Football Daily - PL Review: Xabi Alonso joins Chelsea, Salah slates Slot

Episode Date: May 17, 2026

Former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker and the BBC’s senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel join Pien Meulensteen to analyse and debate the key talking points from the weekend.Is it surprising that Xabi Alonso has joined Chelsea as their next manager? Can Arne Slot really weather the frustration of Liverpool supporters after yet another chastening defeat, this time at Aston Villa AND comments against him on social media by the legendary Mo Salah?What are the expectations for Manchester United now after appointing Michael Carrick on a permanent basis and how good has Bruno Fernandes been to match a long-standing Premier League record?Plus, the race for Europe, Sunderland’s incredible rise, the battle between Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ollie Watkins for an England spot.Timecodes: 01:00 Do journalists and players enjoy the end of the season? 02:00 West Ham ‘careless’ in defeat at Newcastle 03:30 Is there any hope left for th e Irons? 05:15 Xabi Alonso is Chelsea’s next manager – is that a surprise? 07:15 Is Alonso actually going to get control at Chelsea? And what are the big challenges for him? 12:30 Mo Salah ‘sticks the knife in’ on Liverpool manager Arne Slot 21:55 Carrick to become permanent United manager – how well has he done? 24:30 Bruno Fernandes matches De Bruyne & Henry’s assist record 28:10 Does the handball rule need changing? Former PL assistant Darren Cann thinks so… 31:45 Half-time teaser 33:50 The Race for Europe – could Sunderland do the remarkable? 35:14 Sunderland defender Luke O’Nein on what Europe would mean 38:00 Who should be Manager of the Season? 39:10 Could Brighton let Europe slip away again? 40:45 The Calvert-Lewin v Watkins battle for a World Cup spot continues 42:25 Final week predictions

the Football Daily podcast. Premier League Review. Listen on BBC Sounds. Hello and welcome to the Premier League review. The title race, relegation battle and race for Europe are all going to the final day. Michael Carrick will be United's manager next season and we now know Chabby Alonzo will be Chelsea's at Liverpool. Can Arna Slot really survive the summer after yet another defeat for his side? That's their 19th of the season.

Analysis of all that to come with former Premier League midfield and Nigel Rio Coker and the BBC's senior football correspondent, Sammy Mockbell. Hi to you both. Are you excited for the final week? There's loads going on, isn't there? And it's going to be exciting, Pierre. And there is this title race that hopefully, and Arsenal fans won't like me for saying that,

but hopefully you still open next Sunday on the final day. And obviously we've got this relegation fight going at the moment. West Ham have had a difficult afternoon, Chevy Sam. St James's Park and I will speak about that later and the doors open now for Tottenham on Tuesday night to clinch their Premier League survival but they are obviously in a position that

they should never really be in. Nigel go on. Do you love it at this point of the season? Are you talking from now retired or as a player? As a player I've been involved twice to last days of the season where we stayed up at West Ham to go to Old Trafford to get a win

and then relegated with Bolton on the last day as well when And Aguero scored that winner for City to win the title because it was between us and QPR. So for fans and being on the other side now, it definitely is great. And when you look at the Premier League as a product from not living in England anymore, the worldwide aspect of it, it's great that it goes down to the last day of the season. That's what you want. You don't want it to be concluded so early on.

And players and teams don't have nothing to play for. It's so competitive from top to bottom. And that is why most people say the Premier League is the best league in the world when you talk about the entertainment factor and what's at stake. Let's talk, though, about one of the most recent results that's literally just finished. 3-1 win for Newcastle. It is a tough result, though, for your former club, West Ham, Nigel. Tough result, but you've got to give credit to Newcastle.

Newcastle played well. I think for me, when you look at goals that they conceded today, West Ham, it's just poor goals. You can't be in a relegation fight with everything at stake, and you go away to St. James's Park and be so open and so careless in how you approach the game and then just concede some poor goals defensively. It's always going to be a mountain to climb. And watching just the first half in general, I thought that if West Ham can get a goal

before the end of the first half, then it'll be game on. But if they didn't get a goal, I just felt that Newcastle just looked so comfortable and strong. And now they've probably handed an advantage massively to Tottenham now. And again, you probably might question you know a little bit in why Tati didn't start. And I know he started.

Callum Wilson's up top where for me, I don't know if it's because he's playing against his old club or why, but Tati's been playing most games. And for me, it's an odd one when you look at team selection. But they've handed advantage to Tottenham. And I think it will still go down to the last day. Did you see the Tati Castellano's goal? What a goal.

What an absolute strike that was. Unbelievable. I don't know where he's pulled out of. He's done it a few times, though, because I used to, obviously, I've followed him when he was at Lazio as well. So I've seen him have goals like that in the locker. But what a fantastic strike. That was unbelievable.

goal and you think that could give back some energy, but you could have thought there would have been the difference if he started. Sammy, what kind of hope do you give West Ham after a result like this? Because it just feels like this is it for them now, really, doesn't it? Yeah. Zero hope, I think. I think Tottenham will get the point they effectively need. I know if they get a point and they would still need another point to be absolutely certain. But the goal difference is so vastly in their favour that a draw against Chelsea on, when is it Tuesday night, that will be enough. I think they'll get, I think they'll get that point.

