A Perfect Run — With Cracks

Perfect in Europe, Uncertain at the Back — What Arsenal Must Fix Before Leeds

Arsenal close out the Champions League League Phase with a perfect record — eight wins from eight — but the performance against Kairat raises uncomfortable questions beneath the surface.

Gav and Jus break down a night that should have felt routine, but instead reinforced growing concerns around defensive concentration, individual errors, and Arsenal’s recent inability to protect leads. Despite controlling the game, creating heavily, and topping the group in style, the conversation quickly turns to why clean sheets have disappeared and why “control” — once Arsenal’s defining strength — is starting to erode.

There’s analysis of Kai Havertz’s return, Viktor Gyökeres’ night in front of goal, Gabriel Jesus’ ongoing role in the squad, and the balance between occupying defenders versus offering genuine attacking threat. The discussion also looks at Martin Ødegaard’s form, the noise surrounding his place in the side, and whether changes in midfield would actually solve the bigger issues at play.

Attention then shifts to what comes next. With Leeds United up next in the league, the hosts examine why this fixture could act as another reset point — much like it has in previous seasons — and what Arsenal must rediscover if they’re to re-establish their defensive authority and momentum in the title race.

There’s also the weekly Who Am I? game, a look ahead to key Premier League fixtures elsewhere, and Jus’ latest Six Pack, ranking the best seasons by newly promoted teams in Premier League history.

A perfect European run. Plenty of goals. But with standards slipping at the back, the bigger test may still lie ahead.