Maguire fights back, Brighton in Bloom and damned statistics

Gregor Robertson, Tony Cascarino and Martin Samuel join Tom Clarke for this episode of The Game.

The team address the criticism surrounding Harry Maguire. Tony Cascarino says the situation reminds him of one of his former international colleagues. They go on to discuss the fans response, Maguires reaction and how the player rebuilds his confidence.

Looking at England and Judge Bellingham in particular, have England ever had greater strength in depth in the middle of the park? Paul Pogba’s situation is briefly discussed.

As Brighton head to Old Trafford, with many expecting them to win, Martin secured a rare interview with Brighton chairman Tony Bloom. Brighton are doing more than challenging on the pitch, off it, they are now a set up admired throughout Europe.

Finally – lies, damned lies and football stats. Are they worth the paper they are written on?

Times:

Harry Maguire

1’-14’ Is the treatment Harry Maguire has had from fans fair?

4’ – comparisons with Mick McCarthy and his contrasting club and international career

6’. Managers trust certain players and stick with them until they let them down.

14’ Do the media have a case to answer. Are they making Maguire’s situation worse.

Maguires mum has commented on social media.

15’ Gregor on Harrys mum.

England strength and Jude Bellingham

18’ Jude Bellingham shone for England at Hampden park. But Gregor says it isn’t just physical ability, it is his mentality and mindset which sets him apart.

20’ Bellingham’s positioning for Real and for England. Might England still not be getting the best out of him.

22’ England’s strength in depth, especially in the creative positions.

27’ Kalvin Philips. Not playing for city but still getting picked for England. Another case of a player Southgate trusts and continues to use.

30’ Paul Pogba. Is his career heading down the ‘lost talent’ route? With a provisional suspension what happens next. 

Brighton v Man utd

32’ Big week for Brighton who play Manchester Utd and then head to Athens in Europe. Martin has been speaking with Brighton chairman Tony Bloom. On the pitch they have beaten Utd the last four times they have played, they have a coveted centre forward and an international centre half. They go into the game – at Old Trafford – as favourites. A sign of how far they have come.

38’ How far can Brighton go? How to make the step up from being viewed as a ‘smaller club’ dealing with Europe and the squad strength following the loss of their two main midfielders.

48’ And what about Man Utd. If they lose is Ten Hag under pressure?

“Nice kit, but doesn’t look like Man Utd, but neither do the team.”

49’ Lies, damned lies and football stats.

Are football stats worth the paper they’re written on Martin wrote a piece addressing possession stats in particular.

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