Maguire seals Man Utd's remarkable comeback | Can Spurs win the Europa League? | Is Maresca the right man at Chelsea?
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Welcome to Bat Pages, bringing you everything you need to know about the biggest sports stories and making the headlines in the morning's newspapers. I'm David Garrido and joining me are the Guardian's sports writer, Jonathan New, and the Mirror's chief football writer, John Cross. Welcome along to you both. Right, welcome once again to Jonathan and to John. We absolutely have to start with that utter, utter bonkers game at Old Trafford.

So United, 2-0 up, 2-2 into extra time, 4-2 down, win 5-4 with three goals in nine minutes. Where does that rank, Jonathan, in terms of the truly mad games that you've ever seen in football and especially with Manchester United? Gosh, I mean, this is a club with a recent and a very ancient history of comebacks, famous comebacks.

At home and in Europe, you know, I think if you want to put it in context, you know, you're putting it in terms of maybe Barcelona beating PSG 6-1 or Manchester City coming back to win the title, you know, coming back to win the title at the last minute. Things like, you know, things like that. And yeah, it was, you know, a truly, it was a game that escaped sanity almost. The fact that, you know, we spend so long playing

analyzing football in granular detail we obsess over tactics and systems and then you know you essentially get a game that sweeps away everything uh and and descends into a kind of madness you know i do just want to i just want to make a you know a point about uh the the scale of this and and and and the way we talk about about comebacks like this because you know i don't want to sort of

like any of the spectacle or the theatre of what we saw or how it must have felt to a United fan at Old Trafford to experience that. But it is also worth pointing out that Manchester United have an annual turnover of close to £700 million. Lyon, about £200 million a year. United have...

players like Maguire Maguire was signed for 80 million Casemiro 50 not 50 odd million Ugarte 40 million these are these players who are not you know they're not essential to the club and so there is this massive disparity in terms of resources and and that's not to again that's not to downplay what we saw but it is kind of interesting how when we talk about these these great companies whether it's City whether it's Barcelona whether it's Real Madrid's Remontadas or whether it's United it's

how the richest clubs in the world so often get lucky like this or enjoy these kind of great moments. Because we do hear a lot about things like belief and desire and winning mentality, but it does take two clubs. It takes two teams to create a great occasion like that. And Lyon, I think they ran for 120 minutes. They almost...

created what I think would have been one of the greatest nights in their recent history. They played with 10 men for a lot of the game and they never stopped running and it would have been a heartbreaking night for them as well. So I think it is worth paying tribute to them as well because it does take two teams to make a great occasion. It's a really good point, Jonathan, that it wasn't just Manchester United. Lyon, with those 10 men on the pitch, went and scored two more goals to go 4-2 up

on the night and they seemed in control. It seemed like they were sort of playing better, John, with 10 men. They weren't trying to shut up shop and contain United. They went on the offensive and especially that Ryan Cherky goal and, you know, a fantastic finish from him. And they did set up, you know, it looked like they were going through. I remember at that point they cut to a shot of a United fan in the crowd, a young boy who was trying to hold back the tears.

It's a shame they couldn't find him afterwards because I would have loved to see his reaction at the end. Because I do take Jonathan's point, but surely, you know, for young fans, this is going to be a game that really just stays with them for such a long time. David has probably gone home, given up. So it'd be a killjoy. But look, I mean, you know, I'm kind of with Jonathan on this, really. I think it's the best comeback of the week.

Man United have got so many stories like this down the years. And I don't, you know, I also don't want to be a killjoy because I've sat there, I've loved it. It's been absolutely amazing. But who got themselves into that mess in the first place? Who made those crazy rash challenges? Who gave away that ridiculous penalty? You know, sticks the leg out, Luke Shaw. I mean, you know, come on. United have been sloppy and got themselves and then dug themselves out. And then basically, I just think,

that it was a remarkable comeback, but we shouldn't, you know, sort of paint over the fact that they were absolutely chaotic at the back. They were chaotic at the back last week. They've been chaotic at the back this week.

