Transcript
Global Sports Podcast Network: Hello everyone and welcome to the Daily Arsenal podcast where this is your one-stop shop as we bring you all the latest Arsenal news and views brought to you on the GSPN podcast network. I am your host and freshly back from Scotland after what has been a crazy couple of days for all Scotland fans everywhere as they have made it to their very first World Cup in the face of 27 now.
Global Sports Podcast Network: I'm your host, Jamie Patterson. And of course, I'm joined by my amazing crew of Arsenal connoisseurs in Craig Matthews and Rodney Gooden. Guys, it's been a while.
Global Sports Podcast Network: have you guys been?
Rodney Gooden: no
Rodney Gooden: Honestly, given the recent news, I got a temper that, you know, I've been all right. But recent news coming from the Arsenal camp and what's been going on with our players. Yes. Soured my international break.
Global Sports Podcast Network: yeah No, I get you. Totally get you there, Rodney. Craig, how you feeling?
Craig matthews : Yeah, I've been good disappointed Jamaica. messed up yesterday in the qualifiers.
Global Sports Podcast Network: ah
Rodney Gooden: That's true.
Global Sports Podcast Network: you know what?
Craig matthews : Oh, man.
Global Sports Podcast Network: where Where there's been joy for all Scotland fans, there's been so much heartbreak for all the other nations in this in World Cup qualifying. I mean, who thought Nigeria would not be in a World Cup?
Rodney Gooden: True.
Global Sports Podcast Network: You know, Jamaica, really unfortunate as well.
Rodney Gooden: Oh,
Craig matthews : All they needed was one goal. One goal to qualify, you know.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Craig matthews : And we would have gone through.
Rodney Gooden: yeah. Oh, bro.
Craig matthews : One goal, you know.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Craig matthews : But they're in the playoffs anyway, so hopefully they can get through to the playoffs. So, yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: True. That is true, to be fair.
Rodney Gooden: Mm.
Global Sports Podcast Network: I mean, car um ah are you surprised, actually, that Steve McLaren has decided to leave?
Craig matthews : He had no choice. but but but that that that That would have
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, that's so true, to be fair. That's true. That's so true.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Oh my.
Craig matthews : the
Global Sports Podcast Network: But yeah, no, I can't lie. I probably stayed up till like the early early hours of the morning still watching over the Scotland and highlights. Oh my gosh, what a night that was.
Rodney Gooden: Mm.
Global Sports Podcast Network: What a night. And bearing in mind, I didn't even watch the game.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: I was at a concert last night and my mates there messaging me, oh, we've made it. Oh, we're going to the World Cup.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah. You see, you see, was your boy as well.
Global Sports Podcast Network: It's
Rodney Gooden: tiny bro Yeah.
Craig matthews : Yeah, dude.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Oh, do you know what? I'm telling you, since since I was out there in Glasgow, something's changed in his game and I'm proud.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: I'm proud of Tierney. Great finish. That was a striker's finish there, I'll tell you that.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah. I saw that and i was like, Jamie Oshby going crazy.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Do you know what?
Craig matthews : but
Global Sports Podcast Network: I wasn't. you know what it was, right? My mate didn't even tell me any of the scorers. It was only till I'd got home, watched the highlights and was like, my jaw dropped. i was like, there's no way this guy's actually picking up a bit of form.
Global Sports Podcast Network: As soon as I come to Glasgow, watched him at Celtic go and score as well.
Rodney Gooden: Mmm.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Oh, my gosh. Absolutely insane. Absolutely insane. But guys, in this episode, we are going be talking about our injuries during the international break.
Rodney Gooden: Mmm.
Global Sports Podcast Network: um But we'll also be talking about players coming back from injury. um So this will be a very interesting show. i can tell you that for a matter of fact.
Craig matthews : Mm-hmm.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But as always, guys, if you want to get involved with any of the topics discussed in the show, please do get involved through our social media, which can be found in our show notes in the description. Guys, I think there's only one place we have to start, really. And, I mean, as Craig said off air, it had to happen at the Emirates.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Brazil, Senegal. I mean, I don't know if any of yous were at the game, but... Gabriel.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: You know, King of Brazil.
Craig matthews : pain.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Gabriel getting injured.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: And finding out only, was it today or yesterday, that... He could be out for at least two months.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: night
Craig matthews : that said but okay
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah. yeah
Rodney Gooden: man sure twenty twenty six return Oh
Global Sports Podcast Network: So true. know. I mean, Craig, what are your what your thoughts on on the injury?
Craig matthews : Could it have been avoidable? Because apparently he wasn't training with the team, but a couple of days before game, apparently.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Craig matthews : I heard heard that. And I thought, OK, so maybe maybe the manager would be smart rest him for this game. Don't risk him. Played him. think he played first half and he came from the second half, if I'm not correct.
Global Sports Podcast Network: ah
Craig matthews : Or was half-time he came off? I know he was there for the first two goals that were scored, I think. And then he came off injured after that.
Global Sports Podcast Network: I think he came off injured. I think he came off injured before. No, I think he came off injured that half.
