Football Daily - Premier League Review with Darren Fletcher

Episode Date: February 2, 2025

Arsenal put five past Man City as Myles Lewis-Skelly makes his mark. Darren Fletcher is joined by Clinton Morrison and Nigel Reo-Coker to reflect on the Premier League weekend. Also hear from Mikel Arteta, Pep Guardiola and Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga after their 7-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.01:00 Fletch has padel problems 03:55 Mikel Arteta after Arsenal 5-1 Man City 15:05 Pep Guardiola: ‘I thought we played good’ 29:00 Man Utd lose again at Old Trafford 39:25 Glasner ‘turns it around’ at Crystal Palace 43:10 Anthony Elanga on his first 7-0 win 44:55 Nottingham pub goes viral for free pints! 52:05 Liverpool pass Bournemouth test 54:45 Three wins in a row for David Moyes 55:30 Spurs fans sing ‘we are staying up!’BBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries this week: Wed 5 Feb 2000 Newcastle v Arsenal in Carabao Cup, Thu 6 Feb 2000 Liverpool v Tottenham in Carabao Cup, Fri 7 Feb 2000 Man Utd v Leicester in FA Cup.

BBC Sounds. Music, radio, podcasts. On the Football Daily Podcast. The Premier League Review. Listen on BBC Sounds. Hello and welcome to the Football Daily. It's the Premier League Review. I'm Darren Fletcher and with me I have Clinton Morrison. Be decked in. Who on Earth is Glenn Murray t-shirt Clinton great to see you

good to see you mate and I also have Nigel Riococca now if I said to you Nigel you look a million dollars that is not enough

currency for how good you look today red jacket crisp white shirt you've gone red and white for me in a week that Forrest scored

seven you look absolutely magnificent thanks Fletch mate but you know what it's actually not red it's more of a and white for me in a week that Forrest scored seven. You look absolutely magnificent. Thanks Fletch mate, but do you know what? It's actually not red. It's more of a salmon pink, hot salmon pink jacket. Well, I'll go with the hot. I'm going

with the hot. You look like you are on fire in the night. How was the weekend boys? I've got to tell you, today, what a weekend to be alive if you're from the city of Nottingham. But I played in a paddle tournament today and you know when you talk about

getting drawn in the group of death, I mean, it's the league phase in the Champions League now. Today, I know what Newcastle felt like last season in the Champions League, included in my group, former Tottenham and Republic of Ireland international Andy Reid and his partner,

who won it in the end. Former Nottingham Forest striker David Johnson with his partner, who could have won it. And then the supposed weaker team in the group, Clive and his boy Ross, they beat us too. So I lost three out of three. I was running around like my trousers

were on fire. And an absolutely great time. But I mean, to get drawn in that group was a disaster. But even that, I'll tell you, couldn't wipe the smile off my face after the weekend. No, I bet it couldn't. Fletch, who was your partner then? Do you blame your partner for not winning a game?

My partner was Mark, who owns a lovely establishment just outside the gates of the city ground. And Mark was also the organiser. So Mark had got a few issues today, me, organisation, making sure everybody was happy so yeah, fair play to him

for pulling everything together but we had a magnificent time so what have you two both been up to? Nigel, come on, what have you been doing today to walk in dressed like that? Well it was the Milan derby and I was working with my Italian brothers so I had to bring a bit of style to the Milan Derby while we covered that today and just been enjoying all the football.

Like you said, it's been great results and just great stories behind so many results football-wise, Fletch, mate. Really enjoyed it. Let me tell you, my friend, if Paolo Maldini walked in that studio, he would not look better than you. I am absolutely convinced. Don't tell him that, Fletch. He he loves it he's always been like this nice even if he was at home he'd be wearing a blazer like that with a big cigar that is nigel rio coca down to a t he knows it as well that's the story i keep telling these people they think it's just now i said there's stories about me from when i was young 1920 i always used to dress like this. Fletch, I know this guy for years.

He's actually telling the truth. This is his style, his swag, 100%. And I love it. And I worship him for it. What have you been doing anyway, Clinton? Fletch, this is my first day off. I've had it all year. I'm so happy.

I feel like I was coming a bit under the weather. So I just needed to chill, you know, relax, take some Lemsit, sit on the sofa and just watch football all day. It's been so peaceful and had a great roast, by the way. Unbelievable roast. Perfect. Absolutely perfect. So, you've both been in the ideal seats for what we're about to do. It's been a fantastic

weekend of football. Goals all over the place. Loads to talk about. So, let's get cracking. There's only one place to start. The big game of the weekend. Arsenal Manchester City. Liverpool won on Saturday. weekend, Arsenal-Manchester City. Liverpool won on Saturday. So the emphasis was on Arsenal to stay with them if they possibly could.

They beat Manchester City 5-1 to close the gap at the top again to six points. Here's Mikel Arteta. It was a great day, honestly. Winning 5-1 and the manner that we've done it. Super happy.

A lot of things have to go your way to get a result like this. We started so well, very aggressive, bringing the ball higher off the pitch, scored a great goal. Then, even if you want to continue to have that game, they are that good. Sometimes they suffocate and you have to be deep,

suffer, have some luck. We had it and then we were very, very efficient as well in the right moments to really help them. What about your two youngsters, Myles Lewis Skelly in particular? I mean, are there enough superlatives for an 18-year-old like that? Very difficult at that age to do what they are doing,

but they earn it. They earn it because they have such a special personality and way of competing in the game apart from playing it and they want to take risks, they take the initiative, they play to make things happen, and they happen. And physically, for an 18-year-old, he's a man, isn't he? He's a man, he's very competitive, and he wants it.

And he's got players around him as well that believe in him, that they are happy to play with him, and that's very important as well. And what does it do for you when you hear your stadium sound like that at a final whistle? That's a powerful feeling, isn't it? That changes the team. I mean, that elevates the team to a different level.

I said it many, many times. The power that we have in this stadium, I'm not sure if we really recognise it because if we do, we cannot waste one minute, one second of having that noise because the way it affects and infects the team

and how difficult it makes it for the opposition we need to demand ourselves to always be there So that's the Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta

I'm fascinated Nige by the impact that Miles Lewis-Skelly has made on this Arsenal team Cara said on the television after the match

that certain young players come into a team and he used names like Wayne Rooney and Jude Bellingham's another, that within a very short period of time, they're strolling around like they own the place. And he does, doesn't he, in this Arsenal team. He's such a confident player and he's had such an impact on them.

He has, he's had a massive impact. And I love it because it's confidence and it's on the borderline of arrogance, but it's the fact of he believes in himself so much and the ability that he possesses. And that's what you want sometimes as a youngster. You want to go into the first team and you don't want to show that you're intimidated. You don't want to show that you're going to grow into it with the more games that you play. And it's a tremendous belief that he has in himself and he's delivered the goods.

