The Loose Cannon Podcast

Havertz Breaks Chelsea Hearts as Arsenal March to Wembley

On a rain-soaked night at the Emirates, Arsenal ground out a tense 1–0 win (4–2 on aggregate) over Chelsea to reach the Carabao Cup final. The match never opened up, with both sides cautious and the pitch making football difficult — until the dying moments.Deep into stoppage time Kai Havertz, calm and clinical, finished a swift counter after Arsenal won the ball, sealing a patient, disciplined victory and sending the Gunners to Wembley.

Zinchenko Leaves Arsenal for Ajax: A Quiet Goodbye to a Big Personality

Oleksandr Zinchenko has left Arsenal to join Ajax on a permanent deal after his loan at Nottingham Forest was ended by mutual consent — a calm, sensible move that feels right for all involved.Having made 91 appearances for Arsenal, won a title, and brought leadership and a possession-first style, Zinchenko now heads to Amsterdam for a reset where his intelligence on the ball and experience can flourish.

Seven Clear at the Summit: Arsenal Silence Elland Road

Saturday night at Elland Road began with a scare as Bukayo Saka pulled up in the warm-up and Noni Madueke was thrown into the spotlight — and he delivered. Arsenal settled into a controlled, ruthless performance: Zubimendi’s header, an own goal from a scramble, a Gyökeres finish after Ødegaard’s pass, and a late Gabriel Jesus strike sealed a 4–0 win that left Leeds deflated and the Gunners seven points clear.The result underlines Arsenal’s momentum — five away wins in January, a set-piece edge that keeps punishing opponents, and growing individual form — and sends them into a busy week with confidence: a Carabao Cup semi-final second leg and more Premier League tests ahead.

Havertz Returns, Arsenal Make It Eight: Almaty Night at the Emirates

Arsenal beat Kairat Almaty 3–2 to complete a perfect Champions League league phase — eight wins from eight — and deliver Mikel Arteta’s 200th victory as manager. Kai Havertz marked his first start of the season with a goal and an assist, setting the tone from the second minute and later teeing up Gabriel Martinelli.The night had early drama (a Jorginho penalty equaliser and VAR checks), waves of Arsenal pressure, and late academy moments as Brando Bailey-Joseph and Ife Ibrahim made their debuts. Despite a late ricardinho strike for Kairat, the Gunners saw the game out and kept their momentum.With European history secured, Arsenal now turn back to domestic business: a Premier League trip to Leeds and then a Carabao Cup semi at the Emirates against Chelsea.

Nwaneri to Marseille: A Loan Designed to Make Him Better

Ethan Nwaneri joins Marseille on loan for the rest of the 2025/26 season — a deliberate push into pressure, not a gentle timeout. Arsenal have chosen a tough, relevant environment under Roberto De Zerbi where minutes, responsibility and fast-paced decision-making will accelerate his development.This isn’t a sale or a safety-net loan: it’s a test modeled on the Saliba pathway. The aim is clear — come back sharper and ready to fight for a place; struggle and Arsenal will reassess. Discomfort is the point: elite growth through adversity.

No VAR To The Rescue

Arsenal's unbeaten Emirates run ended in a 2–3 defeat to Manchester United in a match defined by self-inflicted mistakes and two key handball incidents that were not referred to VAR. What began as a dominant first half turned into a painful loss.Arsenal took the lead via an own goal but then conceded a soft equaliser from a poor backpass. The second half swung again when Dorgu smashed home from distance after a build-up that included a possible handball. Arsenal briefly levelled through Merino, only for Cunha to curl the winner in the closing stages.The game highlighted defensive lapses, poor moment management, and controversial refereeing decisions. United punished space and mistakes rather than outplaying Arsenal for long spells.Attention now turns to midweek Champions League duties and a league trip to Leeds — a chance to prove this was a stumble, not a trend, but a reminder that generosity is costly in a title race.

Seventh Heaven In Milan

Arsenal delivered a dominant performance at the San Siro, winning 3-1 to secure seven wins from seven in their Champions League group and clinch a top-two finish with a game to spare.Gabriel Jesus scored twice from a loose ball and a header from a set-piece, while summer signing Gyökeres sealed the win with a late long-range strike. Strong defending, key saves from Raya, and creative work from Saka and Trossard underpinned the victory.The result marks Arsenal’s longest Champions League winning run, their first win in Italy since 2008, and guarantees home advantage in the last-16 second leg. Next up: Kairat at home and a Premier League visit from Manchester United.

Arsenal Can’t Capitalise On City Slip

Arsenal were held to a 0–0 draw at Nottingham Forest, their second consecutive goalless league game, but still leave the City Ground seven points clear at the top of the table.Gabriel Martinelli missed the best chance, goalkeeper Matz Sels produced key saves, and Mikel Arteta's triple substitution of Mikel Merino, Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka brought pressure but no breakthrough. A late VAR check for a possible penalty on Ola Aina was ruled inconclusive.Forest managed no shots on target, while Arsenal created the better chances and extended their lead thanks to other results. Attention now turns to a midweek Champions League trip to Inter Milan before returning to league action.