The Totally Football Show with James Richardson Totally Extra: Liverpool frustrate Arsenal + AFCON quarter-final preview
Jan 9, 2026
Jay Harris, a football journalist and correspondent reporting from Morocco for AFCON, joins the discussion to share insights on the thrilling upcoming quarter-finals. He expects Senegal to advance against Mali, highlighting their attacking strength. In the Morocco vs Cameroon match, he notes the pressure on the hosts and Cameroon’s dynamic play. Nigeria's internal drama and standout player Adam Olorunwunmi come into focus before Jay evaluates the Ivory Coast vs Egypt clash, emphasizing squad changes and Mohamed Salah's pivotal role.
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Game Showed Arsenal's Nerve As Much As Form
- Arsenal vs Liverpool was low on chances, with Liverpool having no shots on target and Arsenal lacking second-half spark.
- The draw left Arsenal six points clear but revealed recurring nerves and inconsistent finishes for the Gunners.
Liverpool's Second-Half Control Without Strikers
- Liverpool controlled large spells of the second half despite missing key forwards.
- Their shape and possession suggested they could have won if their attacking options were available.
Narrative Bias Around Arsenal's Draws
- Media often reads Arsenal draws as psychological failure while similar City results are shrugged off.
- That narrative conflates fans' anxiety with players' mentality and oversimplifies performance causes.