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.

Episode 163 – Missing In The Forest

Arsenal leave the City Ground with a point, but not without frustration. In this episode of The Non-Negotiables Podcast, the panel break down a goalless draw that felt defined by control, territory, and chances that never quite turned into goals.

The conversation begins with Mikel Arteta’s selection choices, rotation decisions, and how Arsenal approached a Nottingham Forest side set up to sit deep and limit space. From there, attention turns to the pattern of the game itself — early pressure, sustained dominance, and a growing sense that the first goal was becoming increasingly important.

Missed chances become the central theme, with detailed discussion around key moments in both halves, decision-making in the final third, and whether Arsenal’s attacking structure is giving the right players the right types of opportunities. The panel also assess individual performances, physical match-ups, and how certain moments shaped the rhythm and confidence of the side.

Focus then shifts to the midfield balance, exploring the roles of Rice, Ødegaard, and Zubimendi, and whether Arsenal’s current setup is providing enough fluency, control, and threat against low-block opponents. There’s also reflection on substitutions, game management, and how fine margins can quietly define results like this.

Beyond the Forest match, the episode widens out to the bigger picture — Arsenal’s scoring output, historic context around title-winning teams, and what separates very good sides from truly elite ones. Despite the frustration on the night, rival results mean Arsenal extend their advantage at the top of the Premier League, prompting a broader discussion about mentality, pressure, and navigating a title race.

Part two features a full Whip Around the Grounds from Matchweek 22, VAR decisions that dominated the weekend, and a look ahead to Arsenal’s upcoming Champions League trip to Inter Milan, including selection questions and fitness considerations.

Chapters:

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

(00:51) - Nottingham Forest Setup, Rotation & Selection Debate

(02:42) - Missed Chances Theme & Early Frustration

(04:17) - Zubimendi Decision-Making & Wasteful Moments

(06:11) - Gyökeres vs Murillo & Physical Limits

(08:50) - Second-Half Pressure & Rice’s Poor Contact Volley

(09:54) - Saka Header & Goalkeeper Save

(10:37) - Set-Piece Chances & Merino Blocking Gabriel

(11:39) - Handball Shout, VAR Frustration & Perspective

(13:21) - Arteta Substitutions & Game Management

(16:48) - Midfield Balance, System Issues & Tactical Fit

(20:30) - Ødegaard Form, Captaincy & Physical Games

(25:42) - Rice vs Ødegaard Axis & Structural Questions

(28:11) - Eze Debate & Timber at Left-Back

(29:18) - Arsenal’s Scoring Problem & Historic Context

(30:46) - Top-End Talent Debate & Title Ceiling

(32:20) - Mentality vs Margins Discussion

(37:08) - The Champions Difference & Elite Match Winners

(39:34) - Recruitment Philosophy & Building Champions

(41:41) - Match Stats, xG & Defensive Control

(43:26) - Part Two Intro & Zinchenko Joins Ajax

(45:15) - Whip Around the Grounds – Matchweek 22

(52:42) - VARse: Manchester Derby, Anfield & North London

(01:00:26) - Studio Debate & Weekend Fallout

(01:01:01) - Champions League Context & Inter Milan Preview

(01:05:29) - Havertz Fitness, Rotation & Forward Options

(01:10:50) - Closing Thoughts

Episode 162 — Advantage Arsenal: Narrow First Leg Win After a Dominant Performance at Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup Semi-Final

The boys are back as Gav, Ells and special guest JJ react to Arsenal’s first-leg victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup semi-final — a night that delivered control, chances, and a narrow advantage that perhaps didn’t reflect the balance of play.

The discussion begins with Arsenal’s approach to the tie, including selection choices, goalkeeper debate, and how the team set the tone early. With Arsenal dominating large stretches of the first half, the panel explore why a strong performance failed to translate into a more commanding scoreline, touching on chance creation, shot selection, and decision-making in key moments.

There’s detailed analysis of Arsenal’s midfield structure and evolving roles, including how balance, chemistry, and positioning continue to develop as personnel return from injury. The conversation also examines set-piece execution, attacking movement, and what different striker profiles bring to Arsenal’s play — particularly in moments where control needs to become separation.

Defensively, the episode breaks down the goals conceded, game management in knockout football, and how small errors can shift momentum even during dominant spells. Goalkeeper involvement, box control, and recovery actions are all discussed as Arsenal once again navigate fine margins in a semi-final setting.

In the second half, focus turns forward. The panel preview Arsenal’s upcoming trip to Nottingham Forest, discussing defensive availability, workload management, and how Arsenal should approach a fixture shaped as much by desperation as quality. There’s also discussion around key Premier League matches elsewhere, including the Manchester derby and Tottenham vs West Ham, and what those results could mean in the wider title picture.

The episode closes with the Who Am I? game, featuring a former Arsenal forward whose career took him across Europe — and prompts a few nostalgic reflections along the way.

A first-leg advantage secured, questions still to answer, and a season entering a defining stretch.

