Arseblog Arsecast, The Arsenal Podcast Arsecast Extra Episode 676 - 12.01.2026
Jan 12, 2026
The hosts analyze Arsenal's thrilling 4-1 FA Cup win over Portsmouth, highlighting Gabriel Martinelli's stunning hat-trick. They discuss Mikel Arteta's strategic 10-player rotation and the resulting shaky start. Noni Madueke's impactful but inconsistent performance is dissected, along with the significance of Kai Havertz's return. As they gear up for the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea, they contemplate player selections, the academy's future, and the impact of fixture congestion on squad depth.
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Cup Games As A Palate Cleanser
- Andrew enjoyed the FA Cup match because it lacked the season-long Premier League anxiety.
- The lower stakes let him relax and enjoy different players and a cleaner matchday experience.
Cramped Press Box Memory
- James recalled a cramped press box beside Dean Ashton with lingering KFC smells from a match six years earlier.
- He described the tin-of-sardines seating and joked about accidental thigh brushes with former players.
Rotation Can Disrupt Defensive Shape
- Arsenal made ten changes and conceded early as Portsmouth pressed high and aggressively.
- The opening chaos showed how much squad rotation can unsettle defensive shape and positioning.