Liverpool clear in Champions League and a Bergamo belter: Football Weekly
Dec 11, 2024
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David Squires, a renowned cartoonist known for his satirical football illustrations and author of 'Chaos in the Box,' joins the discussion. They explore Liverpool's recent Champions League victories and the impressive performances of rising stars in football. Squires shares insights into his creative process, highlighting the humor found in football culture and his inspirations for cartooning iconic football figures. Additionally, the episode touches on the Kitmas campaign, which aims to provide jerseys to children in need, blending humor with heartfelt community support.
Aston Villa's thrilling win against RB Leipzig highlights their strong teamwork and rising expectations in the Champions League despite some luck.
Liverpool's narrow victory over Girona raises questions about their defensive vulnerabilities and the contentious nature of the penalty awarded to them.
Brest's remarkable success, underpinned by stellar goalkeeping, positions them as dark horses in the Champions League, highlighting potential financial growth.
Deep dives
Aston Villa's Impressive Champions League Win
Aston Villa secured a thrilling 3-2 victory against RB Leipzig, marking a significant achievement for the team as they currently sit third in their Champions League group. Despite some luck in their winning goal—a deflected shot by Ross Barkley—Villa's performance showcased strong teamwork, particularly with John McGinn's opening goal crafted from Matty Cash's wing play. John Duran also made an impression, noted for his eagerness to shoot at every opportunity, leading to potential speculation about his future role on the team. The combination of skillful play and favorable results elevates the expectations for Villa in this prestigious tournament.
Liverpool's Mixed Performance
Liverpool managed a narrow 1-0 victory against Girona, primarily thanks to a penalty converted by Mo Salah, who recorded his 50th Champions League goal. The match was described as somewhat sketchy, with Alisson, the goalkeeper, needing to make several saves to thwart Girona's chances, which were more threatening than expected. Questions arose regarding the legitimacy of the penalty call, as it seemed contentious; the decision was influenced by an opponent losing his boot during the play. Despite the win, Liverpool's performance raised concerns about their defensive vulnerabilities as they head into future matches.
Atalanta's Narrow Loss to Real Madrid
In a close encounter, Atalanta lost 3-2 to Real Madrid, showcasing their growth as a competitive European team despite the defeat. The match saw Atalanta equalize but fall behind again due to an avoidable defensive error, highlighting their struggles against elite opposition. Notably, this game emphasized the talent of players like Ademola Lookman, who has been a standout performer for Atalanta. Although they didn't secure a point, their attacking play and resilience against a team like Real Madrid demonstrated their potential trajectory in European football.
Brest's Fairytale Champions League Run
Brest continued their remarkable Champions League journey by defeating PSV 1-0, with their success largely attributed to their outstanding goalkeeper, Marco Biza. The match featured a deflected free kick leading to Brest's goal, showcasing their unique ability to capitalize on opportunities, even when outplayed. Impressively, Brest has positioned themselves as potential dark horses in the tournament, as their unexpected results defy expectations given their lower budget and squad depth. The financial implications of their success are significant, potentially doubling their revenue, allowing for transformative growth and stability for the club.
Speculation on VAR and Managerial Changes
The podcast discussed various controversies, including VAR decisions affecting clubs like Wolves, who feel they were wronged by officiating choices in their recent match. The conversation also touched on the precarious situations of managers such as Gary O'Neill and Julian Lopetegui, both seen as under pressure following recent performances. The dynamics of managerial stability in football are emphasized, particularly in response to disappointing results and fan expectations. This context sets the stage for potential shifts within club management as the season progresses and teams assess their trajectories in league and cup competitions.
Max Rushden, Barry Glendenning, Nicky Bandini and Philippe Auclair discuss big wins for Liverpool and Villa, while Brest’s dream continues. Plus, David Squires joins to chat about his new book. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
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