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Daily Arsenal - West Ham at The Emirates, can we continue to go on a good run?
20 Plays10 days ago
In this episode we will discussing our up coming game at home to West Ham on Saturday afternoon, where we hope to continue to go on a good run. 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
00:00:13
Craig matthews
Bye.
Introduction and Jamie's Football Experience
00:00:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello everyone. Oh, hey. Very weird. Right. We'll try again. 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.
00:00:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
I am your host Jamie Patterson who Had a bit of a mixed bag tonight playing football with his mates. Seemed to score an own goal from an interception. Hit the post.
00:00:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hit the target. Just didn't hit the net. So, fingers crossed. Let's hope that I can try and get back on track now.
00:00:53
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:00:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I am joined by the one and only. And you know what? I have not... I can't remember last time i actually recorded with this guy.
Introducing Craig Matthews and Humorous Recollections
00:01:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I'm here with the one and only.
00:01:02
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:01:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mr. Encyclopedia. mr I was going to say Kai Havertz hater. It's more Mikel Moreno disliker.
00:01:12
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:01:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's the one and only ro ah Craig Matthews. Craig, you know I'm never going to live that down now. You know I'm not going to live that down. And your voice scored on the weekend as well.
00:01:23
Craig matthews
so
00:01:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
So... but
00:01:25
Craig matthews
but the mad thing is i don't i don't hate nicole marina i just look at some games like some games that shouldn't be spotting i don't hate him per se in that think you know what mean i don't hate it
00:01:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
so
00:01:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, ah you know what it is? It's the fact that Rice and Marino can't play together.
00:01:42
Craig matthews
yeah we can see it yeah hmm
00:01:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's just simply the fact they cannot. They can't. So, yeah. I mean, apart from
Reflecting on Recent Games and Stadium Atmosphere
00:01:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
that, how are you? Because it's been's actually been ah it's been a little while since I've last recorded with you.
00:01:53
Craig matthews
I'm good, I'm good.
00:01:58
Craig matthews
One week ago, last week think it was.
00:02:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
About a week ago or something.
00:02:00
Craig matthews
Last week.
00:02:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it feels feels a lot longer than that.
00:02:02
Craig matthews
Last week. Last week. Last week Wednesday was last time recorded. It was Friday. We did this crossover at the Newcastle.
00:02:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, yeah. And I wasn't. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. That's it. Oh, my gosh. So it's been an actual week then. Jeez almighty.
00:02:15
Craig matthews
It's been a week, yeah.
00:02:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's good. I mean, I mean, that's crazy. Sorry, that's crazy. Oh, my gosh.
00:02:22
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:02:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Telling you, tonight's performance has really got to me. Jeez almighty. But and also you were at last night's game as well, weren't you?
00:02:31
Craig matthews
Me and Rodney.
00:02:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
And you also you was also with Rodney as well.
00:02:33
Craig matthews
ah but great It was great to meet Rodney for the first time.
00:02:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, how was that?
00:02:41
Craig matthews
had a laugh and a joke, we talking about Arsenal, talking about the games. and you know It was good to be at the stadium again.
00:02:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
course.
00:02:48
Craig matthews
It was a good atmosphere at the stadium as well. And funny enough, when me and Rodney were talking, one guy came up and said, you need a ticket for the game. I just got off extra free ticket. And said to Rodney, let's call Jamie. Jamie will come and run here.
00:02:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, no. Oh, I would have been there in a heartbeat.
00:03:01
Craig matthews
Jamie
00:03:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Are
00:03:04
Craig matthews
will run out of his bed and put on his clothes and he was really like, five, five.
00:03:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
you crazy? i would have left. would have left this house quicker than you could say.
00:03:10
Craig matthews
um
00:03:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Arsenal. What?
00:03:14
Craig matthews
Yeah, they offered us a free ticket. said, we're going to go get a ticket. It's one of those men that comes, so had a free ticket. It's like, wow, I'm like, Oh man.
00:03:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now you- next time, now you know to invite me.
00:03:25
Craig matthews
Yeah, man.
00:03:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Oh, no way!
00:03:27
Craig matthews
And funnily enough, on the train coming into the stadium, I saw John Barnes on the station, the station. yeah He was going up the escalator going up and I was going down.
00:03:38
Craig matthews
I saw him, a glimpse, I saw him there on the station.
00:03:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Damn, that's- wow, what a night.
00:03:44
Craig matthews
Yeah, man.
00:03:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
What a night. Wow.
00:03:47
Craig matthews
Arsenal win. Yeah.
00:03:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
What more could you ask for, right?
00:03:51
Craig matthews
I know. Legend as well.
00:03:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
What more could you ask for?
Anticipating Arsenal's Home Game Against West Ham
00:03:54
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:03:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
But in this episode, we're going to be discussing our upcoming game at home to West Ham on Saturday afternoon. I'll tell you what.
00:04:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
When was the last time we even played a three o'clock kickoff?
00:04:08
Craig matthews
been a while now, isn't it?
00:04:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't even part of me sits here and thinks, actually, I don't even think we have actually had a three o'clock kickoff this season.
00:04:15
Craig matthews
Not this season.
00:04:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
So this is our very first.
00:04:15
Craig matthews
No, not yet. No, it's our first one, I think.
00:04:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Goodness me. This is our first one of the season.
00:04:20
Craig matthews
the champions league and all that spot with run a lot of sunday games a lot sunday they had it on
00:04:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:04:26
Craig matthews
game sort up
00:04:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Or it's either been the Saturday, like it's been a ah either Saturday lunchtime or Saturday afternoon kind of thing.
00:04:33
Craig matthews
ah evening then ki coffee yeah electric with yeah
00:04:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, that's it. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
00:04:35
Craig matthews
yeah those the first one
00:04:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:04:38
Craig matthews
yeah
00:04:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
But hopefully with this game, we look to get off to a good run. Well, hopefully we can continue to go on a good run from here on in. But as always, guys, if you want to get involved with any of the topics discussed on the show, please do get involved through our social media, which can be found in our show notes in the description.
00:05:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right, Craig, I mean, do you know what? Let's talk about this week in and in a nutshell, because... If you are an Arsenal fan this week, this has actually been a pretty good week.
00:05:10
Craig matthews
Yep.
00:05:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, we let let's cast our minds back to, you know, last weekend. You know, the fact that Palace go and win last minute against Liverpool.
00:05:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
And yet, Arsenal go and do the exact same thing.
00:05:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Then, obviously last night, Arsenal winning against Olympiacos. Something you'd like to see.
00:05:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, I mean, how how do you think the fan base is feeling ahead of this game this weekend?
00:05:42
Craig matthews
confident, I think the fans are confident that they can go and get the win, but I don't think West Ham are going to come to the Emirates and just make beat them. They're going to make it a hard fight.
00:05:53
Craig matthews
It's a London derby.
00:05:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:05:55
Craig matthews
And I saying today, one of my other friends on the podcast was saying that every game is going to be a hard game until the end of the season. Every season will want to beat Arsenal now. Everyone wants to beat
00:06:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, yeah.
Reviewing Arsenal's Recent Performances and Fan Optimism
00:06:05
Craig matthews
Arsenal.
00:06:05
Craig matthews
So we have to be very cautious on how we play our games. when the If we start early, win the game quick, and then we can rest players at half. I think we are first half team at the moment.
00:06:16
Craig matthews
but see that First half played well, then second half.
00:06:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
o
00:06:20
Craig matthews
Second half kind of lost energy or what it is, or TNC to turn it up against the second half. Just like last night. Last night, first half were amazing. Second half were very under pressure, I would say.
00:06:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:06:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, i I absolutely agree with with that. I mean, you know, arsenal Arsenal seem to really kind of find their groove because you think back to last night's game and I mean, only took, what, three minutes for Arsenal to register their first chance.
00:06:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
And eight it's been a good start. It's been a good start to this season, despite maybe a couple of you know questionable games. we've We've actually started off pretty decent.
00:06:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
And the fact now that we're sitting second in the league to Liverpool, who pretty much, what, we're trailing, what, three, two points behind Liverpool.
00:07:09
Craig matthews
Yeah, two points, yeah.
00:07:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
So that is, I mean, it's... It's quite good compared to when you think back to, was it previous weekend before when we were, what, five points or five or, you know, five, six points behind Liverpool.
00:07:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
So it seems to be going well.
00:07:23
Craig matthews
a
00:07:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I think right now, if you are an Arsenal fan, I think, you know, we're in good spirits. And I think like you said there, Craig, we are, you know, there's a really, there's a feel good factor around the Emirates, isn't there?
00:07:41
Craig matthews
Definitely. It's like that last night as well, was very like, everyone was happy, everyone was enjoying themselves watching the game. Some fans were getting frustrated in the half, obviously, Olympiakos are getting on to us a little bit.
00:07:53
Craig matthews
ah
00:07:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah yeah
00:07:54
Craig matthews
But from that, think every time been the Emirates recently, I think the fans are optimistic. Like, you know, they're happy. Like, even the first game, they were very happy you to win um the game last night.
00:08:06
Craig matthews
So, it's just onwards and upwards. I feel that we can definitely, we've got a lot of games in this month, in October. think all of them are winnable games.
00:08:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:08:16
Craig matthews
They're all winnable games. Got easy draw this time of the month. would say November is when up the fixers become harder again because we've got Tottenham in between, Bayern Munich, Chelsea in that month as well.
00:08:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:08:27
Craig matthews
so Them games are going to be really defining our season, obviously, to see where we are, where we are as a club, this season, that where we are. so If you can go of them games on Deaton in October, November, that will shape our share on December very well as well. We'll be all right in the table. and then yeah
00:08:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, no, I absolutely agree. I think I was speaking to JD last night, actually, on the pod about Arsenal's next five games and, you know, compared them to Liverpool.
00:08:55
Craig matthews
Wow.
00:08:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I mean... Liverpool haven't got the, you know, Liverpool haven't got an easy round of fixtures. Let's put it that way, because I believe off the top of my head, I know, think they've got Chelsea this weekend away.
00:09:11
Craig matthews
here
00:09:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah i think they've got United at home follow like on one other weekend. City to come in like one of yeah in like their fifth game or something. And then compared to Arsenal's fixtures, we've got...
00:09:22
Craig matthews
wow
00:09:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Three London derbies. I think it's ah West Ham, home, Fulham away.
00:09:30
Craig matthews
Fuller.
00:09:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
West Ham home, Fulham away. Palace home.
00:09:35
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:09:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And I can't remember who else we've got in that mix.
00:09:36
Craig matthews
Burnley. Have I got Burnley this month as well? Or that's next month?
00:09:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, that's it. Burnley away, Sunderland away. That's it.
00:09:45
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:09:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
So realistically, on paper, them games should be winnable. I think Palace is a bit questionable right now because of how well they've been doing under Glasner.
00:09:56
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:09:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
But it will be interesting to see how we overcome these next few games. But I want to turn the attention over to West Ham because coming into this game, they've got a new manager now in Nuno Espirito Santo.
00:10:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
What do you think what would do you think West Ham will do coming into this into the
Predicting West Ham's Strategy Under Nuno Espirito Santo
00:10:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
game this weekend? had
00:10:22
Craig matthews
Low blocks. They'll defend. Fire at the back. Hit us on the counter attack. and low blocks. That's why we bought Eze. That's Eze's job to unlock low blocks. That's why we pay all that money from him because he's very at unlocking defences with the low blocks.
00:10:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:10:36
Craig matthews
um I was even thinking of playing Declan Razzle as a holder, number six. Refs for Zubimendi this weekend. Play Eze and Odegaard together in midfield.
00:10:50
Craig matthews
On the left Martinelli, on the right Saka and Gokrez up front. I think that would be a very attacking team. But I feel that we could win the first half easily and then second half we can take off at AC or take off at Odegaard and be more defensive in the second half once we've got the goals in front and defend the second half.
00:10:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:11:10
Craig matthews
Just kill them off early and then rest players. So I would do that.
00:11:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, you know what? I mean, weve we've spoken so heavily about this on on previous podcasts where, you know, for for Arsenal, the depth this season is just so good, isn't it?
00:11:27
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:11:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Honestly, just so, so good. and Honestly, I think we're in such a good position now. You know, fair enough. We've got Odegaard back from injury now. You know, um white has Ben White has, you know, played decent last night.
00:11:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, ah wouldn't i wouldn't say it was his best. Obviously, it wouldn't really, I'd say isn't it wasn't an outstanding performance. But, you know, hopefully we get to see a bit more of Ben White over the course of this season.
00:11:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
But... For me and and West Ham, I mean, it'll be really interesting because it kind of gives me that vibe from, you know, Arsenal Forest this ah during the course of the season. You know, new manager, you know, do you see this new manager bounce happening at West Ham?
00:12:15
Craig matthews
Well, it did happen against Everton on Monday. Came in, that they were losing and and though they were getting battered in the first In the second half, they took the game to Everton in second half. They were very unlucky not to win the game.
00:12:27
Craig matthews
So would say that to be very careful with a new manager bounce as well. But I think all the team that we've got, the support that we've got now, they should be able to beat West Ham comfortably on Saturday, would say.
00:12:38
Craig matthews
But no Premier League game is going to be easy for Arsenal because every team wants to beat Arsenal.
00:12:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
True.
00:12:44
Craig matthews
We have to be very... careful but just go out there and do the job right get the win and ah move on to another day
00:12:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, absolutely. I do agree with you on that. You know, I think for me, i do just sit here and think to myself, what kind of what kind of game are we going to expect from West Ham this weekend? Because...
00:13:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, they they are a good side. They are a good side. And I know they've not had maybe the best of starts this season. But, you know, players to look out for. Again, Bowen, you know, Paqueta.
00:13:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Could you... anyone Anyone else from that team that you could maybe see as ah as a threat to Arsenal?
00:13:25
Craig matthews
Juve, the left-back, he's rapid.
00:13:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, yes.
00:13:30
Craig matthews
he he
00:13:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes, I forgot about Duv. Yes.
00:13:33
Craig matthews
He's skinned. The way he went past two Elton defenders the other day was like, wow. Got the ball from his half, ran past both of knocked the ball forward went past both of them. They couldn't catch him and they crossed the wall and scored the goal from that chance. He scored the goal. So, you've got to be careful of him. Who else have to be careful of?
00:13:52
Craig matthews
Let's see.
00:13:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm also trying to think as well. piketa Then you've got the likes of like um ah Vladimir Souffal as well.
00:13:56
Craig matthews
um
00:14:03
Craig matthews
Somerville, he had a good game.
00:14:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Somerville, yep.
00:14:05
Craig matthews
He had a good game. um The striker, I think Gabriel Slable can handle him. but fur quote what ah Yeah, they can handle him.
00:14:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Paul Krug.
00:14:14
Craig matthews
It's not really that. It's not really a tasty striker. It's more like you get a flick on and you do something, thing but it's not really the one to worry about, but still worry about him, haven't he could do something like well.
00:14:29
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:14:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
No. ah Yeah, I absolutely agree. I think another thing I also really want to, another thing I kind of want to ask before we do go into a break is Arsenal and West Ham, especially, ah you know, when we host West Ham at the Emirates, it's never been a comfortable game, has it?
00:14:45
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:14:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Last few seasons has not been easy pickings for Arsenal. Why why is that?
00:14:54
Craig matthews
I don't know. It's a very weird one because when we play them at their ground, we batter them all the time. When they come to the Emirates, it's like they have prime round with June or something.
00:14:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:15:02
Craig matthews
They come there, they just get us on counter and score goals.
00:15:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Exactly that.
00:15:07
Craig matthews
like But um i think I think David Moyes got a win there couple seasons ago in his title run. And I think Graham Potter got a win there last season on his first game.
00:15:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:15:17
Craig matthews
I remember correctly, first or second in game, he got a win. New manager bounced there and I think he got a win against us. Dianne Bowen scored the winner. mistake from I think that Califori wasn't wast marketing properly or gave him too much space, he ran past him.
00:15:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
I believe it was, yes.
00:15:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah i think it was it was I think he gave him too much space and I don't think he was... Yeah, I think the marking was quite poor as well.
00:15:40
Craig matthews
e I don't think I'll start Califori in this game against West Ham. I think I'll give Lewis Skelly a run out because I'll say, matching pace for pace, I'll say Skelly against Bowen was a good match for Kaysen now for them two was able handle it more than a California I would say that and yeah but
00:15:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:16:01
Craig matthews
and yeah
00:16:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, i I think another thing I actually, yeah, I do agree with what you're saying there.
00:16:03
Craig matthews
ah
00:16:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think right now, ah think we could freshen the squad up a little bit. But again, I wouldn't go crazy we ah wouldn't go crazy with like the six changes that was made midweek.
00:16:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, i said again, I think I said to... it Was it Rodney or JD? I think I said to Rodney um earlier in the week that I would like to see Arsenal make maybe three changes.
00:16:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Four might be pushing it a little bit, but anything more than four, I would have but i would have been a bit alarmed with. But... Look, Arteta is the manager at the end of the day and he know he knows what he's doing.
00:16:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know what mean?
00:16:47
Craig matthews
definitely.
00:16:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
And with with the depth we've got as well, it's it's honestly very good, isn't it?
00:16:52
Craig matthews
yeah
00:16:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Honestly, very good. But we are going to take a quick break in the meantime. And when we do come back from the break, we're going to have a look at Arsenal and we're going to talk a little bit about what Arteta could do going into this game.
