Football Daily - UCL Debrief: Penalty controversy as Arsenal draw at Atletico

Episode Date: April 29, 2026

Mark Chapman is joined by Chris Sutton, John Murray and Rory Smith to react to Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid – a game raising even more question marks about the consistency of refereeing.... The panel also discuss whether getting away from Madrid with a draw a good result for Arsenal? Will they be nervous heading into the second leg?We also hear from a very frustrated Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta who says he is ‘incredibly fuming’ that they weren’t awarded a penalty for a foul on Eberechi Eze. Gary Birtles also joins the pod to look ahead to Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa in the Europa League semi-finals.Timecodes: 0’28: John Murray’s summary of the match 2’06: ‘Shocking decisions went against Arsenal’ 6’42: Will Arsenal be happy with a draw? 11’35: Mikel Arteta is ‘incredibly fuming’ 13’11: Importance of David Raya 14’40: Should Ademola Lookman have done better with his chances? 17’35: Why don’t Arsenal play to Gyokores’ strengths?Football commentaries this week:Thursday 30th April EUROPA LEAGUE: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa 2000 KO - LIVE ON 5 LIVE Saturday 2nd May WOMENS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Lyon v Arsenal 1400 KO - LIVE ON SPORTS EXTRA 2 PREMIER LEAGUE: Brentford v West Ham 1500 KO - LIVE ON 5 LIVE PREMIER LEAGUE: Newcastle v Brighton 1500 KO - LIVE ON SPORTS EXTRA PREMIER LEAGUE: Arsenal v Fulham 1730 KO - LIVE ON 5 LIVE Sunday 3rd May WSL: Man City v Liverpool 1200 KO - LIVE ON 5 LIVE PREMIER LEAGUE: Bournemouth v Crystal Palace 1400 KO - LIVE ON SPORTS EXTRA PREMIER LEAGUE: Manchester United v Liverpool 1530 KO - LIVE ON 5 LIVE Monday 4th May PREMIER LEAGUE: Chelsea v Nottingham Forest 1500KO – LIVE ON 5 LIVE SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP: Hearts v Celtic 1730KO – LIVE ON 5 LIVE

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Starting point is 00:00:27 Join 15 million customers internationally. smart, get wise. Download the Wise app today or visit wise.com. T's and C's Apply. On the Football Daily podcast, Champions League debrief with Mark Chapman. So it finished in Madrid. Athletico won, Arsenal won. Penalties for both sides.
Starting point is 00:00:52 Penalties overturned as well. A good goalkeeping display from David Raya. Maybe John Murray didn't have the excitement and the goals of last night, but it had storylines. No, not the thrills and spills and goals of PSG against Bayern, but instead we had fierce intensity, followed by following a remarkable pre-match mass cascade of toilet roll streamers from the stands. Both goals came from penalties,
Starting point is 00:01:24 and another one given Arsenal's way, was overturned by VAR. Victor Yocchores won and scored the first penalty just before half-time, Atletti equalised 10 minutes into the second half after another of those contentious UEFA handball penalty awards. This one going against Ben White and scored by Julian Alvarez. Athlete really stepped it up then. Greisman had a shot that struck the crossbar, then volleyed wide.
Starting point is 00:01:51 There were chances for Ademola Lutman. He really should have scored. And then that third penalty award when Hansko, who conceded the earlier penalty, stepped in on Eza. It looked like it would be a lifeline for Arsenal and a chance for them to take a lead into the second leg. Instead, VAR intervene
Starting point is 00:02:11 and decide that it was no foul by Hansko on Eberici, Ezer. And so there we are. 1-1, and I think we're expecting more of the same in the second leg in London next Tuesday. Chris Lussen, your view? You know, people can talk about
Starting point is 00:02:29 that, you know, the Arsenal performance, you know, were they good enough in the final third? You know, probably not again. I thought I'd let they were excellent in the second half and deserved something out of the game. But having said all that, I think that there were two shocking decisions which went against Arsenal. I didn't think it was a handball by Ben White
Starting point is 00:02:50 because the ball deflected off his shin first and his, you know, his arm is out a little bit. But, you know, the fact is the ball deflected off his shin first. I think, you know, everybody thought because of that, should the penalty shouldn't have been awarded. And hands go as clumsy as you like, steps on as is part of Ez's foot. And they don't really protest.
Starting point is 00:03:09 I always think that's the biggest tell of, you know, from players. And, you know, they certainly protested for the, so they protested against the award of the, the Yocchores penalty, really vehemently. And, you know, got in the referee's face, but not so with that one. And then the referee goes to the monitor
Starting point is 00:03:27 and you sort of know what's going to happen. but I would have liked to see the referee be stronger in that moment. He gave it in real time. He thought it was a foul. And from everything which I've seen on the monitor, it looked like there was contact on Ezz's foot. So the penalty should have been awarded. And, you know, Arsenal should be going back to the Emirates
Starting point is 00:03:48 in a much stronger position. Rory, how are you dealing with the penalties on match of the day later? We've had a robust debate. Nadem wasn't surprised that the ESE one was overturned. He spotted that there wasn't enough contact. And also he kind of highlighted that if you look at Eze's left leg, it kind of swings around to kind of make sure that everyone sees that he's been kicked. I'm surprised that one was overturned.
Starting point is 00:04:19 I think the first one, the Athletico one, that's the UA for handball, which weirdly is kind of directly contravenes IFAB's actual guidance on handball, but those are given. in the Champions League I agree they're soft but in a way
Starting point is 00:04:35 given that we saw a very similar one for PSG last for PSG last night doesn't make it right but I suppose I mean there would have been a real controversy had PSG got that one
Starting point is 00:04:47 last night and Athlete not got the one tonight that would have maybe been so you carry on awarding you carry on awarding like staff decisions do you because it happened the night before I think in that case you maybe want a little bit of consistency but I'd Chris, I basically agree with you.
Starting point is 00:05:02 I don't think either of the handball one should have been a penalty. And I actually thought all three tonight were relatively soft, including the one that wasn't given. I don't think people want that kind of consistency, do they? Who'd like... I'd rather see consistency of not giving those handballs. Who'd like a chast about the... Or who'd like the IFAB rule?
Starting point is 00:05:27 Go on. So a handball should not be awarded. that if the player heads, kicks or plays the ball with another part of their body and it then hits their own hand arm. But the key word there is plays. So therefore, if it deflects, you haven't played it, and that's why it's given? Yeah, and the guidance seems to be that if it deflects
Starting point is 00:05:51 and your arm is outstretched from your body, then it's still handball. But I've got to admit, that feels like a very semantic difference. And to be honest, I mean, I agree with John and Chris, to a large extent, It just feels as though, and this isn't just UEFA, in this case it is UEFA, but it's not just UEFA. Officials are kind of getting themselves into really complicated areas that they don't really need to be in. I don't see why you have to distinguish the difference. If it deflects onto someone's hand, it shouldn't be a penalty.
Starting point is 00:06:17 That seems relatively obvious. Well, I think Alan Shearer said it on commentary last night for the Paris Saint-German one. And John, Jamie Carriger said it this evening. The Champions League is the best football by a mile, but the penalty decisions for handball. ball are a stain on the competition. It's interesting because I actually went to a referee's briefing when we're at the Nations League for earlier this year. And Roberto Rossetti, who's the head of referees, who gave us a little, a part of that
Starting point is 00:06:47 briefing was on hand balls. And, you know, they are adamant that they are nailing it with hand balls. And, you know, they showed us a series of decisions, which I have to say I'm sitting in the room thinking, I'm not sure about that. And he's definitive saying that's a handball, that's a penalty. In Champions League, you're away from matches. That will be given as a penalty. As far as the game is concerned, Rory, I'll come to you first because you're going
Starting point is 00:07:16 to have to go for the TV bit shortly. Us would have taken that pre-kickoff, aren't they? Yeah, it's a good result. I mean, obviously, we're all of an age now, aren't we? We're as part of our brains, they have to remember that away dolls don't count anymore. but I think getting away from Madrid with a draw is a good result
Starting point is 00:07:34 and okay they could have had the penalty later on and they'll feel aggrieved that they didn't but a one all draw going back to London they will now rightly be regarded as favourites to go through so I think Artetta will be pleased if maybe a touch frustrated that it
Starting point is 00:07:48 isn't an actual advantage Chris yeah I understand what Rory's saying but, you know, sitting here in the stadium tonight, you spoke about it in commentary. The Adelaide fans were waiting for a moment to really get fired up and behind their team. And the award of the penalty just changes everything.