Rodney Gooden: No, it's 65th minute he got substituted. Yeah, that was it.
Craig matthews : Yeah, so he's got the two goals and he came to the second half.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, second off.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Craig matthews : Story of our luck, eh? As Arsenal fans, always, always, always something happens to our best players.
Global Sports Podcast Network: I know.
Craig matthews : It's injured or...
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Craig matthews : And a crucial part of the season as We've got our rivals, Bayern, and our other rivals, Chelsea.
Rodney Gooden: Chelsea.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, really, really not looking good. But Rodney, I mean, despite obviously hearing the news about Gabriel, you were you a bit more confident with Mosquera kind of stepping in that role, especially for three big games, you know, the North London derby, um you know, Bayern in the Champions League at the Emirates and then away to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, I mean, honestly, it's not ideal because I think Gabby's been just such a big presence for us, not just leading that back line as well, but also just a box threat for a lot of our set piece play too, you know. But I think Mascara, fantastic player.
Rodney Gooden: He's settled in quite nicely too, and he's shown to be calm under pressure, solid composure on the ball. I have a little bit of concern because, you know, he's pretty much more right-sided, whereas like Gabby's more left-sided as well, as well, even in terms how footed.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: So, I think if I had to choose, maybe we would been better have Saliba out for a little bit and then have Gabi still be there too. So it's not ideal whatsoever, but I feel much more confident than we did last season.
Rodney Gooden: We've got a decent replacement. And I think, honestly, this is the time for him to step up. Same as he did with the Saliba injuries. It's time for Mosquera to just kind of link up into that back four and show us what he can do.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, absolutely. Craig, I mean, it's not it's not great hearing about Gabriel being out. How much of a presence is he going to be missed when it comes to our corners and our and our set pieces especially?
Craig matthews : Massive, massive, massive miss.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Craig matthews : He's like another striker for us. He can get a goal from a set, please.
Rodney Gooden: True.
Craig matthews : Bang, goal. And he takes the pressure off all other players in this team. And he has calmness on the defence as well with Saliba. Saliba's a different player when it doesn't play.
Global Sports Podcast Network: True. True.
Craig matthews : So I'm hoping that Saliba's going to have to be leading that back four now while he's injured, whilst Gabriel's injured.
Global Sports Podcast Network: And I've gone.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Craig matthews : to help the younger players through.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, no, absolutely. A question I'm going to throw to the both of you is since we're, you know, since we haven't got Gabriel now, where, you know, we've set pieces. Where do you see our goals coming from?
Global Sports Podcast Network: What players do you see kind of maybe stepping up?
Rodney Gooden: Well, I said you're going to to trust Mikel Moreno to come in there since we know that Jokora is not going to be back for a little bit. You can always trust Saka to be creative on that wing too. And in the absence of Noni Madaweke, we're just going to have to sit there and hope it's Leandro that's going to be coming forward too.
Rodney Gooden: ah In that midfield, Declan's still fit, you know, so we're going to have to trust some of those driving runs, especially with those set-piece deliveries as well.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: So maybe more so assist than some of the goals, but he showed you with that glorious header just the other week too that he can still contribute. And yeah, you know, if Supermendy's still fit, another volley from outside the box arriving late, maybe. ah But yeah, but i think defensively, yeah, I don't know. I feel like Gabi's just got that commanding presence. So I go, maybe Saliba's shown to be able to do it once or twice as well, but I think Gabi's more reliable too. So if I saw it from Mascara, if I saw it from Saliba, that would be lovely. But I'm thinking it's going to be further up the pitch where going to get more of those goal contributions for now, anyway.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, absolutely. Craig, how about you?
Craig matthews : I think Timber was called a half-or-gospels at peace of the season.
Rodney Gooden: That's true. Yeah, he got a brace earlier this season.
Craig matthews : Timber.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Good shout.
Craig matthews : Timber's the one I think I'm back. I think Motegeiro could get a goal or two.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Craig matthews : Sanivar's really scored a lot of goals from set pieces for us. With his size as well, he's going to get more goals. So hopefully he can step off and get more goals.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Craig matthews : Maybe Califori.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Our secret left winger, yeah.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: I mean, so that's a good shout there, to be fair.
Rodney Gooden: I mean, sure, if he's fit though, isn't he still injured too?
Global Sports Podcast Network: Well, discussion also.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Craig matthews : Pop, pop, pop.
Global Sports Podcast Network: There is, yeah. We'll talk about that in a second.
Rodney Gooden: It's true.
Global Sports Podcast Network: mark
Rodney Gooden: If he has a speedy recovery, absolutely, I back it. Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, nah, I hear you. I completely hear you.
Craig matthews : uh,
Global Sports Podcast Network: But my my thought process, again, with with the international break and and these so-called friendly games... the my My thought process has been quite simple around this.
Global Sports Podcast Network: If you have not got a qualifier, I don't care. If you've not got a qualifier, you should not be called.
Rodney Gooden: Oh, yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: There should be no games whatsoever.
Rodney Gooden: I know what you're saying.
Global Sports Podcast Network: And I get it. i do understand it, right?
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yes, we have got a World Cup coming up around the corner. Yes, I know it's it's next year and, you know, it'll be in America and so on and so on. But what are the point of these international games?
Global Sports Podcast Network: Imagine if we didn't have this game at the Emirates. Imagine if Brazil weren't playing at the Emirates and Brazil would just, and, you know, imagine if they just thought to themselves, oh, you know what, we'll stay, you know, we won't have an international break.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Players can, you know, stay at their respective clubs, build fitness up, rest, and then get ready for their next set of games. I just don't get it I really don't get it. I think JD mentioned on the on on a previous pod that the best time to bring friendly games in is before the World Cup.
Global Sports Podcast Network: And that is it.
Craig matthews : Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: That's it.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But I don't know. i just look, there's got to be a better way around it because we've, you know, we've spoken so heavily about, you know, you know, there being too many games, fixture congestion and then players getting ah worked up and and overused and burnt out so quickly. And then we get injuries like, you know, like Gabriel, for example, and, you know, Nonny Madweke, you know, and and more long term injuries. And then it's like, well, OK, lucky for Arsenal, we have squad debt, you know.
Global Sports Podcast Network: We know that maybe for the North London derby, we're going to turn to Mosquera. You know, if we don't have, say, Calafiore, we'll have to maybe play Mars Luschetti in the left-back role.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But with these injuries, are you worried at all going into the North London derby?
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, because I think we're coming up to the limits of what all the depth we acquired in the summer can really accomplish. Like now we're starting to have players getting injured faster than they're coming back. So obviously, can we still put out a strong 11 ahead of Tottenham, ahead of Bayern, ahead of Chelsea?
Rodney Gooden: Like, absolutely. But not the strongest 11 that we have, you know, within our midst, you know, not the strongest 11 that's capable, that's possible.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: And these are some really big games, some really difficult games where you want to sort of build on momentum too. So am I a bit worried? Again, the Spurs' away form has been pretty solid. North London Derby is always a game in which, you know, both teams will be up for it.
Rodney Gooden: I really want to have our strongest XI coming out there, and we don't. Am I confident that we have enough firepower to win the game? Sure. But it's going be more difficult than it should be due to the amount of injuries that we've piled up. So, little bit concerning, to be honest with you, Jamie.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, no, absolutely. I'm not... I don't know how I feel going into the North London Derby, but Craig, how about you? how How do you feel going into this?
Craig matthews : Not that confident. no i know
Global Sports Podcast Network: Ooh, okay.
Craig matthews : Not that confident.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Of
Craig matthews : I think if Gabriel was more confident, I'd back my team no matter what. It's going to be one of those games where don't know, man.
Global Sports Podcast Network: course.
Craig matthews : It's just... Around this time of the year, November always seems to be difficult month for Arsenal in the Premier League their last couple of years or so. When it comes to November, December always seems to struggle a little bit with injuries or loss of form.
Craig matthews : I'm hoping from this season be proven right we do better and get a couple of wins, get good results this month and next month. so um I think we could definitely beat Tottenham on Sunday. 100% we can beat them, but It's not going to be easy game.
Craig matthews : We're going to have defend for our lives against them to beat them.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, no, that is, you know, you're spot on there. Absolutely spot on. Am I worried going into the North London derby? I'm a bit 50-50, if I'm going to be honest. I don't know where my head's at because, you know, we we talk about players being injured.
Global Sports Podcast Network: And yes, we have got that squad depth. But for me, when I look at players like Myles Lewis-Skelly, you know, he hasn't had many minutes in in the Premier League. has You know, he's had his minutes in the Champions League.
Global Sports Podcast Network: um And again, someone that has been spoken about during the course of the international break for not being selected for England and for not having enough game time on whether he should go out on loan. um It will be really interesting to see how he maybe steps up if Calafiore is still injured. i don't know what the...
Global Sports Podcast Network: I don't know what the update is on Calafiore, but from what I've been hearing in the news is that he should be fit for the North London derby. Whether he will be is another question because he's been, you know, Calafiore again has been one of them players that has been very questionable, especially when it comes to fitness and injuries. You know, we've unfortunately not had a full season.
Global Sports Podcast Network: You know, we've not, we're still yet to experience a full season with Calafiore. And if it is a case that he is injured going into this weekend,
Rodney Gooden: yeah
Global Sports Podcast Network: I'd like to know how long he'd be out for and hopefully it won't be too long an injury. But I guess we'll just have to see what happens. In the meantime, we're going to take another break. And when we come back, we are going to talk a bit more about Calafiore. I want to get the boys' reaction and the thoughts to him.
Global Sports Podcast Network: um There was also discussion that maybe Timber could be potentially, ah who might have picked up a little knock. um And of course, we'll also talk a bit more about ah players that could be returning to Arsenal maybe within the next few weeks. So join us after this quick break.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Oh, I don't know why this keeps doing this. This is the second episode that this has done it.
Rodney Gooden: Classic.
