The Athletic FC Podcast — Premier League Review: Arsenal Miss Chance to Extend Lead

Date: January 9, 2026
Host: Matt Davis Adams
Guests: Kerris Jones, Reuben Binder, Andy Jones (Liverpool correspondent), David Ornstein (exclusive), James Mackey (Betfair)

Overview

This episode provides an in-depth review of the midweek Premier League action, focusing on Arsenal’s goalless draw with Liverpool—a result which allowed Manchester City and the chasing pack to keep the title race alive. Key talking points include Arsenal’s attacking stumbles, Liverpool’s defensive resilience despite lacking firepower, major transfer and contract updates—including a Bukayo Saka exclusive—plus broader discussions on Manchester City’s emerging problems, managerial shake-ups at Spurs, Chelsea, United, and the ever-evolving relegation and top-four races.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool: A Missed Opportunity & Liverpool's Defensive Steel

[01:54–10:25]

• Liverpool’s Perspective (Andy Jones):

  • Despite historically poor attacking stats (first PL match since 2010 without a shot on target), Andy describes it as "a lot more positive than people thought":
    • “Given where Arsenal are, people thought it was a foregone conclusion that Arsenal would win. So...a lot of positives to take.” (02:16)
  • Liverpool's approach is “compact shape, low events—basically safety-first. Limiting the opposition but not creating much themselves.”
  • Cites missing strikers (Ekitike, Isak, Salah) and context: “You're going to struggle to have goalscorers…they were playing against the best defence in the league.” (02:46)
  • On mentality/fight: “It’s looked like a team willing to battle and fight for the head coach.” (03:24)
  • Attack is an issue: “Lack of threat, lack of creativity…has been a little bit boring if you like.” (03:53)

• The Martinelli-Bradley Incident:

  • [04:26–05:30] Martinelli kept playing with Conor Bradley injured.
    • Arne Slot’s response, via Reuben Binder:

      “I’m 100% sure that if he knew what the injury might be, he would never do that.” (04:34, attributed to Arne Slot)

    • Reuben: “He’s been a lot more charitable than I would have been…” (05:11)
    • Martinelli later apologized on Instagram.

• Arsenal’s Attacking Issues (Kerris Jones, Reuben Binder):

  • [05:30–08:27]
  • Arsenal’s execution “just off. Few misplaced passes. Victor Gyökeres wasn't really firing...I think the idea was there, but the execution was lacking. A lot of credit to Liverpool for setting up to stifle them.” (Kerris, 05:43)
  • On Gyökeres (one goal in 10, only a penalty): “Some of us had concerns before he started the season...Premier League defences are better…he doesn't provide enough when he's not scoring. Arsenal are top despite this form from him, so they've been spreading the goals.” (Reuben, 06:52)
  • On potential striker changes: calls for Jesus to start, or return of Havertz: “Arteta is yearning for the return of Havertz…”
  • “A really nice, eloquent and balanced way of saying ‘I told you so.’” (Kerris on Reuben, 08:19)

• Liverpool's Tactics and Personnel:

  • Discussion on lack of attacking options and the positive impact of Jeremy Frimpong’s pace: “He added so much dynamism...really lacked pace this season.” (Andy, 08:49)
  • “There was very little in the box, and even the people in the box were not typical.”
  • Draw viewed as a much-needed boost under pressure for Arne Slot.

Arsenal Exclusive — Saka’s New Deal (David Ornstein)

[10:31–12:53]

• Saka set to sign a new contract through 2031:

  “An agreement has now been reached for Saka to sign a new and improved contract until the summer of 2031...it’s a five-year extension that will stop any potential speculation about a possible move away.” (David Ornstein, 10:40)

  • “This...continues the feel-good factor around the place...but all of that will perhaps pale into insignificance if they don’t finish the season with some trophies.” (11:58)

Manchester City’s Stale Form/Emerging Issues

[12:53–16:39]

• Draw with Brighton marks three-straight stalemates; newly signed Antoine Semenyo expected to revitalize the attack.
• “We’re playing fine, we’re just not scoring goals...when your goal burden is so heavily carried by a few players.” (Kerris, 13:30)
• On Semenyo’s fit: “He likes running into space, and City traditionally don’t have a lot of space for their wingers...players of Fantasy Premier League will be very familiar with the perils of Pep roulette.” (Reuben, 14:56)

Mid-Table & Relegation Battle

Spurs in Crisis, Bournemouth Resurgent

[19:05–24:04]

• 3–2 Bournemouth win snaps their 11-match winless streak.
• Spurs manager Thomas Frank under fire. Reuben jokes about “cup-gate” (Frank drinking from an Arsenal mug):

  “I don’t know how much longer Frank can really last in that job...they're not creating anywhere near enough chances … dragged Spurs down to the style he coached at Brentford, but not even as well.” (Reuben, 19:30)

• Club atmosphere described as “fractured and divided:”
  • Van de Ven clashing with fans, Romero’s fiery social media post calling out ownership (“only show up when things go well to tell a few lies,” edited later), and fanbase unrest discussed. (Kerris, 21:26)
• Bournemouth’s planning for Semenyo replacement emphasized; cautionary tales of transfer windfalls: “These are great examples of why it’s so difficult to replace your best player…you have to try and replace in the aggregate.” (Reuben, 24:04)

Brentford’s Success in Succession Planning

[25:03–27:58]

• Brentford currently 5th, their striker pipeline praised:

  “No-one’s really managing to do it like them; they’ve built a squad...not necessarily integral to how they play.” (Kerris, 25:30)

  • Igor Thiago breaks records as highest-scoring Brazilian in a Premier League season by January.
  • "They are the kind of recruitment model that is the envy of the rest of the Premier League.” (Reuben, 27:01)
• Newcastle overtake Sunderland; Sunderland surviving AFCON absences is highlighted.

Markets Update — Betfair Insight

[29:16–32:31]

• Arsenal heavy favorites (1/5) for the title, City’s odds drifting.
• Brentford’s rise impacts top four odds, as does Villa’s good form.
• Igor Thiago now 2nd in Golden Boot race—a 275/1 outsider at the start—remarked as “just a remarkable season.” (James Mackey, 31:27)

Managerial Turnover and Club-Specific Challenges

Chelsea’s Red Card & New Regime

[32:42–37:03]

• Chelsea’s seventh red card of the season for Marc Cucurella (last-man foul):
  • Kerris: “It’s not great…they can’t ignore [the discipline issue]…the manager has to set a precedent: if I can’t trust you to stay on the pitch, you’re not going to play.” (Kerris, 33:23)
  • Likely focus on young player development under Rossinha.
  • Winner/loser speculation: “Running theme is definitely young players because that is something Rossinha is well known for...only potential loser tactically was Robert Sanchez [keeper], who could be exposed if asked to play out more.” (Kerris, 35:00)
  • Runner-up moment: “It will be fun watching Sanchez.” (Reuben, 37:03)

Manchester United: The Sir Alex Shadow

[37:29–41:55]

• New “interim interim” manager in Darren Fletcher after Enzo Maresca and Ruben Amorim’s departures.
• Structural malaise highlighted:
  • “Their problems on the pitch root back to hierarchical issues...muddled thinking...still deferring to Sir Alex Ferguson...But nobody really knows what Manchester United’s DNA looks like.” (Reuben, 38:04)
  • “Do the hierarchy have the guts to stick to [an interim]? That’s how Solskjaer ended up with the job full time.” (Kerris, 40:18)
• No clear permanent option, Carrick mentioned as possible sensible interim.

Relegation Zone Reality

West Ham & Wolves

[43:52–46:47]

• West Ham: “Seven points adrift, not looking good now… I assumed when Nuno was hired, he’d shore them up, but only two wins… only Burnley have a lower xG.” (Reuben, 44:08)
• Wolves: “14 points from safety, but at least the football is a little more enjoyable.” (Kerris, 46:00)

Silliest Red Cards — Lighthearted Moment

• Highlight: Michael Keane sent off for hair-pulling (“a black and white red card in the rules ... it's painful and dangerous”), plus shout-outs to infamous moments like Gerrard, Fabregas, and Grealish. (Kerris, 47:26)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Given where Arsenal are, people thought it was a foregone conclusion that Arsenal would win. So...a lot of positives to take.” — Andy Jones, on Liverpool’s resilience [02:16]
• "I’m 100% sure that if [Martinelli] knew what the injury might be, he would never do that." — Ruben Binder relaying Arne Slot’s post-match comments [04:34]
• “He doesn’t provide enough when he’s not scoring...so Jesus should probably start ahead of Gyökeres.” — Reuben Binder [06:52]
• “This...continues the feel-good factor around the place...but all of that will perhaps pale into insignificance if they don’t finish the season with some trophies.” — David Ornstein on Saka’s extension [11:58]
• “Not good times for Thomas Frank.” — Reuben Binder on Spurs’ struggles [19:30]
• “They're not going to try and get a like-for-like, because you can't...you have to replace in aggregate.” — Reuben Binder on replacing Semenyo at Bournemouth [24:04]
• “They are the recruitment model that is the envy of the rest of the Premier League.” — Reuben Binder re: Brentford [27:01]
• “Nobody really knows what Manchester United’s DNA looks like, other than how Fergie’s teams used to play...” — Reuben Binder [38:04]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Arsenal-Liverpool debrief (Andy Jones): [01:54–10:25]
• Saka contract exclusive (David Ornstein): [10:31–12:53]
• Man City’s form & Semenyo signing: [12:53–16:39]
• Spurs, Bournemouth, and player unrest: [19:05–24:04]
• Brentford’s striker succession: [25:03–27:58]
• Betting market snapshot (James Mackey): [29:16–32:31]
• Chelsea’s discipline issues & new coach: [32:42–37:03]
• Man United in transition: [37:29–41:55]
• West Ham and Wolves in relegation fight: [43:52–46:47]
• Silliest red cards recap: [46:59–48:26]

Conclusion

This packed episode blends tactical analysis, transfer news, and club insider perspectives, with The Athletic’s trademark depth and wit. Arsenal’s missed opportunity and Liverpool’s dogged defense headline, but the episode’s scope reaches from the top of the table to the frantic struggle to avoid relegation, with trademark asides about silly red cards and a critical lens on managerial churn at several big clubs. For fans seeking narrative and nuance well beyond the weekend’s scorelines, this is essential listening.