The Loose Cannon Podcast

Ball Controversy = Good Management

Following Arsenal's 2-0 loss to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, manager Mikel Arteta has stirred controversy by attributing the defeat to the match ball. Arteta claimed that the ball used in the match differed significantly from the Premier League ball, affecting its flight and grip.The EFL responded by defending the ball's quality, highlighting its FIFA Quality Pro standard and successful use in other major European leagues such as Serie A and LaLiga. This isn't the first time the Carabao Cup ball has faced criticism, with Pep Guardiola expressing similar concerns during his time at Manchester City.Looking ahead, Arsenal is preparing to face Manchester United in the FA Cup third-round match with a special edition ball commemorating United as the current FA Cup holders, adding another challenge of adaptation for Arsenal.Arteta's comments have ignited a debate among fans and pundits about the impact of different match balls on team performance. Some speculate that Arteta's remarks might be a strategic move to deflect criticism from his team, reminiscent of Sir Alex Ferguson's famous claim about a grey kit affecting Manchester United's performance. Only time will tell if Arsenal can rebound as United did, overcoming criticism to achieve future success.

Upgrade Xhaka Don’t Give It To Ya?

Five months into his tenure at Arsenal, Mikel Merino finds himself at the center of attention. Tasked with replacing Granit Xhaka, who departed for Bayer Leverkusen in 2023, Merino faces criticism despite his impressive defensive statistics. His performance in the 1-1 draw against Brighton, where he assisted Ethan Nwaneri's goal, sparked a debate among fans who are concerned about his on-ball contributions.The left-sided midfield position has been challenging for Arsenal, with previous attempts to fill the role including Kai Havertz and Declan Rice. Merino, renowned for his physicality and duel-winning prowess, was seen as a long-term solution. However, his struggles with progressive passing have raised questions about his fit in the team.Mikel Arteta remains confident in Merino's abilities, focusing on his strengths rather than his playmaking limitations. Some fans argue for a more creative presence, such as Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze, but Arteta is committed to his choice. As the season unfolds, the pressing question is whether Merino will prove his critics wrong or if Arsenal will regret not pursuing a more creative midfielder.Meanwhile, Newcastle United supporters watch with interest, recalling Merino's underwhelming stint at St. James' Park. His current challenges at Arsenal echo past concerns about his consistency and adaptability, leading to a mix of amusement and vindication among the Toon Army. The unfolding season will determine if Merino can silence his doubters or if history will repeat itself in north London.

No ice cream at Brighton but plenty of screaming!

In a tense encounter at the Amex Stadium, Arsenal's Premier League ambitions took a hit as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton & Hove Albion. The match was overshadowed by a controversial penalty decision, leaving Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and fans in disbelief.
First Half: Nwaneri's Moment of Brilliance
Arsenal started strong, with 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri dazzling in the 16th minute. His stunning goal marked him as the youngest Gunner to score multiple times in the Premier League.
Second Half: Controversy Strikes
The game changed when William Saliba's challenge on Joao Pedro resulted in a dubious penalty. Despite protests and a VAR review, the decision stood, allowing Pedro to equalize from the spot.
Arteta's Frustration
Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration post-match, criticizing the inconsistency in officiating. Arsenal's title hopes now face a challenge as they trail league leaders Liverpool by five points.
Missed Opportunities and Player Performances
While Nwaneri shone, key players like Gabriel Jesus struggled to make an impact. The absence of Martin Odegaard's creativity was felt as Arsenal missed opportunities to secure a win.
Title Race Implications
With Liverpool having games in hand and challenging fixtures ahead, Arsenal must regroup quickly. Consistency will be crucial if they hope to stay in the title race.

Top ten Arsenal transfer stories

As the January 2025 transfer window opens, Arsenal have been linked with several potential signings to strengthen their squad. This episode delves into ten reported targets, providing an assessment of the likelihood of each transfer occurring.From Benjamin Šeško of RB Leipzig to Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao, the episode evaluates the chances of these players making a move to Arsenal. While some targets like Leroy Sané and Dani Olmo seem improbable due to their current club commitments, others like Nico Williams and Jonathan David present more feasible options.The discussion also touches on the strategic decisions Arsenal faces, weighing the benefits of pursuing new signings against the potential of nurturing emerging talents within their ranks. Additionally, the episode briefly covers a unique pre-match moment at Spurs and anticipates Arsenal's upcoming match against Brighton, emphasizing the importance of securing points over entertainment.

Jan 3rd - biggest news stories on Arsenal

In this episode, we dive into the latest happenings at Arsenal FC, starting with Paul Merson's call for the club to make a major investment in Alexander Isak. The former midfielder suggests that Isak could be a game-changer in light of Bukayo Saka's injury, though there are concerns about the hefty £150 million price tag. Next, we explore Gabriel Magalhaes' playful jab at Tottenham Hotspur, which has endeared him to Arsenal fans. However, there's a reminder that the focus should remain on winning trophies rather than bragging rights. Mikel Arteta brings some good news as Kai Havertz returns to fitness ahead of the clash with Brighton & Hove Albion, though other key players like Raheem Sterling and Ben White are still on the mend. Arsenal's pursuit of Alexander Isak faces hurdles, with the player's potential commitment to Newcastle and a steep asking price complicating matters. The club may need to consider other options as interest from European giants grows. Finally, Jamie Carragher shares his thoughts on crucial signings that could boost Arsenal's title hopes. While he emphasizes the need for more attacking depth, there are concerns about the financial implications of such moves.

Arsenal bring the Bees to their knees (not quite!) to start the new year in style!

In a thrilling encounter, Arsenal secured a 3-1 comeback victory over Brentford, narrowing Liverpool's lead at the top of the Premier League to six points. Despite an early setback from Bryan Mbeumo's goal for Brentford, Arsenal turned the game around with strikes from Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino, and Gabriel Martinelli. This win positions Arsenal as formidable contenders in the title race. Although Kai Havertz missed the match due to illness, he is expected to return for the next game.Highlighting the match, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri made his full Premier League debut, effectively replacing the injured Bukayo Saka. Manager Mikel Arteta praised Nwaneri's performance, particularly his contribution to the team's third goal. Mikel Merino also played a crucial role, with his second-half goal boosting Arsenal's momentum, showcasing his value to the squad.On the transfer front, Arsenal's pursuit of Newcastle United's striker Alexander Isak faces challenges due to a high valuation, while interest in Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies heats up amid competition from top European clubs. With Bukayo Saka undergoing surgery for a hamstring injury, Arsenal may look for attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window.In club legend news, former Arsenal defender Justin Hoyte, a member of the iconic 'Invincibles' squad, announced his retirement at the age of 40. Hoyte expressed gratitude to fans and hinted at a future role in coaching or mentoring.

Top ten Arsenal FC stories in December

December 2024 was a month of mixed fortunes for Arsenal FC, marked by ambitious transfer pursuits and formidable challenges. The club's efforts to sign Newcastle United's Alexander Isak faced hurdles due to high demands and stiff competition from European giants. Simultaneously, Arsenal expressed interest in Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies to bolster their squad, amid rivalry from clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester City.Despite their dominance in the Premier League in terms of points and goal difference throughout 2024, Arsenal ended the year without securing any silverware. Meanwhile, Barcelona emerged as potential suitors for Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, whose contract was nearing expiration.Injuries also took a toll, with Bukayo Saka undergoing hamstring surgery, sidelining him for two months and impacting Arsenal's attacking options. Nonetheless, the team managed to secure a crucial 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town, courtesy of Kai Havertz's decisive goal, keeping their title aspirations alive.Arsenal celebrated an unbeaten record in London derbies for the year, a feat unmatched since Chelsea in 2005. As the club explored alternative striker options, including Matheus Cunha from Wolves, they remained focused on preparing for upcoming Champions League matches, aiming to enhance their European campaign.

Top ten Arsenal FC stories

Welcome back, Gooners, to "The Loose Cannon Podcast"! In this episode, we dive into the top ten stories that are currently shaping the world of Arsenal. From injury setbacks to thrilling victories, we've got you covered with all the latest updates and insights.Bukayo Saka's recent hamstring surgery has left a significant gap in the squad, as confirmed by Mikel Arteta. Arsenal managed a narrow victory over Ipswich Town, with Kai Havertz stepping up to fill the void left by Saka's absence. Havertz's performance has drawn parallels to the legendary Santi Cazorla, whose recent visit to the Emirates Stadium sparked nostalgia and hope for a future role at the club.The Gunners' win over Ipswich has boosted them to second place in the Premier League, although the challenges are far from over. With upcoming crucial matches and ongoing transfer rumors, including potential signings like Matheus Cunha, Viktor Gyökeres, and Benjamin Šeško, Arsenal is gearing up for an intense season ahead.Stay tuned as we discuss Mikel Arteta's tactical adjustments and preparations for the upcoming fixture against Brentford. Join us for all this and more in today's episode, and keep your red-and-white spirits high!