Football Daily Monday Night Club: Arsenal turn to RAF & Palace keep punching
12 snips
Sep 29, 2025 
Chris Sutton, a former pro footballer turned pundit, joins ex-pro Steph Houghton and Observer writer Rory Smith. They dive into Arsenal's impressive mentality and Mikel Arteta’s tactical choices. Arne Slot discusses Liverpool’s defensive woes, highlighting set-piece issues and player accountability. The trio also debates Crystal Palace’s potential to recreate Leicester's fairy tale and Wayne Rooney's stark criticism of Manchester United's fading soul. Plus, they celebrate Sunderland's strong start in the league!
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Military-Style Teamwork Drill
- Steph Houghton described a pre-2019 World Cup St George's Park session led by army personnel that simulated being taken into the woods for 24 hours.
- She found it intimidating but valuable for teamwork and communication training.
Arsenal's Mentality Shift
- Arsenal's late win at Newcastle suggests Arteta may trust a more positive approach in big, physical away games.
- Squad depth and impactful bench use are now clear strengths compared to last season.
Defending Is A Team Habit
- Arne Slot emphasised defending as a team effort and highlighted set pieces as a distinct weakness Liverpool must fix.
- He linked last season's defensive strength to collective work rather than individual defenders alone.