Episodes

  • Sunderland or Die!!
    Oct 28 2025

    In this episode of the Mecca of Banter podcast, the hosts dive into the latest happenings in the Premier League and Champions League, celebrating personal milestones and discussing team performances. They analyze Arsenal's strong defense, Chelsea's young talents, and Tottenham's rise in the league, while also addressing Liverpool's defensive struggles. The episode culminates in a recap of the dramatic El Clasico, highlighting the intense rivalry and key moments. The hosts wrap up with a look ahead to upcoming fixtures, emphasizing the excitement of the football season.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 2 mins
  • The Fridge Ices Liverpool!!!!!!
    Oct 21 2025

    HARRY MAGUIRE DOES IT AGAIN!!!!


    What a week to be a Manchester United fan! First win at Anfield in almost 10 years? No problem for Amorim's men! What a time to be alive!


    Join the Mecca boys as they dive into the final St. Louis City SC game, the weekend's premier league matches and deciding whether or not Liverpool's 4-game losing streak is just a blip or something larger to worry about!

    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • Blues part the Red Sea!
    Oct 7 2025

    It’s a great week to be a Manchester United fan — and a painful one to be an adult trying to play pickup soccer. The boys are back with a mix of ice packs and insights as they unpack a weekend full of bruises, brilliance, and big wins.

    They kick things off with stories from the local pitch (including some questionable sliding tackles) before diving into St. Louis CITY’s recent performances and what’s keeping hope alive heading into the final stretch.

    Then it’s all Premier League fireworks:

    • Manchester United are finally stringing results together — but how long can it last?

    • Tottenham’s tactical evolution continues to impress as Postecoglou refines his system.

    • Arsenal’s midfield depth might be the best in the league, and Giōkeres is quietly becoming that guy.

    • Chelsea vs. Liverpool delivers chaos, controversy, and a Moises Caicedo masterclass.

    • And of course — Van Dijk’s “defending” becomes the meme of the week.

    From tactical nuance to pure banter, this episode blends grounded analysis with classic Mecca energy. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just here for the chaos, this one’s got something for everyone.

    • 00:00 – Intro & Weekend Recap

    • 02:48 – Adult League Injuries & Aging Gracefully

    • 05:35 – Local Soccer Wins & Community Pride

    • 08:32 – St. Louis CITY: Signs of Life

    • 11:12 – Spurs’ Tactical Growth Under Ange

    • 14:00 – Defensive Setups & Set Piece Mastery

    • 16:50 – Player Confidence & Development Arcs

    • 21:28 – Arsenal’s Midfield Machine

    • 23:11 – Giōkeres’ Role in Arsenal’s Fluid Front Line

    • 26:01 – Depth & Consistency in Arsenal’s Squad

    • 27:27 – Defensive Strength vs. Open Play Gaps

    • 32:34 – Manchester United’s Form Revival

    • 36:47 – Managerial Confidence & Building Momentum

    • 48:48 – Transfer Needs & Squad Balance

    • 49:50 – Pressure on Big Six Managers

    • 51:09 – Future Outlook: Who’s Built for the Long Haul?

    • 53:53 – Chelsea vs. Liverpool: Tactical Chess Match

    • 56:11 – Caicedo, Palmer & Young Talent Shining

    • 01:02:45 – Liverpool’s Defensive Cracks Without Key Players

    • 01:09:23 – Closing Thoughts & Champions League Preview

    Manchester United, St. Louis City, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Premier League, Chelsea, Liverpool, soccer injuries, adult soccer, football podcast, soccer analysis, tactical breakdown, player performance, coaching strategies, set pieces, Giōkeres, Moises Caicedo, Mason Mount, Van Dijk, Champions League, team depth, Mecca of Banter, EPL

    🕒 Chapter Timestamps🔑 Keywords / SEO Tags

    ⏱️ **Chapters:**

    00:00 – Intro & Weekend Recap

    02:48 – Adult Soccer Injuries

    05:35 – Local Wins & Community Soccer

    08:32 – STL CITY Update

    11:12 – Spurs Tactical Evolution

    21:28 – Arsenal’s Midfield Depth

    32:34 – United Finding Form

    53:53 – Chelsea vs Liverpool Chaos

    01:02:45 – Liverpool Defensive Woes

    01:09:23 – Champions League Preview


    ⚽ Drop your thoughts: Who’s in better shape heading into the international break — Arsenal, United, or Spurs? 👇



    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 11 mins
  • What is a Handball pt 24593?!?!
    Sep 30 2025

    📖 Full Episode Description

    What a weekend. Hoov got to see Son Heung-min in the flesh at CityPark — and while St. Louis CITY got embarrassed 3-0, the crowd was electric with Son jerseys and South Korean flags. The lads break down CITY’s disappointing defensive display, 13 expiring contracts, and what the club must do in the offseason to get back on track.

    Then, it’s straight into Premier League chaos:

    • Manchester United’s loss to Brentford sparks a heated conversation about Bruno Fernandes’ penalty miss, Harry Maguire’s defending, and whether Ruben should keep his job.

    • Chelsea’s red-card woes continue as they fall to Brentford, while Liverpool slip against Palace thanks to a brilliant Chris Richards performance (is he the best American CB ever?).

    • Arsenal survive Newcastle away with controversy, Spurs get “wolfed” (again), and VAR leaves everyone confused about what handball even means anymore.

    This is classic Mecca of Banter: passion, frustration, plenty of laughs, and the eternal question — is it the manager, the players, or the club’s culture that’s broken?

    • 00:00 – Intro & Son at CityPark

    • 04:42 – St. Louis CITY 0-3 LAFC Recap & Season Post-Mortem

    • 07:31 – Offseason Needs: Contracts, Sporting Director, Coaching Debate

    • 10:20 – Manchester United 1-3 Brentford: Bruno’s Penalty Miss, Maguire’s Mistake, Ruben on the Hot Seat

    • 17:29 – Player Accountability & Roster Balance (Luke Shaw, Ugarte, Kobe)

    • 22:05 – Manager Future: Sack Talk & Power Dynamics

    • 26:07 – Chelsea 1-3 Brentford: Early Red Card & Defensive Depth Issues

    • 29:59 – Palace 2-1 Liverpool: Glasner’s System & Chris Richards Masterclass

    • 33:32 – Is Richards the Best American CB Ever?

    • 35:00 – Man City 5-1 Burnley & Fantasy Football Fallout

    • 36:14 – Spurs Lose to Wolves (Again): Tactical Frustrations & Left Wing Problem

    • 41:20 – Spurs’ Midfield & January Transfer Needs

    • 42:56 – Arsenal 2-1 Newcastle: VAR Controversy, Aze in the 10, and Corner Reliance

    • 48:42 – The Great Handball Debate: What Is the Rule?

    • 51:00 – Closing Thoughts & League Table Reactions

    sports, soccer, Premier League, Manchester United, St. Louis CITY SC, LAFC, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal, Newcastle, Crystal Palace, Chris Richards, Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, Son Heung-min, VAR, handball rule, best XI, tactics, roster construction, managerial decisions, football podcast, soccer banter, EPL weekly recap, fantasy football

    🕒 Chapter Timestamps🔑 Keywords / SEO Tags

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Expected Goals, Unexpected Naps!!! Mecca of Banter S5 E6
    Sep 23 2025

    Send us a text

    📖 Full Episode Description

    It’s a great week to be a soccer fan — unless you’re Chelsea. The boys are all back to break down a massive weekend across MLS, Premier League, and Champions League.

    We kick off with St. Louis CITY’s massive away win at San Jose, featuring a breakout performance from Brendan McScorely (aka Brendan McScorely 2.0, aka our new savior). Then it’s straight into the chaos of Brighton vs. Spurs, Arsenal vs. City, and the fiery Manchester United vs. Chelsea clash that had red cards, goalkeeper howlers, and Dobes feeling himself a little too much.

    This episode is packed with banter, arguments, XG debates, and plenty of laughs — the perfect listen whether you’re celebrating three points or spiraling about your club’s form.

