Arseblog Arsecast, The Arsenal Podcast Episode 852 - The corner flag dancer
Nov 5, 2025
Phil Costa, a football writer and podcaster, joins to analyze Arsenal's impressive 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague. They discuss Mikel Arteta's strategic choices, including a tactical shift with Saliba moving into midfield. The enigma of Mikel Merino's goal-scoring prowess is explored, along with a debated VAR penalty decision. They also celebrate the young Max Dowman making history in the Champions League, the team's remarkable defensive record, and what lies ahead in the European campaign.
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Episode notes
Continuity Over Rotation In Tough Away Games
- Arsenal made only minor defensive changes, prioritizing continuity over wholesale rotation for away European game management.
- Phil Costa argued continuity helps control high-pressure away fixtures where opponents overperform on adrenaline.
Saliba Inverting Created Midfield Overloads
- Arteta used William Saliba to invert into midfield, creating overloads and disrupting Slavia's press without Zubimendi.
- That tactical tweak freed space for Saka and Nweneri and helped Arsenal regain control mid-first half.
European Handball Threshold Favours Penalties
- VAR awarded a penalty for a Gabriel header that struck a Slavia hand near the head under European handball standards.
- Both hosts accepted European competitions treat such hand positions as punishable, so the decision was unsurprising.