Chelsea have got basically nothing to play for. They're not going to be in European football next season. I know we're going to talk about Jabby Alonzo later, but I guess you could say that some of the players will be out to prove a point to their incumbent new manager. But so much is riding on this game against Chelsea for Tottenham on Tuesday, night and I just think that that extra kind of five, 10% that motivation will give them, we'll see them through. And I think unfortunately for West Ham, their fate after today is

effectively sealed. Putting a lot of faith in this Tottenham side. A lot of faith. Yeah, given the season that they've had, but they, you know, they have had an upturning fortune under Roberto Deserbie. And I think that's where the problem has been. West Ham did have that little mini resurgence, didn't they? April and it did look like they were going to avoid the drop and put a run of results together.

But unfortunately, they just haven't been able to sustain that mini revival. Whereas Tottenham under Deserby, look at different prospect altogether, in my opinion. I am putting a lot of faith in that Tottenham side against Chelsea, but I genuinely think they'll get the point, if not a victory. And I'm not sure it will go to the last day. Let's move on to Chelsea, because there's quite a big talking point about them, isn't there, that we've recently found out. Of course, they lost the FA Cup final on Saturday,

but they then announced their new manager on Sunday morning, Chabby Alonzo, signing a four-year contract starting in July. He won the Bundesliga title with Bayo Levykuzin in his first job. Sammy, what did you make of this news? Were you surprised that he's taking this on? I'm to a point. Yeah, I was to a point in that I'm sure Jabby Alonzo will have other options if he was just to buy this time and buy this time and stay put.

But I know Chelsea are going through a period that isn't necessarily linked to the vast success that they've had over the years during the Roman Abramovich era. And there is a, I guess there is a transition away from that era. And they've been less successful in recent years. But let's not forget, they're still one of, I think, European football's iconic clubs. And when the opportunity comes up to join a club of that size, certainly one in London and certainly one in the Premier League, I think managers like Jabby Alonzo would be silly just to disregard it. and to dismiss, though, such an opportunity.

There is the elephant in the room, isn't there of, could he one day be Liverpool manager and what impact with him taking the Chelsea job have on any desire he has to go and manage at Anfield one day? But that's in the future, you know, who's to say when, if or when Arly Slot will leave Liverpool? That job may not come up in the two new, sort of distant or near future.

Yes, you know, I guess there is, I understand that there is going to be a surprise that Alonzo was taking the job, given his standing in the game and the job that he did at, certainly at Bay Leibikuzin, I don't know, the round Madrid job didn't go according to the plan to him, but he's still one of the, I think, most exciting

young managers in European football. And if Chelsea can give him the kind of level of control that he would want over recruitment and other areas of the field and the club, they've got a really, really good manager there now. He said in... Five directors of football, Sammy, yeah?

Sorry, with the five directors of football, they're going to give them control, I'm sure. But I would say about that, Nigel, and you're absolutely right to point that out. And I think what time has told us is that certainly in this era of under the American ownership, the head coach doesn't generally have much control over recruitment and the footballing operation. But I think what's pertinent here, Nigel, is that I think if you've noticed

the announcement today, Jabby Alonso has actually been given the title of manager rather than head coach. Listen, that might just be a symbolic gesture, but I do think that's important. And I do think that indicates that the ownership are willing to give Jabby Alonzo a great to say in how the club is run from a football perspective, but also almost certainly with regards to the recruitment.

If you're a player, Nigel, you've got a manager like Jabby Alonzo. Sammy just said there is, he's a young, exciting coach. Is this the kind of manager you want as a player to be sort of in charge, but also having... having that sort of brains and knowledge and the experience that he's got, the things that he's won to bring that into a club like Chelsea? It's an individual thing is the best way to answer that question. I think when I look at Chelsea in the dynamic of that dress room,

I can see why Javi Alonzo would take that job. It suits him well. You look at his time at Leverkusen. It was a bit of a young side. The thing that he had on, which was to his advantage, was having a Granite Jackie in the team, another mini manager who was on the pitch and was he's mini manager. and you look at the young players and the players around him, it's great.

You go to Royal Madrid, it's a different dynamic. You're talking about superstar egos, big egos, a club that's historically used to winning. Some players who obviously won World Cups and won so many things, and it becomes a different element of management. You have to kind of have a different approach. You can't go to these players and think you're going to coach them to become better, which is what he did at Leverkusen. So it's a different approach.

