The Game
Episodes
Back to work? Or back to the drawing board?
21 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nat & Gregor are joined by Henry Winter to discuss problems at Watford as Troy Deeney stays away from training over safety concerns.The panel disc...
Football is back! But at what cost?
18 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Alyson Rudd joins Nat & Gregor to look at the likes and dislikes from the return of the Bundesliga. Is this what we want English football to be wh...
Project Restart.... meet Player Revolt
14 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nat & Gregor are joined by Jonathan Northcroft to discuss the future of Leagues 1 and 2, and whether footballers should be back at work at the sam...
Football and mental health. Can we do more?
11 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nat & Gregor are joined by Alyson Rudd to discuss the mental health issues arising from the coronavirus pandemic, and whether football can do more...
Football's waiting game, and is Wembley worth it?
07 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Times' Chief Football Writer Henry Winter joins Natalie Sawyer on The Game Podcast to tell us why football should not be returning anytime soon, a...
Could it be goodbye De Bruyne? And who was the last great English manager?
04 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nat & Gregor are joined by Matt Dickinson to discuss Kevin De Bruyne's possible exit from Man City, the latest on project restart, and yet more un...
Introducing Stories of our times - Hold your horses: should Cheltenham Festival have gone ahead?
01 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Introducing our new free daily news podcast, Stories of our times. It takes you to the heart of the stories that matter, with exclusive access and rep...
Pochettino, Project Restart and unpopular football opinions...
30 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nat & Gregor are joined by Jonathan Northcroft to discuss bad news for Newcastle fans as Mauricio Pochettino declares his "dream" to manage Spurs ...
Time to rethink Project Restart?
27 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nat & Gregor are joined by Matt Lawton to discuss "Project Restart" which aims to get the Premier League back up and running. But is it a restart ...
If the Premier League campaign is over - who should be in Europe next season?
23 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nat & Gregor are joined by The Times' Chief Sports Reporter Martyn Ziegler for an in depth look at UEFA's executive committee meeting and what it ...
It's football, but not as we know it...
20 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nat & Gregor are joined by Matt Dickinson to cast their expert eyes across inventive ways to make football behind closed doors work. Virtual seaso...
Mike Ashley - the pantomime villain
16 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nat & Gregor are joined by Alyson Rudd to look back on the rocky road of Mike Ashley at Newcastle as his time nears an end.They also discuss 'invi...
A Peter Bonetti tribute...and have we changed our minds on sanitised football?
13 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nat & Gregor are joined by Jonathan Northcroft to pay tribute to Chelsea goalkeeping legend Peter Bonetti who passed away on Easter Sunday. They d...
Do we give footballers a hard time? And the incredible tale of Sadio Mane...
09 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nat & Gregor are joined by Alyson Rudd following the news of the Premier League players initiative to help the NHS, so are we too quick to judge h...
Oh Liverpool, what have you done...
06 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nat & Gregor are joined by Matt Dickinson to discuss Liverpool's much publicised decision to furlough some of their staff! So should the club reco...
Football and morality, a very unhappy marriage
02 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nat & Gregor are joined by Jonathan Northcroft to discuss whether there really is a "moral vacuum"in football, as billionaire owned Premier League...
Is Harry Kane right? Is it time we said enough is enough...
30 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nat & Gregor are joined by Matt Dickinson to discuss Harry Kane's proposal of the end of June being the moment that enough is enough and it's good...
Should the players get us out of this hole? And what is the best football film of all time...
26 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nat & Gregor are joined by Alyson Rudd to discuss where the money should come from to fill the current financial void in football, and how the Nat...
Jock Stein - the best ever?
23 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nat & Gregor are joined by Matt Dickinson to debate who the greatest manager of all time is! Sir Alex Ferguson, Bob Paisley and Jose Mourinho all ...
The Game podcast is back!
19 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nat & Gregor are back as the beautiful game comes to terms with the most ugly of times.They're joined by Jonathan Northcroft to discuss what no Pr...
A bad night in Europe for the Brits, and is football really football without the fans?
12 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Natalie and Gregor are joined by the Times very own Alyson Rudd to look back on an awful week in the Champions League for Liverpool and Tottenham.Rebe...
Sorry Ole, but United will win nowt with you at the wheel!
09 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nat & Gregor are joined by James Restall to discuss Man United's derby win at Old Trafford! But are the good times back under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer...
Olivier Giroud. Unappreciated genius? Or lucky to be where he is?
05 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nat & Gregor have Tom Roddy and Tom Clarke in to discuss Eric Dier hurdling seats to get involved in an altercation at Tottenham!And after the Gir...
Let's talk about Phil Foden...
02 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nat & Gregor are joined by Alyson Rudd and Matt Dickinson to discuss Phil Foden's masterclass at Wembley! But has he got enough time to make Garet...
All hail King de Bruyne, and a cautionary tale for Villa
27 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nat & Gregor are joined by Molly Hudson & James Restall to look back on Man City's incredible win at The Bernabeu, and discuss whether Kevin d...
Reasons to be cheerful for Arsenal? And some Sean Dyche appreciation...
24 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
No Natalie this week so Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor and Alyson Rudd for more on whether Arsenal's win over Everton proves they are well and truly b...
Dele's strop and a bad night for Klopp
20 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nat & Gregor are joined by Tom Clarke and Alyson Rudd fresh from her trip to Madrid to see Liverpool's superstars humbled by a dogged Atletico Mad...
Should I Stay Or Should I go?
17 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On this edition of The Game podcast Natalie and Gregor are joined by James Restall and Tom Roddy!They'll be chatting Sean Dyche, changing room talk, I...
Dan Gosling...get a grip
13 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Gregor is back! As he and Natalie discuss who was 'having one' on Sunday in the high profile bust up between Bournemouth's Dan Gosling and referee Jon...
Are Leeds falling apart? and, what's the problem at Palace?
10 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Gregor Robertson is back alongside Natalie Sawyer this week for the latest episode of The Game. They are joined by The Times very own, Matt Dickinson,...
John Stones - where did it all go wrong?
06 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
No Gregor this week, but Natalie is joined by Alyson Rudd, Jonathan Northcroft and Tom Clarke to discuss John Stones' troubles under Guardiola at Man ...
A Mourinho masterclass? And the curious case of Gareth Bale...
03 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nat & Gregor are joined by Molly Hudson and James Restall to discuss whether we can truly call Tottenham's win over Man City a Mourinho masterclas...
The Emptyhad and the scrap for survival
30 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Pep Guardiola has picked a fight with the Man City faithful over not selling out The Etihad - but has he got a point?Nat & Gregor are joined by Mo...
Klopp's cup conundrum, and Cantona's kung-fu kick!
27 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Jurgen Klopp says none of his Liverpool stars will play their FA Cup 4th round replay against Shrewsbury. Fair enough or out of order?Nat & Gregor...
The end of the road for Ole at the wheel?
23 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nat & Gregor are joined by Tom Clarke and Jonathan Northcroft to discuss whether it's the end of the road for Ole at the wheel, and whether Edinso...
Liverpool 2020 v Man United 2008 - who wins? We decide...
20 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nat & Gregor are joined in the studio by James Gheerbrant & James Restall to discuss Liverpool's win against Man United at Anfield.But would t...
Time for change at Tottenham, and England's sticky situation...
16 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Natalie & Gregor are joined by James Restall and Tom Roddy to discuss England's sticky striker situation with injuries to both Kane and Rashford.T...
Aguero, Shearer or Henry? And why we need orange cards...
13 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Sergio Aguero has now scored more Premier League goals than any other foreign player. But is he really better than Thierry Henry?Nat & Gregor are ...
Jack Grealish - another maverick England have forgotten?
09 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
There was only one winner in the Grealish v Maddison battle this week, but will the maverick midfielder be another talent ignored by England?Nat &...
A few small steps for Michael Oliver, but surely one giant leap for VAR?
06 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Natalie & Gregor are joined by Alyson Rudd for a look back on an FA Cup weekend that threw up plenty of talking points!A pitchside monitor in use ...
We're back! And so it appears, are Arsenal
02 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It was lift off for Arsenal at The Emirates as Mikel Arteta secured his first win as Gunners boss against old rivals Manchester United.Natalie & G...
Rejuvenated Everton and Liverpool in Qatar
19 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson bring you your final instalment of The Game podcast for 2019! Joining them we have The Times' very own Molly Hudso...
A De Bruyne masterclass - and what's gone wrong at Chelsea?
16 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A Kevin de Bruyne masterclass saw Manchester City sweep aside a hapless Arsenal at The Emirates as their search for a full time boss continues. B...
Is Ancelotti the answer? And, are City stumbling?
12 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are back, and they are joined by The Times very own, Alyson Rudd to discuss who needs who on the managerial merry-...
Can anyone stop Jamie Vardy? And why Man City need a rethink...
09 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It's 8 in 8 for Jamie Vardy as Brendan Rodgers' rampant Leicester City refuse to lie down in their pursuit of the most unlikely of titles. Heard this ...
Ole back at the wheel, and The Toffees sticky situation
05 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
No fairytale return for Jose Mourinho as his Tottenham side were beaten at Manchester United. So could this be a turning point for Solskjaer? Natalie ...
New boss, same old Arsenal...
02 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Freddie Ljunberg's first game in interim charge of Arsenal ended in an entertaining draw at Norwich - but should he get the job full time?Natalie Sawy...
Newcastle's faltering front-line, and Why would Santo move to Arsenal?
28 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Natalie Sawyer, and Gregor Robertson are joined by The Times very own, Tom Roddy to look back on a week of Champions League action, and they ask wheth...
United's kids are alright, and should Everton pull the plug on Silva?
25 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The Premier League sack race really hotted up this weekend as Unai Emery, Manuel Pellergrini and Marco Silva all lost to heap more pressure on themsel...
Jose Mourinho is back.
21 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are back... And so is Jose Mourinho.We hear from Jose Mourinho speaking for the very first time as the new Head Co...
England's Qualifying Campaign and The WSL Smashes Records!
18 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are here once again for The Game Podcast! This episode they are joined by the Times very own Deputy Sports Editor,...
Sorry Sterling, England at 1000, and Lampard's late penalty
14 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by the Times very own, Tom Roddy to look back at what's been a rocky week for England and Raheem Sterli...
Can Liverpool blow it from here? And why Leicester could be their closest rivals
11 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
After an action packed top of the table clash, Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by James Restall for all the fallout from Anfield includ...
All eyes on Anfield, and has Watford's luck finally run out?
07 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Natalie Sawyer, Gregor Robertson and Tom Roddy preview the big one at Anfield as champions Manchester City take on leaders Liverpool.They're joined by...
Liverpool leave it late again, and Get well soon Gomes
04 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by the Times very own, Alyson Rudd to look back on an action packed weekend of football.Gregor describe...
The EFL cup is Five Alive, UEFA's pitiful punishment, and Leicester's legacy
31 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by the Times very own, Molly Hudson to take a look back at an incredible week in the EFL Cup.Paul Hirst...
Mutiny at The Emirates, and let's talk about Dele Alli...
28 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A tough weekend for both halves of North London with incredible scenes at The Emirates as captain Xhaka goes to war with The Gunners faithful!Natalie ...
Lampard: A coming of age story, King Kane, and Who's following Wilder's
24 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by The Times very own, Henry Winter and James Gheerbrant to look back on a great week of Champions Leag...
Has Klopp got a point about VAR? The Old Trafford verdict...
21 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Has Jurgen Klopp got a point about VAR? Or is he trying to cover up Liverpool's shortcomings?Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by James G...
A sad day for football, and England's young Lions
17 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by the Times very own, Henry Winter, and Tom Roddy who were both in Sofia to witness the shocking racis...
The John McGinn appreciation society, and has James Maddison done anything wrong?
14 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
James Maddison has hit the headlines before his England career has even started, but has he really done anything wrong?Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Rober...
Inside the Lions den, and are we wasting Alexander-Arnold's talent?
10 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Townsend are joined by The Times very own Bill Edgar, and Henry Winter as England head on the road to the Czech Republic and...
Is the title slipping away from Man City? And let's talk about Matty Longstaff...
07 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
On a weekend where Liverpool's lead at the top of the table stretched to 8 points from 8 games - can they really blow it from here?Matt Dickinson join...
The only way is Chelsea for Southgate and Gnabry paints North London red
03 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by James Gheerbrant to take a look back at a bad night for Tottenham as they are broken by Bayern. The ...
Newcastle's identity crisis and the curious case of Chris Wilder
30 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Newcastle's horror show at Leicester has left many questioning Steve Bruce's methods already - but is it too early to judge the new Toon boss?Molly Hu...
A 'Hammer' blow as Spurs say see-ya to silverware again, and how to stop Stoke's sorry slide
26 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by the Times very own, Tom Roddy and Henry Winter to look back at an interesting week in the EFL Cup wh...
How do you solve a problem like United? And Lampard's trouble at home
23 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Manchester United are under the microscope again after a humbling defeat at West Ham. But why Solskjaer may not be the problem - is he the answer they...
A bad week for Britain in Europe, and Liverpool's trip to Chelsea
19 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It was a bad week for English side in the Champions League after such a fantastic season last time around, so is there cause for concern?Alyson Rudd j...
Pep under pressure and Arsenal are at it again
16 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
What a weekend of Premier League action including THAT defeat for Man City at Norwich and a weird and wonderful game at Watford.Natalie Sawyer and Gre...
England's strange night at St Mary's as Scotland are left sad again, and are Strikers really the 'Alpha Male' in the dressing room?
12 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
What a strange night it was for England as they took the show on the road to Southampton. The Times very own James Gheerbrant and Alyson Rudd joined N...
A wacky weekend for Watford and why Keane has a point about Fergie
09 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson look back on an impressive win for England against Bulgaria, and a night to forget for Gregor's beloved Scotland a...
Owen v Shearer and why the English kids are alright
05 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Natalie Sawyer is back alongside Gregor Robertson as they dissect Gareth Southgate's England squad, ask whether Tyrone Mings is the real deal and what...
Trouble in the top six and disruptive VAR
02 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
After a weekend full of football Gregor Robertson is here to analyse all the ups, downs and that 'disruptive' VAR.Alongside Gregor we have The Ti...
Bury fold while the Premier League wheel keeps turning
29 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In a week when Bury went to the wall while Manchester United paid almost £6 million for Alexis Sanchez to play for someone else, Gregor Robertson ana...
Why Pochettino is the new Mourinho, Gary Cahill reborn, and that strike from Harvey Barnes
26 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Gregor Robertson is joined by Alyson Rudd, James Gheerbrant and Paul Joyce to look back on an action packed weekend including Liverpool dismantling a ...
A social issue in football, Arsenal's first real test, and Bolton & Bury's battle
22 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by James Gheerbrant, and Bill Edgar to look ahead to a mouthwatering weekend in the Premier League. Ear...
Who likes VAR? Why Arsenal might be the best team in North London, and where next for Newcastle
19 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Natalie Sawyer & Gregor Robertson are joined by Matt Dickinson & Alyson Rudd to look back on a busy weekend of Premier League action dominated...
Klopp's second piece of silverware, Celtic's European demise, and another early Premier League treat.
15 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Henry Winter Joins Gregor Robertson and Natalie Sawyer to look back at the all-English Super Cup in Istanbul, with the Premier League continuing to do...
Are Manchester United really back?
12 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are back with The Game brought to you by the Times. On this episode, they are joined by The Times' Molly Hudson &a...
Season Preview Part 2
08 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Natalie Sawyer and her new co-host Gregor Robertson are back with The Game brought to you by the Times. On this episode, they are joined by The Times ...
The Season Preview Part 1
05 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Natalie Sawyer and her new co-host Gregor Robertson are back with The Game, brought to you by The Times. On this episode, they are joined by The Times...
USA pave the way, WSL needs to sell
08 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Natalie Sawyer, Molly Hudson, Rebecca Myers and former England star Claire Rafferty are back one last time to review a summer where it was no longer w...
A critical point for the women’s game
04 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Natalie Sawyer is joined by Molly Hudson and Tottenham goalkeeper Chloe Morgan as the 2019 Women’s World Cup prepares for its final weekend. The dre...
Neville’s need to win and the remarkable Rapinoe
01 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
On the eve of perhaps the biggest England game ever in women’s football, Natalie Sawyer is joined by Molly Hudson, Rebecca Myers and Tottenham goalk...
Bronze sets gold standard as England power into semi-finals
28 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Phil Neville said post-match that Lucy Bronze "has got to win the Ballon d'Or" after her man-of-the-match performance against Norway to send England i...
Cameroon implode, England advance and Marta bows out
24 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In the face of flying elbows, spitting, violent tackles and two threats to walk off the pitch, England defeated Cameroon to reach the knockout stages....
We pick Neville’s best England team
20 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
With three wins from three England have qualified for the knockout stages in style – but who will Phil Neville pick next?Natalie Sawyer is joined by...
LifeTimes with Fran Kirby
19 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
At the age of 14, Fran Kirby had to deal with the sudden and devastating death of her mother. The next day she went back to school, carrying on her li...
Neville’s Japan dilemmas and Chile’s star goalkeeper
17 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We are into the final round of group games in France and England have already qualified for the knockout stages. Natalie Sawyer is joined by former En...
Should we move the goalposts?
13 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been a memorable few days at the Women’s World Cup in France. Natalie Sawyer digests it in the company of Molly Hudson, Rebecca Myers and Tot...
The future of women’s football
13 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The biggest World Cup in the history of women’s football is well underway, with the action in France already having a significant impact back in the...
LifeTimes with Paul Pogba
11 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this new podcast series, LifeTimes, our leading writers have stepped away from the heat of the action to speak in-depth to some of the most famous ...
England survive Scotland scare but it’s just the beginning for France
10 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
France 2019 is in full swing and Natalie Sawyer is joined by Molly Hudson, Rebecca Myers and former Lioness Claire Rafferty to pore over the opening w...
France 2019 World Cup preview
06 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
With the World Cup kicking off on Friday, Natalie Sawyer is joined by former England star Claire Rafferty, as well as Molly Hudson, Rebecca Myers and ...
In conversation with Caulkin
05 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
For those suffering Gab Marcotti withdrawal symptoms, we have a treat for you. And indeed a treat for Gab, as he sits down for a chat with one of his ...
Did key Kane call cost Pochettino and Spurs?
03 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It’s the last ever Game podcast for one Gabriele Marcotti. And there are plenty lining up to pay tribute to the man who has made this podcast his ow...
Champions League final preview
27 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer bring you a special bumper look ahead to the Champions League final and Europa League final, in the company of Oli Kay...
Football, Bloody Hell! How United won the Treble
23 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Natalie Sawyer introduces a special one hour documentary from talkSPORT looking back at Manchester United's amazing treble winning season. You'll hear...
Bale and Man City – struggling to be loved
20 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by Matt Dickinson and Alan Smith after a historic weekend in English football. Manchester City equal the bi...
Gracia, Griezmann and Lampard’s young Rams
16 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Less football but no fewer football talking points for Gab Marcotti, Natalie Sawyer, Oli Kay and Bill Edgar to pore over. Manchester City look to comp...