Craig matthews : Thank you.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Oh my gosh. I haven't got the loop on or nothing. I promise you. promise haven't got the loop on. But guys, welcome back to this second part of our international injuries and the players obviously returning.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But let's talk a little bit more about the injuries because obviously during the international break, apart from Gabriele, there was news coming out of the Italy camp that Calafiore had left the Italy camp.
Global Sports Podcast Network: um Are you guys worried about that at all?
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, just a little bit as well. Because I think, as you said before the break, Jamie, we haven't really had a full season with Calafiore. And we know that he's quite prone to injuries. And this season, he's been you know instrumental in the winning ways of this Arsenal squad.
Rodney Gooden: you know He's made 12 appearances in all competition for Arsenal. He started 11 of all of our top flight fixtures too. And he's got a goal and two assists over the season. you know
Global Sports Podcast Network: ah you see
Rodney Gooden: Tall profile, amazing going forward as well. And again, as we know with Calafiore, every goal he scores is an absolute banger too. Really, really, really solid player.
Craig matthews : Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: But we know that he's a bit delicate, can be a bit fragile too. So when I hear that he's had to leave the the Italy squad's camp, you know, it's not really good news. It's not really what you want to hear. I like that it seems to be a bit of a precaution.
Rodney Gooden: I like how Gattuso, you know, when a record has said that wouldn't be fair because Califiori's had some issues too. So he's made the decision to say he could have played him, said that it wouldn't be fair to him, wouldn't be fair to Arsenal, and then kind of sent him back too.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: Makes you wonder, you know, the Gabriel situation as well.
Global Sports Podcast Network: yeah
Rodney Gooden: Could have been a bit better.
Global Sports Podcast Network: that
Rodney Gooden: But it is what it is. it's um I do respect that from the Italian squad's manager, but it's unfortunate for Calla right now where I go, hopefully he'll be fit for some of these games that we have coming in. But there's no doubt that if he isn't, it's a major loss.
Rodney Gooden: Can Myles Lewiskele do a job? Absolutely. He's a solid of player too, but I like to have that option. you know In case something happens to one of those players mid-game, we have the option of rotating and having that substitution. So when it happens to Myles in-game, what do we have now? So again,
Rodney Gooden: really started to stretch the limits of that depth too and we're missing a quality player who can deliver going forward and of course putting in a shift defensively so fingers crossed he gets a speedy recovery hmm
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, no, absolutely. a Wishing Calafiore and Gabriel both a very speedy recovery. um Something that I want to touch on ah to Rodney's point, and I'm going to ask you this, Craig.
Rodney Gooden: hmm
Global Sports Podcast Network: But do you think if, say, for example, let's take Gabriel, for example, because as Rodney mentioned before, you know, i think you mentioned it, sorry, um about how he was training away separately from the squad.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Do you think international managers should show a bit more respect to, you know, the player and their club to say, well, actually, you know, we don't think this player's good enough, you know, we don't think this player's fit enough, so we're going to therefore send him back to, you know, we're going to therefore send him...
Global Sports Podcast Network: back to his club so that he can get rested and, you know, and have a much more speedy recovery, you know, and I think like you said there, Rodney, I think it was really respectful of Gattuso to actually turn around and be like, you know what, we don't want to, we don't want to have an impact where his injury gets worse. So you know what? Let's just send him back to Arsenal and then he can focus on his season for Arsenal before the next international break, which, thank goodness, isn't until March.
Global Sports Podcast Network: So, Craig, do you feel like international managers should have a bit more respect um when it comes to injuries and, you know, maybe sending players back to their clubs a little bit early?
Craig matthews : I think they should. well offensive so In the Brazil case, I think Gabriel, maybe they thought Gabriel was going to be okay for the game. Maybe he wanted to play. know Gabriel is already? He's not going to come back down from not playing, isn't it?
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Craig matthews : So, he's going to be like, I'll play. what I'm injured, but I'll play. I'll see how it goes. so maybe there's 50-50 for the game. Maybe we should have just managed to his foot down and said, you know what, Gabriel, I you want to play for your country, but you'll get more caps, don't worry, in the World Cup squad anyway. So, don't worry about that. Just stay fit for this game.
Craig matthews : for the next game for Arsenal and then play the next game for Brazil. Well, he hasn't really got a lot of caps for Brazil anyway. And they didn't play in the last World Cup, they didn't get flexed for the last World Cup, so maybe trying to make up time catch them and try and win as much caps as possible.
Global Sports Podcast Network: no
Craig matthews : But to be fair, I think managers should be more courteous to the club teams as well and say, you know what, they're the team that pay their public players wages and we need them for club matches.
Craig matthews : If they're not 100% fit, then they' don't risk them.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, absolutely. I mean, you think back to, I mean, yeah, you make a good point. And, and you know, going back to what you were saying, Rodney, do you, you know, I'm going exactly fire the exact same question at you. Do you think, you know, manager international managers should be a bit more like Gattuso, who can kind of maybe think like, oh, look, you know, we need to send we need to send this player back to their club because we don't think they they're up to full fitness.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, yes and no. I think, honestly, for the benefit of the players too, you know, I think absolutely their health should be a priority. If they're a potential risk, then you don't want to play them in the squad. You don't want to risk that to the player's career, risk having them come up with an injury, feature less in that season, maybe have a career-ending injury, which ultimately could have been avoided. And yeah, shortens that player's longevity. So I'd love to see you managers in general be that respectful.
Rodney Gooden: But I also understand that, you know, they've got immense pressure on them to win as well. And what you're saying is, you know, if you've got a big qualifier coming up, and your best player is sort of half fit, can you afford to not play them if you're going to potentially jeopardize and risk qualification there? I understand that for some managers, that's more of a difficulty. I would prefer for all of them to kind of prioritize player health. And so I think, could more behave like Gattuso? Would I appreciate it? Absolutely. But I also understand and have a little bit empathy for the players that don't. So, at least for the managers that don't. But yeah, the way he behaved in that manner, yeah, absolutely stellar. And I hope more managers sort of carry that example going forward.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, absolutely. I mean, you you look at, again, I think Coutuso is quite a good example because, you know, at least he was looking out for Calafiore. But, you know, maybe with Carlo Ancelotti, you know, maybe he could have sent something with, you know, Gabriel training away from the squad.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Surely you might have, surely there must have been some thought to think, well, actually... I don't know if he's ready to play against Senegal. Yes, I know he's at the Emirates and I know he'll want to perform in front of the emirate he'll wants to you know perform in front of the Emirates crowd.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But surely there must have been a thought or at least something in his head to think, well, actually, if he's trading away from the main squad, why should I play him?
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, you'd think so. But again, some managers just see a potential asset that's going to help them win the team. They've seen the track record, seen what Gabriel can bring to that Brazilian team. It's very much the same thing he brings to the Arsenal squad.
Rodney Gooden: You have a choice per between whether you want to play him or not play him. The answer is you always want to play him. So you've got managers, personal ambitions to sort of balance as well. The guy wants to win, wants to put out his strongest 11 every single time, wants to test certain formations, fixtures and strategies. He's going to want Gabby to play.
Rodney Gooden: ah So whether he sits there and thinks enough to say, this might not be the best thing for Gabby, might not be the best thing for Arsenal, probably not going to be Ancelotti's priority at that moment in time. And of course, Gabby and, you know, us as Arsenal fans, we suffer because of it. Different style of manager or different style of behaviour to Gattuso as well. So you've got a kind of flip a coin.
Rodney Gooden: Can't always bank on having that type of, you know, compassionate or observ observant manager in the picture too. And I also think to agree with Craig's point it too, there might be Sonny and Gabrielle. Every player loves to represent their country as well. Most of them too. So it could be that even Gabriel, maybe be he's at fault. You know, it could just be, he says he wants to play. He knows he's not a hundred percent fit plays. So it happens.
Rodney Gooden: So here's what it is boys. Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, no, absolutely.
Craig matthews : Mm-hmm.
Global Sports Podcast Network: You guys do make a good point there about, you know, we we don't know exactly what's going on behind the scenes, but we, you know, it could have been a thing where Gabriel was like, well, like, hey, I might be feeling a little bit, you know, a little bit rough, but you know what?
Rodney Gooden: yeah
Global Sports Podcast Network: I'm still going to go out there and play because it's an opportunity for me to play at at the Emirates.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: I know the Emirates well, um you know, But again, we just don't know what the situation could be going on behind the scenes there. Very unfortunate for Gabrielle.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: And there was also potential discussions ah in the news that I think Timber might have picked up a small injury on international duty.
Rodney Gooden: Ooh.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But I don't think it's nothing. I don't think it would be anything too, too major because it's not been ah spoken about massively.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, I hope so.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But if we were to lose Timber,
Rodney Gooden: because No, don't say it ain't so.
Craig matthews : I'm going to say
Rodney Gooden: Say it ain't so, man.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Well, OK, let me let me rephrase the point.
Rodney Gooden: It's been our best right back by far for the whole season. Maybe two seasons, man. Come on.
Global Sports Podcast Network: a
Craig matthews : that. Please. Best rap back in the prim right now.
Rodney Gooden: That's what I'm saying. He's immense.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah. But if if there was a thing where it was true, maybe Timbers, you know, had to, you know, maybe not get played.
Global Sports Podcast Network: How how big of a miss could that even be?
Rodney Gooden: It'll be a huge miss, you know, and it's a lot of pressure on Ben White, you know, but at the same time, one thing I can always say is having Ben White as the backup option is really not a bad place to be into.
Craig matthews : Master.
Rodney Gooden: So this is it.
Global Sports Podcast Network: no
Rodney Gooden: You know, Arsenal are very blessed in terms of the squad that we have, but it's true. Timber's form has been incredible. It'll be a big miss as well. Hopefully if he is injured, Ben White can step up and return to the form of old.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, I mean, for me, I've been looking around and there's been there's been very so little discussion about it, but there's been a few outlets that have spoken about Timber and I'm like, well, if it's not being massively spoken about, surely it shouldn't be too major of an injury. Surely it's just maybe a little knock and that you know maybe maybe the Dutch squad didn't you know wanted to be a bit more precautious with him, surely.
Rodney Gooden: Fingers crossed, I guess.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah. that
Global Sports Podcast Network: Of course, of course. But we're going to take another quick break. And when we come back, we're going to talk about players returning. However, is a little bit frustrating because players should have been ready for North London derby.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But it seems like it could be a bit of a different story. But we'll discuss more about that after this quick break.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Oh my goodness me, I can't win. I can't catch a break with this, can I?
Rodney Gooden: she sister sister
Global Sports Podcast Network: Oh my gosh. Well, welcome back to this third and final part of the International Injuries and Players Returning, joined by myself, Jamie Patterson, Craig Matthews and Rodney Gooden.
Rodney Gooden: Okay.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Right guys, let's talk about players returning. Now, before I even go on about this, we were told that a key amount of players could pretty much return for the North London derby.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But it seems like we could be made to wait a little bit longer, boys. Hopefully not too long. But discussion is Jesus, Havertz. Oh, I bet JD must be sitting there thinking, oh, he must be having a party right now as far as it goes.
Craig matthews : or waste of money
Global Sports Podcast Network: Knowing that no Havertz for the next few more weeks we we will probably probably make his make his week.
Craig matthews : but
Global Sports Podcast Network: um Potentially, potentially. and So no Jesus, no Havertz, no Jocharez.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: And no Madweke. The positive thing I can tell you is I've not heard anything about Martinelli. I've not heard anything about Odegaard. So my thought process could be that they might be fit for the North London derby.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Now, guys, how are we feeling about this? If we could have... if You know, given the circumstances we're in now... I believe, Rodney, you said to you said to us off air that Havertz, oh my gosh, you're going you know what, you might as well you might as well just, you might as well hear, JD, I hope you're listening because this will probably, this this will make your day.
Rodney Gooden: hmm
Global Sports Podcast Network: on. gone
Rodney Gooden: well it looks like it looks like it's unfortunate use for kai habits fans out there as well you know which jd i know you're the biggest but um um mr kai habits uh unfortunately seemed to be doing quite well in his recovery but according to the german camp he suffered a small relapse And should be fit to play towards the end of the year, meaning it looks like Kai Havertz is unlikely to make his return ahead of the North London Derby.
Craig matthews : if No fun intended.
Rodney Gooden: And is due to return maybe closer to December and maybe Boxing Day football. So a bit of unfortunate enough extension on that. bit of a knee injury that he's got as well. So it looks like we'll be out without our backup striker as well.
Rodney Gooden: So it looks like Mikel Moreno will be leading the line for the near future. ha!
Global Sports Podcast Network: that And I think ah more more music more music to Craig's ears is the fact that Mikel Moreno and Declan Rice won't be playing together in a midfield.
Global Sports Podcast Network: So what more can you ask for, Craig, eh? LAUGHTER
Craig matthews : Yeah. but look at that
Global Sports Podcast Network: ah
Craig matthews : good tires Good times, good times.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But given the circumstances, though, so say if we do get Gabriel Martinelli back, right? Question is for you guys, who do you start on the left? do you start Trossard or do you start Martinelli on the left?
Rodney Gooden: Against who?
Global Sports Podcast Network: Against Spurs.
Rodney Gooden: Spurs interesting.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Ah, it's got you thinking.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah,
Global Sports Podcast Network: him
Craig matthews : Fossard.
Global Sports Podcast Network: So you say Trossard, Craig, OK.
Rodney Gooden: yeah Leo.
Craig matthews : Because Martin Lee hasn't got fitness at the moment, Max Fitness, I'll spot to outside. ah I'll pick up Marina and bring on Martin Lee through the middle and make him for his pace.
Rodney Gooden: Really? Fuh.
Craig matthews : For his pace against Romero. on ah know I know Fynn is very quick, isn't it? What's his name? David Defender.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Oh, not Mickey Van Der Ven, is it?
Rodney Gooden: Band of N, yeah.
Craig matthews : yeah Yeah, he's very quick.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Craig matthews : So I think he's very
Rodney Gooden: He is very quick. You see the cgo
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Craig matthews : quick, isn't it?
Global Sports Podcast Network: Mm-hmm.
Craig matthews : So I fancy...
Global Sports Podcast Network: Mm-hmm.
Craig matthews : Martinelli against Romero more than than Van der Ven. So, that'd be interesting match-up.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, I agree. Rodney, what about you?
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Who would you start on the left?
Rodney Gooden: It's an interesting because think, yeah, I think, Craig, you bring up a really good point, though, if which is Martinelli's fitness, too. If he was back at full fitness if we didn't need to get a match fit, I'd probably start him because I value his pace and runs on the transition, which I think would be really useful. But it is true. If Trossard's got the match fitness and Martinelli's still returning to the game, I think I'd probably do the same thing. You've got start him on the left and then maybe have Martinelli come into the game a bit later. I know you want to start him down the middle, too.
Rodney Gooden: i don't know. There's something about Marino's ability to kind of link up play, you know, and also... surprising clinical finisher where I might want to start Marino and then introduce Martinelli later into the game. I don't know if I start him ahead of it.
Rodney Gooden: Not to mention, I do like the idea that if we do go up as well, Marino could just drop into the midfield and just kind of, you know, solidify that kind of physical midfield, maybe kind of have a bit of a mid block going on later. But I think, yeah, with Nelly, if he's fit, I want to bring him on maybe a bit later, you know, hopefully maybe start having him on the left running against tired legs too.
Rodney Gooden: Or if you do want to swap him in for Marino later, I think for Martinelli returning to fitness, I give him half hour towards the end of the game.
Craig matthews : Hmm.
Global Sports Podcast Network: yeah
Rodney Gooden: So that was it. But I think it's got to be Leo. Or, and this is a killer, if Odegaard is fit, we could put Eze out there. We could just have Odegaard in that midfield and then have Eze on the left too. I know he's not been as effective there, but he is an additional option if we're struggling.
Global Sports Podcast Network: True.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But I would maybe shed a bit of light from the goal he scored ah for England because, again, that was from the left.
Rodney Gooden: Hmm.
Rodney Gooden: Hmm. Yeah, there you go.
Craig matthews : Hmm.
Global Sports Podcast Network: You know, um but the problem, but the thing is, though, and and something that me and JD actually spoke about on Monday's pod is the fact that we've, you know, I feel like with England, he gets the same freedom that he had at Palace.
Craig matthews : a
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Whereas with Arsenal, it's a little bit different. He doesn't get as much freedom on that left.
Craig matthews : But
Global Sports Podcast Network: And I think if you was to give him that freedom on the left, I would support the idea of playing him on the left. And I think that's why, again, I'd play em a bit more centrally. But with the likes, you know, if we do get Odegaard back, then it's that question of, well, do you do you then chuck Eze on the left and then, you know, have, say, you know, and then have Saka on the right and, you know, and Mourinho up top?
Craig matthews : but
Global Sports Podcast Network: Go Craig.
Craig matthews : But only the only problem is that the only reason why I think Eze doesn't even get the like that arm last to do with that Crystal Palace in England because the way Califurri plays. Califurri does not defend as defender, isn't he?
Craig matthews : He goes forward.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, true. Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Craig matthews : That's the problem. If both of them are free together, then there's no defence. You know mean?
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, it's true.
Craig matthews : So I thought that if it...
Rodney Gooden: You just got a big gaping hole in this in the left side. Yeah, yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: and
Craig matthews : Yeah, I thought Louis Skelly, if Louis Skelly's playing there playing there, They're more defensive minded. They'll cover their positions more than a California position. So I do understand what you're saying. I think Eze doesn't need free role in Arsenal.
Craig matthews : We need to give them a free role. They can just do they did at Palace and England. Who could have gone school the other day? This. Clinical.
Global Sports Podcast Network: i mean I mean, really annoying that everyone kept talking about Phil Foden and how he was like he was the creator when all he did was just ah a you know a small run and a short pass to Eze and Eze's goal was just completely overshadowed by it, which still is beyond me to this day.
Rodney Gooden: Nice.
Rodney Gooden: sir
Craig matthews : Typical media, eh?
Global Sports Podcast Network: But, oh, of course...
Rodney Gooden: this
Craig matthews : if
Global Sports Podcast Network: Of course. No, absolutely. You're spot on. Absolutely spot on with the media there. Honestly, it's Arsenal. so It's an Arsenal thing, isn't it? But yeah, for me, for me, though, I think the the good thing is, again, we you know, going into North London derby, we've got the depth. It's just how do you start, you know, with Eze on the left?
Global Sports Podcast Network: Do we give him a bit more experience on the left or do we kind of realise now that his best position is in the the number 10 role?
Craig matthews : Number 10.
Rodney Gooden: I mean, yeah, he's obviously better as a 10, but he's had some, you know, sliding scale of games playing there for us as well.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, great. great
Rodney Gooden: He's had some ways from brilliant. He's had others where he's been unable to impact the game as quickly and as easily as we'd like to. So again, I still feel he's an incredibly creative player, amazing on the half turn, you know, and he's got a wonderful ability to beat his man.
Rodney Gooden: And, you know, surprisingly, likes to take shots quickly, early and can be quite accurate. So I want him on the pitch regardless. I do agree. I think maybe the experiment to try would be, try and capier at left back you know if he's fit and then maybe give ese more freedom on that left side and then if odegaard is fit play him in that 10 position i'd like to see how that works with two creative players you know maybe not right next to each other but still being able to influence the game that way uh but yeah when it comes down to it i think yeah ese's best position is probably where he's more used to but i think if you played what like um super mendy and then ese and odegaard next to one another i feel like
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: Mikel feels that that midfield is a bit vulnerable. you know I don't think it has Declan's physicality. And if you did do that, you'd have to put Declan in Zilbermendi's position. So, you know, swings and roundabouts. I feel that's a very, very aggressive midfield for breaking down low box. But a team that's going to come at you, you might want something a bit more robust, press resistant, you know. So this is it.
Rodney Gooden: Either way, i think, yeah, if it was against the Spurs game, I think I'd like to try that. Try hitting Cappie left back and then maybe Eze on the left wing and then we'll see what happens. Could always swap him out, put Tross on on later. But either way, yeah.
Rodney Gooden: He's a very useful kind tool to have in that squad. And hopefully we just need to find out what clicks for them to have them work well in both positions.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. I think the question I'm going to ask the the both of you is, um I know obviously, you know, Eze's been at the club now for free for a few months.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But do you think maybe later on down the line in the season, maybe whether it's this season or next season, do you see Arteta giving Eze that free roam licence that he had at Palace and and for England?
Rodney Gooden: No. Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Ooh, know what? It's funny you say that because JD said the exact same thing. JD said no, because I believe he said um it's the fact that, you know, we we're a team that are very, ah you know, we we like to play the ball around quite a fair bit. And we, you know, we like to isolate teams, whereas obviously compared to what it was at Palace, you know, he was given a lot of free roam and a lot of, you know, spaces to run into.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, I just feel like we know what Tets is about. You know, he's not going to let up on how well organized we are. He's not going to let up on how our positioning is supposed to look out of possession and within it.
Rodney Gooden: So I feel that if he gets a little bit more freedom, you know, it'll only be a little bit. I don't think he'll ever climb close to what he gets for England or what he got for Palace too. So he's going to have of work within that. There's things we can do to facilitate ah aspects of his game.
Rodney Gooden: But is Arteta going to allow him as much freedom as, say, you know, like a salad had at Liverpool? You know, no.
Global Sports Podcast Network: yeah
Rodney Gooden: No, I don't think so. That's not really in Texas' game. It's not in his wheelhouse. And that would undo a lot of how he's tried to mold this team's identity behind being defensively absolutely solid too.
Craig matthews : Thank you.
Rodney Gooden: So, yeah, I don't think so. I think there's more that we can do for him, but I don't think you'll see freedom to the extent that he had at other clubs, or at least in ah other areas that you see him play for. So there we go.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, of course. Craig, what about you? Do you do you maybe see Arteta giving, you know, as a a bit more of a free roam role later on down the season?
Craig matthews : uh it should we work if also wenger's manager also wenger would do
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: Fair enough. Yeah.
Craig matthews : then we'll say go play play where you want do your thing where's the game well i thought it's not a tough manager like wenger to be fair i think this is more defensive minded as ronnie said i'm more like wants to team to be solid first and then
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: yeah
Craig matthews : hit them get a goal on the counter and tackle what something. If I was a manager, I'll try and find a way how to give him a free roll. Have a free roll. There'll still be a defensive duties as well. So do your thing. Make sure you can get back into position when needs to be to solid that midfield or wherever he's playing on that team. and so but they don't get too isolated or run out of position. So it would be good if you could to give them a free... I think... I know he's started off very slowly at the moment, I thought the second half of the season was going to be the best as they are at Arsenal.
Rodney Gooden: Fair.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Fair enough. i could I could see that. I could see that. I think once we've got over the halfway mark, because I believe it's Villa, I think we we have Villa either away and then that would mark um us playing against all 19 teams before then kicking on into the second half of the season.
Global Sports Podcast Network: I could see Eze really growing into his shell a bit at Arsenal as the time goes on. I think the goal you know the goal he scored against Palace was really good. And i I kind of thought, you know what, maybe that's what he needs. Maybe a couple of goals, couple of assists.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Really kind of settle yourself into that team. And then you can go and kick on and and go and so take another step up to your game. But... Again, i think it'll be an interesting time at Arsenal because, you know, now that we've got obviously the Champions League coming on this week and, ah sorry, next week and then obviously Premier League and then, you know, once we hit December, we'll start getting midweek games and the Cowbell Cup later on and then,
Global Sports Podcast Network: um the the the festive period. I think it'll be an interesting time for Arsenal to see what Arteta is going to do with Eze, but also just to see how this squad is going to be tested as well, especially with players coming back in December with the likes of Jochrez, Madweke, Havertz, Jesus,
Global Sports Podcast Network: um I can't think of anyone else. I mean, whether Martinelli and Odegaard are fit and ready to go by by the North London derby, I mean, that would be ah it would be a small boost um and we need everything we can take right now.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But I guess we'll just have to see what happens.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But, guys, that is it for us today. Have you liked what we've had to say? If so, we'd love to hear your thoughts on social media. You can find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify by searching Daily Arsenal.
Global Sports Podcast Network: You've been listening to the GSPN Arsenal podcast, part of the Global Sports Podcast Network, the only place to find daily podcasts for your favourite teams. A daily wrap-up and every week the Road World Cup 26.
Global Sports Podcast Network: I have been your host, Jamie Patterson. They have been the amazing Craig Matthews and Rodney Gooden. Have a good day all and take care.
Craig matthews : you