    🕒 Chapter Timestamps

    • 00:00 – Intro & Roll Call (everyone’s undefeated… except Nick)
    • 04:09 – STL CITY 3-1 San Jose Recap — Brendan McScorely masterclass
    • 08:48 – Why CITY suddenly looks competitive again
    • 10:57 – Critchley’s future & sporting director rumors
    • 11:29 – Brighton vs Spurs — lineup drama, late comeback, Javi Simmons impact
    • 17:37 – Tactical breakdown: Spurs’ midfield puzzle & left-wing problem
    • 20:16 – Tactical flexibility & potential lineup solutions
    • 22:24 – Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea — red cards, chaos, and meltdowns
    • 25:29 – Sanchez’s red card + Maresca’s subs
    • 28:58 – Garnacho vs. George selection drama
    • 32:46 – United’s XG dominance & goal-scoring woes
    • 36:30 – Is Amrabat still on the hot seat? Heated debate
    • 38:40 – Arsenal vs City — boring or brilliant?
    • 47:20 – Martinelli redemption arc + tactical tweaks
    • 50:14 – Are Arsenal ready to take the title?
    • 53:00 – Closing banter & predictions for next week

    🔑 Keywords / SEO Tags

    St. Louis CITY SC, Brendan McScorely, MLS Playoff Race, San Jose Earthquakes, David Critchley, Manchester United vs Chelsea, Robert Sanchez Red Card, Casemiro Red Card, Premier League Banter, Brighton vs Spurs, Tottenham Hotspur, Javi Simmons, Arsenal vs Manchester City, Erling Haaland, Gabriel Martinelli, Premier League Recap, Soccer Podcast, Football Debate, EPL Highlights, XG Discussion, Soccer Banter, Mecca of Banter

    Support the show

    🟥 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW VIDEOS 🟥 ▶ http://bit.ly/2Y57DtH

    🎧 LISTEN:
    Apple Podcasts ▶ http://apple.co/390KxKE
    Spotify ▶ http://spoti.fi/3bQ5cmx
    Google Podcasts ▶ http://bit.ly/3qK7YhI
    Amazon Music ▶ https://amzn.to/3o4pZFL
    Pandora ▶ https://bit.ly/3m4MWJr
    Buzzsprout ▶ http://bit.ly/3sBdSmT
    Stitcher ▶ http://bit.ly/3nXLCqS
    iHeartRadio ▶ http://ihr.fm/3iOnAxC
    TuneIn ▶ http://bit.ly/3qy5SRO
    Overcast ▶ http://bit.ly/3bT1icP
    Pocket Casts ▶ http://bit.ly/35Ra6vX
    Podfriend ▶ http://bit.ly/3c2fO1I
    Castro ▶ http://bit.ly/2XXz3Sa
    Castbox ▶ https://bit.ly/2M3oE4H
    Podchaser ▶ http://bit.ly/2XU7OrE
    Listen Notes ▶ http://bit.ly/3sz8DEa
    Podcast Addict ▶ http://bit.ly/2XQ9ZMy
    Deezer ▶ http://bit.ly/3itXzUb
    Player FM ▶ http://bit.ly/3qxR5Xa
    Podcast Index ▶ http://bit.ly/3nWCSSb

    🗣️ CONNECT:
    Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/mecca_of_banter/
    Twitter ▶ https://bit.ly/2LGDWMW
    Facebook ▶ http://bit.ly/39NpR8t
    YouTube ▶ http://bit.ly/2XRsCzT

    📱 CONTACT:
    Email ▶ meccaofbanter@gmail.com

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Down go the Devils
    Sep 16 2025

    Send us a text

    This week, we ride the high of St. Louis City's 2-0 win over Montreal — Klauss was on fire and hopefully this is the start of a win streak. Then we dive into a Premier League weekend full of drama: Arsenal cruised past Forest with a new Ange squad looking out of place, Spurs dominated a down a man West Ham, and Chelsea’s interesting lineup led to a chaotic 2-2 draw with Brentford. Liverpool scraped by Burnley with a late goal while Salah ghosted until the end, and City absolutely dismantled United in a brutal Manchester derby.

    We wrap up with a spicy Champions League preview featuring heavyweight clashes like Chelsea vs Bayern, Liverpool vs Atletico, and Arsenal taking on Athletic Club. Buckle up — it’s a packed episode full of goals, grit, and great football talk.

    Support the show

    🟥 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW VIDEOS 🟥 ▶ http://bit.ly/2Y57DtH

    🎧 LISTEN:
    Apple Podcasts ▶ http://apple.co/390KxKE
    Spotify ▶ http://spoti.fi/3bQ5cmx
    Google Podcasts ▶ http://bit.ly/3qK7YhI
    Amazon Music ▶ https://amzn.to/3o4pZFL
    Pandora ▶ https://bit.ly/3m4MWJr
    Buzzsprout ▶ http://bit.ly/3sBdSmT
    Stitcher ▶ http://bit.ly/3nXLCqS
    iHeartRadio ▶ http://ihr.fm/3iOnAxC
    TuneIn ▶ http://bit.ly/3qy5SRO
    Overcast ▶ http://bit.ly/3bT1icP
    Pocket Casts ▶ http://bit.ly/35Ra6vX
    Podfriend ▶ http://bit.ly/3c2fO1I
    Castro ▶ http://bit.ly/2XXz3Sa
    Castbox ▶ https://bit.ly/2M3oE4H
    Podchaser ▶ http://bit.ly/2XU7OrE
    Listen Notes ▶ http://bit.ly/3sz8DEa
    Podcast Addict ▶ http://bit.ly/2XQ9ZMy
    Deezer ▶ http://bit.ly/3itXzUb
    Player FM ▶ http://bit.ly/3qxR5Xa
    Podcast Index ▶ http://bit.ly/3nWCSSb

    🗣️ CONNECT:
    Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/mecca_of_banter/
    Twitter ▶ https://bit.ly/2LGDWMW
    Facebook ▶ http://bit.ly/39NpR8t
    YouTube ▶ http://bit.ly/2XRsCzT

    📱 CONTACT:
    Email ▶ meccaofbanter@gmail.com

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • Mecca Moment: Levy Loses!!!
    Sep 4 2025

    Send us a text

    After 25 years, Daniel Levy is out at Tottenham Hotspur.
    In this flash episode of Mecca of Banter, host Andy Hoover reflects on the end of an era and what it means for Spurs moving forward.

    We break down:

    • Daniel Levy’s legacy: the highs, lows, and defining moments of his tenure.
    • Fan frustrations: lack of trophies vs world-class infrastructure.
    • Football vs business: how sustainability shaped (and limited) Tottenham’s growth.
    • The new era ahead: hope, uncertainty, and what Spurs supporters want most.

    As Tottenham enters a new chapter, we look at where the club has been — and where it might be heading next.

    Chapters
    00:00 – The Departure of Daniel Levy
    10:56 – Reflections on Levy’s Tenure
    16:31 – A New Era for Tottenham Hotspur

    Keywords: Daniel Levy, Tottenham Hotspur, Spurs, Premier League, ENIC, football, sports business, fan expectations, club management, new era, football analysis

    Support the show

    🟥 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW VIDEOS 🟥 ▶ http://bit.ly/2Y57DtH

    🎧 LISTEN:
    Apple Podcasts ▶ http://apple.co/390KxKE
    Spotify ▶ http://spoti.fi/3bQ5cmx
    Google Podcasts ▶ http://bit.ly/3qK7YhI
    Amazon Music ▶ https://amzn.to/3o4pZFL
    Pandora ▶ https://bit.ly/3m4MWJr
    Buzzsprout ▶ http://bit.ly/3sBdSmT
    Stitcher ▶ http://bit.ly/3nXLCqS
    iHeartRadio ▶ http://ihr.fm/3iOnAxC
    TuneIn ▶ http://bit.ly/3qy5SRO
    Overcast ▶ http://bit.ly/3bT1icP
    Pocket Casts ▶ http://bit.ly/35Ra6vX
    Podfriend ▶ http://bit.ly/3c2fO1I
    Castro ▶ http://bit.ly/2XXz3Sa
    Castbox ▶ https://bit.ly/2M3oE4H
    Podchaser ▶ http://bit.ly/2XU7OrE
    Listen Notes ▶ http://bit.ly/3sz8DEa
    Podcast Addict ▶ http://bit.ly/2XQ9ZMy
    Deezer ▶ http://bit.ly/3itXzUb
    Player FM ▶ http://bit.ly/3qxR5Xa
    Podcast Index ▶ http://bit.ly/3nWCSSb

    🗣️ CONNECT:
    Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/mecca_of_banter/
    Twitter ▶ https://bit.ly/2LGDWMW
    Facebook ▶ http://bit.ly/39NpR8t
    YouTube ▶ http://bit.ly/2XRsCzT

    📱 CONTACT:
    Email ▶ meccaofbanter@gmail.com

    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
  • Deadline Day!!!
    Sep 2 2025

    Send us a text

    The latest Mecca of Banter is loaded with drama, tactics, and laughs as the boys dive into a packed week of football action. From Liverpool’s 1–0 win over Arsenal and the fallout from Manchester United’s Grimsby disaster to St. Louis City’s struggles and the transfer window shake-ups, nothing is off limits.

    We cover:

    • St. Louis City: Post-Lutz era, defensive issues, and what’s next for the club.
    • Liverpool vs Arsenal: Szoboszlai’s wonder goal, Slot vs Arteta tactics, and what it means for the title race.
    • Manchester United: Burnley bounce-back, Grimsby embarrassment, midfield depth concerns, and why a “proper six” is still missing.
    • Manchester City: Sloppy start and signs of a rebuild on the horizon.
    • Transfer Window Recap: Winners, losers, big moves, and where clubs still fell short.
    • Squad depth & injuries: Why benches matter more than ever in the Premier League.

    Expect banter, bold takes, and football analysis that hits both heart and head.

    Chapters
    00:00 – Introduction and Team Dynamics
    02:46 – St. Louis City Struggles
    05:36 – Liverpool vs Arsenal Tactical Breakdown
    10:55 – Injuries and Team Depth
    13:57 – Transfer Window Reflections
    33:42 – Manchester United’s Disappointing Performance vs Grimsby
    40:00 – Managerial Concerns & Burnley Win
    45:31 – Midfield Issues and Tactical Adjustments
    54:03 – Personality Fit in Player Acquisitions
    57:14 – Manchester City’s Transition and Future

    Keywords: Football, Premier League, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, St. Louis City, transfer window, tactics, football analysis, sports podcast, Grimsby, Pep Guardiola, squad depth, injuries, midfield, banter

    Support the show

    🟥 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW VIDEOS 🟥 ▶ http://bit.ly/2Y57DtH

    🎧 LISTEN:
    Apple Podcasts ▶ http://apple.co/390KxKE
    Spotify ▶ http://spoti.fi/3bQ5cmx
    Google Podcasts ▶ http://bit.ly/3qK7YhI
    Amazon Music ▶ https://amzn.to/3o4pZFL
    Pandora ▶ https://bit.ly/3m4MWJr
    Buzzsprout ▶ http://bit.ly/3sBdSmT
    Stitcher ▶ http://bit.ly/3nXLCqS
    iHeartRadio ▶ http://ihr.fm/3iOnAxC
    TuneIn ▶ http://bit.ly/3qy5SRO
    Overcast ▶ http://bit.ly/3bT1icP
    Pocket Casts ▶ http://bit.ly/35Ra6vX
    Podfriend ▶ http://bit.ly/3c2fO1I
    Castro ▶ http://bit.ly/2XXz3Sa
    Castbox ▶ https://bit.ly/2M3oE4H
    Podchaser ▶ http://bit.ly/2XU7OrE
    Listen Notes ▶ http://bit.ly/3sz8DEa
    Podcast Addict ▶ http://bit.ly/2XQ9ZMy
    Deezer ▶ http://bit.ly/3itXzUb
    Player FM ▶ http://bit.ly/3qxR5Xa
    Podcast Index ▶ http://bit.ly/3nWCSSb

    🗣️ CONNECT:
    Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/mecca_of_banter/
    Twitter ▶ https://bit.ly/2LGDWMW
    Facebook ▶ http://bit.ly/39NpR8t
    YouTube ▶ http://bit.ly/2XRsCzT

    📱 CONTACT:
    Email ▶ meccaofbanter@gmail.com

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 4 mins