Starting point is 00:08:15 So while on the face of it, it's, you know, it's an okay result. I mean, if you're an Arsenal player sitting in that dressing room, Michael Artecda will come out and, you know, I suspect he will be so angry because they've come so far this season and they would have just liked to be in a position where they could go back to the emirates you know have a you know take a lead and and just try and try and have an end to the season which is more comfortable but now the game next Tuesday is going to be so highly pressurized and you know the atmosphere in the stadium is going to be so so intense because of
Starting point is 00:08:50 what's at stake you'd make arsenal favorites but the way at let me performed in the in the second half. I mean, you know, they showed their quality and had Luckman been more clinical? I mean, that was a big, big chance. A player at this level shouldn't be missing that chance. You can say, well, Raya got down and made the save, but he should never have been allowed to make a save in that moment. So that's another match for that's another match for Arsenal where they've not scored more than one goal. So that's now eight matches in a roll that they've not scored more than
Starting point is 00:09:21 one goal in the match. But I think also significantly tonight, we want to hear what the news is with Alvarez because that would be a significant blow for Atlago Madrid if he's out and injured for the second leg. I sort of Rory finally, I go a little bit the other way from Chris on what it will be like next Tuesday. I think the atmosphere there will be very different
Starting point is 00:09:44 to how it would be for a league game and I think the atmosphere at the Emirates might be akin maybe not with a toilet roll hitting John Murray on the head but I think it might be akin to how it was there tonight at the start. And that's a high bar, but yeah, I agree. I mean different, but I still think fired up would be my description of it, maybe next week, rather than nervous. Yeah, I think there's a difference between how Arsenal fans are
Starting point is 00:10:13 approaching the Champions League and how they're approaching the Premier League. The Premier League feels intensely stressful for them, whereas I still think there's an element of pleasurable adventure about the Champions League. The Premier Leader, you know, we spoke to Leith before the game, the Premier League is kind of what, they yearn for it 22 years on,
Starting point is 00:10:29 and that's kind of occupying their thoughts, every game feels so tense and so fraught, whereas I think the Champions League, because it represents a break, because it is a little bit different, because it doesn't feel quite so kind of, it doesn't feel as though they might, you know, be facing a future
Starting point is 00:10:42 in which they think they have thrown it away. It feels much more likely to generate the atmosphere, the sort of atmosphere that we saw, to be honest, against PSG last year, where the Emirates was deafening and was a cauldron and I suspect it will be the same against Athletic. We'll be before kickoff, won't it? It'll be before kick off and then the game will kick off
Starting point is 00:11:02 and Arsenal fans will be mightly nervous. I'll let you go, Rory. Thank you because you've got the highlights. It's a completely different competition though, Chris. It's not the same. It doesn't matter. It does. It's about the...
Starting point is 00:11:18 No, it doesn't. It's about the... journey and it's about what it's about what is at stake for arsenal they are they are i know everybody's you know kicking them at this moment in time but they have the possibility of winning a champions league which i've never done before and uh and they have the possibility of winning the premier league and and the fact that it's won all now and and you know they go back to the emirates it will be raucas before kickoff but there will be the same nervousness because of what's at stake it's a it's a huge game and the expectation will be on Arsenal to win because they're playing.
