THE ARSENAL OPINION - BY LE GROVE

Not our favorite kind of podcast... but an important one. We cover off on title hopes, what went wrong, and where do we go from here. Enjoy the episode early and ad-free by signing up as a member. NEWSLETTER + AUDIO: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ AUDIO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

🚨 What a monstrously HUGE win from the boys! 🔴⚪😤 We discuss: 👑 KING VIK and Pedro’s humbling 📉 🥊 Breaking down beastly Sunderland 🧱 Immense midfield showing of Dekkers and Zubi 🪄 🇩🇪 King Kai’s continued run as Odegaard sits 🤩 Trossard’s leadership! 🫡 Enjoy the episode early and ad-free by signing up as a member. NEWSLETTER + AUDIO: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ AUDIO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A week is a lifetime in football. We’ve swung wildly from the post-United doom spiral to sudden whispers of a league “procession” and quadruple dreams. Jacob Hawley and Matt Kandela return for a necessary session of Thursday Therapy to cut through the noise, temper the hysteria, and confront the brutal reality of a season-defining injury that could change everything. Inside the episode: The Merino Blow: We react to the devastating news that Mikel Merino could be out for the season. We discuss why the Spaniard might actually be the most “clutch” player in the squad and why his specific skillset is impossible to replace. King Kai’s Redemption: Matt drops his hottest take yet—Kai Havertz isn’t just good; he is essential. We argue why the German is now a 90-point player and why he sits above Gyökeres and Jesus in the pecking order. The Hincapié Turnaround: From a questionable signing to a “cult hero in the making.” We analyze Piero Hincapié’s monster performance against Chelsea and why he reminds us of a prime Branislav Ivanović. Procession Poison: Why fans need to stop talking about the league as if it’s already won. We debate the “Quadruple vs. Just The League” dilemma and why looking past Sunderland is a dangerous game. Transfer Window Autopsy: The window slammed shut with no senior signings. We ask if we missed a trick in midfield or if the “Jacob Hawley Curse” is finally lifting on the squad’s depth players. Enjoy the episode early and ad-free by signing up as a member. NEWSLETTER + AUDIO: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ AUDIO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Majesterial Arsenal keep the good mood FLYING with a stonking 4-0 win over Leeds at Elland Road. The boys all got a little bit of what they wanted. ⚽ Gyokeres with a beast goal ✨ Jesus creating for himself 🔥 MADUEKE BEATS ALLEGATIONS 🔒 Arsenal defence, stingy as ever! Enjoy the episode early and ad-free by signing up as a member. NEWSLETTER + AUDIO: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ AUDIO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feeling VERY good, so please, enjoy this episode. In this episode, we discuss: 💀 The Market is Dead: Why spending big money on a traditional striker is a trap and why the talent pool has completely dried up. 🧠 Midfielders > Strikers: How Havertz and Merino are proving that the modern #9 is actually just a converted midfielder. 🛠️ The Swiss Army Knife: Why the "Haaland model" is fading and why Arteta prefers flexible forwards who can press, link, and create. 📉 The Gyökeres Paradox: Is he a "flat-track bully" who relies on space that just doesn't exist in the Premier League? 😈 The United Reality Check: We swallow our pride and ask... are Man Utd actually the third-best team in the league? ⚪ Benny Blanco Returns: Why Ben White is undroppable (and why Timber might have to sit this one out). We hope you enjoy this members episode! Enjoy the episode early and ad-free by signing up as a member. NEWSLETTER + AUDIO: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ AUDIO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The dust has settled on the Manchester United defeat, but the questions are only getting louder. Jacob Hawley is joined by Johnny Dutch to move past the raw emotion of losing to a bitter rival and dissect the psychological state of the squad. They ask if the obsession with control has gone too far and if the ghosts of seasons past are haunting the tactical setup. On the deck: The £60m Dilemma: We drop a controversial take on Eberechi Eze’s future. Is he a “maverick” unsuited for a dominant system, and have we already seen enough to know he isn’t the answer? PTSD Football: A deep dive into whether Mikel Arteta is “coaching by trauma”—designing a system so terrified of making mistakes that it has forgotten how to take risks. The Captain’s Fade: Why Martin Odegaard has become the lightning rod for fan frustration. We debate if it’s a physical decline, a confidence crisis, or simply a player handcuffed by rigid instructions. Stumbling Into Solutions: History shows Arteta often finds his best attacking setups by accident. We argue why it’s time to force the issue with Merino up top and bring Ben White back to unlock Saka. The League of Margins: Why the Premier League has morphed into “90s Serie A” and why a data-driven, risk-averse approach might not be enough to get over the line. Enjoy the episode early and ad-free by signing up as a member. NEWSLETTER + AUDIO: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ AUDIO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arsenal slop out at Manchester United, recording their first loss in a month. It feels terrible, and the boys are here to dissect exactly what went wrong. On the agenda: 🤯 A Freak Result: Breaking down the chaotic nature of the scoreline. 