The Athletic FC Podcast – “The Preview: Arsenal vs Man City”
Date: September 19, 2025
Host: Matt Davies-Adams
Guests: Mark Critchley, Nick Miller
Overview
This episode of The Athletic FC Podcast previews a pivotal Premier League clash: Arsenal vs Manchester City. Host Matt Davies-Adams is joined by reporters Mark Critchley and Nick Miller to break down both teams’ form, tactical shifts, key players, and the implications for the title race. The preview also touches on other headline fixtures for Matchday Five, including the Merseyside Derby and Chelsea’s visit to Old Trafford.
Arsenal vs Manchester City: Setting the Stage
Key theme: Can Arsenal finally move beyond being perennial runners-up to Manchester City, or are City quietly laying groundwork for another title push despite shakeups?
Arsenal’s Progress & Potential
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Depth and Resilience
- Nick Miller observes that Arsenal’s improved squad depth means injuries to key players (Rice, Saka, Saliba) don’t derail performances as much as in previous seasons.
- “What might be different this season is... Arsenal never remotely looked like really even conceding a goal, let alone losing the game. They didn't have a bunch of key players... but the depth that they have now kind of convinces you...” (Nick Miller, 04:42)
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Learnings from Last Season
- Arsenal dropped points in games they were expected to win. This season, squad rotation and resilience could help them maintain title momentum.
Manchester City: A New Form?
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Evolving Style Under Guardiola
- Mark Critchley discusses City’s evolution from the “false nine” and “total control” era to a team with more direct players at both ends (Haaland up front, Donnarumma in goal).
- “...They’ve looked more direct. They’re willing to speed the game up a little more... not a dramatic change, but you’re starting to see things move in a slightly different direction under Guardiola.” (Mark Critchley, 05:59)
- Despite perceiving increased directness, City still statistically have among the fewest long balls and third-slowest attacks in the league; the change is subtle but meaningful.
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Challenges of Transition
- Transitioning after spending £360 million since January, integrating new players, and evolving the system means City are still vulnerable—especially against teams strong in transition.
- “It’s still very much a team in transition. It’s a team that can get hurt in transition...” (Mark Critchley, 07:51)
Arteta vs. Guardiola: Master and Apprentice
- Arsenal’s Defensive Solidity
- Critchley credits Arsenal with building a defensive foundation capable of stifling elite teams—highlighted by their heavily criticized but tactically effective draw at Anfield.
- “They can really nullify top teams... I really find Arsenal quite compelling favourites for this game, to be honest. They look so solid.” (Mark Critchley, 09:04)
Key Players & Tactical Match-Ups
The Strikers:
- Erling Haaland (City): 5 goals in 4 games; capable of deciding tight matches even with minimal involvement.
- Victor Gyökeres (Arsenal): Early-season form suggests he could be a difference-maker.
- Nick Miller: “Haaland can do absolutely nothing then win you the game in five minutes. And Gyökeres... seems to have started pretty well.” (11:07)
Out Wide and Midfield Battles:
- Arsenal’s Flanks: With Saka unlikely, Maduake and Eza provide threat. Nick thinks Arsenal may have most joy out wide.
- Control in Midfield: Zubimendi (Arsenal) and Rodri (City) are expected to dictate tempo, but with Rodri still regaining top form post-injury.
- Wingers to Watch: Jeremy Doku (City) and Nonny Madueke (Arsenal) are highlighted as exciting, form players who break the mould of “control first” football.
- “Control dominated football isn’t always best for the neutral... those two add spice to the fixture.” (Mark Critchley, 12:09)
Predictions (13:45)
- Nick Miller: Arsenal 2–1 Man City
- Mark Critchley: Arsenal 2–0 Man City — “I don’t think Arsenal concede.”
- Matt Davies-Adams: 2–2 draw, with a red card
News & Sidebars
Arsenal Boardroom News (14:03)
- Executive Vice Chair Tim Lewis (close Kroenke associate) is set to leave his role, marking a significant shakeup at executive level.