I think now when you look at this Chelsea dressing room, there are a lot of young players in there, And then you question leadership. And then the problem you've got in this dress room now is you look at your captain, Enzo Fernandez, with what he did and how smart he was in the media not too long ago. Cuccare is another one who's a regular starter for this Chelsea team, talking and questioning the direction of the club and the lack of experience in the dressing room. So it's a different dynamic he's going to have to handle with this Chelsea team. And again, the big question is whether they're going to back him in recruiting the type of players that he feels he needs.

but I'd also say overall, it's also really all eyes on Javi Alonzo now. It was great what he did at Leverkusen. Fantastic achievement. Didn't go down well at Real Madrid. Yes, Chelsea's a big club, but it's not as big as Real Madrid. Now he really has to do well for his own personal self as a manager. He has to start well. And he's got a very interesting dressing room that he has to get on side

because I'd still look at Chelsea as a lot of young boys who are not ready to turn into men yet when it comes to the footballing side of things. Sammy, when you look at the quotes from Alonzo when it was announced that he was going to be taking over, he said that he wanted to build a team that's capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies. What is a successful first season for Alonzo at Chelsea? I think the bottom line for Jabby Alonzo next season will be to qualify for the Champions League. I think that's in terms of the way Chelsea is set up financially and the sort of the amount they spend in the transfer market and the player trading, etc. that club requires the financial input that Champions League football brings. And so to not be in that competition next season will come as a blow. And it will be interesting to see how the lack of that financial injection will impact the amount that they are able to spend.

And the type of players, sort of more pertinently, they are likely to be able to attract to Chelsea next season without having top-level European football to offer those players. the one thing that in my mind Jabby Alonzo needs to get right there and it sounds simple but it's to keep and build a nucleus of the team they do so much player trading you know it does appear that they would sign look at Alejandro Garnazio for example signed last year last year for big money 60 million pounds

we we understand now and there are loads of rumours and reports linking him already with a move away from from the club ahead of next season. Now, when you do that kind of continuous level of player flipping, it is very hard for a football manager to build a team when you can't keep a core group of players together. So that's what I think the challenge will be. Look, you know, his role now as manager rather than head coach suggests he's going to have at least some control and say over who goes and who leaves. But, you know, I guess history tells us that it isn't that easy at Chelsea when it comes. to play a trade in recruitment.

So with regards to whether he's going to be given the leeway to do that by the ownership, I think the proof will be in the pudding. Let's move on to Liverpool because you mentioned it, Sammy, that we will have to wait and see whether Alonzo going to Chelsea will have any impact on whether or not he would ever become the Liverpool manager or head coach in the future. We spoke as well about the Fernandez-Cukurea situation where they were speaking out at Chelsea, Nigel. a similar story at Liverpool this season with Mo Salat coming out to speak publicly against the club.

Now for the second time. This is all very extraordinary again, Sammy. So just take us into what's happened behind the scenes. Why is he doing this once again coming out on Instagram and making a statement? When that tweet or that Instagram post dropped yesterday, my phone just started blowing up. You had work on, you had your mates on, saying, you know,

other journalists on your phone saying, have you seen this tweet from Mo Sala? And not for the first time this season. He appears to have taken a thinly veiled dig, shall we say, the manager who I think is pretty clear to everyone, at least from the outside, looking in, his relationship with Arniss Law, probably at rock bottom, I think, certainly given by his comments on social media yesterday. and it just leaves an unsavory taste in everyone's mouth, I think, heading into the final week of the season. Here we have a Liverpool legend, arguably, you know,

in the top 10 players who have ever played for the club, to go out in this manner is unfortunate, really. And, you know, you can't apportioned blame to any part of the story. We don't know the full ins and outs of why Mo Salafal. feels the way that he does. But it will now be interesting to see going into that final game of the season at Anfield, which is supposed to be his farewell, right?

His farewell to Liverpool supporters and his farewell to the city. How firstly, Arly Slott reacts to that with regards to possible team selection. And secondly, how Liverpool fans react to that? Because, you know, they've got a player there that is a legend in their eyes, but he's going out in an unsavory fashion,

and you just wonder if maybe the Liverpool fans haven't taken too kindly to it. Nigel, what's your opinion when players do this, when they speak out against the manager publicly, or speak out against the situation at the club? I think, again, it depends, though, because it's different for different players and what they're going through.

In this case alone, when you look at Mo Salas significantly, I think you've got to say this, Mosala's very calculated. He only speaks when he needs to speak, Because if other things are going well and everything, you don't really hear from him whatsoever, you only heard from him when he wanted to get his new contract, not when things were going wrong. And then now, obviously, you look at the situation of him and Arnie Slot, I said to myself that that will never be the same. I think what people need to understand is footballers, yes, they're idolised, they have the best job in the world, but they're human beings as well.

And some can have their egos bruised and can get very emotional and insecure about certain things. And whenever you go through something like that with a manager, not every footballer has that ability to be the stronger person or be able to get through it and really lay that to rest. I think for me that when I look at Mo Salah, and you look at really, he's creating Liverpool is an absolute Liverpool legend. But when it comes to speaking out, speaking to the media, he's very calculated and knows when to do it.

