In this episode, we discuss Arsenal's win over Crystal Palace, the absence of Gabriel from the starting line-up, winning the penalty, Tomiyasu's dismissal, defensive rearguard action, listener questions about Havertz, Pepe, Trossard, Rice, and selling players.
The tactical rationale for Gabriel's continued absence from the starting line-up is questioned.
The controversial yellow card and subsequent dismissal of Takehiro Tomiyasu raises concerns about the criteria for issuing yellow and red cards.
The importance of defensive organization and experienced players like Georginho in securing a 1-0 win is highlighted, while emphasizing the need for improvement in player sales strategy.
Deep dives
The team adjusts well without Gabriel Jesus
Despite missing Gabriel Jesus, the team showed resilience and adaptability in their attacking play.
Kai Havertz's role in the team is still evolving
Kai Havertz has shown glimpses of his potential, but it may take some time for him to fully settle into the team and find his niche.
Declan Rice shines with his physicality and versatility
Declan Rice has made a strong impact with his physical presence and versatility, adding a new dimension to Arsenal's midfield.
Saliba impresses with his strong defensive performance
William Saliba showcased his defensive skills with a crucial tackle, demonstrating his potential and growing confidence in the team.
The Controversial Yellow Card and Second Yellow
The podcast discusses the controversial yellow card shown to Tommy Asu during the game. The speaker questions the decision and argues that the criteria for issuing yellow cards should be clearer. They also criticize how a second yellow card was given, calling it a disgrace and questioning the bar for two yellows. The speaker thinks that the punishment of reducing a team to 10 men for relatively little is too harsh. They suggest that football needs to rethink how red cards are issued.
Defensive Display and Compromise in the Transfer Window
The podcast analyzes Arsenal's defensive display and the need to compromise regarding player sales in the transfer window. The speaker applauds the team's defensive organization and highlights the impact of experienced players like Georginho in the final stages of the game. They emphasize the importance of collecting three points despite not playing their best. The speaker expresses disappointment in the lack of player sales and suggests that the club needs to improve its selling strategy to balance recruitment efforts.
In this episode, we discuss the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday night. We begin by talking about the continued absence of Gabriel from the starting line-up, and wonder if the tactical rationale stacks up 100%. Then we move onto the game itself, Arsenal's first half chances, winning the penalty in the second half, and then the dismissal of Takehiro Tomiyasu – based around perceived time-wasting rules, and a ludicrous second yellow card. The defensive rearguard action was enjoyable in the end but could we have had more control when down to 10 men? We also answer listener questions about Kai Havertz's role, a possible reintegration for Nicolas Pepe, Leandro Trossard's minimal role so far this season, Declan Rice, selling players, and lots more.