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Daily Arsenal - S3 - E8: Forest preview, can the Gunners find form after the international break?
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In this episode we will looking ahead to our lunchtime game at home to Nottingham Forest as a familiar face will be in the opposing dugout. 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.
To make a donation towards Jamie and his girlfriend taking part in the Palace for Life Marathon March click the link here to make a donation. Any donations big or small Ould be very much appreciated!
Host: Jamie Patterson
Guest: Craig Matthews
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Transcript
Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:00:14
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'm your host Jamie Patterson and joining me...
00:00:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
We didn't have him last night, but it is. we We have a man who was an absolute tank at the back and isn't afraid of getting stuck in. And, you know, I've been very lucky to kind of share the pitch with him. It's the one and only Mr. Craig Matthews. Craig, I mean, ah had to, you know, yesterday i had to kind of give everyone else their positions. i was like, listen, I've got to do the exact same for you. I've had the pleasure of sharing a football pitch
Match Memories and Arsenal Gear
00:00:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
with you.
00:00:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
How are you, man? Ha ha ha.
00:00:57
Craig matthews
I'm good, I'm good, I'm good. Shane wasn't a good result that day, but we're not talking about that.
00:01:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, we oh we don't talk about yeah oh we definitely don't talk about that result, boy.
00:01:03
Craig matthews
We're not talking about that.
00:01:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
o That was salt in the wounds.
00:01:08
Craig matthews
No goalkeeper, we had no goalkeeper, we had no player that day. was, it was, oh, I don't want to think, it was poor, it was poor.
00:01:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Telling you. Yeah. the the The less spoken, the better.
00:01:20
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:01:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
But no, apart from that, you're good, though, yeah?
00:01:24
Craig matthews
I'm good, I'm good, you?
00:01:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, good to hear, man. Good to hear.
00:01:26
Craig matthews
That's good, bro.
00:01:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Can't lie. I'm very much really obsessed with Arsenal's European gear right now that they've just released today. Arsenal, if you are listening, anyone from Arsenal, please send us some so ah European stuff.
00:01:33
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:01:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Me and Craig would massively appreciate it. Sponsor us. Do whatever you need to do. Yeah, exactly that, Craig. You tell him. You tell him. He's there going like that again, with showing his shirt. Oh, please, Arsenal. I'm begging. Please.
00:01:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh. Take my wallet. Take everything you want from me at this point.
00:01:54
Craig matthews
Hmm. Hmm.
00:01:56
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:01:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
But moving on in this episode, we will be looking ahead to our lunchtime game at home to Nottingham Forest as a familiar face will be in the opposing dugout.
00:02:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now, if you want to get involved with any of the topics discussed, please do get
Preview of Arsenal vs. Nottingham Forest
00:02:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
involved through our social media, which can be found in our show notes in the description. Right, Craig.
00:02:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's um we' we'll talk about Forrest a little bit later on, but let's start off with Arsenal. You know, you look at the international break. And thank goodness, touch wood, touch wood.
00:02:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
um We haven't picked up any injuries from the international break. How are you feeling going into this game?
00:02:44
Craig matthews
I thought it was going to be a bounce back this weekend. It's going to be bounce back for the Liverpool game. It's shame that had an international break, that we couldn't be able to put it right for the international break. But I thought we were going to be very fired up for this game.
00:02:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:02:58
Craig matthews
Players were in good form as well. So, three players had a good international break as well. Declan Rance, for example. Madoeweke had a great game as well, scored a goal, got an assist. Beckham has got three assists on it the other day, or four.
00:03:11
Craig matthews
Three or four assists he got the other day against Serbia.
00:03:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
He got two assists and a goal.
00:03:19
Craig matthews
he's He's looking in good form. and and Obviously, we did get no injuries over the international break. I think Ben White is back in training. Nourgaard is back in training as well.
00:03:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm. Yeah.
00:03:29
Craig matthews
so um I thought that hopefully sooner or later we'll be back to full strength. Senea is going to be up for a couple of weeks. Saka might be available, but i wouldn't rush him back and start him in that game.
00:03:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
knock
00:03:40
Craig matthews
I'd put him on the bench. I'd bring him on for emergency only if you need to, but I'd risk him to the Champions League game on midweek.
00:03:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:03:47
Craig matthews
That's what would do.
00:03:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, I mean, we've let me run you through the international break as it is and how well Arsenal players have actually performed in the international break. Right. So kick it off with Mikel Marina. Oh, my gosh.
