and Bill Edgar (who relives his pitch-invading days). The longest serving manager in English football will be leaving at the end of the season so the panel debate Wenger’s legacy, the details of the departure and what next for Arsenal?Plus in the FA Cup semi-finals, why did Spurs go limp and why didn’t Southampton go harder? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Could Sterling have a Salah season?
Alyson Rudd, Matt Dickinson and Julien Laurens salute the magnificent Manchester City, the new champions of England as Pep overcomes the power of the Premier League. The panel also ask whether people are jealous of Wolves, how are Southampton’s squad on the brink of relegation and why is Steve Parish opposed to VAR? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Perfectionist Pep unprepared for failure and Friday night fights with Neil and Nuno
Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd and Julien Laurens to discuss a jaw-dropping weekend, not just in the Premier League but at the top of the Championship.There’s in-depth analysis of the Manchester derby, first-hand experience of a dramatic win for Wolves in Wales and the panel try and piece together the puzzle that is Danny Welbeck. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rooney mauled by Man City's midfield plus the Pardew post-mortem
It’s Easter weekend and Gab Marcotti is joined by James Scowcroft and Julien Laurens to feast on all the big footballing issues. Will Chelsea hire a new director of football before appointing a new manager? Should Big Sam be sacked by Everton? And will we see Alan Pardew in the Premier League again? Plus the panel look ahead to the last 8 of the Champions League. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Maguire is a must for England - but does Dele deserve to play?
This week, it's The Game Podcast Book Club! Grant Wahl from Sports Illustrated joins us to discuss his new book Football 2.0: How The World's Best Play The Modern Game. And Brazil-based journalist Andrew Downie tells us about Doctor Socrates: Footballer, Philosopher, Legend, which is out now in paper back.Gab Marcotti also reflects on England's victory in Holland with Henry Winter and Stewart Robson, including debate on Southgate's back 3 and some regrettable scenes in Amsterdam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mourinho can't work with the players anymore
Since our last podcast, Jose Mourinho has been talking. A lot. Gab Marcotti, Oli Kay and Stewart Robson attempt to dissect Mourinho’s words, including his summer strategy, his Sevilla summary and whether or not Luke Shaw is being bullied. Away from Old Trafford, we look at the FA Cup quarter-finals, Sparky’s return to Southampton and Gareth Southgate’s England squad. Plus there’s some credit due for Sheffield United. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Worn down West Ham and the curious case of Carragher
Gab Marcotti is in the company of Matt Dickinson and Julien Laurens to discuss Manchester United’s victory over Liverpool and the shocking aftermath of former player turned pundit Jamie Carragher spitting at a fan.James Jones, founder of West Ham World, joins us to discuss the ugly scenes that marred the Hammers’ home defeat by Burnley. Plus how much Ant & Dec should Sam Allardyce be watching? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Conte is talking himself out of the Chelsea job
England World Cup goalscorer Matthew Upson makes his debut on The Game podcast alongside Gab Marcotti and Matt Hughes to discuss the Premier League weekend as the champions submit to the champions elect.It’s time for another Arsenal enquiry and the panel try to unlock the Glenn Murray mystery. Also on the agenda - Martin Glenn, Scott McTominay and the Korean Thomas Muller. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Pep's politics and Pogba on the naughty step
After a fabulous footballing Sunday, Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd and Paul Hirst to review Manchester City’s League Cup Final win over Arsenal and Manchester United’s Premier League victory over Chelsea. The panel assess Antonio Conte’s pessimism, the yellow ribbon and how the Gunners were fearless. In a bad way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
VAR lies, PFA pay and Barry behaving badly
