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S1-E75 : MANCHESTER UNITED CROSSOVER! Wenger V Fergie, Upcoming Results and Banter Clubs...
10 Plays20 days ago
It's a chaotic week in the Premier League! And with our game coming up tomorrow, the boys invited along a mamber of the Daily Manchester United podcast for a chin wag about all things Arsenal VS Manchester United, the rivalry between Wenger and Fergie and inevitably, a lot of banter thrown both ways!
Host : Josh Vince
Guests : Rodney Gooden, Matt
Special Guest : Kieron McGinley
Find us on our social media with the links below!
Instagram: @gspngunners
TikTok: @gspngunners
X: @GSPNArsenal
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Transcript
Introduction to Global Sports Podcast Network
00:00:01
Speaker
Every club. Every day. The Global Sports Podcast Network.
Daily Arsenal Podcast 75th Episode Special
00:00:07
Speaker
work Hello, hello, and welcome to the Global Sports Podcast Network. And here at the Daily Arsenal Podcast, it is our 75th episode. And to celebrate that, we're bringing you a crossover with one of our great rivals, a team we have a long history with, a team who could well finally be on the up and up.
Meet the Crossover Guests
00:00:28
Speaker
So joining me, Josh Vince, as well as Rodney Gooden and Matt from the Daily Arsenal is Kieran McGinley, here to represent in the mid-table top half hopefuls, Manchester United. What a terrible present for you all. Great to be here. How are you all? We're doing great. that It's great to have you. el us How are you feeling about venturing across the network on your own to face up against us at the Daily Osman Podcast? You know, I was nervous. I talked about it with Matt last night on that or at least yesterday's podcast. And he just said, just give him your best. Give him your all. And I'm using that grit and determination here tonight.
00:01:01
Speaker
Well, I mean, at least somebody will be who's representing United because it won't be happening in the game. Let's face it.
Arsenal vs. Manchester United Excitement
00:01:06
Speaker
yeah has Rodney, how are you feeling about the upcoming game? I'm good. I'm good. I'm confident. I'm motivated. It might be getting a chance to go down and watch it live myself. So I'm very, very excited. So yeah, and I'm sorry, but.
00:01:21
Speaker
Kieran, we're going to we're gonna have to do you pretty dirty on this one. right We need the points like it's over. I'm hoping just steamroll, move through. Just like last season, double victories, it should be wonderful. I'm very upset now. That's a change of plan on that one. Of course, of course. you know A young, up-and-coming manager. We've never seen you United bring any of those in and you know go badly. And what about you, Matt? How are you feeling about the game coming up and ahead? I'm doing pretty good. I think I'm excited for it, just like I am for every Arsenal game. I'm not i'm not um you know'm not here to to be the most ah controversial or uproaring type of a type of fan. So don't worry Kiri, you know that's one person's spare for you. But no, I'm excited. This is a Premier League classic, a huge game, one which we've not made the biggest light work of in recent times. So hopefully it will be a bit more comfortable on Wednesday. But yeah, looking forward to it.
00:02:11
Speaker
Hey, we did all right last season and we'll come onto that. the a i Nothing too much to worry about there. But let me have a look historically.
Team Histories and Rivalries
00:02:18
Speaker
So historically in terms of all games, we played 240 games against each other, the two teams. Now, I do have to admit, because the statistics do not lie, Manchester United have won a few more of those. That's music to my ears. yes yeah Yeah, you know, they had a cheat code in the late 90s. It was all that sort of nonsense. They've won 101 games, so 42%. We've won 89, and we've drawn 50 as well. So it is pretty, it's fairly close, in it but history does favor United. And again, we do have to be honest, in terms of titles, it does favor United as well. Is that something you're still clinging on to, Kieran, as a club, seeing as you're in decline at the moment?
00:03:02
Speaker
what we live in the past. We've said this constantly on the podcast. you know We have a tendency. Every ah one of our World Cup Wednesdays looks back at oh which players could fit into this system now. what Let's have a look at it and revisit some former glory players, including Darren Gibson, that now brought up on one of our World Cup enemies. Hey, have you ever seen some of his Champions League bangers? Honestly.
00:03:22
Speaker
The man was insane in the Champions League on a Wednesday night. But the point is, ah yes, we have been living in the past recently, but Amorim's come in and given us something to look forward to. And it's not going to be... Look, we've been in an 11-year project so far. i'm I'm so bored of hearing that word. But, you know, Amorim's come in with this relatively newer system that maybe these players aren't used to. Maybe some of them with the Vangalia of the five at the back might draw some comparisons there. But we've had some players really taking to that system like a duck to water. It's just seeming like right now the pennies dropped, but as I said before on yesterday's podcast, the real test is Wednesday. How is it going to fare? It is going to be a big test. ah Rodney, could you say that Arsenal fans can be slightly accused of living in the past as well when we always harken back to the invincibles and things like that? Or have we got a little bit more reason to be feeling good about ourselves?
00:04:12
Speaker
I think, I think that trophy, that gold invincible trophy, it does things to the earth on fan base, you know? It's a bit of a shame. The last time we won a Premier League was just that, you know? A nigh on 20 years back. Close last season, closest season before, but it's true. I think we do have a tendency to glorify the past, but what a glorious past it was, you know? I want to see more trophies, you know, in the near future, more things to harp on about, but it's true. We're guilty of it as well.
00:04:38
Speaker
We certainly are. But last season, when it came to head-to-head, oh, we had United in our pocket. Oh, we did. Oh, we did, yes. The first game of, well, the first game between the two of that season, Sunday, the 3rd of so September, 2023, is at the Emirates. It was a glorious day. I remember it very well because it was the day after one of my best friend's weddings. And I was suffering like no one else's business. Matt, do you remember that delightful 3-1 victory?