🔄 Déjà Vu: Why the hallmarks of this loss look suspiciously identical to last season. 👻 The Disappearing Act: Where was Martin Ødegaard when we needed him? 9️⃣ The Striker Void: The frustration of having no one step up as a true number 9. 👔 Management Issues: Questions surrounding Arteta’s shoddy handling of Eze. 🔇 Misfiring Guns: The dire attacking output from Arsenal’s supposed “Bang Bang” players. Enjoy the episode early and ad-free by signing up as a member. NEWSLETTER + AUDIO: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ AUDIO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This podcast would normally be for members, but I can't upload it to Apple Members because the Apple servers are down and have been for a long while... so I'm having to release it to everyone so the Apple Members have something to listen to this evening. We'll do a make-up members podcast for everyone very soon. It was a night of religious experiences at the San Siro as Arsenal delivered a “delicious” 3-0 victory over Inter Milan to secure a top-two finish in the Champions League group stage. Johnny, Jacob, and Matt are here to bask in the glow of a performance that proved the Gunners are truly the “best team in Europe” right now. In this episode we discuss: Jesus Reborn: Gabby Jesus gets the nod for a big European night and delivers a “fox in the box” masterclass. Is this the blueprint for the striker position while we wait for Havertz? The Big Vic Debate: Viktor Gyökeres silences the doubters (briefly) with a stunning late goal. We analyze whether his future lies as a “chaos agent” off the bench rather than a starter against low blocks. Magnificent Mosquera: A massive shoutout for 21-year-old Christian Mosquera, who stepped into the backline with “tank energy” and looked like a 10/10 signing. Saka’s Playground: Bukayo Saka turns up for the Champions League anthem yet again, leaving Federico Dimarco with “twisted blood” in a dominant display. The Eze Conundrum: While the attack flowed, Eberechi Eze still drifted in and out. We discuss how to unlock his undeniable talent before the season’s crunch time. Hottest of Takes: From “mental barriers” being broken to bold predictions of a historic treble, the boys are turning up the heat. Plus, we look ahead to a massive clash against Manchester United at the Emirates. Grab a refreshing beverage, sit back, and enjoy the ride—this runaway train isn’t stopping anytime soon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of The Dugout, Jacob is joined by Alex Moneypenny from The Different Knock to dissect the emotional fallout of the 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest. Despite sitting seven points clear at the top, the vibes are complicated—so how do we hold two opposing truths at once? In this episode we discuss: The Premier League “Quality” Debate: Alex delivers a hot take on why the narrative that the league is “terrible” this year is wrong, arguing that the league has never been more compact or difficult. The Joy Deficit: Jacob explores the struggle of the modern fan experience—why does being top of the league feel like a grind, and is the “journey” actually enjoyable this season? The Gyökeres Inquest: An emotionally honest conversation about Viktor Gyökeres. Is it a “translation” issue from the Portuguese league, and should he be used as a “hero” substitute rather than a starter against low blocks? Tactical Philosophy: A deep dive into whether Mikel Arteta prioritizes “relationships over profiling” in his team selection, and how that might be stalling the attack. The San Siro Test: Looking ahead to Inter Milan—why players won’t accept rotation for a Champions League anthem night, and the desperate need for Kai Havertz to return. Enjoy the episode early and ad-free by signing up as a member. NEWSLETTER + AUDIO: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ AUDIO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arsenal flopped to a 0-0 draw in a dominant game that was undone by a man-to-man deep block from the master. 🧱🔒 We discuss: Declan raging 🤬 Gyokeres reverts to the mean 📉 Martinelli with a MEGA miss 🤦‍♂️ Odegaard returns to misery form 😩 THEN SOME REAL TALK ABOUT THE PREMIER LEAGUE 🗣️ We’re still good. Arsenal will win the league. That point could look valuable. 🏆🔴⚪ Enjoy the podcast. 🎧 Enjoy the episode early and ad-free by signing up as a member. NEWSLETTER + AUDIO: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ AUDIO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of The Dugout, Jacob is joined by journalist Sam Dean to react to a chaotic but crucial 3-2 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. They discuss why Sam’s recent article ranking Arsenal’s signings caused such a stir online and why the narrative around the club’s spending is often misunderstood. In this episode we discuss: The Right-Back Debate: Sam delivers a spicy hot take on why Ben White must return to the starting lineup over Jurrien Timber to unlock the best version of Bukayo Saka. The Gyökeres Dilemma: Has “Big Vic” turned a corner with his goal and assist, or was it just a product of Chelsea’s high line? We analyze his best performance in months. Transfer Whispers: The validity of links to Anthony Gordon and Marc Guéhi, plus the difficult conversations the club might need to have about selling fan favorites like Gabriel Martinelli or Kai Havertz to balance the books. Saliba’s Evolution: Why William Saliba is arguably the most complete defender in Europe right now. Cup Fever: Debating whether an early cup final against Man City is a blessing or a curse for the title run-in. Enjoy the episode early and ad-free by signing up as a member. NEWSLETTER + AUDIO: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ AUDIO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Arsenal Opinion, Pete and Jacob break down a frantic but entertaining victory over Portsmouth. They discuss why the chaotic nature of cup games is often more enjoyable than the tactical rigidity of top tier Premier League fixtures and praise the fresh energy brought by the rotated squad. The conversation takes a brief detour to La Liga to analyze the exit of Xabi Alonso from Real Madrid. The hosts debate whether player power has gone too far and if modern superstars like Mbappe and Vinicius Jr are becoming unmanageable for even the world's best coaches. Back in North London, the focus shifts to individual performances with some contrasting takes. Jacob argues that Ethan Nwaneri looked like a seasoned midfielder against Portsmouth and makes the case for him to keep his place for the upcoming Chelsea clash. Pete dives into the worrying data surrounding Viktor Gyökeres and questions if the club missed a massive marginal gain by not signing a striker who better fits the system. The boys also share their relief at the return of Kai Havertz and discuss how his presence instantly balances the attack. Additional topics include the struggles of summer signings Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke to find consistent output, the specific chemistry between Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, and a full preview of the lineup dilemmas facing Mikel Arteta for the League Cup semi final. If you want this episode ADVERT FREE, get a membership below. You get bonus content, Discord access, and early access to live show tickets. NEWSLETTER + AUDIO: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ AUDIO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s Thursday night football in 2026, and Arsenal have played out a stalemate against Liverpool at the Emirates. The result takes us six points clear at the top of the Premier League, but the performance—specifically a "f*****g awful" second half—has left the boys with plenty to vent about. THIS PODCAST RELEASED THE NIGHT OF THE GAME - IF YOU WANT THEM EARLY, JOIN UP, MEMBERSHIP AT THE BOTTOM Pete is joined by Matt Kandela and Johnny Cochrane to try and make wine out of a very muddy pool of water. While the table looks healthy, the eye test was worrying. From a lack of courage to a forward line that looks like it’s playing with ten men, the lads do not hold back on a frustrating evening in North London. On the docket today: The Game of Two Halves: A decent, aggressive opening 45 minutes followed by a leggy, passive surrender of control in the second. Why did we let Liverpool turn this into a chess match? The Striker Crisis: The gloves are off regarding "Big Vik" Gyökeres. Matt and Johnny deliver a brutal assessment of the Swedish striker—is he a "statue," a "magnet for defenders," or just not up to the level? Plus, the dream of Julian Alvarez. Myles Lewis-Skelly: A tough cameo for the youngster against a rampant Frimpong. Is it time for a loan, or was he just hung out to dry? Captain Anonymous: Martin Ødegaard ghosted the big occasion. Zero shots, zero duels won, and no "arm-waving" to save us. Jurrien Timber Supremacy: The undisputed Man of the Match. Why he is the only player currently operating at an elite, "Adamantium" level. Perspective FC: We didn't lose, Liverpool had zero shots on target, and the chasers are miles off. Are we overreacting, or are the cracks starting to show? Grab a drink, take a breath, and let’s digest that one. Up the Arsenal. If you want this episode ADVERT FREE, get a membership below. You get bonus content, Discord access, and early access to live show tickets. NEWSLETTER + AUDIO: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ AUDIO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Therapy Session of 2026? Much needed, I’d say. 😮‍💨🛋️ Jacob and Pedro get into a few trigger conversations that might test your nerves, but stay calm. Talking it through is good for the soul. On the couch this week: 🧠 Gyökeres losing the home crowd 🔥 Headloss fans. Is it merited? 🤦‍♂️ The Martinelli nonsense 🏆 Managing the Cup experience 🎯 Who takes over as the 9 in the short term It’s a big one. Get stuck in. Thanks for listening. ❤️🎧 If you want this episode ADVERT FREE, get a membership below. You get bonus content, Discord access, and early access to live show tickets. NEWSLETTER + AUDIO: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ AUDIO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Dugout is back for 2026! Jim Campbell from the Football Ramble returns to shake off the New Year's haze (and the Villa celebration hangovers) for a jam-packed episode. We’re looking past the "brain farts" on the South Coast and focusing on the flex. From transfer window headaches to the comedy show at Old Trafford, we’re covering it all. On the menu this week: The Havertz Reboot: He’s back, but will the team click or clunk with him back in the side? Nwaneri’s Dilemma: Do we stick, twist, or cash in on the teenage sensation while his stock is high? The Bournemouth Flex: Why a defensive howler didn't stop us from looking like Champions. The United Heist: Ruben Amorim’s "lottery win" photo and the search for a manager brave (or crazy) enough to take the reins. City’s Wobble: Are the juggernauts finally looking human without their Belgian King? Liverpool Looming: Why we’re ready to welcome the Reds (and why the fear factor might be gone). Plus, giving Trossard his flowers, the Eze debate, and some spicy score predictions. Tune in, get comfortable, and let's get into it. Ciao for now! 👋🔴⚪️ Newsletter + Audio: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ Audio: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

That’s the way we like it… A HUGE win against a very good Bournemouth team. Arsenal had their poor moments, but the team showed a lot of resilience and got the job done! We discussed: 🌸 Flower time for Gyökeres? 🪄 Ødegaard’s twinkle toes 🧱 Declan the DESTROYER ⚔️ Bournemouth’s man-to-man strategy 🧐 Hincapié reappraisal 🏆 The title race as it stands We hope you enjoy the show. If you want to become a member, there are two options: Newsletter + Audio: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ Audio: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIENDS! Arsenal had a VERY good end to the year. This podcast covers off the BIG Aston Villa game. This pod is a later drop, if you want them LIVE, then click the member options in the links below. 👑 King Trossard 🪄 Ødegaard Scintillating 🤙 Incredible Jesus 🧠 Zubi Bossing the Park ⏱️ Villa’s Cynical Timewasting 📈 Arsenal Sitting Very, Very Pretty Newsletter & Audio member: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/s/the-arsenal-opinion-podcast Audio Member: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Take a listen to the AOP Live Show 2025. The boys took over the Park Theatre at Finsbury Park and delivered an AOP On The Whistle like no other. We had Pedro, Jacob, Matt, and Johnny... and added Arsenal Legend Ray Parlour to the mixer as a special guest. We also closed out the show with a song from Dugout regulars, The Manor. If you want to see the video, check the link below and sign up for a yearly membership. Thanks for an incredible 2025. We appreciate your support, comments, DMs, casual slander, and any other new-age way you communicated with us. We're looking forward to a bigger, better, and spicier next season! Big love, The AOP team xx Auido & Writing Membership: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/p/the-aop-christmas-party-2025-members Audio: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pedro and Johnny got on the mics right after the game to discuss another monster win - our 8th of block 5! They chatted: 🛡️ Declan BOSSING it at right back 📉 Big Vik drops another shocker 📈 Hincapie raises his level again! 🤕 Injury clusters! 🪄 Martin SHOWPONYdegaard! Hope you enjoy the show. If you want these early, sign up to our patreon below! x https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Host Jacob Hawley is joined by actor and comedian Ed Kear for a debut appearance on the pod. The pair dissect a frustrating but vital win against Wolves, the strange feeling of being five points clear without fully clicking, and why this season feels different to previous title charges. In this episode: The Screen Smasher: Ed talks about the relief (and rage) of the Wolves win and why dropped points against Villa and Sunderland still haunt the fanbase. The Gyökeres Debate: Is it the player or the system? Ed argues that Arsenal aren’t exploiting Gyökeres’ attributes, while Jacob suggests the striker is suffering from “Main Man-itis” and a lack of confidence. Captaincy Call: A bold claim that the armband might be better suited to Declan Rice or Gabriel Magalhães to drive the team through the nervy moments. Odegaard’s Evolution: The boys discuss whether the captain is being too safe, if he should be moved back to an #8 role, or if he’s just suffering from a lack of “fantasy” in the final third. Everton Away: Why the upcoming trip to Goodison Park feels like a season definer, and the “vibes” based argument for starting Gabriel Jesus. Follow Ed Kear on social media and catch his live stand-up dates! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edkear/?hl=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices