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Daily Arsenal - S1 - E142: PSG preview… the biggest game of our season!!
9 Plays9 days ago
In this episode we will be discussing our upcoming game at home in the semi finals to PSG, we will also take a look at results from the other games over the course of the weekend! Now if you want to get involved with any of our topics discussed please do get involved through our social media, which can be found in our show notes in the description.
Host: Jamie Patterson
Guest: Craig Matthews
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Transcript
Introduction to The Daily Arsenal Podcast
00:00:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello everyone and welcome to the Daily Arsenal podcast. The only place to catch your daily fix of Arsenal where we eat, sleep and repeat talking all things Arsenal.
00:00:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Brought to you on the GSPN Podcast Network. I'm your host Jamie Patterson.
00:00:25
Craig matthews
Thank you.
00:00:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah fully with a fully functioning voice after the weekend's antics, which I'll explain about a little bit later on in the show. And as always, I am joined by my encyclopedia, Mr.
Meet the Expert: Craig Matthews, the Football Encyclopedia
00:00:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Football himself, Mr. Craig, Matthews Craig.
00:00:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
No Arsenal over the weekend, but we've been treated to some great games of football. are you feeling, mate?
00:00:52
Craig matthews
I'm feeling good, feeling confident for this week, for tomorrow, for the next game.
00:00:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Absolutely.
00:00:57
Craig matthews
Yeah.
Upcoming Clash: Arsenal vs PSG Preview
00:00:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, guys, this is the big one. This is the PSG preview. We will be discussing our upcoming game and we are kicking off at home against PSG.
00:01:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
We'll also take a look at other results from the course of the weekend as well with Premier League and ah FA Cup action during the weekend.
Engage with Us: Join the Conversation
00:01:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now, if you would like to get involved with any of the topics discussed, please do get involved through our social media, which can be found in our show notes in the description.
00:01:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right, Craig, I don't know how I can set this up for you. Champions League semi-final at home. First leg Arsenal versus PSG.
00:01:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now, I titled this as the biggest game of our season. And don't get it twisted.
PSG's Threat: Key Players and Strategy Discussion
00:02:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
We all thought Real Madrid was going to be huge.
00:02:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
But going into a semi-final, a Champions League semi-final to note, against a team like PSG, I mean, just what are your thoughts ahead of tomorrow's game?
00:02:19
Craig matthews
We have to win. rough the go but gal lead to powers take a li the power at least fine the far if win the game convinced toly in the first bla and this second i will just go for job but We have to first to, because Fiers Jr are a very good team, they haven't got the major super spots that they had in the past, like the Neymars, the Messi's or the Mbappe's of this world.
00:02:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:02:43
Craig matthews
but they they They can be very dangerous on the counter-attacks, so we have to take our chances very early and just try to win the game, obviously.
00:02:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, you're you spot on. And I think what I would be doing is... The same approach that we had for Real Madrid.
Arsenal's Advantage: Analyzing PSG's Away Struggles
00:03:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
I would go into this game with the same approach, but I would maybe switch it up a little bit because we know how threatening PSG are on the attack.
00:03:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
But another thing to realise, and I've noticed it as well, is the fact that when PSG have gone away, especially to English clubs...
00:03:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
now look I'll talk about the the ah the reverse fixture actually in the in the league phase in a minute. But we've noticed that PSG's away form English clubs has not been great. You look at the Villa result, you know, despite, them despite yes, they progressed into the semi-finals, but they didn't win that second leg at Villa Park, did they?
00:03:48
Craig matthews
No, they lost.
00:03:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
no Now, the thing is, you look at PSG's form, would do you you know And again, you kind of mentioned it there. It seems like no Mbappe, no problem by the looks of it.
00:04:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
The question I've got is, where do you see the threats coming from this PSG team?
00:04:12
Craig matthews
ah Also in the front three, the front four, and the missile is not bad either. They've got Neves, it's famous, Jao Neves, centre mid.
00:04:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:04:23
Craig matthews
They've got Petrinha. They've got Due, the young winger. And they've got Dembele. He can blow hot and cold sometimes, but they've got that new midslam they bought for Napoli in January.
00:04:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:04:40
Craig matthews
can't say it. ah
00:04:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, um Chris Keelyer.
00:04:44
Craig matthews
Yeah, they've got him as well, so.
00:04:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
So good. do you know what? I don't understand how no Premier League club went in for him.
00:04:52
Craig matthews
I know it wasn't that expensive anyway, I didn't pay lot of money for it. Definitely.