00:05:08
Speaker
I remember a phenomenal, lovely, sensational goal from Deccan Rice you to win it for Arsenal. And I also remember my heart nearly being absolutely shattered and confused when Alejandro Garnaccio ran up the other end and put it in. So it just says it all about the fine margins in football. Gabriel's tiny bit of stepping up, plays out here, plays him offside. And then a few minutes later,
00:05:33
Speaker
bang, deck and rice from the corner and then took to put the absolute icing on the cake, Gabrielle Hazy's breakaway goal. There's no better feeling in football, you know, just sending ballo and the noise from the crowd of go on. Sliding into the stands. Now I do have a slight problem with that game because I'd actually, I'd very rarely put bets on, but I put a bet on that day the rice was going to score the winner and I was hanging out on my backside, sat at home and just like shaking ever so slightly and he scored in the 96th minute and i was over the moon i'd got the score prediction right i got rice to score the winner right i was i was in for a big payday and what happens
00:06:16
Speaker
yeahre me zeus ri stuff right Oh, my heart bleeds for you, honestly. It's the angriest I've ever been at Arsenal scoring a third goal in my life. so Obviously, Kieran, yeah. Joy to absolute heartbreak at Beltway, but Kieran, it and must have been a bit chastening last year, I mean.
00:06:39
Speaker
a little bit. What I will say to to quote one of my favourite shows growing up, you know, if I had a ah penny for every time Manchester United bottled a result against the London club with two goals coming after the 90th minute, I'd have two pennies, which is weirdest, but it's weirdest happened twice, right? It's not a lot, it's weirdest happened twice.
00:07:02
Speaker
i just don't I just don't know. We we were at a ah dark period that last season. A lot of teams got the double over us quite convincingly. But we've got an FA Cup, so it's and it's not too bad, really. it's not one Yeah, you haven't got the most FA Cups, though, so that's fine. um And then the the race yeah the reverse fixture at Old Trafford, obviously, was a 1-0 victory for Arsenal. Now, um ah don't know about whereabouts do you live, Kieran, if you don't mind me asking?
00:07:26
Speaker
Yeah, I live near in Kent, so I'm away away. So you're a proper Unite fan, the ones that don't live in Kent. Well, yeah. Yeah, well, look. As our hero, Eric Cantona, once said, you know, after kicking a Chico Crystal Palace fan, you know...
00:07:41
Speaker
You can never change a football club. You can change everything else about your life. But the football club you choose when you're six or seven years old, that's the one you stick with. And I got into a weird way because I'm into motorsport. And when I was growing up, red was a very successful colour. So I saw this team playing on TV. So it must have been the ITV Champions League. Any team could have been playing in red. You were so close. So close. You could have been a party Arsenal team then. i what What a nightmare that would have been. what a nightmare you bit worried of'm art scaring I couldn't think of anything worse now. You can jump ship if you want. i Look, i'm not I'm not a City fan, don't worry. I'll be alright. I'll be okay.
Legendary Managerial Rivalry
00:08:24
Speaker
Don't worry about me. now i mean We can't talk about Arsenal United without talking about Wenger Fergie. I mean, Rodney, it was it was the rivalry that effectively sent the Premier League stellar, wasn't it? It was what made the Premier League for a long time.
00:08:41
Speaker
It was, it was historically, absolutely electric clashes. Players being up for it, goals glowing, honestly a battle between two of the greatest managers the Premier League has ever seen. Ah, I was riveting. I looked forward to it every time that fixture came off. And I think, yeah, in recent years, changes in managers, changing of the guard, changing of players, less so. The quality has dropped off. Some teams are maybe performing a bit better than others here. I don't think we've got back to the point of those duels, the legendary duels, Zunabenga and Ferguson. But, hey, looking back at it now, we've got our Tetherers height as well, as doing well for Arsenal. And if Amoram is that guy,
00:09:12
Speaker
Maybe, just maybe in the future, we'll go back to such legendary duels. I reckon there's a potential net. Now, Kieran, I'm going to say this before you bring it up. Obviously, there are some huge games in that period and at one point, yes, we lost 8-2 at Old Trafford. Now, I'm not sure if Rodney and Matt remember this game or if they've sponged it from their minds. Matt, do you remember this fixture?
00:09:37
Speaker
To be honest, I don't think it happened. Oh, it did. I thought it did. Yeah, I've deleted that memory. It doesn't quite come true, so I'm not sure it happened. That's all I'm saying. Unfortunately, I was at Reading Festival, or 16 at Reading Festival, and I remember them coming onto the main stage to announce all the results. And whoever it was who was announcing results started with Arsenal 2, and we were like, oh, come on, yes! Manchester United, 8.
00:10:06
Speaker
Now, Kieran, there's been a couple of big wins for United. We had 6-2 as well and things like that. Is that, again, that sort of nostalgia thing that you're holding onto those victories? Or does it just make you smile? I mean, yeah, the fact that we've got one of the highest scoring fixtures in that one always always holds true. But you never know that you're only as good as your next Arsenal game. That's what I would always say as a Maggie Knight fan. and Thank you.
00:10:31
Speaker
so So, you know, last last season you did the double dark times. This season, hopefully, let's see what happens. As I've said before, this is going to be the test. But just to just to go on the point of what Rodney said, and maybe I more consider Arsenal, especially in the noughties and the early 2010s, as Wenger versus Ferguson, rather than United versus Arsenal. But these were two managers that knew exactly what to say to their players to get them hating each other. you know how How infamous is that scene of Keaton Vieira in the tunnel, not even on the pitch, in the tunnel, for goodness sake, riling each other up? I mean, that that's what you live for, those sorts of diehard rivalries on the on the football pitch. Two sets of players, 22 players that were willing to die for their manager and for three points.
