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Liverpool overcame nine-man Tottenham in north London courtesy of second-half goals from Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike. The match was evenly-poised in the opening period but swung in the visitors’ favour after Tottenham were reduced to 10 men 33 minutes into the encounter when Xavi Simons was dismissed after catching the back of Virgil van Dijk’s leg with his studs.

Isak came off the bench at half-time and opened the scoring 11 minutes after the interval. But he sustained an injury in the process of finding the back of the net and was forced off the pitch again. Liverpool doubled their advantage midway through the second period as Ekitike rose well to head the ball into the top corner as the Reds appeared to be cruising. But Richarlison gave Tottenham hope with a goal in the 83rd minute before the home side pushed for an equaliser. Liverpool held firm to claim all three points, however, as Cristian Romero was also dismissed in the dying seconds.

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Liverpool player ratings vs Tottenham (4-2-3-1)

Alisson - 8

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Had a quiet night for much of the encounter but was ultimately forced into a string of fine saves as Tottenham came forward and caused problems. Always inspires confidence when he starts.

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Conor Bradley - 6

Fired a ball across the box early on but struggled to get into the match. Received medical attention on the pitch during the first-half and was replaced by Isak at the break.

Ibrahima Konate - 5

Looks shaky at times and still fails to convince at the heart of the Reds backline. Was troubled throughout and wasn't given an easy ride, even when Spurs were reduced to nine men.

Virgil van Dijk - 7

Was a threat in the air in the Tottenham box as he looked to get on the end of set-piece deliveries. Would have had a sore leg after being caught by Simons, with the Tottenham man given his marching orders. Stood up well as Spurs attacked at will late on.

Milos Kerkez - 5

Pushed up to support the Liverpool attack but was reluctant to deliver the ball into the box at times and was often wayward with his passes when he did attempt to pick out his team-mates.

Ryan Gravenberch - 7

Continues to be a key players under Arne Slot and dictated play in the centre of the pitch. Was too slow at times in the first-half when Liverpool needed urgency after Tottenham went down to 10 men. Wall called upon more and more to protect the backline as Spurs pushed forward in search of a leveller.

Curtis Jones - 6

Played in midfield but dropped back to form a back five during an intense spell of pressure from the home side in the first-half. Was guilty of playing too many sideways passes but was generally solid throughout.

Dominik Szoboszlai - 7

Has been Liverpool’s best player this season but was quiet in attack in the first-half before moving to right-back after Isak came on. Remained at right-back after Isak was taken off and whipped some decent deliveries into the box.

Alexis Mac Allister - 5

Failed to impress and lacks a cutting edge in the final third. May have suited Liverpool better if he had played further back, with Isak starting in attack with Ekitike. Needs to offer more if he is to keep his place in the Reds team.

Florian Wirtz - 8

Looked dangerous in the final third and had a chance with a header midway through the first-half, before firing another effort at goal soon afterwards. Looked to get behind the Tottenham backline but wasn’t always picked out by Liverpool’s creators. Laid on the assist for Isak’s strike and made a nuisance of himself throughout.

Huge Ekitike - 8

Has been in scintillating form in recent weeks and popped up with another goal for the Reds as he appeared to have put the game to bed in north London. Was isolated up front in the first-half but had more luck after the interval as he showed his qualities once again.

Substitutions

Alexander Isak - 7

Introduced to the action at half-time as Slot attempted to make the most of his side’s numerical advantage. Took just 11 minutes to find the back of the net but was hurt while scoring the goal as he was forced off the pitch.

Jeremie Frimpong - 7

Came on for Isak following the Sweden international’s injury and played in an advanced position. Was himself replaced after also picking up an injury.

Federico Chiesa - 7

Came on for Jeremie Frimpong in stoppage time at the end of the match as Liverpool attempted to cling on to the win.

Trey Nyoni - N/A

Came on with seconds remaining.

Andy Robertson - N/A

Featured for a matter of seconds at the end of the match.

