Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Gregor Robertson, Tom Clarke and Ian Hawkey.Manchester United looked to be heading to a Champions League defeat before a remarkable comeback win - but are the cracks just being papered-over at Old Trafford? (00:00)Liverpool were also on the right side of an eventful 3-2 Champions League tie. Did Jurgen Klopp’s side deserve to win at Atletico? (15:43)Daniel Meuren is the co-author of ‘Thomas Tuchel: Rulebreaker’ - a new biography on the Chelsea manager. He joins us to tell us more about the rise of his countryman from Mainz to winning the Champion (32:55)Chelsea brushed Malmö aside on Wednesday, while Phil Foden starred again as Manchester City made short work of Club Brugge. Is the England youngster on course to become the best the country has produced? (39:16)Steve Bruce has finally been relieved of his duties at Newcastle. How was his departure handled and who is the sensible choice to take over at St James’ Park? (45:58)Get more of The Times and The Sunday Times for less than £1 a day. Start your free trial: thetimes.co.uk/thegame  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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Comebacks And Fresh Starts

Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Gregor Robertson, Tom Roddy and Alyson Rudd.Newcastle’s new chapter on the pitch has started, but things need some serious work to match the owners’ ambition. The Times’ Martin Hardy joins us, fresh from an eventful day at St James’ Park (00:00)Away from the North East, what was the reaction elsewhere? Does it seem strange that Steve Bruce was in the dugout considering fans wanting him out? (10:27)Liverpool look back to their best - what’s the key to their success and do they have the best player in the world in their squad? Given the nature of the defeat, how long will Claudio Ranieri last at Watford? (24:06)Have the wheels finally come off for Ole Gunnar Solskjær at Manchester United? Are the Red Devils just a group of individuals rather than a team? (37:56)Get more of The Times and The Sunday Times for less than £1 a day. Start your free trial: thetimes.co.uk/thegame  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

New Owners, New Enthusiasm, Same Result

Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Gregor Robertson, Tom Clarke and Jonathan Northcroft.England ended the International break in lacklustre fashion at Wembley. Was it a mistake for Gareth Southgate to experiment with Mount and Foden playing? What did we learn from the two games? (00:00)FIFA are looking into the crowd trouble which lead to one arrest for an alleged racially aggravated public order offence. Should fans of a team with outstanding punishments for racism have been allowed to buy tickets? (17:04)Newcastle are preparing to play the first game of their new chapter as they host Spurs on Sunday. The Times’ Martin Hardy joins us to discuss what we can expect to happen at St James’ Park on Sunday (30:32)Claudio Ranieri takes charge of his first Watford game on Saturday as Liverpool make a trip south. Will the Italian be able to create the same magic he did at Leicester City? (40:28)Get more of The Times and The Sunday Times for less than £1 a day. Start your free trial: thetimes.co.uk/thegame  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Was Southgate's Experiment Worth It?

Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Gregor Robertson, Tom Clarke and Alyson Rudd.We’re lucky to have Hugh after his comical trip to Andorra for the England game. Thankfully, he’s back to tell the tale and discuss the game (00:00)France are the new Nations League champions, but their winning goal has caused some debate. Gregor gives us a player’s perspective of Kylian Mbappé’s goal (10:42)Thibaut Courtois has spoken out about the number of games players are expected to play and how their welfare isn’t given as much thought as perhaps it should. Do we need tournaments like the Nations League and if so - does it require a third place playoff? (17:34)We continue the discussion on the Newcastle takeover and how the complex situation should be reported (29:22)Every other Premier League club has reportedly complained about the takeover - should other teams have any say over a club’s ownership? There are suggestions Steve Bruce won’t be in charge of Newcastle by the time they play Tottenham at the weekend - but is that the right decision for the short term? (41:55)Get more of The Times and The Sunday Times for less than £1 a day. Start your free trial: thetimes.co.uk/thegame  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hugh's Andorran Adventure

Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Gregor Robertson, Tom Roddy and Tom Clarke.Newcastle United could very soon be the richest club in the world as the Saudi-backed takeover appears to be close to completion. The Times’ Martyn Ziegler joins us to discuss what’s changed since the deal stalled, last year (00:00)While the Saudi deal may be good for Newcastle fans who want Mike Ashley out of their club - is the deal good for English football and is it right to turn a blind eye to some of the wider issues it brings up? (09:35)There’s been a lower-than-average uptake in Covid vaccinations in the Premier League and the EFL. What’s the reason behind players being hesitant to get the jab and could clubs be punished for low vaccination rates? (31:55)Molly Hudson joins us to discuss an exciting week in the Women’s Champions League (49:16)We end with a quiz based on Bill Edgar’s article in The Times on red cards. Can you name the player with the most dismissals in EFL history? (54:31)Get more of The Times and The Sunday Times for less than £1 a day. Start your free trial: thetimes.co.uk/thegame  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Is Mike Ashley Finally Out?

Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Gregor Robertson, Alyson Rudd and Paul Hirst.Liverpool and Manchester City played a cagey first half, followed by a wild second at Anfield. Would City have taken all three points had they bought a Premier League quality striker in the summer? (00:00)Everton took a point from Manchester United, Andros Townsend mimicked Ronaldo’s celebration (but ended up with his shirt) and Demarai Gray once again looked impressive. Has Rafa finally got them playing as a team? (25:24)Since winning the FA Cup in May, Leicester City have been less than impressive - again dropping points at the weekend. What’s gone wrong at the King Power and is their success to blame? (35:33)Crystal Palace have a new lease of life under Patrick Vieira. How far can they go with their new, fearless style of play? (42:23)Watford have parted company with yet another manager as Xisco departs - but is their hire and fire method actually working? (47:41)Get more of The Times and The Sunday Times for less than £1 a day. Start your free trial: thetimes.co.uk/thegame  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

If Only City Had a Centre Forward

Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Gregor Robertson and Ian Hawkey.Chelsea left Turin disappointed after a 1-0 loss at the hands of Juventus. Did they miss Mason Mount and why couldn’t Romelu Lukaku get into the game? (00:00)Should Villarreal have had the game wrapped-up way before Cristiano Ronaldo scored Manchester United’s winner? Hugh thinks so and Gregor isn’t far behind him (5:30)PSG beat Manchester City 2-0, but with over twice as many shots and other stats in their favour - were City just unlucky on the night? What positives can Pep Guardiola take from the game? (15:00)Liverpool did by far the best of any British sides in Europe this week with a 5-1 win away at Porto. Bobby Firmino scored twice, but is he set for an upcoming battle for his starting position? (22:27)Real Madrid lost to Moldovan minnows Sheriff Tiraspol on Tuesday evening - was this a one-off or are there bigger issues at the Bernabéu? (29:34)Barcelona have bigger problems on their hands after a 3-0 loss at Benfica. Will the club ever be a European great again? (34:24)It’s been suggested this week that there’ll be an upcoming initiative encouraging former players to become referees. We grill our own ex-player on whether he thinks he’s be a better referee having played the game professionally (43:30)Get more of The Times and The Sunday Times for less than £1 a day. Start your free trial: thetimes.co.uk/thegame  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Will Former Players Make Better Referees?

Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Gregor Robertson, Alyson Rudd and Tom Roddy.Arsenal and Spurs are going in opposite directions after Mikel Arteta’s side came out of the North London derby 3-1 winners. Have Arsenal turned the corner now and is Nuno really the right man for Spurs? (00:00)Manchester City got the result they wanted at Stamford Bridge as they ended the weekend level on points with Chelsea. Did Thomas Tuchel get it wrong or were Pep Guardiola’s side just too good? (14:39)Aston Villa became the latest team to get a result at Old Trafford. Do teams fear going to ’the Theatre of Dreams’ anymore and should Ronaldo have taken that penalty? (25:29)Brentford didn’t give up and earned a 3-3 draw with Liverpool in what was possibly the best game of the season so far. Is their mentality the key to their success and where can they finish this season? (32:25)Fans haven’t been allowed to drink alcohol in sight of a professional football pitch since 1985, but that could soon change. It’s worked well in the lower leagues and in other sports - but can it work again in the Premier League and EFL? (41:01)Get more of The Times and The Sunday Times for less than £1 a day. Start your free trial: thetimes.co.uk/thegame  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Huge Results & Hot-Legging

Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Gregor Robertson and Jonathan Northcroft.Nuno returned to Molineux and left with a Carabao Cup victory over his former side. Pep Guardiola can’t make his mind up if he likes the competition or not and Manchester United crash out (00:00)Reading are set to be deducted points due to breaching EFL financial rules. In the same week Derby County were hit with a 12 point penalty - is the desperation to get into the top flight going too far? (18:26)Arsenal and Spurs have been off the pace in recent matches and with the first North London derby of the season on Sunday - is this the most irrelevant Premier League match-up ever between the two sides? (30:32)Spennymoor Town will play a game on Sunday with heading only allowed in the box in the first half and no heading whatsoever allowed after the break. Head for Change are the charity behind the research - but would the lack of heading ruin the beautiful game? (50:03)Hendon FC beat Hammersmith FC 36-0 in a league match, so we end on memorable maulings and everyone fails to believe Gregor has only played in a side that lost 5-0 (54:46)Get more of The Times and The Sunday Times for less than £1 a day. Start your free trial: thetimes.co.uk/thegame  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Don't Bash The League Cup!

Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Gregor Robertson, Alyson Rudd and Tom Roddy.We begin by celebrating the life and career of Jimmy Greaves, who sadly passed away on Sunday aged 81. From 1966 World Cup heartbreak and a struggle with alcohol addiction - Greaves’ achievements on the pitch and reinvention as a television star made him a favourite with generations of fans (00:00)Two of Greavsie’s former teams played each other on the same day of his passing as Spurs hosted Chelsea. After a touching tribute to a man who means so much to both clubs - it wasn’t much of a contest as Chelsea blew Tottenham away. Were Chelsea as good as the scoreline suggests and what’s wrong at Spurs after another 3-0 loss? (10:32)Jonathan Northcroft joins us following his conversations with Derby County manager, Wayne Rooney for The Times. As the club stares down a points deduction or potential worse - where’s it all gone wrong at Pride Park? (27:04)The final five minutes of West Ham vs Manchester United was a rollercoaster with Jesse Lingard scoring against the side he took into Europe last season, Ronaldo not being given multiple penalties and Mark Noble’s questionable first kick off the game losing his side at least a point - we break down what happened at the London Stadium (44:44)Get more of The Times and The Sunday Times for less than £1 a day. Start your free trial: thetimes.co.uk/thegame  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Goodbye Greavsie

The Times' North East Reporter Martin Hardy joins Hugh Woozencroft and Gregor Robertson to look into the current situation at Newcastle United. At the time of publishing, they sit second bottom of the Premier League table with just one point from four matches. Fans have been unhappy for many years under Mike Ashley - but will the club ever be sold without some reinvestment first?(This conversation was taken from 'Henderson Saves The Day At Anfield', which was originally released on 16/09/21)Get more of The Times and The Sunday Times for less than £1 a day. Start your free trial: thetimes.co.uk/thegame  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

SPECIAL: Newcastle United - Is There Any Hope At St James' Park?

Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Gregor Robertson, Tom Clarke and Paul Joyce.Liverpool nearly started their European campaign off poorly, but Jordan Henderson saved the day at Anfield. How important is he to Jurgen Klopp’s side? (00:00)Manchester City looked impressive going forward but also let in three goals last night. Have they shifted tactics or was it just a sloppy night for their defenders against RB Leipzig? (11:23)Manchester United were somewhat embarrassed on Cristiano Ronaldo’s European return, losing 2-1 to Young Boys. Was the artificial pitch party to blame and did Ole Gunnar Solskjær get his tactics all wrong? (20:30)Romalu Lukaku scored again at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea got started with a win - how can he look so settled into their side so quickly? (30:15)There were some other incredible matches in this week’s Champions League. Jude Bellingham looked the real deal, Lionel Messi had a quiet European debut for PSG and a former West Ham striker had quite the night (36:57)The Times’ North East Reporter Martin Hardy joins us following his article in The Times about the current situation at Newcastle (42:18)Get more of The Times and The Sunday Times for less than £1 a day. Start your free trial: thetimes.co.uk/thegame  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Henderson Saves The Day At Anfield

Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Gregor Robertson and Alyson Rudd.Cristiano scored twice on his return to Old Trafford. Has he silenced the doubters and does he have special powers at the club? (00:00)Were the club right to welcome Ryan Giggs back for the game - especially given the allegations against Ronaldo? (09:35)Sunday Times Reporter David Walsh joined us to describe the atmosphere at Old Trafford after watching Ronaldo’s return (15:30)It was a mixed weekend for Liverpool. Mo Salah scored his 100th Premier League goal, but the injury to Harvey Elliott overshadowed everything. Gregor gives his opinion on the tackle and red card as a former professional (26:38)Arsenal finally got their much-needed win, but does this mean they’re on an upward trajectory from here on? (47:54)After a weekend of debuts - we pick our favourite and not-so-favourite debuts of the past (55:38)Get more of The Times and The Sunday Times for less than £1 a day. Start your free trial: thetimes.co.uk/thegame  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

He Was Always Going To Score, Wasn't He?

Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Gregor Robertson, Tom Clarke and Alyson Rudd.England ended the international break with seven points from nine, something Gareth Southgate sees as a success - but did the performances match up? The England manager didn’t make any substitutes - was that the right decision? (00:00)Is a World Cup every two years a good idea? UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin has reiterated his opposition - but could it be a good thing for the game? (24:22)With fans set to miss watching Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to the Premier League due to the 3pm blackout rule - should it still be in force or have we just been treated to watching every match during the pandemic? (32:57)Ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United - we take a look at some other successful and unsuccessful returns by former players (43:27)Get more of The Times and The Sunday Times for less than £1 a day. Start your free trial: thetimes.co.uk/thegame  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Is Biennial The Way Forward?

Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Gregor Robertson, Matt Lawton and Henry Winter.England have recorded back-to-back wins in World Cup qualifiers. The last game saw Jesse Lingard and Trent Alexander-Arnold return - but what does the future hold for both? (00:00)The Times’ Chief Football Writer, Henry Winter joins us with his thoughts on the England qualifier and whether Gareth Southgate has been grilled enough after the Euro 2020 final loss (16:18)We get the latest from the Wales camp with Gary Jacob, after Gareth Bale proved a few people wrong with a hat trick against Belarus. Scotland also did well, beating Moldova 1-0 (42:30)We unpack the madness after the game between Brazil and Argentina was abandoned after four players allegedly tricked their way into the country by saying they hadn’t been the UK in the past fortnight. This lead to Government officials storming the pitch early in the game (50:18)The new WSL season got underway over the weekend and with increased media coverage this season, The Times’ Molly Hudson joins us to discuss how this could be a pivotal year for the women’s game in the UK (53:00)Get more of The Times and The Sunday Times for less than £1 a day. Start your free trial: thetimes.co.uk/thegame  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Is Bellingham The Future of English Football?

Natalie Sawyer fronts the new World Cup podcast from The Times, publishing every night after the final whistle on every matchday. Featuring studio guests and our leading football writers in Russia with the inside line on the England camp and what is really happening on the ground.You can subscribe to The Times and The Sunday Times to enjoy our award-winning journalism on your smartphone or tablet. It’s £1 a month for 3 months' digital subscription – just search The Times online.

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The Game World Cup Daily

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