He really has been solid since he's made his debut for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta has trusted him. And when you look at Mikel Arteta and records as well, when it comes to young players and stuff, it's not something that he really goes into a lot. He likes a bit more mature

and senior players. But when you look at Luis Skelly, what he's done since going in, I think Mikel Arteta, by him playing him, shows how much trust he has in the young man. And you've got a bit about you

when you're prepared to, after scoring the goal, just give it to Erling Haaland, Clinton, like you did. I mean, you must have been sat there purring. You would have done that. When you were Miles Lewis-Skelly's age,

you would have done that. 100%. It's the arrogance. You know, like some people think it's, I feel like you have to have that arrogance to be a footballer. Not everyone has it, but he has the confidence to do it.

And when I saw him doing it, I just think this kid is so full of confidence. 18 years of age. I heard Gary Neville comparing him to Ashley Cole, which is a big one. But if he keeps on going, because Ashley Cole for me was the best left back around during his time. But he is a big player. And Mikko Arteta did say he was a centre midfielder. So you see when he steps into midfield and the way he took his goal, listen, I think Ortega

should save it, but I'm not taking anything away from him because he shifts the ball ever so well until he's weak at right foot and just bends it into that far corner.

But yeah, the celebration, I was so surprised. I couldn't believe he went and done it and he just milked it and he was loving it. And I thought, go and enjoy yourself.

I loved it. I just loved it. I loved it. I think young players like that that can come into the team, express yourself. You're in an environment where you're with world-class players.

Sometimes if you come in as an 18-year-old, you can be a bit humble. But nah, he is humble. He stayed humble and it was a brilliant result. But yeah, I loved the celebration. I'm all about that. Well, that word there you said,

Clint, and stay humble is a word that goes well in this game, in this fixture. But I'm not surprised he did the celebration. I would have done the same thing because when you're a youngster there and a senior player wants to come and use some words in who are you with some expletives before that, I think I would do the same thing to let you know who I am. I'm the person that's done your celebration to let the world know who I am.

So now you know who I am. I remember it now at the end of the game when he said it to Arteta, stay humble. Jesus was there and the young Skelly came over and we didn't really know much about him. And he said, who are you? So he said, who are you? Well, you know who I am now

because I've done your celebration and I scored a goal. So remember me. Yeah. We're going to get to Manchester City shortly because there's lots to talk about with them. But another fantastic young player scored, Ethan Waniere.

Every time you see him, he gets you off your seat. I mean, he's another one now, isn't he? He's going to be a superstar, barring some kind of freak injury that we hope he doesn't get. He's so good to watch. He's so exciting. And you look at him, he scored another goal again today. The statistic tells you only Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney

with nine have scored more goals for a Premier League side whilst aged 17 or younger than him. And Ethan Waniere, he's got seven. So he's kind of right in the same corridor as Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney for Premier League goals. But he's such an exciting player. Fletch, he's so exciting. He really is so exciting.

He's one of the few young players in world football right now that get me on the edge of my seat when I watch them. That's how excited I am about this young man. I think the other player I'll put that I like excitement on watching is Lamin Yamal of Barcelona. That's the kind of level I'll put this young kid at. He really is

a top talent. He's not scared. He's not intimidated. He's comfortable on the ball in tight areas, wants the ball. And if you look at the finish that he had in today's game, that's not the type of finish a young player of his age should be doing, especially in a big game like that against Manchester City. Crazy enough, he comes on on the 84th minute, has more touches on the ball than Erling Haaland had in the whole 90 minutes plus.

But he is a real special talent. And I just can't wait for him to get more more game time because the more games he plays the better and better he's gonna get I mean the big question now is can they stay with Liverpool close on Liverpool and eventually pass Liverpool they've gone 14 Premier League games unbeaten for the first time under Mikel Arteta and Martin Urdegaard is yet to lose a Premier League game this season and he's now unbeaten in his last 22 league appearances for Arsenal. 16 wins and six draws. Arsenal have won one of the last four without him.

So he's an integral part. He did his bit today. But what about Declan Rice? And we talk about the youngsters, but he was a colossus out there for them today. Declan Rice, Clinton in the centre of the park. Yeah, it's Nigel's position. He knows about it perfectly.

But I think Declan's a superb player. People think he park. Yeah, it's Nigel's position. He knows about it perfectly, but I think Declan's a superb player. People think he's a six, but I think he's probably a number eight because he can do box to box. I think you restrict him

when you have him sitting there. The pass that he plays to young Ethan was a fantastic diagonal. He just stopped it, Gabriel, and he just zinged it over to him. So it was fantastic.

I thought Declan covered the whole of the park. I think he's fantastic. I think when you actually watch Declan Rice live, I think the way he can cover the ground is outstanding.

I didn't know he was that good until I went and watched him live, Fletcher, Nigel, and I thought, wow, he's some player, to be fair. Non-stop, really good. I think that midfield three

is probably the best three for Arsenal at the moment that they've got arm available. And if they go and sign players, obviously there's Tuka Zibamendi maybe coming in the summer, but I think Declan Rice is a top player.

And he kind of, they run the midfield. It was hard. Kovacic and Bernardo Silva are fantastic footballers, but they don't have the legs. And I know we're going to get into our man City, but I thought Declan Rice was outstanding. So let me ask you, Nige. We've always had, for the last couple of years or so,

Rodri on an island on his own. He's the best in the world, in that position, at what he does. Is Declan Rice now as good as him? I don't think Declan Rice is still out there at the moment. I think what what Clinton said plays a part in my opinion. I think he can be a number eight. I know people try and say that he's more of a six, but I reckon he can really do that box to box more. I think if Declan Rice adds more goals to his game, which he is capable of doing, then you can start putting him in that conversation,

in that category. I think that he needs to get a few more goals in his game to really be joining Rodri in that aspect of it. But Rodri doesn't score that many either. He scored a lot more. He stepped up a lot more recently though, for when he really got that recognition. I understand that people do the whole numbers of,

oh, they've been unbeaten since when Rodri's playing because he controls the game and everything that you say that. And it's the same impact as Odegaard. But I think for when you say you are that best player in the world in midfield, you're scoring goals and you're also doing everything else. Like you're the all-round player. And Rodri was scoring very important goals

for Manchester City. You're talking about Champions League final and all that. And that's what added to the fact of why people argue to say he's the best player in the world because of the record of when he plays in the team and also scoring big and vital goals in massive games, which is what Rodri did. But I think if Declan can add that, then he could probably go in that conversation. How close is he for you, Clinton, in that argument now? How close is he to Rodri?

Yeah, he's not that far behind. I agree with everything Nigel said. I think it's difficult because I think Rodri is the best six there is in world football and I don't think anyone will be able to compete with him. I think what me and Nigel were saying is I think that can be one of the best number eights there is in world football if he adds more goals

to his game. I think like he's passing, the pass for Lewis Skelly was fantastic. He just zips it into him and he's always looking on the swivel to look forward. That's what you want your midfielders. Not safety sideways and backwards and he can drive with the ball. I think he's the complete midfielder.

I said, I think people got too excited that he was a number six. I think he's the complete midfielder. So I think where Rodri sits there dictates and snuffs out danger. I think Declan don't have more to his game because Nigel's right. Rodri did score important goals as well.

But I think Rodri's still the world-class player. But I don't think Declan's a million miles behind him. But still, for me, Rodri's top, top draw. But I think Declan could be one of the best number eights. Rodri will always be the best number six. OK, so nine goals in 50 games in all competitions last season. Rodri for Manchester City, just to give you the actual numbers. Very briefly, because I want to move it on to Manchester City.

