The Arsenal Opinion - by Le Grove

It's Thursday night football in 2026, and Arsenal have played out a stalemate against Liverpool at the Emirates. The result takes us six points clear at the top of the Premier League, but the performance—specifically a "f*****g awful" second half—has left the boys with plenty to vent about. THIS PODCAST RELEASED THE NIGHT OF THE GAME - IF YOU WANT THEM EARLY, JOIN UP, MEMBERSHIP AT THE BOTTOM Pete is joined by Matt Kandela and Johnny Cochrane to try and make wine out of a very muddy pool of water. While the table looks healthy, the eye test was worrying. From a lack of courage to a forward line that looks like it's playing with ten men, the lads do not hold back on a frustrating evening in North London. On the docket today: The Game of Two Halves: A decent, aggressive opening 45 minutes followed by a leggy, passive surrender of control in the second. Why did we let Liverpool turn this into a chess match? The Striker Crisis: The gloves are off regarding "Big Vik" Gyökeres. Matt and Johnny deliver a brutal assessment of the Swedish striker—is he a "statue," a "magnet for defenders," or just not up to the level? Plus, the dream of Julian Alvarez. Myles Lewis-Skelly: A tough cameo for the youngster against a rampant Frimpong. Is it time for a loan, or was he just hung out to dry? Captain Anonymous: Martin Ødegaard ghosted the big occasion. Zero shots, zero duels won, and no "arm-waving" to save us. Jurrien Timber Supremacy: The undisputed Man of the Match. Why he is the only player currently operating at an elite, "Adamantium" level. Perspective FC: We didn't lose, Liverpool had zero shots on target, and the chasers are miles off. Are we overreacting, or are the cracks starting to show? Grab a drink, take a breath, and let's digest that one. Up the Arsenal. If you want this episode ADVERT FREE, get a membership below. You get bonus content, Discord access, and early access to live show tickets. NEWSLETTER + AUDIO: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ AUDIO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Therapy Session of 2026? Much needed, I'd say.

The Dugout is back for 2026! Jim Campbell from the Football Ramble returns to shake off the New Year's haze (and the Villa celebration hangovers) for a jam-packed episode. We're looking past the "brain farts" on the South Coast and focusing on the flex. From transfer window headaches to the comedy show at Old Trafford, we're covering it all. On the menu this week: The Havertz Reboot: He's back, but will the team click or clunk with him back in the side? Nwaneri's Dilemma: Do we stick, twist, or cash in on the teenage sensation while his stock is high? The Bournemouth Flex: Why a defensive howler didn't stop us from looking like Champions. The United Heist: Ruben Amorim's "lottery win" photo and the search for a manager brave (or crazy) enough to take the reins. City's Wobble: Are the juggernauts finally looking human without their Belgian King? Liverpool Looming: Why we're ready to welcome the Reds (and why the fear factor might be gone). Plus, giving Trossard his flowers, the Eze debate, and some spicy score predictions. Tune in, get comfortable, and let's get into it. Ciao for now!

That's the way we like it… A HUGE win against a very good Bournemouth team. Arsenal had their poor moments, but the team showed a lot of resilience and got the job done! We discussed:

HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIENDS! Arsenal had a VERY good end to the year. This podcast covers off the BIG Aston Villa game. This pod is a later drop, if you want them LIVE, then click the member options in the links below.

Take a listen to the AOP Live Show 2025. The boys took over the Park Theatre at Finsbury Park and delivered an AOP On The Whistle like no other. We had Pedro, Jacob, Matt, and Johnny... and added Arsenal Legend Ray Parlour to the mixer as a special guest. We also closed out the show with a song from Dugout regulars, The Manor. If you want to see the video, check the link below and sign up for a yearly membership. Thanks for an incredible 2025. We appreciate your support, comments, DMs, casual slander, and any other new-age way you communicated with us. We're looking forward to a bigger, better, and spicier next season! Big love, The AOP team xx Auido & Writing Membership: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/p/the-aop-christmas-party-2025-members Audio: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pedro and Johnny got on the mics right after the game to discuss another monster win - our 8th of block 5! They chatted:

Host Jacob Hawley is joined by actor and comedian Ed Kear for a debut appearance on the pod. The pair dissect a frustrating but vital win against Wolves, the strange feeling of being five points clear without fully clicking, and why this season feels different to previous title charges. In this episode: The Screen Smasher: Ed talks about the relief (and rage) of the Wolves win and why dropped points against Villa and Sunderland still haunt the fanbase. The Gyökeres Debate: Is it the player or the system? Ed argues that Arsenal aren't exploiting Gyökeres' attributes, while Jacob suggests the striker is suffering from “Main Man-itis” and a lack of confidence. Captaincy Call: A bold claim that the armband might be better suited to Declan Rice or Gabriel Magalhães to drive the team through the nervy moments. Odegaard's Evolution: The boys discuss whether the captain is being too safe, if he should be moved back to an #8 role, or if he's just suffering from a lack of “fantasy” in the final third. Everton Away: Why the upcoming trip to Goodison Park feels like a season definer, and the “vibes” based argument for starting Gabriel Jesus. Follow Ed Kear on social media and catch his live stand-up dates! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edkear/?hl=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It wasn't pretty, but it was effective. The boys gather to break down a "nail-biter" against Wolves that saw Arsenal escape with a win and move five points clear at the top of the table. Despite a "destruction 11" lineup that failed to destroy, the panel discusses why winning ugly—even with two own goals—is the hallmark of champions. In this episode: The Ugly Win: Johnny labels the performance "full blown shit," but admits that finding a way to win when nothing is going right is a massive signal of intent for the title race. Jesus vs. Gyökeres: Pete declares Gabriel Jesus the "antidote" who brought Brazilian flair and energy to a stagnant attack, while the panel worries that "Big Vik" is running out of time and confidence. Super Subs: A look at how Arteta's substitutions saved the day, with Trossard and Odegaard providing the quality and "game changer" energy needed to break the deadlock. Saka's Ceiling: Matt asks if Saka is reaching "Hall of Fame" status, while Johnny compares him to Eden Hazard—a player who steps up to decide the biggest moments when the chips are down. The Eze Debate: Jacob defends Eze against claims of being anonymous, arguing the new signing needs time to adjust to Arteta's complex system, much like Declan Rice did. Arsenal newsletter: LE GROVE Exclsuive Audio: patreon.com/thearsenalopinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fresh from a cold open training session at London Colney, Simon Collings (The Standard) joins host Jacob Hawley for a new episode of The Dugout. The pair dissect the “gut punch” defeat at Villa Park, analyzing how the match descended into an “Unai Emery basketball game” and asking the big question: Can this team survive the winter without the aura of Gabriel and William Saliba? On the agenda: Defensive Frailties: Analyzing the makeshift backline and Hincapié's adjustment to the Premier League. The Eze Debate: Is he struggling to adapt to the system, or does he just need time like Declan Rice did? Odegaard's Role: Why Arsenal need the 15-goal version of their captain back. Squad Rotation: Looking ahead to Club Brugge—will Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly finally get minutes? The Striker Situation: Gyökeres' fitness, the Jesus wildcard, and the Noni Madueke conundrum. Simon's Hot Take: Why he is doubling down on his prediction that Arsenal will win the league by 10 points. We hope you loved this one! x IF YOU WANT THE ADVERT FREE VERSION OF THIS PLEASE SIGN UP HERE: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All the boys are on for this one… and it was a horrible afternoon. We got into:

It was a GLORIOUS no-drama kind of evening against Brentford which made for GOOD discussion. Pedro, Matt, and Johnny discussed:

Pedro and Jacob dive into a nervy but valuable midweek win over Brentford, unpacking:

Rough afternoon at The Bridge, but a point gained. We discuss:

Jacob Hawley is back in the Dugout with Telegraph football reporter Sam Dean to break down one of the biggest weeks in the Arteta era. Fresh off dismantling Spurs and putting Bayern Munich in a chokehold at the Emirates, the lads get stuck into the big question: is this the best-coached team in Europe? We talk through:

We've moved therapy to Tuesday, but who needs therapy when you've just walloped Spurs 4-1? Matt Kandela and Jacob Hawley join the show to joy-scroll through the wreckage of Tottenham's season and ask the big questions: Are we now culturally bigger than Real Madrid? And have we accidentally become the “Heavyweights” of world football? In this episode: ⚪️ Spurs in the Mud: We drink in the “sheer misery” of the Tottenham fan reaction videos and why watching them suffer is better than therapy.

PEDRO AND MATT WENT LIVE AFTER THE GAME TO BREAK DOWN A HUGE WIN UNDER THE LIGHTS AT A FOG-FILLED EMIRATES

On today's episode, Pete and Jacob limp out of the international break with bruised mouths, bruised lineups, and bruised optimism ahead of a monster North London Derby. We get into:

In this Dugout edition of The Arsenal Opinion Podcast, Jacob Hawley takes the hosting seat and welcomes Jack Pitt-Brooke of The Athletic for a deep dive into the North London Derby build-up. Across a lively and insightful conversation, they explore: Tottenham through the eyes of someone who covers them, not supports them, striking the perfect balance for Arsenal listeners. How international breaks shape narratives, coaching trends, and fan expectations, including the role of throw-ins, set pieces, and Premier League punditry. Why international football may actually feel more expressive than club football right now. The shift from superstar match-winners to tactical systems in the modern Premier League. A spicy segment on Declan Rice's best role, as Jack delivers his Hottest of Takes. A measured, slightly worried look at Arsenal's injury-stricken attack heading into the Derby. And finally, Jack's score prediction, which tries (and fails) to keep Spurs fans optimistic. This one blends tactics, narrative, nostalgia, and Derby-day tension. A perfect warm-up for the weekend.

It's all the boys on the show, ready to take the awesome member questions that you've all been percolating on. We covered a wide range of topics, including upcoming U-turns, the Ethan conundrum, predictions on trophy hauls, and much, much more. Thanks for making this a GREAT SHOW! x

This week's Arsenal Opinion is therapy in name only — because everyone's feeling suspiciously good. Pedro, Matt, and Jacob try to process the weird calm that comes with a 10-game winning streak, a record defensive run, and a fanbase already booking trophy parades. They dive into:

Jacob Hawley is joined by former Arsenal player and tactical guru Adrian Clarke for a deep dive into Arsenal's form ahead of the Slavia Prague game. The pair get into: ⚽️ Why Arsenal's “mini-cups” matter more than ever

The boys dive into the brilliant Burnley result that's set Arsenal up for a very good weekend — no matter what happens elsewhere. They get into:

In this week's Dugout, Jacob Hawley sits down with YouTuber, actor, and writer Alex Moneypenny for a wide-ranging chat that moves from the Emirates media box to the London theatre stage. The two talk Arsenal from every angle — the view from behind the goal at the Man City game, why Victor Gyökeres divides the fanbase, and how Mikel Marino might have shifted the title race if you ran the season in an AI sim. They debate open-play goals, Odegaard's influence, Arteta's tactical tweaks, and the fine margins separating “functioning at 60 percent” from a title-winning 100 percent. Beyond tactics, Alex opens up about pivoting from acting to writing, staging his own musical (“about a woman who thinks the Earth is flat”), and what it's like to build creative work from scratch — on stage and on YouTube. Smart football talk, creative energy, and a few laughs about coping with Arsenal trauma in the stands — it's a grounded, honest Dugout you'll want to play through twice. Find Alex below: Personal: https://x.com/alexmoneypenny The Different Knock: https://x.com/DiffKnock Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheDifferentKnock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The boys are back to discuss a HUGE three points against Palace and a delicious weekend of mega results around the league. They discuss: ⚽ The importance of Timber being our best player

The boys are back for a Thursday Therapy Session, with Pete, Matt Kandela, and Jacob Hawley breaking down Arsenal's swagger and the chaos sweeping Europe.

Pete, Matt Kandela, and Jacob Hawley return for a fiery therapy session — unpacking Arsenal's international break chaos, Viktor Gyökeres' crisis of confidence, and the looming barometer game away at Fulham. The crew debates whether the Swede's slump is just a blip or the start of a bigger rethink — and how long Mikel Arteta will persist before Kai Havertz reclaims the nine. There's deep chat on Bukayo Saka's fitness whispers, Mikel Merino's wild evolution from “bit of a clogger” to Spain's Cristiano Ronaldo, and how Arsenal's new load-management philosophy could define the season. Expect tangents, accountability, and the full Arsenal Opinion flavor — with upmarket Fellaini takes, Fulham anxiety, and more truth bombs than Gyökeres shots on target If you want these podcasts when they happen, sign up to be a member below! Audio Membership: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Audio + writing: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/8c0cfff5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The lads are back — and this one's got proper pub garden energy. Johnny Dutch and Danny Graft return to The Dugout fresh from the studio, dropping exclusives about new music, a summer beer collab, and a massive sing-along anthem in the works. From there it's pure Arsenal flow:⚽ Gabby Jesus redemption arc talk — why the chaos merchant might be key to a title run

Actor-comedian Tom Rosenthal joins Jacob Hawley for a brilliantly chaotic episode of The Dugout, diving deep into Arsenal's evolution under Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal are back on top of the league and the vibes are immaculate. Johnny and Matt break down a smooth, drama-free win over West Ham — exactly the kind of performance Arsenal have been missing in recent seasons. We get into:

In this episode of The Arsenal Opinion, Jacob is joined by special guest Laura Kirk Francis, whose Arsenal content has been lighting up social media over the past six months. Together, they relive the rollercoaster of emotions from Arsenal's dramatic win at St. James' Park, from the pain of overturned penalties to the joy of late winners. The discussion covers: Laura's debut hottest take on Jurriën Timber's Ballon d'Or potential Why Arsenal's midfield depth might now be a “good problem” for Arteta How Eze's central role changes the attacking dynamic Shifting from control to risk: a potential turning point in Arteta's philosophy The evolving role of Viktor Gyökeres and the “nice headache” of striker options A look ahead to Olympiacos and the brutal schedule to come It's a lively, insightful chat that blends tactical analysis, fan emotion, and a few laughs along the way. If you want these podcasts when the happen, sign up to be a member below! Audio Membership: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Audio + writing: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/8c0cfff5 You can also sub up via Apple Members in the Podcasts app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Arsenal Opinion crew is back with a monster episode after Arsenal's dramatic last-minute win against Newcastle. Pete, Matt, and Johnny break down the emotions of a true statement victory—relief, joy, and the sense that momentum has shifted in the title race. We cover: Big Gabby's redemption arc: from costly error to heroic match-winner Eze's standout performance and why he could be the most important piece in Arteta's new setup Arteta's aggressive approach and how it unleashed Arsenal's attacking edge The “next man up” mentality finally taking root in this squad Victor Gyökeres' polarising display—nuisance or future No.9? Martin Ødegaard's return, chemistry with Eze, and why his role might evolve this season Plus, the boys reflect on the mentality shift from last year's “victimhood” to this year's fight-first belief, and what this result means for the title run. If you want these podcasts when the happen, sign up to be a member below! Audio Membership: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Audio + writing: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/8c0cfff5 You can also sub up via Apple Members in the Podcasts app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jacob Hawley is back in the Dugout chair with Arsenal podcaster and Football Ramble legend Jim Campbell. Together they dive into Arsenal's cautious start to the season — is Mikel Arteta overthinking it, or just managing a brutal run of fixtures? They debate: ⚔️ The fine line between caution and ambition against City & Liverpool

MANCHESTER CITY (H) | ON THE WHISTLE | JOHNNY & PEDRO (EARLY BIRD)

It's a therapy session with Pete and Jacob Hawley as we dive into three days of wild Champions League football. We cover:

Jacob is joined by Kevin Lee Kharas (@kevkharas), lead singer of Real Lies and devoted Arsenal fan, for a wide-ranging conversation that blends music, football, and the madness of modern fandom. From his surreal day filming content with Myles Lewis-Skelly and watching Piero Hincapié model Christmas knitwear, Kevin dives into why he sees Mikel Arteta as building nothing less than a dynasty. The two discuss the cult-like intensity of Arsenal players, the tactical evolution under Arteta, and why football podcasts might just be the most powerful addiction in modern Britain. Expect hot takes on the “Fat Man” Viktor Gyökeres, Martinelli's role as an impact sub, Eze's best position, and how Arsenal's defence could be the foundation for turning 1–0s into fours and fives. They also look ahead to the huge clash against Manchester City at the Emirates. It's equal parts serious analysis, off-beat humour, and a reminder of why Arsenal remains one of the most romantic clubs in world football Follow Kev Kharas on Twitter! Hear the band: BANDCAMP Spotify Facebook Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's all four of the AOP boys out here discussing the HUGE win against Nottingham Forest

It's Episode Three of The Dugout series, hosted by Jacob Hawley. This week's guest is Arsenal journalist James Benge (CBS Sports, formerly Arseblog/Arsecast, now co-hosting with Charles Watts). Jacob and James dive deep into Arsenal's present and future, international break weirdness, and the narratives shaping the season so far.

If you're getting this on Tuesday… you could've had it earlier

We're debuting a brand-new format: Dugout Chat. Each week, Jacob Hawley sits down with some amazing voices in the culture to talk football, Arsenal, and everything in between. For the first episode, Jacob is joined by comedian Horatio Gould (co-host of the Fin vs History podcast. @HoratioTheGould). They dive into life as Arsenal fans across eras, the emotional rollercoaster of following Arteta's team, hot takes on transfers and players, and what makes the Arsenal fanbase unique in English football. What you'll hear in this episode: ⚽ Horatio's hottest take: Nico Pepe?

Johnny and Pedro get stuck into a MONSTER On The Whistle, where we discuss: Gyok off the mark! Jurrien Timber, best left and right back Injury nightmares continue... Zubimendi and Dekkers finding their feet! Max Dowman debut! Madueke looking VERY good Ethan... possibly not making it into Liverpool starting 11 Martinelli... 4th choice This podcast was recorded on Saturday, if you want the On The Whistles EARLY, check out membership options at the bottom of the post. If you want to be a member, join here: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ARSENAL FANS, GET ON THIS RIGHT NOW! We discuss the injury issues with Kai Havertz, then crack into the juiciest story of the window... EZE TO ARSENAL! This is Johnny and Jacob. Buckle up. Get stuck in! If you want to be a member, join here: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The very FIRST On the Whistle of the season has LANDED. It's Pedro, JC, and Kandela. Discussions were spicy after a terrible looking AMAZING victory. We discussed: Gyokeres debut Lack of Zubi / Declan chemistry Odegaard's new role Timber looking crazy good DAVID RAYA MOTM If you want to get these podcasts LIVE and 48 hours earlier than everyone else, sign up as a member below. https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ Or as an Apple subscriber. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Pedro is joined by Jacob Hawley and Johnny Cochrane for an early-bird therapy session packed with hot takes, transfer angst, and a sprinkle of schadenfreude. The lads gear up for Thursday's iconic predictions episode — last year's winner Johnny arrives smug and ready, Jacob's sharpening his knives, and Pete's quietly plotting an upset. They dive deep into Arsenal's transfer business, debating whether Eze or Rodrygo should be the final piece, how Berta's sales game will define the summer, and if a shock Martinelli exit could unlock big moves. Spurs sniffing around Eze? It's messy. There's also a detour into football's murky underbelly — from Vitesse Arnhem's Abramovich scandal to multi-club ownership, PSR loopholes, and why the Premier League keeps letting the big fish swim. Finally, a surprisingly heated chat on stutter-step penalties, who should take Arsenal's spot-kicks, and why keepers might need to adapt. Smart takes, big laughs, a bit of chaos — classic AOP. To get these podcasts right after they record, with no adverts, all season long, you'll need to be a member, sign up below AUDIO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion NEWSLETTER: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arsenal's final pre-season game brought the spark we'd been waiting for — Big Vik GYOKERES silenced the doubters with a bruising, goal-filled display, Zubimendi oozed Cesc Fabregas energy in midfield, and Kai Havertz turned up looking like he'd spent the summer living in the gym. Pete and Johnny break down the key performances, the new-look attack, and why this win could be season-defining. We also dive into Maduweke's surprise left-wing role, what it means for Martinelli, and how Arteta might rotate a now fully loaded squad heading into a brutal start to the Premier League season. To get On The Whistles right after the game, all season long, you'll need to be a member, sign up below. AUDIO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion NEWSLETTER: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Thursday Therapy time, and the whole gang is in: Pedro, Matt, and Jacob dissect a very odd Arsenal preseason. From standout teen Max Dowman lighting up the Emirates to Viktor Gyokeres' underwhelming first impression, there's a lot to chew on. We talk new signings, slow build-up play, chemistry issues, and that horseshoe of doom in possession. Jacob brings some in-stadium Guinness scouting, some ITK heat on Nonny Madueke, and Pedro bangs the table demanding a “NOW” team. We also cover: Defensive issues and preseason sloppiness Tactical tweaks we wish Arteta would try The Saka false-nine experiment Why Arsenal can't sell players (again) Rodrigo and Eze — dream or delusion? Grab a drink, put your feet up, and enjoy a pod that's equal parts therapy, preseason panic, and transfer dreaming.

Arsenal smashed Newcastle in pre-season and the boys are BUZZING.

It's a Friday Therapy Session and the vibes are ✨toxic positive✨. Pedro, Jonny, and Jacob get giddy over Victor Gyökeres taking the iconic 14 shirt and what that means for Arsenal's striker fortunes. The boys also dig into Eze-mania, the logic behind the Isak non-move, and why this transfer window might be Arteta's most mature yet. This one is for the Wenger babies, the tattoo gamblers, and anyone who thinks 13 Premier League goals is “dreaming big.” We cover: