The Game

Latest Episodes:

Will it be a City v Arsenal semi final? Apr 11, 2024

Show notes

Fresh off the Eurostar having watched PSG v Barca Gregor Robertson joins Tom Clarke and Martin Samuel to review a thrilling set of Champions League quarter finals. Are Arsenal and Man City now favourites to meet in the semis? And is City v Madrid really the final everybody wanted? In the other half of the draw do any of the four have a chance, Gregor thinks Barca might…

In the Premier League Everton face another points deduction, what does that do to the relegation battle? Is it fair for teams to go into the final day not knowing what they need to survive?

We take anotherlook at the title race, Alyson Rudd offers her belated thoughts on Liverpool’s ‘failure’ at Old Trafford and Gregor and Martin almost pin their colours to one particular mast…

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Squad strength and who is the most adaptable player in the Premier League..? Apr 04, 2024

Show notes

Has Pep ruined football? Arsenal’s proper squad, the leagues most adaptable players and ‘treadmill to oblivion’.

Martin Samuel, Gregor Robertson and Henry Winter join Tom Clarke to reflect on a show of squad strength from Arsenal and City. Are the Gunners now at the same level as Man City and Liverpool in terms of squad depth? Who took their chance to shine and who didn’t? As Ben White stars, are traditional full backs now a thing of the past and who are the most adaptable players in the premier league…? Answers on a postcard…

Referee Andy Madley decided to ignore VAR at the Brentford v Brighton game last night; could this finally be a turning of the tide?

Finally, Brighton post record profits, thumbs up. Daniel Levy is the best plaid club chief ever, thumbs down. Martin over to you…

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Advantage Liverpool, will they hold on..? Apr 01, 2024

Show notes

Pep gave up, Thomas Frank is special, and goals galore…despite VAR.

Tom Clarke, Gregor Robertson, Alyson Rudd and Tony Cascarino contrast the snooze fest at the Etihad with the and to end fest at Anfield.

Arsenal proved a point to get a point, but City could be happy with the easier run in to come. Liverpool put in their best performance against Brighton, but with Alonso not available who replaces Klopp at Anfield…Alyson Rudd loves Thomas Frank.

Goals galore at Newcastle, Stamford Bridge and Bramall Lane but oh VAR, why why why…?

A whistle stop tour of all the other weekends games, plus Kalvin Philips’ woes continue and the relegation scrap is far from over.

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Who starts for England at the Euros? Mar 28, 2024

Show notes

Tom Clarke, Gregor Robertson, Jonny Northcroft and Martin Samuel pick their England starting 11’s for the opening game of the Euros. There are some surprising omissions, Jonny has a left field suggestion and Martin has been swayed by recent performances.

Kobbie Mainoo may have written his name on the team sheet, but will Henderson, Rashford or Grealish even make the squad? Following on from the focus on Mainoo the team recall the most impressive debuts they’ve seen, from Gascoigne and Rooney to Charlton and Shearer from the archive.

Which is the toughest managers job in football? And finally, a look ahead to the weekend and the language used towards officials.

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How to make England better..? Mar 25, 2024

Show notes

England disappointed, but does it matter? Gareth Southgate and his team conspired to lower expectations after a lacklustre display at Wembley; Tom Clarke, Tony Cascarino, Gregor Robertson and Matt Dickinson discuss who played well, who didn’t and why England looked so blunt.

After the break a look at the production line of new footballers – academies. Young players are now given a holistic programme which creates well rounded young men, not just footballers. Is the new battle ground of the elite at academy level, creating the stars of tomorrow?

Finally, are footballers ‘thick’? Gregor responds.

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Is Mainoo the answer to England's midfield issues? Mar 21, 2024

Show notes

Are points deductions fair, what's the point of a football regulator, and should Kobbie Mainoo start for England?

Martin Samuel, Gregor Robertson and Tony Cascarino join Tom Clarke to ask if you’d rather have a good centre forward or a good lawyer? As Nottingham Forest fall foul of the regulator are points deductions the best way to tackle the problem? Should more money go to the wider football pyramid and what happens if it doesn’t?

Back on the pitch have England found their midfield answer, will Kobbie Mainoo be the late edition that balances the team? If he makes the squad, then who misses out – Maddison, Henderson, Bowen…?

Finally, best Brazilians to ever play in the Premier League…?

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The best game of the season...? Mar 18, 2024

Show notes

A pulsating game won in the 120th minute with a raucous atmosphere and ending their arch-rivals fairy tale in the process - has Eric Ten Hag suddenly seen what is possible at Old Trafford?

Will the result be a turning point in Man Utd’s season or just another glimpse of potential? For Liverpool did tiredness catch up with them?

Gregor Robertson thinks Mark Robins is doing some of the best coaching work in the country at Coventry and it’s paying off. They’ll fancy their chances against Utd in the semis.

Tom Allnutt has been to meet Gerad Pique; he has some fascinating ideas on the future of football – will clubs soon be paying fans to attend games?

Finally, Alyson Rudd is impressed with Fulham and Tom Clarke wants to hear your favourite own goals…

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The Dark Arts… Mar 14, 2024

Show notes

Are footballers stupid? Why do footballers cut holes in their socks? And how to write a match report in 2 minutes.

Martin Samuel, Jonathan Northcroft, Gregor Robertson and Tom Clarke discuss the dark arts of football and sports writing.

On the pitch they were exemplified by Porto on Tuesday night.

But what are the dark arts of the press box? How do writers produce a piece when the result turns around in the final minutes? Martin recounts the Nou Camp in 99’ – from “Poor old Fergie gets his tactics wrapped around his neck..." to "Arise Sir Alex!…” And facing a deadline, Jonny McNorthcroft found himself hoping Scotland didn’t score.

Gregor had a surprising response to his article on ‘Why do footballers cut holes in their socks?’ Which led to another question - are footballers stupid?

Finally – its FA cup weekend.

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The best title race in years – so who wins? Mar 11, 2024

Show notes

It’s a three-horse title race, the first in years, so who did the result at the weekend benefit the most?

Tom Allnutt, Alyson Rudd and Gregor Robertson join Tom Clarke to predict who will win the league. Was a point at Anfield good for City, was Liverpool’s momentum stalled and will Arsenal handle the pressure of going top?

Who has the tougher run in and who is each team’s most important player?

Spurs love playing the top teams, but Villa seemed to lack belief. Either way, does the race for fourth even matter, if you qualify for the champions league and your team’s not ready?

Plus, a rattle through the weekends other results.

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Is European football becoming boring? Mar 07, 2024

Show notes

Gregor Robertson mediates as Martin Samuel and Tony Cascarino discuss sabbaticals, John Peel and Yu-Gi-Oh!

Oh, and some of the week's biggest football talking points: Are Sheffield United the worst team to ever play in the Premier League? Has the Champions League become too predictable? And who will win Sunday's era ending game between Liverpool and Man City?

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