00:04:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
How can you do this for country? But we we need him to we we need him to do it for club. Mikel Moreno scored four goals in the international break.
00:04:11
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:04:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Declan Rice got a goal and two assists for England.
00:04:15
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:04:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Martin Odegaard also scored and bagged two assists.
00:04:20
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:04:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Noni Madweke got his first d England goal. Jokerez bagged an assist. And Martin Zubomendy also got himself an assist. Now, now that I've named you all them them players...
00:04:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
and how well they've done, how does that make you feel going into the next run of fixtures before the next international break?
00:04:44
Craig matthews
ah I'm very confident. I thought the Liverpool
Arsenal's Tactical Adjustments
00:04:47
Craig matthews
game was like a little blip. You know, like we came we came with a game plan, but the game plan didn't work. We got beaten by world-class free kick.
00:04:56
Craig matthews
Me and you had discussed that it should have been savable, but but move we...
00:05:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry. Let me pause you right there. Can you just repeat? Can you repeat what you've just said?
00:05:08
Craig matthews
yeah
00:05:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Rodney and JD, I hope you're listening right now because this needs to be heard. Craig, the reason why I say this right is because when we, when we done the review yesterday, the boys were like, ah, but it was a great free kick though.
00:05:21
Craig matthews
yeah
00:05:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Like yeah there was nothing Raya could have done and did it- did it in so on and so on. Please tell him again. Tell him again.
00:05:32
Craig matthews
the the goal The goal could have been avoided and could have been saved.
00:05:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's it.
00:05:41
Craig matthews
it It's all of <unk> about positioning as a goalkeeper. And I thought it was two more to his right than left. It wasn't in the dead centre. If it was more centre, think would have got a hand to it. If he got a hand to it and went in, I don't know if it would be too harsh on them because he made an effort.
00:05:55
Craig matthews
But it was too easy.
00:05:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Exactly.
00:05:57
Craig matthews
was too easy. would also see...
00:05:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
did you Did you... Did you get a chance to listen to yesterday's podcast?
00:06:04
Craig matthews
I've been so work today, I had no chance.
00:06:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Fair enough, because...
00:06:06
Craig matthews
I'll definitely just i'll definite listen to it some more.
00:06:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, because the boys were saying to me, like, oh, but if he was more, so if Raya was more central, he would have, you know, he might his view would have been obscured.
00:06:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Whereas where he stood originally, he had a slightly better view of ah the free kick. So I kind of vouched and said, look, at the end of the day, don't get, look, we're we're not, we both are not saying that Suboslay's goal was absolutely amazing. we It was phenomenal.
00:06:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, there's no argument there.
00:06:35
Craig matthews
Hmm. Hmm.
00:06:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
But we both said it. we we Me and you sat there. We both said it to each other. Ryan's positioning should have done better. But yeah, just going back to what I was saying, though, about um the international break, Craig. I mean, you know the blip you know, that blip against Liverpool, you know, it was very unfortunate.
00:06:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, it was a great goal. But putting us going forward now, do you reckon that we've we should go on ah on a good little run here?
00:07:04
Craig matthews
I think so. I think we need to catch up with Liverpool. We need to go on good run. know we've got some hard games coming up, but we've got the squad now, so there's no excuses now. got the squad.
00:07:15
Craig matthews
I think sometimes with Arteta, I think sometimes you might need to tweak the formation a little bit sometimes. I
Transitional Play Improvements
00:07:21
Craig matthews
think some games played two up front. Since Vicka Marino's in good form, why you playing behind Gokeres or playing with a front two against Forage?
00:07:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do
00:07:31
Craig matthews
It could work. I think it could work. I think some of the height, the long balls, he can flick it onto him and he can be his provider.
00:07:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know... Yeah. Now, the me and the boys were talking about Eze potentially maybe even starting. I mean, would you include Eze this weekend?
00:07:49
Craig matthews
Yes. I'd play him on the left.
00:07:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
That was...
00:07:53
Craig matthews
wouldn't play him in the 10, I'd play on the left. I think would have got the switch, I'd play him on the left. But i'll give him I'll give him the license to roam around the whole pitch. I'll say him, you know what, go and do your thing. and I'll tell Zubimendi and Bryce to cover left back.
00:08:06
Craig matthews
That's what I would do. called Cover that left-hand side. Just make sure there's no one could that break on the left-hand side and gave and give Ezra the license to ropes.