Tottenham are bracing themselves for the possibility of a busy January transfer window, as several departures and arrivals could be in the pipeline over the next month. Among those who may be heading out of north London is Brennan Johnson, who has found game-time hard to come by under Thomas Frank.

BBC Sport reports that while Spurs aren't actively seeking to offload the Wales international, they would consider a departure if the right offer comes in. The report suggests that Crystal Palace are among the clubs showing the most serious interest in the 24-year-old, which could lead to a January move.

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This development comes just over two years after Tottenham landed Johnson from Nottingham Forest for £47.5m, where he quickly became an integral part of Ange Postecoglou's squad. The winger had a knack for being in the right place at the right time, scoring numerous crucial goals, and perhaps none were as significant as the one he netted for Spurs in the Europa League final, where he scored the decisive goal against Manchester United.

While he ended the club's lengthy trophy drought, it hasn't been easy for the star since. Postecoglou's departure in turn meant Johnson has struggled to regain his place in the team.

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Thomas Frank has only given him six Premier League starts so far this season, preferring other players over him in the squad. Consequently, a departure could be on the cards for Johnson - depending on the kind of offer Tottenham are waiting for in the market.

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Speaking about Johnson's struggles this season, Frank said: "I'm very aware that Brennan's got some very good qualities. One of them is scoring goals, running in behind and arriving in the box. I really like everything about him. He also scored goals this year as well. Four, I think, in total. So I'm very aware of them.

"So it's all about how you create that team, where we perform, how we get the best players in, where do we play them. Is it Mo [Kudus] to the right, is it Brennan? Who plays the No.10? What kind of player do we play in a different position to make it click?

"And then we also need a little bit of depth, because we play every third or fourth day, to keep the freshness, the energy. So that's a challenge."

While Johnson's immediate future remains uncertain, Tottenham themselves encounter several obstacles in the transfer market. The winger's market worth has plummeted to unprecedented lows since his arrival at the club, dropping to €35m (£30m) according to transfermarkt's value tool.

This presents a considerable hurdle in securing an agreement for the 24-year-old. Should he depart, Tottenham will confront serious questions regarding the depth of their offensive options.

The side has failed to produce many convincing attacking performances during Frank's tenure, so far, a situation worsened by crucial personnel shortages within the squad. James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke have all been absent throughout the campaign, representing a significant setback within the forward ranks.

Without those stars, and the lack of impact from Johnson so far, it remains to be seen how well Spurs can do under Frank in an attacking sense, as pressure ramps up on him over his job. The Danish coach pleaded for time, following his side's recent defeat to Nottingham Forest.

"It's pretty evident if no-one gets the time, no-one can turn it around. This is not a quick fix," he said.

Jurgen Klopp has been linked with a surprise Premier League return, with Tottenham urged to pursue the former Liverpool boss by the club's former chairman Lord Alan Sugar. Klopp has remained out of management since his emotional farewell to Anfield at the end of the 2023/24 season, after almost nine years transforming the Merseyside giants. He has since accepted a role as Red Bull's head of global football, though speculation about a managerial comeback refuses to subside.

Recent reports have connected him with the Real Madrid job as Xabi Alonso endures a challenging period at the Bernabeu, but now an unexpected return to England has been suggested. Lord Sugar has urged Spurs to target Klopp as their next boss, with current manager Thomas Frank facing growing pressure following an erratic start to the season.

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The north Londoners find themselves stuck in 11th position in the Premier League table after Sunday's crushing defeat at Nottingham Forest. It marked their sixth top-flight loss already this term and has intensified doubts over Frank's future.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) following the match, Lord Sugar suggested the club should launch an ambitious bid to secure Klopp as the Dane's replacement.

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"With the massive fortune of the Lewis family it would be a win-win situation if they hired Jurgen Klopp in January," wrote Sugar. "Loads of money for players and a great manager. Who agrees?"

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Yet, it seems Klopp himself might not concur. The 58-year-old has shown little desire to return to the dugout, although he hasn't completely ruled out the idea.

One thing he has unequivocally dismissed is the prospect of managing another English top-flight team apart from Liverpool.

"If you ask me, 'Will you ever work as a manager again?' I would say now no," Klopp stated following his decision to leave Anfield.

"But I don't know obviously how that will feel because I never had the situation. What I know definitely – I will never, ever manage a different club in England than Liverpool, 100 per cent.

"That's not possible. My love for this club, my respect for the people is too big. I couldn't. I couldn't for a second think about it. There's no chance.

This is part of my life, we are part of the family, we feel home here. There's no chance to do that. But all the rest, will I ever work again? Of course, I know myself, I cannot just sit around."

Liverpool could be without up to seven first-team players for their upcoming match against Tottenham on Saturday. Arne Slot lamented having only 13 outfield players available for the Reds' recent clash with Brighton. Despite a brace from Hugo Ekitike securing a 2-0 victory for Liverpool, the win came at a cost as injuries further reduced Slot's squad options.

Joe Gomez was substituted in the first half due to a hamstring injury, while Dominik Szoboszlai also had to leave the pitch after hurting his ankle. Mohamed Salah, who replaced Gomez, will also be absent as he leaves for Africa Cup of Nations duty. Slot could only name eight substitutes, one less than the maximum allowed, for the match against Brighton. His bench included two players, Wellity Lucky and Calvin Ramsay, who have yet to make their Premier League debuts.

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Liverpool can expect Conor Bradley to return for the North London trip, following his suspension during the Brighton win. However, due to the ongoing injury crisis, Slot may need to rely on the club's academy to fill his matchday squad.

He has already confirmed that Gomez is expected to miss the Tottenham match, and Szoboszlai is also doubtful.

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Jeremie Frimpong's availability remains uncertain as he nears recovery from a hamstring injury sustained in late October. "If I have a player who goes off with a muscle injury like Joe (Gomez), that's normally not a positive thing," Slot shared.

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"I would not expect him to be in the squad next week [at Tottenham Hotspur]. But sometimes you get a positive surprise.

"People now maybe understand a bit better why I was always so cautious not to play him so many games. I assume many people thought, 'If you have a defender, if you have a right full-back, why don't you play him?'"

"And Dom (Szoboszlai), it was his ankle. It didn't look great when I just saw him. But he has unbelievable mentality so let's hope for the best.

"The good thing is that Conor Bradley comes back from a suspension and normally Jeremie Frimpong will train with us also.

"But we're also going to miss Mo (Salah) because he is going to go to the Africa Cup of Nations."

Liverpool are already dealing with the absence of Cody Gakpo and Wataru Endo, both confirmed by Slot last week to be out for several weeks due to muscle and ankle injuries, respectively.

Giovanni Leoni continues to be a long-term absentee, having been ruled out for the season after undergoing surgery on an ACL injury suffered during his debut for the club in September.

In the meantime, it remains uncertain why Trey Nyoni was absent from the matchday squad for the Brighton game. Additionally, young players such as Stefan Bajcetic, Jayden Danns (both suffering from hamstring injuries) and Kaide Gordon (meniscus injury) continue to be out of action due to their respective injuries.

Ruben Amorim was spotted visibly frustrated in the technical area during Manchester United's 4-4 draw with Bournemouth on Monday evening. The 40-year-old head coach vented his exasperation to his backroom team, specifically targeting Leny Yoro for his criticism.

In footage circulated by a supporter on social media, Amorim was captured gesticulating wildly as he settled back into his seat, before shouting in his native Portuguese: "The ball has gone for half an hour, what is Leny doing?" The precise moment during the match when this outburst took place remains uncertain.

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Earlier this month, Amorim suggested Yoro 'thinks too much' after the 20-year-old appeared dejected on the substitutes' bench following his withdrawal in the 54th minute during United's 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace.

"I also spoke with him because he thinks too much," Amorim said. "He makes a mistake in the game and then he struggles because he's too young and he wants to do everything so well. He's growing with games and with setbacks, it's not easy for him as a young guy.

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"He cannot give that [reaction] to the people, the way he came to the bench. He understands that but he was really frustrated."

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"It shows he cares. He knows it wasn't his best game but he did some things well and I showed him that. He's fit and ready for the next challenge."

United were unable to preserve their lead at Old Trafford, despite going ahead on three separate occasions. Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha struck in rapid succession to make it 4-3 with 10 minutes left on the clock.

Amad and Casemiro also got on the scoresheet but a late Bournemouth equaliser saw more points squandered at Old Trafford.

"It's really disappointing, we are really disappointed," said Amorim after the match.

"Crazy game. It might look like we lost the two points in the second half but I think we lost them in the first half. We dominated and created so many chances. We had to go to half-time with a different result.

"In the end we deserved more. It was a fun game for everyone at home. I think we started really well. We did a very good first half. The result should be completely different.

"And then, again, I think six minutes into the second half, similar to Nottingham [Forest], we lost the concentration and they scored two goals, but we managed to get back into the game.

"We score two goals again and then we have to finish the game. A throw-in in our possession, we need to think about, not to go again but to take calm and to close the game.

"In the end, it was a fun game."

Oliver Glasner will reportedly leave Crystal Palace when his contract at Selhurst Park expires next summer. And the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham could be tempted to bring him in following his endeavours in south London. Glasner replaced Roy Hodgson in the Palace dugout in February 2024 after leaving Eintracht Frankfurt eight months earlier.

The Eagles were in danger of being relegated when the Austrian was appointed after sinking to 15th in the Premier League table. But he ultimately led them to a 10th-place finish. His first full season at the helm ended with FA Cup glory as Palace defeated Manchester City in the final to also secure European football. And Palace are currently fifth in the league table, with the side also enjoying a strong start to life in the UEFA Conference League.

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According to Spanish outlet Cadena SER, Glasner has no intention of renewing his Palace contract beyond the end of the season. The 51-year-old instead wants to take charge at one of the Premier League giants. And Palace have set their sights on appointing Getafe boss Jose Bordalas as his replacement.

Glasner was linked with the managerial position at Manchester United after current Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim came under huge pressure in September following a dismal run of form from his team.

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The north west giants lost three of their opening six league matches this season and were also dumped out of the Carabao Cup in the second round after suffering a humiliating defeat at the hands of League Two outfit Grimsby.

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But United have since improved, with the Red Devils losing just once in their last 10 league outings. And Amorim’s job appears to be safe for now.

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Chelsea could soon be on the hunt for a new manager, with current boss Enzo Maresca inferring at the weekend that he was lacking the backing of the club’s hierarchy.

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And Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher admitted on Monday evening that he cannot envisage Maresca still being in charge at Stamford Bridge next season.

Meanwhile, Tottenham boss Thomas Frank finds himself under huge pressure after a disappointing start to his Spurs reign.

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The Lilywhites have won just two of their last nine league matches and have fallen to 11th in the table as a result.

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Glasner was asked about his links with United and other “top clubs” during an interview with Kicker in the autumn.

And the Palace boss refused to rule out a move as he explained: “I follow all the rumours - and that's all there is - neutrally and completely relaxed. Focusing on the daily work with my players and coaches, and trying to enjoy it as much as possible.”

Tottenham have reportedly made a decision on Thomas Frank's future after a humbling 3-0 defeat away to Nottingham Forest. Spurs are languishing in the bottom half of the table, after Frank took over from Ange Postecoglou in the summer. They had been on the back of a three-match unbeaten run before losing at the City Ground but pressure continues to intensify on the Danish coach.

Spurs have lost as many league games as they have won this season and complaints have grown inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with sections of the crowd unhappy with Frank's style of play. Next up for Spurs is a resurgent Liverpool side before travelling to London rivals Crystal Palace.

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And the BBC claim that Spurs have no immediate plans to sack Frank and there will not be a knee-jerk reaction to defeat by Sean Dyche's Forest side.

The inside feeling is that there had been signs of improvement in recent weeks and the loss is unlikely to prompt a change of plan from the club's hierarchy.

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However, there is not universal backing for Frank within Spurs. He had faced increased internal scrutiny following defeat to Fulham on November 29, which ensured that they had claimed just won win from eight matches.

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But there has not been any serious consideration to sacking Frank, with the club acknowledging that there will be setbacks in their long-term plan under the former Brentford boss.

CEO Vinai Venkatesham, who left Arsenal for Spurs, opted to keep the faith with Mikel Arteta when he was struggling during the early stages of his tenure in north London.

And Frank believes that he, too, will be afforded time to succeed at the club. "I can't see why not," the head coach about the prospect of senior figures backing him.

"I think it's pretty evident that if no one gets the time, no one can turn this around. This is not a quick fix.

"I do everything to control my emotions, which is a hurricane inside me, because, of course, it's deeply frustrating that we are not doing better today after three good performances.

"I think it is extremely important to be calm and measured and of course, have very, very direct and clear messages at the right time, so they're not in doubt of what I think.

"I'm very honest about where we are as well. I was also very honest, today was a very bad performance, no two ways about that.

"But I also know that to change this will take some time. No one will want to hear about that. It's just reality.

"I think the ones who have followed the club and the team, I think it's fair to say there's been a few not too consistent performances and that's the thing. We are working very hard."

With a match against Liverpool up next, followed by a daunting visit to Crystal Palace to conclude their 2025 fixtures, the question arises: can Frank weather the storm of fan discontent and internal squad issues through the long, cold winter?

Our panel weigh in on whether Tottenham should dismiss their second manager in six months and admit their error before it's too late...

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John Cross

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Tottenham must afford Thomas Frank more time. It would be a grave mistake to make a hasty decision before Christmas, denying a new manager the chance to rectify the situation.

Spurs currently sit on 22 points after 16 games, which is only one point less than they had at this stage under former boss Ange Postecoglou.

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However, the real concern lies in the style of football, a lack of entertainment and identity. That being said, these are precisely the elements that a new manager needs time to instil.

It was never going to be an instant triumph.

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Frank took over a team that had clinched the Europa League but performed poorly for most of the previous season. I initially thought the squad was stronger than it actually is.

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They urgently need another transfer window.

The team lacks quality, character and determination. The feeble capitulation at Nottingham Forest was deeply concerning.

Yet, they are only four points away from fifth place!

But who else is available to do a better job?

Managers require time. Mikel Arteta endured a much tougher spell at Arsenal.

Even Manchester United have been patient with Ruben Amorim.

Indeed, Tottenham must improve. However, it would be a serious mistake for Tottenham to make yet another change so early into Frank's tenure.

Andy Dunn

This is how major clubs operate nowadays. This is how elite football organisations function.

They maintain their class. They trust their judgement.

Patience has become the new impulsive reaction. The hire-and-fire approach is outdated.

Tottenham Hotspur is a sleeping giant that has been dormant for years, and waking it up will be a lengthy process. The notion of sacking Thomas Frank just ten wins into his tenure is utterly absurd.

After securing a decent point at Newcastle United, Spurs defeated Brentford by two goals and Slavia Prague by three before delivering a disappointing performance at the City Ground.

How could such form possibly warrant dismissal?

Spurs sit higher than Eddie Howe's side in the Premier League standings.

At the very least, they're guaranteed a spot in the Champions League play-off stage. Admittedly, their display at Nottingham Forest was woeful.

Admittedly, consistency has eluded them.

However, counting the European Super Cup, Frank has overseen 25 Spurs matches and suffered defeat in just eight. Sacking him would be utterly absurd.

Neil McLeman

Tottenham's points tally this campaign trails their record after 16 fixtures under Ange Postecoglou last term. Their performance at Forest on Sunday was appallingly poor.

Yet the North London outfit cannot persist with constant managerial upheaval - and Frank is an established, albeit somewhat limited, Premier League manager who attracted interest from both Chelsea and Manchester United last year. Who could deliver superior results at this moment?

This campaign ought to have brought relative consistency under Frank following their 17th-place finish last term but Europa League triumph under Big Ange. Yet victory over his previous employers Brentford represents their sole impressive result since October.

Following the Forest loss, Frank acknowledged there's no "quick fix" and this represents a fairly mediocre squad assembled at considerable cost. Remove injured stars Dejan Kulesevski, Dominic Solanke, James Maddison and Destiny Udogie and the team becomes even more lacklustre.

Securing a top six or seven position - and European qualification next term - ought to be this season's target. Should that prove unattainable, the blame cannot rest solely with Frank.

Nathan Ridley

This scenario feels somewhat familiar, doesn't it?

A promising manager exceeds expectations in the Premier League, secures a coveted move to a larger club, and then everything unravels.

With Thomas Frank at Tottenham, the red flags appear to be emerging. Whilst Spurs are performing admirably in European competition, their domestic league form has been disappointing, and an early Carabao Cup exit, coupled with a challenging FA Cup fixture on the horizon, suggests trouble ahead.

However, I believe perseverance is key. This is a manager who has operated at the progressive Brentford, possesses a proven ability to develop players and can construct a defensively sound unit - precisely what Tottenham were missing under Ange Postecoglou.

Naturally, Frank must extract greater output from Spurs' attacking talent, but the anticipated returns of Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison will undoubtedly bolster creativity. Tottenham have experimented with various managerial profiles, so maintaining the current path seems prudent for now.

Conor Mummery

Following Sunday's disappointing 3-0 loss at Nottingham Forest, Thomas Frank remarked: "If no-one gets the time, no-one can turn it around. This is not a quick fix."

Whilst this may hold merit, and many have highlighted how the likes of Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta both endured difficult beginnings at Liverpool and Arsenal respectively before being afforded the time and resources to instigate change, there has been absolutely no evidence suggesting Frank possesses the capability for the transformative impact witnessed in either instance. Tottenham's recent form has been less than impressive, with only four victories in their last 14 matches across all competitions.

The performances have not indicated a likely turnaround in results anytime soon. Frank was primarily brought in to shore up a porous defence, but Spurs have conceded 16 goals in their last five away fixtures and have been equally ineffective in attack.

The last time Tottenham had such a low points tally at this stage of the season was back in 2008/09, under Juande Ramos, when they accumulated just two points from their first eight games. The club swiftly replaced the Spanish manager with Harry Redknapp in October, and they need to act with similar decisiveness now if they hope to salvage this season.

Ben Husband

Thomas Frank is undoubtedly a competent manager, as evidenced by his remarkable work with Brentford. However, he seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and it would be best for both parties to acknowledge this reality.

Managing Brentford in the Premier League is a vastly different task compared to doing so at Tottenham - and thus far, Frank has been found wanting.

While it's true that they are missing two of their most creative players in Maddison and Kulusevski, their absence alone cannot account for the lacklustre performances under their beleaguered boss. According to Opta, Spurs' average xG stands at a mere 0.96 per game, ranking them 17th worst in the division and marking their lowest since the statistic began being recorded in the 2012/13 season.

This situation bears an uncanny resemblance to Nuno Espirito Santo's stint in North London - a competent manager, but not the right match. Spurs acknowledged their error just four months into his tenure, which concluded with a dismal run of form strikingly similar to their current predicament.

Frank is likely to find success elsewhere, but that shouldn't deter Spurs from taking swift action and making necessary changes sooner rather than later.

Manor Solomon reportedly has the option to cut short his loan spell at Villarreal and return to Tottenham Hotspur during the winter transfer window. According to El Periodico Mediterraneo, a clause in the deal will enable him to "unilaterally terminate" the loan arrangement in January.

Solomon has had a limited role with Villarreal, most recently appearing only as a substitute and operating from the bench. The 26-year-old has registered one goal and four assists across all competitions, but the shortage of playing time has become a concern for him and his representatives.

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Consequently, they have not entirely dismissed the prospect of the player departing in January, which would result in his return to Tottenham. The forward could create complications for the north London outfit, presenting a dilemma for Frank and the hierarchy regarding their subsequent actions.

It seems unlikely that Solomon would have a significant future in the first team, given the current options available in the wide positions. Consequently, another departure in January appears most probable, although it remains unclear whether this would be a loan arrangement or a permanent sale.

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It has been a frustrating campaign thus far for the winger, who was coming off a successful loan stint with Leeds United last season. Whilst it appeared they were keen on a reunion during the summer, that transfer never materialised again, and it remains unclear whether they could rekindle that interest should another switch become available.

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For the moment, they will be reviewing how the Villarreal transfer unfolded, with a last-minute deadline-day move making the switch a reality. Speaking in September, Solomon said to Sports Walla: "I kept saying that my goal was to stay in England. "I was supposed to stay. I was already close to Crystal Palace, but if I'm going to an amazing place like Villarreal, which plays in the Spanish league, which is the second best, a strong team, I'm very happy."

Solomon now faces a choice about his future, considering the minimal playing time he has received so far. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether he will opt to stay at Villarreal with the restricted chances, or if he gambles on a return to Tottenham without any assurance of another transfer in the coming month.

For Frank and the management, it presents an additional challenge on top of the escalating issues they are encountering on the pitch, as they strive to restore some semblance of order.

Gary Lineker has expressed sympathy for Alan Shearer following a chaotic Match of the Day broadcast on Saturday night. Shearer appeared on the programme that Lineker formerly hosted, serving as a pundit alongside Danny Murphy, and that pair had to navigate numerous alterations to the running order owing to late drama in Arsenal's thrilling 2-1 victory against rock-bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Gunners took the lead midway through the second half when a Bukayo Saka corner deflected off the post and rebounded into the goal via Wolves 'keeper Sam Johnstone. Substitute centre-forward, Tolu Arokodare, then nodded home a 90th-minute leveller for the away side. Arsenal, however, regained their advantage four minutes afterwards when Yerson Mosquera headed another delivery from Saka beyond his own goalkeeper.

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Setting up Shearer to discuss those events, Lineker began Monday's instalment of the Rest is Football podcast by remarking: "Alan, I saw you doing Match of the Day last night, just the four games, but there's plenty to talk about." Shearer replied: "Yeah, did Match of the Day yesterday with Danny Murphy.

"With five minutes to go on that late game, Arsenal were last on Match of the Day in the running order. We were on at 10.20, and then at 10 o'clock it was frantic because the goals had gone in and they'd won. For one minute, they were leading, and top [of the running order], and the analysis was like; 'Oh my God', because there was hardly any analysis because it was last, we didn't have to do a lot.

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"Then, all of a sudden, it was shoved right up the running order, and we were scrambling around to get some analysis. Danny had some crossing analysis where they got 30 crosses in or something like that. So he very kindly gave me that because I really wasn't doing any analysis on that game, because that was going to be Danny's.

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"But, because then the running order changed so much like that, they were on second, and he was doing the Liverpool game, so he was then thinking, well, he can't do Liverpool and then Arsenal, so it was bonkers! Yeah, bonkers day at Match of the Day."

Saturday evening's programme was presented by Mark Chapman and, responding to Shearer's remarks, Lineker commented: "Yeah, I know what that's like. Those late kick-offs on Saturdays, because they're often a big game, and you think maybe it'll lead the show.

"And then you're thinking; 'Actually, it quite suits us if it's a bit boring, editorially, because it gives you time to do a proper edit of the game'. It's a bit like one of those midweek ones, where it's mental."

Micah Richards then enquired who was editing the programme. Lineker and Shearer both responded by saying Rich, referring to Richard Hughes, with the former describing the editor as 'safe hands'.

Shearer wrapped up by saying: "Then we like the [Enzo] Maresca bits, as well, where Maresca came out in his press conference and came out with this cryptic clue, which we had to go big into that, as well. So, yeah, there was loads to talk about, even though there was only four games."