The Athletic FC Podcast

Back in '99, Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United won a historic treble - The Premier League, FA Cup & Champions League - Despite Roman Abramovich’s millions and the genius of Arsenal's 'Invincibles', no one in English football has been able to do it since. Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Sam Lee, Amy Lawrence and Andy Mitten to discuss Manchester City's chance at Premier League 'immortality'…How much luck was involved in Man United's famous season and what would it mean to their city rivals to stop them at Wembley in this year's FA Cup final? And do Arsenal have to beat City at the Etihad this week to win the league?Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tottenham absolutely fell apart yesterday, hammered 6-1 by Newcastle at St James’ Park - they are also currently without a first team manager, director of footballSo where do Spurs begin with fixing all these issues both on and off the pitch?And has the club really got the ambition to compete with the very best?Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton, Jack Pitt-Brooke - our Tottenham correspondent who was at St James Park yesterday - and also Tim Spiers who has also covered Spurs this season.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is with George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth to look ahead to the Premier League weekend & FA Cup semi-finals.The panel assess Arsenal's recent wobble ahead of Southampton visiting the Emirates, with Man City in FA Cup semi-final action this weekend.We also assess the race for European qualification, analyse the latest twists and turns in the battle for survival including The Athletic's Leeds United writer Phil Hay looking into the Elland Road side's recent struggles.Plus, there's a look ahead to the action at Wembley along with our weekly trivia.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coming up, hear how Unai Emery has made Aston Villa a force in the Premier League again. Also how he always seems to find a way to start so well wherever he’s in charge & what Villa can expect to happen next.Joining us for this one The Athletic’s Aston Villa writer Greg Evans, Spanish writer Dermot Corrigan who interviewed Emery for The Athletic last year and Art De Roche who covers Arsenal, one of Emery’s former clubs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is more than catching the eye this season.In fact he’s leaping higher than Ronaldo, out-scoring everyone in Serie A by some distance, and whilst he won’t be adding a Champions League medal this year, if teams want to bring him in, he’s going to cost an awful lot. So who is the man behind the mask that’s on everyone’s must-buy list? Mark Chapman is joined by Jon Mackenzie, Carl Anka, David Ornstein and James Horncastle.Produced by Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While Lukaku's disappointing loan spell at Inter is coming to an end, Chelsea's problems in front of goal show no signs of abating, so, is it time for a reunion? Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey to discuss...Was the infamous Sky Italia interview the last straw for then head coach Thomas Tuchel, and could Lukaku's return actually help the club's muddled recruitment strategy start to make sense on the pitch?Plus, James Horncastle reflects on the striker's time in Italy, why June 30th is such an important date in Todd Boehly's calendar and why the whole Lukaku situation may become an uncomfortably familiar one for supporters in the near future.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton & journalist and former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke.If last week at Anfield was perhaps a point gained, then yesterday at the London stadium was definitely two points dropped.Losing 'control' at crucial moments in games, have they lost control of the title race?How much has Arsenal's lack of depth in squad hurt them and what do they need to do in the summer to address this?The Athletic's David Ornstein brings the latest news on Arsenal's purist of Declan Rice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth as Dean Smith prepares to take charge of Leicester City for the first time away at a red-hot Man City.Elsewhere two of the Premier League's form sides meet at Villa Park as Aston Villa take on Newcastle United, plus Matt Woosnam gives us the lowdown on Crystal Palace's resurgence under a returning Roy Hodgson.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vincent Kompany has led Burnley back to the Premier League in impressive fashion but is he destined for even greater things?Mark Chapman is joined by the Athletic's Sam Lee & Andy Jones to assess Kompany's potential to join the ranks of the elite, with Pep Guardiola already talking him up as a future Manchester City manager. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Barcelona writer Pol Ballus and PSG writer Peter Rutzler to debate the possibility of Lionel Messi returning to Barcelona two years on from leaving.The panel assess how the La Liga side could afford a move for their former star, his relationship with the PSG supporters having been booed in recent home matches, while his name has been chanted at Camp Nou.Plus, what commercial impact could it have on PSG if he were to leave and if not Barcelona what other options are open to Messi?Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.