What chances, Knights, do you give Arsenal of closing the gap on Liverpool to the point where they really are breathing down their necks? I give them a good chance. They're just chasing Liverpool. That's the reality, Fletcher. I think that Liverpool know that they're in control of this Premier League title race now. And I don't see Liverpool wanting to let their grip go on it.

You know, it's theirs to lose. Arsenal can only do what they can do, and that's winning every game and making sure they win every game. And that's about where the title race is. You know, it's not rocket science. It's not some crazy equation we have to work out. They're playing catch-up and they're playing chase,

and that's what they can do is by making sure they don't trip over any hurdles. Now, we've got the Optus supercomputer for that, and we've got the numbers later on, as we always give you on a Sunday so don't you worry about doing equations.

We've got the supercomputer to do that for us a little bit later on in the pod. So Manchester City have now conceded four or more goals

in a game for the fourth time this season which is now the most in a single season in Pep Guardiola's managerial career. The Arsenal fans

were singing Are You Tottenham in Disguise. Here's Guardiola. It's not easy to start the way we start. To concede a goal always is difficult, but we react really well with the personality and the way in this stadium against the team. We play really, really good. We make a goal and

we were there all the time. We don't concede much. And after what happened this season, we give away and deflection and it happened. and that can happen we can lose 3, 4, 5 but the last 20 minutes we stopped to do what we talk

what we have done during 60 minutes and when that happened it's only regret I had that game that we forgot to do it the last 50, 20 minutes When Erling Haaland

equalised was there a part of you that thought you were going to go on and actually win the game? All the game I had the feeling that we were playing good so with the game I don't know what happened this season on and actually win the game? All the game I had the feeling that we were playing good.

So with the game, I don't know what happened this season, you never know, but the game was there. The game was there. So how are you going to fix this frailty? Why do things change so quickly? Yeah, I will think about it. I will think about it. But is it keeping you up at night?

No, normally when you you lose you don't sleep as much when you win but it's part of my job my business and I have to accept it so it's not about you can lose 5 or 3 or 7 of course it's not nice to swallow you know but

we didn't do what we have done during 60-65 minutes and this I continue on a single sentence because we cannot solve the problems for what we have done during 60, 65 minutes. And this is a continual, and I think we're in sentence because we cannot solve the problems for ourselves. We have to be structured to do it. That's a massive concern if you're Pep Guardiola and your post-match interview, you quite clearly state, I thought we were playing well.

And then you get back on the coach and you've lost 5-1. I mean, that's an issue for you. If you're sat watching it and you're thinking, we're actually playing well here and we've been beating 5-1. And I can understand where he's coming from.

I'm not being flippant because I can see exactly the point he's making. They were playing well. When it went to one each, I think if he'd have stopped it there and done a straw poll, a lot of people would have said, City might well go on and win it from here. Yeah. But they didn't. They lost 5-1 and they played well.

And the word that Rob Northman used, frailty, is the perfect word to use. They are frail. And it is the word that Rob Nothman used, frailty, is the perfect word to use. They are frail. And they've been like that all season, most definitely. You think when they equalised with Haaland, I think Fletcher was like 38 seconds and then Arsenal had equalised. It's crazy.

And it's a mistake. Phil Foden gets it, very unusual, tries to pick a pass to Mammouch. And if he does, they are three on three, but he doesn't. And you can say, oh yeah, the referee went in the way. Partey just read the pass and they get fortunate with the deflection of John Stones.

I just feel that is Man City and then I understand what Pep's saying. They dominated possession and it went to Arsenal didn't play good in my eyes until the last half an hour and then City were so poor. If Arsenal start the game like that, I know it was a great result in the M5. It could have probably have been more

because sometimes I thought Arsenal were passive in their build-up. But when they really went at Man City, caused them problems. Man City have a vulnerability of when they're attacking, they're so open and they don't have enough pace to cover the ground. They don't have midfield.

Listen, Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, I mentioned it earlier, fantastic footballers. But you had them two in midfield. They got overrun in midfield today. They got overrun. They got big spaces and gaps at the back. Kanji doesn't look himself for the first goal. So they're suffering at the moment.

So I know a lot of people say Man City are a top team and they are a top team. But when you're in positions like they are in at the moment, they look like they're suffering with confidence. And it's a change. It is a big change. I don't think it's a whole redevelopment that they need at the moment, but it is a change in the guard for Man City.

Or it just could be they're missing Rodri, but I don't put it down to one player, Fletch. I think if Rodri's there, maybe they're not losing as many games, but I still don't think they're challenging for the title. So John Stones on Sky said, Pride hurts. Sorry to the fans that have travelled to come and watch that.

How we played in the last 30 minutes was not acceptable, personally and collectively. it's not us. We all have to stick together. That's a key point that we don't start to point fingers. So I look at a transfer window, Nige, and you can sign players. You can sign better players. You can sign different players. Is it possible within a season to improve mental toughness,

to increase togetherness, to create a situation that gets rid of the frailty that's being put to Pep Guardiola every time they lose a match? How difficult is that to engender in season? Is that the kind of thing that you do in pre-season when you get everybody together and you work out the spirit and you work out how it's going to be? Is that easy or difficult to improve or even impose

whilst the season is underway? Is it solvable from where they are now? Is this just something they've got to live with for the rest of the season? It's definitely solvable, Fletch. I personally feel so. And I think that's what top managers can do in these situations. We know Pep likes a challenge. But when I look at this Man City side, it's not rocket science. and I think that's what top managers can do in these situations. We know Pep likes a challenge,

but when I look at this Man City side, it's not rocket science. A lot of players do look like they've lost confidence. I think teams don't have that fair factor going with them now. The biggest thing that Pep has to do, like you say, you don't become a bad player overnight. He needs to find a way to get his players to believe in themselves again and get to enjoy football because that's part of his job but can you become a weak player overnight you say you don't become a bad player overnight i get that but can you become a frail player a weak player if your confidence is gone

that's something that can happen quickly you can lose belief in yourself the biggest problem with manchester city is it's not just one if it just one player, they could take him out and put someone else in and that's it. But it seems like now it's spreading like wildfire where all the players at Manchester City look vulnerable. They look like they don't really have the confidence or belief in themselves. And the best way and biggest way to bring that back

is by winning. You win football matches, you can build on it. But sometimes as a manager, like Pep probably has tried, probably probably could do a bit more is take the pressure off the players. But it's all easy us having our opinion and views from outside here. You have to be in that dressing room to know what it's really like. So what is Pep really doing? How is his real personal relationships with these players? What's it like to dive deep, to get them to believe in themselves again, to really go out there and put performances together and to be committed.

I think that there's a lot going on there. And I think what was telling for me is as well, seeing Karl Walker leave Manchester City and for him to say it was an uncomfortable conversation he had with Pep Guardiola. I think that tells me a lot more as well about Pep, the man that he is, and even with the players that's in there right now.

