The Loose Cannon Podcast

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.

Gunners go for Cesco

In this episode, we delve into Arsenal's pressing need for a prolific striker, spotlighting the Slovenian sensation Benjamin Šeško as the ideal candidate. Despite Leandro Trossard's impressive assists, the Gunners' lack of a consistent goal-scorer was evident against Villa, highlighting the urgency for reinforcements. With Barcelona eyeing Šeško, Arsenal must act swiftly to secure his signature before the summer. We explore the dynamic qualities Šeško brings to the table, drawing comparisons to football greats with his blend of speed, strength, and technical prowess. As Gabriel Jesus faces a season-ending injury and other attacking options fall short, Šeško's addition could transform Arsenal's attack, providing the aerial dominance and physicality they've been missing. Amidst transfer window speculations, we also examine Arsenal's internal transitions following Edu Gaspar's resignation. With Jason Ayto as interim sporting director, the club is searching for a permanent replacement, with Tomas Rosicky emerging as a potential candidate. His return could strengthen Arsenal's leadership and align with their long-term vision. Lastly, we touch on Emiliano Martínez's controversial departure and his strained relationship with Arsenal fans, while expressing hope for Arsenal's proactive pursuit of Šeško. Tune in for insights into Arsenal's strategy and potential moves in the transfer market.

You Are Not A Loan: Sesko But Make Room For Zubi

Welcome to another exciting episode of Loose Cannon, where we delve into Arsenal's latest transfer buzz. Today, we focus on the potential acquisition of Real Sociedad's Martín Zubimendi and its implications for Arsenal's midfield dynamics.Arsenal is reportedly leading the race to sign Zubimendi, known as the 'Gen-Z Sergio Busquets,' with his impressive passing skills and composure. The 25-year-old could bring the stability Arsenal has been craving in the No. 6 role, possibly allowing Declan Rice to thrive further up the field as a No. 8.With key players like Jorginho and Thomas Partey nearing the end of their contracts, Zubimendi's arrival could be a game-changer for Arsenal's midfield overhaul. Meanwhile, speculation about Benjamin Šeško joining Arsenal has been quashed, as his agent confirms the young striker remains focused on RB Leipzig.Join us as we explore these developments and discuss Arsenal's future transfer strategies. Should Arsenal pursue a new striker, or is the current squad sufficient to maintain competitiveness? Share your thoughts!

Vlahovic or Sesko to replace injured Jesus?

Welcome back to "The Loose Cannon," your go-to podcast for all things Arsenal, bringing you the latest news and discussions from the Emirates Stadium. In this episode, we celebrate a well-deserved win over local rivals, Spurs, and delve into a pressing issue affecting the Arsenal community: the online abuse directed at Kai Havertz.Kai Havertz, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea in July 2023, has faced criticism and online abuse despite his commitment on the field. In response, teammate Declan Rice has mounted a strong defense, calling out the negative behavior of certain fans and emphasizing the importance of unity and support within the club.This episode highlights the impact of online abuse on players' mental health and underscores the camaraderie within the Arsenal squad. Rice's public support for Havertz showcases the team's unity and emerging leadership qualities. We explore how fans can channel their passion positively, standing together as a true Arsenal family.Additionally, we discuss Arsenal's strategic approach to the January transfer window, with insights from journalist David Ornstein regarding potential striker acquisitions. Despite the need for a new striker, the club is cautious about significant moves, focusing on team cohesion and financial prudence.Join us next time as we delve deeper into the world of Arsenal Football Club. Until then, keep the faith, and come on, you Gunners!