The Loose Cannon Podcast

Move On Up Back To The Top

Arsenal beat Brighton 2-1 thanks to Martin Ødegaard’s low long-range opener and a Brighton own goal from a Declan Rice corner. Brighton hit back through Diego Gómez, but goalkeeper David Raya’s late fingertip save preserved the victory.The match was dominated by Arsenal’s pressure and set-piece threat, a nervy finish but three crucial points that put Arsenal top of the table. Next up: Aston Villa at the Emirates on December 30, then Bournemouth away on January 3.

Kepa Keeps Out Own-Goalist Lacroix

Arsenal survived a dramatic night at the Emirates, drawing late before beating Crystal Palace on penalties after nine minutes of stoppage-time chaos. Kepa Arrizabalaga dived to deny Maxence Lacroix's spot-kick to clinch the win and send Arsenal into the Carabao Cup semi-finals.Key moments included Lacroix’s own goal from a Bukayo Saka corner, a stoppage-time equaliser by Marc Guéhi, and the game-changing introductions of Martin Ødegaard and Saka. Gabriel Jesus made his 100th Arsenal appearance during a high-pressure evening.Arsenal now face Chelsea over two legs in the semi-finals, with Premier League fixtures against Brighton and Aston Villa coming up next as the squad builds momentum.

Gabi at the gates of 100 – and Palace know exactly what’s coming

On his 100th Arsenal appearance against Crystal Palace, Gabriel Jesus finally gets his milestone after a long recovery from an ACL rupture. Short cameos since his return have shown the sharp, inventive forward who links play, teases defenders and can change games — a reminder of the five-goal burst that reignited his season last year.With Viktor Gyökeres offering a more direct option, a Brazil No.9 spot still up for grabs, and one year left on his contract, Jesus has clear incentives to force his way back into the team. Tuesday night is about whether Mikel Arteta will trust the creative spark that once "changed our world."

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.