Running Feature: “Put Your Shirt On It” (01:54, 15:00, 29:43)
- Weekly quiz guessing a player linked to both City and Arsenal who wore the 1995–96 Swansea shirt.
- Clue by clue, it’s revealed to be Frank Lampard—who played briefly for Swansea early in his career, and for Man City in his twilight.
Other Big Matches: Quick Hits
Merseyside Derby: Liverpool vs. Everton (19:14)
- Liverpool’s Late Goals: Since last season, 19 goals in the last 10 minutes—described as “psychology, stamina, concentration.”
- “I don’t think it’s luckier to score in the 90th minute than the 27th... It’s psychology, stamina, concentration.” (Mark Critchley, 21:06)
- Everton’s Resilience: Improved attack, more varied play under Moyes noted.
- Red Card Record: Most “red cards in Premier League history”; past derbies famously spicy.
- Mo Salah Record: Only Steven Gerrard has more Merseyside Derby goals for Liverpool.
Chelsea at Manchester United (31:13)
- Amorim’s Pressure: Man United boss Ruben Amorim’s grip questioned after noisy week and meagre returns (31 points in 31 games).
- “The reaction to the game on Sunday felt different... people are starting to get a bit frustrated by just how nothing seems to change.” (Mark Critchley, 31:50)
- Chelsea’s Strange Identity: Despite winning the Club World Cup, there’s still uncertainty over whether Chelsea are “actually good.”
- “Chelsea are such a sort of strange team... I still can’t quite get a handle on them.” (Nick Miller, 35:02)
Quickfire Previews
- Brighton vs Spurs: Big “padel energy” from both managers.
- Wolves vs Leeds: Potential relegation six-pointer (“Leeds probably have a better chance of staying up”).
- West Ham vs Crystal Palace: Pressure on Graham Potter.
- Burnley vs Forest: Hosts and analysts elect not to fret—both teams under pressure.
- Bournemouth vs Newcastle: Bournemouth look strong, Newcastle still coming together post-Isak.
Notable Quotes
- "I've been fooled by Arsenal before and been hurt by them before..." — Nick Miller (04:42)
- “[City] is a team that can get hurt in transition. I think that's reflected in the results so far...” — Mark Critchley (07:51)
- “They look so solid... I really find Arsenal quite compelling favourites for this game, to be honest.” — Mark Critchley (09:04)
- “Haaland can...win you the game in five minutes. Gyökeres seems to have started pretty well.” — Nick Miller (11:07)
- “Control dominated football isn’t always the best viewing... [Doku and Maduake] add spice to the fixture.” — Mark Critchley (12:09)
- “I've definitely been going with Joao Pedro when I'm doing Chelsea commentary because of having Pedro Neto there just confuses matters too much for me.” — Matt Davies-Adams (40:35)
- “Chelsea are such a sort of strange team. I still quite. Can't quite get a handle on them.” — Nick Miller (35:02)
Key Timestamps
- 01:39 — Show intro and guest welcomes
- 02:14 — Outline of weekend's marquee fixtures
- 02:54 – 04:01 — Put Your Shirt On It (quiz) begins
- 04:01 – 05:59 — Arsenal and City internal reviews
- 07:51 – 09:04 — City’s challenges in transition, Arsenal’s big-game credentials
- 11:07 – 12:09 — Striker and winger analysis
- 13:45 – 14:03 — Predictions for Arsenal vs City
- 15:00, 29:43 — Put Your Shirt On It clues/resolution
- 19:14 – 26:13 — Merseyside Derby breakdown
- 31:13 – 36:18 — Man United vs Chelsea discussion
- 40:12 – 41:18 — Joao Pedro, Mason Mount, and naming quirks
Conclusion
The panel broadly leans towards an Arsenal win, citing depth, stability, and recent form, while recognizing City’s evolving, less predictable style. The discussion is rich with tactical analysis, contextual club news, and lighter moments (the running quiz, “padel energy”, and naming debates), making it essential listening (or reading) for anyone following the Premier League's big narratives this weekend.
Produced by Jay Beal, Executive Producers Abby Patterson and Adie Moorhead