The Loose Cannon Podcast

Champs League Starts Swimmingly

Mikel Arteta's substitutes stole the show at San Mamés as Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli combined within 36 seconds to turn a tense game on its head, scoring twice to secure the win over Athletic Bilbao.The first half was cagey and noisy, with Bilbao dominating the atmosphere but creating little. Early chances were scarce until the second-half introduction of the two attackers changed the tempo and produced clinical finishes.Arsenal left with a clean sheet and a Champions League victory, extending their streak against Spanish opposition, but now face a tough test at home to Manchester City next.

Mad Zubi Gyo goals

Arsenal thumped Nottingham Forest 3–0 at the Emirates as Martin Zubimendi announced himself with a spectacular long-range volley and a late headed brace, while Viktor Gyökeres added a second-half finish after Ebere Eze’s bright home-debut assist.The match featured a brief scare when Martin Ødegaard went down, but Arsenal dominated possession, kept a clean sheet, and celebrated goalkeeper David Raya’s 100th Arsenal appearance.The victory continued Arsenal’s strong home form, provided plenty of momentum before Champions League travel to Bilbao and a looming Premier League test against Manchester City, with a Carabao Cup trip to Port Vale midweek.

Counting the transfer window repairs and lightning-shaped shards

This episode runs the riotous roll-call of the Premier League summer window — €3.5bn spent, 169 player moves — and ranks every club from Brentford at 20 up to Arsenal at 1. Each entry lists net spend, major ins and outs, and a sharp verdict on whether clubs bought smart or just bought noise.Key takeaways: Arsenal "won" by splashing €311m on top targets, Liverpool and Manchester United went galáctico with huge signings, Tottenham and others spent big with mixed results, and several clubs (promoted and relegation-threatened) doubled down on ambition. Expect data-led breakdowns, biting commentary, and a clear verdict on who really came out on top.

Arsenal aim to brick up defensive wall

Arsenal have signed 23-year-old Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapié on a season-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen and handed him the No. 5 shirt.Hincapié brings significant experience — a Bundesliga title, 100+ appearances for Leverkusen and nearly 50 caps for Ecuador — and is praised for his versatility, intelligence and temperament.The move is widely viewed as short-term insurance for Arsenal's defence rather than a guaranteed long-term solution; Hincapié has this season to prove he can be more than a stopgap.

Exodus - movement of the dead wood

This episode breaks down Arsenal's surprise summer clear-out, where several first-team players were sent out on loan or sold. We cover the key moves—Reiss Nelson to Brentford, Oleksandr Zinchenko to Nottingham Forest, Jakub Kiwior to Porto, Fábio Vieira to Hamburger SV (loan) and Sambi Lokonga's permanent exit to Hamburg—and what each move means for the individuals.Listen for analysis of the squad implications: a lighter wage bill and fewer options on the bench, plus the risk that Mikel Arteta may be left short of depth if injuries strike. The episode weighs whether these departures are clever business or a risky gamble for the title challenge ahead.

Undone by a worldie!

Dominik Szoboszlai produced a stunning 30-yard strike to give Liverpool a 1-0 win at Anfield, ending Arsenal’s nine-month unbeaten away run and their recent resilience against Liverpool.Arsenal matched Liverpool for long periods despite losing William Saliba early; youngster Cristhian Mosquera steadied the defence but the visitors lacked a decisive final ball with Bukayo Saka unavailable.The loss extends Arsenal’s Anfield winless run to 13 Premier League games. After the international break they face Forest, Bilbao in the Champions League and Manchester City — a crucial stretch to prove this was a one-off.

Yet Another Incoming Transfer?

Arsenal are linked with Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie, but any move depends on Jakub Kiwior departing — reportedly to Porto. The club want a replacement in place before sanctioning exits, and the deal is far from straightforward despite social media rumours.Compounding the transfer uncertainty is a growing injury list: Bukayo Saka is out for “a few weeks,” Martin Ødegaard is doubtful, Kai Havertz faces knee surgery and longer-term absence, and Ben White and Christian Nørgaard are touch-and-go for the trip to Anfield.With possible departures like Zinchenko and a thin, patchwork squad heading into a tough fixture run, Arsenal must balance signings and recoveries to avoid unraveling their season ambitions.

Gyo’s critics eating humble pie already!

Arsenal demolished Leeds 4-0 at the Emirates as new signing Viktor Gyökeres announced himself with a debut brace and a late penalty, Jurrien Timber popped up with two goals and an assist, and the Gunners moved top of the table.The night had a sting with Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka forced off injured, but it also featured plenty of attacking swagger—set-pieces and pressing unlocked Leeds repeatedly, and Arsenal controlled the game from start to finish.Teenage substitute Max Dowman, just 15 years and 235 days old, made a memorable debut by winning the stoppage-time penalty, completing a fairytale moment in an otherwise clinical Arsenal display. Next up: a tough trip to Anfield.