Chapters:

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

(00:50) - Chelsea Semi-Final Context & Selection Decisions

(02:35) - Goalkeeper Debate: Structure, Crosses & Build-Up Play

(04:20) - Fast Start & Early Pressure at Stamford Bridge

(05:06) - 0-1 | Set-Piece Breakthrough and Corner Execution

(07:12) - Missed Chances & Shot Selection Frustrations

(11:41) - Midfield Balance, Roles & Chemistry Questions

(16:49) - First-Half Control Without Separation

(18:12) - 0-2 | Gyökeres Finish and Box Presence

(21:11) - Attacking Relationships & Service to the Striker

(23:15) - 1-2 | Momentum Shift & Defensive Breakdown

(26:13) - Garnacho’s Face / Most Disliked Players

(27:40) - 1-3 | Zubimendi’s Goal and Game Control

(29:16) - Refereeing, Game Management & Discipline

(31:04) - Missed Chances to Kill the Tie

(31:44) - 2-3 | Late Goal Conceded & Narrow First-Leg Margin

(33:55) - Full-Time Reflection, Stats & First-Leg Takeaways

(37:22) - PT.2 Who Am I? (Game)

(38:40) - Prediction Game Table Update

(39:18) - MW22: Tottenham vs West Ham Preview (Prediction Game)

(44:56) - MW22: Manchester Derby Discussion

(50:22) - NFOARS: Match Preview

(01:02:48) - Who Am I? Reveal & Closing Thoughts

Arsenal head to Fratton Park for a heavily rotated FA Cup tie as Mikel Arteta looks to manage minutes after a demanding festive period. With ten changes to the starting XI, the discussion centres on squad depth, fringe players getting opportunities, and how standards are maintained despite wholesale rotation.

The episode focuses on Gabriel Martinelli’s response after a difficult week in the spotlight, as he delivers a hat-trick performance that sparks wider debate around confidence, form, and what a strong showing against lower-league opposition really tells us. The panel assess missed chances, set-piece effectiveness, and the recurring importance of timing, movement and decision-making in the final third.

There’s detailed analysis of individual performances across the pitch, including minutes for returning players, youth involvement, and how certain roles are being managed within Arteta’s system. The conversation also touches on discipline, game management, and what Arsenal can — and can’t — take forward from a cup tie like this.

In the second half, attention turns to the broader picture. The panel react to a major contract renewal, discuss changes behind the scenes at the club, and examine what those shifts could mean for Arsenal’s long-term structure. There’s also discussion around marginal gains, including set-pieces and throw-ins, and how fine details continue to shape Arteta’s approach.

The episode closes with a preview of the upcoming Chelsea semi-final, debating selection, rotation versus continuity, and how Arsenal should balance short-term knockout ambition with the demands of a congested fixture schedule.

Chapters:

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

(00:53) - Rotation at Fratton Park: Ten Changes and Squad Management

(02:08) - Bench Depth, Returns and Youth Opportunities

(02:52) - 1-0 | Early Sloppiness and a Wake-Up Call

(04:30) - 1-1 | Set-Piece Response and Own Goal Impact

(05:16) - Madueke: End Product vs Off-Ball Work

(06:06) - 1-2 | Martinelli’s First: Near-Post Movement and Set-Piece Value

(07:51) - Missed Chances, Confidence and Finishing Debate

(09:41) - Penalty Drama and Decision-Making

(11:33) - 1-3 | Quick Restart, Game Control and Martinelli’s Second

(14:07) - 1-4 | Hat-Trick Moment: Corners, Timing and Momentum

(15:40) - Substitutions, Returns, Youth Minutes & Stats

(18:34) - Nwaneri, Creativity and Role Interpretation

(21:20) - Ben White’s Performance and Defensive Balance

(22:35) - FA Cup Context and Fixture Demands

(24:00) - PT.2 Saka Contract Renewal Reaction

(27:03) - Per Mertesacker’s Departure and Academy Impact

(31:13) - Marginal Gains: Throw-Ins and Fine Details

(36:21) - Centre-Back Depth and Transfer Speculation

(43:27) - Chelsea Semi-Final Preview: Selection and Priorities

(48:41) - Havertz Minutes, Rotation and Short-Term Planning

(51:57) - Left-Side Balance and Tactical Trade-Offs

(57:48) - Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead

Arsenal and Liverpool cancel each other out in a game that never truly ignites — and the discussion turns quickly from the result to what it reveals.

In Episode 160, the panel breaks down a flat Emirates stalemate that raises familiar questions: control without incision, deep blocks at home, and whether Arsenal’s attacking options genuinely fit the challenges they face week to week. There’s a frank debate on centre-forward profiles, the Havertz situation, and whether Arteta is still searching for internal solutions rather than answers in the market.

We also dive into VARse, with a busy midweek of controversial decisions across the league, before switching gears for a lighter second half — including a bonus FA Cup Who Am I?, a Six Pack of classic Arsenal cup ties, predictions, and a look ahead to the third-round trip to Portsmouth.

A strange night, a calm league position, and bigger questions bubbling underneath.

Chapters:

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

(00:52) - Immediate Reaction: Frustration, Context & Expectations

(01:32) - Starting XI, Game Shape & Deep-Block Reality

(04:38) - Match Stats: Possession, xG & Why It Felt So Flat

(05:59) - Are Arsenal Too Easy to Set Against at Home?

(08:04) - Gyökeres Fit vs System Fit

(11:26) - Top-End Talent Debate: Attack vs Defence

(13:09) - Raya, Gabriel, Rice & What “Elite” Actually Means

(16:05) - Key Moments: Liverpool Bar Chance & Errors

(18:04) - Martinelli, Bradley & Game Management

(19:17) - Refereeing Frustrations & Game Flow

(20:32) - Set-Pieces, Trauma & Anfield Parallels

(22:05) - Table Context: No Harm, No Foul?

(23:04) - Havertz Fitness & Centre-Forward Uncertainty

(26:39) - Arteta, Midfield Balance & Internal Solutions

(31:25) - PT.2 Who Am I? (Game) – FA Cup Edition

(33:01) - VARse: City vs Brighton (Doku Penalty)

(35:28) - VARse: Everton vs Wolves (Red Card Chaos)

(42:01) - VARse: Fulham vs Chelsea (DOGSO Call)

(44:03) - Prediction Game: Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest

(46:43) - Six Pack: Greatest Arsenal FA Cup Matches

(49:35) - Portsmouth Preview: Rotation, Priorities & Risk

(55:14) - FA Cup Selection Talk

(57:11) - Who Am I? (Game) Reveal

The NN Pod breaks down Arsenal’s win away on the south coast as Mikel Arteta’s side navigate a difficult afternoon at Bournemouth and keep momentum building ahead of Liverpool’s visit to the Emirates.

We begin with a deep dive into a disjointed first half — why Arsenal struggled for control, how Bournemouth disrupted rhythm, and where structure and decision-making fell short. The conversation then shifts to the second-half response, with Declan Rice’s authority, aggression, and brace central to Arsenal regaining control and getting the job done.

Key discussion points include:

• Why Arsenal played into Bournemouth’s hands early

• Rice’s leadership, mentality, and growing influence in defining games

• Gabriel’s error and instant redemption

• Midfield balance, pressing, and second-half adjustments

From there, we move into Whip Around the Grounds (WATG), covering the weekend’s Premier League action — including Liverpool, Manchester City, Spurs, Aston Villa, and the wider title-race context.

Next up is VARse, breaking down refereeing and VAR flashpoints from across the league, including major incidents at Brentford vs Spurs and Fulham vs Liverpool, alongside a wider discussion on offside decisions, consistency, and the state of VAR.

The episode also steps away from the pitch to discuss:

• Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United exit and the wider managerial churn

• Edu, Nottingham Forest, and reassessing narratives around recruitment and influence

We wrap up with:

• The Who Am I? (Game)

• A Liverpool preview, looking ahead to a pivotal night at the Emirates — mindset, tactics, and what Arsenal must get right

Another three points secured. Standards tested. Attention turns to what comes next.

Chapters:

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

(00:57) – Moment of Silence for Amorim

(01:33) – BOUARS: Team News: Rice Travels, Havertz Misses Out

(02:21) – BOUARS: Starting XI & Centre-Forward Concerns

(03:32) – Early Patterns & Front Three Balance Issues

(05:34) – First-Half Disjointed Display & Zubimendi Struggles

(07:22) – Playing Into Bournemouth’s Press

(09:10) – Ødegaard Control & Structural Limitations

(10:34) – 1–0 | Gabriel Error: How Bournemouth Took the Lead

(12:15) – 1–1 | Instant Redemption: Gabriel Levels It

(15:18) – Madueke: On-Ball Brightness vs Off-Ball Problems

(18:00) – Half-Time Reset & Tactical Adjustments

(19:07) – Declan Rice Takes Control

(21:30) – Refereeing Frustrations & Rice’s Edge

(24:41) – 1–2 | Ødegaard Assist, Rice Finish

(27:57) – 1–3 | Rice’s Second & Midfield Authority

(31:35) – 2–3 | Bournemouth Pull One Back

(33:34) – Game Management & Closing the Door

(36:33) – Referee Performance & Late-Game Decisions

(40:35) – Match Stats, xG & Big Picture Takeaways

(43:04) – PT.2 Who Am I? (Game)

(44:27) – GW20 Whip Around the Grounds

(51:35) – VARse: Brentford vs Spurs

(57:51) – VARse: Fulham vs Liverpool Offside Debate

(01:05:05) – GW20 Takeaways & Title Context

(01:09:56) – Wolves Win & West Ham Problems

(01:12:34) – Edu, Nottingham Forest & Recruitment Debate

(01:17:25) – Post-Match Reactions: Ruben Amorim Exit & United Chaos

(01:24:41) – Slot, Carragher, Rice & Zidane?

(01:27:41) – Liverpool Preview: Stakes & Selection

(01:32:16) – Arsenal vs Liverpool Tactical Expectations

(01:40:40) – Final Thoughts

(01:42:00) – Who Am I? Answer & Closing