The Athletic FC Podcast: Episode Preview – Arsenal vs Liverpool (Released October 25, 2024)

Hosted by The Athletic's Adam Leventhal alongside Tim Spears and Nick Miller, this episode delves deep into the highly anticipated Premier League clash between Arsenal and Liverpool. The hosts dissect team form, tactical nuances, disciplinary concerns, and broader league implications, providing listeners with comprehensive insights ahead of the big match.

Premier League Standings and Key Fixtures Overview

Adam Leventhal kicks off the episode by outlining the crucial fixtures spanning from Friday to Sunday. Liverpool stands atop the Premier League table, holding a one-point lead over Manchester City, while Arsenal occupies the third spot, four points behind the leaders. The hosts underscore the significance of the Arsenal vs Liverpool match at the Emirates Stadium as a pivotal moment in the current season's title race.

Detailed Analysis: Arsenal vs Liverpool

Current Form and Standings

Nick Miller emphasizes the gravity of the upcoming match, stating, “If Liverpool were to win, yeah, I think it'd be a pretty devastating blow to Arsenal's title hopes” (05:07). With Arsenal having already dropped seven points, the potential widening of the gap could make their title ambitions increasingly elusive.

Arsenal's Disciplinary Issues

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Arsenal's recent disciplinary woes. The team has been marred by three red cards in eight games, a statistic that raises eyebrows. Nick Miller remarks, “I think that a better indicator of someone having a sort of a team having a systemic discipline problem is number of bookings rather than red cards” (10:25). Tim Spears counters by highlighting the cumulative yellow cards, noting Arsenal has recorded 18 yellow cards this season, placing them among the top in disciplinary records.

The hosts debate whether these red cards signify a deeper cultural issue within the squad or are merely a string of unfortunate incidents. Adam Leventhal muses, “It's no bad thing. It can sort of help spur you on to a trophy” (10:19), suggesting that the aggressive approach might be a double-edged sword.

Arsenal's Tactical Setup and Injuries

With key players like Saliba suspended due to red cards, Arsenal faces defensive challenges. Tim Spears outlines the defensive patchwork Arsenal must navigate, mentioning the potential repositioning of Thomas Partey from midfield to right-back (11:54). The tactical flexibility of Mikel Arteta is highlighted as both a strength and a necessity given the injury list.

Nick Miller discusses the implications of Arsenal possibly fielding Zinchenko or other left-back options against a potent Liverpool attack, particularly targeting Mohamed Salah: “Whoever it is is going to be up against Mo Salah and he looks like he's on it at the moment” (12:41).

Liverpool's Tactical Changes and Defensive Strength

Michael Cox, a guest on the episode, provides an in-depth analysis of Liverpool's recent performances. Referring to their 2-1 victory over Chelsea, Cox observes, “For long periods of Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Chelsea last weekend, Liverpool didn't quite feel like Liverpool” (13:35). He notes a strategic shift where Liverpool focused on stifling Chelsea's defensive passes rather than their usual high-pressing game.

James Pearce complements this by praising Liverpool's defensive solidity, stating, “This is a Liverpool team that just looks so well drilled, so well coached defensively” (19:30). The discussion highlights Liverpool's impressive record of only three goals conceded in eight matches, underscoring their defensive resilience.

Predictions and Conclusions

As the conversation wraps up, the hosts ponder the potential outcomes of the Arsenal vs Liverpool match. Nick Miller expresses skepticism about the match being engaging: “I reckon Nick thinks it's going to be really boring” (21:05), while Adam Leventhal acknowledges the unpredictability given the current form and injuries on both sides.

Other Premier League Matches

The episode doesn't solely focus on the Arsenal vs Liverpool fixture but also provides previews of other significant matches affecting the league standings and relegation battle.

Manchester City vs Southampton

Tim Spears predicts a dominant performance from Manchester City: “I've essentially decided that Man City are going to absolutely batter Southampton” (05:20), reflecting City's robust form and tactical superiority.

Aston Villa vs Bournemouth

Aston Villa, currently fourth and leading the Champions League qualifiers, is commended for their depth and squad management. Tim Spears notes, “They made quite a few changes and not all enforced changes for the Champions League in midweek and still won” (32:41), highlighting Aston Villa's adaptability and resilience.

Brighton vs Wolves

Brighton, positioned fifth, is set to face Wolves. Nick Miller expresses optimism for Brighton’s prospects: “It's going to be another season of how do they do it?” (34:40), suggesting Brighton's strategic approach could see them consolidating their league position.

Crystal Palace vs Spurs

Concerns are raised about Crystal Palace’s inconsistent performances and potential relegation peril. Nick Miller shares his apprehensions: “I think they're going through a bit of an identity crisis” (36:45), pointing to their lack of cohesive strategy and defensive vulnerabilities.

Manchester United vs West Ham

The relegation battle intensifies with Manchester United facing West Ham. Nick Miller voices his pessimism regarding Manchester United's form: “I don't have that much confidence in Manchester United at the moment” (38:09), while Tim Spears discusses the constant pressure on United's management.

Everton vs Fulham

Everton, dealing with their own challenges, are expected to secure a steady victory over Fulham. Tim Spears forecasts a conservative win: “a fairly stodgy maybe 2-0 win for Everton” (41:15), indicating Everton's pragmatic approach against lower-table Fulham.

Relegation Battle Analysis

The hosts delve into the precarious positions of several teams battling relegation. Nick Miller predicts a grim future for Leicester, Southampton, and Crystal Palace: “I still think Leicester will go down. I think Southampton will go down. And Crystal Palace” (42:24). Tim Spears concurs, reflecting mutual concerns about these clubs' struggles to secure vital points.

Final Thoughts and Predictions

In concluding the episode, the hosts reiterate the high stakes of the upcoming weekend. Adam Leventhal encourages listeners to stay engaged with The Athletic's extensive range of podcasts for ongoing coverage and insights.

Key Quotes

• Nick Miller (05:07): “If Liverpool were to win, yeah, I think it'd be a pretty devastating blow to Arsenal's title hopes.”

• Muriel Miller (10:25): “I think that a better indicator of someone having a sort of a team having a systemic discipline problem is number of bookings rather than red cards.”

• Michael Cox (13:35): “For long periods of Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Chelsea last weekend, Liverpool didn't quite feel like Liverpool.”

• James Pearce (19:30): “This is a Liverpool team that just looks so well drilled, so well coached defensively.”

• Nick Miller (21:05): “I reckon Nick thinks it's going to be really boring.”

• Nick Miller (36:45): “I think they're going through a bit of an identity crisis.”

Conclusion

This episode of The Athletic FC Podcast provides an exhaustive preview of the Arsenal vs Liverpool showdown, contextualizing it within the broader landscape of the Premier League. Through insightful analysis, expert opinions, and strategic discussions, hosts Adam Leventhal, Tim Spears, and Nick Miller equip listeners with a nuanced understanding of the challenges and triumphs awaiting their favorite teams as the season progresses.