Discussing Arsenal's Potential Lineup and Tactics
00:17:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
And welcome back to the second part. As we look ahead to Arsenal v West Ham over the weekend, I'm here with Craig Matthews. Craig, let's talk a little bit more ah before we before we did kind of go into a break.
00:18:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah With regards to Arsenal and their changes, what do you expect Arteta to do over the weekend?
00:18:15
Craig matthews
He's going restore to the team that won against Newcastle, I think. think he might check maybe tweak it a little bit, maybe. ah but Everyone's available. I know there's a few injuries as well. I think he'll definitely start Saka.
00:18:28
Craig matthews
I think Eze will come back into the team. ah
00:18:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Oh, you reckon Eze will come back into the team?
00:18:32
Craig matthews
Odegaard.
00:18:34
Craig matthews
I think he will. but a don't know where he will play him, though, because I'll play him in the 10th as a free roll against the low block.
00:18:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Again, this is where I think you need to get you need to give Eze that freedom. you You have to give him the freedom and let him do his thing. Because against Newcastle...
00:18:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Had a couple of cracks at goal. You know, he was given the freedom to go and do what he needed to do. Again, same with say with City. When he came on against City, you could see what he'd done there.
00:19:09
Craig matthews
yeah
00:19:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Question is, though, this battle for the number 10...
00:19:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Is it going to be fiery between Eze and Odegaard? Especially now that we we've seen probably one of Odegaard's better, much better performances in an Arsenal shirt.
00:19:29
Craig matthews
I thought Odegaard's mind of the match. He won mind the match. That's the best I've seen him play for almost a year.
00:19:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
He did.
00:19:35
Craig matthews
Since the ankle injury, I think that's the best seen him play in a long time.
00:19:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Agree.
00:19:39
Craig matthews
I think he played well against Newcastle as well, came off the bench and got an assist for Gabriel's goal. Gabriel did have a poor game on Sunday, for scoring the goal.
00:19:51
Craig matthews
Anyway, I think he was very up and down.
00:19:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, we we kind of, we we spoke about that as well when we, me and Rodney said that the fact that an experienced figure like Gabriel to go down in the box was ridiculous.
00:19:54
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:19:57
Craig matthews
yeah
00:20:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Absolutely ridiculous. I don't know what made him think to go and do it.
00:20:11
Craig matthews
but he meant He did redemption by getting a winner. He's lucky enough to get sent off.
00:20:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
He did.
00:20:14
Craig matthews
I thought he did hit Valtomando a couple of times as well. So he's very fortunate not to get sent off and give away a penalty towards the end as well when the ball hit arm as well. so you know But he didn't give the penalty for the first one, i think he couldn't give the penalty for the second one. He had even it out.
00:20:31
Craig matthews
I'll see it. in the end so but other from that um yeah I think I think like yeah you're right I think yeah yeah yeah
00:20:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:20:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
You don't even know what to say because the thing is, both of them are so good, aren't they? They're just so good. But I do agree. I think you've got to start Eze. I mean, he, you know, Eze in the Prem has been really good.
00:21:01
Craig matthews
yeah
00:21:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'd like to see more of it in the Champions League. But again, you know, I get it. You want to you need to give game time to to your you know to the Odegaards and, you know, to maybe like the ether the Ethan Waniere's of this team.
00:21:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
But, I mean, right now... that That battle for the number 10 is going to be really interesting. But again, this is the whole point of why Arteta has brought in Eze.
00:21:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because I honestly think he's trying to say, look, none of no none none of your positions are safe.
00:21:27
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:21:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
maybe Maybe barring Raya, no one's position safe in that Arsenal squad, is it?
00:21:35
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:21:40
Craig matthews
Nah, even, I think even Saliba didn't have spot a lot against Newcastle last week. Moscow's been in good form.
00:21:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mmm.
00:21:46
Craig matthews
Moscow's been in good form this season, but I mean, made an error for the goal where they gave the ball away on um unnecessarily what, I think he's been solid so far. He's been very good in the games he's played so far.
00:21:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Agree. Agree. I think, you know, Mosquera, again, it's another player we don't speak enough about. he has been, he's been so good. And yet, I still sit here and think, how have we bought him for the money that we paid? Because it is,
00:22:16
Craig matthews
in
00:22:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
it just, it's just, go
00:22:18
Craig matthews
in the in the in the if he continues the way to continue the next one maybe what two or three seasons he's even worth 60 70 million eight billion tops his value will definitely go up after this season if he continues the way it's going don't be surprised if rumen didn't put a cheeky bid in for him as well knowing them knowing them
00:22:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:22:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh yeah, of course. Because... Don't forget, they wanted Saliba. What did Saliba go and do?
00:22:41
Craig matthews
yeah signing a new contract
00:22:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
A new deal.
00:22:45
Craig matthews
a
00:22:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, you know, there's a good philosophy going around the club at the minute. But, I must say though, going into this weekend, I think you you have to... so I think for me, you start as A in that 10-roll.
Deliberating on Arsenal's Attacking Lineup and Player Form
00:23:01
Craig matthews
Definitely.
00:23:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think you start as A in the 10-roll. My... My kind of back line, would go... Obviously, Ryer in goal. I'd go Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, MLS.
00:23:16
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:23:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
I also agree. I think Califiori needs to be rested. i would go... this is where it gets difficult now. I would go Rice... i would go Rice, Zubamendi.
00:23:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'd go Rice, Zubamendi and Eze.
00:23:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
I would go for that. I think the best time you probably wanted to rest someone like her a Declan Rice or a Zubamendi would have been that Champions League game, I think.
00:23:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
But again, as you've said before, Rice and... um Yeah, sorry. Rice and... um What's his name? Don't fit.
00:23:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Rice and Marino don't really complement each other well in that midfield.
00:24:01
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:24:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
So... yeah Yeah, it's not it's not easy.
00:24:08
Craig matthews
It's a hard one, it's a hard one to think about who do you put in there but were that's why Mikel Artista gets paid all that money to to the squad because he has to think of it it must have a sleep, there's nights every day thinking and he has to dream in his bed like who do I pick, who do I pick, who do I pick like it's hard, it's hard, it's very hard.
00:24:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:24:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah It really is. your let's Let's look at attacking-wise. who The big question for me is, because I know who would go on the right and I know who would go up top, but who do you play out on the left?
00:24:43
Craig matthews
Because he's been good form recently, he's scored a goal to cover up the bench, I'll give Martin Elia a run out.
00:24:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I agree. i agree. i think... Martinelli, and then you bring Trossard on maybe after the hour mark. Or maybe after or maybe you you bring him on like around the 70th minute mark.
00:25:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
not Nothing later, though.
00:25:05
Craig matthews
like yesterday, the second half was really frustrating me, man. Just giving the ball away, giving the ball away. Like, you need come off. I was saying to my brother, you need to come off now, man. Eze was warming up for a long time.
00:25:17
Craig matthews
I said, bring on Eze or bring on somebody else just to change it up a bit, freshen it up bit.
00:25:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, agree.
00:25:24
Craig matthews
I was... Yeah.
00:25:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think the like the subs came a little bit late for Arsenal, which I was a bit surprised at. And I thought, hmm, I get it.
00:25:32
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:25:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
You want to rest players for West Ham, but run the run of games that we have are decent games. And don't forget, i think we've got the Carabao Cup somewhere in that in that mix as well.
00:25:46
Craig matthews
Brighton, yeah.
00:25:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Also followed by, who is it who have we got in the next round Champions League? Is it Atletico?
00:25:51
Craig matthews
But, um, Athletico at home.
00:25:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's going to be some game.
00:25:56
Craig matthews
That is going to be a hard game, but... 2...
00:25:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
That is going to be a hard game because currently I'm just looking at the league phase of the of the Champions League table.
00:25:58
Craig matthews
2... Hmm. to
00:26:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
And as it stands, ah Arsenal are sitting fifth. And
00:26:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
where are they? And Atletico Madrid are 10th.
00:26:22
Craig matthews
They could have lost the first game with Liverpool in the last one.
00:26:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
They did, yeah. They did. So, that will be an interesting game. But I think, again, the the rotations over the next couple of weeks going to be very interesting. Despite us having relatively good games, I still think it's going to be a very big ask for us to try and manage minutes.
Player Performances, Upcoming Fixtures, and Expectations
00:26:44
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:26:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
But also, another player i'm really looking forward to seeing is Nkappie.
00:26:49
Craig matthews
I think he'll be back after the international break of injury.
00:26:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
I really hope so.
00:26:53
Craig matthews
I think he'll be back after the international break. think had a, my brother said he had an injury before he came to Arsenal and he got another injury coming, like the growing thing.
00:27:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because he's currently out with a groin injury.
00:27:04
Craig matthews
Yeah, hopefully it's not too bad. Hopefully he'll be back after the he'll be a good option.
00:27:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
I really do hope so.
00:27:10
Craig matthews
He'll be a good option.