They look a long way from being a finished article. What tonight says to me is that while they are lacking a quality in certain areas, yes, they do have a fighting spirit and they have a determination to kind of carry on and try and battle through. And they've got that never say die spirit about it. I've seen some of what Amarim has said post-match. He was saying he was watching the 99 sort of final match

you know, to use it as inspiration as a fight back. My word, they're a long way from being that good, aren't they? To be honest. But I do like the way that they dug deep. I love Kobi Mainu. I mean, he's got ice in his veins, this kid. I mean, absolutely. You know, Harry Maguire rightly will be lauded for that remarkable winner. But Kobi Mainu, the poise and the composure and

And the skill that he shows to kind of level it all up with the clock ticking down was something else. That just blew my mind. So, you know, I spent a whole week writing about comebacks and Real Madrid's determination to stage comebacks. They couldn't, you know, must have won. And United did it, but they got themselves into a hell of a mess in the first place. But my word, they earned it tonight. Yeah, it's really interesting. You know, you mentioned Real,

about the chaotic nature. I just want to focus on that because actually, ironically enough, both of your papers, guys, have gone on that terminology in the mirror. It's incredible bonkers United fight back.

That's your paper, John. Yes, they've gone simply magic, but it's gone on this chaos. And also, you know, the Guardian's gone similar. Even The Telegraph, actually, their bottom line Manchester mayhem. I just wonder, you mentioned, Jonathan, about the 6-1 for Barcelona against PSG. And it was Neymar who was the key to that night, and he thrives in chaos.

And Messi thrived in order because he could unpick defences. Is this the key for United? They've just got to create these situations of mayhem and then, you know, ultimately that's how they're going to get through because this football that we've seen is very much in contrast to the sort of robotic football of the Premier League and here they are in a Europa League semi-final. So is that kind of how they're going to get through it?

Well, I mean, it took Ole Gunnar Solskjaer within a shootout of a European trophy. And I think there were two elements here. The first is that obviously United have...

X-factor individuals, game-changing individuals who, when the play is broken, when almost the game situation demands it, can act on their instincts. And because they're well-paid players, because they're players of pedigree for the most part, certainly experienced guys like Bruno and Casemiro, they can find the solutions. They have the instincts to find the solutions on the pitch. And the other part of it is not just about individual. It's about players.

when the collective mythology of the club becomes so institutionalised, you know, and Real Madrid, of course, are the most famous example here historically, where...

There is something in the name and the badge and the heritage that almost creates a kind of self-prophesying momentum behind these kind of comebacks. And it's not just into their own players, fans, you know, crowds, stadiums feel it as well. Oppositions feel it. Sometimes, you know, you suspect even referees feel it.

that there is a kind of an irresistible wave of momentum. And especially when United scored that fourth goal tonight, you kind of knew that they weren't going to be playing for penalties, that they were going to get a chance to score a winner. And when that mentality takes root, it can be fatal for the team trying to ward it off and can become self-prophesying for the team trying to fulfil it. What about the semi-finals then, John? Athletic club over a couple of legs. I mean, that's going to be a very different prospect, isn't it?

Yeah, I mean, you know, part of the charm, I guess, of, you know, Athletic Club basically is obviously they're the hosts, potentially, aren't they, of the final. It's at their stadium. So the dream is that they would, you know, they would play in their own stadium for the chance to win it. So, I mean, that will be a hell of a game for United. I mean, I have to say, you know, we are doing a paper review and the back page is tonight review. I mean, it's...

I just find it amazing, by the way, just how quickly people turn it around the back pages. I love sort of kind of focusing on it. I know it's a bit cliche, but I mean, how on earth they turn it around and reflect the mood and they reflect the miracle nature of that kind of fight back. And you get that sense of feeling. I mean, they do update with additions, but my word to get it off that quickly and to kind of reflect that mood, I think is something else.

and to kind of, you know, just sum up with pictures, with instant headlines, a sense of feel for it, I think is, you know, is newspaper's own miracle, frankly, at times. I think it's brilliant, some of the backpaging is so inventive, you know, I take particular pride in my own, of course. But, you know, it's great. And I just think it's fantastic now that you've got other English teams going for it in the latter stages.

I think United have got the hard of the two semifinals, Athletic, you know, Bilbao, basically. It's going to be really, really difficult, I think, for them to progress. But my word, they just keep on going. And so they've got one hell of a chance. So, right, let's talk Tottenham, shall we? A 1-0 win, John, away to Weintraub Frankfurt, 2-1 over the two legs.

This felt distinctly unspursy from Spurs. How did it all come together? How did they put this together? Obviously, Dominic Solanke is the picture on the back of the papers. He scored the penalty, which ultimately proved the match winner.

Well, I'll tell you what, I think the victory over two legs was really borne out after, I don't know, about the first 15 minutes of the first leg, frankly, when Tottenham were all over the place. They'd gone behind and suddenly they reinvented themselves and should have won last week. I was impressed last week. I did that game and...

