The Rest Is Football

Should Leicester stick with Ruud van Nistelrooy for next season? How special was that moment for Trent Alexander-Arnold to score Liverpool’s decisive goal after all the recent speculation? What were the guys reactions to Ollie Watkins saying he was ‘fuming’ to have been left out of Villa’s recent Champions League games?Gary, Alan & Micah also discuss the incredible turnaround Vitor Pereira has led at Wolves after they secured their fifth successive victory.Sign up to The Rest Is Football newsletter at therestisfootball.com For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arsenal's stunning win at the Bernabéu sparks debate on their Champions League potential. The hosts discuss Marcus Rashford's uncertainty about joining Aston Villa next season. Newcastle's rise in the league is celebrated, alongside Rory McIlroy's emotional Masters victory that ignited a newfound passion for golf. Controversial refereeing and VAR decisions grab attention, prompting calls for consistency in officiating. The episode also touches on the tactical struggles of major teams and the excitement of impending transfer activities.

Héctor Bellerín, a former Arsenal and Barcelona star now with Real Betis, shares his journey from a young player in London to an advocate for sustainability. He discusses the unhealthy pressures of professional football and stresses the importance of athletes speaking out on social issues. Héctor highlights Real Betis's eco-friendly initiatives and critiques the football community's efforts against climate change. With a playful twist, he even entertains the idea of a future in politics, emphasizing the need for activism in sports.

Newcastle stunned Manchester United with a dominating win, featuring a stellar performance from Harvey Barnes. Meanwhile, Mo Salah celebrated his new contract by setting a record for Premier League goal involvements in a season. Leicester finally ended their goal drought, scoring after eight long games. The hosts also reflect on the intense challenges faced by managers and teams during the season, the emotional rollercoaster of football, and the highs and lows of fantasy football.

Is PSG the most thrilling team in football right now? The showdown between Declan Rice's sensational free kicks leaves fans buzzing. A deep dive into Barcelona reveals whether their forward line—featuring Raphinha and Lewandowski—ranks among the world's best. They also speculate if Lamine Yamal is the new prodigy destined for greatness like Pele and Messi. A blend of humor, competitive banter, and insightful analysis keeps the discussion engaging and lively.

In this conversation with Russell Martin, former Southampton boss and ex-professional player, he shares the deep emotional impact of his dismissal from Southampton. He identifies Tyler Dibling as the standout talent he's ever mentored. With a challenging upbringing that shaped his resilience, Martin reflects on the hurdles and aspirations of coaching. He discusses the complexities of player management in the Premier League and emphasizes the importance of authenticity and adapting coaching styles to foster young talent.

The recent Manchester derby was labeled painfully dull, sparking discussions about the decline of Manchester City. Fulham’s swift tactics caught Liverpool off guard, marking a surprising end to their unbeaten streak. Southampton made history with the earliest Premier League relegation, raising questions about their future. A debate ensued over Kevin De Bruyne’s place among the all-time greats in Premier League midfielders while Manchester United's struggles continued to unfold. Financial disparities affect performance, especially among newly promoted teams.

The Merseyside Derby sparks heated discussions about controversial refereeing decisions, including a pivotal red card incident. Aston Villa's bold January signings are analyzed for their potential to revitalize the team's Champions League aspirations. A surprising twist reveals Alan’s underwhelming goalscoring record at Newcastle, leading to playful banter among the hosts. The intricacies of the offside rule are unpacked through key game moments, showcasing the ongoing evolution of football regulations and their impact on the game.

The podcast dives into the potential impact of Haaland's injury on Manchester City's season ambitions, sparking a discussion about alternative strategies. With Bukayo Saka's return, the hosts analyze Arsenal's chances in the Champions League. The banter flows as they reminisce about iconic matches and the changing football landscape. They share laughs about their dancing skills and engage in a playful debate about sleeping arrangements on a hypothetical road trip. Expect humor, nostalgia, and insightful commentary throughout!

The debate heats up over who is the better striker: Haaland or Isak? Rashford's resurgence is linked to Aston Villa's influence, sparking conversations about confidence in football. Nottingham Forest's ambitions skyrocket as they eye both the FA Cup and Champions League glory. A stunning celebration parade from Newcastle brings thrilling tales of triumph and community spirit, while Manchester City's FA Cup journey raises questions about their season trajectory. Humorous insights pepper discussions on player performances and tactical innovations.