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.

The result said “win”. The conversation said something else entirely.

In this episode of The Non-Negotiables Podcast, the lads use Arsenal’s narrow victory over Wolves as a springboard to address deeper issues that have been building beneath the surface. Rather than focusing on the match itself, the discussion centres on selection decisions, misaligned roles, and why performances are starting to feel disconnected from standards.

There’s an honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversation about trust within the XI, why certain profiles aren’t fitting the games they’re being picked for, and how old habits — late-game retreat, lack of control, and reliance on fine margins — appear to be creeping back in.

With pressure increasing at the top of the table, the episode questions whether Arsenal are managing rhythm, load, and structure effectively, and what needs to change quickly to prevent results masking performance issues.

Also discussed:
• Selection fit versus opposition
• Midfield balance and tempo problems
• Confidence, trust, and responsibility within the squad
• Whip Around the Grounds and title-race context
• Takahiro Tomiyasu’s move to Ajax
• Squad depth, injuries, and AFCON implications

A reflective, standards-led episode focused on why this win felt wrong — and what Arsenal must correct to realign performances with expectations.

Chapters:

(00:00) – Arteta’s Non-Negotiables Intro
(01:11) – Expectations vs Reality: Wolves at Home
(02:37) – Team Selection Under the Microscope
(08:15) – Gyökeres Debate: Trust, Confidence & Role
(23:15) – Eze, Martinelli & Misfit Roles
(29:00) – Merino’s Usage and Tempo Concerns
(31:46) – Old Habits Creeping Back
(37:44) – Match Stats
(38:15) – The Positives
(41:15) – Part Two: Time Off for the Squad
(44:06) – January Window & Defensive Depth Worries
(48:00) – Whip Around the Grounds
(54:56) – Title Race Context & Rivals’ Results
(58:26) – Newcastle, Spurs, Relegation & Emile Smith Rowe
(01:02:49) – Tomiyasu to Ajax
(01:05:28) – AFCON, Asian Cup & Fixture Disruption

Arsenal head to Belgium, win 3–0 at Club Brugge, and continue their run at the top of the Champions League League Phase. Two goals straight into the top bins set the tone, with Madueke delivering his standout performance, Martinelli adding another European moment, and Zubimendi and Odegaard controlling the night despite heavy rotation at the back.

We break down the selection calls, Timber and Saliba’s fitness, Nwaneri’s role, Jesus’ return, and a Champions League debut for 16-year-old Marley Salmon. Then attention turns to Wolves at the Emirates — injuries, expected XI, and why this is a must-handle Premier League fixture.

Plus: Justin’s Six Pack (the hidden roles driving Arsenal’s season), Liverpool’s ongoing issues and the Salah situation, Brighton’s form wobble, the Tyne–Wear derby, and this week’s Who Am I.

All Arsenal. No noise.

CHAPTERS:

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

(01:31) – Full XI Breakdown

(04:38) – Nwaneri’s Minutes and Midfield Role Debate

(05:50) – Bright Start: Odegaard Sharp, MLS Hits the Post

(08:45) – Madueke’s First Goal: Strength, Confidence, Top Bins

(10:59) – Corners, Set-Pieces, and Brugge Growing Into the Game

(13:04) – Raya vs Kepa: Why Arteta Went Strong in Goal

(15:08) – Half-Time Feelings

(16:00) – Second-Half Lift: Zubimendi Assist, Madueke Header

(17:14) – Martinelli’s Goal: Champions League Specialist

(20:30) – Subs Arrive: Jesus Returns, Calafiori Impact, Nwaneri Sharp

(23:38) – Nwaneri’s Pathway & Competition for Minutes

(25:25) – Raya’s Key Saves & Brugge’s Late Threats

(27:18) – Context: Rotation, Missing Rice, and Unusual Back Line

(28:31) – Marley Salmon’s Champions League Debut

(29:25) – By The Numbers: Shots, xG, Possession, Defensive Issues

(32:00) – Odegaard’s Return: System Reset & Misunderstood Narrative

(35:04) – PT.2 Who Am I (Game)

(36:42) – Jus’s Six Pack: Hidden Roles Behind Arsenal’s Season

(39:52) – Premier League Preview: Liverpool vs Brighton & The Salah Situation

(42:41) – Salah, Carragher, and What’s Really Happening at Liverpool

(49:04) – Slot, Alonso, and Liverpool’s Managerial Future

(51:00) – Prediction Time: Liverpool vs Brighton

(51:36) – Tyne-Wear Derby Preview: Sunderland vs Newcastle

(54:29) – Arsenal vs Wolves Preview: Line-Up, Injuries & Expectations

(55:37) – Rotation vs Full Strength: What Arteta Should Do

(58:26) – Fitness Concerns: Timber, Saliba, and Managing the Back Line

(01:05:12) – Could Salmon Get Minutes vs Wolves?

(01:07:44) – Who Am I (Game) Reveal

“Seconds From Safety: Arsenal Stung at the Death as Villa Steal It Late”

Arsenal were seconds away from leaving Villa Park with a point… and then it happened.
A late, chaotic finish hands Villa the win, and The NN Pod are here for the therapy session.

Ells steps into hosting duties with Justin and special guest Del as the guys break down:

• The final-kick loss and why it stung so badly
• Playing with four fullbacks and the strain on Rice & Zubimendi
• What’s going on with Christian Nørgaard?
• Trossard’s impact, Saka’s night, and the tired legs across the squad
• Why the reaction after the whistle matters more than the loss
• Mo Salah’s explosive interview and Liverpool’s unraveling
• The Quintero twins — who they are, where they come from, and why the academy move is huge
• Club Brugge Preview

Arsenal drop points, emotions run high, but the standards stay the same.
NN — we move.