And I think for me, this was perfectly calculated and perfectly timed for him to know exactly what he's doing, taking a dig at the manager. and when you look at the performance against Aston Villa as well, it's literally kicking someone when they're down. And this is something that, again, on the other side, people might defend Arne's not to say that it's very difficult as a manager to deal with something like that when you have to deal with a legend at the club

and especially the recent two seasons that he's had at the football club and you have to go as a manager and manage that person with such a connection to the football club and also the fan base. But I would just have to say that for me, this isn't a coincidence. this was calculated and this is a basically knife to the back to Arny Slot before Mosella leaves the football club. Yeah, no, I agree with Nigel Lepin with regards to it being calculated because Mosellar will know that Arnyslot isn't the flavour of the month at the moment with large sections of

that Liverpool supporter base. A lot of supporter base will believe that Arnizlott should not be manager of the club heading into next season. So off the back of that, I think Mo Sal is probably sensed an opportunity here. As Nigel correctly says, is to maybe apply even more pressure on, I guess, a guy that he's effectively fallen out with. And I think he's sensed an opportunity and I think he's taken it. There was a handful of Liverpool players as well that had reacted to the post, liked the

post, sent an emoji, whatever it was. what do you think that tells us as well, Nigel, the fact that players are also engaging in this with what Mo Salas said? It just tells you that it's not a real good situation or a comfortable place right now for Liverpool Football Club and I think that what was difficult for me watching that Villa game without the whole comments coming out

and everything, just watching the performance of the team. I said it's hard to make an argument for Arnizlott to stay even though you can give some good points, valid points in the season that they've had, the transfer window, you know, Isak not really fit, breaking down, and Florin Vert's not adapting to the league. And then obviously the most saliv situation had to deal with that you think that,

right, maybe give him one more season. Let him start next season. And he knows he's going to be under pressure. If he gets two or three bad results, then you can clearly see what's going to happen. But now leading up to that now, the performances are kind of like telling me that whether all these players,

or it's more than one that's not really buying into him, as a manager, that it becomes more difficult to defend him of why he should be Liverpool manager next season. And now with Mo Salat's comments, adding on top of that now, it definitely makes it very difficult to keep Arnie Slot, where I still thought that there's some people defending to say, give him next season at least.

He's also come out on a slot and said that he can understand why the fans don't have confidence. But he also said that they're underestimating what a transfer window can do and what a new start can do. So that feels like he is ready and looking forward to a new season, that he can see something positive happening with Liverpool next season. season, Sammy. Is that sort of the vibe that you're getting from, from Arna's slot that he is absolutely willing to stay and willing to work hard at this?

Yeah, he, he absolutely is. And why wouldn't he? Liverpool are, you know, one of the biggest clubs in European football. I don't think there is any manager worth their sort of, who would want to walk away from, from that job, despite kind of the difficulties that they, sort of, the team and he has faced this season. And, but it's, you know, it's one thing saying, um, I'm looking forward to the transfer window and I think that you know the transfer window and if we make the right additions can be revolutionary for our team next season but there's one thing saying that

and there's one thing executing a successful transfer window everyone thought last season after the signings that Liverpool made in Issaq and Vertz and Eccatee Kerkahekej all of those guys everyone thought that Liverpool would run away with

the Premier League title this season and And obviously, as we've in the fullness of time, we know that there have been nowhere near, challenging for the title. And so if they were to add further additions this summer, which I'm sure they will, they're absolutely in the market for a winger, obviously to replace Mo Salah. They'll probably be in for another left back to replace Andy Robertson. So they'll definitely be in the transfer market for reinforcements. But getting those players right and making sure that there is a nice blend to, you know,

your team and your squad is easier said than done. And if they don't get that right next season or this summer and they don't start next season well, then I think Arnie Slott, if he is to remain in charge next season, which we believe he will be. He will be right under the cost from day dot if they don't get off to the season really, really well. It is going to be a tough way back. He knows he has to win the affection of the fans again.

But I think before he starts thinking about the fans, he needs to start understanding. in his dressing room and realizing what players are going to be the players that are willing to perform and backing him as a manager and then the ones who are not really too sure. I think that's the most important thing for him. He needs to focus on his dressing room because the performances that the players are putting out there not doing him any favours whatsoever, which is leading to all this criticism and critiques. And then obviously players that you've had a personal falling out and making it very public and especially big players like Mo Salah will make it even more difficult for you. But like he said, he's already alluded to it about how important a transfer window

is that they have to get the right players in and make sure that these players have the right mindset, the chemistry, to know what they're walking into. But he knows himself. You know, we've played the game and been in it for so long. We know the situations we're in. Next season, if he's still there, it's going to be vital. He has to start, as he say, hit the ground running from straight from the first game of the season. They need to be some kind of real good, positive and buzz around his football club. Let's move on to Manchester United who have secured Champions League football

for next season under Michael Carrick. Still not actually officially announced that he will be extending as sort of manager head coach next season but we pretty much understand that he will be, Sammy. But how impressed have you been with the job that Michael Carrick has done for Manchester United?

And then, of course, winning that three to win today at Old Trafford and being able to speak to the fans as well at full time. He had a few words to say, didn't he, over the microphone, and the fans were able to show just how much that they have respect for him and the job that he's done so far. Yeah, he's taken that job so impressively in his stride. Being Manchester United manager, albeit on a, you know,

on a short-term basis until the end of the season, is a mammoth task. It's the, you know, arguably the biggest football club in European football. But he's just taking it. into it like a duck to water. His press conferences, he are always on point. The results have been brilliant,

leading the club to Champions League football when, you know, let's face it, under Ruben Amarim, and finishing in the top five looked far beyond them, really. The performances and results were so tepid and mediocre that, you know, you feared where they may finish in the season.

And what Michael Carrick has done as he has turned a situation where Manchester United were over, open-minded with regards to where they may look for a new full-time head coach into going into the sort of the summer, into a situation where he was the only candidate. He could have been the only candidate. He's been so impressive that anything other than making him full-time manager on a, from what, as we understand it, an initial two-year, two-year contract would have been the wrong decision. And now it's obviously up to Michael Carrick now to grab the ball by the

horns and and show everyone next season why United have been correct in showing the faith in him that they have. But everything at the moment that he's touched has turned to gold. Danny, did you just say Manchester United is the biggest club in Europe? So you're saying Manchester United is bigger than Real Madrid? I said arguably, Nigel. You've got to listen to me, Nigel. I said arguably. Arguably. Oh, you protected yourself. Okay. You're pleaded the fifth. Like any good journalist would, Nigel, you've got to protect yourself. Listen, do Nigel talk to me about Bruno Fernandez because how big of a part has he played in the success

that Michael Carrick's had? Obviously, today he leveled the Premier League assist record in a single season, 20th assist of a season which now matches Kevin DeBroner and Tiari Henri. He's been brilliant this season, hasn't he? Sensational, really has been. Even for the upside down kind of season, Manchester United have had or rollercoast of a season, Manchester United have had.

he's been a shining beacon. And Michael Carrick's come in and actually put him in his proper position of where he should be to affect the game compared to Ruben Amoryam. And now we're seeing him blossom and we're seeing the best of him. Because we never saw the best of him under Rubin Amoryam. But we saw that he had the ability and the technical gift that he has as a player and how good a player he is and how vital is this Manchester United side. But really has been a brilliant season for him.

And this is why he's also in the conversation for, you know, Premier League player of the season. because of the performances that he's put in, he probably could have scored a hat trick today, but it was definitely more focused on breaking the assist record and putting on the plate for everyone else. Really, really has been a magnificent player this season for Manchester United and being so big to them. And, you know, if Ruben Amoryammering was still there,

I would have said that Manchester United would definitely never made the top four because of his stubbornness. And then now obviously Michael Carrick's come in there and he's just corrected the simple mistakes. You talk about Kobe Mayneu coming back into the team and players playing in their actual right positions to get the best out of them. And Bruno Fernandez has been the one

that's just been the mainstay and the most consistent throughout the entirety of the season. So credit to him and well done. Yeah, he's created 132 chances this season. That's 58 more than the next best. You mentioned it there, Nigel, about how many chances you created against Forest?

Eight chances. He could have had four assists. He's got one more game to be able to surpass that assists record. Do you reckon he's going to do it? He's going to set a new record? thousand percent he's going to be passing to everyone and all these teammates are going to want it for him them aren't they? 100%. I mean, maybe I'm a bit too old, but we never really used to pay attention to their

sisters much now as football has become so data driven and the technology in it. But credit to him, you don't have to look at the data and the numbers to see how influential he is as a player for this Manchester United team. It's amazing to think, Sammy, isn't it? That last summer there was actually debates going on about what Manchester. Chessi United should do with Bruno Fernandez, whether he's going to stay or go, and look at the season he's had now when you've got a manager like Michael Carrick. Absolutely. And it's sort of a testament really to Bruno Fernandez who probably could have gone to, I guess, you know, Saudi

last summer for a payday. But my understanding of his situation is that he wants to remain playing in elite football, European football for absolutely as long as he can. I think he's got two years No, he's got one year left on his current deal, but there is an option for a second on that. I would not be surprised this season if there are discussions between United and Fernandez about maybe extending that. He's been that good this season. I think he will want to stay at Old Trafford, certainly under Carrick, given the direction of travel that they're heading in under him.

And I think United, given the season that he's just had, if they have got the opportunity, will want to lock him in for an even longer. contract and keep him at Ultraford for as long as he can because he's showing absolutely no signs of relenting. I think he's improved season in, season now since he's been at Ultrafford.

And, you know, if he can just touch on and sort of even level what he what he's done this season, next season, you know, United are going to be there or thereabouts again. It wouldn't be a Premier League review, would it, if we didn't talk about VAR. And again, there was a controversial handball decision

in the game, the Pertum, Manchester United and Forrest. Brian and Burmo handled in the buildup to Matthias Cunia's goal, United's second goal. The referee was sent to the monitor but deemed it accidental handball, so allowed the goal to stand. Here's what the former Premier League assistant referee

Darren Cann said about it. I do think that whilst it's commendable that we see a referee stick with their decision, that doesn't happen very often. Michael Salisbury has in fact stuck before, one of the few referees to stick before, but that's only the fourth time it's happened. So, as I say, I think it's commendable

that he's stuck, but I feel that the right's decision is to disallow the goal for handball. I think it's one that will split people. I can see both sides of the argument, but I think we've had so many talks this side of the border and north of the border recently, of course, with handball that I think it needs to be changed. I think we need to have just to go back to deliberate handball,

which is as you and I knew it when we were younger. Okay, Sammy, what do you think? Do you agree? It's the players I feel sorry for, because they're clearly confused, right? to what the rules are. I know we are. I know journalists are and broadcasters are and supporters are. None of us have really got a clue what the handball rules are from one game to the next. You've got European football where the rules appear to be completely different to those that are executed in the Premier League.

And then you see one today that look, the Kunu one that we've just been speaking about, that looked a blatant handball to me, or that should have been called a handball, and it's not given. So I think there has to be some sort of conversation at the very least at the end of the season from the PGMO to all the clubs where by all the players I'm told and I'm made absolutely clear as to what the rules are. Because at the moment, I don't think any of us involved in the game have got the foggiest. It's a tricky situation, Angel, isn't it, for players? When like Sammy's saying, at one scenario it could be seen as a handball, another scenario. It's not, it's such a hard situation for them to be in it. It's a lose, lose really, isn't it?

And sometimes it's a win-win if you get the goal. It's a problem when the players are playing the game still just not aware on the rules and how the rules are supposed to be implied. Inconsistency has been the problem since VAR has been introduced and we're trying to make an imperfect game perfect with technology. But guess what? When the technology is introduced, it still has to go to the human element of it where we have to interpret the rules, how we deem them to be,

which has led to loads of inconsistency. For me, again, I don't even like discussing VAR. I don't like questioning what is a handball, what is not a handball, because one incident, you follow the rules that we've been told that this is deemed the handball, and then it's given. And then in a game the next day after, the same incident occurs, and then it's not given as a handball. So I think it really does need to be simplified.

They need to go back to basics to simplify exactly what a handball is. with showing these players in pre-season what will be given for a handball leading up to the season, giving them some video proof so these players have a better understanding and even probably educate us as broadcasters as well now because it's just become too confusing

and the inconsistency part of how humans will interpret the law has caused all this problem again, too much of a heavy reliance on technology. Okay, plenty more to get into. We're going to have a chat about the race for Europe shortly. But first, Here is your half-time teaser.

Chabby Alonzo is the next Chelsea manager, but made his name in England at Liverpool. Can you guess the three players that Alonzo played alongside most often in the Premier League? The answers next, plus plenty more analysis. Five live sports. So here's the first ball of this series. All the cricket you laugh.

Check, Relby W. Ouch. Lips on BBC sounds. Smash straight back down the ground. This girl. Here, ball by ball coverage of the biggest competitions on the domestic and international circuits. It's a ball cricket and it's the huge one. Tricot on five-life sport.

Oh, I've been every ball of this. Listen on BBC Sounds. On the Football Daily podcast, Premier League Review. Listen on BBC Sounds. Welcome back to the Premier League review before the break. I asked you if you could guess the three players that Alonzo. played alongside most often in the Premier League. Nigel, have you got any ideas?

I would say, obviously, Stevie Gerard and Lucro Garcia. Before I give you any answers, Sammy, do you want to come in on that? Defoe, Stevie Gerard, Jamie Carragher. Yeah. Missing one. I can give you initials. Go on. PR.

PR. PR. PR. P.R. Position. Give me a position, Pian. I think that though that doesn't count Peter

Well I was just checking Because it's quite It's a big clue if I give you the position Oh Pepe Rainer Oh no Even saying that was a big clip Sam just Google that ladies and gentlemen Yeah yeah

All right well done Don't be bitter No don't be bitter No stop acting like Southampton you Good job All right Let's talk about the race for Europe because after Chelsea's FA Cup defeat,

seventh in the Premier League will now qualify for the Europa League, eighth will secure conference league and it is all going to the final day. We also know the permutations about what's going to happen potentially with Aston Villa. If they finish fifth,

they win the Europa League, then obviously a Champions League space goes down to sixth, but we all have to wait and see what happens with that. First of all, let's talk about Sunderland. Incredible story if Sunderland can do this in their first season back in the top flight,

isn't it, Nigel? Fantastic. Really, really great. And the thing that I like about it is, I've had to deal with so many conversations about how the Premier League is too good now for teams that get promoted in the championship, the three to come up, come down. And I've always been against that. I've always felt that it's the identity that these teams go up.

They choose to have. I feel that some of these teams, when they go to the Premier League, they try to change and all of a sudden act or Hollywood, instead of sticking to what got you there, you know, and try and evolve. And that's what Sondland did. You know, you talk about the recruiting, the players, the experience they've bought in. they've gone in there, no fear, stay true to their principle.

They haven't gone in there to think now that we're in the Premier League, we have to all of a sudden start playing total football and act like, you know, we've been there forever. No, you've got to earn the right. And they've earned the right. And what they've done has been an absolutely amazing season and an amazing achievement. And that should give hope to other teams to say, you can do that, you can achieve that if you do the right footballing things, put the right footballing principles ahead of you.

