Transcript
Global Sports Podcast Network: Hello everyone and welcome to the Daily Arsenal Podcast where this is your one-stop shop as we bring you all the latest stuff Arsenal news and views. Brought to you on the GSPN Podcast Network, I am your host Jamie Patterson and of course I'm joined by my amazing crew of Arsenal connoisseurs.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Now, first up, we have a man who potentially going into the next game, might have to face seeing Mikel Moreno and Rice, but not playing together.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Potentially, one going up front and one playing in their natural position.
Rodney Gooden: you
Global Sports Podcast Network: It's the one and only Mr. Craig Matthews.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Whilst Craig recovers from that, we'll pass you on to our next person.
Craig matthews : Thank you.
Global Sports Podcast Network: And of course, goodness me, with the news breaking that he posted himself of Glock 14 potentially missing, we might have to call on a man who has been out of action for quite a long time.
Global Sports Podcast Network: i mean...
JD: Thank you.
Global Sports Podcast Network: He's laughing about it now.
Rodney Gooden: Madness.
Global Sports Podcast Network: I don't know if you'll be laughing about it when he's back one day. It's the one and only Mr. J. Kai Habits hater. It's Joshua Duncan.
Global Sports Podcast Network: And of course, the man that brings the good vibes. And he's pretty much the prime of all things Hatewatch FC. It's the one and only Mr. Rodney Good Vibes Gooden.
Rodney Gooden: madness
Global Sports Podcast Network: Guys, how are we keeping, guys? How are we keeping?
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, very good. Because, guys, I'm sure you saw the stat. Yeah. Not only did we win at the weekend, but across the month of October, can anyone tell me how many goals we, Arsenal Football Club, conceded?
Craig matthews : Zero.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Um...
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, boy.
Craig matthews : Zero. Zero.
Rodney Gooden: Zero goals conceded across a month of football. We're setting records. And I've told you, boys, with stats like that, we're leaving the season with something. right, there we go. You love to see it.
JD: and
Rodney Gooden: I'm watching the boys win week in, week out, convincingly. Raya looking like he's on track to get another golden glove if we keep this up. So, yeah, I'm in the best of spirits. Top of the table again. We love to see it.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Also, can we talk about how how many points are we off second now?
Rodney Gooden: Oh, I think it's six.
Craig matthews : Six points.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
JD: Six here, six.
Craig matthews : City got six points behind though.
Rodney Gooden: Six.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Sorry, can you just say that again so the people at home can just kind of take that in a bit?
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Craig matthews : Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: Yes. City. City 19. I said, yeah, we love to see it.
Craig matthews : Six points. Six points. Six points.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Six points. That's two wins.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Two wins ahead.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Crazy.
Craig matthews : We've been in that position before though, so.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Crazy stats right now.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Chelsea, we're coming off your record.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, yeah. Actually, we've been more in front. Yeah, don't forget, right?
Craig matthews : We've been more front before.
Rodney Gooden: We had that eight point lead and we still bottled that one so we're not going to get carried away, but it's good sign.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Okay. hi
JD: Yeah, yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Okay. To be honest with you, the good thing is, we yeah, a lot of a lot of the Arsenal fan base have kind of just sat there and been like, okay, six points ahead, so what, you know?
Rodney Gooden: Yeah. Yeah.
JD: i was just about to say that.
Craig matthews : Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Get on with it.
JD: so
Global Sports Podcast Network: But in this episode, we're going to be splitting this episode up ah for today. We're going split it into where in the first part, we will discuss our 2-0 win over Burnley.
Global Sports Podcast Network: And in the second part, we're going to be looking ahead to our trip to Prague as we take on Slavia Prague in match day four of the UEFA Champions League. Now, 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.
Global Sports Podcast Network: And again, all thanks to JD and a massive thank you for 400 followers on Instagram as it stands. we are we're We're getting places, people.
Global Sports Podcast Network: We're slowly getting places, but we we need to build up on the TikTok.
JD: It's actually 460. 460. Yeah, I did say that. four hundred and sixty yeah yeah
Global Sports Podcast Network: Jeez almighty.
Rodney Gooden: told you guys.
Global Sports Podcast Network: I bet JD said, oh God.
Rodney Gooden: I said 500 by end the end next week. And we're already that close.
JD: who
Global Sports Podcast Network: um
Rodney Gooden: ah wow
Global Sports Podcast Network: Just to note, guys, before before this weekend, JD went on to our group chat and he said that by the end of the weekend, I would love it if we could hit 300 followers.
JD: yeah did
Global Sports Podcast Network: Goodness me.
JD: and did say that
Global Sports Podcast Network: that that really went That really went far, didn't it, JD?
JD: Yeah, literally she woke up, I think I woke up a Sunday and it was like 3.15. I was like, oh. And the night before, like 2.57. So, you know, just overnight, kind of kind of blue, really.
Global Sports Podcast Network: JD, you are spot on. It is 460 followers. Goodness me. Wow.
JD: I've been monitoring it.
Rodney Gooden: Oh, damn.
JD: then I've been monitoring it, you know what I mean?
Craig matthews : so phone
JD: know, take my job very seriously.
Craig matthews : Mm-hmm.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But guys, but yeah, honestly, guys, make sure you go and hit us up on on Instagram.
Rodney Gooden: yeah
Global Sports Podcast Network: Give us a follow on on TikTok as well, because we need we need to grow the TikTok now. And we need to grow an ex as well. So go go and show us some love on there as well. But guys, let's kick it off.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Burnley, nil. I mean, that's something that's something I've got used to saying on a weekly basis now. A certain team, nil. Arsenal, two. This is getting insanely good.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Really good. Craig, what did you think of the game?
Craig matthews : Amazing first off, second off was just keep the lead, don't concede.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Craig matthews : have to say, Decan Rice's goal was like, for the way Agabra heading it out, the counter and starting score a goal, a very good goal. One of the best team goals of the season, obviously, from one end to the other, but from open play as well.
Rodney Gooden: yeah
Craig matthews : So, it's a great goal.
Global Sports Podcast Network: No, absolutely. I mean, both goals respectfully were really good goals. Can we also take a minute to also appreciate the fact that we've scored two goals from open play?
Global Sports Podcast Network: Two goals from open play. But yet everyone would sit there and the media would be like, oh, but Arsenal, set-piece FC. Get out of here. We know to score from open play as well.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Rodney, what were your thoughts on that game?
Rodney Gooden: Oh, no. I think wonderful first half. I thought we surprisingly dominant there as well. You know, really, really aggressive. You know, quite literally like strangled Burnley at times. Declan Rice, what a player, guys, as well. This guy was winning balls just for fun.
Rodney Gooden: It was ridiculous.
JD: Yeah, you've been amazing.
Craig matthews : Fox. Do
JD: You've been amazing.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, he was everywhere on that pitch. But I've also got to say one thing which impressed me was I think that was probably Victor Jokeres' best half in an Arsenal shirt, to be honest with you. I think the goal was wonderful, but some of the contributions, he was involved in both of the main goals too, almost teed Saka up for a chance he should have buried early in that game too.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yes.
Craig matthews : you?
Rodney Gooden: I was surprised by the hold of play is usually quite decent, but the link up from Jokeres as well, especially with that ball to Trossard for the Rice goal, unbelievable from him.
Craig matthews : Do you have a call?
Rodney Gooden: So I was disappointed. Hmm?
Craig matthews : the way I cut across the ball, it sticks it
Rodney Gooden: Yeah. That's what I mean.
Craig matthews : touch it out
JD: Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: It was perfect. That's it. That diagonal was amazing. And this is the thing is I go, yeah, it was disappointing to see him come off as well. You know, I know we've got the news earlier today that he's going to be unavailable, but I think it's just so disappointing because he was on such a good run.
Rodney Gooden: I love watching him in that game. And I think, yeah, it was an exemplary performance from Arsenal. One where I want to see us win more games against lower teams like this. Just choke them out in the first half and then you can sit back, rest and rotate for the second.
Rodney Gooden: convincing professional win. Very, very happy with the win.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, no, absolutely. Sorry, I'm currently just watching Sunderland-Everton as it's Monday Night Football. VAR are looking for a potential penalty to Sunderland, but think that has been waved away.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yes, that's been waved away. But, goodness me, I'm trying to keep...
Craig matthews : Yeah.
JD: We're not here to talk about Sunderland. Forget Sunderland. You know what mean? This is the awesome show here.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, exactly.
JD: Yeah. Forget Sunderland.
Rodney Gooden: Arsenal, finally!
JD: They didn't even have a GSBN account.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But listen, I'm also doing, listen, we've got to be doing our homework here on Tundlin as well.
JD: No, no, no.
Global Sports Podcast Network: We've got them on the weekend as well.
JD: about them, man. Forget about them.
Global Sports Podcast Network: but
Rodney Gooden: Oh, my days.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But JD, what were your thoughts on the game ah overall?
JD: I thought Burnley played pretty decent in the first half, you know. I think you can see the structure. Everyone... offensively played pretty well. It's just, I think Arsenal, just the quality was just there, you know, the set piece from, you know, Rice and with the ball in and Jokovic, you know, got the first goal.
Rodney Gooden: Hmm.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
JD: And um yeah, he played amazing. He, man of the match by far.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, yeah, yeah.
JD: He was, he was everywhere in that pitch.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: Everywhere.
JD: I, you know, he worked so hard. Like it wasn't a couple of, a couple of games and days ago, he was kind of, we weren't sure if he was going to be fit.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, yeah, yeah.
JD: and And he put performance like that. I mean, yeah um i think that's arguably one of the best performances I've probably seen him play in. One of them.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, yeah.
JD: Overall, overall, overall, like up and down in the pitch.
Craig matthews : That was.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah,
Craig matthews : Mm-hmm.
JD: He was everywhere.
Rodney Gooden: yeah yeah.
JD: he was everywhere.
Rodney Gooden: You wouldn't hit his stats for because it was crazy.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, could far away.
JD: Yeah, go on.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, yeah. So Declan Rice versus Burnley. Most touches at 94. Most duels won at 9. Most possessions won. 9. Most entries into the final third.
Rodney Gooden: 9 again. Most tackles at 5. Most interceptions at 3. Aerial duels won 3. And of course, he was on the score sheet as well. So I said, this is just a masterclass. Guys everywhere.
Rodney Gooden: Hmm.
JD: Yeah, yeah, he was amazing.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Honestly, I mean, what a player.
JD: He was amazing.
Global Sports Podcast Network: And I mean, what a team performance that was from Arsenal. And again, like you guys have echoed with Jokeres, it probably his best performance... In my opinion, I think it's got to be up there as one of his best performances in an Arsenal shirt.
Global Sports Podcast Network: I mean, this is the money we've paid for.
JD: least Do you still want more from him, though?
Global Sports Podcast Network: And... so Sorry?
JD: you still want more from him, though?
Craig matthews : Yes.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Don't get me wrong, yeah.
Rodney Gooden: Deadpan.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Craig, go ahead, Craig, go ahead.
JD: but
Craig matthews : up But I've got more goals from him. More goals. I think needs to score more goals.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah. Yeah.
Craig matthews : Everything else is doing well. Like, hold on to play. Bullying defenders. I think you need more goals from think that goals, as I said before, I think more goals will come from him anyway. Eventually, once he's getting more fitter and getting used to the team structure, he'll score more goals than the team.
Craig matthews : 100% score more goals. But I thought if he was on the bit second would have got a hat-trick on Saturday. The way he was playing, he could have got a hat-trick on the second half.
Rodney Gooden: Mmm.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, very much so, yeah.
JD: meat.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, yeah, very true.
Craig matthews : Yeah. So...
Global Sports Podcast Network: No, absolutely. And my thing with Jokeres is, I think, again, I think he's now slowly growing into this Arsenal team. And I am gutted that he is going to miss out on Slavia because I think a game like this would really go well, especially after scoring against Burnley, scoring in the previous matchday against Affletti.
Rodney Gooden: Mmm.
Rodney Gooden: Mmm.
Global Sports Podcast Network: You know, confidence is, you know, it's increasing. And I think a game like this would have really gone a long way for him.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But unfortunately, we won't have him.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But again, the Declan Rice goal for me, just, he is something else, isn't he?
Rodney Gooden: Hmm.
Craig matthews : Yeah. Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: I mean, I've always said this and I will continue saying this, but we've got the man for half price.
JD: and
Global Sports Podcast Network: keep echoing this.
Craig matthews : and my
Global Sports Podcast Network: I will keep echoing it, but we've honestly got this man for half price. Again, great team, but great team play from Arsenal. And JD, I want to echo something you mentioned as well.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Burnley actually played pretty decent.
Rodney Gooden: Hmm.
JD: Yeah, yeah, you did.
Global Sports Podcast Network: They did play pretty decent.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: And again, you know, we we talk about all the all the promoted teams actually doing quite well for themselves this season compared to previous seasons where they've had such a poor start. But, you know, Burnley have had a pretty decent start to so life in the Premier League.
Global Sports Podcast Network: And, you know i kind of knew going to Burnley, it was not going to be an easy test, but the fact that we've we've come away from ah with a clean sheet, obviously gutted that we've sustained ah an injury here and there, but we'll we'll talk about that a little bit more.
Rodney Gooden: No.
Rodney Gooden: Hmm. Hmm.
Global Sports Podcast Network: um But overall... Very pleased with the performance. I can be happier with the three points. Keeps us top of the league as well. Keeps putting the pressure on the likes of City and et cetera to go perform well.
Global Sports Podcast Network: And yeah, hopefully, fingers crossed now, you know, we've got Sunderland coming up on the weekend. And hopefully, you know, final game before the international break. Hopefully we can, you know, get that win next weekend as well.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But let's, you know, let's address the elephant in the room because as JD posted on our socials earlier on today, Victor Jokerez, it is worrying, guys, isn't it?
Global Sports Podcast Network: I mean, what were your thoughts when you heard the news come out, JD?
JD: um you know is i been I was kind of monitoring the news all day, really. And I was kind of hoping that there'll be some good news.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Hmm.
JD: you have as more ah We all knew it wasn't going to be good news, but you know when you just wish that, oh, yeah, it's all fine.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
JD: You know, with Gabriel, think it was a couple of days ago, he was injured and he's back in Ancelona.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, yeah.
JD: I know back in the squad. So I was kind of hoping... you know that we had some good news. It's a big blow because we haven't gone you know we're back to Mourinho playing out front. and i mean he doest he does do a job for us, but he's not really you know he's not a front man.
JD: That's not his position. um The the dirt only thing, and I wanted to ask everyone a question, actually, because we have quite an injury list.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Go for it
JD: and The last couple of seasons, this injury list keeps building.
Rodney Gooden: no
JD: Do you think there's something in the training or you think Arteta pushing him too much in training?
Rodney Gooden: No, I think it's I think it's the demands of the modern era. And then the fact that we've been consistently performing at such a high level, it means you qualify for a lot of competitions and your tenure in those competitions is quite lengthy, which just means you get more and more games and they become more and more packed in the schedule.
JD: Yeah. Yeah.
JD: Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: And you're just more and more at risk of, you know, continual injuries. It's like, look at this right now. We're playing Slavia on Tuesday and then we're back in the Premier League on a Saturday. don't know if you guys saw the news as well, but it looks like with the Carabao Cup quarterfinal draw, that's going to be, what, two days after we play Everton and the Prem as well.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: And they're petitioning to maybe have that game moved.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: So I said that's just what happens when you you're a top team.
JD: yeah
Global Sports Podcast Network: Go
JD: Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: Your fixed list is so condensed that naturally you're going injured because the players are having less and less rest between each game. it's just going happen.
Craig matthews : now as can wrote me I think there's a lot international football players, but unnecessary international football.
Global Sports Podcast Network: on. Mm-hmm.
Craig matthews : la order um the
JD: Yeah.
Craig matthews : The Nations League, it's a scrap-dime Nations League, just a waste of time.
JD: It's the way it
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Craig matthews : is. It is. No, what
JD: It fully is.
Rodney Gooden: man.
JD: It is.
Global Sports Podcast Network: yeah
JD: I mean...
Craig matthews : no no
Rodney Gooden: Fair.
Craig matthews : No, I'm not going to be trying to... Nation league scrap that because they have the European qualifiers, have the World Cup qualifiers and the nation league. So after the World Cup, we're going have the nation league again, then you have the European qualifiers again. So it's too much football being played, unnecessary football being played where players can get a rest.
Craig matthews : Players are not going to get a rest in the summer, the World Cup here again. So when are players going to get another rest again?
Global Sports Podcast Network: yeah
JD: Yeah.
Craig matthews : That's the problem.
Global Sports Podcast Network: No, I agree. And JD, to answer your question in the sense of Arteta's training regime, I also kind of echoed that a little bit last season as well.
JD: yeah
Global Sports Podcast Network: But I think for me, going back on what the boys have mentioned, you know, we've got such a tight schedule. And, you know, the fact that we've now got another international break coming up, bearing in mind, I've always been i've always petitioned for this and I've always been someone that's pioneered it.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But what was it? Maybe two, three seasons ago, we used to have the winter break. Why did we stop the winter break?
Rodney Gooden: hmm
Global Sports Podcast Network: Why did we ever stop that? Because I think, look, I know maybe one week may not be enough, but it's better than nothing at the minute.
JD: He is.
Rodney Gooden: hmm
Global Sports Podcast Network: And I don't, and and I get it, right?
JD: He is.
Global Sports Podcast Network: There's loads of games to be contested with. And going back to what Ronnie was saying as well with, now the Carabao Cup game being moved to the 23rd of December um because both Arsenal, you know, both Arsenal and Palace, I think Arsenal played the, wait, Arsenal played the Sunday, don't they, Rodney?
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, so was like Arsenal play, I think, 21st, and I think Palace might have a game on the same day. So, yeah, both of them were unhappy.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, because they, yeah, because I think they've got
Rodney Gooden: Glasner and Arteta were both just saying, this is a bit ridiculous. Yeah. Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, but then the problem is, if you move the game to the Saturday, then Palace would really complain because obviously they're used to... Because I think they're in European action that week.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: And obviously, you know, if you're playing in the Europa or the Conference League, you've obviously got that Thursday-Sunday transition.
JD: you
Rodney Gooden: yeah
Global Sports Podcast Network: But... my My thing is, i just don't know. Again, could you have maybe moved the Carabao Cup to Boxing Day? Could that have not maybe worked out? But then we have game on the 27th.
Global Sports Podcast Network: So where could you have played that game?
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, you're always going to have that tight list and it's going to be very difficult to kind of squeeze those games in. And the one major advantage that we have is we have a lot of depth.
Craig matthews : Thank
Rodney Gooden: So right now, injuries are coming thick and fast. We're sort of weathering through. But I don't know if that's sustainable. Right. And especially with this injury to Giocarez as well. I'm thinking, right, well, both our other optional strikers are also injured.
Rodney Gooden: So now we're starting to get that bit where are we in trouble?
JD: Yeah,
Rodney Gooden: Have we kind of exhausted the value of that depth? Because now we've got three front men all out at the same time.
JD: it's pretty bad.
Rodney Gooden: Difficult.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, but you've got to remember, though, with you've got to remember coming into this season alone, who who did we have very first game ah in August?
JD: It's pretty bad.
Global Sports Podcast Network: who Who were the players that we had?
Craig matthews : My night.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Who were the strikers we had first game in August?
Craig matthews : Have it sometimes.
Rodney Gooden: I have it.
Craig matthews : Operate.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Do you get it
Craig matthews : Have it.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, have it in New York, is there?
Craig matthews : Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: So, you know... Unfortunate what's happened to Habert. But again, i knew he I was waiting for him to say that.
JD: No, it's not.
Craig matthews : but
JD: No, it's not.
Global Sports Podcast Network: I was so waiting for him to say that.
JD: but It's really not.
Global Sports Podcast Network: but but But my thing is, though, again, you know, and again, going back to what Craig has also said as well, I would, what I would do is I'd scrap international. I would, you know what?
Global Sports Podcast Network: The only thing we should ever have is the European qualifiers and and the World Cup qualifiers. Friendly games, what's the point? And the Nations League, I understand why they brought the Nations League to obviously cut down on the friendlies.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But then you've got the whole, what is it, A1 and Group B2 and all these silly groups now that UEFA have made up. It's all for the money at the end of the day.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But I personally think at the end of the day, I'm with Craig. I would kind of maybe, you know, instead of having an international break, Let players rest over the two weeks.
Global Sports Podcast Network: You know, how many international breaks do we get in a season?
JD: I think you should only have friendly...
Global Sports Podcast Network: Three. Three or four. I could be wrong in saying three. But anyway, it's September, October. Oh, yeah. September, October, November, November and March.
Craig matthews : November.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Four international breaks. You might as well just scrap the international breaks and put just and just let players have time off. And I get it. Right. I know people will say, oh, but, you know, you know plays you know You've got other leagues like League 2 that play continually for every weekend and so on and so on.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But I don't know. It's a very complicated subject. But I'm in agreeance with Craig. I would just kind of maybe scrap the and the and the European qualifiers. And that's it, really.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
JD: I wanted to add as well, the only time I keep a friendly is, you see it as a World Cup year.
Global Sports Podcast Network: on.
JD: You know, think after the season, I think you should have a few friendly games before you just go straight into playing in the World Cup. I think that's the only time you have a friendly there. So whoever, wherever Nations League, wherever team they're they're playing,
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah. Yeah.
JD: You know, they can kind of experiment with tactics, see you a different things, you know, do little things there before you go after to a major tournament.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, yeah. Play around the lineup. ya Yeah, yeah.
JD: I think only time i mean that's the only time people would be interested in a friendly, really, because I'll be in kind interested to see, oh, if Tuchel's, you know, put the England team, he's going to play.
Rodney Gooden: I agree.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, who's he picked?
JD: Oh, he's going to be a friendly player.
Global Sports Podcast Network: yeah
Rodney Gooden: What's the tactics?
JD: Yeah, yeah, I think you, yeah.
Rodney Gooden: What's the chemistry like? i was like, yeah, have a couple games to figure that out, and then bam, tournament.
JD: Yeah, I think that's it. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, yeah, agreed.
JD: Maybe two or three games, figure that out, and that's it.
Global Sports Podcast Network: No, I absolutely agree. I think I absolutely agree with you there, JD. You know, you know, you can maybe have one or two games, get used to, you know, get used to the system, get used to the players that are going to be playing week in, week out during that World Cup or during the Euros.
Global Sports Podcast Network: and And that's it. So, yeah, no, I'd absolutely agree with you on that, JD. But we are going to take a quick break in the meantime. And when we come back, we will actually start looking ahead towards the Slavia game um and getting the boys' thoughts overall on what to expect coming up.
Global Sports Podcast Network: So join us after this quick break.
Rodney Gooden: Thank
Craig matthews : Thank you.
Global Sports Podcast Network: And welcome back to this second part where now we're going shift our attention away from Burnley and we're going to start looking ahead towards much stay three four sorry match day four of the UEFA Champions League as Arsenal travel to Sparta Prague.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Guys, how are we feeling ahead of this game? Because obviously spoke earlier on about the news to your Reds, but overall, what your thoughts going into this game?
Rodney Gooden: Honestly, I'm hoping to see a comfortable performance from the team, but I agree.
Craig matthews : Thank
Rodney Gooden: Some of the injury news has made me feel that, again, having these contested matches and these contested schedule means, well, what will we see going in? We're having Jokerez go out before we're seeing Jesus, Havertz, Nelly, you know, many of these characters sort return to the squad.
Rodney Gooden: So a little worried if something else happens in these games because then it's going to start to affect our Premier League performance. But I still feel confident that we've got the quality and still enough depth to get it over the line tomorrow.
Rodney Gooden: But still, I am a little bit worried now because I'm thinking if I want to see more players injured, I want to see some return into this corner. It's happening a bit too quickly for my liking at the moment. But yeah, something to keep an eye on.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, absolutely. Craig, what are your thoughts going into tomorrow night's game? Yeah.
Craig matthews : I'm confident we'll win the game, but it's not going be an easy game from missing our striker. um
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Craig matthews : Maybe we'll get... Martin Ayrton will be a big miss as well because he's done well in the Champions League this season. He's scored three goals in three games.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Craig matthews : He's been a good impact having him in the team.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Craig matthews : I'm just hoping we'll go through this game unscathed, no injuries for the Sunday. I'm hoping some our Interplayers will come back fit for Saturday. I'm hoping some Interplayers will come back. Maybe Martin Ayrton,
Craig matthews : Hopefully, Mimic or Chris could be fit for the game, even he's on the bench. bringing one to sub. like Better than nothing, you know what I mean?
Global Sports Podcast Network: No, of course. Of course. And JD, what about you?
JD: um I think it'll be probably be a tough game. You know, I think we'll probably, I think this season we haven't been suffering creative-wise, you know, in open play. And I think it'll probably be one of those games.
JD: um But Mourinho being up front, I'm not 100% against it. I think he does all right up front, you know. I think i think he does all right. Look, listen, you're putting a face on there. He does better than have it.
JD: He scores more goals than him.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Right, I can give you that.
JD: actually stresses a game more than him.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yes, I can give you that. I can give you that.
JD: so amazing so
Rodney Gooden: His finishing is often actually better than Kai's as well. So I said, yeah, yeah.
JD: it's better and So, I mean, you're making a face there, but we've got a guy that's actually better than Habits up front.
Rodney Gooden: yeah
JD: You know, I don't make it make sense here. you know what mean? anything, he should be second best second striker.
Global Sports Podcast Network: No, i get where you're coming from.
JD: So, I mean, for the job, I mean, dony that's that's for let's be honest, Drucker doesn't get amazing like loads of goals. He's not been scoring loads of goals recently.
Global Sports Podcast Network: No, no. Yeah.
JD: and I feel like For what Jokras do, I think Mourinho can do it in this game. hope not for Not for the whole season or, or you know, a few games. But I think, yeah, I think Mourinho could do a job for us up front.
JD: um It'd probably be like a one no maybe a 2-0 if we're lucky.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
JD: um
Global Sports Podcast Network: yeah
JD: I don't see us conceding. yeah i don't see it Unless someone makes a mistake, I don't see us conceding.
Rodney Gooden: Fair.
JD: Yeah, it's either of that or probably be a you know, if we don't if don't make any chances.
Rodney Gooden: Fair enough.
Craig matthews : Thank you.
Rodney Gooden: Do you really think Marino can do the same job as Yoko Reyes, though, even just one game?
Global Sports Podcast Network: No.
Rodney Gooden: Because I'm looking at the Burnley game and I'm thinking about the difference between when Yoko Reyes came off and Marino came on. And it's just like two different types of skill set, you know? So I'm thinking you're not going to get that kind of demonic press or muscling players off the board.
JD: It is true.
Rodney Gooden: There's a couple of times where I saw Yoko Reyes shrugging off Kyle Walker, which I'm like, look, you're not going to get that type of behavior. from marina but you will get the kind of you know dropping into the midfield nice little flick-ons as well you know that type of thing you know you get lovely little bits of link-up play from marino and again surprisingly quite a clinical finisher so i think it depends on how we play but i agree i could see him get a couple but ah you can't expect what yokaris does from marina you know what i mean
JD: I think he can still stretch the play a little bit.
Rodney Gooden: yeah
JD: you know i I think he can do that. And if he's doing that, as long as he makes space for Sakhar and whoever plays, I'm guessing Ewe's going to play on and the left.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, yeah.
JD: um you know I think those are the yeah we're asking those guys to step up and you know we need you guys to kind of do something and special here.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
JD: um But yeah, he's all right. I mean, it's not something I want going on for, obviously not. But I mean, if it's just for this game you know, Djokovic is all right for Sunderland, I guess I can take it. As long as you don't. I think this game, mean, Sardar and Prague, they're all right, but they're not really going to do anything for us. They're not going to really challenge us in the game.
JD: So it it should be a comfortable, we should keep in possession.
Craig matthews : No.
Global Sports Podcast Network: yeah
JD: i think need to get a goal early, right? Maybe get too early and a sharp shot, you know? And i think I think the big miss for me is Zuban Mendy. I think that's going to be a big miss for us.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, the suspension, yeah.
Craig matthews : Hmm.
JD: Yeah, I think, yeah, I don't know about him.
Craig matthews : Good.
JD: I mean, the drop-off is, I mean, Nogar's all right, but the drop-off is...
Global Sports Podcast Network: i get I get where you're coming from with Norgaard. You know, there there is a bit of a You know, you've got to remember, Norgard hasn't got a, you know, it's a different taste playing in the Champions League. And I get it, right?
Global Sports Podcast Network: Norgard hasn't quite got that Champions League experience. Whereas, obviously, with Zubimendi, we're talking about a completely different player here, all in all.
JD: He
Global Sports Podcast Network: But I think in a game like Slavia, I think you've got try and put, you've got to try and give, I think you've got to try and give him a little bit confidence. Even if, even if you played him for like, and maybe like 45 minutes to an hour,
Global Sports Podcast Network: and then bring him off, I mean, I wouldn't...
JD: comes on. He comes on.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Sorry?
JD: He comes on after him then. i don't think we've got anybody.
Craig matthews : That's not octopus.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, you you you'd have to do something rogue, like put Declan there or you put an MLS there.
Craig matthews : Or... Or... Or...
JD: comes on after him.
Rodney Gooden: Like, yeah, we've got no alternate sixes, man.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, could we not... Actually, could we not do... Could we not have MLS there, actually?
Craig matthews : it's
JD: No, no,
Global Sports Podcast Network: Would you not want to see MLS there?
Rodney Gooden: It would be a, well, it'd be a crazy game to debut it.
JD: no, no,
Craig matthews : a risk isn't it it's a risk he's never played them before for arsenal and the front i need like youth teams so it's a risk i'll i i'd put up or
Global Sports Podcast Network: No.
JD: no no no
Rodney Gooden: That's what I mean.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, no, of course.
Rodney Gooden: If you're not doing it against Port Vale, you know, in the said, are you really going to try in the Champions League?
JD: now young
Global Sports Podcast Network: Well, you talk about...
Rodney Gooden: That's what I'm saying.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Well, I actually thought you was going to talk about Brighton, but goodness me, if we're going to go that far back to Port Vale, then, oh, yeah, that's completely different.
Craig matthews : I'll put Rice in the sixth.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
JD: Yeah.
Craig matthews : You could even start Waineri and Eze. I'd like to be a good attack in three. They'd do it like that and have no guy that's a bad back or on the bench.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, yeah. Rotate one and then shift rice back. Yeah, yeah. Okay.
Craig matthews : Yeah, yeah, that could work.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, absolutely. Do you know what, Craig? Funny enough, I was actually going to speak about the next player I was going to speak about was Ethan Waniere. What are the chances of him potentially starting?
Craig matthews : He deserves a start now. He played well last week in the Carabao, can't get goal.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Craig matthews : Came on the other day.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Craig matthews : He needs minutes. The kid needs minutes now. But I don't know if Althair is going to risk starting in there. He might be able to stop. I don't think he was starting.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah. If you guys were Arteta, would you play Ethan in a game like this? Or would you bring him on from the bench?
Craig matthews : I was starting.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, I don't know.
JD: in my face, really.
Rodney Gooden: might bring him on off the bench. Yeah.
JD: I've not really been impressed with him. In the last game when he came on, there was a chance where he took a shot, right? And he could have passed it squared to Trossard. Trossard could have been through on goal. i I feel like there's been, this season, of in certain games, his decision-making has not been on the ground.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Hmm.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, yeah.
JD: And I Because saw it, I was screaming.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, I saw that against Brighton. Yeah.
JD: I was like, give us a Trossard. He's right there.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
JD: He's open there.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, yeah.
JD: He's got his arms out. he know And he did it in the Carabao Cup game as well against Brighton.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, yeah, against Brighton.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Craig matthews : Yeah, yeah, he gave the ball away.
JD: Yeah, he did it.
Rodney Gooden: Brighton, he had a couple of those where, yeah, he's just hungry for a goal and he made the wrong choice.
Global Sports Podcast Network: You had a car pull? Yeah.
Craig matthews : Yeah. Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: I'm like, listen, Ethan, you've done all the work. If you pass that, it's a goal, but you've taken a shot at unfortunate angle.
JD: Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: You've fluffed it. It's like, come on, man. Hmm.
JD: I think that's why he doesn't start.
Craig matthews : And he gave... I think it gives the ball away too easily as well because they left Brighton gave the ball away a couple of times and they're through on goals.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, I agree. yeah
JD: Yeah, he does.
Craig matthews : It doesn't really need to work on that part of this game.
Rodney Gooden: Hmm.
JD: He definitely is talented now, though.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, I was going to say, yeah, he is. I was going to ask
JD: You can see the talents there.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Go
JD: No, you can see the talents there. Just the decision-making sometimes is a bit frustrating.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
JD: And and I think when you're playing for titles and you're winning for trophies, you can't have that in your team. You need...
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
JD: You know what I mean? I mean, Trossard does it here and there as well.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
JD: But he comes up with a goal.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But it's not it's not as consistent.
JD: Do you know what I mean?
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: Oh, an assist. Yeah, yeah. He'll get something.
JD: Yeah, he comes up with something.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
JD: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: No, absolutely.
Craig matthews : Thank
Global Sports Podcast Network: And I was going to say with Ethan, actually, do you do you feel like, despite him getting a bit of game time last season and, you know, he scored a couple goals here and there for us, do you feel like he's trying to prove a point, you know, to say like, look, you know, I'm still that same player from last season or do you think he's just doing a bit too much?
Rodney Gooden: I think he's a young, hungry player.
JD: Thank you.
Rodney Gooden: Like every time he gets on the pitch, he knows that minutes are not a guarantee. So he's going to want to show his stuff. And the most obvious way he feels he can contribute is probably with goals and assists. But sometimes that means that his decision making is too easy to read.
Rodney Gooden: So I don't really knock it. I just think it's one of those things that will come with, you know, age and experience. A bit more game time, he'll know how better to kind of execute. But for now, I just think, yeah, young, hungry player chasing a goal.
Rodney Gooden: You see it with Max as well.
Craig matthews : Thank
Rodney Gooden: sometimes that last action is a little bit too greedy.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: Whereas maybe if it was a player like Saka, you know, he's taking his time. He looks for that ball to kind of play as opposed to always cutting inside and taking the shot. So I think he's around the right bunch. You know, if he spends enough time in training and he gets enough for minutes, ultimately he'll work on that and will improve that aspect of his game.
Rodney Gooden: The question is, will Arteta take a chance on that? working that out in real time. I don't know. In the Champions League, maybe, maybe not. I think more so in smaller competitions, you'll kind of see that, but we'll see. It's why if it was up to me, I'd bring him on later in the game. I don't necessarily know if I'd start based on what I've seen this season.
Global Sports Podcast Network: No, of course. I was going to mention, um I think this is like one of the last match days we have um where we play, ah what's the team?
Global Sports Podcast Network: Kyra Almaty.
Rodney Gooden: Oh, yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: And my my thing is, right, would you potentially maybe give Ethan a start against a team like Kyra Almaty then?
Rodney Gooden: Absolutely.
Craig matthews : Yes, yeah yes, yes.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
JD: I think it depends where we are in the league.
JD: I think it depends.
Global Sports Podcast Network: No, it makes sense.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah. What? Okay. Hmm.
JD: Let's just say we're 8th or 9th, which I don't think we'll all be, but it's still early. You need to play with big guns, man. the e He doesn't come on for me. i think if it's...
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, you know, I agree with that. Yeah, if you've got to think big picture and you absolutely need to rack up the win and you're bit nervous, fine, yeah.
JD: Yeah, if you qualify, yeah, if you qualify, the day he's lost.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: Everyone who's a starting XI just plays. But I think if you're comfortable, you've won most of your games, you know. We've won everything, including the one against Bayern. All right, at that point, yeah, sure.
Craig matthews : Thank you.
Rodney Gooden: Go on, start.
JD: Yeah, yeah.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
JD: I think that Bayern one will be will be the big one where if we at least get a point there, get a point from that game, I think it's more Spalens.
Rodney Gooden: yeah
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
JD: I think, yeah, can't afford a loss. It really depends on the other teams, really.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, sure.
Global Sports Podcast Network: True.
JD: That's what it goes down to.
Global Sports Podcast Network: That is very true. Very true. But I think with regards to tomorrow, I can see doing well, but I think it just depend i think the the big thing that I'm really going to be keeping my eye out for will be will be the starting XI because, you know, obviously, you know, you're Karez and, you know, you go and play Marino up front?
Global Sports Podcast Network: Do you potentially play Trossard up front? I don't know. So think that's the only concern I have. And maybe the midfield, because again, you know, potentially no Zubimendi for the game.
Global Sports Podcast Network: don't know. don't know if that's, I don't know what's going to happen with Zubi, but I don't know. really don't know what to expect from this starting XI, but I do expect us to go out there and win. That's all we can ask for at the end of the day.
JD: Man.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But we'll have to see. But guys, we're going to take another short break. And when we come back, I'm going to get the boys' predictions. And we'll also just quickly talk through starting 11s as well and see who the boys think will start for tomorrow's game.
Global Sports Podcast Network: And welcome back to this third and final part as we look ahead to our Champions League game away to Slabia Prague.
Craig matthews : Thank
Global Sports Podcast Network: Boys, we've we've partly we've we've touched on it during ah during the last part, but in terms of starting XI, do you expect us to make, say, six, seven changes?
Global Sports Podcast Network: Or do you see us maybe making three or four changes to the game tomorrow?
Rodney Gooden: I see a moderate amount of changes for this game. I think just based on injuries and then also wanting to maintain form, I think you're not going to rotate as heavily as we did for Brighton and the Carabao. So, yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, because we've done, tight what was it, 10 changes.
Rodney Gooden: That was almost the whole squad. I think it was like just Eze who stayed.
JD: Oh,
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, it was just Eze that kept his spot, pretty much.
JD: yeah look in leing with holpo
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: ah But no, no, I'm thinking if I had to, maybe both wingbacks, you know, we might change.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: So maybe you'll see Ben White get start, might see MLS. I think probably keep the same two in the centre. Keep Saliba, keep Gabriel. I think Kepa can't play because I think Kepa... I think Ateta announced in the press conference that Kepa was unavailable to train, so you might see Raya come out as well.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Oh, okay.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, yeah. I did remember reading that, so we'll see what goes on. As for the midfield...
Craig matthews : ah catch catch It kept us injured.
Rodney Gooden: and Yeah.
Craig matthews : ka was in
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, so Kepa's injured, so Raya's obviously going play.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Oh my goodness me.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah. So we can't even rotate that if we wanted to.
JD: a keeper. but What did he do?
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, I know. Yeah.
JD: barely plays. yeah
Global Sports Podcast Network: No idea.
Rodney Gooden: Hey, all I'm saying ask Mikel Marino about injuries in training. All right, there you go.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Oh yeah.
Rodney Gooden: Listen, we go hard, you know.
Global Sports Podcast Network: ah well
Global Sports Podcast Network: Oh, Gabrielle, man.
Rodney Gooden: Exactly.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Oh, I'm going forget.
Rodney Gooden: So I said, right. So I'm thinking probably Raya. Then I said, keep the two centre-back parents in the middle.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yep.
Rodney Gooden: I said, OK, maybe you can switch out the wing back. So, yeah, get Lewis Gelley in there. Maybe get Ben White. You can rotate those guys later. I said, as for the midfield, probably got Norgaard since Zubi can't play. I'd put Rice out there. And then, yeah, I kind of like Eze kind of starting on that right as well. have a strong midfield.
Rodney Gooden: And as for the front three, well, we've got limited options. So it's probably going to be Trossard on the left, Moreno up top, and Saka on the right. There you go.
Craig matthews : Yeah
Global Sports Podcast Network: you guys Do you guys agree with that?
Craig matthews : yeah
JD: I'll change a few.
Global Sports Podcast Network: JD?
JD: I think Timber starts. I think that's the only one I'll change.
Rodney Gooden: Fair.
JD: I think Timber starts.
Rodney Gooden: Just full power. All right, yeah. First choice right back.
JD: Yeah. The reason why, because we're not qualified yet.
Rodney Gooden: We love to see it.
JD: And EC's Champions League is a big competition.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
JD: So I see Timber.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
JD: Yeah, I see Timber starting.
Global Sports Podcast Network: So... To be honest, i actually agreed I actually agreed with Rodney. I actually would have gone Ben White right back. i think he had to And the thing is, right, when when I look back at his performance against Brighton, I did see a different Ben White compared to what I've seen before.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah. Because we can sub them out later, but Ben needs minutes, right? Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But then I do take into consideration it is the Carabao Cup and it is the Champions League.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But I'm also on the same wavelength as Rodney here.
Rodney Gooden: And, Jamie, I know the bit you're thinking of as well. It was that bit where he dribbled past three players in the midfield, wasn't it? I remember that.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, yeah.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah!
JD: Yeah. Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: I saw that and was like, Ben's back!
JD: yeah
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, I was like, yep. was like, Benny's back. was like, Benny Byrne goes back, yeah. But I think, J.D., I do think, though, think, again, would maybe bring Timber on, just give him some minutes out there.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But, you know, kind of want to use tomorrow's game as an opportunity to, you know, give the likes of Lewis Skelly, you know, Ben White an opportunity just to get some extra minutes in the tank.
Global Sports Podcast Network: And it also means that we have a slightly fresher squad for going ahead to Sunderland on Saturday, late Saturday afternoon.
JD: No, I agree. I just think Arteta's going to keep it back for and probably change Maldonado Skelly. I think with him and Tad, he likes to swap them too.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, so what, Kala and Timber to start then?
JD: I think he sees them like it.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, I realise that, yeah.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
JD: But I think with Timber, he's made it very clear that Timber's he's made right back. You know, he made that very, very clear.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
JD: And Ben White needs...
Global Sports Podcast Network: Craig, Craig out a curiosity, Ben white or but White or Timber, if you had to choose one of the two.
Craig matthews : I think I'll start him.
Rodney Gooden: Fair.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Okay.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah. Hmm. Hmm.
Craig matthews : I want Ben Wright to get minutes but it's hard to play for us this season. Not just injuries, not in form but hopefully he can start challenging again soon.
Rodney Gooden: yeah
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Craig matthews : Get his form back and fitness back. We need competition, man.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. At the minute, you know, you look at our injuries at the minute and I don't know what the news is on the likes of, obviously, Havertz, Odegaard and Madweke coming back.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But, you know, it'd be good to get, you know, I'm actually quite looking forward to the end of the international break because predicting,
JD: I think they're coming back.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, they're predicted. Yeah, for the North London derby.
JD: Tottenham game.
Craig matthews : ah ra Yeah, they'd be fit yeah there be shit for out
JD: They're coming back
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Could you imagine what the North London derby could look like by then? If we had Madweke back, Odegaard back, Havertz back, potentially, you know?
Rodney Gooden: Odegaard back. Havertz back. Yeah, OK.
Craig matthews : that.
JD: there.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
JD: Yeah, I'm going to.
Craig matthews : Ben's looking strong again, man. Stronger.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. And before we finish up, of course, I've got to ask the big question and it is score predictions. Let's kick it off with JD.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Go on. Give me a score prediction for tomorrow night. And give me goal scorers as well while you're at it.
JD: um was
Rodney Gooden: Okay.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, why not spice up a bit?
JD: going to say 1-0, but let's just say 2-0. 2-0. I'm going to say Gabriel.
Global Sports Podcast Network: oh
Rodney Gooden: yeah
Global Sports Podcast Network: Ooh, okay.
Rodney Gooden: Nice.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Okay.
JD: I'm going to say Gabriel. I'll say a set-piece.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Okay.
JD: And I'm probably going to Mourinho. I think he might i i think my bag one tomorrow.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Okay, that's good prediction. Rodney, what about you?
Rodney Gooden: Ooh, tough one. Okay. Yeah, Gabriel's set piece is a solid one, but I think I'm also going to go but I'm going to change the score. is I'm going to go with Timber and Trossard, man.
Rodney Gooden: There you go.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Nice. Okay, mixing it up a bit Mixing it up a bit.
JD: Oh, that's right.
Rodney Gooden: I love a Timber guy.
JD: I think it's a time to start.
Global Sports Podcast Network: I like it.
Rodney Gooden: Come on and do something.
Global Sports Podcast Network: I like it.
JD: hit timber star and he fought ben
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, he'll come on He'll come on.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Timber Masterclass in the second half.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, yeah. I love to see it. Little cheeky header.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Timber Masterclass is going to be a half an hour.
Rodney Gooden: Just free header.
Global Sports Podcast Network: It's going to be a solid 30-minute Timber Masterclass. You were first to hear it, people.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, I'll take End of the game. We'll be 1-0 up and he'll get the last goal. Yes. Fair.
Craig matthews : 3-0, Gabriel, Sakar and
Global Sports Podcast Network: Craig, what about you? You seem to be quite decent with the predictions.
Craig matthews : Rice.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Ooh.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Ooh. Okay. That's actually... That's not bad as well. I will probably...
Global Sports Podcast Network: you know what? I've already... You know what? I've been to Prague and I'm saying that my luck's still in Prague. So I'm going Arsenal as well. And I'm going to go... oh my gosh. This is where it gets interesting. I'm going to go Eze.
Global Sports Podcast Network: oh my gosh. I'm going to go Eze, Gabriel and...
Global Sports Podcast Network: Rice.
JD: Oh wow.
Global Sports Podcast Network: I'm going to have them three down as my goal.
Craig matthews : I feel I feel I feel I feel I feel free no I feel free no but free no way from home against them again beat them for you now
Rodney Gooden: Is it Gabriel Wright? That's actually solid there.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Eze, Gabriel and Rice.
Rodney Gooden: OK. 3-0, though.
JD: Free now? Really?
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah, 3-0, yeah.
Rodney Gooden: yeah
JD: I don't see free now.
Rodney Gooden: That's bold. That's bold.
JD: It is cool.
Rodney Gooden: 3-0. OK.
JD: It is cool.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Hold on a minute. I just realised something. So as soon as Craig said 3-0, it's like, oh, OK, OK, OK. Oh, but as soon as I come in with, oh, yeah, I'm going 3-0 because my, yeah, 3-0.
Rodney Gooden: I'm just saying, because when you came in, it was half the pod.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Everyone's done the round wagon.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, now it's half the pod all cosigning it, right?
JD: Yeah, it was.
Craig matthews : huh
Rodney Gooden: That's crazy.
Global Sports Podcast Network: so
Craig matthews : Bye.
JD: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Craig, Craig, let him laugh, man, because we'll have the last laugh at full time, won't we?
Rodney Gooden: I mean, I'm happy. I'd love to see it, but I'm just saying away. Champions League.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But no, i do i I do understand where you're coming from, because again, you know, it's you know you look at all our previous scorelines and, you know, obviously with Atletico winning 4-0 and so on, I think we can go and do a job away in Prague, so...
Rodney Gooden: Yeah, I just think that's the problem is I think people will look at what happened to Aleti and I'll be like, that can't be us. That's what because Aleti tried to play and then you saw what happened to them.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
Craig matthews : Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: So I said, nobody wants to go out like that. True,
Global Sports Podcast Network: No, absolutely. Yeah, absolutely. But I'll tell you what, though. And it's also an early kick, earlier kickoff tomorrow as well.
Rodney Gooden: true. 545, yeah.
JD: Yeah, like five, isn't it?
Rodney Gooden: five five forty five yeah
Craig matthews : my first my for yeah
JD: What are you doing? that i Like, the time I get in, I probably might have missed, you know, at least 20 minutes of it.
Global Sports Podcast Network: um i believe if I'm right in saying this, they only do this with the away ties. So, like, for example, match day one in the Champions League, that was a 5.45 kick-off against Bilbao.
Craig matthews : Hmm.
Global Sports Podcast Network: So...
JD: I miss the old Champions League format. I miss the group stages.
Rodney Gooden: yeah i like it
JD: mean um i like the group stage.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah.
JD: I miss it you know This league thing, I'm not a fan of
Global Sports Podcast Network: I get where you're coming from.
JD: They
Global Sports Podcast Network: I understand why they've done the league phase, because they want more they want more entertain they want more entertaining games early on.
JD: want more money. That's what it is. They want more money.
Rodney Gooden: yeah it's more games you know what it's about jamie come on let's
JD: That's what it is.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But, of course, that's all they want, exactly.
Global Sports Podcast Network: You know, it was six match days before. now Now you decide to add on an an extra eight. You know, instead of... We've gone from six to eight match days. Like, come on now.
JD: But you know what I don't like about it is, though, because we saw that horrible Europa League final last year with Man United and Tottenham.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Go
JD: And it's because we've got no Champions League guys dropping into Europa League.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Jeez.
JD: I used to like that. It made Europa League more fun to watch, from my personal opinion.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: I get you on that, yeah, because you would get all the...
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: You'd get, you know, what was it? There was one year where, wasn't it like Newcastle, Inter... I can't remember. It was like Newcastle, PSG, Dortmund.
Craig matthews : AC Milan
Global Sports Podcast Network: um it might have been it It might have been Inter or AC Milan.
Craig matthews : AC Milan AC Milan yeah yeah
Global Sports Podcast Network: And... AC Milan won it.
JD: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Yeah. And like in the group stages, it was the group stages and we were all like, yeah, whoever finishes third gets into Europa League, that will spice up the Europa League, wouldn't it?
JD: Yeah.
Rodney Gooden: Yeah.
Global Sports Podcast Network: And I do get you on that. i I partly miss it, but at same time, I kind of think to myself, well, if you go out, you go out. But i do I do miss that element of, you know, whoever dropped down to like from Champions League to Europa League and so on, it made the competition a bit more exciting. But...
Global Sports Podcast Network: Well, that's UEFA and that's what they want. They just want money and just to tire players out even more, don't they? so Yeah, but that will be a very interesting game. We will see how we get on.
Global Sports Podcast Network: But that is it for us all today. Have you liked what we've had to say? If so, we would love to hear your thoughts on social media. So as always, just go and hit us up on socials. Go and show the TikTok, show X some love as well because they need it as well. Instagram is getting all the love right now.
Global Sports Podcast Network: um So go and go and show your love on all on all our socials. But um if you if you want to look for us on Apple podcast and Spotify, ah just go on to your search and search up Daily Arsenal.
Global Sports Podcast Network: You've been listening to the GSPN Arsenal podcast past of the pot. Oh, my gosh. 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. They have been the amazing Craig Matthews, Rodney Gooden, and Joshua Duncan.
Global Sports Podcast Network: Have a good day all, and take care.
