The Loose Cannon Podcast

Champs League delight

Arsenal secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a commanding 9-3 aggregate victory over PSV Eindhoven, following a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners had already established a dominant lead with a 7-1 win in the first leg, and this match was about finishing the job.Early on, Oleksandr Zinchenko capitalized on a Raheem Sterling setup to put Arsenal ahead. However, PSV responded with Ivan Perisic equalizing in the 18th minute. Despite further pressure from PSV, Arsenal took control again with Declan Rice heading in a Sterling cross to regain the lead.In the second half, PSV fought back, capitalizing on a mistake by Jorginho to level the match again at 2-2 through Couhaib Driouech. Although Arsenal pushed for a winner, they were denied by strong PSV defending and goalkeeping.With the Champions League quarter-finals secured, Arsenal now shifts focus back to the Premier League, preparing to host Chelsea in a crucial London derby.

Man U 1-1 Arsenal

In this episode, we delve into Arsenal's recent encounter at Old Trafford, where a lack of penetration and setpiece execution were pivotal in the final outcome. Despite Rice's unstoppable goal from Timber's pass, Manchester United's Onana remained largely untested, save for a close attempt by substitute Martinelli.The match highlighted Arsenal's cleverly worked but poorly delivered setpieces, raising questions about the team's quality and fatigue. Fan frustrations regarding squad rotation come into focus, attributing these issues to cautious transfer window strategies.Adding to the drama, a controversial double handball by United's player went unpenalized, leaving Arsenal fans lamenting VAR's inaction, particularly as the visiting team. With the league title slipping away, the focus now shifts to maintaining a commendable second place.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

In this episode, we delve into the controversial sending off of Lewis-Skelly, which was deemed justified by VAR. Despite the referee initially issuing a yellow card, the youngster's foul on Kudus was seen as denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, leading to a red card that won't be overturned. We discuss whether Lewis-Skelly's decision was the right one, considering Arsenal's subsequent performance with ten men.We also explore the broader implications for Arsenal's season, highlighting the squad's lack of depth and the impact of injuries. With the first XI capable of competing at the highest level when fit, the absence of a reliable striker and the decision not to invest in one are scrutinized. As the club shifts focus to the Champions League, we examine their prospects, acknowledging the unlikelihood of catching Liverpool at the top of the league.

Good, bad & ugly views

In a thought-provoking episode, former Manchester United star Paul Scholes critiques Arsenal's style of play, describing it as "really boring." Scholes questions the performance of an Arsenal key player, igniting debates among fans and pundits. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta defends his team's approach, emphasizing the importance of results over style in their pursuit of success.Amidst this controversy, Arsenal faces a deepening injury crisis as top scorer Kai Havertz suffers a suspected hamstring injury. With other key forwards like Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka already sidelined, Arteta must explore flexible solutions in attack. The team's failure to secure a forward in the January transfer window adds to their challenges as they aim to close a gap with league leaders Liverpool.However, there is a silver lining for Arsenal fans as Ben White is set to return from knee surgery. His comeback could provide a defensive boost at a critical time. As Arsenal prepares to face Leicester City, the return of White is anticipated to strengthen the squad and aid in their pursuit of Premier League leaders. The episode delves into Arsenal's strategies and hopes as they navigate a challenging season.

Arsenal 5-1 Man City

The second half of the match was full of unexpected twists, with Arsenal displaying remarkable resilience and skill. Erling Haaland's equalizer for City came as no surprise, as he capitalized on a well-placed cross to level the score. However, it was Arsenal's response that truly stood out. Thomas Partey seized an opportunity from a stray Foden pass, launching a shot that deflected off John Stones to restore Arsenal's lead. The Gunners continued to dominate, with young talent Myles Lewis-Skelly dancing through City's defense to score his first senior goal. Later, substitute Ethan Nwanieri added his name to the scoresheet with a stunning solo effort, cutting in from the left to leave City's goalkeeper Ortega stranded. Kai Havertz also redeemed his earlier miss with a precise finish, sealing a memorable victory for Arsenal. As Arsenal look to maintain this high level of performance, they eagerly await any potential slip-ups from Liverpool to capitalize on their momentum.

All happening at Arsenal FC

Arsenal's January transfer window heats up as the club eyes Bayern Munich's young forward, Mathys Tel, amid recent offensive struggles. The 19-year-old Frenchman seeks more playing time, making Arsenal a potential destination. However, negotiations could be complex, with Bayern open to a permanent transfer for the right offer.In addition to Tel, Arsenal's pursuit of Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins faces a roadblock. Villa manager Unai Emery is determined to retain the 29-year-old forward, despite Arsenal's £60 million bid. With Villa's firm stance and the transfer window closing soon, Arsenal may need to explore alternative targets.Meanwhile, Arsenal's recent 2-1 victory over Girona in the Champions League highlighted both emerging talent and challenges. Seventeen-year-old Ethan Nwaneri's outstanding performance secured the win, while goalkeeper concerns loom with David Raya's injury. As Arsenal prepares to host Manchester City, the potential absence of key players adds to their challenges in maintaining a competitive edge.

Wolves 0-1 Arsenal

In a match filled with drama and controversy, Califiori emerged as the game-changer with a technically brilliant strike after coming on as a substitute. Despite a shaky first half, Arsenal showcased resilience and significantly improved their performance in the second half against Wolves. Declan Rice stood out with an impressive display, but once again, VAR and refereeing decisions dominated the narrative.The game saw Gomes sent off, raising questions about the consistency of refereeing decisions. Arsenal's determination shone through as they battled against both the opposition and the officials. Though not a vintage performance, Arsenal's defense remained mostly solid with Raya, Saliba, and Gabriel stepping up when needed.The episode highlights Arsenal's need for reinforcements to ensure a title challenge, despite the promising performances of young talents like Lewis-Skelly and Nwanieri. The Gunners' gutsy victory serves as a testament to their fighting spirit, even as they navigate the challenges posed by inconsistent officiating.

Timber’s the best Saliba replacement

In the aftermath of Arsenal's match against Villa, a debate has emerged over who should fill the void left by the injured Saliba. The author argues that Timber is the ideal candidate, citing his defensive prowess against Villa's Ollie Watkins. In contrast, JustArsenal.com suggests Kiwior is more suitable, though the author believes Watkins would have outpaced him. The discussion also touches on Arsenal's overall defensive performance, highlighting the team's ability to contain one of the league's top strikers despite some unfortunate circumstances. The author acknowledges a lapse by Partey but praises the makeshift defense, especially Timber's contributions going forward. Additionally, the episode discusses Raheem Sterling's current form, addressing rumors of his declining popularity at the Emirates. The author counters these claims, noting the support Sterling received from fans during the match. They emphasize that Sterling's struggles are largely a confidence issue, and a few goals could restore his form and spirits.