Manchester City have committed seven errors leading to goals in the Premier League this season, the joint most in a league campaign under Pep Guardiola. That was 2019-2020. Talk to me, Clinton, about Erling Haaland then. He scored the goal and then the statistics tell you he had one more touch in the game after scoring the goal. Now, a lot of people would say, well, that's what he does.

And when he scores a hat-trick and he's only had five touches and City win, nobody cares. And I think that point is completely valid. But we've got to deal with the facts today that they lost 5-1. He scored. And after that, he only touched the ball once. Is that a concern for you? Yeah, it is a concern.

And you know what? I watched and analysed it after the game. And I think Thierry Henry, well, listen, for me, the greatest ever Premier League striker. I think Alan Shearer's fantastic. But I think for me and Nigel, I'll tell you, in our era, I think he was the best.

And when he's saying to you, play to your strengths. Your strengths is not your back towards goal. There was an opportunity where City had the ball and they could have clipped it into the channel and he could have run into the channel and Thierry highlighted it and he said he didn't.

He just stood there. So Fletch, I know as a centre-forward, and he could have run into the channel. Thierry highlighted it and he said he didn't. He just stood there. So Fletch, I know as a centre forward, and I'm not nowhere near the level of Haaland, but if I'm not getting on the ball, I'm making runs into the channel to enable space for my teammates. I'm letting me have a fight ball with Saliba and that. Saliba and Gabriel want you up against it. So he knows, and it's hard for me to say this because he's only judged on his goals. His head is fantastic. But if Man City want to develop and move forward again,

Haaland needs to do better outside the box because to only have three touches, I think it was in the first half, is nowhere near good enough for a main centre forward. You think back, and I know he's a different player, Aguero, Aguero, always on the move.

Great little movement, link the play and then go again. Go on, Fletch, over to you. I know you want to come in. I want to pick your expertise here because I'm fascinated. So as a number nine then, is the emphasis on him to make sure he gets more touches? Is the emphasis on his teammates to involve him more?

Where does the blame lie? No, I think it lies in both. I don't think Man City... Listen, today's difficult because I think Arsenal... No, it's on him, Clinton. No, it is. No, listen, I'm going to say that. I was going to say that. Listen it's on him Clinton No it is no listen I'm going to say that I was going to say that

listen I was going to I'm saying that Naj but what I'm saying to you is today was a bit difficult because they kind of locked it up with the two midfielders that Arsenal had

and when Ortega's trying to drop it into Haaland because at the Etihad they did drop it into Haaland he probably had more touches but it is on him Fletch

because he needs to move more I look at him sometimes Haaland and he just wants to stand up there. You've got to move. You've got to come take the defenders into little areas where they don't want to go. And it might free up space for one of your mamouches to make a run in behind who's got good movement.

So I can be critical, and that's me with my centre-forward head saying I can defend Haaland. But I think outside the box, Fletch, he has to do more. You look at the best, the likes of Alan Shearer, all of those, Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney. I know they're different type of players to him. Even Jermaine Defoe. And JD was just an out-and-out goal scorer,

but he'll come out and have a few touches. So I'm not going to be critical of midfielders because Nigel's looking sharp today. I can't do that. I'm itching to get back in again. Nigel, I'm not ignoring you, but I'm going back to you again as a number nine. So hang on.

So when I remember, when I think back and I think about the kind of goals and the kind of movement that we used to see from Erling Haaland and Borussia Dortmund, it's entirely different

to the movement we see at Manchester City. The way that Manchester City play and the way that Pep Guardiola uses him, has that taken out of his mind that thought of spinning in behind? Because he doesn't tend to get the ball and the way that Pep Guardiola uses him, has that taken out of his mind, that thought of spinning in behind?

Because he doesn't tend to get the ball when he does spin in behind. And I thought it was okay saying that today away at Arsenal. But ever since he's been here, we as observers of Manchester City's game have said on more than one occasion, well, they never really play the ball in behind and just let him run. That's not the way they use him.

So is the criticism fair that he's not making the run? Because he always did that at Borussia Dortmund, but he doesn't do it at Manchester City very often. And he hasn't been doing it lately. And I think the reason he hasn't been doing it lately, because the way Man City build up, it is slow build up. I think it's a different story when Kevin De Bruyne is on the pitch. Because as soon as Kevin De Bruyne is on the pitch, they have that understanding where he knows as soon as Kevin De Bruyne gets the ball, his first thought is, where's Harlan? And Harlan's on his bike. I saw it today in the second half.

De Bruyne didn't find a pass outside of the boot. Tried to play Harlan, went through to David Rea. But Harlan was spinning him behind. You see most of the first half, he's back towards goal. You ask any defender, they'll tell you, Fletch, they don't want the back they want to see your number they want to be

going the other way they don't want to be running to their goal they want to be seeing everything in front and I think that's where Haaland and it's hard for me

to sit there and criticise him but that's where he has to be better mix your game up because once you start spinning in behind Fletch I trust you now

the defenders will start worrying and they'll drop deeper drop deeper and that will enable space for you to come and link it. But if you're linking it straight away and you've not tested Saliba and Gabriel, and you know what?

You might not beat them for pace, but you're stretching the game. And then as a centre-half, you start thinking about stuff. So yeah, that's the only criticism I have on it. And I think Thierry Henry's kind of summed it up. I've heard of the goalkeepers' union, Fletch. I didn't know there was a strikers union now as well.

Where they protect each other. Wow. No way. I'm not protecting him. I just said I agree with you. The world is changing. Wow. Oi, I just said, no, he's got to make more runs now.

Right or wrong? Yeah, he has to. He has to. You can't be standing up there like a robot. You're right. You're right. You're right. But my pushback on that would only be that for me is we shouldn't be surprised.

It's Pep's system. Every team that Pep Guardiola has is all about Pep and the system. It doesn't matter about the player. You will only play when you do what Pep Guardiola wants you to work in his system. The same thing that what we're seeing in Haaland is the same thing that people are criticizing Jack Grealish for his lack of numbers. We don't see the same Jack Grealish that we saw A Aston Villa, taking people on, how he used to correspond, because now he has to pass the ball and do what Pep wants, because if he doesn't, you don't play.

We've seen it with a number of players. When you play for Pep Guardiola, you have to understand you're playing for his system and what works for him. And it's difficult to criticise because he would have trebled playing exactly that way with Erling Haaland. So when it's not going so well, it's easy to dissect Guardiola's system and pick holes in it.

But nobody was doing that when they won a treble. So I think there's got to be balance. Just on the goalkeeping situation, Nige, he doesn't seem to be able to make his mind up between Edison or Ortega. I watched Ortega today. I wasn't necessarily sure. He gave me the confidence he was going to save anything out there today. No, he didn't have a good game today at all. I mean, for

one of the goals, I see him moaning at Guardiola. I think his body positioning for the goal and everything, he didn't look comfortable, didn't look happy today. It wasn't a great day at the office for him. Again, I don't know what Pep's situation is with that, with the goalkeeping situation, what he's doing in swapping between

Edison and Ortega. It was a tough day for Ortega today. I think that the word that I would use of what Arteta said was that Arsenal were, it wasn't clinical, they were, the word's gone out of my head now.