00:04:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
don't believe he was. And to be honest with you, you know You know, we've been talking actually quite a bit about so you know needing maybe a backup winger if we were to lose someone like a Trossard, for example.
00:05:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, would work quite well, wouldn't it?
00:05:12
Craig matthews
and definitely
00:05:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
would definitely work really well. I think for me, I look at this PSG team and I think for me, it's got to be the wingers. Again, you know you look at the left side of PSG.
00:05:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
You've got um Chris Kealia on the left. You've then got Dembele on the right. Now, this is the thing with Dembele. You actually really said it. You couldn't have said it any better.
00:05:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
He blows hot and cold. But PSG, though, seems to find his fit he seems to have found his feet at PSG, hasn't he?
00:05:50
Craig matthews
I think so. When he first came back there, he was a bit...
00:05:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I...
00:05:55
Craig matthews
He's done quite well for them, to be ought to be fair.
00:05:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, absolutely. And I think that's where the threat is going to be. i think whoever's playing right back, it'll probably be Uri and Timber um and Myles Luskele. I mean, again, we've we've said this week in, week out about him, but, you know, he's never he's not really experienced.
00:06:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, whenever he's been placed under the limelight, especially in such big games, the pressure doesn't faze him. pressure really doesn't phase him. The way I would go into this game, though, is I'd be really cautious. But at the same time, I think with the atmosphere being built at the Emirates, I believe that they're going to they've designed a TIFO for tomorrow night's game.
00:06:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And I think for anyone going to tomorrow night's game... Bring the atmosphere. Be loud. Show that passion. And, you know, we've we've really got to go and give it everything.
00:06:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Have to go and give it everything.
00:06:57
Craig matthews
the
00:06:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because at the end of the day, we, I don't know, but I think if we could go there, score early, i think that will be the most important thing.
00:07:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think the first goal for me will will be so huge. And I think that's where we need to grab that first goal, especially being at home.
00:07:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
But also, I wanted to ask you something, right? Because one of my mates, so I was speaking to one of my mates tonight, actually, and he asked me this question. And I thought, right, I've got to ask this to you, Craig. But would you prefer, would you have preferred going away to PSG first?
00:07:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Or do you prefer being at home to PSG first?
00:07:43
Craig matthews
um
00:07:47
Craig matthews
I think like way had that since I had the last leg also against Ramitrick like we were played at home first and then went away think I think going away first is better go away first and then
00:07:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:07:59
Craig matthews
to take it home, come back home and do the business at home.
00:08:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you know what? Agree. i said that to my mate. I turned around to my mate and I said to him, actually, to be honest with you, I i would rather i'd rather have gone away to the Parc des Prants first.
00:08:15
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:08:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, i think... If we'd gone there, you know, kle kind of just grabbed the early goal or scored first and then just mellowed out the game, even if it's a what even if we scraped 1-0 win, we'd still take it.
00:08:25
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:08:31
Craig matthews
yeah of course
00:08:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
We'd still take that back to the Emirates. And I just think, I do sit here and I do think to myself, we've we've got we've had so much time to rest since Palace that there really is no no excuse, is there?
00:08:48
Craig matthews
no had a whole week off weekend off and they lost it mate
00:08:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
And on top of that, PSG did play over the weekend.
00:08:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
And they did lose. They did lose, surprisingly. I was not expecting that in the slightest, but they did lose. do you think that's something that ah Do you think that's where Arsenal could maybe capitalise?
00:09:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
With the fact that we've had some rest, the fact that PSG have also lost over the weekend, do you think Arsenal can go and capitalise?
00:09:11
Craig matthews
but click um
00:09:19
Craig matthews
We'll have to. So this is our most important game since 2009, since we played the last semi-final of the Champions League. And this our biggest, this is one of biggest games at Emerson a long, long time. so We have to show We don't get embarrassed, we have to show up tomorrow. Who else?
00:09:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, absolutely.
00:09:36
Craig matthews
Yeah, don't be a hard.
00:09:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
nah spot on. For Arsenal though, where do you see where do you see the potential threats coming from?
00:09:46
Craig matthews
Martinelli, Saka. I need to see a big performance with Odegaard tomorrow. There's no Thomas Partey, so Deca Rice will have to have an extraordinary game again.
00:10:02
Craig matthews
I don't know who's going to play in the mid to the next room.
00:10:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think... I think you'd just put Mourinho.
00:10:08
Craig matthews
Hmm. Robert Trotter is a 4-9. Hmm.
00:10:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, you could put him as a false nine, I guess. But I just think solidly, you i think logically, the way to go about it, if you're going to have that midfield three, you'd probably have to have Odegaard.