Let's hear from the Sunland Defender Luke O'9 on their European hopes. I'd love it. I've been doing interviews for seven, nearly eight years at this club, and I did quite a number in League One. So to have a question, people ask me about European football shows, kind of how far this club's come. So we said today, today's kind of like a semi-final, setting up next week's final.

I think it's always important to dream. And, yeah, when you start to bridge that gap, it's like, whew. And, you know, at the start of the season, not many people back this squad to do what they've done. I think slowly you build that belief system. That belief builds with building relationships, training every single day, grinding out wins. And I think that belief of Europe is something that's grown over the course of the season.

Sammy, they last played Sunderland in Europe in 73, 74. It was 42 years ago. They could finish as high as seventh with a win on Sunday. That would be an incredible achievement, wouldn't it, to go from League One all the way to Europe? Yeah, it would be incredible. So come end of the season, when we are talking about potential managers of the season, I'm sure the usual suspects will be there, right?

You know, if Arsenal win the Premier League, then Mikhail Artessa absolutely deserves to be in conversation, and he will probably win the manager of the season award. But I think when you're pound for pound looking for a manager who is overachieved in many ways, and he may not say so, but, you know, because he will have trust and absolute faith in the plays that you have, has. But when you're looking for, as I say, a manager who has been a breath of fresh air and all the team, an unfancy team up to, you know, ninth and on the brink of European football, Regis Labris should be absolutely up there with regards to when we're speaking

about who deserves those accolades at the end of the season. Granite Jacker has also got to be one of the signings of the season, I think. you know, he pushed hard to leave Lavekousen to join Sunderland at the end of last season at the start of this season. A lot of us looked at that and thought, why would you look to leave a club like Baye-Lavikuzen to join a club that looked to be, or at that moment in time, we're probably going to be entering a relegation dog fight. But he's been one of the midfielders and one of the players of the season as well. So an all-round really feel good story at the stadium of light. you know, it would be a great story if they could top it off with European football next season.

Sammy, come on, you should know. It's called the Premier League. That's why you would do it. It's the Premier League. Yeah, no, you're absolutely right. And I, you know, it's still, as you say, it's still a massive pool. And I get it. I get it. But I also remember thinking at the time, why are you swapping Leverkus and European football for Sunderland, Bertliss? And he's had the last laugh. But what a season he's had. You mentioned about Premier League manager this season. Libri has been nominated for that. Arteta has, Guadiola has, Karat has, Iraola has, and Keith Andrews as well.

Nigel, who's taking it for you? It's a tough one. I think that some managers have achieved some amazing stuff. I think, like, again, I look at Keith Andrews. I think Keith Andrews has done a magnificent job just as much as Libri at Sunder. I really do. But obviously, it's going to be to whoever wins the Premier League title. I think, you know, if Arsenal do win the Premier League title and then, you know, Champions League final as well, you'd have to say Michael Artetta will take it.

If Manchester City come back to Pip Arsenal to the Premier League time, win the Premier League and then, you know, they've done the Cup double as well, then you have to say Pep Guardiola is going to win it. So I really am stuck right now to pick someone and if people want to sound sitting on the fence, I will gladly sit on the fence until this season plays out. And then I'll give you my answer. Okay, I'll give you the question next week. we can figure it out. Brighton. I was actually at the game today, Leeds against Brighton. And Brighton were pretty dominant in the game in terms of the amount of chances they had, especially in the second half.

But Leeds managing to get a very, very late goal, all thanks to Dominic Calvert Lewin. But, Sammy, are Brighton going to let it slip like they did last season? They host Manchester United on the final day, and they've got it to still do to try and get into Europe. Because a win today, they would have secured some sort of European. in football. They would have secured top eight. They couldn't do it. They've got to do it on the final day. Facing a rejuvenated,

Rejuvenated Manchester United, I guess isn't the fixture that they would select for that for that game. Fabian Hurtzell has been, in my mind, a breath of fresh air. They went for a bit of a rocky patch, didn't they, mid-season. And I think there were some questions over whether he was the right man to take that club forward.

But they've sort of regenerated. and they have put together a brilliant run that again has put them on the brink of European football. But Herschel has been the instigator of that. They've got obviously, they've got some wonderful blend there of experience and younger players. Hinshawood, I think, who is obviously vastly young,

has got a big future ahead of him and then the likes of Van HEC. And obviously, Danny Welbeck, who's been rolling back the years this season, has been brilliant for them. But I think it's Hurtzler, the manager that holds that glue, holds that together.

And if they can finally get over the line this season and kind of right, the wrongs of just missing out last season, I think they'd be a fabulous addition to European football next year. I really do. So Dominic Calvert Lewin scoring that late goal against Brighton this afternoon. So he's scored this weekend. So has Olly Watkins as well. Both of them in very good goal scoring form.