Political behemoth Alastair Campbell is in the studio this week to discuss his new football-based crime novel Saturday Bloody Saturday, out now, as well as his beloved Burnley and the time when Rochdale manager Keith Hill was on Fergie’s radar. Plus Gab Marcotti has a Very Angry Reaction to VAR mistruths. He’s also joined by Stewart Robson (the business model for Arsenal Fan TV), James Gheerbrant and Gregor Robertson who’s written an article for The Times on PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor’s salary. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Pogba needs love while Smalling and Jones need replacing
It’s a grand old Game this week as Gab Marcotti is joined by Jonathan Northcroft, Julien Laurens and Henry Winter to discuss a massive win for the Magpies over Manchester United. Plus the panel look ahead to the Champions League ties this week. And did Kane foul Koscielny in the North London Derby? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Game Live in Newcastle with Rafa Benitez
Alyson Rudd hosts a special Times Plus event in Newcastle in the company of George Caulkin, Oliver Kay and Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez.In front of a live audience, Rafa reveals all about his relationship with the city of Newcastle, the wide-open relegation battle, the miracle of Istanbul and phone-calls with his mother. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Everton's capital car crash and VAR on the sly
Gab Marcotti is the voice of the voiceless after the Philadelphia Eagles triumph in the Super Bowl. But there’s plenty to talk about with Oliver Kay and James Scowcroft, including the lack of atmosphere at Old Trafford and beyond, two controversial penalties at Anfield and Lookman’s move to Leipzig. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A conversation on Cardiff's conduct and reminiscing about reducers
After an eventful FA Cup 4th round weekend, Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd and Stewart Robson to discuss the furore over the foul by Joe Bennett on Leroy Sane, and fixate on the flaws in VAR and Liverpool's defence. Plus can Moura bring more to Spurs and will Aubameyang advance Arsenal? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
No sympathy for Silva as Arsenal get shafted by Sanchez swap
Gab Marcotti is joined by Matt Hughes and Bill Edgar to discuss the inevitable Alexis Sanchez - Henrikh Mkhitaryan swap deal and yet another manager biting the dust at Watford. Also on the agenda, the never-ending Newcastle takeover and the future of Harry Kane. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sanchez on strike, the Anfield effect and failure to sell VAR
Mark Clattenburg joins Gab Marcotti this week to react to the Premier League action and give a referee's insight into English football's first foray into VAR. Plus Alyson Rudd and James Gheerbrant are in the studio to talk Manchester City's first domestic defeat, Sanchez for sale, and the arrivals of Paul Lambert at Stoke and Ryan Giggs at Wales. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Coutinho conundrum, misbehaving managers and Arsenal’s baffling bench
Gab Marcotti is joined by Oliver Kay and Stewart Robson for a bumper podcast that takes in the FA Cup third round, the ins and outs at Liverpool & Stoke and whether the rivalry between Mourinho and Conte has gone too far. Plus why you shouldn't keep artwork in the conservatory... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Game's Premier League half-term reports - Part Two
Gab Marcotti, Henry Winter and Alyson Rudd pick their manager and player of 2017, while also issuing their grades for the Premier League season so far. Which team is teacher's pet and which side are sitting in the corner with a dunce's hat on?This week the panel review Huddersfield, Brighton, Stoke, Southampton, Newcastle, Crystal Palace, West Ham, Bournemouth, West Brom and Swansea. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Game's Premier League half-term reports - Part One
Gab Marcotti, Henry Winter and Alyson Rudd issue their grades for the Premier League season so far. Which team is teacher's pet and which side are sitting in the corner with a dunce's hat on?This week the panel review Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal, Burnley, Leicester, Watford and Everton. Part 1 of 2. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Who can build a blueprint for beating Manchester City?
Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd and Matt Dickinson to discuss a dominant display from the champions elect (and a poor performance from Pawson). Plus the panel determine whether time has finally caught up with Bournemouth and debate the season so far for VAR. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Klopp can't bring morality into refereeing decisions
It's a packed Game podcast as Gab Marcotti, Alyson Rudd and Julien Laurens dissect a massive Manchester derby - and the milky melee that followed. Plus the panel pick sides over the penalty in the Merseyside derby, debate the sanity of Saturday night football and there's live reaction to the Champions League draw! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Game previews the Manchester derby
Gab Marcotti and Henry Winter discuss what's being billed as the biggest game of the Premier League season so far. This Sunday, the top two meet at Old Trafford in a pivotal match in the title race. Mourinho takes on Guardiola. Manchester United face Manchester City. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Summer is the time to gamble on a Championship manager
Gab Marcotti returns to the hot seat alongside James Scowcroft and James Gheerbrant to answer some questions posed by the Premier League weekend. Has a screw come loose in Pep's head? Should Pogba be exempt from suspension? And why can't you be retrospectively un-punished for not diving? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Firefighter needed as Everton exit the elite
Matt Dickinson steps into the podcasting shoes of Gab Marcotti this week. He’s joined by Oliver Kay and Bill Edgar to discuss embarrassment at Everton, majesty at Man City and resistance to rainbow laces. But you do get your Marcotti fix as he sits down with Raphael Honigstein to discuss his new book Klopp: Bring The Noise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Pulis pays the price for poor product and professionalism
Gab Marcotti is joined by Julien Laurens and Bill Edgar to discuss a jam-packed Premier League weekend. Did Tottenham take Arsenal too lightly? Should Zlatan start ahead of Lukaku? Plus Raphael Honigstein pops in to debate West Brom's sacking of the man in the baseball cap. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Good cop Moyes walks in to West Ham’s holiday camp
Gab Marcotti is joined by James Gheerbrant and Stewart Robson to unlock the Ruben Loftus-Cheek conundrum for England and study how David Moyes can change the West Ham philosophy. Plus journalist Patrick Barclay pops in to discuss his new book detailing an icon of football – Sir Matt Busby: The Definitive Biography. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Beleaguered Bilic worn down by dysfunctional directors
After a truly Super Sunday, Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd, Matt Dickinson and Henry Winter to debate Mkhitaryan going missing and Arsene's inefficiency. Plus Guillem Balague discusses his book Brave New World - Inside Pochettino's Spurs, as we hear about Gab's trip to Disney World with Poch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Distracted Dele not yet in Kane’s league
Gab Marcotti, Jonathan Northcroft and Alex Kay-Jelski discuss all the fall-out from another big weekend of football, as The Game looks at the hype surrounding England’s kids, Everton’s identity crisis and why is everybody so cruel to Puel? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Game speaks to Graeme Souness
In a special podcast, Alyson Rudd speaks to one of the most decorated players in football – Graeme Souness – about his autobiography ‘Football: My Life, My Passion.’ The Liverpool legend discusses the mind-set of a player and manager. Plus gardening, gin and Gangs of New York. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
With or without Koeman, Everton are easy opposition
Gab Marcotti, Matt Dickinson, Paul Joyce and Julien Laurens discuss a hugely eventful Premier League weekend as Everton ditch their Dutch manager. Plus Matthew Syed joins us to dissect the issues around the Eni Aluko enquiry for the FA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Arsenal don’t like it up ‘em
Alyson Rudd is joined by James Scowcroft and Bill Edgar as they discuss Palace picking up their first points of the season, Chelsea’s lack of firepower and Mourinho’s maddening mind games. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Scotland are missing the wee man of the past
Gab Marcotti, Alyson Rudd and James Scowcroft react to a weekend of international football on The Game podcast. Henry Winter joins us to debate Southgate's change of system for England.Plus from north of the border, Graham Spiers discusses Scotland's decline and Strachan's theory of genetics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Were Chelsea wrong and was Mike Ashley right?
Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd and Bill Edgar to dissect the Premier League weekend. Find out how Manchester City channelled 2010 Barcelona and why Dejan Lovren can handle criticism.Plus Opta's Duncan Alexander speaks about his book Outside The Box, explaining the use of data in football and the newest statistical phenomenon - expected goals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What is Mark Sampson’s future in football?
Gab Marcotti is joined by Matt Hughes and Julien Laurens to discuss the big questions posed by the Premier League weekend. Are the media too kind to Klopp? When did Bilic lose his mojo? Plus Martyn Ziegler debates the FA’s handling of Mark Sampson’s dismissal as England women’s manager. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Can Rooney repay massive debt to embarrassed Everton?