I forgot it. He said it in his interview as well. Efficient, There we go. Efficient. And they were efficient. Yeah. I always think it's interesting too. Managers are very, very clever

in the words they use in post-match interviews and the players they single out. And when Guardiola on the television was talking about the good parts of Arsenal's game, he did actually mention David Raya. So I wonder whether there's a little veiled hint that he might be saying to the higher-ups at Manchester City, look, I quite like a new goalkeeper

because I'm not necessarily sure at the minute who to pick out of these two. And if that is the case, then we can maybe keep an eye on that over the course of the summer. Let's move it on to Manchester United because they've lost to Old Trafford again today. 2-0 against Crystal Palace. He set a record today, Ruben

Amarim, because on the list of managers to lose five home Premier League matches, it's taken Ruben Amarim seven games. It took David Moyes 14, Eric Ten Hag 28, Louis van Gaal 30, Olly Gunnar Solskjaer 31 and, and Alex Ferguson, 88.

Jose Mourinho and Ralf Rangnick never lost five home matches. He's done it in seven games. And the thing that kind of stood out to me today is I understand that you want to come in and you want to look at everything. But he's played Cobby Mayne, who was a centre-forward today, in this 3-4-2-1 system. Not Rasmus Hoyland,

not Joshua Xerxe, not anybody else with any kind of track record would have been a centre-forward. Kobi Mainu, I mean,

it feels like the experimentation, Nigel, is out of control. It's beyond out of control, Fletch. It really is. And I said it before, I was surprised He's out of control. It's beyond out of control, Fletch. It really is. And I said it before,

I was surprised how much kind of leeway he's been given by the media and British press and everyone. Oh, he's got this idea. Manchester United was built on winning. I'll keep saying that. Your job as a manager,

that highest level is winning. Find a way to win, work with what you've got. It's not about your footballing philosophy because I've heard that so many times now. I have yet to see progression. I still don't see progression in this philosophy. Yes, they're getting some new faces in, no problem. But if other managers have got better records than Ruben Amrim so far, and then when you look at the performances, they haven't tremendously improved.

And today against Crystal Palace was another show. You know, I had Crystal Palace to get the result I was not surprised with this result I felt Crystal Palace would beat them they were well organized they frustrated Manchester United and again with this whole footballing philosophy Man United looked like they had no answers in the final third when Crystal Palace were all back behind the ball well organized well structured and they beat Manchester United with a long ball there were so many times it was a long direct ball to Miteta, who just had it on and they would have runners and they just broke down this whole footballing philosophy so easily. I don't see the progression.

I don't see how they're going to get better. And for me, if it was anyone else, I think Ruben Amrim would be under pressure to be sacked. But because it's been such a clown show at Manchester United right now, you just don't know what they're going to do now if everything else has happened before he's hiring. So seven defeats in Manchester United's first 13 home games in the Premier League this season is the most they've had at this stage

since 1894. 1894. Not 1984. 1894. I wasn't even thought of then yeah just to say

yeah there's a lot of people I don't think you know anybody who was even thought of at that stage let alone you two just just on this

and I saw Paul Scholes the other day and it went viral he did it for TNT Sports but they put it out on social media and it went viral

they gave him 11 Manchester United players keep keep or sell. And he was selling nine of them. He kept two, I think. He might have kept three. It might have been Garnaccio, Maino and the goalkeeper. That was it. Everybody else, he said, I'd happily sell.

And there was a bit of conjecture as to whether he'd sell either of the two young players, because realistically in the state they're in, everybody should be on the table. I get the impression that maybe Ruben Amarin feels the same they're in everybody should be on the table. I get the impression that maybe Ruben Amarin feels the same, Clinton. I'm not necessarily sure

who in the Manchester United group he actually thinks he can rely on. Yeah, I think there's one player who's probably stood out since he's gone in and it's that Ahmed Diallo. I think Diallo's the one where you can say

he's the one where you look at it and think he's kind of shunned under Ruben Amarin. But today to play Kobe Mane who I like, he's a really good player, to play him as a false number nine, and I'm the centre forward of Rasmus Hoyland, who you've paid big money for, and Xerxe sitting on the bench,

I must be sitting there thinking to myself, wow. And no disrespect to my old team, Crystal Palace, but you're playing Crystal Palace at home. Go and take the game to Crystal Palace. Nigel's right, Palace were outstanding, but that's nowhere near good enough from Man United to be losing like that at home. And Mateta, he absolutely, he bullied all their defenders.

He was a threat all afternoon. He caused them all kinds of problems. So he has big problems there, Ruben Amir. But you know what? I was saying that earlier. I just think maybe, you know what he's doing? He's just saying, let me just pick an 11. My job's safe.

We'll make signings at the end of the season. But let me tell you something. But that's the problem, Clint. That is the problem. He's at Manchester United and then some of the stuff he's done recently,

I feel the pressure's finally starting to get to him and he's starting to understand how much of a big monster Manchester United is. He speaks way too much to the press. He's too honest

in some of the stuff he's done. The Marcus Rashford situation, how he's handled that, I think he's wrong. Regardless of what people might say, I think he's wrong as a manager. He's too honest in some of the stuff he's done. The Marcus Rashford situation, how he's handled that, I think he's wrong. Regardless of what people might say, I think he's wrong as a manager. He's handled that completely wrong.

Kobe Mayne, who had a good game in Europe this week and he was talking about how he was more advanced. You think he's going to transform that European League game to going in the Premier League?

I bet the competitiveness of the Premier League, like you said, we're scratching our heads. So if we're scratching our heads at this highly regarded manager, what is the future for manchester united how long is he going to be given this leeway because it's only going to get worse you are both forthright people right honest guys so how close is he to the stage where people are going from and i mean this internally at

manchester united because it doesn't matter a jot what we think but it matters a lot what they think internally whether that's in his own dressing room or in his own boardroom how close is he to people in there questioning the sanity of some of the decisions because he's making so many changes and there seems to be so much disruption. He seems nowhere near knowing what his best XI would look like based on the players that he's got at his disposal. How long can he do this kind of thing before people lose faith with him inside his own football club? It will turn quickly. The hierarchy will turn.

I think the fans will stick with him. I think they'll wait. I still think he thinks he's got to... Nigel's right. It's Man United Football Club. They are still, for me, the biggest football club in world football. It's still Man United. You still have to go in there and get results. I bet Ruben Amorin's thinking now,

I wish I took it in the summer. Not now when he did take it. Because let me tell you, their recruitment's been a shambles, by the way, at Man United. It's been a big shambles. Let's not forget, he had conversations with other Premier League clubs as well

before he took that Man United. Yeah, I heard that. But that's why he had to make that decision to go to Man United, didn't he? And that's why they wanted to get it done quickly. So he had options. You just mentioned the recruitment. Terrible, Fletch. Terrible. What we hear now is that they're thinking of signing Matisse Tell from Bayern Munich.

So that would be a third player from Bayern Munich that Bayern Munich don't want. Masraoui, Dillicht, Tell. Three players that they want to make this team better. Yeah. But you're just taking players from clubs who are unwanted. Yeah, you're right. At what point do you think they make a signing that moves the dial? That people say, ah, there we go.

They've just got one that everybody else wants. They're having to take players' nights at the minute that other clubs don't want to sign them. And surely that's not going to move the dial anywhere significantly enough. It's definitely not going to move the dial, and you're right. And that's what Manchester United used to be, but that's not what Manchester United are right now. So we shouldn't be surprised at the signings that they are making

because it's a reality check of where they are. And they're not the most prized or fashionable club in modern day football. The history is there. The history is great. But for now, they're not making the right signers. And it's great that you said that, Fletch, because it's funny. The young lad that they just signed from Lecce, I've watched him playing since in Serie A. I personally don't think he is ready for the Premier League. He gets caught out of position defensively a lot. He's not defensively aware. I don't understand how this is being seen as the

right signing right now, where I've questioned that myself. And I can't even believe it with the people, my colleagues, where Manchester United are signing him. He is not ready for the Premier League, in my opinion. Maybe he might surprise me, but that's again a signing that they've just made that I don't think is going to move the needle for Manchester United. Man United don't get to have the first pick anymore like they used two years ago. They're probably the third or fourth pick

that people go, all right, then we'll go to Man United. It's a big club. They're not getting their number one targets. That club is suffering massively. And I think it's going to take a long, long time till they get back to where they want to be. You see someone like,

and I don't like to dig out players, but I will pick this guy out. Someone like Anthony. 10-hug side Anthony. He didn't go, they didn't recruit and go and say, he's just someone he had that was playing with him in the Dutch league. And he thought, oh, that league is totally different

to the Premier League. He thought, could he come here and do it here? Where if you'd gone and got someone like, and I'm thinking out loud here, someone like a Michael Alise who was at Palace who knows the Premier League, who Man United were interested in but didn't go and get him and he ended up going to Bayern Munich and doing ever

so well. So their recruitment has been shocking, Fletch. Shocking. I know they've made changes but Man United fans are going to have to suffer before they become good again and they probably all know that. It seems a long time ago since they were the favourites to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham before he went to Bayern Munich.

The Express are reporting that United have entered the race to sign the Ipswich in England under 21 striker Liam de Lappe who's also been linked with a move to Spurs. I mean you'd be surprised if that deal was done tomorrow. I mean they've got to keep Ipswich otherwise they're going to get relegated surely. Since the beginning of last season

only Wolves 16 have lost more Premier League home games than Manchester United 13. Manchester United have now failed to have a shot on target in the first half

in five of their last 12 Premier League games. Amarim said after the match today, we choose to play with Cobby to use characteristics of Cobby,

nothing to do with Rasmus or Josh. It doesn't mean to play with two strikers you will score more goals. It's a problem for the team. I'm sorry. Is he trying to reinvent the wheel of what we're

seeing here? Is he trying to throw custard in our face? I'm sorry. So, how is Xerxe and Hoyland supposed to feel when they sit there and watch a centre midfielder young through the academy never played as a striker go and play ahead of you

in a Premier League game. We're supposed to sit there and we're supposed to go into training on Monday and look at you as a manager to say, you know what you're doing. Like, I believe in you.

Come on. I'm sorry. That's just my opinion. That's ridiculous there. Like, you can't tell me that's the right thing to do. Clinton, I'm 30 seconds on Crystal Palace

because it's easy to drill down on Manchester United but they've won again at Old Trafford. It's becoming a habit. We said this about Brighton the other week

but Palace are pretty good there too. They'll be delighted with that. Yeah, big result. Glasner's turned it around there.

They went to the game against Brentford on the weekend. They were a disappointing result but, yeah, to play like that at Old Trafford

and I think they got one of the informed strikers in the Premier League, Mateta. He's unplayable at the moment. It was good to see Adam Watton get backfford, and I think they've got one of the informed strikers in the Premier League, Mateta. He's unplayable at the moment. It was good to see Adam Watton get back on the pitch, who I think is a talented footballer. But they defend well.

I'll make this comment now, and I'll say it, Fletch. Mark Gahee is the best English defender around at the moment. If I was one of those top clubs, I'd be sniffing. I don't like to say it for Palace, but we know he's going to leave in the end. But he is one of the best. He oozes class, and I'll say it there. Probably, for me, their best know he's going to leave in the end. But he is one of the best. He oozes class. And I'll say it there.

Probably, for me, the best. It's funny. We just talked about Manchester United. That's the kind of signing they need to be making. There you go. I know they've just lost Martinez and Maguire's got one yet. But that's the kind of statement signing you need to be making to say, you could come here, be a future captain of Manchester United,

and you build on those type of signings. But again, I'm not going to be surprised if Geyen's somewhere else or befitting the Manchester United and you build on those type of signings. But again, I'm not going to be surprised if Gae Yen somewhere else will be fitting the Manchester United. So a teaser for you while we take a break. Forest won 7-0 this weekend against Brighton. Lewis Dunk scored an own goal. He's now got as many Premier League own goals as Jamie Carrick and Martin Skirtle

and Phil Jagielka, all of them on seven. Only one player has more own goals in Premier League history. Can you tell me who and how many own goals he scored? and Rory Smith and Chris Sutton to look back at the biggest stories from the weekend's football. They've obviously had terrible trouble scoring goals, particularly in open play this season. He's worrying about if he's not going to score the goals, then others aren't going to score. I suppose it's many strikers who felt like that, Chris.

Shearer, Larson, Hartson, all felt like that if they didn't score, maybe else would. The Monday Night Club, only on the Football Daily. Listen on BBC Sounds. On the Football Daily. Listen on BBC Sounds. On the Football Daily Podcast, the Premier League Review with Darren Fletcher. Listen on BBC

Sounds. So welcome back to the Premier League Review. Now, before the break, I said to you Lewis Dunk's got as many Premier League own goals as Jamie Carragher, Martin Skirtle and Phil Jagielka, all seven. Only one player's got more own goals in Premier League history. Can you guess who and how many? Is it Frank Sinclair?

It's not. Oh, you don't like me saying that. No, you said it now as well. I said it. Leave that in. Titus Bramble? No, no, no no it was Richard Dunn 10

oh yeah Danny did score a lot of own goals didn't he 10 6 for Man City 3 for Aston Villa 1 for QPR

when he was at Everton none in 60 so he's doing fine there Wales came off I bet he scored more own goals than he scored goals in his career

in the flesh I bet he did I bet he did I bet he did I bet he did more own goals than he scored goals in his career, Fletch. I bet he did. I bet he did. I bet he did. I bet he did. So, Forest 7, Brighton 0 at the City ground. Fletch, before we talk about Forest yet, I just want to say something and I think we have to make a point.

You was not on the pod last week. Is it because they lost 5-0 and then this week you're on the pod? Can you explain to everyone, please? I can't actually think where I was last week you're on the pod. Can you explain to everyone, please? I can't actually think where I was last week. Oh, you can't remember. I was at Craven Cottage doing Full of Man United.

That's why I was actually working. Alright, alright, we'll let you off. It's irrefutable because you could go back and check. I believe you, I believe you. You're not the first person to ask the question this week. So, Forest 7, Brighton 0, Chris Wood got a hat-trick and Anthony Alanga had a hat-trick of assists. That's my first ever 7-win game, I think.

