The Athletic FC Podcast: Has Arsenal’s Recruitment Set Them Apart?

Date: November 24, 2025
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
Guests: James McNicholas (Arsenal Correspondent), Adam Crafton (Reporter, Monday regular)

Episode Overview

This episode centers on Arsenal’s standout recruitment strategy and its impact on their rise to the top of the Premier League, epitomized by a dominant 4-1 victory over Tottenham in the North London Derby. The panel discusses the summer’s key signings, squad depth, contrasts with Spurs and Liverpool, and assesses Arsenal's prospects for silverware. A memorable hat trick for Eberechi Eze and the club’s adaptation to injuries are dissected, along with broader themes of team-building and psychological readiness to sustain a title push.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Arsenal’s North London Derby Triumph

• Match Reflection: Arsenal demolished Spurs 4-1, cementing their six-point lead atop the league.
  • “Eber Eze scoring a hat trick in his first North London Derby, having declined to join Spurs in the summer. It’s kind of storybook stuff really for Arsenal fans.” — James McNicholas (02:07)
  • Spurs' away form came to nothing against a much stronger Arsenal side; key attacking stats highlighted Arsenal’s dominance (07:00).
• Arsenal’s Momentum: With City dropping points and performances like this, the Gunners’ position looks fortified.

2. Arsenal’s Recruitment and Squad Building

• Eberechi Eze Signing:
  • Arsenal spent big to secure Eze, outbidding Spurs in a “bidding war,” signaling a new, aggressive recruitment approach.
    • “That was a player... they were looking at, but... Kai Havertz gets injured and suddenly Arsenal's priorities shift and they end up paying a fee that could total, I think, £67.5 million... I don't think you could ever envisage [them previously] going above and beyond their valuation like that. But they fell in love with the player.” — James McNicholas (19:41)
  • Eze immediately justifies investment, not just with the hat trick, but by offering attacking dynamism and a willingness to shoot from various positions.
• Winning Mentality and Age Profile:
  • Arsenal now targets “win now” players, often just pre-peak, hungry for titles rather than squad status.
    • “They've started signing players at a really good age, like, win now players…who are going to go on a journey together towards silverware.” — Adam Crafton (21:31)
  • Contrasted with Man United’s transfer approach, Arsenal’s focus brings a healthier group morale.
• Squad Depth against Injuries:
  • Built with intentional depth: despite injuries to big players (Gabriel, Odegaard, Havertz, others), Arsenal coped seamlessly.
    • “It almost feels like this summer they’ve said we’re going to build a squad that effectively ensures us against every outcome... The depth Arsenal have is a massive difference between the two squads.” — James McNicholas (14:07)
  • Now able to rotate without a discernible drop-off, unlike previous seasons (26:07).

3. Tottenham’s Troubles and Squad Quality

• Pragmatic, Uninspired Approach:
  • Thomas Frank’s tactics criticized as timid, not matching club identity or fans' expectations.
    • “It seemed to me like it was a plan to contain and stay in the game. But they didn’t really offer any sort of threat on the break and once they went behind, it felt like that entire strategic approach was kind of out the window.” — James McNicholas (10:12)
  • Forward players especially underperform compared with top teams.
  • Wages still lag a substantial £100m behind Arsenal, limiting squad quality.
• Squad Ceiling:
  • Spurs seen as a “fifth to seventh place” squad, lacking players who’d start for Arsenal.
    • “Who are you looking at here from the Tottenham squad that is like getting in the Arsenal team?” — Adam Crafton (12:47)

4. Comparing Arsenal to Liverpool in Recruitment

• Liverpool’s Recent Struggles:
  • Historic praise for Liverpool’s recruitment, but this summer’s incomings lack cohesion and positional fit.
  • Failed to adequately replace key stars (Diaz, Alexander-Arnold's unique qualities) and now face a possible major rebuild.
    • “They've spent 450 million and you almost look at it like they need to spend the same to fix it.” — Adam Crafton (33:25)
• Contrast with Arsenal:
  • Arsenal sign players still on an upward trajectory and fitting the tactical and cultural requirements.

5. Arsenal’s Mentality, Discipline, and “Title Readiness”

• Psychological Shift:
  • Recognition that the biggest doubters of Arsenal may be their own anxious fanbase due to past collapses.
    • “There is a bit of trauma there. Arsenal have been usurped in the past… But I really think they have all the tools.” — James McNicholas (35:05)
  • Calmness and maturity evident in the squad’s improved disciplinary record.
    • “They are very, very calm at the moment. And there is a sort of serenity about this group and that... gives them a fantastic chance.” — James McNicholas (37:43)
  • No longer prone to emotional meltdowns after setbacks—rebounds quickly from defeats and injuries.
• Fixture Run-in:
  • Remaining matches look favorable; panel suggests this could drive a strong finish in both league and Champions League.
    • “Their last 10 games…we will know by the end of February…I think the most important period of this season is going to be this period up until the next international break.” — Adam Crafton (36:31)

6. Managing Competition and Rotation

• Juggling Strength in Depth:
  • Rotation expected, especially given Arsenal’s Champions League position, e.g., possible rest for Eze and Trossard.
    • “I think there are changes that you could make without destabilizing the team.” — James McNicholas (27:59)
  • Less playing time for youth prospects, as focus is on experienced, title-ready squad.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Arsenal’s squad depth:
  “They don’t just have an 11... Whereas this is a group with the capacity to make three or four changes and still look every bit as strong.” — James McNicholas (26:07)

• On Eze’s hat trick and “storybook” story:
  “This is the story the football ball loves.” — Ayo Akimolere (19:08)

• On Liverpool’s transfer difficulties:
  “You watch the team and they've clearly got it wrong so far... they've spent 450 million and you almost look at it like they need to spend the same to fix it.” — Adam Crafton (33:25)

• On Arsenal’s newfound discipline:
  “They find themselves top of the fair play table right now, which is a hell of a turnaround from a team that had six red cards last season.” — James McNicholas (38:37)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Arsenal’s Derby Win: 01:34–04:17
• Eze’s Impact & Recruitment Approach: 04:38–06:23, 19:08–25:48
• Tottenham’s Tactical Failures: 07:00–14:07
• Comparison to Liverpool’s Recruitment: 30:40–34:45
• Arsenal’s Mentality & Fan Psyche: 34:45–39:14
• Reflections & Final Thoughts: 39:14–40:18

Conclusion

Arsenal’s proactive, high-caliber recruitment—focusing on prime-age, ambitious players such as Eberechi Eze—has put them in prime position to challenge for silverware, providing depth and flexibility even amidst injuries. The club exudes newfound maturity and composure both on and off the pitch, starkly contrasting the current issues at Tottenham and Liverpool. The podcast closes with a look to the run-in, echoing the sense that Arsenal’s destiny may finally be shifting into their own hands.