You know, it was more chaos in the Premier League and other, you know, stupid defeat at Wolves when they shipped four. But then go, you know, to this one, to Eintracht Frankfurt and frankly put up a really resolute defensive display. It was clearly a penalty. It took a sort of kind of a lengthy VAR check to confirm it.

and sort of kind of correct the referee's original reluctance and it was clearly a penalty but I was really impressed I thought it was good Spurs were defiant I

I thought that Eintracht Frankfurt had a lot of play around the Spurs box, but never actually, to my mind, watching it. I didn't think they were going to score. And I thought Spurs were absolutely over the course of the two legs, completely deserved it, and go through and now set up this tie with Bodo Glimm. It was very interesting to see what Postacoglu was saying afterwards. You know, some of you will be...

you know, kind of almost sick of the sight of me. You have to put up with me for a bit longer. I'm not sure we really feel like that. I know I don't. I quite like this guy, you know, more really for his kind of press conference and what he says for these, maybe sometimes his coaching ability, because he does let in goals and sort of kind of ship defeats. But I do, I did, you know, I can't help, but sort of kind of have a sort of a respect for him because he just seems to,

you know, be on a bit of a run in Europe and getting results. And here he is in a semi-final and chasing a trophy that Spurs haven't had for, what, 17 years. Yeah, and still that whole thing about the trophy in the second season, it's still potentially a life for Ange Poskoglu. Jonathan, what about the incident that led to the penalty? Cal Santos and that challenge on James Madison. I mean, you know, just seeing his head snap back as he clattered into him. Do you think he deserved more than a yellow card?

Yeah, I think you could certainly make a case for it. I think it was one of those where as soon as he hits the ground, as soon as you see the collision, you get the sense that it's going to be quite bad. You can obviously also tell from the reactions of the players around. Santos actually, he had a very good first leg. I thought he kept Frankfurt in it for large parts. He made a lot of good saves.

And seemed to spend most of tonight just running into people wildly, which I think is, I guess it's the vicissitudes of a keeper who's not necessarily first choice. But the way that Spurs managed that situation, not just the penalty, but the way they protected the lead and didn't try and

you know, push too hard or go crazy in terms of trying to dictate the terms of the game, which is something I think they've been guilty of in the past where they almost harried themselves into rash decisions. And I think Frankfurt, who are not a team who...

They're not a team that are comfortable setting the terms of the game themselves. In fact, a lot of their recent defeats against Union Berlin, against Werder Bremen have come where they've had the bulk of possession and they've been asked to set the terms. They like to sit back. They like to counter. They like to play quick and into the space behind. And I think they were relying on Spurs almost to implode a little bit.

And they didn't, which was, I think, the most impressive thing. They kept their shape. They defended their lines well. They didn't make rash decisions. I mean, Di Cario made a couple of really good saves. And I think you could tell from the way that Frankfurt almost sort of were snatching at things a little bit in the final third themselves that Spurs were actually much the more assured team for all the possession and territory they were giving away. And I think that is a tribute to the resilience in their side in...

The way that I think they've managed to navigate what's been a really tough season for them. And I think...

a European campaign or a successful cup campaign can, can provide a kind of change of context, a bit of a palate cleanser, uh, from, from a disappointing league campaign. I think that's definitely been the case for Spurs this season. They've been much more, I think their true selves in, in the Europa league this season. And yeah, what is it? Two games away or certainly two ties away from, uh, a first European trophy, uh,

in, God, I don't even know what it is, like 40 years it would be. And in competition, they've actually not performed that well in over the last couple of decades. Just picking up on what John said about Ange Potocoglu in that news conference, you know, you guys are going to have to put up with me for a bit longer. The significance of this result, Jonathan, for his future and ultimately, you know, whether he stays or goes this summer?

Yeah, I don't know. I've seen people saying that he's kind of gone either way. I think if he wins the Europa League, takes Tottenham back into the Champions League, wins the first European trophy since, I think, 1984, I don't see how you part company with him after that. Do you not at least want to have a look and see what...

that team can do with another pre-season, with a clean bill of health, maybe with a bit of reinforcement in the summer. And Daniel Levy really will need to reinforce in the summer. I think the vibes around that are going to be so good that...

The temptation would be quite strongly, I think, to give him another season because he is still quite popular amongst parts of the fan base. I know there are parts of the fan base who have been turned off by him. But if he leads them to a European trophy with the group of players that they've got, with the situation that they've been in this season, I think there will be a really strong case for keeping him on.

Let's quickly switch to the Telegraph. More Chelsea boozers, Palmer struggles. Chelsea losing 2-1 at home to Legia Warsaw in their Conference League quarter-final second leg, John. But going through 4-2 and having won in Poland last week. I think perhaps the most key thing here is the form of Cole Palmer. No goal in 15, taken off before the hour. What do you make of it? Yeah, look, Cole Palmer in the first half of the season...