Starting point is 00:11:55 Adletta home aside they've already beaten 4-0 in the Champions League this season. And that will bring its own pressures, especially as John spoke about. This isn't a free-scoring Arsenal team. And Aletli's showed that they are a very capable team in the second half to see. Right, let's hear from Mikhail Artessa. What I'm incredibly fuming with is how to help the penalty on every. gets overturned in the manner that happened when it's not a clear and obvious error. And this changes the course of the game and at this level, I'm sorry, but this cannot happen.
Starting point is 00:12:28 Have you had any explanation on that? No, there's a very clear explanation. The decision and what happens for a period of time and the referee has to watch it 13 times. It's more clear than that, I think it's impossible and yeah, we are all fuming about it. We need to apply the rules. The same thing that I'm saying, that they apply the rules on Ben White's penalty, that is difficult to accept, but it is a penalty. with a handbook and what they say at the beginning of the season,
Starting point is 00:12:53 EPS is a clear and very obvious penalty. That's it. When you have fought so hard for nine months to be in this position, I mean, that's another goal that changed completely course of the time. And it cannot happen. I'm sorry, we put so much on it. So, so much on it. This cannot happen.
Starting point is 00:13:10 I totally agree. I think Arsenal have been absolutely robbed this evening with that one, with the award of the penalty at the other end. and people can argue the merits, but everybody watching the game tonight, you talk about Arsenal's display and what they lacked and what they didn't do, but Arsenal would be in an unbelievable position
Starting point is 00:13:32 going into the tie at the Emirates next week, and now they have a lot of work to do, and I think that that's unfair on them. I really, really do. They feel hard done by. They have been hard done by. David Reyes showed his value, didn't he? tonight.
Starting point is 00:13:51 Yeah, I think he did. I think the save early on was excellent from Alvarez. The one, I mean, look when, the more I've seen that, I thought it went to his left-hand side, but lookman actually hits it straight at him. But he's a top-quality goalkeeper.
Starting point is 00:14:07 He's good with the ball at his feet. And no, he had another big evening. But that's the norm for David Ryan. Just out of interest, Arsenal have kept clean sheets in 17. of their last 23 home European matches and also at home in the European competitions they have lost one of their last 24
Starting point is 00:14:30 mind you it might finish as a draw and go to penalties well you gave with one hand there and then took away with the other didn't you very much yokez has been talking to my thing it is a balanced yorkerez has been speaking to tn t and t and He says, I think in the first half we controlled, had good opportunities to score in the second. They started much better. They managed to get a goal eventually. Overall, tough game, tough place to come, but it's only half time.
Starting point is 00:15:01 On the Eza penalty, he said, I don't know why they overturned it. It looks like contact, but it's their decision. We know when we play at home with our fans, it will be different for sure. We have to be at our best, and it will be a good game at home. It was not very easy to regain the momentum we had in the first half to, towards the end we got it back, but it was a tough second half. From an Athletico Madrid point of view, Chris,
Starting point is 00:15:25 that Lutman should really, really have done better with one or two of his chances, shouldn't he? I mean, that was where they could have had the lead this evening. Yeah, I mean, the first chance he had left-hand side of the box, he went for power and hit it straight at David Wright. He should find that far corner, but he went for power, I understand that he's put his laces through.
Starting point is 00:15:50 He's a right-footed player. The, I mean, the big chance was where he got across Ben White and then he shifted it onto his left foot. And, I mean, a professional player shouldn't miss an opportunity like that. You know, I know Declan Rice was running back and put him under pressure, but he should be able to do what he wants in that situation, just find the corner. And David Rye was sharp and got down and made the save,
Starting point is 00:16:16 but he should not in that. situation have been allowed to get anywhere near that. That was the biggest chance of the game. And I know Greasman hit the bar as well. Lett be a different team in the second half. And they did. They played with a ferocity in the second half, which wasn't quite there in the first half.
Starting point is 00:16:38 The second half flew by. And it was a much better, I think, spectacle and game to watch in the second half. And that's why Arsenal fans, watching this game tonight, you know, I sense they'll be nervy because, you know, they, they were very good in the second half. And they've been to Barcelona and won there, so they're not, they're not going to necessarily fear going to the, to the Emirates. Interestingly, last time they played each other in a semi-final, which was the Europa
Starting point is 00:17:06 League in 2018, first leg finished 1-1. That was in London. And then the second leg finished 1-0 to the home team here. Right. Have you got a negative to balance that out? I mean or are you just giving with one hand on this occasion yeah by half past ten
Starting point is 00:17:25 I'll give you one I'll give you one back but the surprising thing from to that Atletico Madrid perspective there Chris is that
Starting point is 00:17:34 is that they waited till the second half to as you say to fire on all cylinders a bit more you'd have thought given how it was at the start of the game
Starting point is 00:17:42 they would have come out firing yeah yeah they did for the first five, ten minutes, didn't they? But then credit to Arsenal that they got control of the game.
Starting point is 00:17:56 But it was all mainly side to side. There was the Madowecki effort where he came in from the right-hand side and got a shot off. The one frustration I played centre-forward myself is... Did you? Six foot, however big...
Starting point is 00:18:12 Many positions, Mark. Victor I'm... He's six for two, six-for-three, whatever is. He's a big... guy and they have the ball in wide areas and they neglect to cross the ball in and I don't I don't quite I don't quite understand that I know what Alan Shear would say about it he'd use stronger words and I don't quite understand it but but but I don't understand of why you have that type of centre forward and you don't try and play to to his strengths
Starting point is 00:18:38 he's not he's not the cleverest player he's a grafter he's a channel runner he took his penalty brilliantly but but you know give him a chance this isn't a free scoring Arsenal but they don't help themselves when they have opportunities. I mean, certainly on the left-hand side, a couple of opportunities, and they could put the ball in, and they ended up on one occasion going all the way back to David. Right, I just don't understand that. You need to score a goal.
Starting point is 00:19:04 You can score from crosses. Do you think he doesn't have the presence within the squad at the moment to be that demanding? You know, if they'd brought in a hook, million pound striker, for example, who then went, you've brought me in, this is how you play to my strengths. Do you think that would be easier
Starting point is 00:19:29 for that hypothetical signing? Do you think Yorcares, you know, let's be honest, Shearer's been open about it wasn't just words sometimes. He'd pin the odd one up against the dressing room wall and say, put that ball in earlier. But do you think in his first season and finding his way,
Starting point is 00:19:46 he maybe doesn't have that present. to do that. I think that's a really interesting point. I mean, you know, you listen to him speak. He seems like he's a lovely bloke, doesn't he? But you've got to have that ruthlessness. And the fact that people have, you know, have questioned him.
Starting point is 00:20:07 He's the Arsenal Centre Forward. He was the guy who was going to make the difference. And he's actually done a right this season. But if you want to score a goal, you know, and you're a big physical. striker and he is a bit more than that. You know, he is a good finisher.
Starting point is 00:20:24 But, you know, you have to get chances and it doesn't help when you have balls in good crossing areas and people aren't prepared to take a chance and put a ball in. And I understand principles of play. And, you know, if something isn't on,
Starting point is 00:20:39 come out, you're trying to probe at times. But you can score from crosses. You know, it is allowed. And if you have that type of striker, then why not? throw the ball in. If you have, you know, a small diminutive striker, then it's maybe not the smartest thing to do. But, you know, you have that option, you have that tool in the middle who can, you know, who could, you know, head the ball pretty well. And, uh, and they don't, they don't throw it in.
Starting point is 00:21:07 We ever described as the tool in the middle? Yeah, I realize what I said there. That's a good, good point. Yeah, often and worse. Live live. Patrick Kildsey. Stumbling your way into Saturday mornings with great guests. Good morning, Jimmy Nesbitt. Good morning, the party. You're terrible. Kids taking down commentators. You've wiped the floor with our commentator, Kay. How does it feel?
Starting point is 00:21:35 It feels nice. Football chants from the gods. Take me all. I did wrong. The less set about the host, the better. Patrick Kildee. Saturday's from 9. Listen on BBC Sounds. Daily Podcast Champions League
Starting point is 00:21:55 Debrief with Mark Chapman Tomorrow night Astor Villa at Nottingham Forest in a big European semi-final with two-time European Cup winner Gary Burtles part of our commentary team
Starting point is 00:22:06 at the City Ground and he joins us now some special memories from the past Gary absolutely yeah it's many years ago but it seems like only yesterday
Starting point is 00:22:16 and yeah I agree with what you were saying about balls being put in early you know as a striker you're desperate for that and I was lucky enough to play for the genius that was called John Robertson and I had Martin
Starting point is 00:22:27 O'Neill on the other side and the ball was put in quickly defenders hate that more than anything and Forrest has been doing that just lately Morgan Gibbs White got a hat trick the other week great header you know Yates came on and put a great ball across for him
Starting point is 00:22:42 so Forrest before then they were checking back there's nothing worse for a striker the checking back because a striker then has to come out make another run and it's so frustrating when you see that. Just on the attacking points with Forrest,
Starting point is 00:22:59 we told you to Andy Reid earlier as well. Do you think Vito Pereira will be brave tomorrow? And I mean brave in the sense of continuing what he did with the second half against Burnley and then the last game as well with that at Sunderland, with the sort of two up front and Gibbs White pushed a bit wider? Why not?
Starting point is 00:23:20 You scored nine goals. in two games. It just confuses the opposition because nobody's used to see it two up front anymore. I think Forrest tried it once last season. It didn't quite come off A, when he was up there
Starting point is 00:23:32 with Chris Wood, I think. But Jay-Zus, you know, offers you a little bit more. He'll go in the channels. He'll go beyond people. He's honest. He'll hold the ball up. Chris Wood is one of the most honest
Starting point is 00:23:43 players out there. His work rate is, you know, terrific. And I think defenders find it a little bit difficult to comprehend that they've got to mark two central, you know, players.
Starting point is 00:23:54 And we've got Morgan Gibbs White on the left-hand side who's causing, you know, problem after problem at the moment. So, yeah, it'll be very interesting to see the team selection tomorrow. I think he will be brave. I hope he's brave. Does it feel, Chris, that Forrester, I mean, it sounds ridiculous, I suppose, when they're still in a relegation battle a bit, but they're peaking at just the right time for this semi-time.
Starting point is 00:24:15 Yeah, yeah, it does. And, you know, I just, I just hope the Forest players focus on the, you know, focus on the game tomorrow and don't, you know, aren't thinking too much about the Premier League, you know, everybody talks about the importance and we know financially how important it is. But, you know, for For us to get back in, you know, in this position where they can, you know, get to another European final, it's a, it's a really big deal. It's a big night. They're up against, you know, an Aston Villa team who who are capable, but Forrest have that momentum now going into this game. So they'll, you know,
Starting point is 00:24:49 they'll fancy I think well I mean the other thing just part of the Premier League there is a Champions League place on the line as well Gary I know that's getting slightly ahead of ourselves yeah I mean
Starting point is 00:25:02 you've got to give Ville a credit for what they've done this season fifth place at the moment looked like you know certain to get in Champions League place Forrest missed out by you know a point they drew with Lester at the end of last season
Starting point is 00:25:13 had they won that game that had been in the Champions League yeah it's a massive thing and people will keep saying players have been rested for this, the more intent on staying in the Premier League, which is understandable. But Forrest did well against Villa a few weeks ago.
Starting point is 00:25:31 That was the start of the run they went on. I think we all said if we could get a point on that game against Aston Villa at home, then you've got Burnley and Sunderland coming up. You can build on that, and that's exactly what they did. Yeah, but I mean, Champions League special. I mean, I know that from what we did all those years ago.
Starting point is 00:25:49 So that'll be in the flayers minds and why can't they do both? Why can't they stay up? Why can't they go and win the Europa League? And John Murray, that's as important to Villa as it is to Forrest because of those 80s memories that we were talking about. Well, I think not only the 80s memories, the fact that they've had the recent memories,
Starting point is 00:26:09 some great Champions League experiences they've had in the recent past. So they want that back again. And I think for where the current ownership, and everyone at Villa now want that club to be, they need that as part of what they do on a regular basis season in, season out, don't they? They do, and if we talk about hitting form at the right time. Ollie Watkins is in one of his purple patches as well, Chris,
Starting point is 00:26:39 with six in his last six. Yeah, I heard him talk a few weeks ago, and I think he said it was his most disappointing season, I think, as a player, but yeah, He's hitting for him at the right time. Of course, with the World Cup, you know, not too far away. So I think that's a big deal for him because I think a lot of people were looking at him this season and thinking, well, you know, is Thomas Tuchel actually going to pick him? But I think, you know, his goals have come at the right time.
Starting point is 00:27:07 And, you know, it's good for Runei Emory. I mean, Viller have been, you know, excellent under Runei now for a number of seasons and, you know, question marks whether they have the squad. depth, but no, they're a good team on the day. It's going to be fascinating because it's so big for both clubs. Final one, Gary, do you think Forrest needs to take a lead to Villa Park? Not necessarily. I think that, you know, you saw what they did at Sunderland. You know, not many teams have done that to Sunderland are on their own pitch this season.
Starting point is 00:27:41 I think they've got enough, if we keep everybody fit, enough players in that squad that, you know, can turn game on its head. you've got Elliot Anderson, you've got Gibbs White, you've got Sangari, who's been terrific. He keeps getting, forgotten a little bit, I think, Sangari, because of what Gibbs White and Anderson are doing. But, you know, he's become an integral part of that midfield. And I think against Aston Villa, you have to match their midfield
Starting point is 00:28:04 if you're going to get anything out of it, because they're very strong there, they move it quickly. You know, sometimes I've watched Forrest playing. They have three, four touches. When you watch Villa do it, it's one-two touch. You know, they get things done. If it's on, they do it. quickly and that causes
Starting point is 00:28:19 teams problems. You know, the more touches you take, the more chance you've got of getting back as a defender to get behind things. So yeah, it's if they can match that midfield, I think Forrest have got every chance and not be afraid of that second
Starting point is 00:28:35 leg. You know, Villar will be delighted that the first leg is in Forrest, I'm sure. As Arsenal were, you know, they've just got a drawer over there. They'll be thinking we're favourites now. So, yeah, you can see the thought behind it but in a semi-final anything could happen and I
Starting point is 00:28:51 think it could be a crack in two legs. Enjoy tomorrow Gary. Thank you for being with us. Gary Berzels. We'll be alongside Ian Dennis and Stephen Walker at the City Ground tomorrow build up from 7th. Enjoy your evening is Madrid where you have your little sherry bar, John?
Starting point is 00:29:10 There is a sherry bar here, yes. Yes. Yes. Although I think it might be a little bit late in the evening for that. There's also a very good one near Rail Madrid that we go to but again we're in the wrong place for that tonight plus the fact Chris has got to leave at 4 o'clock in the morning
Starting point is 00:29:27 just go just go through Chris a couple of sherrys with John yeah that's what I'm thinking well a big cricket game tomorrow I don't think I'll be required to umpire though before you ask you have three sherry's end you'll be fine right that's it thank thank you John
Starting point is 00:29:43 and Chris that's it for the football daily more reactions this week's European action on the Euroleaks on next episode of the pot. Welcome to the Wayne Rooney show. Wayne Rooney, Kay Curd and me, Kelly Somers, break down the biggest stories in the Premier League and beyond. He's gone in quite quick, but he hasn't caught him high.
Starting point is 00:30:12 I just don't think it's a red card. Plus, we'll hear the funniest and most outrageous stories from Wayne's career. I was going into positions and doing things I shouldn't have really been doing, but you do it because you feel like you have to and that helped us drive on and win the FA Club. The Wayne Rooney Show, watch an eye player, listen on sounds. Thank you.

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