00:08:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:08:14
Craig matthews
Ezra can play that. He can go into the 10, can go to the left, he can go all over the pitch and do his thing. Gouela's at Palace, think he was giving freedom at Palace. Although when took to Arsenal now, and Arteta's too rigid with his formation, bet that Jack Grealish at Man City was when Guardiola started training him, started making him do all the not the stuff that was right.
00:08:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:08:34
Craig matthews
Look at now, he's at Everton, got four assists in two games.
00:08:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
oh
00:08:38
Craig matthews
or three because he's more but David Moyes made it more freer. So, you go do your thing, go where you want to go as long as you can get back and track back and do all the defensive work.
00:08:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:08:48
Craig matthews
But need to get goals and assists and he's done that. He's delivered already. So, I'd love to see that with Eze. I'd love Eze to just go, manage to say you, not Eze, know you're a good player. Just go and do your thing. I'm not going to tell you to put in like what they're doing with Martinelli, track back, track back. you to go there and attack, attack, attack.
00:09:08
Craig matthews
And that could work, i would feel. I thought would definitely work with him. Hmm.
00:09:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do what? that's a very good point you make. Because at Palace, he was given he was given so much freedom.
00:09:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
So much freedom. You know, the balls through to Mateta. You know, just, you know, he'd be running down the left. He'd cut in, have a crack at goal.
00:09:18
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:09:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, some of his goals actually were from, you know, positions where he would cut in and and open himself up. And goals were were pouring through for him. So I don't see how that can't work.
00:09:39
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:09:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Really don't see how that can't work.
00:09:41
Craig matthews
often yeah
00:09:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
now Something I forgot to mention on yesterday's podcast, which means me and JD spoke about off air. um And I want to ask you this, right? Is Arsenal's transition going, you know, trying to score from transitions and open play.
00:10:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
We haven't seen much of it this season. Now, despite, obviously, wasn't the wasn't the most comfortable watching against United, you know, against Leeds, we were really good. No disrespect to Leeds, but, you know, we should be, that's how we should be playing.
00:10:15
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:10:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
But against Liverpool, you know, we we we had decent chances, especially with like Nonny Madweke. um And again, with you know, there was one chance where Jokeres could have easily had scored if he maybe
Enhancing Arsenal's Attack
00:10:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah had had a second or two longer on on the ball or, you know.
00:10:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
but do you think transition is a bit of an issue for Arsenal at the minute? Because right now we we're not firing, but we're not... we're not firering we we're firing but we're not Maybe firing enough as we want to.
00:10:48
Craig matthews
I feel like Artesans needs to get the right tactic. think the tactics is a bit wrong. think with Gokoros, he needs a ball to feet. He needs a ball to run into channels or run into slack. When he got the chance, save that. When he gets the ball, he's making a run, play him straight away. Don't wait and wait and wait and delay.
00:11:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, for example, the the goal against Leeds, his first goal against Leeds.
00:11:12
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:11:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Prime example I could give you.
00:11:15
Craig matthews
Yeah, that's exactly that. is happening that
00:11:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:11:17
Craig matthews
He's making a run, put it over the top, he's going to chase it and get and get through. That's what we have to do because, yeah.
00:11:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you feel like the team should be kind of revolved a little bit around Jokeres? Or do you feel like, what what kind of tactics would you put in place?
00:11:28
Craig matthews
Yes.
00:11:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
would you quite Would you base it around one player or would you try and, I don't know, what what would you do?
00:11:38
Craig matthews
I would base it around Gochran, because I feel like if we can get Gochran into the game more, he'll score a lot of goals for us. But if we keep on isolating him, he's going to struggle. So we have to find ways to give service.
00:11:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:11:48
Craig matthews
Not like...
00:11:51
Craig matthews
Why not? Especially... With Aubameyang, it's similar with Aubameyang. When Aubameyang was at Arsenal, yeah? When we gave him the ball, gave him service, he scored goals.
00:11:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:12:01
Craig matthews
Gokic is not the kind of player that's going to make a goal out by himself. He needs someone with to create for him. He needs like an Eze or Odegaard or Saka or... any but Zubomendy or Deca have to create for him.
00:12:12
Craig matthews
I thought that he can score the goals, but if you don't give a service, he's going to look useless on the pitch.
