The Loose Cannon Podcast

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.

Gyo-goal Ignites Blue Touch Paper

Arsenal produced a chaotic, thrilling performance at Stamford Bridge to beat Chelsea 3–2 in the Carabao Cup semi‑final first leg, taking a slender lead back to the Emirates for the second leg.Ben White opened the scoring from a set piece, Viktor Gyökeres added a second after a goalkeeping error, and Martín Zubimendi coolly finished a team move to make it 3–1. Chelsea fought back through two Alejandro Garnacho strikes to set up a dramatic finale, but Arsenal held on.The game was frantic and end‑to‑end but Arsenal managed to bend without breaking, leaving with the crucial away advantage. Next up: Nottingham Forest in the league, then a Champions League trip to Inter at San Siro.

Martinelli Milestone

On a blustery afternoon at Fratton Park, Portsmouth stunned early with a 2½-minute opener, but Arsenal steadied and swung the momentum back quickly.An unfortunate own goal levelled the match before Gabriel Martinelli put Arsenal ahead; he hit the post and a missed penalty raised the tension, but the second half belonged to him.Six minutes after the restart Martinelli completed a brace from a Gabriel Jesus assist, and later rose to head home a third from a Noni Madueke delivery to seal the hat-trick and the win.The match also featured Arsenal youth history with Marli Salmon's debut, and the victory keeps Arsenal pressing on multiple fronts with big fixtures to come.

Damp Squib At Home

Arsenal were held to a goalless draw by Liverpool at the Emirates, leaving them six points clear at the top but short on spark. The match promised intensity but became a cautious, low-chance affair where control outweighed creativity.The Gunners started strongly with early pressure and chances from Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber, while Conor Bradley struck the bar for Liverpool. After the break Liverpool dominated possession, Mikel Arteta introduced several attacking substitutes and Arsenal forced late saves, but neither side could find the breakthrough.Not pretty but not damaging: the clean sheet and the point maintain Arsenal’s lead. The team now faces a busy spell away from home, beginning with an FA Cup tie at Portsmouth, then a Carabao Cup semi against Chelsea, a Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest and a Champions League trip to Inter Milan.