THE ARSENAL OPINION - BY LE GROVE

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

Jacob Hawley is back in the Dugout chair with Arsenal podcaster and Football Ramble legend Jim Campbell. Together they dive into Arsenal’s cautious start to the season — is Mikel Arteta overthinking it, or just managing a brutal run of fixtures? They debate: ⚔️ The fine line between caution and ambition against City & Liverpool 🎹 Does Arsenal’s midfield need a new creative “guitarist”? 🔥 Hot takes on Odegaard vs Eze and the 500-game theory 🏆 Ballon d’Or drama (Dembele, Salah, Vinícius, PSG bias) 😬 Noni Madueke’s injury and why he’s been more influential than the stats suggest 🔮 Why patience might be the key before this Arsenal squad clicks into gear It’s a measured but spicy one — knees jerked, hot takes flying, and a reminder that the best might be yet to come. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MANCHESTER CITY (H) | ON THE WHISTLE | JOHNNY & PEDRO (EARLY BIRD)🎙️ On the Whistle is here (Pedro is VERY ill 🤒 so forgive any slurring) ⚡ Saliba decision-making 😊 Staying positive after a good point 😬 Worried about ‘safety first’ line-up 😢 Anonymous Gyok 🥖🍝 Martinelli making us eat DELICIOUS humble pie Hope you enjoy! x If you want these right after the game, sign up to our members program below. https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s a therapy session with Pete and Jacob Hawley as we dive into three days of wild Champions League football. We cover: 🐱 Mourinho’s nine lives and his toxic-but-entertaining return to the big stage 📸 Inside access to Arsenal’s relentless content machine and how Arteta’s culture is shaping players on and off the pitch ⚡ Why Erling Haaland is still underrated—and the key to stopping City this weekend 👑 Thierry Henry’s controversial takes on Viktor Gyökeres and Arsenal’s depth, and whether he’s got a point 🔄 The evolution of “impactors” into “finishers” and what it says about Arteta’s management ⚔️ Newcastle’s struggles, Rashford’s redemption, and what Champions League “royalty” really means Big debates, hot takes, and plenty of Arsenal perspective as we gear up for a massive clash with Manchester City If you want this sort of content LIVE, when it happens, you can join our membership service below: ✍️ Writing + Audio: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ 🎧 Audio only: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Enjooooooooy! 😎 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jacob is joined by Kevin Lee Kharas (@kevkharas), lead singer of Real Lies and devoted Arsenal fan, for a wide-ranging conversation that blends music, football, and the madness of modern fandom. From his surreal day filming content with Myles Lewis-Skelly and watching Piero Hincapié model Christmas knitwear, Kevin dives into why he sees Mikel Arteta as building nothing less than a dynasty. The two discuss the cult-like intensity of Arsenal players, the tactical evolution under Arteta, and why football podcasts might just be the most powerful addiction in modern Britain. Expect hot takes on the “Fat Man” Viktor Gyökeres, Martinelli’s role as an impact sub, Eze’s best position, and how Arsenal’s defence could be the foundation for turning 1–0s into fours and fives. They also look ahead to the huge clash against Manchester City at the Emirates. It’s equal parts serious analysis, off-beat humour, and a reminder of why Arsenal remains one of the most romantic clubs in world football Follow Kev Kharas on Twitter! Hear the band: BANDCAMP Spotify Facebook Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s all four of the AOP boys out here discussing the HUGE win against Nottingham Forest 🌳🔴⚪️ ⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING: spicy content ahead, so skip if you scare easy ✨ Madueke – IMPACT or just more of the same from Chelsea? 🎯 Gyökeres – “all he does is score goals”… but is that actually ok? 💎 Mosquera – bargain of 2025? 🚀 ZUBI ZUBI TWOOOOO! If you want this sort of content LIVE, when it happens, you can join our membership service below: ✍️ Writing + Audio: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ 🎧 Audio only: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Enjooooooooy! 😎 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s Episode Three of The Dugout series, hosted by Jacob Hawley. This week’s guest is Arsenal journalist James Benge (CBS Sports, formerly Arseblog/Arsecast, now co-hosting with Charles Watts). Jacob and James dive deep into Arsenal’s present and future, international break weirdness, and the narratives shaping the season so far. 🔥 Early access for members only. James’ hottest take: Who to win the Champions League in style? Debating Arteta’s pragmatism vs control after Liverpool and Madrid Martin Ødegaard’s form, happiness, and evolving role with Eze & Zubimendi in the side Edu’s rocky start at Nottingham Forest and Ange’s arrival before facing Arsenal Noni Madueke’s early Arsenal impact & what the “data nerds” missed England under Tuchel: grinding out wins, Arsenal players in the squad, and Nonni’s debut If you are NOT following JAMES BENGE, here he is: https://x.com/jamesbenge Sign up for the premium and you’ll get: ✨ Exclusive writing ✨ Ad-free audio ✨ Bonus podcasts (Early birds) ✨ Much, much more https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices