MICAH RICHARDS labelled a fan a “b***end” after being left stunned by a shock question.
The former Man City and England star lined up for the Rest is Football podcast with pals Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer this week.
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The team got stuck into several weighty issues including Rodri’s injury blow for City.
And they also pondered whether it made Arsenal the favourites for the title after consecutive 2nd place finishes.
But the final question from a fan left Richards fuming.
The supporter cheekily asked whether any of them had ever backed off towards the end of the season to prevent an injury ahead of a major tournament.
However, the question was only directed towards Lineker and Shearer, leaving Richards perplexed.
Lineker first said: “I don’t know why just Gary and Alan, this should apply to all three of us. I think it’s a slight subtle dig at Micah’s career.
“He says ‘have you ever stopped giving your 100 per cent by the end of a season being afraid of getting an injury and not getting called up for a Euros or World Cup?’”
Richards responded: “Wow, he’s just excluded me from the conversation! Basically he’s called me lazy and not good enough to play for England!
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“What a b***end! I’m joking, I’m joking.”
Lineker added: “I think the answer to his question is a conclusive no!”
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Early in the podcast, the trio discussed Rodri’s potential ACL injury blow and Arsenal’s fresh title hopes.
Lineker said: “It’s a huge blow to Man City. He’s arguably the most important football City could lose, along with Haaland.
“You can see the difference. All competitions since 2019/20 without Rodri, 45 games and win rate is 64 per cent.
“With Rodri, 270 games and win rate is 73 per cent.
“That’s quite a big difference, plus 48 league games on the run with Rodri City have not lost.”
Richards noted: “He’s the best holding midfielder in world football. It’s been a bit of a masterstroke getting Gundogan back.
“But it’s a huge miss. He controls the tempo of matches and not a lot of players can do that.
“Yes it makes it more balanced in terms of Arsenal winning the league.
“I don’t think it makes them favourites but it’s 50/50 now.”
Arsenal ratings vs Man City
TEN-MAN Arsenal came desperately close to beating Man City.
Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta’s men, John Stones popped up in the 98th minute to score an equaliser with the match ending 2-2.
Here’s how the players rated…
DAVID RAYA – 9
Well beaten for Haaland’s opener but continued his impressive start to the season with some super second half stops – notably from Haaland and Gvardiol.
RICARDO CALAFIORI – 8
A full debut the Italian won’t forget. Didn’t get close enough to Savinho for the opening goal but made amends with his stunning long range curler to level it.
GABRIEL – 9
Planted one header over but made no mistake with his second one just before the break to score for the second straight weekend.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 8
Clattered by Haaland early on and lost the Norwegian for City’s goal – but dusted himself down and led the rearguard action for the visitors superbly.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 8
Asked to play an unfamiliar role on the right but did a great job for his boss keeping the livewire Doku quiet – and did fine when Pep changed it around too.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7
Caused Walker plenty of problems in the first half. Played the ball back for Calafiori to score and teed up another great chance for Trossard.
DECLAN RICE – 7
Helped Arsenal work their way back into the game after early onslaught – and protected the back four so well when City were camped on the edge of the box.
THOMAS PARTEY – 7
Quick thinking from free-kick led to equaliser – also involved in the collision with Rodri that changed the course of the game.
BUKAYO SAKA – 6
Always a threat with his corners – not least when Arsenal got their second. Subbed at the break to make way for an extra defender.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4
Steered good chance over. Booked for pulling back Savinho then a second yellow for barge on Silva and then delaying the restart. Stupid from the Belgian.
KAI HAVERTZ – 7
Early collision with Rodri and caused a few problems in the first half but then had to focus on helping his 10 man team out defensively.
SUBS
WHITE – 7
(For Saka 46) – Thrown on to shore up the defence at the break – and did exactly that.
KIWIOR – 6
(For Calafiori 74 )– Gave the Italian a rest for the final few minutes and kept it tight.
JESUS – 6
(For Martinelli 87) – Some good pressing against his old team in the closing minutes
LEWIS SKELLY – 6
(For Timber 90) – Good experience for the youngster but was bizarrely booked before even coming on for his debut.
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