00:10:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, you'd have Odegaard, Rice and Mourinho.
00:10:33
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:10:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
and i And that's another thing as well. No Thomas Partey. How big of a miss is he going to be for us?
00:10:42
Craig matthews
Massive. I think his form in the last couple of weeks have been been so good. And I guess Ramadulli was classed at the Bernabeu and at the Emirates as well.
00:10:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:10:52
Craig matthews
One song hero this season has done very well, not been injured as much as the last couple of seasons. There's little bit massive miss tomorrow. This is the type of games I'm voting for for these type of games so um to play in these type of matches. so And he got fifty a silly yellow card against Real Madrid because I was yellow cards avoidable.
00:11:08
Craig matthews
He didn't have to do what he did in that game. Yeah.
00:11:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, absolutely.
00:11:10
Craig matthews
Hmm. Hmm.
00:11:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
And you know what? and And you know what? Declan Rice made it clear to him as well. I mean, we all we all saw how annoyed even Rice was with him because, yeah as you said, it was such a silly and cynical foul to give away, especially being especially having the lead we had over Real Madrid.
00:11:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, being away at the Bernabeu, it was so silly, wasn't it?
00:11:37
Craig matthews
Definitely.
00:11:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
So silly. But with PSG, let's go back to PSG though. i mean, again, I kind of mentioned it earlier in the show. No Mbappe, no problem. You know, PSG are pretty much you stacked. They are stacked with such a great team.
00:11:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
um You know, we we didn't, you know, ah I'll talk about the previous game ah in the next part. But, you know, you look at the likes of Bradley Barkola. You know, you you kind of mentioned it there with Kovac.
00:12:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Kiritz Sciglia and with Dembele and then you've got Vitinha and then also Dunarama in goal. So again, it's just you look at that team and you think, wow, like what a team we're going to be coming up against tomorrow.
00:12:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think as you said, it is, it's, there's no doubt like it's an all, it's, it's pretty much all or nothing tomorrow, isn't it?
00:12:34
Craig matthews
Definitely.
00:12:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think also, we've just got to go, we've we've got to go full power here. But I think at the same time, i think where where it will be right, where we're all, can't even talk, where it will be key for Arsenal, I personally think would be set pieces.
00:12:55
Craig matthews
who
00:12:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've noticed, I've noticed quite a bit, I don't know about you, but have you noticed Donnarama's kind of positionings for for like three kicks or corners?
00:13:04
Craig matthews
I remember the first game against him this season and he got beaten by three kicks on Saka.
00:13:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:13:09
Craig matthews
he's not fur he's He's very good at penalty saving. There are areas where we can target him tomorrow if they did their homework on him again. so yeah
00:13:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, absolutely. I think it will be it'll be such an interesting game as well. um There's so much on the line here. And, you know, for any Arsenal fan going to tomorrow night's game...
00:13:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've all got to believe that we can make the final, surely.
00:13:40
Craig matthews
hundred percent
00:13:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Absolutely. You know, you don't just come to a semi-final, get this far and think, oh, well, we haven't got enough to we haven't got enough to get into the final. I mean, this would be so huge.
00:13:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
And for Arteta as well, you know, in his press conference, I really liked what he'd said about... You know, how he wants to make the atmosphere, he wants to you want every Arsenal fan to bring the atmosphere with them to the Emirates tomorrow.
00:14:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because it is going to be massively, massively needed, isn't it?
00:14:12
Craig matthews
Definitely, 100% is going to be needed and as I said, it's a massive game, it's a very massive game tomorrow. life Our season kind of hinted on it, like you know we have to well because we just have to do well tomorrow.
00:14:27
Craig matthews
There's no excuses.
00:14:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
na No, no, you're spot on. Absolutely spot on there. But guys, we're going to take a quick break in the meantime. You're going to hear from our partners. And then in the second part, we're going to continue looking back at the at the first game that we had at the Emirates against PSG.
00:14:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
And just to continue delving into both teams ahead of this semi-final first leg.
00:15:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
oh Oh, okay. i don't know why it's I don't know why that decided to repeat itself again, but welcome back, guys.
00:15:40
Craig matthews
said
00:15:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
As always, I am here with the amazing Craig Matthews as we preview the PSG game. And again, let's have a look at how we got here. I mean, you look back to our league phase and I mean the league phase, you know, we we had you know we had some interesting teams in the league phase.
00:16:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know we You know, the likes of Inter and again PSG. Now, looking back at the reverse fixture, Craig, I mean... Wow, I mean, what a game it was at the Emirates.
00:16:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
2-0. Do you remember who the two goal scorers were?
00:16:23
Craig matthews
soccer
00:16:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes, Saka was one of them.
00:16:28
Craig matthews
actually who's the other one uh it wasn't habits was it how that's more it was found the second one with my own goal isn't it
00:16:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
What are you going for?
00:16:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah The second one wasn't an own goal, actually. It was Saka because the ball went straight through because it was the free kick.
00:16:50
Craig matthews
The first goal, think was Habit scored the first goal if remember correctly.
00:16:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes, it was. Yes, it was. It was the 20th minute that Kai Havertz had opened the scoring for Arsenal. Now, again, I know we've we haven't got Kai Havertz. We haven't got any of our strikers.
00:17:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
But... Who would you want to see play as our striker tomorrow?
00:17:17
Craig matthews
Um...
00:17:22
Craig matthews
It's a hard one, it's a hard one because Arena has done so well up front in the last couple of months or
00:17:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:17:29
Craig matthews
Plus, I've done well recently, they've thrown up front. ah The only problem was when I watched him against Crystal Palace last week, he was dropping too deep and there was no one focal up there. So, it's a hard one.
00:17:43
Craig matthews
is a hard one because if Partey was not suspended, then you'd have put Marina up front and then it would have been like, you'd have had them rotating.
00:17:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:17:54
Craig matthews
And you know what, Porto Tostle got fun man. There's nobody else really can go there. There's nobody else. hope Maybe Martinelli but you're going to lose it on the left-hand side so yeah, Tostleff are through the middle and Martinelli on the left and tackle on the right then.
00:18:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I couldn't agree with you any more.
00:18:12
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:18:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think we've come to that point now in the season where, you know, I think Saka's now starting to find his feet now. You know, I would definitely have him on the right. um Up top for me, yes, I would put Martinelli on the left. And I mean, for me, yeah, I would also go Trossard up top.
00:18:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. I think, like you said, if Partey wasn't if partheid just wasn't suspended for that game, I would then do the usual midfit midfield three of Rice, Partey, Odegaard, and then you have maybe Mikael Marino up top.
00:18:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
But unfortunately, we just don't have that luxury at the minute. And that's where I really hope we can just try and keep our composure... Another player I do want to talk about is Jakub Kivior as well.
00:19:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now, we have praised him since he's come in. But... Come up against Real Madrid. Did really well against Real Madrid. Had a good game against Brentford. Had a really good game against Palace.
00:19:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
But...
00:19:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
How will PSG look to try and single out Jakub Kivior? Because everyone knows how well Saliba plays and how well you know the majority of Arsenal's back line play.
00:19:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
But do you think PSG are going to try and target Jakub Kivior?
00:19:39
Craig matthews
100%, yeah. They're going to target him, but the form he's in right now, I'm backing to do well against them. They'll target him, but he thought he did well against Real Madrid.
00:19:50
Craig matthews
He done well in the last couple of games, so... he's he got He's the most informed defender, would say, everybody else in that team. I would say he's most informed, in more form than Saliba right now, because Saliba made a couple of mistakes a couple of games recently. So you would say that Kevum is leading that back four at the moment with his performances.
00:20:11
Craig matthews
So you would hope. Yeah.
00:20:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, no, absolutely. You're spot on. I think with Kivior, he's he's kind of grown and settled into this Arsenal team.
00:20:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think the goal against Palace will do his confidence really well going into this game. And I think the fact that he'd done so well against... The fact that he'd done so well against Real Madrid um really kind of cancelled out Mbappe...
00:20:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
um my My thing is, is just how will he cope against a fast-paced PSG side? Because with Real Madrid, we we noticed it more so at the Bernabeu, was they would just fling crosses into the box. But the question is, how will Kivior be able to try and stop these fast-paced players getting past him?
00:21:09
Craig matthews
i for that other players are going to have to like, they're carousing, I have to do more defensive work tomorrow, like help him out. that cover that's covered the runs, shadowed that kind of screened the runs of the players and try and keep that back four protected.
00:21:26
Craig matthews
the The mid-fool will have to do so much work tomorrow to keep that mid-fool, just keep doing lot of defending and just shuffling across like in the back four, but just keep it solid, would say.
00:21:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, I absolutely agree with you. I think it's going to be so huge. And I think the midfield are really going to have their work cut out because at the end of the day, you've got to think to yourself, surely, and I mean just surely, if if Rice can come and cover...