Just in time for something that's happening in the summer, the World Cup, Nigel, who are you taking between those two? I think first of foremost, I think Dominic Calvert Luron's done amazing in what he's done and how he's really, you probably have to say, reinvented himself. You know, there was question about availability with him and staying fit. And I said it a while back doing this pod

that I think that he will be the difference for leads staying in the Premier League. And I think he's proven to be that difference maker for Leeds and having that striker that scoring goals. It's a new environment for him and it's a different routine that he's used to, and it's been very beneficial for him, which is why he's been so available for leads compared to time at Everton. Ollie Watkins had a rough patch,

and I admire that now he's come through that again. You know, I still think that Ollie Watkins will be the one that Thomas Tushal will probably pick ahead of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, different attributes. I think Dominant Calvert-Lewing reminds me more of an old-school number nine, hold-up play, dominant in the air, can be a bit more physical. Ollie Watkins is probably more than modern day striker now. He's not bad in the year, but he's not the first thing he goes to.

He's more running in behind, playing off the shoulders, you know, stretching the pitch. But I think that Ollie's done really well. When you talk about the rough patch that he had, that people started to question him, to come back now and to start scoring goals and get that confidence back, I think that Ollie would probably just about pipped Dominic Howard Lewin for me. Okay, before we go, I'm going to get some predictions for the week. Sammy, title winners, Arsenal, Manchester City. Who are going with?

Arsenal, I think their two fixtures are both very, very winnable, obviously against Burnley, at home. They should comfortably win that. And then Crystal Palace next weekend will be a tough game, but Oliver Gladysn will have one eye on the Conference League final. You'd imagine, I know he's saying he won't rotate too much, but you'd imagine he'd have to rest some key players and ahead of the Conference League final,

which I think is on the Wednesday after the. that game. Risky thing to do, Sammy. Risky thing to do. Telling you. I think they will, I think they will, I think Arsenal win both those games and they'll, they'll be crowned title winners. What do you reckon, Nigel?

Yeah, it's in Arsenal's hands. They've got more favourable fixtures for sure. Arsenal. Slightly touched on this right at the start, but Spurs are West Ham to stay up. I think pretty much after what West Ham's results was today, I think it's probably going to be Spurs, isn't it? Oh no. Apparently, according to Sammy, you know, Sammy said that Spurs are in a steamroll

Chelsea because Chelsea just don't want to turn up anymore and it's going to be Tottenham all day long and Tottenham, you know, she'd feel hard done by that they're in this situation. But you know what? At the start of the year, I did an overprediction, which was that West Ham would be in a relegation fight. So I was right about that. Yeah. I still feel it's going to go to the last day of the season and I still just don't trust Tottenham enough. I think potentially still Tottenham could go down. Wow. Sammy, what are you saying? No, Nigel, what are you talking about? Sammy, Tottenham has to play Chelsea, who are, we don't know what Chelsea we're going to get right now.

New managers coming in, some players are probably going to play for a move elsewhere. If they lose that game, it goes to the last game of the season. You want to, I think I believe, have Everton. Yeah. And Tottenham, I don't know if your West Ham I've got. West Ham used to be one of my heroes, Nage. I've just said, I think it's going to go down to the last day of the last day of the last. game of the season and Tottenham have Everton and West Ham have Leeds.

Yeah, I think, listen, I'm not, I don't think Topnam are going to steamroll with Chelsea by any means, but I do think the extra five to 10% motivation that they will have over Chelsea, who will be on a come down after losing at Wembley on Saturday to, to Manchester City and the FA Cup final. I just think the, the occasion of Saturday and the, the intensity, that Roberto, do Zerbe, will have his Tottenham players heading into that game with, I think, should Nigel, I stress, see them through. Okay. Let's put us on record, Sammy.

Let's just say, hypothetically speaking, Tottenham lose to Chelsea, which is what most people say would happen. Last game of the season, winner stays up. Are you still saying that Tottenham will get a result against Everton and West Ham will lose to lead to stay up? I still think that will happen, yes, Nigel. Okay. It's on record.

It's on record. Yeah, you're absolutely right. All right, I'm going to cause another debate between you two because the last question is, who is going to have that final European spot? Who's going to finish eighth? Because there are still quite a few teams that could do it. Go on, now.

I'll tell me to start with this one. I'm actually going to say I'm going to go with Brentford. Yeah. They are currently eighth at the moment, so you think he's going to stay as his? I think they are. I think Brentford, I think he found you as has done an amazing.

job and I think that they will secure that eighth spot. Yeah, I'm not going to disagree with Nig. We've disagreed too much on this show. So I'm actually going to agree with him this time. And I'm going to say Brentford. Okay. It's all getting very exciting, isn't it? Towards the end of the Premier League season.

Still plenty more. To come, Arsenal against Burnley updates of that game into the Monday nightclub, Bournemouth against Manchester City and Chelsea against Spurs on Tuesday. Two huge games you don't want to miss. Commentary is on 5 Live. and Aston Villa's Europa League final in Istanbul against Freiburg. That's also live for you on Wednesday night. Nigel, Sammy, thank you so much for joining me.

That was fun, but that is all we've got time for on the Premier League review. Much more analysis and debate coming up on the Monday Nightclub.