00:11:17
Speaker
Yeah, you know, ah amazing now. I think because of that, because we've moved away from Wenger and because we've moved away from Ferguson, we've sort of gone away from that hostility between the two fans. But absolutely, it's so it's a rivalry. It's a derby. You want to win it. You do not want to be in a losing end. And for sure, it doesn't want to be an 8-2 or a 6-2 or whatever embarrassing scoreline could come up against you.
00:11:39
Speaker
Yeah, unfortunately I did some digging. There weren't really many embarrassing school lines while we were on top, unfortunately, lads. So maybe this is the time. Maybe this is it. no We're going to take a little break now. We're going to hear from our partners at Zencast.
Zencastr Promotion
00:11:51
Speaker
And when we come back, we are going to focus much heavily on United themselves, on their squad, and on the fact they got rid of a beautiful bald man for this rubbish young lad who's going to ruin everything for the rest of the Premier League. So we'll be back just after this message.
00:12:06
Speaker
Here at Global Sports Podcast Network, we spend a lot of time selecting our delivery platform. Zencaster came out the clear winner. With 4K video recording from your phone and AI editing that automatically removes all those ums and ahs, it's super easy to start a podcast that sounds great and is delivered efficiently.
00:12:29
Speaker
If you're ready to tell your story, check out the link in the show description to learn more about Zencaster. And welcome back to the Daily Arsenal and Manchester United
Manchester United's Recent Challenges
00:12:40
Speaker
Podcast. We are here with Kieran McGinley representing the Man United side of things, and we're going to focus now on Man United a little bit more. So if Rodney and Matt have any questions, feel free to throw them in. But I want to start off Kieran with how has it been supporting the banter club of the Premier League for the past couple of years? Because let's be honest,
00:12:58
Speaker
ah amongst a lot of fans that has been Man United's title for the last couple of years. Yeah I imagine it's more the same of what you guys suffered under Unai Emery but it is what it is.
00:13:11
Speaker
No, we've we've taken the banter in our in our stride, really. you know It's been tough. It's been a tough 11 years. But there's been some highlights, you know some FA Cups, the Europa League, a league cup as well. So it's not been a barren run by any means. It's just a case of we've we've fallen away from top four. And that's really where we we should be. you know We've had a few seasons of regression now. Last season was our worst finish in the modern Premier League era. We finished with negative goal difference for the first ever time. Not good, not good at all. And I think, you know, the patching over with the FA Cup victory under Tenharg, you know, that would have been the the swan song. We have this thing about Dutch managers and FA Cup finals, them winning it and then just sending them on their way. You know, Van Gogh was that. I thought might have been the same with Tenharg. He was given another chance. We've not made it into December. He's not here anymore. So it was clearly, you know,
00:14:00
Speaker
He was on borrowed time the moment the club said they were interviewing new managers. I mean, you really lose all authority at your top as a manager once that happens. But yeah I look back at it. Were there good times? Yes, but there were mainly bad times. But we'll see what Ambrim can do. As Josh has rightly said, we've been here before hiring you know a younger manager with a new ideology. It's worked before, surely.
00:14:24
Speaker
Well, yeah, I mean, that's the weird thing. Like, as a Man United fan, how frustrating was that summer when they came out and said they were actively looking for other managers? And as you said, completely undermining Tenharg, like completely and utterly. Well, it sent mixed messages because Tenharg was given a reign in in the transfer window. He got his ah his chance to bring in some players that he wanted. Now, you could argue Anthony was the biggest one that fell through. That was sort of a last summer or the summer before, I should say. But the fact of the matter was, it seemed like a more strategic window. That was probably one of our best windows in the 2020s. I'll be completely honest with you. We brought in players at reasonable prices. We didn't bring in some veterans of the game for ridiculous ways and ridiculous prices. We actually were active in the market. We brought in Lenny Euro, a promising, very promising center back. We brought in Mazarawi, who's been an absolute sensation for 15 million euros. We brought in Delict and hopefully his third big big club, Third Times the Charm. you know These are signings that are calculated. They're not just panic signings, trying to sign someone we should have signed 10 years ago. Varan and Casamiro have given their best to the club, but they are veterans, and I think they are starting to decline. I mean, we see Varan went to Como, this window, and has retired since because of his injury fallacies. It's been a much better window. It's given us a little bit more optimism heading onwards now.
00:15:44
Speaker
Yeah, it does it does look as though things are genuinely turning around a little bit. ah Matt, when you think about United and us coming up against them, and we think about the players we're going to come up against, who gives you the willies of that squad? Is there anyone who genuinely puts the fear of God in you?
00:16:01
Speaker
Never mind just United, the whole of the Premier League, the answers Marcus Rashford. Every time I've watched that guy live, he is terrifying. Every single time he plays against Arsenal, he always makes some form of difference. Normally it's against Ben White, which I absolutely love Ben White, but I think it is a good thing that Yuri and Timbre is there to play against him, or if he's through the middle, I'm not entirely sure.
00:16:24
Speaker
but that man you know he just it doesn't matter what form he's in well obviously now in in better form after the weekend end and midweek but it doesn't matter what form he's in he always manages to find a way to have a say and normally have some form of significance say you know you look at the goal he scored against Arsenal not last well last year cut inside banged it top corner the year before nutmegged and then slammed it far near post in the corner you you know you look at the 3-1 at Old Trafford he'd scored I'm pretty sure ah to make it 2-1 or 3-1 every single time and even when he came on the scene he was ah obviously an absolute thorn getting that that debut brace and he is the player who if you ask me players who genuinely I think I'm scared of watching I'm scared of seeing you against us it is genuinely Marcus Rashford who is right up there
00:17:17
Speaker
And it's fair to say, Kieran, as well, he's been on a bit of a turn of form, hasn't he? I mean, has he scored three in his last two in the prem now, yeah under Ammarim? Absolutely, yeah. And it's been, well, two of those goals really came from the hard work of Diallo as well. Ammar Diallo has been an absolute sensation this season. I mean, he's been great. Interesting you mentioned, Matt, about Rashford. Yeah, when you think about Rashford versus Arsenal, he's been a catalyst. He really has and he's always seemed to have shown up against you guys whenever it counts, whenever it matters. um He's been a bit hot and cold recently, most most importantly over last season where he really underperformed in terms of goals, assists yeah and in confidence as well. I think hopefully he's rediscovered that.
