The Athletic FC Podcast

Jacob Tanswell, Aston Villa correspondent for The Athletic, and Liam Tharme, tactical analyst, dive into Villa's impressive turnaround this season. They discuss Unai Emery's steady management and the tactical nuances that led to their recent success. The duo analyzes key personnel like Pau Torres and Emi Buendía, while also addressing the challenges of squad depth compared to top contenders. They ponder Villa's title chances and celebrate the electrifying atmosphere at Villa Park, highlighting its impact on the team's morale and performance.

Simon Hughes, an experienced football journalist known for his extensive coverage of Liverpool, team analyst Adam Crafton, and senior writer Oliver Kay dive deep into Mohamed Salah's recent outburst against Liverpool. They explore whether Salah's comments were premeditated and the implications of benching a star player. The discussion touches on Salah's legacy, fan reactions, and managerial challenges. They also speculate on his future with Liverpool and potential transfers, highlighting the impact of AFCON on his performance and club dynamics.

Liam Tharme, a football tactics journalist known for his player role analysis, joins Michael Cox, a tactics writer with a keen eye on football systems, and Cerys Jones, a football reporter specializing in player versatility. Together, they explore the increasing positional flexibility in the Premier League. They debate Dominik Szoboszlai's optimum role, Arsenal's tactical shifts, and the intriguing conversion of Antony to a wing-back. The trio also discusses player evolution, highlighting Alex Iwobi's transition from winger to deeper roles and the versatility of Mikel Marino.

Tim Spiers, an experienced football reporter, and Cerys Jones, a skilled football journalist, dive into the critical matchups of the week. They dissect Manchester United's inconsistency and Wolves' survival struggles against strong opponents. Tim sheds light on Chelsea's defensive issues and Bournemouth's regression, while Cerys analyzes Leeds' strategic back five against Liverpool. Aston Villa's resurgence and Arsenal's squad depth are also explored. Tune in for their insightful perspectives on this thrilling Match Week!

Football journalist Art De Roche and pundit Carl Anka dive into the pivotal role of Declan Rice for Arsenal. They discuss his recent calf scare and the implications for Arsenal's title chase. The conversation shifts to Rice's evolution from West Ham, highlighting his leadership and set-piece prowess. Carl ranks him among the Premier League's top midfielders and reflects on what defines greatness. The duo also examines Arsenal's squad depth and tactical shifts under Mikel Arteta, wrapping up with predictions for Rice's future as a potential England captain.

Join football experts Chris Waugh, Charlie Eccleshare, and Dan Kilpatrick as they tackle Tottenham's struggles to create chances amid Cristian Romero's late heroics. They dive into Newcastle's tendency to drop late points and Eddie Howe's tactical decisions impacting team consistency. The discussion broadens to Thomas Frank's leadership at Brentford, questioning whether he can regain fan trust. They also explore the rising concerns of Spurs’ identity crisis and the potential impacts of returning players on their season.

Mark Critchley, a football journalist renowned for his insights on Manchester United, and Laurie Whitwell, a senior writer with expertise in club recruitment, delve into United's pressing need for a midfielder. They discuss potential targets like Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, and Carlos Baleba, weighing their qualities and fit for the team. The pair also explore the club's recruitment structure and reflect on young talent Kobbie Mainoo's stalled progress. With the January transfer window approaching, the stakes have never been higher!

Adam Crafton, a football journalist with keen tactical insight, and Jack Pitt-Brooke, an analyst specializing in Chelsea and Arsenal, delve into Chelsea's disciplinary issues after their draw against Arsenal. They discuss how the recurring red cards, especially Caicedo's sending-off, impact the team's title chances. The duo explores Chelsea's evolving identity under Enzo Maresca, weighing the balance between physical play and possession. They also assess the club's transfer strategy and the crucial need for consistency to challenge for the title.

In this discussion, football journalist Mark Critchley and reporter Cerys Jones dive into the thrilling prospect of Chelsea vs Arsenal. They analyze what a win would mean for Chelsea’s title hopes and assess the impact of their recent victory over Barcelona. The duo debates tactical strategies and key players, including whether Estêvão should start. Additionally, they compare Declan Rice and Moisés Caicedo while offering match predictions. The episode wraps up with insights on other Premier League clashes, including Crystal Palace vs Manchester United.

Seb Stafford-Bloor, a German football writer and Bayern specialist, joins broadcaster Kev Hatchard to dissect Bayern's recent loss to Arsenal. They analyze key mistakes that led to the defeat, such as Upamecano's errant pass and Neuer's set-piece struggles. The guests explore Kompany's evolving management style, tactics, and the implications for Bayern's identity post-Guardiola. They also discuss the club's youth core, reliance on Premier League signings, and the competition landscape in European football.