Arseblog Arsecast, The Arsenal Podcast Arsenal Women Arsecast Episode 147: Gunners make heavy work of the Eagles
Dec 23, 2025
The hosts breakdown Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace, diving into the squad rotation and its impact on performance. They tackle the challenging pitch conditions and Palace's first-half threats. Beth Mead's crucial role gets a spotlight, highlighting her assists and overall influence this season. Discussions around player management and future fixture challenges raise concerns about squad depth. The hosts also touch on potential contract renewals and targets, all wrapped up with some festive cheer and light-hearted banter.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Cup Games Are Poor Season Barometers
- Domestic cup games often read as forgettable, rotated affairs where avoiding injury and progression matter more than style.
- Tim Stillman argues poor pitches and heavy rotation make these matches unreliable indicators of season form.
Opponents Exploit Pitch And Tempo
- Crystal Palace exploited the bobbly pitch with early long balls and pressing to unsettle Arsenal's rotated defence.
- Jamie Spanger notes that such tactical adaptation by opponents can create short dangerous windows early on.
Sutton Tie Felt Like A School-Run Cup Day
- Tim compares this Palace match to past dry, bobbly cup ties like the London City Lionesses game at Boreham Wood.
- He recounts the 'last day of school' vibes as players thanked fans and left quickly for Christmas events.