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.

Humbled at Home: Manchester United End Arsenal’s Emirates League Run

A sobering afternoon at the Emirates sees Arsenal suffer their first league defeat at home to Manchester United, cutting the title gap and raising uncomfortable questions about control, mentality, and attacking identity.

In Part One, the conversation begins with the wider title context — pressure at the top of the table, selection choices, and Arsenal’s early dominance — before unpicking how a game that felt controlled for long spells slipped away. The discussion explores structural issues in possession, the balance at full-back, recurring midfield problems, and the moments that shifted momentum against Arsenal.

Attention then turns to mentality: from the atmosphere inside the stadium to the team’s response once the game turned. There’s a deeper look at Arteta’s in-game management, familiar substitution patterns, and whether Arsenal’s current structure is limiting their attacking threat. Questions are raised around midfield chemistry, the striker role, and whether the 4-3-3 is still serving this side at the business end of the season.

Part Two shifts focus to brighter notes and the wider football landscape. There’s reaction to Ethan Nwaneri’s impressive start on loan at Marseille, what the move could mean for his development, and why this loan feels different to others Arsenal have managed in the past. The episode also features a full Whip Around the Grounds from Premier League Matchweek 23, before closing with a preview of Arsenal’s upcoming Champions League fixture against Kairat Almaty and discussion around rotation, squad management, and the challenges ahead.

A reflective, honest episode at a critical point in the season.

Chapters:

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

(01:09) – Table Pressure, Title Context & Starting XI Breakdown

(02:28) – Hincapié at Left-Back & Selection Trade-Offs

(04:42) – Match Shape

(06:03) – 1-0 | Own Goal Advantage After Early Dominance

(07:19) – Structural Issues: Timber in the Box & Attacking Balance

(09:48) – 1-1 | Zubimendi Error, Sloppiness & Momentum Swing

(11:28) – 1-2 | Second-Half Collapse & Dorgu Worldie

(12:59) – 2-2 | Set-Piece FC Strikes Again

(13:38) – 2-3 | Cunha Screamer… Game Slips Away

(15:08) – Emirates Atmosphere, Fan Nerves & Mentality Debate

(18:50) – Arteta, Substitutions & Tactical Inflexibility

(21:35) – Midfield Identity Crisis?

(24:03) – Striker Problem?

(26:45) – Is the 4-3-3 Dead? Structural Reset Discussion

(30:15) – Match Stats, xG & Why the Scoreline Lied

(30:45) – Title Run-In Maths & Dropped Points Reality

(32:47) – Part Two: Ethan Nwaneri at Marseille — Debut Goal & Role Fit

(36:45) – Whip Around the Grounds: Premier League Matchweek 23 Review

(43:00) – Champions League Preview: Kairat Almaty

Seven straight. Top two secured. And revenge delivered in Milan.

Arsenal head to the San Siro knowing the stakes — one more Champions League League Phase win to lock a top-two finish — and produce a performance that blends control, chaos, and cutting edge. The panel break down a fast, open contest against Inter Milan that never quite settled, with both midfields exposed early and Arsenal choosing to play on the front foot from the opening minutes.

There’s deep discussion around the starting XI and rotation calls, including surprise inclusions, positional responsibilities, and how Arsenal’s midfield shape contributed to a game that felt more end-to-end than usual. The hosts analyse how Arsenal handled long balls, physical duels, and isolation at the back — and why certain defensive performances stood out despite being repeatedly put under pressure.

Set-pieces once again prove decisive, prompting a wider conversation about Arsenal’s evolving attacking identity in Europe, while individual performances across the front line raise important questions about form, confidence, and decision-making in key moments. There’s a detailed debate on finishing, shot selection, and what Arsenal need from their attacking leaders as the season enters its decisive phase.

The episode also looks ahead to what securing a top-two Champions League finish actually means under the new League Phase format — including draw mechanics, scheduling advantages, and why this campaign is quietly becoming historic for the club.

In Part Two, the panel turn their attention to squad management and development, including a loan decision that sparks serious debate about pathways, planning, and long-term intent. There’s also the return of the Who Am I? game, predictions from around the Premier League, a six-pack ranking Manchester United’s post-Ferguson managers, and an early look ahead to a high-stakes weekend showdown at the Emirates.

A big European night, plenty of talking points, and another step forward in Arsenal’s Champions League journey.