Arsenal are through to the Carabao Cup semi-finals — but it didn’t come easily.

In this episode of The Non-Negotiables Podcast, we react immediately to Arsenal’s penalty shoot-out win over Crystal Palace at the Emirates. A dominant first half, 25 shots, and complete territorial control somehow gave way to a familiar story: missed chances, second-half drop-off, and another late twist that forced penalties.

We break down why Arsenal failed to put the game to bed, the ongoing concern around underperforming xG, and how control slipped after the break. There’s discussion on Arteta’s substitutions, trust in squad players, set-piece vulnerability without Gabriel, and what this result says about standards — even in victory.

We also look ahead to a crucial Premier League clash with Brighton, assess where Arsenal are right now in terms of performance vs outcome, and ask whether these fine margins will finally turn — or keep biting.

Plus:

• Immediate reaction to the Palace game

• Penalties, goalkeeping, and late-game management

• Squad depth, injuries, and selection debates

• Brighton preview and weekend predictions

• The return of the Who Am I? quiz

Arsenal progress — but the questions remain.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Arteta’s Non-Negotiables Intro

(01:18) - Pre Match Emotions: Wanting Everything Without the Cost

(03:11) - Line-Up Calls, Midfield Balance & Selection Debate

(06:34) - First-Half Control and Missed Chances

(08:20) - xG Concerns and Failure to Kill the Game

(09:38) - Martinelli Knock and Second-Half Shift

(11:51) - Substitutions, Trust, and the Nwaneri Question

(17:44) - Second-Half Drop-Off and Arteta’s Frustration

(21:32) - Late Corner, Own Goal, and Game State Tension

(25:19) - Set-Piece Fragility Without Gabriel

(27:34) - Penalties: Kepa, Nerves, and Going Through

(32:40) - Match Stats: Dominance Without Ruthlessness

(36:41) - PT.2 Who Am I? (Game)

(38:44) - GW18 Prediction Game: West Ham vs Fulham

(41:15) - GW18 Watch: Chelsea vs Aston Villa

(45:39) - Brighton Preview: Stakes, Injuries, and Selection

(55:05) - Who Am I? (Game) Answer & Closing Thoughts

Episode 155 – Back in Charge: Rice Anchors Arsenal’s Away-Day Response

Arsenal return to winning ways with a controlled, professional 1–0 victory at Everton — a result that mattered as much for how it was done as the points themselves.

Declan Rice sets the tone with a commanding midfield performance as Arsenal quieten Goodison Park, manage pressure moments, and reassert their standards away from home. We break down the structure, the control, and why the scoreline flattered Everton more than it reflected the performance.

We discuss Ødegaard’s role, Arsenal’s chance creation and wastefulness, the penalty decisions, and whether this felt like a genuine reset after recent noise. There’s also analysis on Rice’s influence, Calafiori’s impact, and why this was a quietly important win.

In part two, we whip around the grounds, dive into another busy VAR weekend, address the Arteta contract noise, and look ahead to the Carabao Cup clash with Crystal Palace — including rotation, priorities, and what Arteta might do next.

Control restored. Standards reaffirmed.

Arsenal’s season raises an uncomfortable question: can you chase everything without losing something?

In Episode 154, the lads debate whether Arsenal should sacrifice a competition to protect the Premier League title push, following the Carabao Cup semi-final draw and growing concerns around injuries and squad load. Is trophy greed a strength — or a trap?

There’s a deep discussion around priorities, risk management, and Arteta’s approach to rotation as Arsenal juggle four competitions with a big squad and notable injury list. The panel disagrees sharply on whether letting one trophy go is pragmatic — or a mindset Arsenal can’t afford.

We also dig into Arsenal’s baffling obsession with long throws: why they slow the game down, increase injury risk, and feel completely at odds with how this team should control matches. Retention vs theatre. Structure vs disruption.

Plus:

• Potential Carabao Cup semi-final vs Chelsea

• Long throws, set-piece logic and game management

• Everton away under the lights: atmosphere, injuries and approach

• A classic Who Am I? and an Everton-themed Six Pack

A tense moment in the season — and a defining one.