Marc and Richard are back after a chaotic few weeks of fixtures, cup drama, and emotional whiplash, with Arsenal booking their place at Wembley and reasserting control at the top of the league.

This episode is less about individual games and more about how it feels to support this Arsenal side right now: the nerves, the scars, the mistrust of media narratives, and the slow realisation that this team might actually be different.

• Wembley confirmed Arsenal through to the final, despite a bizarre media reaction and some truly unhinged punditry. A long chat on why Chelsea’s “stay in the game” plan made no sense and why only Paul Merson seemed willing to say it out loud.

• PTSD vs reality Why the fear Arsenal fans feel often has more to do with history than what’s happening on the pitch. One opposition shot, no real danger, yet total emotional collapse anyway.

• The goalkeeper dilemma Should Raya play the final, even if Kepa has got Arsenal there? Why sentimentality doesn’t win trophies and why Arteta may be ruthless enough to make the call.

• The Man United wobble Honest reflections on the United defeat, the sense of nervousness in the team, and how close it felt to things slipping away at that moment.

• Arteta’s reset moment The press conference that mattered. “How do we want to live for the next four months?” Why this felt like a genuine line in the sand and not empty rhetoric.

• Ignoring the noise Why fan media now allows players and supporters to live inside a “circle of trust” and shut out clickbait punditry, even if some players probably still listen more than we’d like.

• Leeds away as a statement A proper reaction performance at a hostile ground, early control, and the feeling of a team that has learned how to manage pressure.

• Midfield evolution Zubimendi’s intelligence and aerial timing, Madueke’s best showing, and the quiet value of players taking responsibility after mistakes.

• Gyökeres under the microscope Less flopping, more fight. Signs of adaptation to life in the Premier League, and flashes of the striker Arsenal hope he can become.

• Hincapié, chaos and barnets Why he divides opinion, who he reminds Marc of, and how Arsenal’s left-back options all come with trade-offs.

• Youth, patience and Arteta’s long game A grounded discussion on Miles Lewis-Skelly, expectations, development curves, and why being “in and around” the squad at 19 is already a win.

• Injuries and depth concerns Losing Merino hurts more than expected. What it means for control, rotation, and who now needs to step up.

• Chelsea, Havertz and control Why Havertz matters even when he isn’t scoring, how he changes Arsenal’s ability to relieve pressure, and why his return felt important.

• Title race reality check City aren’t what they were. Pressure matters. Arsenal need to keep stacking wins and forcing everyone else to blink first.

There’s a long way to go, but Arsenal are still standing, still responding, and still in control of their own destiny. Sunderland next. Then the league run-in. Then Wembley.

As ever: cautious optimism, deep-rooted anxiety, and absolutely no help from the pundits.

Summary

In this episode of the Arsenal podcast, hosts Marc and Richard delve into the recent performances of Arsenal, particularly focusing on their matches against Portsmouth and Chelsea. They reflect on the team's strategies, player performances, and the overall atmosphere during these games. The discussion highlights the importance of set pieces in Arsenal's gameplay, with both hosts expressing their satisfaction with the team's ability to capitalize on these opportunities. They also touch on individual player performances, including the impact of new signings and the need for consistency in the squad. The conversation flows into a broader analysis of the current state of the Premier League, the challenges faced by rival teams, and the potential for Arsenal to secure a trophy this season.

Keywords

Arsenal podcast, Premier League, football analysis, set pieces, player performance, Chelsea, Portsmouth, football tactics, Arsenal news, football commentary

Takeaways

'If you've got a weapon, use it.' 'We are uncomfortable being comfortable.' 'It's all about the delivery.' 'You can only play against who you play against.' 'This group of players that haven't done it as a collective gives winning feeling.'

Titles

Arsenal's Tactical Triumphs: Set Pieces and Player Performances Navigating the Premier League: Arsenal's Journey Through Recent Matches

Sound bites

"If you've got a weapon, use it." "We are uncomfortable being comfortable." "This group of players that haven't done it as a collective gives winning feeling."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Match Overview 02:12 Reflecting on the Portsmouth Game 09:33 Analyzing Player Performances 15:02 Chelsea Match Insights 22:17 Goalkeeper Challenges and Set Piece Strategies 32:06 Looking Ahead: Upcoming Matches and Trophies

In the wake of a grueling stalemate at the Emirates, Marc and "Anfield 89 Veteran" Richard sit down to dissect a result that leaves Arsenal six points clear at the top, but the fans in a state of "abject terror."

From fluctuating heart rates on new smartwatches to the growing concerns over Victor Gyokeres, this episode digs into why a point against Liverpool feels like a disappointment to some and a Zen masterclass to others.

• The Inventive Opening: Marc highlights the brilliant first 20 minutes where Saliba and Timber were "popping up in the forward line," causing chaos for a retreating Liverpool.

• The Second Half Retreat: Richard tracks his heart rate hitting 120 BPM as Arsenal dropped deep. Was it a tactical "probe" by Arteta, or a loss of control in the midfield?

• PTSD & Scars: The hosts discuss the "scar tissue" of the Wenger/Emery eras that makes every missed second ball feel like a pending catastrophe.

• The Verdict: Richard loses patience with a "low touch forward who doesn't score." Is Giokeres attracting defenders, or is he simply on his heels when the big crosses come in?

• The "Bit Shit" Forward Pyramid: Marc introduces his striker hierarchy—from the "Elite Machines" (Haaland) to the "Greatest Bit Shit Forward of All Time" (Olivier Giroud). Where does Gyokeres actually fit?

• The Case for the Defense: Would the integration be different if Havertz and Jesus weren't injured? We discuss why Arteta continues to start him despite the lack of goal threat.

• The Return of the Unit: Why the squad is desperately missing the physical presence of Kai Havertz to act as an outlet when the press is high.

• The Martinelli/Bradley Incident: A deep dive into the controversial injury time moment. Was Martinelli a "disgrace," or was he just doing what any winner would do to stop the clock?

• Pundit Hypocrisy: We call out Gary Neville and Roy Keane for "asking for violence" while living in glass houses built on their own aggressive playing careers.

• The Road to Portsmouth: Looking ahead to the FA Cup. Will we see the classic "tin foil trophy" in the stands?

• Loathsome Rivals: Richard pulls no punches on Chelsea's "scummy" behavior, from hacking up penalty spots to their "cheap shot" tactics.

In this episode, Marc and Richard delve into Arsenal's recent performances, discussing the emotional rollercoaster of watching their games. They analyze team news, individual player performances, and the tactical adjustments made during the match against Bournemouth. The conversation also touches on referee decisions, the importance of squad depth, and the upcoming challenge against Liverpool. Throughout the discussion, they reflect on the team's current position in the league and express a desire for a more comfortable viewing experience in future matches. Arsenal's Rollercoaster Season: A Deep Dive From Anxiety to Euphoria: Arsenal's Match Review Sound bites "I think he really stepped it up after they scored." "I think we are attacking more freely now." "I think we owe a bit of a spanking to Liverpool." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overall Vibe 02:41 Team News and Game Preparations 05:36 First Half Analysis and Defensive Solidity 08:32 Key Moments and Individual Performances 11:23 Referee Decisions and Game Management 14:13 Tactical Adjustments and Player Contributions 16:47 Second Half Dynamics and Game Flow 20:00 Final Whistle and Post-Match Reactions 22:34 Looking Ahead: Upcoming Matches and Squad Depth

In this episode of Yet Another Arsenal Podcast, Marc and Anfield ’89 veteran Richard are back from the Christmas break and straight into a very Arsenal kind of chaos: top of the league, five points clear, and still absolutely exhausted by it.

They look back over the mini-arc since the Aston Villa away defeat: nervy wins, missed chances, Wolves and Brighton-induced heart palpitations, and finally the cathartic 4–1 battering of Villa at the Emirates.

Along the way they get into:

• Chelsea’s “1–1 win” Why Enzo Maresca talking like they beat Arsenal tells you everything about where Chelsea really are now – and how far behind they’ve already fallen.

• Squad trust issues & the Circle of Arteta Club Brugge cameos for Madueke and Nørgaard, why some good performances don’t seem to turn into Premier League minutes, and Marc’s long-running irritation with Mikel’s very tight circle of trust.

• The Wolves & Brighton wobble That horrible feeling of déjà vu: slow tempo, right-side heavy, “last season’s Arsenal” patterns coming back, and relying on late goals / own goals to get out of jail.

• Gyoekeres: case for the defence vs the prosecution Rich’s “what are you even looking at?” moment, the lack of instinctive striker movement, but also why it might be harsh to write him off in a new league, under a very demanding coach, with Ruben Amorim habits to unlearn.

• Title race maths vs title race emotions The xG story (creating plenty, finishing badly), how that should even out, and the brutal reality that even in an “Invincible” season you grind out ugly one-goal wins and feel wrecked every weekend.

• Villa at home: first-half worry, second-half demolition Declan Rice missing, Onana bullying, huge spaces in midfield, Watkins wastefulness – then the post-half-time transformation: intensity up, press locked in and Villa absolutely suffocated.

• Mikel Merino, Zubimendi & the evolved midfield Merino living dangerously (nearly seeing red), Zubimendi’s quietly elite six-play, and how the Spanish model of a playmaking 6 still feels miles ahead of the old English “third centre-back in midfield” mindset.

• Odegaard’s re-emergence Coming back from a nasty high ankle sprain, dropping deep when needed, dictating tempo again, and that classic “wait, wait, now” assist timing that unlocks Zubimendi’s goal.

• Trossard’s Ray Parlour season Joint-top scorer in all comps, edge-of-the-box daggers, and why every title season needs one “non-superstar” having an absolutely outrageous year.

• Hincapié chaos & love Winning everything in the air, 80-yard overlaps followed by full body shutdown, and accidentally standing on teammates’ hands – why Marc and Rich love him anyway.

• Emi Martínez: world-class shithouser, not-so-great vs Arsenal Tunnel stretches, time-wasting, fake collisions, constant needle – and how it all falls apart when you’re trying to wrestle Gabriel instead of setting yourself to actually deal with the cross.

• Unai Emery & Handshake-gate Emery straight down the tunnel at full-time, why Marc’s never warmed to him, and the old Valencia USB-stick story that has permanently coloured his view.

• Where this leaves Arsenal Five points clear, City still dangerous, Liverpool looking fragile, fixtures easing slightly, squad options returning, and the hope that this was the “sticky patch”… navigated with only a single really bad result.

Keywords

Arsenal, football, defeat, tactics, player performance, Unai Emery, squad depth, Premier League

Takeaways

Marc expresses his irritation at losing to Unai Emery's Aston Villa team. Rich shares his thoughts on the tactical approach of the game. The duo discusses the performance of key players like Odegaard and Eze. Concerns are raised about the depth of the squad and player fatigue. They analyze the effectiveness of Villa's game plan against Arsenal. Rich highlights the importance of player rotation in upcoming fixtures. Marc and Rich reflect on the overall performance and areas for improvement. The conversation touches on the mental state of the team after the defeat. They discuss the potential for Arsenal to bounce back in future matches. The duo emphasizes the need for tactical evolution in the team.

Summary

In this episode, Marc and Rich dissect Arsenal's recent defeat, focusing on the tactical decisions made during the match, player performances, and the implications for the team's future. They express frustration over the loss to Unai Emery's side, analyze key moments in the game, and discuss the need for squad rotation and adjustments moving forward. The conversation highlights the challenges Arsenal faces as they navigate a demanding season, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience and tactical evolution.

Titles

Arsenal's Tactical Struggles: A Deep Dive Defeat Analysis: Lessons from the Loss

Sound bites

"It was a frustrating game" "It's a long old season" "Fucking Emory"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Initial Reactions to the Defeat 03:00 Analysis of Managerial Styles and Team Dynamics 06:02 Player Performances and Tactical Adjustments 08:45 Discussion on Game Tactics and Opponent Strategy 11:41 In-Depth Player Evaluations and Concerns 14:47 Reflections on Team Depth and Player Fatigue 17:29 Final Thoughts on the Match and Future Outlook 22:15 Reflections on Player Performance 24:38 Concerns About New Signings 28:04 Injury Impacts and Player Decisions 30:09 Game Dynamics and Tactical Analysis 32:54 Optimism Amidst Challenges 39:43 Looking Ahead: Upcoming Matches and Strategies

## 😱 PTSD & PINBALL: Why Arsenal's "Regulation Win" vs. Brentford Felt Like a Disaster Marc and Richard break down the nervous energy that plagued every Gooner during the 2-0 win over Brentford. It should have been a routine victory, but the combination of defensive injuries, fixture congestion, and deep-seated **scar tissue from the Wenger/Emery eras** left both hosts in "abject terror" until the final whistle. We dissect the tactical genius of Mikel Arteta's rotation, the spectacular performance of "Europe's Second Hottest Striker," and the big question: **Is Arteta's high-intensity system finally cracking the squad?** The Midlife Gooner Anxiety** * **Scar Tissue & Terror:** We discuss why every 1-0 lead feels like a pending catastrophe, fueled by decades of famous Arsenal collapses (shoutout to the Koscielny semi-final boot!). * **The Ben White Return:** After fitness concerns, how good was the return of "Benny White"? We analyze his sensible, disciplined performance, his brilliant goal-creating cross, and whether he was right to play through obvious fatigue. * **The Madueke Debate:** Is the expensive winger a bargain or a frustration? We assess his contribution, his "end product" struggles, and the quickness of the crowd to jump on his "shitty corners." * **Transfer Genius:** Marc argues that the transformation of Merino bought for one role, excelling in another—is the greatest testament to Arteta's coaching philosophy, far outshining the work of Southgate or Moyes. ### **🚑 The Injury Ticking Time Bomb** * **The Timber Impact:** We analyze the immediate, calming effect of **Timber** coming on for the injured Mosquera. We ask: is Timber the most versatile and composed defender we have? * **The Player Welfare Crisis:** Should the club be conducting intense training sessions 48 hours before huge league games? We argue that Arteta’s "mentality monster" approach may be physically unsustainable and ask if this mindset is costing us crucial players. * **Mosquera’s Mystery:** A non-contact injury that left the player unsure of what was hurt. We discuss the potential severity and the immediate impact of losing another core defender. ### **⚽️ Tactics, Anxiety & Unlucky Gyokeres * **The Brentford Press:** Credit where it's due: Brentford's aggressive press and high energy worked. We analyze how long the team struggled and when the game finally came under control. * **The Odegaard Conundrum:** Does our captain's famous delayed shot and pass diminish his effectiveness at the edge of the box, especially when trying to link up with a striker who plays on the shoulder? * **Unlucky Gyokeres:** We dive into the string of frustrating chances for Gyokeres and ask if he's the unluckiest man at the club right now. *(Always remember to prioritize your mental health. If you are struggling, reach out to CALM.)*

What a week it was! Fresh off a predicted win against Spurs, we dove straight into European action against Bayern Munich. 💥 The Bayern Munich Thriller & Arteta's Mentality The Big Question: Was playing a full-strength side against Bayern a mistake, potentially costing us freshness for the league, or a crucial display of intent? Rich's Take: The game was technically stunning and end-to-end, but he understands the dilemma. However, given Arsenal's history of heavy defeats to Bayern, Arteta's "mentality is" approach meant avoiding a loss and proving we belong among the European elite. Marc's View: He agrees with the "go hell for leather" approach. While it may have impacted the Chelsea game (via loss of Trossard, etc.), building a winning culture means showing the team—and Europe—how good they are. A New Level: The first half was hailed as one of the highest-quality halves of football ever seen by the hosts, demonstrating how far Arteta has brought the team. Unlike the Wenger era's struggles in Europe, Arsenal is now "firmly at that top table." Harry Kane Tactic: Arsenal's defence handled Kane's deep-dropping runs effectively, with Declan Rice's tireless work rate being highlighted as a standout performance. The Second Half Masterclass: The second half was called the "best any Arsenal team has ever played," with the team smothering Bayern and elevating their game. 🔄 Substitutions and Squad Depth Impact Subs: The quality of substitutions—including Martinelli and Madueke—making an immediate impact was a massive difference from previous seasons, validating the recent squad building. Martinelli Magic: Martinelli's goal was a "Martinelli special," involving winning the ball, running like the clappers, and slotting it past a panicking Manuel Neuer. Saka's Vision: Saka's evolving game was praised, particularly his vision and execution of passes, demonstrating "a lot of tools in his locker." 🤕 The Chelsea Scramble & Injury Woes The Saliba Blow: The news of Saliba's injury just before the Chelsea game was a major pre-match shocker, raising questions about the intensity of Arteta's training sessions between big games. Centre-Back Partnership: The new pairing of Mosquera and Hincapié stepped in, displaying good technical ability but lacking the established "aura of authority" and understanding of Saliba/Gabriel. Mosquera's passing stats (95% completion) were noted despite a feeling of insecurity in the backline. Chelsea's Game Plan: Chelsea's tactic was clear: turn it into a war with a physical, ill-disciplined approach, which ultimately "f***ed it" for them due to a lack of control and poor acting following fouls. Caicedo Red Card: Caicedo's red card challenge was a "cast iron" red, with his immediate feigned injury betraying his guilt. 🎯 Arsenal's Tactical & Mental Resilience Marino's Improvement: While often criticised, Marino's goal contribution was acknowledged, with the player's numbers showing his effectiveness, even if his midfield decision-making can be questionable. The Narrative: There was frustration with the media narrative praising Chelsea's "fantastic" 10-man performance compared to a very different narrative when Arsenal had a similar advantage against City last season. Odegaard's Return: The introduction of Odegaard helped Arsenal dictate the tempo and push Chelsea back, showing his importance despite ongoing criticism. Missed Opportunity for Chelsea: Marc argued Chelsea missed their "best opportunity" to gain ground on Arsenal, as their tactical success in the first half was undermined by their own ill-discipline and booting people up in the air. 📈 Looking Ahead to December Table Position: Arsenal ends November—traditionally a "honking month"—in great shape: five points clear of City and six points clear of Chelsea, a "genuine lead." Cavalry Returning: Saliba, Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus are all close to returning, which will be a massive boost. Havertz's Importance: The return of Havertz could be huge, especially against high-pressing teams like Bayern or PSG, where his aerial ability will offer a vital long-ball outlet over the press. Next Up: Brentford: There's talk of rotation, especially for the upcoming Champions League dead rubber, but caution is advised for the tricky Brentford game.