00:27:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Really do hope so. Because I've been singing his... I've honestly been singing his praises on this pod. And I need to see him start. Because, honestly, I think we've got such a great player in Hincapié.
00:27:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh,
00:27:22
Craig matthews
Well, where are you playing? Left back or summer but
00:27:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
I knew you was going to ask me that. Oh...
00:27:27
Craig matthews
back? You can do both, wouldn't you?
00:27:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
I...
00:27:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah do you know what? I would play him in the left-back role.
00:27:36
Craig matthews
in my shorts.
00:27:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Because... And another thing is, right, and I know Miles does this at times as well. He likes to overlap. And he I've seen Hinkapie do it as well.
00:27:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I just think with Hinkapie and, say, ah Timber overlap, oh, my gosh.
00:27:50
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:27:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Even with a Ben White overlap as well. Oh, my gosh. We'd be cooking.
00:28:01
Craig matthews
Yeah man, I I need someone to unlock Gokre I think Gokre had his best game for us yesterday as well I think he had a world-class ball team yesterday threw it on goal and it's...
00:28:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
We'd actually be cooking.
00:28:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. I think we with Odegaard, I think Odegaard could probably unlock unlock the best out of Jokka Rez.
00:28:14
Craig matthews
Hmm
00:28:23
Craig matthews
yeah
00:28:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because for me, i saw hints of sporting. I did see hints of him at sporting where he'd outmuscle players. his his And his power on the ball is insane.
00:28:38
Craig matthews
in
00:28:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Absolutely insane.
00:28:41
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:28:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I'd like to hope... fingers And do you know what? I really do hope he scores over the weekend.
00:28:46
Craig matthews
and In either court,
00:28:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Really hope he scores over the weekend. Because he had a good game, like you said.
00:28:51
Craig matthews
he made some good runs yesterday. Very unlucky the finishes or another day at the back the hat trick. He's getting into the right spaces now. That's the most important thing.
00:29:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:29:00
Craig matthews
He's into Bury. Once he gets full fitness and full sharpness, goals are just going to flow for him, man. That's what I think, because are just going to flow for him.
00:29:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, absolutely. I do agree with you. Absolutely agree. i think I kind of said it that, you know, if he if he bagged against Leeds, which he did twice, I thought that would be his confidence booster to go and get more.
00:29:20
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:29:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Obviously, I think he he scored in the next home game as well.
00:29:23
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:29:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
But we haven't you know, we've seen hints. We've seen good hints and they they are positive. I just hope the media don't get on to him and be like, oh, well, you know, Arsenal have spent x out X amount of money and and blah, blah, this, that, the other, but he's not really performing that well, is he?
00:29:42
Craig matthews
One goal
00:29:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
i In my head, I'd just be like, go and talk about Tesco. Just go and talk about Benjamin Tesco and then get back to me.
00:29:49
Craig matthews
five games.
00:29:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Then get back to me.
00:29:51
Craig matthews
one goal the five game
00:29:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, exactly. Exactly that. But in the meantime, we're going to take another break and join us after the break as we are going to talk about score predictions because Craig has seemed to have a stroke of luck with Arsenal's score predictions.
00:30:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
But join us after this break.
Score Predictions and Final Thoughts
00:30:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
And welcome back to this third and final part of this West Ham preview. Craig, the big question of them all, because well let's cast our minds back to Friday.
00:31:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
so last Friday, let's cast our minds back. Because, Craig, what did you predict? What were your exact words when you when you done the crossover episode with the Newcastle lots?
00:31:17
Craig matthews
I told them it was going to be a 2-1 Arsenal away win. said Newcastle will score first and they did. And we will score two goals and win the game. I got laughed at. Put it that way.
00:31:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Laugh that. And now look who's having the last laugh now.
00:31:29
Craig matthews
that
00:31:32
Craig matthews
you call The fans said, no, you can't score two goals against a hard team.
00:31:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Look who's having the last laugh now, hey?
00:31:38
Craig matthews
I guess, OK, no problem. It is what is.
00:31:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah
00:31:43
Craig matthews
It is what it is. I have faith in my team, isn't
00:31:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
There you go. There you go Right, Craig, if you get the... print If you get... i'm kid you not. if If you get this prediction correct, goodness me, I'm going to need to ask you for the lottery numbers at this point.
00:32:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Might need to ask you for the lottery numbers at this point. So no pressure, mate. No pressure at all. But what is your prediction for this weekend?
00:32:06
Craig matthews
a
00:32:10
Craig matthews
think West Ham will score. um from all
00:32:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ooh, okay.
00:32:14
Craig matthews
I think Arsenal will win anyway comfortably. think there's going to be a 3-1 win Arsenal.
00:32:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
okay.
00:32:20
Craig matthews
I think the main guy for West Ham to score against is Gerard Boren. I back him to score against them.
00:32:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think, yeah, he will be, he's going to be someone that we're really going to need to try and cancel out in the game here.
00:32:27
Craig matthews
He's their best player. Yeah.
00:32:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because he him, ah what a player. I mean, how no other big six club have snapped him up is beyond me.
00:32:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do
00:32:45
Craig matthews
Even Newcastle needed players in the South. They should have gone for him.
00:32:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know what? that i could have so I could see that working. I could see a Jared Bowen working, but you look at Newcastle's squad right now. have they got right now that is still quite good, actually?
00:33:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Who they got?
00:33:04
Craig matthews
They've got a Lando. They've got a Lando. They've got a Lando.
00:33:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, there you go
00:33:06
Craig matthews
They've got Jacob and Matthew. I think he's better than both of them, to be fair.
00:33:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Sorry, sorry. Wait, where hu war hold on. Sorry, what? Who's better? Elanga?
00:33:15
Craig matthews
No, no.
00:33:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Or Bowen?
00:33:17
Craig matthews
Bowen. I think Bowen's better than both of them. I like Alanga, good player, but he hasn't really shown it yet at Newcastle yet.
00:33:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:33:26
Craig matthews
But I think Bowen would have slotted straight into that team and done well straight away, impact straight away. like
00:33:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I agree. I agree. I think he's, honestly, Bowen's such a good player. And I think if he does, I'd be really shocked if he doesn't get a summer move.
00:33:43
Craig matthews
I think he'll put in a transfer request but take the guy that we need. take ah had off the cell and people i if if you'll put a chance for request well o calluse will take a look at him in a summer if figure go he's the guy that you need
00:33:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. absolutely i agree i Absolutely. agree. absolutely agree. So, Craig, you're going 3-1 Arsenal, yeah?
00:34:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
My first thought, and I'm going to go with my first thought, is 3-0 Arsenal.
00:34:14
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:34:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
I can really, I can see Arsenal doing a job here on West Ham. And don't get me wrong, right? Yes, I know we've got, you know, I know that they've got a new manager. You know, will they get this new manager bounce?
00:34:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
But with the weight with the football we've been playing, it's been good football.
00:34:32
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:34:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it's been really gutsy and really determined football.
00:34:33
Craig matthews
Definitely.
00:34:36
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:34:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
And again, we with the flexibility that we've got, it is just so good. It's honestly so good. So for me, I'm going 3-0. And you know what? Let's throw some score prediction. Let's throw some summer players in as well. I'm going to say, I'm going Jokeres.
00:35:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Odegaard. Saka.
00:35:06
Craig matthews
but i'm going um for western boing
00:35:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yep.
00:35:11
Craig matthews
and o god rise right that platform
00:35:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ooh.
00:35:16
Craig matthews
like ra law against was um
00:35:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
He does.
00:35:19
Craig matthews
but ra might get a goal and i'll say goker go cruz rice and um o god yeah gold chris ri and all on sales go for
00:35:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ooh, that is, yeah, that's good prediction. That's a very good prediction of goal scorers there. But I guess we'll have to see what happens. Fingers crossed with Arsenal. Go on. And hopefully we can continue to go on this good run that we're currently on at the minute.
00:35:42
Craig matthews
a who assist
00:35:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
but Only time can tell. on.
00:35:44
Craig matthews
as they still says
00:35:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, and he's throwing Eze with two assists. Oh, OK. Just to sweeten the pot. OK, well, we'll find out on we'll find out if Craig is successful with his with his predictions.
00:36:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Best believe if he is, I will be messaging the group chat state straight away, asking Craig for the lottery numbers. And boy, if I win the lottery, goodness me, Craig will be getting a good share of that lottery money. I'll tell you that now.
00:36:13
Craig matthews
thank you ah need it i need it i need it
00:36:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
No worries. No worries. But that is it for us today, guys.
00:36:21
Craig matthews
but
00:36:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Have you liked what we've had to say? We'd love to hear your thoughts on social media as always. um You can always find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify by searching Daily Arsenal.
00:36:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
You've been listening to the GSPN Arsenal Podcasts. 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 to World Cup 26. I have been your host, Jamie Patterson.
00:36:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
He has been the amazing Craig Matthews. Have a good day, all, and take care.