Has Arteta made Arsenal too predictable?

Summary

Summary of "Has Arteta made Arsenal too predictable?"

Episode Title: Has Arteta made Arsenal too predictable?
Release Date: January 16, 2025
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
Guests: David Ornstein (Football Correspondent), Jordan Campbell (Arsenal Writer)

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Introduction

In this episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, host Ayo Akinwolere delves into the pressing question: Has Mikel Arteta made Arsenal too predictable? With insights from football correspondent David Ornstein and Arsenal specialist Jordan Campbell, the discussion navigates through Arsenal's recent performances, their position in the Premier League title race, and the implications of Arteta's tactical decisions.

Arsenal’s Recent Performance and Team Dynamics

The conversation kicks off by analyzing Arsenal's latest victory over Tottenham Hotspur, highlighting the significance of the win in terms of local pride and its impact on Arsenal's title ambitions.

David Ornstein reflects on the team's resilience:
"They have had to respond to adversity in the past, and they've done that to varying degrees." ([02:21])

Ornstein points out that while Arsenal demonstrated quality by capitalizing on Spurs’ lapse, the victory was against a Spurs side struggling with injuries and form:
"It was a narrow victory against a Spurs side who are not having a good season in the league." ([05:02])

Jordan Campbell emphasizes the psychological boost from the win, especially following recent defeats:
"Arsenal naturally haven't capitalized [on Liverpool dropping points], but there’s still a lot to play for." ([10:12])

Consistency and Conversion Issues

A recurring theme in the discussion is Arsenal's struggle with consistency and converting numerous chances into goals. Despite dominating possession and creating multiple opportunities, the team often fails to finalize:

Ayo Akinwolere notes:
"When you look at Liverpool... Arsenal on another day could win 6, 7, 1. They created so many chances." ([06:40])

David Ornstein adds:
"If it's not rectified then they'll be out of contention quite soon because they won't get away with those narrow defeats when it comes to the crunch." ([08:51])

Title Race Implications

With 17 games remaining, the title race remains wide open. The discussion touches on Liverpool's fluctuating form and how Arsenal can leverage these moments to close the gap:

Ayo Akinwolere asks:
"What do you make of this title race?" ([10:12])

Jordan Campbell responds by recalling past lessons on the unpredictability of title races:
"Gary Neville said that nothing really counts until sort of April, May time." ([10:29])

Transfer Window and Injury Challenges

The episode shifts focus to Arsenal's transfer strategies amidst injury woes, particularly the injury to Gabriel Jesus, which heightens the urgency to strengthen the squad:

David Ornstein discusses potential targets and the complexities Arsenal faces:
"They have to be careful with the finances... it's not easy for any suitors." ([15:30])

Ayo Akinwolere probes the necessity of defensive reinforcements and attacking options:
"Are there positions that Arsenal needed to buy players in or were there more pressing matters at hand?" ([21:10])

David Ornstein elaborates on the challenges and possible moves:
"Arsenal will always attract players. Conversations will be taking place... there's a lot to think about." ([15:30])

Youth Development and Future Prospects

A significant portion of the episode praises Arsenal's investment in youth, particularly spotlighting Louis Skelly, an 18-year-old defender who has made a remarkable impact:

Ayo Akinwolere highlights Skelly's performance:
"Watching Mars Louis Kelly yesterday from the stands was incredibly impressive for an 18-year-old." ([31:06])

David Ornstein commends the club’s reliance on academy talents:
"Arteta deserves credit for spotting that potential and bringing it through." ([35:29])

The discussion underscores the importance of youth players in maintaining squad depth and adapting to on-field challenges.

Conclusion: The Need for a Ruthless Edge

The episode wraps up with reflections on what Arsenal needs moving forward to secure the title. The consensus is that while the team possesses quality and resilience, a more clinical and ruthless approach in attack is essential:

Jordan Campbell asserts:
"They need to be killers and that's the only way that they'll challenge seriously for these titles." ([08:51])

David Ornstein echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the necessity for Arsenal to convert their dominance into tangible results consistently:
"They are back in it now, they're really Arsenal players now that are experienced... they need to find that ruthless edge." ([25:49])

Key Takeaways

• Resilience vs. Predictability: While Arsenal under Arteta has shown resilience, especially in bouncing back from adversity, there's a concern about predictability in their gameplay.

• Consistency Issues: The team's inability to consistently convert chances hampers their title aspirations.

• Transfer Market Dynamics: Injuries have forced Arsenal to reconsider their transfer strategies, balancing immediate needs with long-term financial constraints.

• Youth Integration: The emergence of young talents like Louis Skelly highlights Arsenal's effective youth development, contributing to squad depth and versatility.

• Title Race Viability: With a considerable number of matches left, Arsenal remains in the title race but must enhance their clinical edge to compete with top contenders like Liverpool.

