Football Weekly – Arsenal Make the Carabao Cup Final. Is the Quadruple On?

The Guardian Football Weekly | Episode Date: February 4, 2026
Panel: Max Rushden (Host), Barry Glendenning, Lucy Ward, Jordan Jarrett-Bryan

Episode Overview

This episode dives into Arsenal’s tense victory over Chelsea to reach the Carabao Cup final, sparking a debate about whether an unprecedented quadruple is genuinely within their reach. The panel analyses the tactical battle at the Emirates, the outlook for both clubs, and wider football news, from Sunderland’s remarkable home run to the complexities of Pep Guardiola’s recent humanitarian statements. The show rounds off with discussion on the transfer window’s quiet end, issues at Crystal Palace, and notable events in both men’s and women’s football on and off the pitch.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea: Carabao Cup Semi-Final

– The Match (01:22-10:38)

• Arsenal came into the second leg a goal down but managed a late winner by Kai Havertz to book a spot at Wembley.
• Both teams exhibited cautious tactics; Arsenal defensively solid, needing only to keep Chelsea at bay.
• Chelsea’s game plan was criticized for its conservatism; even when trailing, they remained negative.
  • Quote, Barry Glendenning (01:49):
    "Chelsea's approach was kind of interesting. They started with a back five and little or no ambition beyond not conceding... but they never really looked like scoring."
• Chelsea’s peculiar corner routine is debated. Arsenal, well-prepared for defensive solidity, managed to blunt whatever attacking moments Chelsea had.
• Arsenal’s reaction going through showed the importance of reaching a major final after years of near-misses.
  • Quote, Lucy Ward (14:03):
    “The reaction of the players and the staff... shows you one, how difficult Chelsea made it and two, that, you know, getting to a Cup final is massive.”

– Chelsea’s Tactical Choices and Medical Politics (04:46-07:37)

• Discussion on how injury management dictated team selection for Chelsea, restricting players like Cole Palmer to limited minutes.
• Tactical gambits at corners (drawing Arsenal’s defenders out of the box) get dissected.
  • Lucy Ward (08:36):
    "That first one was... obviously took Arsenal by surprise. But then it's like, hang on a minute, you just... You're taking away the blockers..."

– Arsenal’s Quadruple Dream (09:22-14:40)

• With this win, the supposedly outlandish possibility of a quadruple is considered mathematically possible, but the panel remains skeptical.
  • Max Rushden (09:58):
    “It's probably the first time I can remember Arsenal being in February and favorites for all four competitions.”
  • Jordan Jarrett-Bryan raises doubts about calling Arsenal’s display a tactical masterclass just because they advanced.

Pep Guardiola’s Humanitarian Comments (16:03-20:23)

• Guardiola’s pre-match statements addressing war victims in Palestine, Ukraine, Sudan, and US school shootings were highlighted.
  • Pep Guardiola (quoted, 16:42):
    “I will stand up always. I will be there always. Completely kill thousands of innocent people. It hurts me.”
• Panel reflects on the power of football managers to address global issues, the contradictions of club ownership (UAE-Man City-Sudan context), and whether Guardiola’s message was genuinely political.
  • Barry Glendenning (18:08):
    “They are not controversial opinions...it would be very easy for him to pull the 'I am but a humble football coach' card... but he has chosen not to.”
  • Max Rushden (19:41):
    “A very intelligent way of making a political point without it coming across political.”

Sunderland’s Sensational Premier League Form (21:28-25:43)

• Sunderland remain the Premier League’s only unbeaten home side, drawing comparisons to Forest’s 1977-78 title-winning season.
  • Barry:
    “That Forest team went the whole season unbeaten at home. So that's something to aim for.” (21:28)
• Sunderland’s success is attributed to excellent recruitment and the rapid tactical integration under Regis Labrie.
  • Lucy Ward (23:24):
    “Recruitment combined with Regis Labrie and his tactical nous is just incredible. But the recruitment is everything...”

Transfer Deadline & Crystal Palace’s Big Gambles (28:10-34:44)

• Deadline day was unusually quiet.
  • Jordan Jarrett-Bryan (27:50):
    “Putting the dead in deadline day.”
• Crystal Palace set new club records for transfer spending but the signings are seen as high-risk for the sake of retaining top-flight status.
  • Max Rushden (28:32):
    “It's a lot of money on, as you say, okay players… probably hoping between those two they can rustle up 10-12 goals between now and May.”
  • Lucy Ward (29:23):
    “Palace are a cautionary tale for clubs who get into Europe. If you stand still, you may as well go backwards.”
• The personal toll on players/families is illustrated with the failed transfer of Dwight McNeil, with Lucy offering insight into the life of player partners.
  • Lucy Ward (36:47):
    “It's a harder life than you think being a professional footballer… you have to perform every single week, otherwise you don't get a contract.”

Other Notable Football News

• Liverpool sign Jeremy Jacquet for £60m—panel notes the oddity of reinforcing for next season, not the current Champions League campaign (37:01).
• Calvin Phillips moves to Sheffield United on loan to revive his career; Lucy hopes he gets a fair run:
  • Lucy Ward (37:39):
    “It's been so disappointing for Cal the last few years. I genuinely think that City got him so that somebody else didn't get him…”

Infantino, FIFA, and Russia (41:11-42:50)

• Infantino hints at lifting the ban on Russia, claiming existing sanctions achieved nothing. The debate around sporting engagement and the complexity of international conflicts is weighed.
  • Barry Glendenning (41:47):
    “I don't think Russia should be allowed back, but… it does seem slightly odd or unfair that Russia are subject to this ban when other countries aren't.”
• Infantino’s penchant for power and problematic comments is widely panned.
  • Lucy Ward (42:24):
    “He has got absolutely pissed on the power that's been afforded to him.”

The Women’s FA Cup Format Row (43:18-45:07)

• FA proposed changes to Women’s FA Cup to “ensure best teams get to the final,” likely via seeding—seen as undermining the cup’s spirit.
  • Lucy Ward (44:00):
    “The FA Cup is the FA Cup. It's not broken for 99% of clubs, and they look like they're trying to change it just for the future... Honestly, it's not good.”

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Chelsea’s tactics:
  Barry Glendenning (01:49):
  “Did they think there was a third leg?”

• On Arsenal’s defensive performance:
  Lucy Ward (04:46):
  “It was a clean sheet masterclass from Arsenal. It doesn't have to look good, they just need to get through to a final...”

• On Sunderland’s recruitment:
  Lucy Ward (23:24):
  “What makes a good manager? Good players. That is so key.”

• On footballers’ lives:
  Lucy Ward (36:47):
  “It is a harder life than you think being a professional footballer. You have to perform every single week...”

• On Infantino and FIFA:
  Lucy Ward (42:24):
  “He has got absolutely pissed on the power that's been afforded to him.”

Segment Timestamps

• Arsenal vs Chelsea & the Carabao Cup: 01:22–14:40
• Guardiola’s Political Comments: 16:03–20:23
• Sunderland’s Success: 21:28–25:43
• Transfer Window & Crystal Palace: 28:10–34:44
• Player Welfare – Dwight McNeil Story: 32:55–36:47
• Liverpool, Calvin Phillips, and Wolves: 37:01–39:06
• Infantino & FIFA Politics: 41:11–42:50
• Women’s FA Cup Changes: 43:18–45:07

Conclusion

This Football Weekly offered sharp tactical debate, skepticism of football’s grand narratives, and a panoramic tour through timely issues shaping the domestic and international game. From somnolent Carabao Cup action to far-reaching humanitarian and governance dilemmas, the panel balanced informed analysis, dry wit, and the human side of football.