THE ARSENAL OPINION - BY LE GROVE

Jacob Hawley is back in the Dugout with Telegraph football reporter Sam Dean to break down one of the biggest weeks in the Arteta era. Fresh off dismantling Spurs and putting Bayern Munich in a chokehold at the Emirates, the lads get stuck into the big question: is this the best-coached team in Europe? We talk through: 🔥 Bayern Demolition: Why Arsenal’s set-piece storm, tactical adaptability, and elite squad depth left Bayern scrambling. 🎯 Eze and Martinelli Link-Up: Two massive games, two massive moments… the new double act delivering on the biggest stages. 🏋️ Declan Rice Masterclass: Is Rice the most influential player in Europe right now? 🔁 The Number Nine Debate: Sam Dean drops a scorching take on Jesus, Mourinho, and whether Arsenal really need a new striker. 👶 The Kids Are Fine: Miles Lewis-Skelly and Mosquera at Champions League level. The future is silly. 📈 The Arteta Evolution: A squad that can beat you any way it wants, with elite depth and total tactical control. Plus all the usual chaos, jokes, therapy, and the best Arsenal chat you will hear this week. ____________________________ 🎧 IF YOU WANT THIS CONTENT AD FREE AND ALL THE BONUS THINGS LIKE NICE WRITING, EXTRA CONTENT, AND A VERY GOOD DISCORD, PICK YOUR OPTION BELOW: WRITING + AUDIO + VIDEO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion AUDIO + VIDEO: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/8c0cfff5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’ve moved therapy to Tuesday, but who needs therapy when you’ve just walloped Spurs 4-1? Matt Kandela and Jacob Hawley join the show to joy-scroll through the wreckage of Tottenham’s season and ask the big questions: Are we now culturally bigger than Real Madrid? And have we accidentally become the “Heavyweights” of world football? In this episode: ⚪️ Spurs in the Mud: We drink in the “sheer misery” of the Tottenham fan reaction videos and why watching them suffer is better than therapy. 🦊 The Trossard Cult: Why the “Silver Fox” is statistically our most productive attacker and why signing him over Mudryk might define the entire Arteta era. 🔥 Captain in Crisis? The hottest take of the week: With Eze playing with such swagger and goal threat, does Martin Odegaard walk back into this team? 🔁 Disrespecting Bayern: The debate on whether we should rotate heavily (start Myles Lewis-Skelly!) against Bayern Munich to save our legs for Chelsea. 🧱 Broken Benny Blanco: Timber is the best right-back in the league, so are we approaching the end of the road for Ben White? 💰 Greed is Good: Why we are not settling for a draw at Stamford Bridge. We want all three points to fuel the dynasty. _______________________________________________ 🎧 IF YOU WANT THIS CONTENT AD FREE AND ALL THE BONUS THINGS LIKE NICE WRITING, EXTRA CONTENT, AND A VERY GOOD DISCORD, PICK YOUR OPTION BELOW: WRITING + AUDIO + VIDEO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion AUDIO + VIDEO: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/8c0cfff5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

PEDRO AND MATT WENT LIVE AFTER THE GAME TO BREAK DOWN A HUGE WIN UNDER THE LIGHTS AT A FOG-FILLED EMIRATES 🌫️⚽️ ⭐ PRAISE THE MAGNIFICENCE OF EZE 🐺 CELEBRATE ROTTWEILER DECLAN 🎯 ASSESS THE FREAK GOAL 📊 TALK ABOUT SPURS TACTICS AND THEIR HOPES MOVING FORWARD 😡 CHAT ABOUT RICHARLISON AND HOW ANNOYING HE IS 🛡️ WAX ABOUT JURRIEN 🔄 CONSIDER ROTATION OPTIONS FOR THE WEEK AHEAD HOPE YOU ENJOY THE SHOW! X _______________________________________________ 🎧 IF YOU WANT THIS CONTENT AD FREE AND ALL THE BONUS THINGS LIKE NICE WRITING, EXTRA CONTENT, AND A VERY GOOD DISCORD, PICK YOUR OPTION BELOW: WRITING + AUDIO + VIDEO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion AUDIO + VIDEO: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/8c0cfff5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today’s episode, Pete and Jacob limp out of the international break with bruised mouths, bruised lineups, and bruised optimism ahead of a monster North London Derby. We get into: 🧟‍♂️ Injury apocalypse Gabriel’s abductor blow, the real timeline, and how this derails Arsenal’s December monster run. 🧩 Who replaces Big Gabi? Calafiori at CB? Mosquera time? Hincapié wildcard? Or will Arteta go full galaxy brain? 🎨 Odegaard’s colour palette Why Arsenal look black-and-white without him and Technicolor with him. The weird, wrong online takes. 🇩🇪 Bundesliga myth-busting + Jude Bellingham debate Is Germany too soft a league? Why some stars flop in England. Is Jude a “moment player”? 🔥 Saka and Eze cooking for England Lovely… but Arsenal need that heat right now. Especially with the fixture pile-up. 🤕 Kai Havertz concerns The fitness worries, the durability question, and whether the Sesko vs Gyökeres conversation looks different now. 🧱 Are Arsenal inevitable? Three seasons of elite consistency. When patience runs out for top players. Why this season feels like destiny. 👶 Hale End and the teen minutes conundrum Miles, Ethan, Max — development vs pressure vs loan ideals. Arteta’s philosophy laid bare. ⚔️ North London Derby preview Where Spurs are soft. Where Arsenal must be ruthless. And why this will come down to Saka, Eze, or a Hale Ender with main-character energy. A lively, chaotic, derby-week episode filled with anxiety, tactics, agendas, optimism, and fear. Exactly how it should be. 🎧 IF YOU WANT THIS CONTENT AD FREE AND ALL THE BONUS THINGS LIKE NICE WRITING, EXTRA CONTENT, AND A VERY GOOD DISCORD, PICK YOUR OPTION BELOW: WRITING + AUDIO + VIDEO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion AUDIO + VIDEO: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/8c0cfff5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Dugout edition of The Arsenal Opinion Podcast, Jacob Hawley takes the hosting seat and welcomes Jack Pitt-Brooke of The Athletic for a deep dive into the North London Derby build-up. Across a lively and insightful conversation, they explore: Tottenham through the eyes of someone who covers them, not supports them, striking the perfect balance for Arsenal listeners. How international breaks shape narratives, coaching trends, and fan expectations, including the role of throw-ins, set pieces, and Premier League punditry. Why international football may actually feel more expressive than club football right now. The shift from superstar match-winners to tactical systems in the modern Premier League. A spicy segment on Declan Rice’s best role, as Jack delivers his Hottest of Takes. A measured, slightly worried look at Arsenal’s injury-stricken attack heading into the Derby. And finally, Jack’s score prediction, which tries (and fails) to keep Spurs fans optimistic. This one blends tactics, narrative, nostalgia, and Derby-day tension. A perfect warm-up for the weekend. 🎧 IF YOU WANT THIS CONTENT AD FREE AND ALL THE BONUS THINGS LIKE NICE WRITING, EXTRA CONTENT, AND A VERY GOOD DISCORD, PICK YOUR OPTION BELOW: WRITING + AUDIO + VIDEO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion AUDIO + VIDEO: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/8c0cfff5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s all the boys on the show, ready to take the awesome member questions that you’ve all been percolating on. We covered a wide range of topics, including upcoming U-turns, the Ethan conundrum, predictions on trophy hauls, and much, much more. Thanks for making this a GREAT SHOW! x 🎧 IF YOU WANT THIS CONTENT AD FREE AND ALL THE BONUS THINGS LIKE NICE WRITING, EXTRA CONTENT, AND A VERY GOOD DISCORD, PICK YOUR OPTION BELOW: WRITING + AUDIO + VIDEO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion AUDIO + VIDEO: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/8c0cfff5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week’s Arsenal Opinion is therapy in name only — because everyone’s feeling suspiciously good. Pedro, Matt, and Jacob try to process the weird calm that comes with a 10-game winning streak, a record defensive run, and a fanbase already booking trophy parades. They dive into: 🔥 Hottest of Takes — Saka’s missing his mates, the clean-sheet obsession is getting dangerous, and one host admits to moving a stag do for the trophy lift. 🧱 Dual Monsters & Defensive Evolution — Why Arsenal are now the trendsetters in modern football, how Hincapié fits Arteta’s lab-built vision, and what it means for the rest of the squad. 🧠 Ethan’s Growing Pains — The panel debates whether Nwaneri’s central evolution is genius planning or just a little premature. 👶 The Hale End Boom — Max Dowman, Andre H, Marley Salmon… Arsenal’s teen wave is real, and Arteta’s “Bilbao model” might just be working. 💰 Selling Smart vs. Selling Souls — Do Arsenal need to rebrand their shopfront? And would you sell Ethan for £70m if it meant landing a new winger? A light-hearted but sharp chat full of nostalgia, overanalysis, and joy-fuelled dread — the kind only Arsenal fans can deliver. 🎧 IF YOU WANT THIS CONTENT AD FREE AND ALL THE BONUS THINGS LIKE NICE WRITING, EXTRA CONTENT, AND A VERY GOOD DISCORD, PICK YOUR OPTION BELOW: WRITING + AUDIO + VIDEO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion AUDIO + VIDEO: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/8c0cfff5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jacob Hawley is joined by former Arsenal player and tactical guru Adrian Clarke for a deep dive into Arsenal’s form ahead of the Slavia Prague game. The pair get into: ⚽️ Why Arsenal’s “mini-cups” matter more than ever 🧠 Gyokeres’ all-round evolution and what comes next 💪 Declan Rice as the true heartbeat of the team 🎯 The Trossard and Eze effect 🩺 What’s really behind the current injury pile-up A brilliant, detailed chat about how Arteta’s side are managing the grind, developing depth, and chasing glory across every competition. IF YOU WANT THESE PODCASTS WHEN THEY RECORD OR ABSOLUTELY LOVE IN THE MOMENT, SIGN UP FOR A MEMBERSHIP BELOW: AUDIO ONLY: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion AUDIO + WRITING: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/8c0cfff5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The boys dive into the brilliant Burnley result that’s set Arsenal up for a very good weekend — no matter what happens elsewhere. They get into: 🐴 Decland the HORSE 🎨 Trossard and looking beyond the ‘image’ 🧠 Arteta — best in the game? 💪 GYOKERES THE BEAST 🍀 Has Lady Luck finally switched sides? A fun, fiery one. Thanks for being a member and tuning in! IF YOU WANT THESE PODCASTS WHEN THEY RECORD OR ABSOLUTELY LOVE IN THE MOMENT, SIGN UP FOR A MEMBERSHIP BELOW: AUDIO ONLY: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion AUDIO + WRITING: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/8c0cfff5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s Dugout, Jacob Hawley sits down with YouTuber, actor, and writer Alex Moneypenny for a wide-ranging chat that moves from the Emirates media box to the London theatre stage. The two talk Arsenal from every angle — the view from behind the goal at the Man City game, why Victor Gyökeres divides the fanbase, and how Mikel Marino might have shifted the title race if you ran the season in an AI sim. They debate open-play goals, Odegaard’s influence, Arteta’s tactical tweaks, and the fine margins separating “functioning at 60 percent” from a title-winning 100 percent. Beyond tactics, Alex opens up about pivoting from acting to writing, staging his own musical (“about a woman who thinks the Earth is flat”), and what it’s like to build creative work from scratch — on stage and on YouTube. Smart football talk, creative energy, and a few laughs about coping with Arsenal trauma in the stands — it’s a grounded, honest Dugout you’ll want to play through twice. Find Alex below: Personal: https://x.com/alexmoneypenny The Different Knock: https://x.com/DiffKnock Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheDifferentKnock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The boys are back to discuss a HUGE three points against Palace and a delicious weekend of mega results around the league. They discuss: ⚽ The importance of Timber being our best player 🧱 The immensity of Big Gabi 🤔 The troubling issue of Gyökeres in the Premier League 🎨 Eze doing his old club dirty IF YOU WANT THESE PODCASTS WHEN THEY RECORD OR ABSOLUTELY LOVE IN THE MOMENT, SIGN UP FOR A MEMBERSHIP BELOW: AUDIO ONLY: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion AUDIO + WRITING: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/8c0cfff5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The boys are back for a Thursday Therapy Session, with Pete, Matt Kandela, and Jacob Hawley breaking down Arsenal’s swagger and the chaos sweeping Europe. 💭 How did Arsenal become the team everyone fears? 🔥 Calafiori’s “Galloping Pony” chaos and the rise of the pre-assist king 😱 Liverpool’s £130 million nightmare — is the Salah-Slot era already cracking? 💫 Martinelli’s redemption arc and the beauty of patience 💰 Julian Alvarez to Arsenal? The dream, the fit, the fantasy 📊 Premier League dominance: are England’s clubs just too powerful? It’s confidence, chaos, and catharsis — the AOP boys at their best, mixing banter with belief. If you'd like a membership for exclusive content, advert free, and LIVE... see below for the option that works best for you. AUDIO ONLY: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion AUDIO + WRITING: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

🔥 The boys deliver the verdict on an AMAZING win that was quite ugly. 🤔 Have goalposts shifted for Gyök? 🧱 How is our defence so incredible? 🎩 CALAFIORI IS MAGIC 💫 Saka, looking ELITE 😤 VAR at us again… but was it a pen? 🏆 TOP OF THE TABLE THOUGHTS 🎧 Take a listen now — and remember, if you want these podcast when they happen, sign up to our membership offerings. AUDIO ONLY: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion AUDIO + WRITING: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete, Matt Kandela, and Jacob Hawley return for a fiery therapy session — unpacking Arsenal’s international break chaos, Viktor Gyökeres’ crisis of confidence, and the looming barometer game away at Fulham. The crew debates whether the Swede’s slump is just a blip or the start of a bigger rethink — and how long Mikel Arteta will persist before Kai Havertz reclaims the nine. There’s deep chat on Bukayo Saka’s fitness whispers, Mikel Merino’s wild evolution from “bit of a clogger” to Spain’s Cristiano Ronaldo, and how Arsenal’s new load-management philosophy could define the season. Expect tangents, accountability, and the full Arsenal Opinion flavor — with upmarket Fellaini takes, Fulham anxiety, and more truth bombs than Gyökeres shots on target If you want these podcasts when they happen, sign up to be a member below! Audio Membership: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Audio + writing: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/8c0cfff5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The lads are back — and this one’s got proper pub garden energy. Johnny Dutch and Danny Graft return to The Dugout fresh from the studio, dropping exclusives about new music, a summer beer collab, and a massive sing-along anthem in the works. From there it’s pure Arsenal flow:⚽ Gabby Jesus redemption arc talk — why the chaos merchant might be key to a title run🔥 Viktor Gyökeres’ fight, graft, and evolution💫 Saka’s genius and why England still underrate him🧠 Odegaard’s injury, Ethan’s rise, and the midfield puzzle👊 Plus: the lads tear into Liverpool’s “too much change” under Slot, talk City’s freakish efficiency, and dream of future Arsenal gaffers like Wilshere, Xhaka, and even Fabregas. It’s another outrageous podcast — the way it should be. If you want these podcasts when they happen, sign up to be a member below! Audio Membership: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Audio + writing: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/8c0cfff5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Actor-comedian Tom Rosenthal joins Jacob Hawley for a brilliantly chaotic episode of The Dugout, diving deep into Arsenal’s evolution under Mikel Arteta. 🔥 Highlights: Tom’s spicy takes on the state of Arsenal’s squad The rise of the YouTube tactician and why modern football brains live in bedrooms Calafiori’s understated brilliance and how Arteta has turned Arsenal into a tactical chameleon Gabriel’s leadership moment at Newcastle and the emotional high of late winners How Arsenal’s new level of control and flexibility could finally deliver silverware It’s another Dugout Banger. Enjoy responsibly. 🎧 Listen now to hear why even Tom admits: “We might just be watching the best Arsenal team of our lives.” If you want these podcasts when they happen, sign up to be a member below! Audio Membership: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Audio + writing: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/8c0cfff5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arsenal are back on top of the league and the vibes are immaculate. Johnny and Matt break down a smooth, drama-free win over West Ham — exactly the kind of performance Arsenal have been missing in recent seasons. We get into: 🔥 Arteta’s killer instinct shift and how it’s transforming Arsenal’s mentality 🎯 Declan Rice’s statement performance against his old club 🧱 Timber + Calafiori: fullbacks running the show ⚡️ Saka’s penalty power play — talisman reasserted 🤔 Big Vic’s mixed bag and why patience is still needed It’s a birthday pod, it’s a top-of-the-table pod, and it’s one packed with optimism that Arsenal finally have the depth, attitude, and ruthlessness to take the Premier League by storm. If you want these podcasts when they happen, sign up to be a member below! Audio Membership: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Audio + writing: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/8c0cfff5 You can also sub up via Apple Members in the Podcasts app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Arsenal Opinion, Jacob is joined by special guest Laura Kirk Francis, whose Arsenal content has been lighting up social media over the past six months. Together, they relive the rollercoaster of emotions from Arsenal’s dramatic win at St. James’ Park, from the pain of overturned penalties to the joy of late winners. The discussion covers: Laura’s debut hottest take on Jurriën Timber’s Ballon d’Or potential Why Arsenal’s midfield depth might now be a “good problem” for Arteta How Eze’s central role changes the attacking dynamic Shifting from control to risk: a potential turning point in Arteta’s philosophy The evolving role of Viktor Gyökeres and the “nice headache” of striker options A look ahead to Olympiacos and the brutal schedule to come It’s a lively, insightful chat that blends tactical analysis, fan emotion, and a few laughs along the way. If you want these podcasts when the happen, sign up to be a member below! Audio Membership: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Audio + writing: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/8c0cfff5 You can also sub up via Apple Members in the Podcasts app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Arsenal Opinion crew is back with a monster episode after Arsenal’s dramatic last-minute win against Newcastle. Pete, Matt, and Johnny break down the emotions of a true statement victory—relief, joy, and the sense that momentum has shifted in the title race. We cover: Big Gabby’s redemption arc: from costly error to heroic match-winner Eze’s standout performance and why he could be the most important piece in Arteta’s new setup Arteta’s aggressive approach and how it unleashed Arsenal’s attacking edge The “next man up” mentality finally taking root in this squad Victor Gyökeres’ polarising display—nuisance or future No.9? Martin Ødegaard’s return, chemistry with Eze, and why his role might evolve this season Plus, the boys reflect on the mentality shift from last year’s “victimhood” to this year’s fight-first belief, and what this result means for the title run. If you want these podcasts when the happen, sign up to be a member below! Audio Membership: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Audio + writing: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/8c0cfff5 You can also sub up via Apple Members in the Podcasts app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

💥 AOP LIVE TICKETS💥 go on sale at 10am this morning (UK time). It's in London, Finsbury Park, and there are limited tickets. Go to https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ for the link! Back to the podcast... Jacob and Matt are back for a Thursday Therapy fresh off Arsenal news that could define the next era: William Saliba has signed a five-year deal. The lads break down why it’s more than just a contract — it’s a signal that Arsenal’s biggest stars believe a dynasty is coming. They also dive into: Eze’s instant impact and why he might be the most underrated signing in the league ⚡ The Carabao Cup win at Port Vale — dull, professional, and maybe a missed chance for Hale End magic 🎓 Arsenal’s injury cloud: Saka minutes, fitness staff scrutiny, and why medical transparency could help Arteta 🩼 Newcastle away preview — why it’s about football, not fighting, at St. James’ Park 🏟️ The need for more “big away goals” to turn tight margins into statement wins 🔑 It’s classic AOP Therapy: a mix of optimism, concern, and strong opinions about how Arsenal can finally get over the line. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices