Arseblog Arsecast, The Arsenal Podcast

On this week's show some reflections on what has been a difficult week on and off the pitch, and even among fans as we all get tarnished with an unfair brush after the Granit Xhaka incident and some other unsavoury behaviour. Then it's Liverpool 5-5 Arsenal, with Charles Watts, looking at the positives like Gabriel Martinelli, Joe Willock, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and, of course, the return of Mesut Ozil. Will his display be enough for Unai Emery to start him against Wolves? All that, lots of the usual waffle and some Holy God FM.NOTE: This podcast was recorded and uploaded before Granit Xhaka's statement which was released last night: https://arseblog.news/2019/10/xhaka-releases-statement-lets-get-back-to-a-place-of-mutual-respect/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace was disappointing, but the big story is the substitution of Granit Xhaka, the fan reaction to him and his reaction to the fans. Can we separate the footballer from the human being? What do we make of him having a pop back, even if his behaviour was wrong was it understandable that his emotion got the better of him? What next for him, in relation to playing and the captaincy, and is this just a symptom of a wider malaise? That, plus underwhelming football, more dropped points, increased pressure on Unai Emery, VAR costing Arsenal three points, as well as questions about social media likes, managerial candidates, unity and togetherness, season expectations and lots more.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this post Europa League show, James and I discuss the 3-2 win over Vitoria, and in particular substitute Nicolas Pepe whose two sensational free kicks salvaged a win from the jaws of defeat. We chat about how this might impact him and boost his confidence, especially ahead of the weekend game against Crystal Palace. Other positives include Gabriel Martinelli, fitness boosts for some of our important players, and more, before a long discussion about Mesut Ozil, Unai Emery and what now appears to be a personal PR war between the two. What can the club do about this situation which has been festering for over a year? Then we have questions about the young players, Lucas Torreira's role, Bellerin and Tierney, how fans are feeling about our football and the manager, and one horrendous potential candidate to take over from Emery. All this and lots more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's show it's another dismal away day and a 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United. We chat about the game, the indifferent Arsenal performance, an inability to create chances despite having lots of possession, and how this is just the continuation of a run of form that goes back to last season too. Then the second half of the show is basically questions about Unai Emery and the work he's doing: boiling down to the big one, is he the right man for the club, and is it time to make a change? It's long, not particularly cheery, but I think we've covered all the angles.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's show I take questions from some Arsecast listeners and Arseblog Members on Patreon. We chat about signings that didn't happen, the January window, Freddie Ljungberg's readiness to be a head coach, Granit Xhaka's place in the midfield, why in 2019 it remains difficult for gay footballers to come out, and lots more. Plus some pre-call waffle about a funny book, a podcast anniversary and other stuff besides.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's an Interlull episode, and there's very little Arsenal news around. However, we wouldn't leave you without a podcast, and this episode includes Nico Yennaris and chicken's feet, Arsene Wenger's upcoming autobiography and how much we're looking forward to reading it, an international round-up involving Arsenal players, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as player of the month and someone who deserves a new contract, Bellerin and Tierney, that Mustafi interview, dream jobs at Arsenal, buying a pint you don't want because you've been caught using a pub's toilets, and lots more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's show I'm joined by Madrid based journalist Alex Kirkland to talk about Unai Emery, his use of young players, how that tallies with young talent at his previous clubs, communication with the press and the fans, Arsenal's performances so far this season, the ever-green question of footballing identity, plus Dani Ceballos and Santi Cazorla. Then Tim Stillman chats to Arsenal defender Leah Williamson about her recent trip to Jakarta for the club's Coaching for Life programme, her international commitments, and lots more.Follow Alex @alexkirklandFollow Tim @Stillberto Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A couple of weeks ago Ian Wright went to meet his old Arsenal teammate Dennis Bergkamp. It was the first time they'd seen each other in years, and on Wednesday you'll be able to watch the conversation they had on Ian's YouTube channel. In this podcast, Wrighty chats about his relationship with Dennis, what he thought of him as a player, what he brought to the club when he joined in 1995, and what he learned from him despite being an experienced pro at that point. We also chat about some of the young players making their breakthroughs at Arsenal right now, and in particular Ian's mentoring of Eddie Nketiah who is out on loan at Leeds.Subscribe to Ian's YouTube channel here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal go into the Interlull in third place in the Premier League after a 1-0 win over Bournemouth yesterday. The three points and clean sheet are very welcome, but the discussion revolves around the result and a performance which saw us have just two shots on target at home. Why can't we seem to produce good football in league games verus the cup performances? Can we continue to play like this and hope to finish in the top four? And what were the positives on the day? We also answer listener questions about Nicolas Pepe, Dani Ceballos, our midfield and Granit Xhaka, the woes being endured by Sp*rs and Man Utd, opposition managers and lots more besides. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal's 4-0 win over Standard Liege was another enjoyable night of cup football, and James and discuss the game, the stand-out performances including two goal Gabriel Martinelli, Joe Willock and Kieran Tierney. We also chat about Hector Bellerin's return as captain, the impact the young players are having and try and figure out why they play with more panache and freedom than the 'first team', as well as listener questions about Shkodran Mustafi, Mesut Ozil's absence from the squad and what Unai Emery's post-match comments about the German tell us, some hashtag fun and lots more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.