By the end of November, honestly, I was thinking Cole Palmer is going to rival Mo Salah as kind of, you know, football of the year, basically. I thought he was in an incredible purple patch. My favourite, almost my favourite player to watch in the Premier League, second games alike.

And, you know, his form has fallen away really badly. If you remember, Chelsea had a chance to go top just before Christmas if they'd won at Everton. Albeit it would have been briefly, but they did. And they couldn't take it. And their form has fallen away. And it's coincided with Cole Palmer, which reflects to me just how important Palmer is to that Chelsea team. Without him, they're not so creative. Without him, they're kind of lacking chances and a kind of a flair, you know,

when he's not playing or indeed he's not playing well. And yeah, they really miss him. It was interesting to see Maresca talking about, you know, this being a real setback, this defeat. Rhys James talking about, you know, maybe questioning the preparation in some of his post-match quotes, which I thought was interesting because they've won the first leg. They kind of think it's done and dusted and they end up losing, you know, although it doesn't cost them ultimately the return leg.

That's not a great look. I would have said that Maresca was safe as houses before Christmas, but the way that they've tailed off, and I think if they miss out on the Champions League and also don't do particularly well in the Club World Cup, do Chelsea have a decision to make on Maresca this summer? It's not a club famed for sticking by managers. I'd like to think that they will give him a chance because I think he's made progress.

But let's be honest here, the second half of the season probably sets a few alarm bells ringing about Maresca and his long-term kind of ability to really bring back the glory days to Chelsea. And Chelsea fans expect trophies, don't they?

John, I'm going to stick with you and with the Telegraph, and they've gone a little bit deeper on how Arsenal managed to beat Real Madrid, both home and away, and reach the Champions League semi-finals. And you were at the game at the Benabeu, weren't you? Mikel Arteta getting a lot of plaudits and understandings over how he's crafted the victory over the two leagues. What do you make of his ascent as a manager and this being a significant moment in that?

Yeah, I think he's found solutions in the Champions League in a way that sometimes Arsenal, I would argue, have maybe gone backwards, if you like, in the Premier League. Recruitment last summer wasn't great. You know, they were supposed to be the team that kind of stepped forward if Man City kind of, you know, lost their crown this season. But actually it's Liverpool who seized the opportunity, being by far and away the best team in the Premier League and will be very, very worthy champions indeed, I think.

But I do feel, you know, Arsenal have saved their best performances for the Champions League and

And yes, they've been missing players. And Arteta, you know, the point in the piece in the Telegraph was that he's found solutions. So whether that's kind of, you know, Myles Lewis-Skelly at left back, he was excellent again. You know, Declan Rice really embracing a kind of a more marauding midfield role. You know, just Mikel Moreno being the obvious example. He was so good, I thought, Moreno in the Bernabeu. Really held the ball up, you know, really...

fought for possession and kept the ball. So he's just found those solutions. And I think he has evolved. And I think almost finding your feet and establishing yourself in the Champions League is quite a thing. And I think Arsenal's sort of kind of absence from the competition...

And then finding a confidence and a belief that, yes, they belong and can get results shouldn't be underestimated. And I think that's where the magic has come for me this season. And I think that will have been established with that win over Real Madrid. They were absolutely swashbuckling in the first game. I thought they were just as good overall.

if not better almost, in the second one because they controlled it so well and they kept Real Madrid at bay. Everyone says, look, it's not a great Real Madrid team. It's obvious. You know, they're not that great this season. But going to the Bernabeu, thwarting the 15-time European champions, that takes some doing and shouldn't be dismissed in any way. It was a really, really impressive double act over the two games for Arsenal and in particular Mikel Arteta. Superb work.

Just under a minute to you, Jonathan, to talk about Benjamin Dyke's new contract at Liverpool. Two down, one to go. So how did you sort of react to this news today?

Yeah, it had been trailed. I think that there were increasingly sort of little whispers and rumors coming out that with Mo Salah signing that Van Dyke was imminent. I think there are much fewer concerns over this kind of deal than, well, you would expect for somebody of his age. I think he's 33. This contract takes him to 35.

There don't seem to be any physical issues with him. He still has that stature, he still has that dominance. He's still basically loved and adored and relied upon. I think the way that he has evolved through several iterations of this Liverpool team shows his stickability and staying power. So I'm looking forward. It's a great signing for the Premier League. We'll see what happens with Alexander-Arnold. All right, thank you very much indeed, guys. Really appreciate your company, John and Jonathan.