00:12:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:12:17
Craig matthews
And that's what happened against Liverpool against United. We're not giving him the ball and he looked like he's useless on the field, not doing anything. So that's why he got all that criticism because people think he's not good enough to be an Arsenal team, but I think he's good enough.
00:12:30
Craig matthews
That's why we spent the money on him. So we invested all that money in him.
00:12:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do
00:12:33
Craig matthews
So we have to play to his strengths. If you play football, you're striker team. If you don't get service, how are you going to look good on the pitch? not going to look good on the pitch at all.
00:12:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know what? Honestly, i've I've gone through that kind of phase before where I've played um and i you know I don't get much service.
00:12:46
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:12:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, actually, a good example
Nottingham Forest's Managerial Change
00:12:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
um was last weekend. Last weekend, I was ah was playing football and you know i was playing... I think I was played down the left. I was played down the wing.
00:13:00
Craig matthews
Okay.
00:13:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Weirdly enough, I had three other... I was playing this one team and they had three other players on the same wing as me.
00:13:06
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:13:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I was like, you're really trying to isolate me?
00:13:11
Craig matthews
Mm.
00:13:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
that that's not going to like It's ridiculous. And then I wasn't getting much service.
00:13:15
Craig matthews
Mm.
00:13:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then my manager moved me in the centre. And then that's where I started to find my feet and find a bit more service. So, you know, again, you know, you need the players around you to give you that service because if you're not going to get the service, it it gets frustrating.
00:13:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, for me being a striker, I mean, it's it's frustrating when you don't get service because you can't then try and showcase what you're good at.
00:13:35
Craig matthews
the
00:13:39
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:13:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know I mean?
00:13:45
Craig matthews
Definitely, agree.
00:13:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think that's the same with Jokerez. We, in order for him to really show what he can do, he has to be given service.
00:13:52
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:13:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think now Arteta's brought in players that can give him that service.
00:13:54
Craig matthews
Mm.
00:13:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
When Saka's back, he can do that. Madweke, another one actually, can give him service. um
00:14:04
Craig matthews
Mm.
00:14:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Eze, Martinelli, potentially even Martinelli. If he can try and find a bit of form from somewhere and a bit of confidence, he could be one as well. You know, there's a lot players you've named as well, Craig. And I think there's no excuse.
00:14:20
Craig matthews
Definitely not.
00:14:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I think we need to be a bit more experimental, though. You know, we we don't often play long balls through to the strikers. And I think to really, like you said, to unlock Jokeres, that will be the key.
00:14:31
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:14:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
That will really be the key.
00:14:36
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:14:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
But we're going quickly take a break. And then when we come back from the break, we are going to look at Forest as they have had quite an eventful week ahead of them. So join us after the break.
00:14:48
Craig matthews
you
00:15:19
Craig matthews
Thank you.
00:15:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
And welcome back to the second part of this Arsenal v Nottingham Forest preview with Craig Matthews and myself, Jamie Patterson. Now, let's have a discussion about Forest because, wow, what a week it's been for them.
00:15:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, it's now ended up, and I never thought I'd say this, but wow, they have now got Ange Postacoglu.
00:15:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
As their manager.
00:16:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Craig's nodding his head. he's he's I think he's in disbelief at this point. But what a first game. What a first game. You know, being the former Tottenham manager and coming up against Arsenal.
00:16:13
Craig matthews
yeah
00:16:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now... Just quickly, what were your thoughts on this on? I don't know. ah ah don't know, because there were reports coming out that he was sacked. There were reports coming out that he left.
00:16:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Either way, what were your thoughts on on getting rid of Nuno?
00:16:37
Craig matthews
i I honestly feel it stemmed from last season. It wasn't the season that happened because remember that game against Leicester when Tony Aniwani got injured and I think they dropped points against Leicester and if they won that game, I think they would qualify for Champions League.
00:16:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:16:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah, they did.
00:16:52
Craig matthews
And after the game, the owner, that mafia owner started running on the pitch and started confronting him.
00:16:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:16:58
Craig matthews
I think from that game, the relationship started after that game because I think they won the Champions, I think the owner won the Champions League football and as a set-off for conference in the league, I think it was. um ah Because Crystal Palace got demoted, to that's why they ended up getting over a role for league.
00:17:13
Craig matthews
or We're not talking about that.
00:17:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:17:15
Craig matthews
I honestly thought that they had an argument over that. I think that ah and when Eddie got appointed as director of football or whatever he is there now, I feel that um him and Nuno were clashing over players, for what players to sign.
00:17:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah.
00:17:33
Craig matthews
So the certain player that signed in the summer, he didn't have the final say on the player that he wanted, didn't he?
00:17:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, he didn't.
00:17:39
Craig matthews
So I thought that's why he kind of said, it's the dressing room. also Not the players, mother but the dressing room where the owner and the boarder upstairs are taking his power away from him, basically.
00:17:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:17:57
Craig matthews
So that's why I think he had to leave.
00:17:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I mean, I was really shocked because at the end of the day, if it wasn't for Nuno, and if it wasn't for the football that they were playing, who knows where they could have ended up last season.
00:18:13
Craig matthews
That's true.
00:18:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
and And I do agree with you. I think from the moment Maranakis went onto the pitch, spoke openly to to Nuno, again, there's so many factors behind that game, especially the Leicester game as well, because...
00:18:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
the the refer no one Everyone forgets about the refereeing in that game because I believe Taiwo Wonyi was offside, but yet they still continued playing on. When he was clearly offside, they still continued playing on.
00:18:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
And that's how Taiwo Wonyi got injured. Now, if the referee had blown his whistle a lot sooner, the outcome could have been um a lot different. It could have ended up being a draw. It could have ended up being a forest win. They could have had Champions League. We will never know.
Strategies Against Nottingham Forest
00:19:01
Craig matthews
yeah
00:19:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I do think it is wrong. I think it's really i think they were really harsh to get rid of Nuno Espirito Santo because, you know, the philosophy he brought into training, you know, he brought a real aura about Nottingham Forest.
00:19:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
And...
00:19:16
Craig matthews
definitely
00:19:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
And unfortunately, it'll be interesting to see how they cope this season. Really interesting to see how they cope this season.
00:19:22
Craig matthews
Mm.
00:19:24
Craig matthews
Mm.
00:19:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
um
00:19:24
Craig matthews
Mm.
00:19:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
They've got some really good players. I mean, as as I called it yesterday, yeah this is like the this is the JD derby, basically. Except there's no Kai Havertz, but there is a certain Chris Woods playing.
00:19:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Just curious, just really curious to know, like, what are your thoughts on Forrest? And, you know, where where do you see them causing problems for Arsenal?
00:19:47
Craig matthews
Well, I think Nottingham Forest was sleeping. When Nuna took them to where they are now, they were sleeping giant. They were struggling for years. And Nottingham Forest is a massive club. They've won two Champions League or European Cups back in the day.
00:19:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:20:01
Craig matthews
So they're a massive club. And for the last couple of decades, they struggled in League One, Championship, and they've got opportunity opportunity to get to the Premier League and they've done quite well. They've sacked a few managers here and there, but they were able to... um They're able to find new nerves to stay in the ship and bring in quality players who's helped them get to where they are now.
00:20:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:20:23
Craig matthews
I like Nottingham Forest, to be honest. I think they're a good team. I don't like their owner, but they're a good team. I think that they they play good football. They've got some nice, decent players. Morgan Gibbs-Watts is good player like him.
00:20:35
Craig matthews
They've got Elliot Anderson. He's a good player as well. and it was this um I like their centre-back as well, Murillo. think he's a very good player as well.
00:20:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Murillo.
00:20:44
Craig matthews
I think they've got some decent players. Trish Wood's a good player. He scored a lot of goals for them. You've got um on the wings, you've got Oluwain as a good right-back.
00:20:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Olorena.
00:20:54
Craig matthews
You've got... Who's the guy?
00:20:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
You got Milenkovic.
00:20:58
Craig matthews
Kallen Hobson.
00:20:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:21:00
Craig matthews
Meneinkovic. Kallen Hobson, Mendoje, is a good player as well, X-Chelsea.
00:21:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:21:05
Craig matthews
So they've some decent players in their team. so you know We have to worry about them as well. don't think we're going to go there and win the game just like that. We have to keep them quiet in that game and hopefully go for the win on Saturday.
00:21:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Where do you see Forrest causing Arsenal any forms of problems and danger?
00:21:23
Craig matthews
Mid's called them out wide. Second mids are not wide. I think Elliot Anderson against Beckham Rice will be a good matchup. um
00:21:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
yes.
00:21:32
Craig matthews
Morgan Gibbs-White against Supermendy. This is fair to be a proper test, I would say. know Liverpool are going to go test him, but this is going be a proper test as well.
00:21:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:21:42
Craig matthews
Morgan Giffey is a very good player. Tottenham almost had him in the summer. Thankfully, they didn't go by the owner not making him go.
00:21:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah i Yeah.
00:21:51
Craig matthews
Less spoken on that, but we the reason. but
00:21:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. go on. Yeah.
00:21:56
Craig matthews
But I feel he's a good threat at Morgan Giswine. I feel that Chris Wood has always scored goals in the Premier League. Every club he's been to has scored goals for them. So, any club he's been at has scored goals.
00:22:08
Craig matthews
We've to watch out for Colin Houselis. He's got good pace and trickery. But I feel that Timber, whoever plays right back, can handle him. The new winger they've got in the summer, I can't remember his name. He scored in the first game of the season against Brentford, if I remember correctly.
00:22:23
Craig matthews
He scored a good header. I think his name is, what's his name again?
00:22:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
This is where now I'm having to look quickly. um
00:22:33
Craig matthews
Yeah. I can't remember his name. one It's a new player that brought in the summer anyway. Let me see how
00:22:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's not coming to my head at the minute.
00:22:44
Craig matthews
I can find it.
00:22:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, Ndoy.
00:22:47
Craig matthews
Yeah, Endoi.
00:22:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Dan Ndoy.
00:22:49
Craig matthews
He's going to be a danger man as well. He's done quite well, so he's been there already. He's only been there for a short time, so we've got watch out for him.
00:22:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:22:57
Craig matthews
think California maybe scared him out of start on Saturday just to handle his pace. So we've got, going to be an interesting matchup on Saturday, I would say. It's going to be very interesting matchup.
00:23:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, definitely. I mean, for me, one player that really stands out, I mean, we've mentioned a good few, but one player that really stands out to me is Elliot Anderson.
00:23:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I mean, he will be on cloud nine this week after his performances for England. I mean, didn't i didn't see many of their games, but I did see some of the highlights.
00:23:24
Craig matthews
Mm. Mm.
00:23:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I mean, wow, Elliot Anderson, what a midfielder. Good start to his England career at the minute. And I mean... Let's hope for country he can continue it, but it'll big test for him this weekend, especially at the Emirates.
00:23:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, atmosphere is going to be rocking. You know, you will want the place bouncing and it will be it'll be a really good... It will make for a really good game.
Team Depth and Selection
00:23:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Really good game.
00:23:54
Craig matthews
I agree.
00:23:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
For Arsenal, where where do you see Arsenal kind of trying to... Really trying attack? What areas of the pitch...
00:24:05
Craig matthews
wide areas. If my awake is definitely to start Saturday, I live in the cycle will start. I'll say the only issue is who starts left with in the SA or Martin, I would rather give SA a chance.
00:24:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
I would go Eze as well. i think I think for me, it comes to a point now where Eze, we know what Eze can do.
00:24:17
Craig matthews
I think, yeah.
00:24:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've seen it for Palace.
00:24:25
Craig matthews
Yeah. yeah
00:24:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
And even even when he came on against Liverpool, we could see what he can do. And the thing is, I can see Eze and Madweke doing actually really well. They're very mo ah they're very similar, you know, but players that can really go at you know, defenders and cause problems. And I think them two will be key to unlocking Jokeres even more, I think.
00:24:52
Craig matthews
No, I agree. I feel the problem with Arsenal is we were very good the right, back in the day, like we an Henri, Perez and Ashley Cole were very good on the left-hand side.
00:25:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:25:03
Craig matthews
Now, it seems to be better on the right-hand side with like Ben White, Saka and Odegaard. So maybe we need to find a way how we can do good on both sides of the pitch we can be more um more effective. ah So, it's either knocking I'll double it up on Saka, then go to the left-hand side and unlock on the left-hand side. You know what I mean? That may give Saka more freedom. Whoever plays on the right side, more freedom to do their thing. That's what think we need to work on, to make make it more balanced on both sides, where we can unlock defences on both sides. Both wins can unlock defences.
00:25:37
Craig matthews
yeah
00:25:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, no, definitely. but i think I think this is going to be such a close contested game. You know, Arsenal-Forest, it's never been an easy game. I mean, we i think we've won we've won the last few few games at home, haven't we, against Forest?
00:25:53
Craig matthews
The first game we played against them, the first season was 5-0, 1-0.
00:25:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:25:58
Craig matthews
Last season we won 2-0. Was it 2-0, 1-0 or 3-0? I know Saka scored.
00:26:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
It was...
00:26:03
Craig matthews
Saka scored a screen run against them one season.
00:26:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes, I remember that, yeah.
00:26:05
Craig matthews
I thought that was a Scored last season. Was it 1-0 or 2-0?
00:26:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Can't remember, but I do remember it being an Arsenal win.
00:26:16
Craig matthews
Yeah, we won all the...
00:26:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
But...
00:26:17
Craig matthews
The only game we lost against them was away. Away at their ground.
00:26:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
wait, yeah.
00:26:21
Craig matthews
A lot at their ground, yeah.
00:26:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. But overall, though, I think... We are in good, we're in good hands.
00:26:28
Craig matthews
here
00:26:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
We are in good hands depth-wise, aren't we?
00:26:31
Craig matthews
Definitely, I agree. hard some that han yeah
00:26:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Right, we're going to take a quick break. And when we come back, we're going to go through some score of predictions. And I'm also going to ask Craig about defence, about the Arsenal defence, because Arteta will have a headache over who to pick. So I'd like to get i'd like to pick ah Craig's brains over that.
00:26:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
But ah join us after the break.
00:27:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
And welcome back to this third and final part of the Forest Preview with myself, Jamie Patson and Craig Matthews. Craig, just before the break, I need to pick your brains over something and it is the Arsenal defence because, as you know, we lost Saliba against Liverpool.
00:27:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
My question to you is, who is your back four? Who would you have as your back four against Forest this weekend? Because we are pretty much sport for choice.
00:28:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yep.
00:28:04
Craig matthews
Right back.
00:28:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:28:05
Craig matthews
Timber right back.
00:28:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay.
00:28:09
Craig matthews
I don't think Bedwatt's fully suited for start of match. I think have to come in second half, obviously.
00:28:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay.
00:28:13
Craig matthews
If he's not been trained, that's I'll say.
00:28:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Makes sense.
00:28:15
Craig matthews
Timber. I don't think Timber can handle Hanson Adore better than White. I think Timber's more solid as a right-back.
00:28:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:21
Craig matthews
well Yeah. Center-backs... um
00:28:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's the headache.
00:28:27
Craig matthews
Mascara and Gabriel. I don't think you dropped Mascara after the game he had against Liverpool.
00:28:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay.
00:28:36
Craig matthews
That would affect his confidence. I think he deserved the start.
00:28:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Fair enough. Fair enough. And left back?
00:28:43
Craig matthews
And then Gabriel is certainly back to the next three of our left back.
00:28:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, that's got you thinking, hasn't it?
00:28:53
Craig matthews
i I obviously, I know Califorin had a good spot for the season, but this is one game I thought you can risk them for the Champions League game on Wednesday or Tuesday.
00:28:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:29:05
Craig matthews
I would, no, not Champions I've got Champions League next week. Yeah, Champions League next week.
00:29:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, we have.
00:29:09
Craig matthews
Yeah, I would risk them.
00:29:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yep.
00:29:11
Craig matthews
i would play Luis Scully.
00:29:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ooh, okay.
00:29:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Fair enough.
00:29:16
Craig matthews
or or the new guy but only thing but only issue with the new guy is is not he's not i don't know how good his english is and so don't know how communication will be think maybe gabriel can speak since then they speak spanish in it so no hold on gabriel says portuguese he speaks spanish they'll find a way somehow but it is a bit like it's new and don't know if you how i will do don't know
00:29:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hincapié. Yeah.
00:29:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:29:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah,
00:29:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah, yeah, of course, of course.
00:29:45
Craig matthews
No, to do this schedule will start left back for me, man. what I would do.
00:29:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Fair enough. that That's
00:29:49
Craig matthews
Yeah.
Match Predictions and Conclusion
00:29:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
understandable.
00:29:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
would you Would you think of maybe bringing Hincapié on?
00:29:54
Craig matthews
Yeah, second half, if we're winning the game 3-0 or 3-1 at least, you can bring them on just to solid it up for the last 20 minutes or so. Give them a little run out if we're doing well in the game and we're not chasing the game. So, yeah, just to give them little taste of the English football.
00:30:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, definitely. It'll be a much different, it'll be a much different kind of pace compared to like the Bundesliga.
00:30:16
Craig matthews
Definitely.
00:30:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
So be very interesting.
00:30:17
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:30:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But yeah, I, do know what? I'm going to be really honest. I think right back, right back, I'd go Timber. Centre-back, I agree with... I do agree with Mosquera and Salib... And Gabriel, sorry.
00:30:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think, you know, like you said, you can't knock a man's confidence. You know, he he's done so he done so well against Liverpool. You know, players quiet.
00:30:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Calafiore kept Salah quiet as well. You know, i won't complain of that.
00:30:49
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:30:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But left-back, I'll be honest, I might have... I was really, you know what? I was actually really torn between Myles Lewis Skelly and Hincapié.
00:31:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because again, going back to international break, Hincapié's alright for himself um on international duty.
00:31:11
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:31:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
But so has Myles Lewis Skelly.
00:31:15
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:31:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
So that's where, for me, I'm very torn between Myles Lewis Skelly and Hincapié. Because... Both of them have played really well.
00:31:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
I would definiteftly rest ah would definitely rest Calafiore. I wouldn't risk anything with him. you know If you wanted to give him minutes, feel free to give him minutes. Or you could maybe bring off you could bring on Hincapié for maybe like a ah thing. ah Hincapié for...
00:31:46
Craig matthews
For Skelly or for Gabriel.
00:31:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, not for Gabriel. For Mosquera.
00:31:53
Craig matthews
But the only issue have with that is that they've got two left. Both Gabriel and Ken Kavya are left footed. That's a problem, too.
00:32:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, that's the only thing.
00:32:01
Craig matthews
I'll tell you something like that.
00:32:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
So one at one of the two will cut. Yeah, exactly. That's the only thing. So one of the two would probably end up coming off. But it'll be an interesting game.
00:32:08
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:32:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think, again, I just like the fact we've got so many options in in a variety of positions.
00:32:15
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:32:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
I just, good luck to, all I can say is good luck, Arteta, because you will need it. Very much will need it. Craig, before we wrap it up, um got to get a score prediction from you.
00:32:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
What do you think the score going to be on Saturday afternoon?
00:32:35
Craig matthews
The bounce back, three in the last one.
00:32:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
oh Give me some goal scorers as well. Go on. let's let's make Let's make it even more interesting. Ooh,
00:32:44
Craig matthews
I think Eze is going score in Emirates debut. That would tear the house up.
00:32:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
okay. Ooh.
00:32:49
Craig matthews
I think the goal crews will get two. And I thought Madhu Waker would get assist.
00:32:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Woo! Okay, that's bold. That is bold. Okay, I like that. I really like that. I am going to go... I'm going 2-0 Arsenal.
00:33:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think... I'm only saying it because right now we don't know what Forrest are going to be like, especially under Ange Postacoglu.
00:33:11
Craig matthews
Okay.
00:33:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, we don't know what they're going to be like. He's had maybe, what, a week or maybe a just a couple of days to to kind of get to know his squad a little bit. So I'm going 2-0 for that reason.
00:33:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Goal scorers, I will go for... Of course, I'm going to go for Jokerez. I believe that he will score at the Emirates. And...
00:33:38
Craig matthews
and
00:33:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
and I'm probably, do you know what? Something tells me Odegaard is going to score. Declan, I know, I can see, maybe not Declan Rice, I can probably see Madweke getting an assist.
00:33:46
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:33:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I'm probably going to go, yeah I'm going to go Madweke assist and going to keep it at that.
00:34:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, guys, that's pretty much it for that's pretty much it ah for today's episode. Just quickly, um'm is um literally a month to go until myself and my girlfriend will be taking part in the Palace for Life Foundation's Marathon March.
00:34:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
So we we've now reached our target of 500 pounds, I can gladly say. But we're not stopping there. We are looking to raise as much money as we can for a wonderful, wonderful cause. So to make a donation towards my marathon march, ah please, ah in the show notes, go and click the link in the show notes and make a donation to mine and my girlfriend's ah but foundation page.
00:34:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
um read ah Feel free to have a read and please help in any way you can. So thank you very much. But that is it for today, guys. Have you liked what we've had to say?
00:34:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
If so, we would love to hear your thoughts on social media. Make sure to go and show us some love and support and support by subscribing to the GSPN Network for all things Premier League, WSL, Serie World Cup and more.
00:35:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
You can find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify by searching Daily Arsenal. I have been your host, Jamie Patterson. He has been the amazing Craig Matthews.
00:35:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Have a good day all and take care.