00:18:00
Speaker
he's supposed to be one of the senior leaders of the team, the senior players of the team. This isn't 2016 where he was bursting onto the scene as a as so player who loved to score on a debut, only ever scored on debuts. He's an now a senior player. He's got to be leading from the front. And if he's found of some sort of form, there's no better time to find some form than against one of the big big teams in Arsenal.
00:18:22
Speaker
So yeah, Rashford seems to be one of the really big danger men, but as you mentioned previously, in terms of getting fed, Diallo is terrifying. Yes, yes so we love Diallo. He's really flourished in his 343 system, really has. um you at The first game he was starting to get sort of skinned, he lacked defensively, which he's never really had to think about before. Yes, he does a little bit of tracking back before then, but I feel like now he's really starting to understand the role and quickly as well. So he's been absolutely closing down. He was an absolute menace to the Everton defence as well, where he was closing down, managing to win the ball back and was a huge and a key factor.
00:19:00
Speaker
in the opening on the Xerxes goal. So, yeah, I think he's an absolute talisman and he's going to have to be one you watch because whoever's lay on your left hand side is going to be a real problem for them. Yeah, I mean, I'm definitely he's one of the players that I'm concerned about. So, yeah, I mean, Diallo, definitely a terrifying figure. Rodney, though, when I look at Manchester United, there are still some weaknesses there, because let's be honest, it's not Anne-Marin's team yet.
Manchester United's Defensive Concerns
00:19:23
Speaker
It's still very much the team of that follically stunning man from before.
00:19:28
Speaker
um In terms of big sort of like weaknesses, who do you see being their weak link, possibly in the midfield or something like that? oh It's it's an interesting one. I'm actually going to go with defensively. I said for the midfield, it might even actually be just players that aren't available. I've seen the copy menu won't be able to be playing on that Wednesday. Also Martinez, who's been quite a decent player from any night, also unavailable, double suspension for the other card games and Everton. So I think really weaknesses might be key players will mean that you're not a full strength. Even at the back I've seen with no Martinez, you've got options. Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw might come in there as well, but at the same time where you've I mean, delete Maserawi and then that other kind of player coming in. I think defense might be a weakness, especially because it seems that it's going to be a three, four, two, one situation or three, four, three. You've got three at the back and I'm thinking it might be quite easy to load up a little bit of pressure. Dallow is quick, but can those wingbacks get in there fast enough? I think, yeah, maybe a bit of a sparse defense with a few key players missing. Kobe from the midfield and also Martinez from the defense. I think, yeah, controlling the midfield might be fairly easy for Arsenal on that Wednesday night. and I think defensively you're going to get peppered a little bit, so I think yeah, if Chobol's the back in the midfield, it might be a bit more difficult for you. I think you might be right, and but there is one play that I really wanted to bring up with Kieran, who got a lot of stick for a long time at United. Anana seems to have turned a bit of a corner. most Most clean sheets in the Premier League so far, with six. Yeah, six kinds sheets so three sheets so far yeah well, yeah, look,
00:20:57
Speaker
yeah yeah You can't, you can't have clean sheets if no one scores against you, that's for sure. Well, yeah, I agree. he's He's been great and he's showing the form that he showed it into, he's showing the form that we know he can be. He is one of the most aggressive sweeper keepers I think I've ever seen. And as a United fan, having had the likes of David De Gea as a club legend now, Peter Schmeichel, Edwin van der Seel, who are by no means sweeper keepers, they were keepers that defended their line.
00:21:23
Speaker
who made themselves big and that was the key feature of a keeper back when you were learning then make yourself big now it's about closing the space down it's about restricting the angles that someone could have at you and Anana yes he has his eccentric moments but he makes those decisions to charge out more often quicker puts you under pressure And it's it's ah trying to make you take the shot. I mean, yeah, we saw against Everton. He came out and Beto managed to try and find a way past him. But by that point, his defence had recovered to a point where Beto could only find the side netting. If that shot was on target, you had the licked in the line there in that defence to try and clear the ball away. So it might catch us out. But I think with the communication, the help with the three at the back as well, I think that's only going to solidify and
00:22:07
Speaker
of of him being a sweeper keeper able to charge up and sort of cover the back three whenever they get into trouble. I think he's doing a better job as it and to be honest the only way you're going to get better and more familiar with a sweeper keeper is by keep playing them. Yeah it's a very fair point. you might The last question I want to ask about um United before we move on to our next section Obviously, there's a lot of talk about the transfer window. It's going to come up in January. Amorim finally getting potentially a little bit of access to the money, but reports have differed about whether he's actually going to get any money on his hands.
Amorim's Influence on United
00:22:40
Speaker
As a United fan, who would be sort of like your wishlist signing or wishlist position to sign for? Where do you need that strengthening, do you feel?
00:22:48
Speaker
or Well, you see, look, you look at sporting and they they have some decent players, don't they? And there's one that comes to mind. I think Arsenal are familiar with this celebration. we are you but gotbriebryo is ver of big
00:23:04
Speaker
Well, look, Gjokoresz has just been in the news recently and what a fantastic strike he would be. Deadly, you know able to just chuck away chances that no one can put away. But I feel like we might have a striker who's developing into that in Heulen. So do do you do you sort of...
00:23:20
Speaker
regressed that progress for Heuland that he's making good progress who might have a couple of injuries here and there but he's showing real promise. um I just think right now I want to see how this team actually performs under Amorit because there are new chances now as always under a new manager all these players will now actually want to put some effort in, and we'll see what that what happens. But to be honest, when it comes to January, it might be outgoings rather than incomings that might be the focus of the day. well I want to see who Amorim decides to put on the chopping block. who you know He seems like one of these managers who will come in, and if you don't play by his system, if you don't play by his rules, you're out.
00:23:56
Speaker
And that's something we've missed from Manchester United. i've I've been on a crossover before with the Liverpool ah lads who were saying that sometimes United can get stuck in their old ways, thinking that the old ways of Ferguson will always work. They don't. You need technical directors. You need directors of football. I mean, Edo for Arsenal in the in the latter stages of his time, phenomenal signings. I mean, I don't know what you're going to do without him now, the first first window without him. Neither do we. Neither do we.
00:24:24
Speaker
But these are things that United were lacking on, and it's we're only now playing catch-up a decade later. So give it time, we'll see what Amorim does. But the old ways of Ferguson's, it's my way or you're out, might be coming back.
00:24:37
Speaker
Right. Well, I mean, hopefully not from the rest of the Premier League's perspective, but um we're going to take a little break. We're going to hear from the Global Sports Podcast Network. When we come back, we're going to make the focus a little bit more arsenal centric. And then we're going to talk about combined 11, which I'm sure will be very, very civil. There'll be no arguments whatsoever and no debate about the players involved in it. So we'll be back just after this break.
00:25:01
Speaker
This podcast is part of the Global Sports Podcast Network, the only network bringing you exclusive daily news and views on your Premier League team, the Premier League, women's football and fantasy football. A unique listening experience that puts fans first, bringing you the very latest breaking news from your team. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and make us your first listen every day.
00:25:31
Speaker
Global Sports Podcast Network, every club, every day. hello welcome back to the final part of the daily arsenal and daily manchester united crossover episode we've talked history with vanga and fergie we've talked all about ama and united and all that nonsense you know the stuff that no one's really that interested sorry karen And now we are moving on to Arsenal in particular. Now, Matt, we haven't really had you on the podcast since the slight upturn of form. Erdogan's back in the side. His combination play with Saka is clearly so important because it's made such a difference to the squad instantly, hasn't it?
Arsenal's Key Players
00:26:08
Speaker
Oh, massively. I think you combine really intelligent players together. There's always been, you know, that side of ah Arsenal fans who feel like he should play off the left-hand side and I understand it. But I think, you know, the way that they drag men off each other, the way that Urdu guards small touches and little differences makes such a difference against the low blocks. And just their general intelligence is together, you know, for the goal, for example, against West Ham.
00:26:34
Speaker
you have Erdogan in the centre from Saka, attracting players, creating the space for Erdogan. One touch, death balling behind, two, none other than Saka. And it's that type of move which was quite similar also as well against against sporting. And it's the type of thing Arsenal really lacked. And I think The mid blocks Arsenal have always had slight problems with as it as it is, but I think Erdogan does a lot to that, but those low blocks are the ones which Arsenal really struggled without Erdogan, those subtle movements, those subtle differences, that clever little pass, that clever little run, which has really made the difference for Arsenal.
00:27:09
Speaker
I don't really feel like it's a huge surprise to see Arsenal back flourishing since Martin Erdogan's come back into the side but it is obviously a pretty brutal injury to have so early on in the season and it's a brilliant time back. 100% and obviously with Erdogan's positioning one of the Young lads who could potentially step into that position is Ethan Wanyeri. He's been really impressive for Arsenal. But there's a good chance he will play against United this season because we're recording this on Monday the 2nd and the FA Cup draw has been made. And would you believe it? let's Let's have a quick look here. Manchester City have drawn Salford. That's that's a close thought game. Liverpool, Accrington, Stanley, Chelsea. Oh, Morgan for Chelsea. Tough one there. Tottenham have pulled Tamworth.
00:27:55
Speaker
You know, tough game. Who have Arsenal picked? They've pulled United. We've thought Arsenal United hit the FA Cup. Kieran, what's coming on, man? If you want this trophy, you're going to have to take it off of us, you know? It's your favourite cup. We've got it at the moment. We'll come to the Emirates and take it back. No, I don't know. Look, January 11th, market your diaries. It should be... I reckon it's going to be the revenge whatever happens tonight. Oh, I should say tomorrow.
00:28:22
Speaker
Yeah, I mean it could well be, let's be honest. And when you look at Arsenal, Kieran, of obviously you come from a United perspective. Are there any players in particular that make you nervous in terms of playing against us? Sucker.
00:28:37
Speaker
all day long. za he is He's such a good player you've got there. um He's able to turn a half chance into a goal and that's that's what you need. You need those deadly players in the in and around the area. I don't know what you've done to have it as well.
00:28:51
Speaker
ah he's craing it um He's turned into a revelation. I mean i would remember watching him at Chelsea and he was okay. and He wasn't setting the world light. Suddenly, he moves to Arsenal. It's taken some time for him to settle in, but now that he has, he's able to just be a part of that play, score some goals, set up some goals as well. I think he's been you know a great as well. I have to say, Erdogan, you're a much better team with him than you are without him. so yeah A bit of a worry that he's back and firing on all cylinders just in time for the game on Wednesday.
00:29:22
Speaker
eight He's timed that perfectly, thank you very much, Kieran. He is back at the top of his form, ready for the game. that I mean, it matters somewhat. We're going to win it anyway, so it's fine. Right, the the next thing we're going to do is a combined 11. Now, under Amorim, obviously, you're playing a sort of a much different formation than Arsenal have been playing currently.
Combined Best XI Debate
00:29:43
Speaker
So I'm basically just going to do player against player. We're going to choose one player, between two, basically, for each vague position.
00:29:51
Speaker
So, the first one is nice and simple. I mean, I'm curious to see how hard Keira fights this one. Raya versus Onana. Uh, Onana? Most clean cheats in the league. Need I say more? Matt, would you be willing to lose Raya because Onana has had a good season? Question is, with the clean cheats argument, do you want me to go back to De Gea or do you want me to just say no?