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Notable Quotes:

• "They've had to respond to adversity in the past, and they've done that to varying degrees." — David Ornstein ([02:21])

• "When you look at Liverpool... Arsenal on another day win 6, 7, 1. They created so many chances." — Ayo Akinwolere ([06:40])

• "Gary Neville said that nothing really counts until sort of April, May time." — Jordan Campbell ([10:29])

• "They need to be killers and that's the only way that they'll challenge seriously for these titles." — Jordan Campbell ([08:51])

• "Arteta deserves credit for spotting that potential and bringing it through." — David Ornstein ([35:29])

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This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of Arsenal's current state, balancing praise for their resilience and youth development with constructive criticism on their need for a more effective offensive strategy. Arteta’s tactical decisions are scrutinized, highlighting both strengths and areas needing improvement as Arsenal seeks to solidify their position in the Premier League title race.

Transcript

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[Athletic FC Podcast Network Host]

The Athletic FC Podcast Network.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Welcome to the Athletic FC Podcast with me, Ayo Akimolere.

[Athletic FC Podcast Network Host]

Quickly through to Trossard. Got to get someone in the box now. Arsenal.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Trossard does it himself.

[Athletic FC Podcast Network Host]

Doesn't need anybody else.

[Ayo Akimolere]

How will the victory over spurs influence Arsenal's title challenge? And do they need strengthening this month if they are to catch Liverpool? Here with us today we have the Athletics football correspondent David Ornstein, along with our Arsenal writer Jordan Campbell as well. David, let's come to you first on this one. Great result for Arsenal in terms of local pride, but I wondered what we learned about this team on Wednesday night, especially the fact that Arsenal actually came back to to win that match.

[David Ornstein]

I don't think we learned a great deal IO that we didn't already know. And I don't say that in a disrespectful way because we've seen Arsenal under Arteta being molded for quite some time now. He's in, what, his sixth season? Appointed in 2019, and we've become accustomed to a very impressive group of players. Okay, the identities have changed, but you know Similar way of playing. Mentality, togetherness. There's definitely a great spirit there. They have had to respond to adversity in the past, and they've done that to varying degrees. So during the season they tend to do it quite well. You could ask why they're suffering that adversity in the first place, but. But many teams do. They've responded less well to adversity when it's come to the crunch. You know, towards the end of seasons, when under Emory and in the early stages of Arteta, when they were trying to qualify for the top four, they had vital fixtures towards the end of the season and they fluffed their lines and didn't manage to qualify for the Champions League, but they've sort of overcome that and. And their title challenges of the last two seasons have been really impressive. They're back in the Champions League and what we saw against Tottenham was a team that, despite their injuries and don't think that's a great mitigation because every team's got injuries. Tottenham, not least because they've been savaged by them. But three games without a win, huge pressure. The night before, Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, their two immediate competitors for the title right now, had drawn. So it was a chance. And Arsenal have had chances in the past when others have slipped up just recently, even with Liverpool not having the best results in the last month or so. And they haven't capitalized on it well. On this occasion they did and they showed there is vast quality there. And what it said to me was that Arsenal will be in this title race. I do believe that. How credibly they challenge come the end, whether they manage to overhaul their rivals, we can't say at this point. But there is enough there that there is so much riding on it for Mikel Arteta this season, for Arsenal, for some of those players with points to prove. And so that felt like a sort of really important moment. But I do think we need to remember the context. It was a narrow victory against a Spurs side who are not having a good season in the league, who had depleted themselves. And so it's not changing the face of the earth. Arsenal need to go on a consistent run of form in this second half of the season to really put them in the frame for the Premier League, for the Champions League and maybe even yet for the League cup, if they can turn it around at Newcastle, which will be a massive task. But in terms of confidence, belief, responding to the adversity of losing Saka and more recently, Jesus, they've sort of gone Some way to answering those doubts but they haven't provided full answers just yet.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Yeah, Jordan David talks about confidence and belief. I was sat with the Arsenal fans yesterday at the Emirates and from the off the fans were screaming, shouting it's a derby game. They were up for it. You know, even after Sony Min scored, the crowd was still behind this team. I'm just thinking what this meant for this team after the defeats Newcastle, after the defeats to Manchester United and the manner of those defeats, how important it was for Arsenal to respond in this match.

[Athletic FC Podcast Network Host]

I think the players feeling that love again was probably really important for them because the last couple of games, you know, we've spoken about the atmosphere not being great. Arteta sometimes turning around to the fans asking more. But I thought last night it was, it was back to, to what Arteta wants it to be. And I think that can, can supercharge the team. You know, when they go one nil down, it'd be quite easy for the fans to turn on them and start losing patience. But they start with them and I think Arsenal on another day win 6, 7, 1. That's how many chances they created. Like Declan Rice said it could have been. He felt it could have been 10. That's not new for Arsenal. We know this team can dominate very good teams. We know they rarely lose against a big six team. The problem is converting it and whether. When you look at Liverpool, even against Forest, I know the drew but they don't play great in the first half. But then you always feel like Liverpool can bring three players off the bench to change their attack and they'll have their half an hour where they get the goal, they get two goals to get three goals in quick succession. The problem for this Arsenal team is even when they're playing very well, they don't go through the gears enough and go and kill games off within half an hour. I think the same questions over over firepower still remain.

[David Ornstein]

I'd just add that there's an element of fickleness among all of us. I'm not putting that on fans but we include supporters in that of all clubs, I'm sure. You know, one moment it was all doom and gloom after defeat against Manchester United and news of Jesus injury and horrendous abuse for Kai Havertz and extended to his his wife. Unspeakable really. And then from doom and gloom to beating your local rivals and people are sort of throwing their shirts into the crowd and dancing around the pitch and I think with Arsenal now a little bit of equilibrium is needed. And they'll be the first to admit that they need to start seeing off matches like this. The, the recent games with, with all those chances that have gone begging, you know, if they're going to be a serious contender for the, the trophies that they want to. It's not the extreme low of defeat they've been feeling recently in the extreme height of victory. It's like just calming things down and trying to form some consistency that ultimately makes title winning teams.

[Athletic FC Podcast Network Host]

I think Arsenal are psychologically in games for far too long. They've played well enough that they should have killed it and it should be a time when you start rotating and you start just managing the game. That last 10 minutes was far more nervous than it had to be.

[Ayo Akimolere]

But it's also a derby game. Jordan, do you mean anything can happen in those kind of games, right?

[Athletic FC Podcast Network Host]

Of course. But I think Arsenal should have been four, five clear. And it's a bit when they go one nil up, they can't quite get that second to kill it or quite get that advantage. And I just think over a long time that can have a fatiguing element to it where you're constantly in games, there's very rarely 3, 4 nil wins where it's just done dusted. That's what I think. Last season after the break, there was two or three months which they just ticked them off. Ticked them off. And the games go by quick and they come thick and fast and all of a sudden you're counting down to the end because they were killing games off. They were being ruthless. And I think that is the one thing this team does lack is just that ruthless edge. Because they get the best defense in the League. They've had it for two and a half years. That's not questioned. The pressing is great. It's just that final action.

[David Ornstein]

A lot of time Jordan is spot on. They need to be killers and that's the only way that they'll challenge seriously for these titles because that's what they exhibited at their best under Arteta and they're not right now. I don't mean to be a doom monger, but I absolutely felt that Tottenham would open the scoring in that match last night. The way Arsenal have been missing chances recently despite their dominance. And by the way, we've seen this, it's not by any means the first time that Tottenham have taken the lead at the Emirates Stadium. It's almost like a pattern that then kicks them into life and, and makes them realize that they have to finish their chances. You might say that Fortuitous and Tottenham fans certainly would to receive the corner that led to their equalizer. And then what proved the winning goal really should have been saved by Tottenham's goalkeeper. Despite all of Arsenal's chances, Tottenham did have some moments that were hairy for Arsenal as well. That is not anywhere near trophy winning form and they do really need to recapture it and they need to be ruthless in attack and clinical and right now they're not. It's hard to believe the chances that they're missing at the moment and it just seems to be routine now and if it's not rectified then they'll be out of contention quite soon because they won't get away with those narrow defeats when it comes to the crunch.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Jordan I'm just looking at this title race right now. We look at Liverpool dropping points I might say against Nottingham Forest and having quite an interesting last month or so. Arsenal naturally haven't capitalized. What do you make of this title race? Because still 17 games to go. There's still a lot to play for.

[Athletic FC Podcast Network Host]

Yeah, still a long long way. And I think any Arsenal fan listening will now know, you know, having not been in the title race for so long before 20, 22, 23, you know I was thinking back to that Bournemouth game and the celebrations at the end when that Reece Nelson go in. And at that point you know, along with a lot of people thought that's their time. But you realize there was still like 13 games to go. So I think it's a taught people that the title race is not, you're not in the final ones. I think it was Gary Neville said that nothing really really counts until sort of April, May time. So I think there's still plenty of time for Arsenal to clock back from, from Liverpool. And what I would say is that you know Senzo De Guard came back Arsenal if you look at 90 minute games because they could obviously still go to St. James and overturn that, that Newcastle defeat, you know they are unbeaten as A team. That 11 unbeaten in the league. Whether seven wins and four draws will be enough if they sustain that I don't know because draws are not going to be, you know, if you keep having draws every three, four games it's difficult to look back to those Everton Fulham felt like missed opportunities. So yeah I think that was really important that they got the win over Tottenham the day after Nottingham Forest because those slight momentum shifts even psychologically just I think those Arsenal fans will be Arsenal players will be thinking right we're back in it now, we're really Arsenal players now that are experienced, they know what it takes to. To get. To get into those final months and still be in it. So I don't see Arsenal going away. Whether they can match the points total that they got last year will basically require them to be almost perfect now. So whether they can do that, what they did last year, it looks difficult because, as me and David have said, they've not been playing at the same way they were from that sort of January to May period last year, where it was just relentless and it just felt like every game was just a gimme that they were going to win. Whether they can click into that gear. It looks like they might be going to Dubai for. For around a week now. So whether that little break can. Didn't. You know, I think a lot of people look at that.

[Ayo Akimolere]

You say Dubai, it means that it's loaded now.

[Athletic FC Podcast Network Host]

A lot of people are looking at some sort of secret ingredient where they come back. But, you know, I interviewed Cedric Suarez and he said even just going there, everything dials down because we know how intense Arteta can be. Just going there, everything relaxes about the families come. And it can be even just mentally for a week, it might just take the sting out of things because, you know, this is the last month, has been every three days. If you're Kai Havertz and you've missed full chances, you don't have any time to. To just get away from it and all the abuse that you suffered. So I think you could see that even last night is that he just lacking that little bit of confidence again, what she had in 20, 24. So if they can get him back and feeling that he's very, very best, then I'm sure he can go and go and be that 20 goal striker that they've lacked because he's what, 12 and 27, 28 this year. If he can get to 20, that's a good return. But without sake, they need to really need somebody else. A Martinelli, a Trossard, maybe Rice from it. They need somebody to go and get 7010 goals in these final games.

[David Ornstein]

Yeah.

[Ayo Akimolere]

And will that come in the January transfer window? Next up, we talk about the window and injury stacking up. Will Arsenal make their move?

[Ian McIntosh]

Hello, I'm Ian McIntosh and I'm the host of the Daily Football Briefing. What is the Daily Football Briefing? It's a minute daily show designed to bring you up to speed with the most important stories from across the football world. Except on Monday mornings when it's 15 minutes and we try to cram in the results standings and stories from the top 10 leagues on the planet. Or at least the top 10 leagues that I run on a football manager save. Follow this show today and you'll never miss another big story again. Whether it's news that the Athletic has just broken David Ornstein, what happened? News from outside the Premier League that other podcasts might ignore.

[Athletic FC Podcast Network Host]

That is a difficult one to explain. So let's go bit by bit.

[Ian McIntosh]

Or it's Champions League week and you just need someone to put it all into context.

[Amy Lawrence]

It's made for a very useful away point in a difficult game, in a difficult week.

[Ian McIntosh]

Listen to the Daily football briefing in 2025. It's out every weekday wherever you get your podcasts.

[Athletic FC Podcast Host]

This is the Athletic FC podcast with I.O. a.

[Athletic FC Podcast Network Host]

We are actively looking at.

[David Ornstein]

I think we have lost two very, very important players. We have 14 players in the squad and we play every three days.

[Athletic FC Podcast Network Host]

So we will try, but let's see how we can get.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Yeah, Mikel Arteta there speaking on TNT Sports about wanting to strengthen his squad before the close of the transfer window. David Arteta very open about his hopes to strengthen the forward line this month. No, we spoke on Tuesday about this ahead of the confirmation over Gabriel Jesus's injury. How much does that now force Arsenal's hand into action this month? Because the name Sesko, the name Vlajovic has been all been floating around in terms of what kind of potential business hustle could be doing.

[David Ornstein]

Yeah, the injury to Jesus definitely intensifies their need and desire to do something in the market. They're always attentive to any transfer market, but I was quite clear early on that I didn't expect them to be the most active team based on what they were planning at that time and the resources available to them and the knowledge that they would always prefer to do their business and execute plans in a summer window, even more so since departure of Edu as sporting director, which came somewhat out of the blue to them. And yeah, okay, you would have already had most of your thoughts in place around January. Now they have to sort of rethink and, and there's very little time to, to try and reformulate and pounce upon potential situations. But there is time and a club like Arsenal will always attract players. Conversations will be taking place. They are taking place about all manner of different scenarios and that means names will come flying out left, right and center. Some of them might have some credence, some of them won't have any at all, and some of them somewhere in between. Look Mikel Arteta's ideal situation. His dream would be to sign Alexander Isaac. That's a player he's been a fan of for a long, long time. And Arsenal pursued him to some extent in wasn't it a January a few years ago he ended up moving to Newcastle. He's done fantastically there especially when he's fit. They have no intention of selling him and if he is to leave he's going to go at an amazingly high price. And I don't see that being feasible for Arsenal or anybody else right now. And it might not even be in the summer. Let's see what happens in in the contract negotiations for him as well. But Newcastle are in a strong position. They don't expect him to go. There will be other players that Arteta and the Arsenal recruitment operation and hierarchy take a look at are offered. So you see names like Vlavic. They tried to sign him in the past. It didn't happen when he went to Juventus it seems. Yeah. Juventus are ready to part with him and they've bought in Randell Colo Moani which is a further indication of that. It's not been going well for Vlavic. But I don't know. Say Arsenal want to loan a player in the January transfer window. They can only do an overseas loan because their domestic Premier League place is already full. And if they were to let someone like Vlavic. I don't know if Juventus being ready to loan him out they want a sale. I think from what I've been told now that could be a loan to a club with an obligation to buy. It's the same thing as a sale but immediately that that would commit you to finances in this cycle of psr. My early inquiry suggested he's not a player that they're particularly hot on at the moment. There are reports that they like him and are going for him. I can only be true to my information and at the time of recording it's. It's not one that I think is developing. Let's see if that changes. Benjamin Sesko is somebody that they've liked as well for a long time. A move in January I'm told is unlikely. You never say never. But if he's going to leave RB Leipzig for anywhere the probability having not long ago signed a new contract is that it would be next summer. Do Arsenal focus more on a wide player instead? Like somebody who can contribute goals from the wing and with Sakura injured in particular the player that Michel Arteta loves. And it's one we've reported before is Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao. But as I've explained in my recent reporting, there is a release clause. It's just shy of 60 million euros at the moment. It fluctuates with inflation. It needs to be paid in full, so that's not easy for any suitors. He is on a high salary. That salary would go up if he was to move. He's going to need to want to move and I'm not aware of him agitating or looking to move in January, more likely the summer if it happens. And so that's one that it feels remote, that, you know, Arsenal will have multiple targets and they've got to be careful with the finances. So if they're going to press ahead with a deal for Martin Zubamendi in the summer, that's going to be, what, 60, 65 million euros, depending on if they pay the clause or go above it and pay in instalments. So that's a big financial commitment on the horizon that inevitably will raise questions about how much they're able to spend in January. If they can afford to do something now, would it be a relatively modest permanent transfer fee because of what's potentially coming in the summer, or are they able to go bigger? If they're able to go bigger, what repercussion does that have? Do they then have to sell a big player in the summer to, you know, comply with psr? And when we're talking about potential sales and the Jesus injury, one thing we have to mention is that despite his form and popularity and the crushing blow to see him sidelined again, one of the repercussions is that Arsenal may have been looking to cash in on him via a transfer the summer at some point, and that now won't be possible. And that's not to take anything away from him, but it would have been a thought running through Arsenal's minds. It's something that has been reported before and that then comes into the equation when you're looking at potential sellable assets, which are all part of the conversation when it comes to being able to bring players in. I think right now it's most plausible that they look for a non Premier League loan. But so much can change. We, we didn't anticipate Raheem Sterling signing on deadline day last summer and then that materialized. So I don't want to sort of come across as the wise man and then it all proves to be different in a couple of weeks time. So I understand and, and acknowledge and, and agree in part with the, the desire of Arsenal fans to, to bolster. I'm just trying to lay out a picture that is not as easy as many of us think.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Yeah. Jordan, you know, along with Amy Lawrence, James McNicholas and also Arthur Rocher, you contributed to the piece on the Athletic about where things have signs of going wrong for Arsenal this season. You've looked at the impact of injuries. You know, Mikel Arteta couldn't have banked for that. But then it got me thinking. What do you then make of the, the summer business then? Because you've got players like Marino, you've got players like Califiori. Obviously Marino unlucky to have had had an injury right early on after signing on for Arsenal, but Califiori can't really be fit for more than one or two games, you know, I mean, are there positions that Arsenal needed to buy players in or were there more pressing matters at hand?

[Athletic FC Podcast Network Host]

Well, I mean, I think everyone went into the summer expecting at least a forward, whether it was a winner for, you know, to be a backup on both sides where for Saka has held that position for himself for four years now. Martinelli hasn't quite been able to capture his form for a couple of years back. So it felt like it was natural for someone to come in and challenge them and also someone to come in as backup for Kai Havertz because we've seen Gabriel Jesus, he's. His injury record in recent years has been. He's been very unfortunate with injuries and Kai Havertz came in with the plan to be a left eight. So that evolved last season because different reasons. Jesus. Injuries picked up Havertz then looked much more comfortable there and the team just seemed to click around him. But it was still pretty much, you know, it fell into place rather than being the product of a long term plan. So if you looked at the summer, I thought they did need a left back because clearly Arteta Zinchenko has fallen down his pecking order and I don't think he really fits the, the profile of player that he's now wanting to have in there. So that felt natural to bring someone in. I think the left date was another one, especially with Vieira and Smith Row going out. But I think it was a profile of Marino that was maybe surprising because it sort of suggested that Declan Rice was going to be the 6 if Marino was playing at 8. But obviously the fractured shoulder in his first training was really unlucky. So Rice took over the reins there. Thomas Partey being back is like a new player when he missed most of Last season for injury. So there's a lot of moving parts that have happened in the last year, some by design, some by, some by luck or misfortune. But looking at Mourinho, he's not made the impact yet that was expected. California has picked up four different injuries and Lou Skelly looks like it's his position now. So you look at that £80 million that they spent and it's not really affected the first 11. If you had found a way of putting some of that money and maybe a versatile forward, a goal scoring winger somewhat, someone like that, it could have maybe helped out the risk crisis. But I think, yeah, looking forward to the summer as well. It's very interesting that Zubamende, as I do that they're looking to try and get over the line because again, it's making you think, okay, so Party and Georginio are out of contract potentially maybe one stays, maybe both stay, maybe both go. But Zubimandi's a six. There's no, you know, question over that. So that then suggests that Rice then has to move to again, which what does that mean for Marino? What does it mean for Kai Havertz if they then go and bring in a Sesko or someone in the summer? Because presumably they would come in as a number nine. So you've got the two players in Marino and Havertz that Arteta did actually recruit for the left eight row and it might actually now be Declan Rice that he's decided is the one that fits his profile. I wrote the piece the other day just basically outlining that the argument because Rice I don't think is quite at the heights that he hit last season, but last night against Spurs I think was probably best game of the season. He could have had two or three goals. And I think that you seen in an open game, it does suit him. It's in the other games where Arsenal haven't break down teams and there's very little space as playing Declan rice at 8 where he's got to be intricate around the box and there's not much space to run into. Is that the best use of his abilities? You know, he can do it and he's good at doing it, but as he is a six where he can break up play and then go and drive into space, I think that's the big question. And Zubamende, if he does come in, that will be the big question, is can Rice actually become that number eight that Arteta seems to think that he can fit his profile, that he's clearly tried with Mourinho and Havertz and it hasn't quite worked.

[Ayo Akimolere]

David, you know, Arsenal have been resourceful in previous windows. You think about a couple of years ago, January when Mikhailo Mudrick was supposed to be coming to Arsenal. Didn't happen. Ended up going to Chelsea. Arsenal pivoted to sign Leandro. Trusted. And I'm also very disappointed you didn't send me your usual trust on gift when he scored yesterday. David Ornstein has a way of sending.

[Athletic FC Podcast Network Host]

Me trust hard gift every time he.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Scored because he loved that transfer. But the real talk is, you know, could something similar happen? Could something similar be needed this month where Arsenal have to react to the market because of the deficiencies they have in the squad?

[David Ornstein]

Yeah, just to be clear to the listeners, I do send gifts on other players as well. I don't have a Trossard obsession, although I do like his celebration and it was a really good transfer, wasn't it? If you, if you reflect on it now, it's, it's proved good value for money. A bit of a surprise given the expenditure on a player of, of his age and it wasn't going well at Brighton in terms of the relations. But some good recruitment from Arsenal in recent years and we can't accused the ownership KSC of not supporting them in the market. They've spent a lot of money, they've backed Mikel Arteta wholeheartedly. They gave him and and Edu as sporting director a lot of resource to, to act upon and, and it's helped bring Arsenal up to this level that I know there's a lot of dissatisfaction but the expectations have risen because they've been doing a lot better in recent years and, and that's kind of like a good problem to have and they'll now need to live up to those heights and, and hopefully for them surpass them. So one thing I'd point out and you sort of scratched at the surface here is they don't always get the players that they go for or are linked with Arsenal. So I cast my mind back to Lisandro. Martinez was their top target for that sort of left center, back stroke, left back role. He ended up going to Manchester United and Arsenal bought in Zinchenko who did a great job for them in that particular role that, that time he's seen a lot less game time of late and he's been linked with a move away. His contract is edging closer towards the end and they'll have a decision made to make there so we can talk about you know these potential recruits and it wouldn't surprise you if Arsenal pulled something out of the hat that you're not expecting that. I'm not expecting that. We learn about at a later point that maybe even it provides us with a bit of a left field option because they'll be exploring everything and there'll be names that have come out and names that haven't. So it. Look, Arsenal have shown their versatility in the market. They haven't got everything right and. And Jordan talks through the. The midfield dilemmas. Well, there, there's a lot of decisions on the horizon too. So what's going to happen with Party and Jorginho? Because their contracts are scheduled to expire in the summer of 2025. I don't think decisions have been made yet either way and, and maybe a lot of it rests on if, if, if Zubamendi is definitely coming. I know there's a lot of hope at Arsenal that if he is to come then with a full preseason and his old sparring partner next to him, that Mourinho reaches a level that Arsenal fans have not seen. Don't forget that he was afflicted by a really unfortunate shoulder injury right at the beginning that delayed his debut. Rice is, you know, should be getting better and, and they need to solidify what position that's in. But he's an amazing player and character and leader for club and country. So ultimately this was meant to be a reactive market for them. If situations unfold, such as injuries and circumstances, they'll be ready to do something. There is some resource available. It was never identified as being a proactive market. People can argue that all they want and say that was the wrong approach. But usually January, a reactive market for pretty much every club. And now comes the time for the reaction. And so what are they going to do? How are they going to pivot? What opportunities will present themselves, whether it's stuff we're anticipating or not, that they'll need to react. And I do think they will do something. I just don't know exactly what it is just yet. And let's see if it's what they need and what will prove to be the right step because there's no guarantee that they'll do something. And abracadabra your dreams, Arsenal fans are fulfilled.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Okay, a couple more weeks left. Fingers crossed, Arsenal fans. Someone comes through those doors. Right, next we'll look ahead at what's to come for Arsenal and the impact of the win over Tottenham.

[Athletic FC Podcast Host]

Listening to the Athletic FC podcast with IO Akamwalere.

[Amy Lawrence]

Arsenal played the best. They played for a number of weeks. They needed to. It was probably the ideal game after the run that they've had and they had to show a lot of courage going a goal behind. They just needed to find themselves and they tried to enjoy their football, which was a new element compared to recent matches and it served them well. They look knackered. They're a squad that can't change their personnel very easily, but all those players knew they had to respond to the occasion. This matters. It mattered for their season, it matters for their local pride, it matters for how they feel about themselves. And this seems to be a team that have found something to cling to. Still an immensely challenging period ahead. The game's coming thick and fast and very little opportunity for rest with a very thin squad. But you could see from the end when the final whistle blew how much it was needed and they feel ready to think, try and put a really hard period behind them.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Yeah, that was Amy Lawrence from the Emirates. Not the darts with all that, that high octane house music going on in the background, but you know, that's her talking about the importance of the win over Tottenham and Jordan. You know, it was really interesting actually. Amy referenced how stretched the squad have been recently and while injuries have also blighted their season, it's also presented some really interesting opportunities for certain players. Watching Mars Louis Kelly yesterday from the stands was incredibly impressive for an 18 year old. You know, he's become the second youngest player to start a North London derby for Arsenal in the Premier League behind CES Fabregas. But you know, watching that young man, I wouldn't even say young. He looked like a grown man in that position. And befitting of the actual scenario of North London derby, didn't feel like he was out of kilter at all.

[Athletic FC Podcast Network Host]

Ever since he first stepped on the pitch, I've thought there's no way this boy is 17 at the time, 18 now. Like you even look at him at the corner kick where ate a little bit with Bergval and then the way he just starts like trying to g up the crowd and you think this boy has got absolutely no fear. Declan Rice made a good point that he protects the ball almost like Moussa Dembele did at Spurs. You know, he's got those big legs and I think you look at Saka and one area, you got to give credit to Arsenal and the amount of work that they do with their academy players to get them ready physically to go on in the Premier League level because a Lot of players don't make that jump and a lot of clubs don't prepare them for the physicality of it. But Skelly has got a man's body already at 18 and I thought he was exceptional. It feels like he's been in the team for months and months. But the Everton game on 14 December was his first Premier League start. You know, we're talking just over a month. He's now cemented himself in that position and even if, when California, California comes back, I'm not sure that Arteta is going to take him out the team because we all know how much Arteta likes to be able to trust his players defensively. And I don't think he's getting any qualms over Scaly switching off or having a little moment that we've seen Mikhail Fiore and especially Zinchenko. So I don't see him giving up that position. And I think the way you see his teammates talk about him, that's how you always judge a young player, is how much the teammates trust to give them the ball in situations and the way he can just, you know, he invites the pressure and just uses the other players body and just spins them and then busts through a gap. You can see sometimes he gave up. He gives Arteta a heart attack on the side sideline when he does it. But you know, he, he's gotten something different about a dynamism. Arsenal, but especially down that left side. When we speak about injuries, you know, Arsenal haven't had cumulatively not that many more days missed compared to this time last year through injury. It's just where the injuries have happened and the timing of them which has been so important. It's always. There's been 10 different left back combinations and 21 league games. You know, that is no recipe for stability or building fluidity. It's because they've missed Ben White basically the whole season. Odegaard was out for a month. Saka is now going to be out for two or three months. So messing that right side which has been so important to Arsenal, it's no surprise that the, that attacking output in some games from open play has really dropped. I think Louis Scaly and Rice yesterday showed that Arsenal can maybe become a bit more of a neutral team, a bit more a balanced team and Saka's Saka's absence, which might not be the worst thing for them to learn how to attack on both sides. So I think that it could actually be another bonus for us. Knowing you talking about, you know, David spoken about you don't always get your perfect first choice target. You need to adapt and then that changes the team and the dynamics of the team that you imagined. Sometimes players get injured and Monary comes in at right wing or Rice goes to eight or Havertz goes up front. Skelly, you know, Arteta probably deserves more credit actually for what he's done with Skelly because let's not forget he came through as a midfielder and Arteta spotted that very early in his training that he could be that inverted role or plays an actual left back. So he deserves credit for spotting that potential and bringing it through. But one area was the one that everyone looked at at the start of the season was it's now time for him. He's that good that he has to make the step. Skelly was maybe thought a little bit behind or just there wasn't the opening there that there was in midfield but he, he certainly changed the narrative and yeah, I don't see him coming out of the team anytime soon.

[David Ornstein]

Yeah, I'll just pick up on that because while we're recording this, Sammy Motbl, a fellow journalist of ours, excellent one in the Daily Mail and he broke the Martin Zubamendi story earlier this week. He's reporting that, that there is going to be an opportunity quite possibly for Louis Kelly to play in midfield from next season. Now obviously there's a lot that would still need to fall into place but Jordan points out that that's where he came through and he's got quite a highlights reel from his time in the, in the youth team of transitioning between attack and defense and carrying the ball and, and laying on goals. It's funny you mentioned and Declan Rice mentioned Musa Dembele in terms of ball protection but also driving runs. There are similarities with somebody like him there and I do agree with Jordan about praising Michael Arteta for firstly giving Louis Kelly and now weary the opportunities but also having the, the trust and the faith to experiment with the left back role which, which was being trialed in training for quite some months before it came to fruition on the match pitch. And he's taken to it really well. Louis Skelly, the way he connects with the fans and and riles the opponents is. Is quite something at such a tender age. This is a part of Arsenal's DNA to give youth an opportunity. They've had a long history of relying on players they've bought through and there have been moments that that has been questioned in recent times. Even on this podcast of Arteta and his willingness. And also what there is at Arsenal available to Mikel Arteta. They don't have floods of players coming through the youth ranks of the required quality. That's the reality and they know it. And certainly compared to some other clubs, there's not exactly platoons like you see at places on the continent or even in some circumstances in England with say, a Manchester City or Liverpool in the last couple of years, a Chelsea too. I do think they have an amazing talent in Max Dalman. And then also I think it's the current under 16 crop is being raved about within youth football circles, but there's a bit of a vacuum and Arsenal have, you know, had some plans to recruit and buy in to bolster the quality young players and. And I'm not sure it really came to fruition as it was meant to. I don't know if that played a role in Edu's decision to leave because there would have been many factors, but that's certainly something that was intended and we didn't really see it. And, and there were young players that will be on. On their agenda. Now. I know I reported in the deal sheet recently, like Nipan at Rosenberg, one of the top young midfielders. From what I've heard across the game, he'd be very keen on a move to Arsenal. They like him, but I don't know of anything developing at this stage. They need to be in the mix for those sorts of players and I'm sure they will try to be going forward, but it's the homegrown ones that really excite the fans and, and Louis Skelly is. Has taken to it really well. Namweri will be back soon. He is a prodigious talent again for club and country and Arsenal. Full credit to them for, for developing these players. Full credit to the players and their, their surroundings for how they've risen to it and. And they look to have very promising careers ahead of them. Them.

[Athletic FC Podcast Network Host]

There's an interesting point about Arteta and the academy because last season I was critical of him as well as many other people were when the PSV dead rubber in the Champions League. He never brought on Winery or any young players. He only had a couple on the bench. And you just thought, you know, there was questions over how much he was willing to give the academy a chance. Obviously they've got to be good enough. But I asked him at a press conference last season, is it good enough? And he says, no, the level's not level. So this season for Muniri and Skelly to assert themselves as proper trusted first team players is quite big. But if you look back through his whole tenure, Arsenal, very important points the academy's come through from. We forget Smith, Row and Saka. Them coming into the team was what really changed the fortunes when he was going through a difficult period, you know, that sort of wiped the slate clean and it really helped the fans get behind the team. That was almost a catalyst moment for, for Arsenal's upturn. You look at the sales, you saw Joe Willock for big money, Smith, Row, Baligan and Katia. So it's actually funded a lot of business as well. So yeah, like they've not quite got to Chelsea, Liverpool man, City levels are producing 2, 3 every year that you can sell. But for Arteta it's actually probably gone under the radar how important it's been not just on the pitch but also in terms of finance and you know, uplift. Uplifting the squad and improving it.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Yeah, very quickly before we wrap up Jordan Villa on Saturday. Arsenal can't afford, you know, not to win that match but you know this is a team, they've got one over this season. But you, you think about the back end of last season, the Unai Emery master class to derail Arsenal's title challenge that you know, Arsenal need to be near perfect if they're even going to stand a chance of competing with Liverpool from this point onwards. And it's heavy pressure.

[Athletic FC Podcast Network Host]

Yeah. No as and I mean Villa done the double over Arsenal last season. You know, the home game again, another one of those that we talk about Arsenal chances, then killer blows at the end, punished. So I think that'll be on the minds of the players that want to try and right that wrong. But you're right. A lot of title races, they come to belief and you feel it through the season. Is it going to be their year? And it tends to be these moments where you've got a chance to really close the gap or change the momentum of the season. I think if Arsenal can go back to back Spurs Villa and Liverpool have got to go to Brentford, you know, that could potentially be a huge four or five days in the title race if Liverpool slip up. So I think Arsenal have got to win this game because the belief that you've got there from the spurs game, it's reset things and it's gone right. This season is still open. It's not completely done. If they then drop points to Villa at home, it just gives it that nagging doubt again that they really have what it takes to go and win 15 or 18 or whatever it is you know that they're going to have to do. So I think that it's huge for it's huge for Arsenal to get over the line. Obviously the narrative potential of Emery again is there, but you know, Arsenal have dominated most teams they've played this year in terms of territory. It's just some games. Early in the season it was transferation. Lately it's been chance conversion, but it was the same pattern as last season. It was the exact same stodgy first four, five months. Then it clicked, then they missed some chances, had a bit of bad few weeks and then they clicked in the gear. So if Arteta can show again that he can change things in season and he can find that, you know, vein of form, I wouldn't write off Arsenal going on the run. They just have to show that ruthless edge that they've been missing.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Okay, for sure gents, let's leave it there. David Jordan, thanks for your time and Amy as well for her voice note earlier. Thank you so much for listening. Adam Leventhal will be with you tomorrow for the preview. Enjoy.

[Athletic FC Podcast Host]

You've been listening to the Athletic FC Podcast. The producers were Guy Clark, Mike Stavroo and Jay Beal. The executive producer was Aidy Moorhead. To listen to other great athletic podcasts for free, search for the Athletic on Apple, Spotify and all the usual places. The Athletic FC Podcast is an athletic media company production.

[Allstate Representative]

The Athletic FC Podcast Network.