I've took 7-0 in the past, but let's not talk about that. Let's talk about today. I think today was amazing for each and every single one of us. We stuck to the game plan, especially coming from a tough defeat last week. It showed our spirit and we wanted to get back today and I feel like we did that Everybody was right on it weren't they?

Everyone was on it and I'm just happy for Chris he deserves that he's been in the league a long time and I think this is his best goal scoring season and I'm so happy for him and I feel like me and him we've got a good connection

whether it's on the pitch or off the pitch and yeah it was just a brilliant performance from everyone The words might be banned but we're at the end of a Champions League week. I'm sure you would have been watching the Champions League in midweek. Are you sitting there thinking, yeah, I fancy that? I think it's in everyone's dreams.

I've had the opportunity to play three times. Of course, you want it more. But for us as players, we just want to focus on the next game. And if it comes, it comes. But we take it game by game. Today was a really good win, 7-0. Again, it's my first ever time winning 7-0. Hopefully many more to come.

And let's just keep building on this and just let our football do the talking and just continue to ride the wave. So that's Anthony Alanga, who was outstanding, making the goals for Chris Wood. That's Brighton's heaviest league defeat since 1958. It's the first hat-trick at the city ground in a top-flight game by a Forest player

since Nigel Clough in 1987, the three that Chris Wood got. It's the first time they've won 7-0 at the City ground. How mad's this, by the way? It shows how old I am. It's the first time they've won 7-0 at the City ground since April 1991. It was two or three games before the FA Cup final when Gazza injured his knee. I commentated on the radio on that game and then commentated on the one at the weekend when they won 7-0 against Brighton. That's mad. Absolutely mad. This is my favourite

at the weekend, right? So there's a pub in Nottingham called the Gedling Inn, right? And they put a tweet out on the morning of the game that said free pint when Forest score. And then they're advertising 12.30 kick-off, two for one on mains and burgers, two for 15 quid

on the pizzas. So, everybody in the pub got seven free pints. And I'm telling you, right, they were true to their word, and they stuck to it, and they gave everybody in there seven free pints on Saturday. So, well done to everybody at the Gedlin Inn. I think that's fantastic.

That's quality. That's quality. That is brilliant. They stuck to their words. Everyone was saving their money then, weren't they, Fletch? Buzz it. Have seven pints and then you just can keep on. Seven pints on the house.

Not one, not two. Seven. You can have seven pints on the house at the Gedlin Inn. I mean, what a response that is, Knights, to what happened the week before. I mean, as good as Bournemouth were

beating Forest 5-0 as Clinton's just rubbed me nose in it in the prior piece, to come back and respond like that and do what they did was a real show of strength from that team. It was a show of strength and character. And what it was as well is it's a little bit of a jab back at the doubters that people doubt, you know, Forest will finish in the top four and they're not in the race for the Premier League title.

So when they got that result against Bournemouth, I think it's one of those ones where those doubters would be like, I told you so. So that game against Brighton was so important. It was what's their reaction like? Are they really in this Premier League title race? Are they really in for finishing in the top four? And emphatically, they went there and put an absolute masterclass performance against a Brighton side that are no mugs themselves. You know, very difficult team to beat on the day. We've seen some of the results that they're capable of getting when they're on it. But that result there really was a great reaction result that they needed

after what they faced at Pormouth. It was interesting, Clinton, because the message from Nuno Espirito Santo all week was, we don't need change, we need a reaction. And then he went to three at the back, so he made a big change. He played two up front, Ilanga and Chris Wood, packed his midfield with some talent, and it was completely different.

The reason it's not a complete sea change is that he's been doing that in-game this season. So they've been starting with a back four, and with about 20 minutes to go, they switched to the back three to essentially get them over the line. But changing to that system yesterday, they looked so comfortable, didn't they?

Playing with the back three and Alanga giving the freedom at the top end of the pitch. No, they look good, Fletcher. They're outstanding. And Nigel made a brilliant comment. You know, Brighton, a lot of the top teams don't like to play Brighton.

Brighton are a difficult team to play against. Brighton can surprise a lot of the top teams. I like to play Brighton. Brighton are a difficult team to play against. Brighton can surprise a lot of the top teams. I thought Northern Forest were fantastic. I thought they defended brilliant. He could afford to make changes. You know what was

the bright thing for me? Seeing Danilo back on the football pitch. I watched the game when he picked up that horrific injury where they had to put the sheets around him

and to see Danilo back playing in midfield and they're so strong in that position as well now in midfield. They've got some top players. We mentioned in the langanger, Gibbs White. Gibbs White, brilliant as well.

He was outstanding as well. I like a Langer though. I watched a lot of him. I remember when he played Liverpool and I was at the Forest Ground. He caused Robertson all kinds of problems with his pace. He's frightening to be fair. And I think you have to change it sometimes. When you don't have Hudson-Odoi out there and a Langer on one side,

to play the three at the back, I think it worked against Brighton. And another player who's been fantastic, Chris Wood. He just looks like he's so full of confidence at the moment. And people just say, oh, you don't see Chris Wood in a game. So listen, how we were talking about Haaland, I think Chris Wood, and I'm not comparing the two strikers. What I'm saying to you is Chris Wood, you see him more. The ball goes up to him.

He'll want to hold it. He wants to run in behind. He wants to stretch. So he's evolved his game and he's also scoring hat-tricks as well. What a time to be a Forest fan, eh, Fletch? The city is buzzing. By the way, one comparison you can't make

between Haaland and Wood is if you gave Chris Wood a nine-year contract, he'd be 42 by the time. Oh, yeah, yeah. He can't play to that time. This, by the way, Nige, is his best personal top flight season at 33.

17 Premier League goals at 33. I mean, he's getting better the more experience he gets and he's in a team right now that play to his strengths. He scores all of his goals

at the far post. He's old school in that regard. The wingers know where he's going to be and it works really well. Just on Brighton, did they contribute

to their own downfall in the second half? I mean, they left poor Jack Hinchelwood on an island. They played 4-1, 4-1, and he was swamped every time Forrest got the ball. I really felt for him. I was disappointed that Fabian Herzl

had put him in that situation. I was disappointed that he did that, and they did contribute to their own downfall. Yeah, that's the best way to really say it, Fletch. But for me, I don't want to take nothing from Forrest, if I'm honest. I feel their performance was just sensational. And I think the biggest thing for me is, and what you said as well, is Chris Wood is on fire because they're playing to his strength,

which exactly goes to an earlier conversation we said about why Haaland isn't running in behind anymore, more so, because they're not playing to his strength. They're playing to what works in the system for Pep. everything that he's doing he's an old school number nine it's great to see because we see so many coaches and people involved in football now go more for athleticism than the actual footballer himself and Chris Wood is a footballer scoring with his head all the goals he's scoring he's growing in confidence and he's a threat in multiple ways and that's why I think that he needs to get a lot of credit for what he's scoring he's growing in confidence and he's a threat in multiple ways and that's why I think

that he needs to get a lot of credit for what he's doing and get his flowers so 47 points Clinton yep they say that

if you get to 70 it's hard to envisage a team not playing in the Champions League when you get to 70 so that's another 23 with what

14 games to go yeah I mean they're going to get 23 from 14 games aren't they you would say of course they are listen Fletch I think even 5th

could be enough for Champions League not enough for us to finish in the top 5 yeah so let me tell you something I know you can't make them bold statements but I'll make it

I think Forest will get be playing Champions League football next season I just think they've been fantastic I look at Newcastle on the weekend and I think they're a team that could be there or thereabouts, but they're going to lose to Fulham. Look at Fletch

smiling from ear to ear. But I do think they've got the chance. So I think Fletch will be having Champions League night actually commentating and probably supporting Forest next season. But they deserve it, Fletch. Everyone kept saying, oh, it's only going to be a matter of time before they fall off, they fall off, they fall off.

And when they have a bad result, it's how you react. I always think everyone can have a bad result. We've seen loads of teams, the top teams have bad results. It's how you react. They reacted. And they didn't just beat Brighton,

they battered Brighton. 7-0, battered them. Created numerous chances and can afford to take off their top players and bring on people like Bollie at the end and let him get a big round of applause. That is how much confidence is in that camp at the moment. So, Fletch, you keep smiling, mate. Your day. You smile, Fletch.

I'll just say that there's something special right now happening at Forest and they deserve it. And when you look at the top four situation, the clubs that they're competing against, Manchester City lost today. Newcastle have kind of hit a bit of a glitch really in their situation now. Chelsea as well, the same. So all the teams that are still competing in that top four, Forest have stayed consistent. And I would say if you look at the top three, you've got obviously Liverpool, Arsenal and Forest. I would say the biggest difference between Forest and Arsenal is it's a man named Chris Wood. That's the biggest difference output between those two teams. So let's have a quick look at Liverpool then. They won again. I mean,

how good a result was that yesterday? When you think that, I mean, we've just talked about Forest beating Brighton 7-0. They were absolutely ripped apart by Bournemouth the week before 5-0. Prior to that, they got on the road to Newcastle and beaten them up at St. James's Park as well. I mean, that was a real show of strength, wasn't it, from Liverpool to roll into there and say, look, I know what you've done to others. We've seen you, but we're top of the league. We don't lose football matches

and we're going to show you what champions do. That felt like that kind of performance from Liverpool this weekend. If we needed any more confirmation, Clinton, it was there, that you go there to the form team in the division and you very calmly, methodically get your result, get your win and get on the bus and get out of there.

No, you're right, Fletch. It wasn't easy, though. I think Bournemouth, Alisson had to make some big saves and Semenya hitting the crossbar and stuff in the post. So it was difficult at times. On another day, Bournemouth could have come away with the three points, but it was down to, listen Soberslide I thought was outstanding but it's one player in particular, it's Mo Salah

his goals are, his penalty is a big penalty I know Gatpo does ever so well and Cook knows it's unfortunate for Cook who's done well at right back but big penalty from Salah because I remember him missing one there not too long ago so there was big pressure on him and then his second goal is just outrageous to be fair, you show him that

corner of that, he'll just bend it into that far corner. But no, it was a professional performance from Liverpool, but it's a hard place to go as well, Vitality Stadium. And Bournemouth did make it hard for Liverpool. Liverpool knew they were in a game. So for me, that's a big three points. And that's why I think Liverpool will go on and win the title because you go to places like Bournemouth, if you said Fletch, are outstanding at the moment and win 2-0 and come away with a clean sheet. I think fantastic. But the only slight doubt for Liverpool was obviously Trent going down,

which he looks like he's picked up an injury. And I know young Bradley's a good player, but they will miss Trent. But no, brilliant three points for Liverpool. Yeah, so 178 Premier League goals now for Mo Salah, which takes him to sixth on the list, all-time list. He's gone past Frank Lampard on 177. They're unbeaten in their last 14 away games

in the Premier League. Nine wins and five draws. Very, very good on the road. The Optus supercomputer gives them an 89.6% chance to win the title. 10.3 for the Gunners, 0.09 for Manchester City and 0.02 for Forest. By the fingertips fingertips still clinging

to the title race in the eyes of the Optus Oh wait hold on Man City are ahead of Nottingham Forest Outrageous Outrageous

Outrageous Outrageous Just joke Just joke The Optus computer needs a bang on its head Yeah The Optus computer

The good old fashioned bang on the monitor to get it working again Outrageous stuff. Nights, quick one on Everton. Three in a row under David Moyes.

It's amazing how things change. And if you want a club legend to go back in for his second stint as the manager, this is the way you want it to

start. It's a great start for him. Was there ever any doubt about it making the same impact? No.

Familiarity is the word I want to use because that plays a part. He knows the club, knows what it means to the same impact? No. Familiarity is the word I want to use because that plays a part. He knows the club, knows what it means to the fans, knows everything. It's in his DNA, which it is. So I'm not surprised that the impact he's had already. And I think it's a great

hire. It really is. And it's no disrespect to Sean Dice, but just what David Moyes knows about that club and been at that club. And I think he's even come back as a better manager. I'm not surprised that the impact he's having already. And Clinton, I'll give you the last words on Spurs. 2-0 winners against Brentford.

The Tottenham fans were singing, we are staying up. Yeah, and we're winning away from home as well. So that's quite good. But we are staying up and we kept a clean sheet. I think that was the most important thing. Clean sheet. And I've got to give a special mention. I thought the two boys,

Jed Spence and young Archie Gray were outstanding. Especially Jed against Buen and Buemo, sorry, who's been outstanding. I thought Spence was brilliant. So, yeah,

really good performance and yeah, we are staying up. Big week for Tottenham though, Fletch. Massive week. It is indeed. Big week for a lot of people

because it's transfer deadline day tomorrow so we're going to work out where everybody's going to end up once the window shuts. That's it. You can do nothing else between now and the end of the season so get your last minute trolley dash pies in tomorrow if that's what you need

to do. Elsewhere, Wolves moved out of the bottom three with a 2-0 win against Aston Villa. Southampton got their first Premier League win since November. 2-1 at Ipswich. Well done to the Saints. Also 2-1 at St. James' Park as Fulham came from behind to beat Newcastle.

Clinton, Nige, it's been an absolute pleasure. I love Sundays with you two. I love Sundays with you as well. I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I love Sundays with Fletch and I love Sundays with Nige and you keep wearing them clothes, Nige. Keep giving it to them. Fletch only shows his face when

Forrester winning and winning in style. You keep doing it, Fletch. You giving it to them. Fletch only shows his face when Forrester winning and winning in style. You keep doing it, Fletch. You keep doing it. I will try. Right, that's it for this episode of the Football Daily. The next one will be the Monday Night Club with Mark Chapman, Chris Sutton, Rory Smith and Theo Walker. Sir Alex Ferguson is the most successful British manager of all time.

So how did this apprentice toolmaker from Glasgow become one of the most iconic figures in sporting history? His strength of character, his determination, the fight in him. Ferguson was every department. He can be persuasive, he can be charming, he can be frightening. Godin is the best. It's as simple as that. I'm Kelly Cates and this is Sporting Giants, Sir Alex

Ferguson. I didn't want to feel. I couldn't feel. Listen on BBC Sounds.