Gab Marcotti is joined by Matt Dickinson and Julien Laurens to discuss another huge weekend of football, with issues including the sacrifice of Sanchez for steel, Koeman’s counter-attack and Cologne’s crowd control. Plus photographer Bradley Ormesher describes the art of capturing the world’s most expensive player over 90 minutes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
De Boer was on borrowed time from Day One
The first managerial casualty of the Premier League season occurs during The Game podcast, with Gab Marcotti, James Gheerbrant and former Crystal Palace striker James Scowcroft. The panel break down the weekend's action, plus Matthew Syed joins the debate to discuss the demonisation of Dele Alli. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
England's identity & judging patriotism on performance
Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd and Oli Kay to get to the bottom of all the interest in England and the attitude of supporters towards the national team. Plus we review some of the best and worst business in the transfer window and whether managers are obliged to give kids a chance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Building around De Bruyne & Arsenal's cultural reset
Gab Marcotti is joined by Gregor Robertson and James Gheerbrant to discuss terrible Arsenal, scary Eddie Howe and why Kevin De Bruyne should be treated like Andy Reid.Plus Paul Hirst speaks to the panel about his moving interview with Hull striker Will Keane - Michael's twin brother - beleaguered by injuries thus far in his career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ozil doesn't play with any joy
Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd, Stewart Robson and James Gheerbrant to dissect the Premier League weekend. Did Arsenal get screwed? When should the transfer window be shut? And is playing at Wembley emotionally exhausting? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Conte's Costa blunder puts a downer on Chelsea
The Game is back for the new Premier League season as Gab Marcotti, Henry Winter, Stewart Robson and James Scowcroft run the rule over the runners and riders in the forthcoming campaign. Plus the panel discuss the Chelsea disconnect at Cobham, West Ham's unprofessional DNA and FFP at PSG. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
43 - Is Zidane a great manager?
For the final time this season, Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd, James Gheerbrant and Matt Hughes to discuss Real Madrid's legacy and construct a to-do list for the top 6 in the Premier League.Discover more at www.thetimes.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
42 - Picking two Premier League teams of the season
Gab Marcotti is joined by Henry Winter, Alyson Rudd and Julien Laurens to pick not one but TWO Premier League teams of the season. Plus Matt Hughes helps dissect an FA Cup final where Conte was slow to react and Moses made history.Also on the agenda, the retirement of a Roma legend. And we look at Ronaldo and Messi’s accounts.Discover more at www.thetimes.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
41 - Is it time for Premier League play-offs?
Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd, James Gheerbrant and James Scowcroft to issue the end of term reports for each Premier League side. Plus we discuss John Terry’s naff negotiation and the politics around David De Gea.Discover more at www.thetimes.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
40 - Old Conte versus New Conte
Gab Marcotti, Julien Laurens, Alyson Rudd and James Gheerbrant discuss the remarkable transformation of angry Antonio, the pressure piled on by Mourinho and the media's struggles in covering Football Leaks.Discover more at www.thetimes.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
39 - United’s goal return under Mourinho is unacceptable
Gab Marcotti, Julien Laurens, Oliver Kay & James Scowcroft get stuck into Mourinho and whether La Liga really is better than the Premier League. Plus why does everyone else in London hate Spurs so much?Discover more at www.thetimes.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
38 - Should there be sympathy for Joey Barton?
Gab Marcotti is joined by Matt Hughes, James Gheerbrant and Alyson Rudd to discuss the rise and rise of Tottenham, the Joey Barton ban and Leyton Orient v Colchester. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
37 - Perverse planning from Pep & Poch
Gab Marcotti is joined by Matt Dickinson, James Gheerbrant and Alyson Rudd to discuss how the FA Cup semi-finals were won and lost. Plus there's the PFA Player of the Year Awards and El Clasico.Discover more at www.thetimes.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
36 - With that Diego Costa, Chelsea play with 10 men
Gab Marcotti is joined by Julien Laurens, James Gheerbrant and George Caulkin to dissect Mourinho's tactical dismantling of Chelsea, the highs and lows of the season in the North East and the personality of Puel.Discover more at www.thetimes.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
35 - Who needs a top 4 finish the most?
Alyson Rudd is joined by James Scowcroft, Julien Laurens and James Gheerbrant to discuss another scintillating showing from Spurs and who in the top 6 will suffer the biggest humiliation come May?Discover more at www.thetimes.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.