New episodes every Monday & Thursday at 8pm.

Chapters:

(00:00) – Arteta’s Non-Negotiables Intro
(02:42) – Pregame Atmosphere
(05:34) – AVLARS Starting XI Breakdown
(07:46) – Early Moments, Two Through Balls
(10:12) – Two Chances, Two Saka Offsides
(12:26) – Two Villa Chances… Villa Take the Lead
(15:47) – Two Arsenal Chances: Growing Into the Game
(18:30) – Half-Time: Double Sub & Tactical Reset
(21:18) – Trossard’s Equaliser & Immediate Impact
(24:35) – Second-Half Control, Villa’s Counters & Game Management
(27:38) – Calafiori’s Booking & Wolves Suspension
(29:29) – Saka’s Frustration & Madueke Sub
(30:16) – Midfield Burnout: Rice & Zubimendi Cooked — Where is Nørgaard?
(37:06) – The Madueke Chance
(38:39) – Villa’s Winner: Last-Kick Chaos
(43:51) – By the Numbers
(44:34) – Away Form, Four Fullbacks & Tactical Experiments
(50:20) – PT.2 – GW14 Results
(52:43) – Table Check & Title Picture
(54:12) – Relegation Battle Overview
(56:32) – “That Interview”: Mo Salah’s Bombshell
(01:01:44) – Slot, Trent & Liverpool’s Crisis
(01:04:42) – Salah’s Ego & Legacy Fallout
(01:07:23) – The Quintero Twins
(01:10:33) – Ecuador Pipeline & Academy Focus
(01:12:37) – Club Brugge Preview
(01:14:01) – Rotation Needs & Who Should Start
(01:17:49) – Nwaneri’s Minutes & Role Questions

2 In, 2 Out? — Arsenal Beat Brentford and Prepare for Aston Villa

Arsenal took a needed three points against Brentford, but the story of the night was the balance between what went in and what went out. Merino’s header and Saka’s late strike gave Arsenal the goals, yet Rice and Mosquera joining the injury list kept the tension high in a game that should have been far more routine.

We break down the full picture: why the match felt messy in real time but looked controlled on the rewatch, how Timber and Calafiori quietly re-established structure, and why the left-side role debate is becoming one of the defining conversations of this Arsenal season. From Martinelli’s fit, to Trossard’s ownership of the role, to Eze’s natural connection inside — it’s all here.

Part Two brings the Who Am I, a whip around the grounds (including Fulham vs City chaos and Leeds humbling Chelsea), and a VARse featuring two officiating moments.
Then it’s on to Saturday at Villa Park — a huge December fixture, a tough stylistic matchup, and another test of Arsenal’s depth during a brutal run.

Measured, detailed, and Arsenal-first — exactly how we do it.

Arsenal leave Stamford Bridge with just one Premier League point after a chaotic afternoon defined by early bookings, a makeshift back line, and a referee who lost control long before Caicedo finally saw red.

We break down the six cautions, the way Zubimendi’s early yellow changed our midfield, the impact of Odegaard’s introduction, and Merino’s equaliser that shifted the momentum — plus the late chance for Gyökeres and Timber that could have won it.

Despite the frustration, it still caps off a huge week for Arsenal: the derby win, the Bayern performance, and now a hard-earned point with Saliba, Gabriel and Trossard unavailable.

In Part Two, we roll through a midweek Who Am I?, a full WATG recap, VARse (including the Alvarez penalty rule?), and a look ahead to Wednesday night’s match against Brentford — a must-win before the trip to Villa Park.

Settle in for a grounded, honest review of a fiery London afternoon and what it means for the week ahead.

Chapters:

(00:00) – Arteta’s Non-Negotiables Intro
(00:58) – Battle at the Bridge: Setting the Scene
(01:49) – Lineup Changes & Saliba’s Late Withdrawal
(03:11) – Chelsea’s Fast Start and Cucurella’s Free Hits
(04:48) – Six Arsenal Bookings and a Referee Out of Control
(07:10) – Caicedo’s Red Card and the Play-Acting Debate
(08:59) – Chelsea’s Tactics: Diving, Disruption, and Referee’s Impact
(11:58) – Arsenal’s First-Half Chances & Sanchez’s Spills
(13:01) – Conceding Early in the Second Half
(14:58) – Subs: Odegaard’s Impact & Madueke’s Struggles / Left-Side Chemistry Issue
(19:00) – Merino’s Equaliser: Saka’s Brilliance & Odegaard’s Spark
(20:30) – Arteta’s Sub Decisions: What Worked & What Didn’t
(23:20) – Final Chances: Gyökeres Collides with Sanchez & Timber’s Header
(24:22) – Was This Still a Good Week for Arsenal?
(27:48) – By the Numbers & Big-Picture Reflection on the Chelsea Draw
(29:08) – PT.2 Who Am I? (Game)
(30:55) – Whip Around the Grounds – GW13
(38:25) – VARse: GW13 (The Alvarez Rule & Referee Standards)
(47:51) – What the Weekend Results Mean for the Top Four
(49:44) – Spurs’ Collapse & Vicario Chaos
(52:14) – West Ham, Paquetá & the Red Card Meltdown
(56:50) – Brentford Preview: Form, Goals, and Key Threats
(59:19) – Should Arsenal Rotate? The Rice Question
(01:01:24) – Merino, Gyökeres & How We Should Set Up vs Brentford
(01:03:16) – Why This Is a Must-Win Ahead of Villa
(01:04:31) – Prediction Game: Brighton vs Aston Villa
(01:08:21) – Who Am I (Game) Reveal