00:21:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think it will be really interesting. And i I also want to talk about another player, which is Odegaard. You know, he's had a fair bit of criticism because we've not seen... We haven't seen that ah that side of Odegaard, have we, this season?
00:22:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
especially Especially since coming back from injury. where Where do you think it's kind of... Not maybe gone wrong, but where do you think it's... Why do you think...
00:22:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
don't know the the exact words, but why do you think he's not found his feet this season?
00:22:34
Craig matthews
I think he's still struggling from the injury. I don't think he, I think they're rushing back from the injury. I don't think he's fully fit. I wouldn't be surprised at the end of the season that might have to get surgery on his ankle or something. I wouldn't be surprised because he has not been the same person as his comeback. He's in courtesy, he's in struggling.
00:22:52
Craig matthews
But, you know, as they say about captains, they're leaders and he's a captain for a reason. So, he'll find a way to do something tomorrow and he'll be like, wow,
00:23:04
Craig matthews
like I'm backing them to do well to one because we need them to do well because it's only him and and the party's not around so going to have to do extra work as I said before and he's going to have to really step it up to get us across the line.
00:23:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:23:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I mean, i do feel for Odegaard. you know what? Again, like you said, i think it wouldn't surprise me if at the end of the season it might get revealed that, oh, well, actually...
00:23:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, Odegaard's been playing through the pain. Maybe he's, you know, I don't know if he's been taking paracetamol for it, like the way Declan Rice and and Ben White did, I'm sure. um and And yeah, I do feel for Odegaard because before his injury, you know, he actually was looking quite promising, wasn't he?
00:23:57
Craig matthews
It was, it was.
00:23:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, and we look back to last season and last season last season he was phenomenal for us. Absolutely phenomenal. But I just think, I think you make such a good point with, I think you make a good point about his injury.
00:24:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, it's not been the same since it's all kind of, since he had that injury. Did we rush him back a bit too soon? Maybe. Because did he not start, did he not start the first game back?
00:24:28
Craig matthews
I think he did against Brighton. He came back against Brighton if don't know correctly. thought it Brighton away.
00:24:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think i've always been a an I've always been one for, if we're bringing players back from injury, what I would then go and do is just try and at least just p play out.
00:24:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, just, you know, starting from the bench, give them a little run out. You know, you know, like what we've done with Saka.
00:24:51
Craig matthews
of course.
00:24:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
I would have done that same approach with Odegaard. Any player that's come back from injury, I'd have just done that same approach.
00:24:59
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:24:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because at the minute, it seems to work well for Saka at the minute.
00:25:05
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:25:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I don't see why it couldn't work well for anyone else.
00:25:09
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:25:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
But, Craig, I've got to ask you the big question. Before we go into the ad break, I've got to ask you the big question. What is the scoreline? What is your predicted scoreline for the game?
00:25:24
Craig matthews
Yeah. Oh, don't mind.
00:25:31
Craig matthews
My head says 3-0 and my heart says 2-1. There you go.
00:25:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ooh.
00:25:39
Craig matthews
but
00:25:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
If you had to pick one.
00:25:44
Craig matthews
I'll be happy with the 3-0 win going to thele into the glens to Paris. I'll be happy with the 3-0 win.
00:25:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:25:49
Craig matthews
That'll be the ice on the cake. Clean sheet at home. Going to Paris.
00:25:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, absolutely.
00:25:54
Craig matthews
Going to Paris a week and a half time with the lead. We have to go to the... We can't... We have to go to like... the power to the lead the combo down a nil nor one one you have to go there with the league but paris
00:26:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, absolutely. would you go there Would you go there if it was like a 1-0 draw or a 0-0 draw?
00:26:12
Craig matthews
their ground is very they they've got their ultras their ultras are very like they're proper
00:26:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, they're very loud enough for it.
00:26:19
Craig matthews
they're proper there so it'll be very intimidating game but we've been to intimidate stadiums in the past but know this is a young team that we've got not like you know there's only a few experienced players in the team so we'd rather go there with a big lead at least so we can you know what we need to do and get out there as quick as possible after the game and win the game and then go to the final that's all that want yeah 3-0
00:26:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
course.
00:26:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, are you saying 3-0 then, yeah?
00:26:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Bold. That's really bold, Craig. That's bold. For me, I think... Oh, my gosh. I think for me, I would probably go...
00:26:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know what? I'm going to be really bold myself. I'm going 3-1 Arsenal. I'm going 3-1 Arsenal. I think... We get the early goal. I think we could be really dangerous on the counter-attack.
00:27:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
I just think we... I think Partey will be a big miss for us. But i just think whoever's going to be... If it is going to be that midfield three of Marino, ah Rice and Odegaard, I think we'd be in good hands.
00:27:24
Craig matthews
Yeah, definitely.
00:27:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I think it'll be 3-1. But we're going to take a quick break, guys. That is our predictions. Let us know actually what your predictions are. We'd love to know what your what your predictions would be.
00:27:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
And yeah, join us after the break as we will be looking back at the weekend's action from the Premier League and the FA Cup.
00:28:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
And welcome back to this third and final part of our PSG preview. But we are going to turn our attention to the Premier League and the FA Cup action that took place over the weekend.
00:28:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now, first of all, it's a pretty it was pretty obvious, wasn't it, Craig? But congratulations to Liverpool on winning the Premier League title today.
00:28:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Arne Slott's first season and he has gone and won Premier League title. And let's take a moment to laugh at Spurs because as if the season can't get any bad for them.
00:29:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Imagine going to Anfield and getting batted 5-1. mean... one i mean
00:29:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
If you ever want Spurs to do you a favour, don't rely on them, basically.
00:29:22
Craig matthews
That's 19.
00:29:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I mean, what a game. Craig, what what were your thoughts? I mean, what were your thoughts?
00:29:29
Craig matthews
They just destroyed them. It's like a training ground. Attack on the defensive defense.
00:29:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
LAUGHTER
00:29:36
Craig matthews
19 defeats all season. That's a work. If we ever get sat at the end of the season, be shocked.
00:29:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do know what? I was saying that as well. i was I thought the exact same thing. imagine Do you know what it is? It's the Europa League that's keeping him by a thread.
00:29:50
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:29:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I just ah don't see them winning the Europa League.
00:29:55
Craig matthews
No, can't. It'd be a miracle if they won it.
00:29:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah don't even want to know I don't even want to think about it.
00:30:02
Craig matthews
You wouldn't hear the end of it.
00:30:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't even want to think about it.
00:30:04
Craig matthews
You wouldn't hear the end of it. like Imagine the Super Cup that season.
00:30:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, absolutely.
00:30:09
Craig matthews
We wouldn't have said they were in the roof of the Arsenal Spurs in the Super Cup that season. Oh, Super Cup for
00:30:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, and then Arsenal go beat him in the Super Cup. Yeah, brilliant. I'll take that.
00:30:18
Craig matthews
them.
00:30:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'll happily take that.
00:30:21
Craig matthews
Oh, man.
00:30:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Then who's laughing now?
00:30:23
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:30:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then just ah from, ah we'll look at just quickly from Sunday's results. so Bournemouth won. Man United won. Rasmus Hoyland With a last-minute equaliser. I mean, goodness me.
00:30:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
As if Spurs are having a bad enough season. Same could be said for United as well, really.
00:30:48
Craig matthews
they' They're hanging on to the Europa League as well. They're another team trying to win of the Europa League.
00:30:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:30:53
Craig matthews
I don't know. feel like every team has their errors and time when they win things and they dominate football.
00:31:04
Craig matthews
Man Utd had their 90s and 2000s. They won literally every trophy.
00:31:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
What
00:31:10
Craig matthews
Then Liverpool came back. Man City had their run. you know, a little full comeback this season. So it it goes it goes right it goes around the circles.
00:31:20
Craig matthews
and Everyone has their time. So what happens with them. They've got new manager now.
00:31:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
are you trying to say, Craig?
00:31:25
Craig matthews
But I don't know.
00:31:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Maybe next season it could be Arsenal's time?
00:31:31
Craig matthews
It needs to be. Has to happen.
00:31:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, absolutely.
00:31:34
Craig matthews
Has to happen. Has to happen.
00:31:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
oh my gosh. I get sick and tired of finishing second to either Liverpool or City. when When will we ever catch a break?
00:31:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Like, when will we actually ever catch a break?
00:31:49
Craig matthews
Same.
00:31:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then, just quickly looking at Saturday's results, Chelsea 1, Everton 0.
00:31:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, i you know what? I thought that'd end as a draw, to be fair.
00:32:01
Craig matthews
Same.
00:32:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, Moyes has got a really good, you know, he's got his team playing really good football. And, you know, Chelsea, they've not been in the greatest of form. But I thought for some reason that would end in a draw.
00:32:14
Craig matthews
a did
00:32:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then it also finished Brighton 3, West Ham 2.
00:32:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
And the then we had Newcastle 3, Ipswich 0, which then confirmed Ipswich also going down. And it's a second consecutive season that the three teams that were promoted from the championship are all being sent back down to the championship.
