Audio Football Club
Thom Gibbs, Mina Rzouki and the UK's finest team of sports reporters unpack the week in football, every Monday. Join the club.
Episodes
The Steve Coogan Derby
A fantastic result for Norwich City as they beat Manchester City 3-2 at Carrow Road - we investigate whether is it as straightforward as blaming Stones and Otamendi for the result.Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur appear to have settled into the season and both dished out thrashings to Wolves and Crystal Palace respectively.Elsewhere a towering Harry Maguire for Manchester United, a Champions League preview and the future of FC Barcelona.Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.ukSign up to free twice-daily WhatsApp audio briefings - http://bit.ly/2XJU05f
16/09/19•49m 0s
Sofia, so good
It’s international break on the podcast this week and we discuss England’s comfortable win against Bulgaria and their impending comfortable win over Kosovo.Elsewhere, Wales struggle past Azerbaijan, Scotland are in trouble after defeat to Russia and Northern Ireland face Germany in a qualifying six pointer.Plus there’s WSL action, Javi Gracia’s sacking and a round-up of goings on in Europe.Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.ukSign up to free twice-daily WhatsApp audio briefings - http://bit.ly/2XJU05f
09/09/19•47m 46s
Demolition derbies
On the podcast today, Mina Rzouki is joined by JJ Bull, Sam Dean and Ali Tweedale to discuss and decide which of the weekend's derbies was the best, and why Arsenal vs Spurs always delivers. Did Celtic crush Rangers in the first Glasgow derby of the season? Was the real action in Rome?
Speaking of delivering, is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in a difficult 'moment'? Is Sergio Aguero capable of pushing for the Golden Boot yet again? (Spoiler: yes) And are Leicester good for a Champions League spot?
So many questions - and they're all squeezed into an action-packed episode of Audio Football Club.
Email us: afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
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02/09/19•50m 46s
Et Tu, Marcus?
On the podcast today, big losses for Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur this weekend. The former proving Arsenal are still lacking behind the league’s best sides and the latter thanks to a tactically astute Steve Bruce for Newcastle.
Speaking of managerial masterclasses, Crystal Palace beat Manchester United at Old Trafford for the first time since 1989, featuring an impressive debut for Gary Cahill. More importantly though, who will take the next penalty for United?
Plus Serie A kicks off with a lot more goals than expected and we mull over the greatest individual performances in football.
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27/08/19•47m 37s
Tiki Tactile
On the podcast today, we start with Tottenham’s fortuitous point against Man City before taking a long hard look at Frank Lampard’s first game in charge at Stamford Bridge.
Elsewhere there have been good starts for Arsenal and newly promoted Sheffield United and Norwich City but less so Newcastle and Crystal Palace.
Plus a look at the big football league stories so far and you picked your favourite footballing Finns.
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19/08/19•52m 21s
Lampard Day’s Night
Today on your weekly dose of the AFC podcast, Chelsea stumbled at Old Trafford against Manchester United who looked back on track, if slightly fortuitous, with Ole at the wheel.
Elsewhere Liverpool and Manchester City pick up where they left off last season(being very, very good at football) and a rare away clean sheet for Arsenal.
Plus Spurs, Brighton, Burnley all impress, transfer deadline day, and Ligue 1 kicked off.
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12/08/19•51m 41s
Premier League Preview: Southampton - Wolves
The Premier League returns this week and we are previewing every club in the division
It’s the final of four Premier League Preview specials and in this episode we assess Southampton, Tottenham, Watford, West Ham and Wolves.
Plus Mina Rzouki previews whether there is anything other than PSG dominance to look forward to in Ligue 1 and the other big stories we can hope to see from around Europe.
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
08/08/19•44m 15s
Premier League Preview: Manchester City - Sheffield United
The Premier League returns this week and we are previewing every club in the division
Episode three of this week’s Premier League previews looks at Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Norwich City and Sheffield United.
Plus Mina Rzouki looks forward to the upcoming Serie A season, will there be a title race? How will Atalanta fare in the Champions League?
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
07/08/19•45m 45s
Premier League Preview: Chelsea - Liverpool
The Premier League returns this week and here at Audio Football Club towers we are previewing every club in the division.
Episode two of this week’s Premier League previews looks at Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Everton, Leicester City and Liverpool.
Plus Mina Rzouki takes us through the potential highs and lows of the Bundesliga in the 19/20 season.
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
06/08/19•48m 16s
Premier League Preview: Arsenal - Burnley
The Premier League returns this week and here at Audio Football Club towers we are previewing every club in the division.
Episode one starts with Arsenal, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Brighton & Hove Albion and Burnley.
Plus there’s plenty to look forward to in La Liga this season as Mina Rzouki previews the fate of the favourites for the title in Spain.
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
05/08/19•50m 30s
Yanks for the memories
It’s the final podcast of the World Cup and what a ride it’s been. The USA might have won it fairly easily in the end but it’s been a fantastic tournament and the podcast panel are here to round it off.
On the episode today, a review of the final in which the USA convincingly beat The Netherlands, the fallout from the ‘nonsense’ third placed play-off and the AFC World Cup awards.
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
08/07/19•45m 31s
What’s the tea?
England suffer heartbreak in a World Cup semi-final - sounds familiar, feels familiar. Was the tournament a success for Phil Neville and the national team? Today’s podcast panel assess.
In the final. the USA look destined to defeat The Netherlands who won 1-0 against Sweden in undoubtedly the dullest match of the tournament.
Plus after all that there’s still time to discuss the strangest football commentary we’ve ever heard.
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05/07/19•43m 23s
The Bronze Age
On the podcast today, England win convincingly against Norway to set up a semi final against tournament favourites the USA.
In the other half of the draw The Netherlands face Sweden having both defied the odds in their respective quarter-finals. We review both matches and assess whether Germany and France’s performances were a disappointment.
Plus we speak to Jordan Nobbs about the mood in the England camp and reflect on football team’s famous fans.
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01/07/19•48m 45s
Jill Scott Heroine
On the podcast today, a chaotic game in Valenciennes saw England defeat Cameroon 3-0 in extraordinary circumstances to progress to the quarter-finals.
Elsewhere we look at the other games in the round of 16, including a tight win for France over Brazil - which probably means a World Cup farewell to legendary forward Marta.
Plus we look back to Scotland’s incredible 3-3 draw with Argentina in the final round of group games and the panel and listeners share times that VAR has made them most furious.
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
24/06/19•44m 51s
A game of Le Havre
On the show we’re talking all things World Cup. England beat Argentina to maintain their 100% start to the tournament, the USA seem unstoppable as they aim to score 100 goals before the final in July, and there are hashtag heartwarming scenes as Thailand score their first ever World Cup goal
The group stages are nearly over but an awful lot could happen in this week’s fixtures - could Scotland reach the knockouts of a World Cup? And on that note, we’ll also hear your momentous footballing firsts. There’s a first time for everything, after all!
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
17/06/19•36m 9s
Parris is burning
On the podcast today, England are unconvincing in their World Cup opener against Scotland but nevertheless do start their tournament with a win.
Elsewhere there were impressive starts for Brazil and France, while Australia were shocked by Italy and there are some concerns about the levels of organisation and promotion by Fifa.
Plus Nations League action featuring familiar failings against Holland, penalty heroics from Jordan Pickford, and the whole thing fizzling out with a win for Portugal that you’ve probably already forgotten.
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
10/06/19•43m 44s
Phil-good factor fading? Women's World Cup preview
The Women’s World Cup awaits and Thom Gibbs is back in the audio recording facility to look ahead to the tournament.
Joining him are host of the Offside Rule podcast, Kait Borsay, comedian Ella Woods, Women's Football Reporter Katie Whyatt, plus Audio Football Club mainstay JJ Bull.
Up for discussion on the show: England's concerning form, the players and teams to watch in France and our predictions for who will be lifting the trophy in Lyon.
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
05/06/19•39m 44s
Smooth Klopperator
The Champions League final may have disappointed but what a tournament it was, the AFC panellists discuss whether Liverpool deserved it (spoiler alert: they did).
Plus a look back at the Europa League final, a look ahead to the Nations League and updates from the continent on Conte to Inter, Joao Felix to somewhere and remembering Jose Antonio Reyes.
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk.
03/06/19•37m 11s
King Klopp or Kane? Champions League final preview
The Champions League final awaits and Thom Gibbs is back in the audio recording facility to look ahead to Liverpool vs Spurs in Madrid.
Joining him are Matt Law, Charlie Eccleshare and, on the line from Baku, Sam Dean.
The AFC team-mates explore the key issues ahead of the final of European football's biggest competition, and we also look ahead to Wednesday night's Europa League final between Arsenal and Chelsea. with our man on the ground in Azerbaijan.
There's a wrap of the European domestic season too, with questions about the suitable man for Juventus, whether Barcelona will stick or twist, and why Union Berlin are the year's great success story in Germany.
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
29/05/19•46m 38s
Treble without a pause for Manchester City
The 2018/19 FA Cup final is the latest glittering addition to Manchester City's groaning trophy shelf and host Thom Gibbs is on hand to unpick a historic treble.
Joining him are Matt Law, Mina Rzouki and Alistair Tweedale.
The AFC team-mates get into the method and reasons for Pep Guardiola's latest triumph, the legacy and future of Vincent Kompany and whether Watford made a fundamental error on their team-sheet.
There's a look ahead to the Championship, League One and League Two play-off finals, the Champions and Europa League finals which follow those and a discussion on the England squad for the Nations League.
Plus - why Gareth Bale isn't the most popular man in Madrid, why Bayern Munich could return to former glories next season and what next for Juventus?
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
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20/05/19•49m 58s
We are (talking about) the champions
Manchester City win the league at Brighton while Liverpool finish with 97 points, a shared golden boot, a golden glove, a player of the season award and no title.
Elsewhere, Manchester United suffer a humiliating defeat at the hands of Cardiff City, Chris Hughton is sacked as Brighton boss and a great season for Atalanta in Serie A.
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For a free 30 day trial to The Telegraph online go to: telegraph.co.uk/audiofootball
13/05/19•46m 57s
Women's Football Special
A timely first for the podcast: host Thom Gibbs is joined in the audio recording facility by an all-female lineup to unpack the world of women’s football.
Host of the Offside Rule podcast, Kait Borsay, comedian Ella Woods and the Telegraph's Hajra Rahim tell us how they became interested in the game and the role this summer's Women’s World Cup will have in increasing the sport's profile.
Plus Arsenal’s Jordan Nobbs weighs in on Phil Neville’s England squad, her team’s league win and Manchester United’s chances in their first year in the Women’s Super League.
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
10/05/19•35m 31s
Attempting to explain Spurs and Liverpool miracles
An outrageous couple of days in European football brings host Thom Gibbs back into the audio recording facility to analyse how the first all-English Champions League final since 2008 came to be.
Joining him are Chief Football Writer Sam Wallace alongside Charlie Eccleshare and Tom Morgan.
There is a thorough discussion about the last two nights in the Champions League, what it means for the teams involved and European football as a whole, then a look ahead to Thursday night's Europa League.
Plus, thoughts on the conclusion to the Premier League season and the forthcoming Football League playoffs.Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
Listen to our Expenses podcast: playpodca.st/expenses
09/05/19•39m 9s
Audio Football Club interview with… Matt Forde
Today we are joined in the audio recording facility by comedian, satirist and broadcaster Matt Forde.
Matt talks about growing up with Nottingham Forest in the top flight, his heroes as a child (and an adult) and what it means to be a football fan.
Plus the 2018 World Cup, how England were able to lift the mood of a nation and why Gareth Southgate is the hero the country needs.
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
08/05/19•44m 7s
Football phone-out with Jamie Carragher
Telegraph Sport columnists James Ducker, Chris Bascombe and Jamie Carragher all join Thom Gibbs on the inaugural AFC football phone-out.
We get their reaction to Manchester City’s win over Leicester featuring disbelief at Vincent Kompany’s incredible winner and whether that result meant the end of the title race.
Plus, why Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool have been so impressive this season and what it takes to put together an unbeaten run.
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
07/05/19•34m 43s
Penultimatey shoot-out: The title race goes to the last day, the top four is decided and a farewell to Cardiff City
On the podcast this week, with the top four and relegation places confirmed the only thing to be decided on the final day of the Premier League season is the title race.
We assess how Maurizio Sarri has performed this season, bid a Premier League farewell to to Neil Warnock and hear of an incredible story brewing at Getafe.
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
06/05/19•53m 32s
La Ligafication: A low quality race for the top four, Eden Hazard’s importance and Championship automatic promotion decided
On the podcast this week, nobody seems to want to claim the remaining two Champions League places as Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester United AND Chelsea all fail to win.
It’s more predictable at the very top however with both Liverpool and Manchester City securing victory to keep the title race ticking over for another week.
Plus, Norwich and Sheffield United are promoted to the Premier League but the biggest talking point in the Championship occurred in the Leeds vs Aston Villa game.
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29/04/19•49m 55s
Spurs push City Limits: Title race goes to the wire, Manchester United and Arsenal disappoint and Juventus claim Serie A
On the podcast this week, Manchester City and Liverpool both get important wins to keep the title race very much alive.
Manchester United and Arsenal lose to Everton and Crystal Palace respectively, leaving the top four spots wide open.
Plus Juventus win Serie A, PAOK win the Greek Super League and we recount times we’ve almost been happy to see our teams lose.
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
22/04/19•41m 51s
Born slippy: Liverpool pass yet another test, Man City cruise past Palace and shirt swapping drama
On the podcast this week, Liverpool got a significant win over Chelsea to keep the title race extremely close for another week at least.
Manchester City cruised past Crystal Palace and we look at the race for the remaining two Champions League spots.
Plus a Champions League review and a look at what’s been happening on the continent.
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
Links:
Why Jordan Henderson's new midfield role could provide the refresh Liverpool need
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/04/15/jordan-hendersons-new-midfield-role-could-provide-refresh-liverpool
Manchester City's biggest problem this season? They have had it too easy
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/04/12/manchester-citys-biggest-problem-season-have-had-easy
Exclusive Fabinho interview: 'Forget the past. We must show Liverpool deserve to win this league'
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/04/13/fabinho-forget-past-must-show-liverpool-deserve-win-league
Relegation from the Premier League is no longer the disappointment it once was for supporters
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/04/15/relegation-premier-league-no-longer-disappointment-supporters
15/04/19•48m 43s
Deulofeu la la: Watford win at Wembley, Champions League preview and a big jacket gets thrown
On the podcast this week, the greatest FA Cup semi of all time and one of the more boring in recent memory as Watford and Manchester City progress to the final.
Elsewhere, a very poor Arsenal lose to Everton and Mesut Özil isn’t happy about it plus the best of the rest of the Premier League, a Champions League preview and the best away days the panel have attended.
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Links:
Watford produce one of the great FA Cup comebacks to deny Wolves and storm into first final since 1984
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/04/07/watford-vs-wolves-fa-cup-semi-final-live-score-latest-updates
Why Wolves remain 'on their way back' even after FA Cup semi-final defeat
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/04/07/wolves-remain-way-back-even-fa-cup-semi-final-defeat
Fragile Arsenal wilt at Everton as Mesut Ozil launches jacket towards Marco Silva
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/04/07/everton-vs-arsenal-premier-league-live-score-latest-updates
08/04/19•49m 13s
Vardiff City: Hugo Lloris flaps, Liverpool are still in it and a fiery Old Firm Derby
On the podcast this week, an exciting end to proceedings at Anfield as Liverpool go top of the Premier League, scandal as Cardiff City are very unlucky against Chelsea and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gets the job permanently at Manchester United.
Plus the Old Firm derby, Checkatrade Trophy final and football’s greatest acts of sportsmanship.
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Links:
Anfield anxiety gives way to ecstasy as Liverpool reap the benefit of Tottenham's misfortune
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/03/31/anfield-anxiety-gives-way-ecstasy-liverpool-reap-benefit-tottenhams
Neil Warnock rages at officials after Cesar Azpilicueta's blatantly offside goal sparks Chelsea comeback against Cardiff
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/03/31/cardiff-city-vs-chelsea-premier-league-live-score-latest-updates
Early goals are the one constant in Arsenal's improvement - how did they get over their stuttering starts?
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/04/01/early-goals-one-constant-arsenals-improvement-did-get-stuttering
01/04/19•50m 7s
These are the breaks: The home nations in action, the Premier League run-in and the greatest goal of all time
On the podcast this week, is this a better England side than the one we saw at the World Cup? We analyse their 5-0 win over the Czech Republic and look at their wealth of options.
Wales and Northern Ireland start their campaigns well while Scotland starts theirs not so well, what went wrong for Scotland and what can be done to change things?
Plus a preview of the Premier League run in and the greatest goal(s) of all time.
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
Links:
Callum Hudson-Odoi in line to start for England against Montenegro
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/03/25/callum-hudson-odoi-line-start-england-against-montenegro
England's strength in depth: A position-by-position analysis of Gareth Southgate's wealth of options
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/03/25/englands-strength-depth-position-by-position-analysis-gareth
Josh Magennis strikes late to make it two from two for Northern Ireland
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/03/24/joshmagennis-strikes-late-make-two-two-northern-ireland
25/03/19•47m 18s
Wow Moutinho: FA Cup quarter-finals, Premier League and England previews
On the podcast this week, just about every competition gets some airtime as we cover the FA Cup, the Premier League, the Championship, the Champions League and the upcoming England internationals.
Somehow there's still time to praise Messi, try to figure out what happened to Paul Scholes at Oldham and debate the greatest atmospheres in football.
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Links:
This weekend was a disaster for referees and advocates of VAR
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/03/18/weekend-disaster-referees-advocates-var
Mauricio Pochettino has been the man for Manchester United for years - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's success has not changed that
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/03/18/mauricio-pochettino-has-man-manchester-united-years-ole-gunnar
18/03/19•48m 9s
Top Phwoar: Arsenal defeat Manchester United, Spurs in ‘crisis’ and the mighty Jack Grealish
On the podcast this week, we assess Unai Emery’s tactics in Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat of Manchester United and De Gea’s supposedly disappointing season.
Plus a potential 'mini-crisis' at Spurs, a flattering win for Liverpool and the Jack Grealish incident are all covered.
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Links:
Birmingham City supporter admits assaulting Aston Villa player during derby clash
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/03/11/birmingham-city-supporter-admits-assaulting-aston-villa-player
I think it's all over for people on the pitch - clubs must face heavier sanctions when 'fans' attack players
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/03/10/think-people-pitch-clubs-must-face-heavier-sanctions-fans
Arsenal's home form and improved 'big six' results under Unai Emery could prove pivotal in race for top four
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/03/10/arsenals-home-form-improved-big-six-results-unai-emery-could
Tottenham's next signing should be a technical director to future-proof their incredible progress
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/03/11/tottenhams-next-signing-should-technical-director-future-proof
11/03/19•49m 25s
No Salah: A nervy Liverpool, a North London derby and a farewell to Claudio Ranieri
On the podcast this week, Liverpool fail to beat Everton in the Merseyside derby helping Manchester City move closer to the title.
Arsenal miss a chance to beat Spurs, but are starting to look quite flexible Emery.
Plus, we bid farewell to Ranieri, say hello to Rodgers, take a whistle stop tour around Europe and spend a long time talking about footballing statues.
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Links:
Liverpool are not bottling the title - they are an outstanding side narrowly trailing an even better one
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/03/04/liverpool-not-bottling-title-outstanding-side-narrowly-trailing
Stealing points from title-chasing Liverpool a consolation prize for Everton's mediocre season
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/03/03/stealing-points-title-chasing-liverpool-consolation-prize-evertons
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hoping Man Utd can roll back years with European comeback against Paris St-Germain
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/03/03/ole-gunnar-solskjaer-hoping-man-utd-can-roll-back-years-european
04/03/19•43m 33s
Kepa for the course at Chelsea: Carabao Cup drama, transfer bans and Claude Puel sacked
On the podcast this week, there’s a dramatic conclusion to the Carabao Cup we unpick what happened and what this means for Maurizio Sarri’s future.
Plus there’s transfer bans, boring matches and the possible return of Brendan Rodgers to the Premier League.
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
Links:
Kepa Arrizabalaga: How Chelsea debacle unfolded, how the world of football reacted and what happens next
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/02/25/kepa-arrizabalaga-chelsea-debacle-unfolded-world-football-reacted/
There can be no misunderstanding, Kepa Arrizabalaga's behaviour was disgusting - he was out only for himself
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/02/25/can-no-misunderstanding-kepa-arrizabalagas-behaviour-disgusting
Manchester United's 'crazy' dressing room inquest sharpened focus after first half injuries, says Luke Shaw
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/02/25/manchester-uniteds-crazy-dressing-room-inquest-sharpened-focus
Leicester City sack Claude Puel and target £7.5m Brendan Rodgers as replacement
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/02/24/leicester-city-sack-claude-puel-target-brendan-rodgers-summer
25/02/19•49m 55s
Ashley Goal: FA Cup 5th Round, Phil Foden’s rise and Sarri vs Solskjaer
On the podcast this week, the biggest shock in the FA Cup is that there were no shocks, there’s praise for Phil Foden and Ashley Cole and we look ahead to Chelsea vs Manchester United.
Elsewhere we preview the upcoming Champions League fixtures, discuss a soap opera at Inter Milan and then get serious as we debate the best beards in football.
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Links:
Bayern Munich defender Joshua Kimmich interview: 'Liverpool are favourites, we are not as consistent as before'
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/02/18/bayern-munich-defender-joshua-kimmich-interview-liverpool-favourites
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United dream hinges on the next three weeks
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/02/18/ole-gunnar-solskjaers-manchester-united-dream-hinges-next-three
Rebellion in the ranks at Bayern Munich but old guard still keep control
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/02/17/rebellion-ranks-bayern-munich-old-guard-still-keep-control/
18/02/19•48m 42s
I'm Sarri, I haven't a clue: Man City maul Chelsea, a consistent Cardiff City and Champions League excitement
On the podcast this week, Pep Guardiola's Manchester City thrash Chelsea at the Etihad and what this means for the future of Sarri-ball, we dissect Cardiff City's season so far and there's praise once more for the enduring competence of Spurs, Ole's Manchester United and a resurgent Liverpool.
Plus we preview the upcoming Champions League round of 16, take a quick trip around Europe with Mina Rzouki and re-open JJ's dossier.
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
Links:
With Maurizio Sarri, Chelsea must consider doing the unthinkable: not sacking their manager
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/02/11/maurizio-sarri-chelsea-must-consider-unthinkable-not-sacking/
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: 'I have got goosebumps just thinking about the PSG tie
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/02/10/ole-gunnar-solskjaer-have-got-goosebumps-just-thinking-psg-tie/
After defeatist display from his team Chelsea history suggests Maurizio Sarri is barely hanging onto his job
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/02/10/defeatist-display-team-chelsea-history-suggests-maurizio-sarri/
Hugo Lloris calls on Tottenham fans to pack Wembley for Borussia Dortmund tie
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/02/11/hugo-lloris-calls-tottenham-fans-pack-wembley-borussia-dortmund/
11/02/19•47m 49s
Unai for Unai: Man City dominate Arsenal, Higuain is off the mark and Solskjaer is still unbeaten
This week on the Audio Football Club, Man City keep the pressure on Liverpool at the top with a convincing win over an unconvincing Arsenal.
We look at the decline at the Emirates under Stan Kroenke while across North London Spurs keep on winning despite a threadbare squad, Manchester United stand-in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wins again and it was a strange week for Chelsea.
Plus, it’s a battle at the bottom of the Premier League as Peter Crouch is drafted in to save Burnley and Cardiff do the business against Bournemouth.Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
Links:
Arsenal's meek capitulation against Manchester City shows how much they need new leaders
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/02/04/arsenals-meek-capitulation-against-manchester-city-shows-much
Why a Fifa transfer ban could be blessing in disguise for Chelsea
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/02/04/fifa-transfer-ban-could-blessing-disguise-chelsea
Sergio Aguero hat-trick gives Manchester City comfortable win over Arsenal
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/02/03/manchester-city-vs-arsenal-premier-league-live-score-updates
04/02/19•46m 49s
Hudson-Annoy: FA Cup shocks, sadness for Spurs and a stuttering Marco Silva
Audio Football Club takes to the audio recording facility to unpick the weekend's action.
There were plenty of shocks in the FA Cup to dissect including West Ham's defeat to AFC Wimbledon, Everton's loss away at Millwall and Spurs not showing up against Crystal Palace.
Plus what happened to Thierry Henry at Monaco, why are Arsenal so keen on Perisic and what will happen in the last few days of the always exciting January transfer window.
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
Links:
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer plotting next season for Manchester United regardless of his own future
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/01/28/ole-gunnar-solskjaer-plotting-next-season-manchester-united
The magic of the FA Cup remains as bewitching as ever to those of us who never stopped believing
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/01/28/magic-fa-cupremains-bewitching-ever-us-never-stopped-believing/
Selective use of VAR in FA Cup is unfair and must bewilder fans
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/01/28/selective-use-var-fa-cup-unfair-must-bewilderfans/
28/01/19•49m 45s
Cech-ing out: Liverpool handle the pressure, stubborn Sarri suffers and Spurs injury setbacks
Another busy week in the world of football including two lesser seen 4-3 results in the same day.
We assess whether Liverpool rode their luck or have improved when it comes to handling the pressure of a title race, how Spurs will replace Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Son Hueng-Min without signing anyone and we take a look at how Maurizio Sarri's stubbornness seems to be costing Chelsea points.
Plus we talk spygate and Marcelo Bielsa which leads to a fascinating story of Matt Law's own attempts at training grown espionage.
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
21/01/19•45m 8s
Wemb-Ole: Manchester United beat Spurs, Arsenal don't know what to do with Özil and Arnautovic wants out(ovic)
Manchester United continue their winning streak under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a win over Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley.
Sam Dean updates us on the intriguing Mesut Özil situation at Arsenal and we review their 1-0 loss to West Ham United at the weekend.
Plus we hear how Ramsey will be received at Juventus and assess the fortunes of clubs at the bottom, namely Fulham , Southampton and Newcastle
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
14/01/19•45m 50s
Lemons in a cup: Third round upsets, the Premier League title race and a farewell to Fabregas
It was a weekend of upsets in the FA Cup with Newport County, Barnet, Oldham and Gillingham all beating superior opposition.
We review the best (and worst) of the third round as well as debating Fabregas’ status as a Premier League legend and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s promising start as Manchester United boss.
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
07/01/19•47m 52s
Pep Guardi-all-over: Liverpool go seven points clear, Man City stutter and a festive fixture quick fire round-up
It's been a packed and unpredictable period since we last brought you an episode and we're trying our very best to digest the entire football festive feast in just fifty minutes. Sit tight.We cover Man City's stumble, Tottenham's 72 hour title challenge and Liverpool's quite incredible defensive record.Plus there's the Old Firm, VAR controversy in Italy and New Year's resolutions for a few players and managers.
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
31/12/18•50m 0s
Christmas wrapping: The AFC 2018 awards
It's a festive extravaganza today as the team dish out the first ever Telegraph AFC end of year awards.
It's been an eventful year in football and it can be easy to forget the highs and lows of the last 12 months, we had a fantastic World Cup (football almost came home), Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Italy and made Real Madrid rubbish and Jose Mourinho was sacked and replaced with a manager whose last job in England was overseeing a Cardiff City relegation. Quite a year.
So settle down with a glass of eggnog and join us as we award the very best (and very worst) that football has had to offer in 2018.
If you do disagree with any of the panel's suggestions do let us know at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode.
24/12/18•44m 43s
M62 can play at that game: Liverpool thrash Manchester United, a resurgent Southampton and Christmas party cancellations
Welcome to the Telegraph Audio Football Club, joining Thom Gibbs it's Mina Rzouki, JJ Bull and Matt Law
There’s shock as we learn that Liverpool are much better than Manchester United, we’re in awe of the new found heading prowess of Southampton and a Champions League draw arrives midway through proceedings to liven up proceedings.
There’s plenty of ire left for the Bundesliga and heaps of praise for Manchester City and Spurs.
Plus we have Premier League work experience opportunities and Christmas Party Cancellations, or not in the case of one story.
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
17/12/18•48m 1s
Premature League: Man City lose, Liverpool go top and the Copa Libertadores actually happened
Welcome to the Telegraph Audio Football Club, joining Thom Gibbs it's Mina Rzouki, JJ Bull and Jason Burt
Today, rescind the premature league title, as Manchester City come undone against a well-organised Chelsea side but some fans in the Chelsea end rather ruin the evening by behaving like total idiots to Raheem Sterling.
Elsewhere Liverpool top the table thanks to a rampant Mo Salah. They face Napoli in the week, and we look ahead to that along with a few other Champions League fixtures
Plus there’s Libertadores Super Clasico farewell tour, the derby D’italia and, because there’s a first time for everything, some deep love for Huddersfield Town.
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
10/12/18•45m 48s
Big Divock Energy: Mark Hughes sacked, Arsenal thrash Spurs and Liverpool scrape through yet again
Welcome to the Telegraph Audio Football Club, joining Thom Gibbs it's Mina Rzouki, JJ Bull and Matt LawToday we react to the news that Mark Hughes has been aggressively volleyed through the exit door at Southampton. Who will come in to replace him in Hampshire and what is the next chapter in the increasingly repetitive story of Sparky?
We also talk about a derby-tastic Sunday in the Premier League as Arsenal thrashed Spurs, Chelsea cruised past Fulham and Liverpool beat Everton with the help of bar so friendly it could be used as the setting for a remake of Cheers.
Plus we hear about a jaunt to Turkey for the Istanbul derby, hail Neil Warnock’s supreme Cardiff side and ask our team about the best local derbies they’ve seen in the fleshSubscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
03/12/18•45m 24s
Chelsea Stagger: Superb Spurs, the return of Ranieri and differing fortunes for the Manchester clubs
Welcome to the Telegraph Audio Football Club, joining Thom Gibbs today it's Mina Rzouki, Charlie Eccleshare and Matt LawOn the show this week there's a thorough assessment of a thrilling London derby at Wembley and the immediate impact made by Claudio Ranieri as his new team overcame the might of Southampton
Liverpool and Arsenal get gritty, Manchester City bring home the bacon as they roll over West Ham and Huddersfield surprise everyone in the Audio Recording Facility and the world.
Plus, will the Copa Libertadores final ever happen? Is Alan Hutton the new Cafu? And the much-anticipated return of the mystery player game.
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
26/11/18•46m 6s
Audio Football Club with... Suggs
Hello podcast fans and welcome to a special bonus episode of Telegraph Audio Football Club
Today we’re taking a brief break from our usual routine to talk to a TV presenter, writer and, most famously the singer for Madness. Yes, it’s proper Chelsea fan Suggs.
Suggs reminisces on his early visits to Stamford Bridge in the 70s through to recording an FA Cup final single with Dennis Wise and Gianluca Vialli
Plus he recalls his favorite cult heroes, hooliganism and the time he hired his own open-top double-decker bus to fully enjoy the FA Cup final
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
22/11/18•31m 3s
The Fabian (appreciation) Society: England beat Croatia, Scotland cling on and Richard Scudamore's bonus
Welcome to the Telegraph Audio Football Club, joining Thom Gibbs today it's Jason Burt, JJ Bull and Matt Law.There's reaction to the the mighty footballing nation of England, and their greatest year since 1966. Ruminations on the mighty Nations League, the greatest football competition since the ICC.
We come crashing down to earth with a summary of the rest of the UK and Ireland’s national football teams, and explore a change at the top of the Premier League which happened without a ball being kicked.
Plus a look ahead to next week’s fixtures and an intriguing suggestion for what should replace penalty shootouts.Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
19/11/18•42m 48s
Pep talk: dissecting the Manchester derby, an unbeaten Chelsea and passionate post match interviews
Welcome to the Telegraph Audio Football Club, joining Thom Gibbs today it's Mina Rzouki, JJ Bull and Matt Law.Today we painstakingly dissect the Manchester derby, praise Spurs and Chelsea and debate whether or not it’s time for Slavisa Jokanovic to take the next boat out of Craven Cottage.
Our now customary whistlestop tour around Europe takes in a thrilling Der Klassiker, an emotional match between AC Milan and Juventus and (another) limp showing from Thierry Henry’s Monaco.
Plus we preview the upcoming Wayne Rooney testimonial and more excitingly the Nations League and England’s showdown with Croatia.Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
12/11/18•44m 3s
MEGA League: Alvaro Morata's hot streak, Rooney's return and where now for Southampton?
Welcome to the Telegraph Audio Football Club, joining Thom Gibbs today it's Mina Rzouki, JJ Bull and Matt Law.
On the podcast today: flying goalkeepers and a last gasp equaliser at Ashburton Grove as Arsenal took on Liverpool, the evolution of Chelsea’s sensitive striking sensation Alvaro Morata, and when is it correct to show Mark Hughes the Southampton exit door.
There's a European round-up, examine the idea of a megaclub Super League and discuss the international return of Croxeth’s favourite son… Francis Jeffers. Oh, sorry, Wayne Rooney.
Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode and email us at afcpodcast@telegraph.co.uk
05/11/18•43m 10s
A-harsenal: Manchester United drop Lukaku, Liverpool impress and El Clasico doesn’t disappoint
Welcome to the Telegraph Audio Football Club, joining Thom Gibbs today it's Mina Rzouki, JJ Bull and Jim WhiteOn the podcast today: Arsenal stop winning, but does that mean we need to disembark from the Unai Emery excitement train?
An audio trip to Merseyside as Liverpool continue to impress and Manchester United stake their claim for a hallowed Europa League spot.
Plus a look ahead, at the time of recording to Spurs vs Manchester City on Monday night, Mina Rzouki dissects El Clasico, and JJ Bull invents this year’s must-have Christmas children’s toySubscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode.
29/10/18•42m 11s
Take it to the Bridge: Manchester United vs Chelsea, Fulham’s failings and much more
It was a reasonably eventful weekend in the Premier League but with Jose Mourinho returning to Stamford Bridge what did you expect?
Joining Thom Gibbs on AFC it's Mina Rzouki, JJ Bull and Sam Dean.
We dissect events both on and off the pitch at Chelsea, failings across West London at Fulham and spend an appropriate amount of time waxing lyrical about the Manchester City footballing supermen.
Plus Newcastle sadness, trouble brewing for Crystal Palace, a European round-up, and some thoughts on the next move for Arsene Wenger.Subscribe to Audio Football Club to make sure you never miss an episode.
22/10/18•46m 23s
The Raheem Sterling Conundrum
Has the post-World Cup bubble of good feeling towards England burst? Did England 2.0 look at all like getting revenge on Croatia? Why are Scotland so bad!? The international break has provided a heap of questions that need answered and, thankfully, Mina Rzouki is here to do just that, joined by Matt Law and JJ Bull.
We discuss why Raheem Sterling just doesn't turn on the magic for Gareth Southgate, who the next Dutch wonderkids might be, delve into the world of Dean Smith and his Aston Villa adventure, ask whether Aaron Ramsey could play for Barcelona and dissect the weekend's international games as well as previewing Chelsea vs Manchester United: is this the Jose Mourinho end-game?
And if that's not enough, we also find out what the Cleverest Moment of the week was and reveal our absolute favourite football team names. Police Machine FC anyone?
15/10/18•43m 52s
Unai Emery's Arsenal Globetrotters
Goals galore in the Premier League this weekend, everywhere except the game we expected to have at least seven. Thom Gibbs, Matt Law, Mina Rzouki and JJ Bull are back to help decipher it all.
We explore the inconclusive Liverpool vs Man City game, the potential redemption story at Man Utd and Matt names his favourite press conference of the season, if not ever.
Plus a trip down to the Championship, across the channel into continental Europe and find out who we name the Basil Fawlty of football.
08/10/18•43m 26s
If only Man Utd had a Robert Snodgrass
It's a week that's gone from bad to worse for the red side of Manchester so what now for Manchester United, what now for Jose Mourinho, and which West Ham player did a passable impression of a South American genius in their 3-1 victory? All that and more is discussed on this week's AFC Telegraph with Thom Gibbs, Mina Rzouki, Matt Law, and JJ Bull.
Plus the premium Premier League match that was Chelsea Liverpool, we check in on goings on at City, Everton, Arsenal and Spurs, as well as a look ahead to the unpredictable Champions League which we try to predict.
Listen out for Thom's worst Sarri pun yet...
01/10/18•40m 2s
Pep: Control freak or arrogant winner?
It was a weekend of battling draws, hard-earned victories with a sprinkling of thrashings. Thom Gibbs is back alongside Mina Rzouki, Matt Law and JJ Bull to discuss it all.
This week we ask why Wolves look like the real deal, why Spurs should forget about moving stadiums this seasons, and a heated discussion about Manchester City’s suitability for European football.
Plus a think about the season so far on who the team think is over and under-achieving, and who should be the recipient of Fifa’s large shiny trophy for being the best at football.
Show notes
Audio this week comes from Liverpool FC
24/09/18•42m 13s
Eddie Howe for England
The Premier League is back with a bang and the AFC Telegraph team of Mina Rzouki, JJ Bull, Jason Burt, and Jim White are here to analyse it all.
This week we focus in on Spurs defeat to Liverpool, why Fellaini is Manchester United's surprise star player, and we celebrate West Ham's first points of the season, but with trepidation as to what comes next for them.
We hail Eddie Howe and Bournemouth's rapid start to the season and predict he'll be the man to take over from Gareth Southgate.
Plus we have a full Champions League preview, the cleverest moment of the week, and tales of great goals.
Show notes:
Audio this week comes from Manchester City and the MLS
17/09/18•45m 21s
We're about to enter the managerial killing fields
England, England, England. The optimism around the World Cup is beginning to dissipate as Saturday's 2-1 loss to Spain saw a third loss in a row for Gareth Southgate's side. We've substituted into the host seat Mina Rzouki to oversee this one. Alongside are resident of the studio Matt Law and making their AFC Telegraph debuts are Jim White and Sam Dean too.
This week we work out who England are missing from the centre of the pitch, we dig into the jubilation around Wales, and the mire in Ireland.
The Premier League returns this weekend and the team pick out the best of the bunch and look ahead to the managerial sacking season.
Plus we look at John Terry's potential move to Spartak Moscow.
10/09/18•35m 57s
A skateboarding revelation
Week four in the Premier League has been and gone leaving Liverpool, Chelsea and Watford to lead the way with maximum points.
Host Thom Gibbs is joined once again by Mina Rzouki, Matt Law, and JJ Bull to discuss the big talking points on the pitch and those under the radar.
We work out how to fix West Ham, Burnley and, despite their victory, Arsenal and their dubious defence.
Plus sweeper-keeper gaffes, the universe in which Ed Woodward is regarded as a superstar and surprising news about one of our AFC Telegraph team members and a dalliance with skateboarding.
03/09/18•47m 30s
Hugging the line between madness and brilliance
Thom Gibbs, Mina Rzouki, Matt Law, and JJ Bull are back to discuss week three of the Premier League.
This week we discuss the panel discuss how Wolves were able to keep the Champions at bay, what is going on with Mesut Ozil, and whether Roman Abramovich is about to board the oligarch merry go round.
We ask how Watford have been able to start the season with a 100% record, if Cardiff fans are happy with their 10% start, and a clever moment from a cottage in London.
Plus a returning mention for our old friend the ICC.
Show notes:
Audio from Wolves TV and Martin Carey @MComms
27/08/18•44m 9s
The cheese room
Mourinho moans, Arsenal defence disappears, and City score for fun. Some things never change, but the wind did change in North London as Harry Kane finally scored in August. Relief for all.
Host Thom Gibbs is joined once again by Mina Rzouki, Matt Law, and JJ Bull to discuss this and all the other big talking points from the Premier League this weekend.
This week we discuss the astonishing defending by Manchester United, the development of AFC Telegraph favourite Matteo Guendouzi, as well as ask whether the podcasters have been enjoying the much heralded Manchester City documentary, All or Nothing.
Plus we get onto how to build a stadium, sensible defensive recruitment, and very some rude St Mirren supporters.
Show notes:
Audio this week comes from Amazon "All or Nothing", Spurs Official on Twitter, Reddit, and Kylian Mbappe via Instagram
20/08/18•45m 56s
A new era
Back for season two, under new management, a new name, and a change in formation, it's Telegraph Audio Football Club, or AFC Telegraph for short.
Thom Gibbs, Mina Rzouki, Matt Law and JJ Bull are here to guide you through the opening weekend of the Premier League season, as well as highlight some of the features you may have missed.
On this week's episode we ask whether Unai Emery and Maurizio Sarri fit in at their respective clubs Arsenal and Chelsea, and how long it will take a new philosophy to work in London.
We analyse N'Golo Kante's positional change and why he is the most important player for the Blues.
Plus, we ask what the optimum number of transfers is for clubs trying to make a go of it in the top flight. And, crucially we end with the star of the footballing weekend: a silly goose.
13/08/18•42m 51s
Jamie Carragher: No one can question Didier Deschamps now
We have our World Cup 2018 winners at last and it’s France, after their 4-2 victory over Croatia.
Jamie Carragher joins host Thom Gibbs one last time to unpick the big moments of the 2018 World Cup final, decide what counts as handball, and find out Jamie's favourite moment of the tournament.
We speak with Telegraph columnist Jim White to rate this World Cup, hear some anecdotes of fans in Russia, and discuss which World Cup trend will be sweeping the Premier League next season.
Plus Alan Tyers gives his World Cup TV roundup and names this nation's most important cultural figure.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/#source=refresh
https://freesound.org/s/160907/
15/07/18•31m 49s
Jamie Carragher: Kane's miss was the defining moment of the match
The dream is over for England for another four years as England bow out of the World Cup with an excruciating extra time loss to Croatia.
On today’s episode, Jamie Carragher joins Thom Gibbs to discuss what England were missing from the match, why Croatia weren't looking tired as many thought they would, and ask what exactly is the purpose of the third/fourth place play off.
We head to Russia to speak to Sam Wallace who was in the stadium to see the end of England’s run at this tournament and get the reporter's take on England.
Plus James Ducker, a man of many air miles, joins to look ahead to Sunday's final between France and Croatia.
11/07/18•28m 24s
Jamie Carragher's advice to England
Football has edged even closer to home following a 2-0 victory over Sweden on Saturday. Former England player Jamie Carragher joins Thom Gibbs to discuss who impressed, who has more work to do, and how on earth you mark Harry Maguire in set pieces.
We speak with Chief Sports Writer Paul Hayward, who’s been covering the tournament out in Russia, to get his thoughts on whether England can rewrite Italia '90, what Gareth Southgate has been like to speak with, and ask when is appropriate to open the top of a bus for a parade through London.
Plus Jim White joins to discuss the all European semi final lineup, find out what Croatia can do to defeat England, and the battle we're all looking forward to seeing: Marouane Fellaini versus N'Golo Kante.
08/07/18•31m 13s
Jamie Carragher: I always felt England would edge it
The unthinkable has happened. England go the long route round via a much feared penalty shootout to reach the quarter finals of a major tournament.
On this historic episode of Total Football Thom Gibbs is joined by Jamie Carragher to unpick how to take a penalty, how solid England's defence was, and whether England will last longer than the American referee in the middle.
We head to Russia to speak with James Ducker about the other, more glamorous side of the knockout round draw and decide who will be falling short out of France, Uruguay, Belgium or Brazil.
Plus a chat with Jeremy Wilson about England’s next opponents, the Zlatan-less Sweden national football team.
04/07/18•32m 52s
Jamie Carragher: England will be favourites against Colombia but it won't be easy
It was all going so well until the mind games started but England finish the group stages on the correct side of the draw, supposedly.
Telegraph football writer JJ Bull steps into the presenter seat this week to discuss England's abject performance against Belgium alongside Telegraph columnist Jamie Carragher.
We decide if there was any point to that match, if any of the B team made a case for themselves, and which England player Jamie most identifies with. We get Jamie's take on what Colombia's strengths are and on Germany's dismal performance throughout Russia 2018.
Plus we head to Russia to speak with Chief Football Writer Sam Wallace about a side which has barely moved out of second gear but is sitting firmly in the favourite's seat: Brazil.
29/06/18•29m 55s
The Gareth Southgate Appreciation Society
Football is coming home! After England's record 6-1 victory over Panama emotions are high and the Harry Kane and Gareth Southgate fan club is in full swing. Join host Thom Gibbs and Telegraph reporter Luke Edwards on this episode of Total Football as they revel in England's victory and discuss if there's anyone who can stop their progression throughout the tournament.
We speak to Jamie Carragher who gives us the low down on set pieces so far in Russia, why have they become so important, how defences can guard against dead balls, and how England will fare against a far better opposition, namely Belgium.
Plus we head over to Russia to speak with Jason Burt about the atmosphere in Nizhny, how media relations are since the team sheet photo incident, and find out why Jason is being interviewed by the world's journalists.
24/06/18•29m 55s
Jamie Carragher: Kane gives England belief to win
It’s been an eventful opening to the World Cup with shocks, wondergoals and technological excitement galore. Former England defender Jamie Carragher joins Thom Gibbs to discuss it all.
England got their campaign underway as they squeaked to victory in Volgograd thanks to none other than captain fantastic Harry Kane, proving once and for all that he really shouldn’t be taking corners. We get Jamie's thoughts on that match, whether Gareth Southgate should make some changes to ensure victory over Panama, and what he thinks of the introduction of VAR.
Plus we head to Russia to speak with James Ducker about England’s opposition in Group G and if Belgium are really all that after an unconvincing win in Sochi.
18/06/18•23m 38s
Russia Preview Special
World Cup fever is upon us and it's time to delve into the biggest issues Russia 2018 can muster including England’s chances, how the favourites will fare, and who’s going to embarrass themselves in front of a global audience of millions. Thom Gibbs is joined by Telegraph Sport reporter Charlie Eccleshare to discuss all this and whether Spain can function with a brand new manager.
Ahead of Thursday's kick off we speak the Telegraph's finest tactician, JJ Bull, to uncover how the major teams will approach this tournament direct from the powerful analytical mind of JJ Bull.
Plus Telegraph Sport's Alistair Tweedale makes his podcast debut as we turn to our old friend data as we attempt to answer: Who's going to be holding that golden trophy aloft in a month's time.
13/06/18•40m 4s
Sir Geoff Hurst Special
This week's episode is a first for the podcast: it's the first time we have a knight of the realm in our midst.
We're in front of a live audience as host Thom Gibbs is joined by our special guest Sir Geoff Hurst on an actual stage and by our Chief Football Writer Sam Wallace for a discussion about England, their prospects at this World Cup and a certain football match which took place in the year 1966.
There's plenty of reminscing on 1966 and all that... sorry.
31/05/18•48m 47s
Jamie Carragher on Liverpool's Champions League final defeat
Liverpool's dream of lifting the European Cup for a sixth time died on Saturday night in Kiev and Jamie Carragher was there to witness it all.
The Telegraph Sport columnist joins host Thom Gibbs to discuss the game, how Loris Karius might be feeling and where his old team need to strengthen in the summer.
European football expert and broadcaster Mina Rzouki is on hand to analyse the final too, and whether or not we are still under-rating Real Madrid despite their third consecutive victory in the final.
Meanwhile, back in England, Arsenal have a new head coach. Julian Bennetts speaks to the podcast about his early impressions of Unai Emery.
27/05/18•39m 27s
Mourinho is like a vampire sucking the life out of Man Utd
Saturday's FA Cup final is the main subject of discussion on this week's Total Football, with Telegraph Sport's Chief Football Correspondent Jason Burt joining host Thom Gibbs to dissect the game.
There's also an England World Cup squad to analyse, with all the big topics covered including which formation Southgate will play, who will start in goal and whether it's acceptable to announce your 23 names with a video of shouting children.
Midlands Football Correspondent John Percy is on hand to gaze at the majesty of the managerial merry-go-round which has featured enough sudden horse-disembarking this week to concern a health and safety inspector.
Plus a chat with broadcaster Michelle Owen about the forthcoming Football League play-offs, and whether we might be about to wave goodbye to the longest-serving manager of the 92.
20/05/18•44m 6s
A centurion season
Goodbye Premier League season 2017/18, we've all had a fairly nice time but all fairly good things must come to an end.
That's exactly what happened on Sunday with a final simultaneous round of games providing everything from last-gasp record-clinching for Manchester City, turbo-charged Champions League spot-securing for Liverpool and mega-goal we're-all-slightly-on-holiday-now fun at Wembley Stadium.
Telegraph Sport's Football News Correspondent Matt Law joins host Thom Gibbs to assess the final chapter and the season as a whole.
The England World Cup squad will be submitted by Gareth Southgate in the coming days, and former England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis joins to discuss who will make the 23, and whether Southgate has any surprises in store.
Plus a chat with Ryan Bailey about the possibility of Wayne Rooney rocking up in Washington DC, and whether that would be a good a move for club, country or Donald Trump's son.
13/05/18•39m 19s
John Motson Special
Total Football goes on the road this week to speak with the legendary voice of football, John Motson
Jim White is at Wembley for this special episode as we look back on John’s 40 year plus career, and how the commentary world has changed.
We discuss World Cups as we get Motty’s fondest memories, commentating under the pressure of penalties, and a greatest XI.
All that plus football programmes, VAR, and that England victory in Munich.
10/05/18•42m 39s
Goodbye to the big Staffordshire temple of gambling
It's the business end of the business end of the season and Total Football is here to detail all you need to know about promotion, relegation and mathematical safety.
Telegraph Sport's Luke Edwards joins host Thom Gibbs to discuss City's formal coronation, Arsene Wenger's carefully stage-managed exit and the demotion of Stoke City.
The Championship reached its conclusion on Sunday, so Luke and Thom ponder how Neil Warnock has managed his latest incredible promotion and what next for Sunderland? Other than League One.
Plus a chat with Chris Bascombe about Liverpool's goaltastic march to the Champions League final, and whether they might attempt to change it up for the final against Real Madrid.
06/05/18•33m 57s
Get the bunting out. Big Sam is staying.
Little to treasure from Arsenal's final trip to Manchester under Arsene Wenger's management, other than the mysterious trinket kindly given to him before the game from his former mortal enemy.
Jim White joins host Thom Gibbs to discuss that and the rest of the Premier League weekend, which produced a landmark goal tally for City, an increasingly exciting relegation battle and, let's face it, two goalless draws.
Telegraph Sport's Chief Football Correspondent Jason Burt gives us the latest on the sale of Wembley, and we also mark Celtic's seventh consecutive title by speaking to Roddy Forsyth.
29/04/18•41m 34s
Arsenal need a realist who will get rid of half the squad
Arsene Wenger began his longish farewell to Arsenal on Sunday, with a 4-1 victory against West Ham.
The Telegraph's Chief Sports Writer Paul Hayward joins host Thom Gibbs to discuss the Frenchman and the club he leaves behind.
Elsewhere there are FA Cup semi-finals to evaluate, an unsurprisingly large victory for Man City over Swansea and three draws in the remaining three Premier League games of the weekend.
Mina Rzouki joins to discuss the Champions League semi-finals, including Liverpool's tie against Roma and we catch up on the American adventures of Zlatan Ibrahimovic with the help of Ryan Bailey.
22/04/18•37m 43s
Man Utd at their best haven't come close to City
The world of football and podcasting removes its hats as one this week to salute Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola's side have clinched the Premier League title without playing to complete a deeply odd footballing week.
Sam Dean joins host Thom Gibbs to reflect on the weekend that was, including portentous results for Southampton, Crystal Palace and Huddersfield at the bottom of the table.
Total Football heads to Wolverhampton for a chat with broadcaster and Wolves fan Lynsey Hooper about her now-promoted side and how they might fare in the top tier.
Plus a word from Keith Hackett on the Gianluigi Buffon shouting incident which could have reverberations far down the footballing pyramid.
15/04/18•44m 45s
From Olé to Dismay: Manchester City guilty of premature Premier League congratulations
Manchester City's Premier League party was pooped by Paul Pogba and company on Sunday, as Manchester United made their city rivals wait. Ian Irving stands in for Thom Gibbs, and is joined by chief football writer Sam Wallace to discuss the events at the Etihad.
Elsewhere North West correspondent Chris Bascombe picks over a damp squib of a Merseyside derby, and looks ahead to Tuesday's fireworks in the Champions League, while broadcaster Kelly Cates discusses the battle at the bottom of the league.
08/04/18•39m 24s
Salah has done what we would have expected if Liverpool signed Messi
One hardy Premier League record was sent tumbling to the ground on Sunday, when Spurs finally registered a league win at Stamford Bridge for the first time since 1990.
Deputy football correspondent Jeremy Wilson joins host Thom Gibbs to discuss that and the rest of the weekend's games, including more excellence from Mo Salah at Selhurst Park, and thumping wins for Manchester City and West Ham.
Elsewhere Telegraph Sport's Chief Football Writer Sam Wallace takes us behind the scenes of his exclusive interview with Jurgen Klopp, and we look forward to the Champions League quarter-finals with European football journalist Mina Rzouki.
01/04/18•43m 24s
Sean Dyche would make a better Prime Minister than Theresa May
It's international break which means a break from the norm for Total Football.
This week Thom Gibbs welcomes former spin doctor and current author Alastair Campbell to the podcast.
Campbell, an enormous Burnley FC fan, gives his views on everything from which footballer manager would make the best politician to why it's so hard writing convincing fiction about sport.
Normal service will be resumed next Sunday, with a round-up of all of the weekends football.
25/03/18•40m 17s
The weekend of the overdog
Our footballing priorities were divided this weekend, with a depleted raft of Premier League fixtures taking place at the same time as the FA Cup quarter finals.
It was a Cup weekend light on shocks, but Alan Tyers joins Thom Gibbs to analyse all four ties, as well as the league schedule which included a storming win for Liverpool, and morale-boosting victories for Crystal Palace, Everton and Bournemouth as they look to distance themselves from relegation trouble.
There's also plenty to enjoy in the league below, and broadcaster Caroline Barker is on hand to talk us through the likely ups and downs in the Championship.
Plus an appearance from Deputy Football Correspondent Jeremy Wilson who gives his views on the forthcoming England and Wales friendlies, and what to make of Gareth Southgate and Ryan Giggs's respective squads.
18/03/18•34m 25s
Fans believe the identity of West Ham has been ripped out of the club
Ian Irving is called off the subs bench to host this week's Total Football alongside the Telegraph's Jim White.
This week we discuss the trials and triumphs of England’s hopeful goal scorers as Harry Kane hobbles off at the South Coast whilst Marcus Rashford’s double reminds us why he’s a contender for the plane to Russia, as well as the many tribulations on and off the pitch at West Ham.
With another week of Champions League football around the corner we crossover to the Iberian peninsula to find out about the first Englishman since Gary Lineker to don the hoops of Barcelona.
Plus, a chance to look back on the SheBelieves Cup as Phil Neville’s took charge of the Lionesses for the first time.
12/03/18•42m 47s
Arsenal are so bad even Gunnersaurus is performing badly
The Arsenal ennui barometer reached dangerous new levels on Sunday with a grim defeat to Brighton in Falmer.
Host Thom Gibbs is joined by Telegraph Sport's Sam Dean to discuss all of weekend's football, which also included wins for Liverpool, Manchester City and a resurgent Swansea.
The Telegraph's Sports News Correspondent Ben Rumsby joins to discuss a decision with big ramifications for this year's World Cup.
Plus, what's it actually like to play football in sub-zero temperatures? We spoke to Curtis Edward, an Englishman playing his football in Sweden, to find out.
04/03/18•38m 14s
Matt Le Tissier: Arsenal went into the game with an inferiority complex
Football royalty joins host Thom Gibbs for this week's episode. Yes Southampton fans, it's the moment you've been waiting for - Matt Le Tissier is our special guest.
He helps us analyse Arsenal's wretched performance in the League Cup final as well as how Manchester City managed to secure the season's first silverware.
There's also a full complement of Premier League games to get into, with Man Utd seeing off Chelsea at Old Trafford as well as impressive wins for Liverpool and Brighton.
Less impressive work at West Brom of late, where Alan Pardew's days seem to be numbered. Telegraph Sport's Midlands football correspondent John Percy runs the rule over life at the Hawthorns.
Plus an appearance from Arsenal and England's Jordan Nobbs to look forward to Phil Neville's first tournament as manager of the Lionesses.
25/02/18•43m 33s
Sol Campbell: I don't know what kind of manager they want. Maybe puppets?
In a special Total Football episode we bring you when Thom met Sol Campbell.
As the League Cup final looms we ask the former Arsenal hero if his team can repeat Wigan Athletic’s success and complete a miserable week for Pep Guardiola.
We also ask Sol about the challenges he’s facing in trying to become a football manager and get his thoughts on whether Arsene Wenger might quit if he wins at Wembley.
Sol Campbell is attending Willow’s London Football Awards on March 1. Londonfootballawards.org
22/02/18•42m 9s
VAR has come in a year too early
The magic supply was running dangerously low in the FA Cup fifth round, until Steve Davies buried an unlikely equaliser for Rochdale against Spurs at Spotland.
Charlie Eccleshare joins host Thom Gibbs to examine all the weekend's Cup football, and dip a reluctant toe into the increasingly tedious waters of VAR.
Former Reading and Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell, now with Brighton, talks to Total Football about mid-season tours and whether West Bromwich Albion's ill-fated trip to Barcelona is typical of the genre.
Plus Telegraph Sport's Chief Football Writer Sam Wallace talks about the Barry Bennell case, and what it means for football as a whole.
18/02/18•40m 14s
Stuart Pearce: Relegation is a game of musical chairs
Total Football welcomes a special guest this week as Stuart Pearce sits down with host Thom Gibbs to reflect on the weekend's football.
Pearce, now assistant to David Moyes at West Ham, gives his verdict on their win over Watford, Newcastle's surprise victory over Manchester United and City's dominance of Leicester, along with the rest of the weekend's games.
Ahead of the return of the Champions League, Mina Rzouki speaks to the podcast on what lies in wait for Spurs as they travel to Juventus, and whether Porto and Basel could be banana skins for Liverpool and City respectively.
Plus an appearance from the Telegraph's Sports News Correspondent Ben Rumsby, who fills us in on the new Premier League TV deal.
11/02/18•44m 45s
Spurs won penalty with a very good dive, but it's still cheating
There were goals, questionable penalties and oodles of drama at Anfield, where Spurs struck late to rescue a point. But did they earn it fairly?
Luke Edwards joins host Thom Gibbs to unpick Liverpool's latest entry for game of the season, as well as the rest of the weekend's games.
Football news correspondent Matt Law joins to discuss Antonio Conte's current mood, and what it all means for Chelsea ahead of their game against Watford on Monday night.
And there's a visit from Guillem Balague who gives us his verdict on Real Madrid, who have slipped alarmingly far behind Barcelona in La Liga.
04/02/18•45m 20s
Liverpool's game was ruined by VAR
If you are a fan of Coventry City, Wigan Athletic or Newport County it was a memorable weekend in the FA Cup fourth round. If you're a fan of Liverpool, West Ham United or Cardiff it was one to forget.
Telegraph Sport's Sam Dean joins Thom Gibbs to dissect the latest round and the VAR-dominated match at Anfield.
Deputy Football Correspondent Jeremy Wilson discusses the latest transfer news, with the clock ticking down to deadline day.
And in the week that Leeds United unveiled a deeply questionable new logo we hear from QPR's head of media and communications on how to do a rebrand without upsetting the vast majority of your fans.
28/01/18•39m 48s
Not a knee-jerk! Sacking Marco Silva made sense.
It's farewell Marco Silva on this week's Total Football, and who better to join host Thom Gibbs than die-hard Watford supporter and the director of Football Manager, Miles Jacobson?
He gives his verdict on the Silva sacking, what led to his downfall at Vicarage Road, and fills us in on Javi Gracia, the new man in charge.
Elsewhere it was a weekend of business as usual at the top of the Premier League, with first league wins of 2018 for Arsenal and Chelsea as well as victories for both Manchester clubs.
James Ducker joins to run the rules over the Alexis Sanchez deal, plus a chat with former England women’s captain Faye White on whether Phil Neville is the right person to lead the Lionesses.
21/01/18•43m 6s
A blueprint to beat the Blues
The Manchester City unbeaten run is over, but that is the merest skim of the surface of what was an incredible match in the Premier League.
The Telegraph's Jim White joins Thom Gibbs on Total Football to unpick the 4-3 victory for Jurgen Klopp's side, as well as the rest of the Premier League weekend.
John Percy joins to give podcast fans an update on the latest transfer news, including developments with Alexis Sanchez, Jonny Evans and Andy Carroll.
Then broadcaster Kelly Cates gives her verdict on the VAR debate, after a weekend in which several teams were left rueing its absence.
14/01/18•38m 44s
Little frightened rabbits
The FA Cup third round looked to be heading for a 6/10 overall rating until Nottingham Forest knocked out the holders in a classic at the City Ground.
Broadcaster Kait Borsay joins Total Football host Thom Gibbs to analyse the generous slate of weekend games including Mark Hughes's final indignity in charge of Stoke City.
Jason Burt speaks to the podcast about his exclusive on Philippe Coutinho's sale to Barcelona, pondering how Jurgen Klopp might spend the money and how Coutinho will fit in at the Spanish league leaders.
Finally injury data analyst Ben Dinnery joins to give us his expert opinion on which Premier League clubs are best at managing their players to avoid injuries, and what's really to blame for hamstring-related sadness at this time of year.
07/01/18•38m 56s
Trains, planes and referees
With sheer weight of football threatening to overwhelm us over the festive period you would be forgiven for feeling mildly confused.
Fortunately the Total Football podcast is back to help you navigate the 600 or so games which seem to have taken place since Christmas.
The Telegraph's Chief Football Writer Sam Wallace joins Thom Gibbs to give his views on who has come out on top since Boxing Day, as well as the latest on Jose Mourinho's contract situation at Manchester United and some transfer window chat, because it is January after all.
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett joins to discuss the effect of fixture pile-up can have on the people officiating the games.
Finally Chris Bascombe looks ahead to Friday night's Merseyside derby in the FA Cup, and a possible debut for Virgil van Dijk.
04/01/18•35m 43s
Harry Kane vs Dixie Dean
In 2017's last Total Football, host Thom Gibbs sits down with Opta's Duncan Alexander to analyse the season so far through a statistical lens.
We look at the table from top to bottom, and put your best questions to Duncan on topics as diverse as Dixie Dean and Xabi Alonso.
Virgil van Dijk's forthcoming move to Liverpool is explained by the man who broke the story, Jeremy Wilson. And there's reaction to the appointment of Carlos Carvalhal at Swansea from broadcaster Michelle Owen.
28/12/17•38m 22s
Do the deal
Another week another frightening Manchester City victory. Telegraph Sport's Luke Edwards joins the Total Football podcast to tell Thom Gibbs just how much better this City side are than all of their rivals.
Luke and Thom pick over the bones of the Premier League weekend, taking in eye-catching wins for Crystal Palace and Huddersfield, a concerning defeat for Mark Hughes's Stoke, and Chelsea's chances of ending the season with silverware.
It's off to Merseyside where Chris Bascombe gives his verdict on Liverpool's trouncing of Bournemouth, before looking ahead to Everton vs Swansea on Monday night.
Finally, Luke gives us the latest on the Newcastle United takeover saga, and answers your questions about the latest developments.
17/12/17•37m 10s
Jamie Carragher: Liverpool only have themselves to blame
Telegraph Sport columnist Jamie Carragher joins this week's Total Football to discuss the Manchester and Merseyside derbies with host Thom Gibbs.
Hear Carragher's thoughts on his old club's 1-1 draw against an Everton team which suddenly looks very much like it is managed by Sam Allardyce.
Carragher also runs the rule over Manchester City's 2-1 victory at Old Trafford, and where that leaves the increasingly non-existent title race.
Charlie Eccleshare wraps up the rest of the Premier League, including West Ham's surprise victory over champions Chelsea, misfiring Arsenal's draw at Southampton and Tottenham's big win over Stoke.
And finally off to Europe, as we look ahead to Monday's Champions League draw with Mina Rzouki, who lets us know which teams the Premier League contenders will want to avoid in the round of 16.
10/12/17•35m 54s
Karma for Pogba
Did we witness the best Premier League game of the season on Saturday night? Host Thom Gibbs believes that we did, and the Telegraph's Football News Correspondent Matt Law joins us to dissect Arsenal's thrilling home defeat by Manchester United.
There's plenty of other excitement to delve into in the Premier League, including a big away win for Liverpool, more struggles for Spurs and managerial debuts for Sam Allardyce and Alan Pardew with their new clubs.
Chelsea striker Fran Kirby speaks to us about a couple of forwards who are failing to sparkle, and who will resume normal service first: Harry Kane or Romelu Lukaku.
Plus we look back on the World Cup draw with our Sports News Correspondent Ben Rumsby and ask whether it's wise or deeply, deeply stupid to expect anything whatsoever from England.
03/12/17•39m 13s
What's wrong with Rom?
Ian Irving is keeping the host seat warm this week whilst Thom Gibbs rides the managerial merry-go-round.
Telegraph columnist Jim White joins Ian in the studio to ask if Manchester United are actually City's closest rivals to the title? Whether Arsenal have been given the push they needed from an unsuspecting source? And if Spurs are suffering from a bad case of Wembley woe?
Chris Bascombe tries to explain why Everton still haven't found a manager and decide if the current crop can claim the title of worst Everton team ever. Plus we speak with Stonewall’s Robbie De Santos to find out all about the Rainbow Laces campaign.
26/11/17•36m 9s
Sunderland's tyre fire
The season has given us its first north London derby, and it was Arsenal who emerged victorious at Ashburton Grove.
The Telegraph's Chief Football Correspondent Jason Burt is our guest, and gives his verdict on that match as well as the rest of the Premier League weekend.
Is Romelu Lukaku still low on confidence despite ending his goal drought? Is Marco Silva off to Everton? And are Manchester City playing the best football ever witnessed in the Premier League?
Rob Bagchi joins to analyse the Championship and an increasingly desperate situation at Sunderland, despite the arrival of Chris Coleman. Plus Total Football welcomes Lynsey Hooper to discuss a controversial social media post from Arsenal in the wake of their victory over Spurs.
19/11/17•39m 59s
Sam Wallace's Power Rankings
Eleven games in and we've seen enough of the Premier League to make some rash conclusions about how the league table is going to pan out at its conclusion.
Chief Football Writer, Sam Wallace, joins host Thom Gibbs to give his verdict on which are the teams to believe in, who can get out of trouble, and whether anyone can realistically expect to challenge Manchester City for the title. Alan Tyers is also on hand to give a verdict on the men in the dug-out.
This is, of course, amidst the background of an international break so Luke Edwards gives us a summary of the World Cup playoffs and his views on England's 0-0 draw with Germany on Friday night.
Finally, an appearance from the very proud owner of a footballing world record as goalkeeper Paul Bastock tells Total Football about the match which clinched his new title: the footballer with the highest number of senior appearances ever.
12/11/17•41m 58s
Put a rocket up them
A genuinely Super Sunday on paper, but did it live up to expectations? The Telegraph's Deputy Football Correspondent Jeremy Wilson joins Thom Gibbs to unpick the weekend that was.
Spurs maintained their inverse-hoodoo at Wembley, while three 1-0 wins for away sides demonstrated that anyone can beat anyone in the middle reaches of Premier League.
Chelsea saw off Manchester United in the battle of the furious managers at Stamford Bridge. Jason Burt speaks shortly after the final whistle to discuss how Conte pulled it off, and how much United are missing Paul Pogba.
Then it's over to Manchester where James Ducker witnessed another comfortable City victory, and another limp Arsenal performance
Plus an interview with the director of the new edition of Football Manager, as Miles Jacobson gives us his top tip for avoiding the sack in the frighteningly immersive and wildly popular computer game.
05/11/17•42m 31s
Can you speak up a bit?
Once again the Premier League has brought us delights from across the country for Total Football to debate, revel in and despair at.
Thom Gibbs is away so Ian Irving is keeping the host seat warm alongside Jim White.
We head to the King Power Stadium as Claude Puel’s charm offensive took full effect against a limping Everton.
Arsenal fans continue to have a Chips on their shoulder as the Gunners hold their Annual General Meeting.
Oh, and England became U17s Champions of the World. England’s most capped player tells us just how good these youngsters are and whether we’ll hear from any of them again in the future.
29/10/17•35m 13s
Taxi For Koeman
It finished London 9 Merseyside 3 in the Premier League on Sunday, but this isn't a podcast designed to confirm your conspiracy theories about London-centric media bias.
Instead we attempt to make sense of all the key issues around the league including Liverpool's prohibitively leaky defence, Manchester City's longevity and Jose Mourinho's fury.
All come under the microscope provided to host Thom Gibbs by this week's in-studio guest Chris Bascombe.
Jim White speaks to Total Football in the aftermath of Everton's 5-2 home defeat. On a related note, TV and radio presenter Kelly Cates joins the line-up to answer the question: when is the best time to sack a manager?
Plus we look back on events in parliament as the Telegraph's sports news correspondent Ben Rumsby fills us in on the investigation into the FA's handling of the Mark Sampson case.
22/10/17•37m 36s
Total Football Special: Graeme Souness
Graeme Souness sits down with Thom Gibbs in a bonus episode of Total Football this week.
The former Liverpool, Southampton and Newcastle manager discusses his career in the dug-out, his playing days, and the current Liverpool side.
Among other things Graeme reveals that his house is not a shrine to his playing days at all, and how football management really took its toll on his life.
Your normal Total Football service will resume on Sunday.
19/10/17•37m 21s
The John Percy Blues Explosion
Domestic football returned to our lives in thrilling fashion this weekend and Total Football is on hand to unpick the biggest stories.
John Percy joins host Thom Gibbs to analyse Manchester City's spectacular win over Stoke, Manchester United's less than spectacular 0-0 draw with Liverpool and why on earth Andy Carroll can't appear to jump for a header without accidentally elbowing someone in the head.
Jim White was at Selhurst Park to witness an unlikely first win of the season for Crystal Palace against the champions, and even a joke from Roy Hodgson. Alan Tyers expands on his column about Troy Deeney and wonders why more footballers feel uncomfortable saying what they really mean. And Total Football goes transatlantic to speak to Brooks Peck about how the USA failed to qualify for next year's World Cup.
15/10/17•33m 10s
Exclusive Jamie Carragher interview: Telegraph Sport's new signing
It's an exciting day for Telegraph Sport as we announce our new signing, former Liverpool captain and England international Jamie Carragher.
Jamie sits down with the Telegraph's Chief Sports Writer Paul Hayward for a Total Football exclusive interview. In it, Carragher discusses what he's done since retiring, his ongoing obsession with football, and why the game now lacks the brand of leadership he exhibited in his playing days.
Carragher will be appearing on the Total Football podcast at various points throughout the season and writing for Telegraph Sport every week. His work will appear online on Fridays and in Saturday's sport section.
10/10/17•22m 0s
What has Lionel Messi won for Argentina?
Rejoice, football fans, England will take their place in the 2018 World Cup. Unfortunately, nobody seems very excited about this news.
Jim White joins host Thom Gibbs to wonder how this team can get the country back on side and takes a look through the World Cup qualification prospects of the other home nations and the Republic of Ireland. Plus we wonder what a World Cup would look like without both Holland and Argentina.
Former England international Rachel Yankey explains how players keep themselves motivated and admits the challenges of a long international qualification campaign. Caroline Barker speaks on this year's Non-League Day which led to some impressive attendances last weekend.
And Telegraph Sport writer JJ Bull gives us his verdict on FIFA 18, and whether it's actually any fun compared to the revitalised Pro Evolution Soccer.
08/10/17•38m 5s
Block. Tackle. Defy. Repeat.
A super weekend for the current kings of the Premier League: Manchester City, Manchester United, and perhaps most powerful of all, Harry Kane.Chelsea and Everton had a less positive time of it, and Telegraph Sport's chief sports writer Paul Hayward joins host Thom Gibbs to unpick the weekend. With international week looming Paul and Thom also discuss England's likely successful bid to reach the World Cup, and how they might fare in Russia.We head to Newcastle to hear from Luke Edwards after Newcastle held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw.
Sam Wallace joins to analyse Manchester City's 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge, and explains why it was a textbook Pep Guardiola performance. And Alan Tyers joins to talk about football on the television currently, and its future.
01/10/17•35m 43s
A deluxe Vincent Janssen
In news which will terrify climate scientists it has been raining goals this weekend in the Premier League. Host Thom Gibbs is joined by Charlie Eccleshare to address the increasingly frightening teams at the top of the league who appear to be winning heavily without having to try too hard.
Chelsea also impressed in their 4-0 away victory at Stoke, while Liverpool and Manchester United had a tougher time of it against Leicester and Southampton respectively but ultimately came out with three points.
Matt Law watched Spurs's win at West Ham in the London derby and gives us an update on the developing love affair between Harry Kane his manager.
Sam Wallace joins to discuss the fate of former England women's manager manager Mark Sampson and where the FA goes from here.
And we speak to Lioness Laura Bassett who will shortly be moving to a new club in Australia. Just how do footballers prepare for a new start in a new country?
24/09/17•38m 42s
Thom Yorke's biggest fan: Sergio Aguero
An unexpected result for a number of reasons at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, where Arsenal managed to enhance their reputiation against Chelsea with a goalless draw.
Is the fact that Arsenal's competence was a surprise a sad indicator of their current state, or does it show just how negative the conversation around the club has become?
Telegraph Sport's deputy football correspondent Jeremy Wilson picks over the evidence with host Thom Gibbs on this week's Total Football.
We head to Manchester to ask James Ducker how Wayne Rooney’s return played out, and the ethics of celebrating a goal against your former club. Plus Jim White examines Manchester City after watching their Vicarage Road demolition job, and we’ll check in on Liverpool and Chris Bascombe to find out how they failed to see off Burnley.
17/09/17•39m 55s
No handshake required
Goodbye international week, hello the true meaning of Premier League football. That is, of course, the traditionally thrilling spectacle of two grown men failing to shake hands with one another.
Telegraph Sport reporter Luke Edwards joins host Thom Gibbs to pick over manager etiquette, the pressure on Ronald Koeman at Everton and whether Jermain Defoe is finally reaching the end of his career.
Elsewhere Sam Wallace gives his verdict on Manchester City's 5-0 win over 10-man Liverpool, Jason Burt tells us what it was like to interview the world's most expensive teenager Kylian Mbappe and England international Karen Carney explains how coaches will have helped Harry Kane get his scoring touch back.
10/09/17•38m 47s
We need to talk about England
International week is upon us, and with it another period of navel-gazing, hand-wringing and head-bashing-repeatedly-on-hard-surface about the state of the England national football team. A 4-0 victory over Malta was far more impressive on paper than in inconvenient reality, and host Thom Gibbs is duty-bound to address it. Telegraph Sport's chief football correspondent Jason Burt weighs in on where the national side is at under Gareth Southgate, as well as naming his winners and losers from the summer transfer window.
Former England captain Faye White explains the difference a good captain can make to a football team, as the England men continue their search for a permanent armband-wearer.
Telegraph Sport's James Ducker assesses the likelihood of Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland making it to Russia 2018 and former QPR winger Andy Sinton takes us behind the scenes at Saturday's Game 4 Grenfell at Loftus Road.
03/09/17•38m 44s
Name your sauce
The Premier League weekend is over but we still have several more thrilling days of the transfer window to enjoy.
To talk through the latest round of games host Thom Gibbs is joined by Telegraph Sport's football news correspondent Matt Law who also gives his predictions for who might move clubs in the coming days, and lifts the lid on the process behind reporting on transfer stories.
Then to Anfield to hear Chris Bascombe's thoughts on Liverpool’s 4-0 victory over Arsenal, and a chat with Luke Edwards about the state of football in the north east, and whether any manager can be happy working for Mike Ashley.
Former Southampton captain Dean Hammond also gives his verdict on the most controversial red card from the weekend.
27/08/17•36m 18s
Hoodoo you think you are?
The Premier League season is two games old and already posing difficult questions.
Are Manchester United back to their best? Why can't Arsenal defend? And are we living through the final year of the transfer window staying open beyond the start of the season?
Telegraph Sport chief sports writer Paul Hayward joins host Thom Gibbs to get to the bottom of things.
Elsewhere Matt Law addresses the podded masses from Spurs' temporary home at Wembley, John Percy gives his verdict on football from his Midlands patch, and England international Carly Telford runs the rule over the top flight goalkeeping landscape.
20/08/17•36m 46s
The laughing left-back
The Premier League is back, and so is Telegraph Sport's new Total Football podcast.
Sam Wallace joins host Thom Gibbs in attempting to unpick what went wrong for Chelsea in their shock opening weekend defeat to Burnley, and just what's eating manager Antonio Conte.
With the days ticking down until the transfer deadline Sam runs the rule over the Premier League players who are likely to leave their club, who might stay put and if any of them are actually as injured as their clubs say they are.
Plus a round-up of the rest of the weekend's Premier League games, with good wins for Arsenal, Spurs, Manchester City and Huddersfield.
We head to Old Trafford to get James Ducker’s verdict on Manchester United’s 4-0 victory over West Ham.Arsenal title-winner Nigel Winterburn answers the question "is defending getting worse" and Jim White expands upon his story on the alienated football fans who are being left behind by the modern game.
Listen to the new episode, and stay tuned to the end to find out how you can win £500 by beating other podcast listeners in our free Total Football fantasy league.
13/08/17•39m 41s
Better than a Courtois penalty
The first ever episode of the Telegraph's new Total Football Podcast begins in rousing style with chief football correspondent Jason Burt joining Thom Gibbs in the studio to preview the Premier League season.
Just how open is the title race, which teams in the vast expanse below might surprise, and which could end up in relegation trouble? Jason also tells the inside story of Neymar's world record move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Deputy football correspondent Jeremy Wilson gives his verdict on Arsenal's Community Shield victory, former England player Sue Smith rounds up the Women's European Championships and chief football writer Sam Wallace reveals all about his meeting with one of the Premier League's new managers.
Plus stay tuned to the end to find out how you can win £500 by beating other podcast listeners in our free Total Football fantasy league.
06/08/17•42m 53s