The Loose Cannon Podcast

End Of Gyo Drought

Viktor Gyökeres scored a composed 26th-minute penalty to secure a 1–0 victory at Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium, sending Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League on Christmas Day.The game featured VAR drama for a handball at a corner, resolute defending, and two efforts cannoning off the woodwork as Everton pushed for an equaliser. David Raya and the defence kept a clean sheet in a tightly controlled away performance.Arsenal now head into a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace, then host Brighton and Aston Villa as they defend top spot over the festive period.

VAR Controversy - To See Red Or Not - That Is The Question

This episode examines Wolves forward Hee-Chan’s studs-up challenge on Arsenal’s Jurien Timber and explains what the Laws of the Game (IFAB Law 12) say about studs-up tackles and serious foul play.We outline when a studs-up challenge is likely a red card — if it endangers the opponent or uses excessive force — and when it may be downgraded to a yellow for limited force, low contact, or minimal danger.The episode also covers how VAR reviews can upgrade decisions when slow-motion shows forceful contact, a locked leg, or contact above the ankle, and applies those tests to this incident, concluding it was a very close call.Bottom line: studs-up is not an automatic red, but studs-up plus clear danger or excessive force should be sent off — and the debate over refereeing and VAR in cases like this continues.

VAR + Wolves Not Toothless But Gunners Triumph

A breathless, late-night Emirates rollercoaster ended in a stoppage-time own goal to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers and keep us top of the Premier League, five points clear. It was a chaotic, nervy win that felt more like a nick than a statement — but three points nonetheless.The first half was flat and tense: missed chances, an early Ben White injury, and Wolves threatening on the break. No shots on target by half-time and a growing sense that the game could punish any slip-up.Second-half changes lifted the tempo. Bukayo Saka’s curling corner eventually found the net, but Wolves hit back with a late equaliser. In the fourth minute of stoppage time another Saka delivery caused panic in the box and a deflected own goal settled the match.Controversy lingered — a studs-up challenge on Timber looked red-card worthy and VAR decisions drew ire — but grit and a slice of fortune carried the day. Next up: Everton, then Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-final, and Brighton after Christmas.

Belgians Bruised By Mads & Gabs

Arsenal ran rampant in Bruges, securing a dominant away win to make it six wins from six in their Champions League group. Noni Madueke produced a spectacular long-range opener and a second-half tap-in, Gabriel Martinelli added a thunderous strike to extend his scoring run, and David Raya kept the clean sheet with timely saves.Gabriel Jesus returned from injury and nearly scored, while 16-year-old Marli Salmon made a memorable senior debut. Zubimendi supplied two assists as Arteta’s rotated side maintained top spot and continued their ruthless European form.With the group phase effectively wrapped up, Arsenal now look ahead to Premier League duty against Wolves and upcoming fixtures with Inter and Kairat as they build momentum toward the knockout rounds.

Last-Minute Heartbreak Against Bogey Boys

A dramatic stoppage-time winner from Emi Buendía at 94:03 condemned Arsenal to a 18‑match unbeaten run-ending defeat at Villa Park, leaving players and fans stunned as Villa celebrated a last‑kick winner.The match was chaotic and end-to-end: Matty Cash opened the scoring, Arsenal fought back with a Trossard equaliser after he came on as a super‑sub, and Emiliano Martínez produced several crucial saves — but a frantic six‑yard scramble ultimately handed Villa the decisive goal.Key facts: Buendía’s strike is the second‑latest Premier League winner conceded by Arsenal, the team had nine shots on target, and Villa continue their strong home form under Emery. Attention now turns to a Champions League trip to Club Brugge, then league matches against Wolves and Everton as Arsenal look to respond.

Bees A Mere Irritant To The Gunners

Arsenal beat Brentford 2–0 at the Emirates to extend their unbeaten run to 18 matches and move five points clear at the top. The win underlined Arsenal’s growing swagger as they dominated large spells and wrapped up all three points in front of a raucous N5 crowd.Key moments came from Miguel Merino’s downward header — created by Ben White and Noni Madueke — and a trademark Bukayo Saka finish after a perfect through ball. Madueke impressed on his first start since September, David Raya made several big saves, and Brentford threatened with aerial chaos but couldn’t break through.Next up are back-to-back away tests: Aston Villa (Sat 6 Dec, 12:30pm) and Club Brugge in the Champions League. Verdict: Arsenal look confident, composed and ruthless — very much in control at the top.

Still Five Points Ahead

Arsenal travelled to Stamford Bridge, fell behind to a cheeky near-post flick from Trevoh Chalobah, fought back and left with a 1–1 draw that stretches their unbeaten run to 17 games.Chelsea were reduced to ten men after Moises Caicedo’s reckless studs-up challenge on Mikel Merino, and Merino later rose to head home Bukayo Saka’s cross to level. Raya made key saves as Arsenal pressed for a winner that never came.The point leaves Arsenal five clear at the top of the table — a mixed feeling of frustration and reality — before a busy week with Brentford at the Emirates and a tricky trip to Aston Villa.

Bayern Battered & Rolled Like A Bavarian Barrel

Arsenal produced a stunning second-half performance to beat Bayern Munich 3–1 at the Emirates, ending Bayern's perfect Champions League run. Jurrien Timber opened the scoring from a Saka corner, Lennart Karl briefly equalised, then Chelsea loanee Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli turned the game decisively in Arsenal’s favour.The victory moved Arsenal clear at the top of their group and left them as the only unbeaten team remaining in the competition. Arteta’s tactical tweaks and decisive substitutions swung momentum, while set-pieces and incisive attacking play proved decisive.Buoyed by this statement win, Arsenal face a busy domestic schedule before finishing the group stage, sending a loud message to the rest of Europe.