00:32:42
Craig matthews
No,
00:32:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Wolves 3, Leicester 0.
00:32:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Again, we talk about we're talking about managers still holding on to their jobs. For Ruben Nistroy, I mean, had it quite worked you know had did he had a decent run of games at United, overcame it, and unfortunately it's just not worked for him at Leicester, has it?
00:33:05
Craig matthews
that's all it's hard for the tool.
00:33:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you see him going at the end of the season? Or do you see him getting sacked?
00:33:09
Craig matthews
They won't get me there. They might come to an agreement to terminate his contract or he might just leave walkout. It depends on what they if if they can get them on next season but the other three are going to stay. I don't know.
00:33:23
Craig matthews
It's a shame really. I'm back the Dribourne at Leicester. thought they were getting the opportunity to prove themselves the Premier League. That's been awful.
00:33:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
They have been, haven't they? they They've been, you know, we we talk about, you know, everyone talks about Southampton, but I mean, wow, Leicester, on the other hand, have been just as shocking, if anything.
00:33:35
Craig matthews
It's a shame.
00:33:47
Craig matthews
No,
00:33:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And then also speaking of Southampton, Losing 2-1 to Fulham. Emil Smith-Rowe. I do see her and think myself. just If only we had him for another season.
00:34:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Great see him doing well at Fulham though, isn't it?
00:34:08
Craig matthews
he deserves it right, I like him as an all-bar. He wasn't getting minute. He wasn't hardly playing last season, so game time. So, know, that's how it is sometimes.
00:34:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:34:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Absolutely. And then, just quickly turning our attention to the f FA Cup, two semi-finals, both at Wembley. Forest 0, City 2, with goals coming from Rico Lewis and Guardiola.
00:34:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, is that a surprise result to you, Craig?
00:34:44
Craig matthews
I thought Torres could have won that game, you know. They hit the post. So, Gibbs White had like three, I think he had three chances, three or four chances.
00:34:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Wow. Wow.
00:34:52
Craig matthews
The volley, they hit the crossbar. I thought if that had gone in, that would have been through on He had one when he went around the goalkeeper.
00:34:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:34:59
Craig matthews
I think Guardiola played a back pass on it. He swat back pass. He read it and anticipated it.
00:35:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Uh-huh.
00:35:05
Craig matthews
He went around the goalkeeper and tried to swat and hit the post and came off.
00:35:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yep.
00:35:09
Craig matthews
He had another chance towards the end of the header in the 90 seconds.
00:35:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's it.
00:35:14
Craig matthews
He headed it. And then I think, what's his name again? all
00:35:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Weren't Gibbs White, was it?
00:35:19
Craig matthews
The striker. No, it was a striker. one he came off.
00:35:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, Tyra won you. Tyra won you.
00:35:25
Craig matthews
And he volleyed it and hit the post.
00:35:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
ye Yeah, no, absolutely.
00:35:28
Craig matthews
I think Mancilla were very fortunate to win that game yesterday, to be honest with you. think Forest were very unlucky another day that won that game.
00:35:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Forrest, I mean, I said it to my girlfriend yesterday, but how's your luck? Like, seriously, how's your luck? Do you know what I mean?
00:35:45
Craig matthews
a
00:35:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
and unfortunately, it just didn't work out for him at all, did it?
00:35:51
Craig matthews
No, they don't work off. so
00:35:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then the reason why I said at the very start that I've got a fully fully functioning voice is because I was lucky enough to be at Wembley to watch Palace 3 Aston Villa nil.
00:36:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now, Craig, we we both said, right, that Palace would go on to win the cup. And I mean, what a win against Villa. I mean, being at the game was just unbelievable.
00:36:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Great atmosphere the Palace fans brought. um Just amazing football. Ismail Assar, I mean, wow, what a player.
00:36:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
What a player.
00:36:39
Craig matthews
And
00:36:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
That first goal was something else. I mean, I didn't... It wasn't... Was it my end? It was in my end. No, it wasn't. But, oh my gosh, some strike.
00:36:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Some strike. And then for him to go and finish it off at the end, unbelievable. I mean, what a game. And the atmosphere from Palace fans was just 10 out of 10. Unbelievable.
00:37:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
For those of you that didn't know, but I was voice noting Craig. Craig, I mean, how but how bad was my voice on Saturday night?
00:37:19
Craig matthews
No, you were happy man. I thought that, that to be honest, after Palace got the draw against Arsenal on Wednesday we played the last week, I kind of thought that they had the confidence going into that game.