00:30:18
Speaker
That come from ah came out aology came out a left field that one see is we we have just lost Rodney due to some technical issues and Matt has suddenly picked up the matter. of no I'm gonna go for it. Okay, ah with the decider.
00:30:35
Speaker
Do you know what? We're gracious hosts, Matt. We'll give him this one. He's not gonna get many, but we'll give him this one. Very gracious. I think it's a case, though, where in this scenario, I don't think the overruling choice makes a huge difference. I think Anana was sensational at Intel, and I think he got overly exposed a lot of the time due to the lack of defensive help and whatnot. There are a few things I don't like about him, like his positioning, I think, can sometimes be a bit too slow or a bit too over gambled particularly at the near post area but i think now that he has a far more coherent defense and not a defense which has worse numbers and some of the worst teams you've ever seen in the Premier League he looks a lot better and he's a complete ball player and then you've got obviously David Ryer who now is Spain's number one has been arguably the best keeper in the Premier League for a good year or so now so i think i don't mind really which way but i think also Ryer has been completely flawless for Arsenal
00:31:33
Speaker
I will just jump on Matt's point there. Yeah, all fair points, you know, but I think as well, you know, you've got a keeper here who is, who's kept, who's basically won us more points than he's lost. And I think that's an important thing. He's kept us in so many games. I mean, the nil know we had recently, we had two saves a point blank against Ipswich of all teams to sort of struggle against to be misfiring, but the attack was misfiring. The midfield was misfiring. The defence was a bit ropey in places. The fact Anana still kept that clean sheet was the reason we got that point.
00:32:02
Speaker
Yeah, Dilap should have put you away, really. But it was a remarkable save there. Okay, so Anana, we'll give you an honor and go. um When it comes to Saliba versus Dilip, I don't think there's any argument there. I think Saliba is... I'd like to have one. Really? I'd like one argument, please. What? Martin is instead of Dilip?
00:32:23
Speaker
mean This left field is talking very strong right now. No, I look, I think Salibre is great. I think he's he's not in the greatest form right now. And I think that would be a consideration I would make. And and that's my way to try and shoehorn Delict in. I think both players are great players. They can have their rough patches in form. And we've seen that from Delict at the start of this season, how he's had a rough patch. i I would have my I would have my heart on Delict. And I think A lot of United fans will be behind me on that one. I can see the argument for Saliba though, I really can. All right, are you willing to lose Martinez and have to lift in Saliba? I think i think i if it was Martinez versus Saliba, Martinez all day long. What about Gabrielle?
00:33:07
Speaker
I think Gabrielle's, yeah, I would concede on Gabrielle. I think yeah i think he's a stalwart in that defence. I can imagine now a Martinez and Gabrielle defence would be pretty good actually. It would be quite good. It would, be terrify i mean why wouldn't it? Matt, where do you sit on the centre backs?
00:33:24
Speaker
I think it's probably the easiest position of the team. I think, you know, like you look at, you look at Saliba and I think the fact you even say he's not in the best of form speaks volumes about how good he is. He came up against Victor Yocharez, one of the most informed strikers in the whole of Europe right now. Didn't really give him a sniff. You know, the only time when Yocharez actually looked like a bit of a threat was when Kiviore came on and yeah attached himself to Kiviore. And I think it says at all that Saliba going through a few sloppy moments. He is pretty much an eight or nine out of 10.
00:33:54
Speaker
give or take every single game with the very very odd mistake you know he's so reliable he's so quick his ball playing has improved a lot as well you know there was a moment against chelsea and it was phenomenal and i think for united this might sound crazy but i'd if you wanted to put a player forward i'd rather it be maguire than delixt all
00:34:12
Speaker
Don't let Matt on our podcast do you say that. My goodness. All right. Wow. Wow. Okay. I mean, that's strong stuff, Matt. I love that. Like... McGuire. McGuire? Am I hearing that right? Don't get me wrong. I'm not putting any United Center back forward because...
00:34:30
Speaker
You just put forward Maguire. The best centre back partnership in in the world alongside Liverpool's is hands down Arsenal's. But if you wanted to make any kind of... The best way of putting it for me is I really like Maguire as a defender and I think he's often been very overhated. I think you might be the only one Matt, but fair play to you for thinking that.
00:34:51
Speaker
I could see where you're coming from Maguire. Absolutely towering and a menace in the air. Yeah, if you're looking for a no-nonsense sort of just get it out of there. Don't worry about ball playing. Don't worry about playing out for the back. Just launch it up the pitch and be done with it.
00:35:04
Speaker
I don't think that does him justice, though. I think his ball playing has actually been pretty brilliant a lot of the time. And that was almost like his selling point when he joined United in the first place. His biggest problem has always been his pace and, you know, going through the abuse and everything like that, which he did go through and to still, you know, be like an important United player or someone who could have a run in the side says it all. But I personally just think Maguire is a very good defender, has been overly scapegoated, but ultimately answering the question of combined 11 side of things I think you've got the best set the best attacker of the ball in the Premier League from set pieces.
00:35:44
Speaker
an incredibly perfectly balanced centre-back partnership of aggressive and and calm almost like cold and fire type of thing and just a sensational centre-back partnership which has been bought for such a such a small fee which is every the best best way to put it for me is where one has slight weaknesses the other thrives so I think it's a phenomenal partnership I'm afraid, Kieran, I'm going to have to go with Matt. I mean, he didn't have to convince me much, but he has convinced me. The centre backs are Saliba and Gabriel. We're going to go through these next ones a little bit faster now. um Timber Maserati. I would actually be willing to concede for Maserati. I like Timber a lot, but Maserati's been very good for you, hasn't he?
00:36:26
Speaker
Yeah, I mean, he's been you know left, right hand flank, right hand center back and even a chance at number eight in one of our Europa League games, I believe. So he's a very intelligent player, very forward thinking, very solid as well. And I think he's just been one of the best signings of the summer for Manchester United. And you said 15 million as well, didn't you? One five, absolutely. That's like madness. is Isn't it?
00:36:45
Speaker
Yeah, and the next one, I kind of put them together just kind of, they're very different players, but Calipheoria and Diego Dalot, they're sort of like the closest that I could put in terms of recent squads for United and Arsenal. Dalot has never excited me much from that, I have to be honest, and Calipheoria has been impressive, but he's so new to the league as well. Like, what would you think between those two?
00:37:09
Speaker
I think left-backs to one position, I'd be happy enough to concede. I like Callifuri, but I think Luke Shaw, the fitness side, is unfortunate. yeah He is absolutely sensational, one of the best in the world when he is fit, which is a big if, and puts him down. And Dallow, I think, is a brilliant player. Masraoui's a really good player as well. And I think Dallow's gone leaps and bounds, had a tiny bit of a difficult start under Amorim in a different role. But I think in general, he is ah he's a really good player, so I don't mind conceding the feat on either. But I also don't mind if you want to pick Callifuri or Timbrough.
00:37:37
Speaker
I'm going to actually give both the fullbacks because I think they they show something really good for United. So I'm not going to concede on though. Rice over Casamiro every single day of the week. You paid nearly 80 million pounds for that man and I laughed myself silly when that news came through.
00:37:54
Speaker
But what a season he had, that first season, eh? Let's all live in the past again, eh? I think, look, I think that's a fair point. I think, yeah, I've got nothing more to say on that. Had a great first season, Casamiro, but I just think, you know, times against him, unfortunately, and that happens. His legs are caught up to him, for sure, haven't they? I hate that phrase. I'm not going to say it. That's fine. I will. His legs are caught up to him. This one, again, I think, Matt, we might have to concede this one.
00:38:23
Speaker
Merino versus Manu. Manu is such a lovely player to watch, Kobe Manu. He's exciting. He gets you off your seat and that's something we've missed at Manchester United for a long time, an academy prospect coming through, probably since Rashford came through the academy. We haven't really had a player that's really got us up off our feet and say, oh that's a really good bit of play. You've got Menuhu who is tenacious, he's able to try and win them all back and then charge forward. He's not afraid, he's really good with the ball at his feet and he could have scored in that game as well, you know, hitting the post early on. Had a bit of a quiet game after that but you'd expect that after coming back from injury. I definitely think he he loves a big game as well, he'd definitely want to watch if he's picked. Yeah. Well he can't be but he would have been a great player if he couldn't have picked. What do you think Matt?
00:39:10
Speaker
I don't, I think this center bit position, there's so many different options you could go to for both sides. I think even the likes of like Bruno Fernandez and Mason Martin, I'm sure we'll get onto Bruno Fernandez shortly, but more to the point, you know, so if we're going with like a traditional 4-3-3 type of thing, there's a lot of different midfielders for both sides, you know, you've also got Jorginho who yeah done really well isn't, you know, and you've got a lot of different options you could, you could throw in there. And Mikel Marino, I think he will prove to be a phenomenal signing for Arsenal. And I think Coby Main, who's already demonstrated that he's a really fun, enjoyable, good feeling type of player to watch. So I'm
00:39:46
Speaker
um not really going to fight either cool no i'm happy How about this then? How about we say this? Rather than saying Rice, Maynu and one of the attacking midfielders, we say Rice, Urdegard and Fernandez.
00:40:00
Speaker
Would we be happy with that because as much as I can't stand Fernandez um Mainly as a human being just watching him moan every second of the day. Does that not get on your nerves? It plays for us It's a very good player it Do my absolute nut in, regardless. He's one of those players, you love him if he plays for you, you hate him if he plays against you. That's a player you want. Would you want him as a captain? That's a different that's a different debate, but otherwise, yes. I think I would love to have Mainu in that combined midfield, but with with the likes of Rice and De Garde, I can't really argue with that. Yeah. Now, the front three, I'm going to kind of just throw out. My suggestion would be Saka on the right,
00:40:46
Speaker
Martinelli on the left and Havert's up front.
00:40:51
Speaker
Is there a point in me being here? What was that? You're breaking up. Who would you shoehorn in there, Kieran? Well...
00:41:03
Speaker
See, this is the thing. I would have put Ahmad in this team at some point, but obviously we're playing a slightly different system. um He could have been a really good prospect on the right. Would he be, well, Saka on the right, we've already established. Yeah, okay. I'll concede that one. I think when it when it comes to attackers, you've got the left-hand side, Garnaccio. Yeah, Rashford maybe on the wing.
00:41:25
Speaker
good, isn't he? Yeah, he's good. Yeah, he's having a bit of a rough patch at the moment, but I think deep down in there, there is a really solid player. I think I put him on the left. I put Sacker on the right and then up top. I don't know because I think Havoc and Xerxes are quite similar players in in terms of a style of play. Xerxes got two goals. He needed those two goals. He really needed those two goals. He could see how that was affecting him, but a brace.
00:41:54
Speaker
you know in a 4-0 win that's exactly what you need to sort of kick start you but then you've got Heiland and I'm a massive fan of Heiland I'm willing to give him all the time in the world he's a young player really you know his goal was in the Europa League by the way that one where he just ball comes in gets the touch and the second touches the finish I mean, that's a player who is rich in rich in form and rich in confidence. That's something that's been lacking with our attackers recently. Someone who can use that little bit of selfishness. There's nothing wrong with a selfish attacker, as long as they use their selfishness in the right moments. And as soon as Hoyland got the first touch, you instantly knew, you could see that cog in his head move and think, I'm hitting this.
00:42:37
Speaker
i I'm going to put Heulen forward up top there. I can see the argument for Havertz as well. okay It just sort of depends whether you want that deep-lying playmaking ability in the middle or whether you want an advance forward, someone who can get in behind. It's tough, isn't it, this one? Matt, I'd love to hear your suggestion here, Matt.
00:42:59
Speaker
It's difficult because I think Havertz is the type of player who's really unique and no one really offers what he does because I think, you know, sometimes Arsenal have gone a bit too direct and a bit too long towards him and using him as that properly battering round type. But I also think he makes runs and he does things for the team, which aren't ever really going to be shown on a, on a stat sheet or anything along those lines. Whereas Hoyland, I think.
00:43:21
Speaker
gives me vibes of a number nine where where he's rural and united almost paying the price for having two number nines who are quite rural and not having someone like a kavani they've had in the past to learn off of but i think they're also reaping the rewards that when they can get the service to Hoyland. He's a brilliant finisher and he can be a player who strikes fear into opponents when he is in good form. You know, he's a brilliant ball striker. He's strong, pretends you could use his body a bit better, but, and and he's rapid as well. So I do quite like Hoyland and I think it kind of just comes down to game state of which one you go with, to be honest. Okay. Right. Here's what we're going to do. Okay. We are Arsenal Football Club. Boo.
00:44:05
Speaker
Tough, tough crowd. We, I was literally about to say we are gentlemanly. no ye no we We like to be inclusive in everything we do at Arsenal. So therefore, I'm going to say Saka, Garnacho and Hoyland, because at the end of the day on Wednesday, we'll have three points so it won't matter.
00:44:31
Speaker
And that's the important thing. But we have Hoyland up top in this combined 11 and you'll never sing that. Oh, no, but we won't need to, because we got Havertz, 60 million down the drain. I'm hearing there's a 95th minute, you know, VAR call. I think one of the things I wanted to do say just quickly about Havertz is I mentioned that he's a one of a kind type of player and he only suits a certain type of team. But that's also a massive injustice to what he's done at Arsenal and how he's led the line and the numbers he's produced, particularly at home. You know, the consecutive Emirates record, he nearly broke as well.
00:45:07
Speaker
So I think he has been brilliant for Arsenal. They just need more variance, effectively. Yeah, yeah he he's such a vital cog in that machine and me and Matt love him. We have a fellow Josh on the Arsenal podcast. You can't stand him, but we love him and we will always show him love. The last thing, gentlemen, it's been a hectic record. We've had a few technical issues here and there. It's been a long record. We've had some arguments over the combined level. but The important thing realistically at the end of all this at the crossover is your predictions.
Match Predictions
00:45:37
Speaker
Matt I'm going to come to you first at the Emirates Wednesday evening quarter past eight when it's all said and done what will the score line be? I have a prediction in mind but this game could just
00:45:50
Speaker
I'll say three ones of Arsenal, but the few things I have to say about that is one, the last three or four times, even at Old Trafford, we've played United, it's never been easy. That was under 10 hard and with the greatest of respect, it should have been easier.
00:46:06
Speaker
and When and another thing, you know, we don't really seem to hammer big six sites at all But at the same time obviously that sporting game a few weeks ago for not the form final form of our amaran But like a decent indication setup wise Arsenal do also do really well against three at the back sides And I do remember, you know, maybe there's a similar conversation to when Arsenal played Chelsea and beat them 5-0 last year but i'd say free one because I don't see it being a pumping And I, it's so hard to call because United, yeah like, I don't want to sit on the fence at all. I'm going through 100% and Arsenal win, but it's the type of thing where Arsenal can't afford to drop any kind of points anytime soon. And United are an unpredictable outfit who have transitional quality, but also have quite a few limitations and set up limitations with personnel, which we can get at. So it's a difficult one. is's em It's Emirates under the lights. The crowd will be up for it. I'd open. United's always a massive game, so it's very hard to call, but I'll go through one.
00:47:03
Speaker
It is. And Matt, you make a good point that we we never really smash a top six size, but aside in ninth, we could definitely do it too. Kieran, prediction from yourself. you right this is going to be Honestly, this is two sides that are in rich goalscoring form. I think it's going to be one of those games where it will score one more than you. I'm happy to say it's...
00:47:24
Speaker
Look, I'm coming on to this as a crossover. For me as a Man United representative, come on say and say Arsenal would win, would be sacrilegious. Of course, yeah, you can't. So yeah I have to, I'm going to say it's going to be a high scoring game, I think 3-2 United. i Okay. That's what I'm going to go for. But look, we haven't had the greatest time at the Emirates. We are, according to BBC Sport, windless in our last six visits. So look, we're looking to change that and hopefully under our marim, there's better fortunes.
00:47:53
Speaker
Don't worry, we can change that to seven. Don't don't worry about it. Well, I know that you didn't. I'm going to actually slightly agree with you, Kieran, but I'm going to go 4-3. I think it's a big high-scoring game, and I think it's going to be chaos. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw a red card in there as well.
00:48:11
Speaker
But I mean, for now, that is it. This has been a brilliant little crossover between the Daily Arsenal and Daily Manchester United podcast. First of all, a huge thank you to all the guests. We had Matt and Rodney Gooden from the Daily Arsenal team and a massive thank you to Kieran McGinley as well for coming over from the Daily Manchester United podcast. It's been a pleasure having you Kieran and it will be a pleasure messaging you tomorrow when we win as well.
00:48:35
Speaker
Yeah, a but I'm looking forward to those messages. Maybe I could send them my way. But in all seriousness, it's been an absolute pleasure. I can't wait to come back for the next one. No, I'm really looking forward to you hosting us in the new year. But until then, thank you very much for listening to both the Daily Arsenal and the Daily Manchester United podcast. I've been your host, Josh Vince. And until next time, goodbye. Every club, every day. The Global Sports Podcast Network. work