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The Overlap

Scholes vs Martinez, Rice Ballon d’Or Talk & Rory’s Rosenior Rage | The Overlap Fan Debate

January 23, 2026 • 1h 33m

Summary

⏱️ 9 min read

Overview

Paul Scholes returns to The Fan Debate with supporters discussing their clubs' form, managerial situations, and transfer strategies. The episode covers Arsenal's title challenge, Manchester City's struggles, Manchester United's managerial uncertainty with Michael Carrick, Chelsea's controversial appointment of Liam Rosenior, Tottenham's decline under Thomas Frank, Liverpool's inconsistent performances under Arne Slot, and West Ham's relegation battle. Heated debates erupt over Bruno Fernandes' place in United's all-time XI, Declan Rice's Ballon d'Or chances, and whether ex-players should criticize their former clubs.

Scholes Addresses Martinez Comments and Pundit Responsibilities

Paul Scholes discusses the backlash from his podcast comments about Lisandro Martinez, acknowledging the wording wasn't great while defending his right to offer honest opinions. The panel debates whether former players should hold back criticism of their old clubs, with Scholes noting he's received significant stick from Argentinian friends. The conversation explores how legendary status affects punditry and whether pundits consider the weight their words carry given their iconic status at their former clubs.

  • Scholes received significant backlash from Argentinian friends after Martinez comments
  • Admits the wording of Martinez criticism 'probably wasn't great' but won't apologize
  • Defends that players shouldn't care what pundits think - only teammates, staff and fans matter
  • Jamie Carragher notes he sometimes holds back slightly on Liverpool criticism compared to other clubs
" I didn't realise how many Argentinian friends I had till this week "
" You're poor schools, you know what I mean? So when you say something, it does matter. "
" I think we're in the media so what does that mean we shouldn't have a job we love talking about football "

Arsenal's Title Credentials and Declan Rice's Ballon d'Or Claims

Arsenal fan Matt declares his team 'the best on the planet' with their unbeaten run and dominance across competitions. He argues Arsenal have two complete teams capable of competing on all four fronts, though the panel challenges whether draws against promoted sides represent championship form. A heated debate erupts over whether Declan Rice could win the Ballon d'Or, with Matt insisting Rice is the best player in the Premier League while others struggle to see him even making that list.

  • Arsenal top of Premier League and Champions League, won 7 of 7 in CL, one foot in Carabao Cup final
  • Matt claims Arsenal are 'head and shoulders above the rest' and calls it the biggest bottle job ever if they don't win the league
  • Arsenal's second XI includes quality depth with players like Ben White, Timber, and Jesus
  • Teams are setting up defensively against Arsenal more than ever, showing they're now the feared team
  • Declan Rice debate: Matt claims he's best player in the league and could win Ballon d'Or if Arsenal win PL and England win World Cup
" We are the best team on the planet. "
" The only team that will stop us is us. "
" I think it would be, yeah. I think it would be because I think that we're head and shoulders above the rest. "

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