00:37:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it was on Wednesday night, yeah.
00:37:34
Craig matthews
mu I thought, you know what, they're going to go ahead and just beat them. mean, Arsenal destroyed them. I don't think they had any chance in the game to score. They were just, Palace were dominant from minute one.
00:37:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, and i think any chances they did have, I mean, Dean Henderson, again, i mean, spoke about him on Wednesday night, but I mean, like again, just pulling heroics at Wembley, absolutely amazing, absolutely amazing.
00:37:55
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:38:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I mean, again, sit here and still think to myself, how he's not England's number one, I just don't know. But what a final we have on our hands.
00:38:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
I just, I just, I'm genuinely speechless because it will be such a good final. Such a great final. I mean, we we both know we want to see, we both know we want to see win the FA Cup.
00:38:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
But the question is,
00:38:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
you think they'll, do you think, do you just think they'll be able to score early and just keep City at bay?
00:38:41
Craig matthews
ah that then They played half a week ago, didn't they? Etienne and they scored two early goals.
00:38:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
They did at the Etihad. Uh-huh.
00:38:47
Craig matthews
so
00:38:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Could have been three if it wasn't if offsite if it was an offside as well.
00:38:55
Craig matthews
i I honestly feel that I want Palace to win. I think they deserve it. They've been playing good football this season. When they the season, they were struggling.
00:39:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:39:06
Craig matthews
Everyone forgot they were really strong at the start of the season. um um They didn't sack the manager, they stick by the manager and he's repaid the club and the fans with some great performances. Meteta has been scoring goals for fun.
00:39:18
Craig matthews
Eze, you know what Eze can do.
00:39:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yep.
00:39:20
Craig matthews
Sardman has been a very good signing as well because he he was wanting to replace Eze.
00:39:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mmm.
00:39:27
Craig matthews
Alise, sorry. They're not a different profile of player, but he's really specked up the last couple of months.
00:39:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:39:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Definitely.
00:39:35
Craig matthews
He's been electric. So he's done his thing. So you would want him to go to the final, win it. It'd be nice for small clubs to win the FA Cup. You see the usual big club winning all the time.
00:39:48
Craig matthews
It'd be nice for someone else to have a count.
00:39:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know what? Honestly, You couldn't have said it better. club like Palace. And you know what? Give Palace their respect at the end of the day because they have been, they've had such a great season.
00:40:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm very unfortunate, ah very unfortunate that they didn't have um Mateta at the start of the season because if he had played at the start of the season, I mean, goodness knows, they'd probably be in Europe.
00:40:02
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:40:15
Craig matthews
Definitely.
00:40:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
they would probably be in Europe by now. And I think this is that this is an amazing shot at Europe. Absolutely amazing shot at Europe.
00:40:23
Craig matthews
definitely
00:40:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
And, Imagine the money they get from getting into the Europa League, plus the Premier League money the effort for winning the FA Cup and so on It would be absolutely humongous. Would I like to be at the game for at Wembley?
00:40:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes, but I believe the allocation... The allocation actually quite a shocking allocation, actually. I think it's about £18,000 for each club, believe. So... each club i believe
00:40:47
Craig matthews
Oh yeah, and then you have the other fans other people that can't go in there as well, so it's kind of mixed.
00:40:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
so
00:40:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's it. Yeah, exactly.
00:40:56
Craig matthews
I want them
00:40:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I think it's ah it'll be interesting to see how that unfolds. But yeah, me and Craig, we're we're back in Palace all the way to go and win it. Hopefully they do. and
00:41:06
Craig matthews
to win, honestly, I think they deserve to win.
00:41:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Same.
00:41:09
Craig matthews
deserve it.
00:41:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Same. I kind of realised from maybe the quarterfinals that I actually wanted Palace to win because... they They've been on a good cup run, haven't they? They've been on a really good cup run.
00:41:19
Craig matthews
Definitely.
00:41:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
And that win against Villa was huge. And that really will put them in good shape now for the rest of the season and going into the FA Cup final.
00:41:28
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:41:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
But we will find out as time goes on. But have you liked what we've had to say? Make sure to go and show us some love on social media and go and give us your thoughts on any of the topics discussed on our show.
00:41:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
As always, make sure to go and show us some love and support by subscribing to the GSPN Network for all things Premier League, WSL, Serie World Cup and more. You can find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify by searching Daily Arsenal.
00:42:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
I've been your host, Jamie Patterson. He's been the amazing Craig Matthews. Have a good day and take care.