The Non-Negotiables: Arsenal Podcast

Non-Negotiables Podcast
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The Non-Negotiables is your twice-weekly fix for honest, insightful Arsenal FC discussion. Every Monday and Thursday evening, we break down the matches, tactics, transfers, and talking points that matter – without the fluff or clickbait. Hosted by lifelong Gooners with a passion for the game and a commitment to clear analysis, we bring you sharp takes, key stats, and a love for the club that’s as constant as the red and white. Whether you’re looking for instant post-match reaction or a deep dive into the bigger picture, this is where Arsenal talk stays non-negotiable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. E172: “Oh No!: Arsenal 2–2 Wolves: Defensive Collapse, Mentality Questions and Sp*rs on the Horizon"

    17H AGO

    E172: “Oh No!: Arsenal 2–2 Wolves: Defensive Collapse, Mentality Questions and Sp*rs on the Horizon"

    Arsenal went to Wolves knowing the margin for error was gone. What followed was a night that began with control, composure and an early breakthrough — and ended with frustration, defensive uncertainty and uncomfortable questions. In Part One, the panel break down the 2–2 draw at Molineux in detail. From the starting XI decisions and Saka’s central role, to Declan Rice’s early influence and the sense that the game should have been put to bed, the conversation moves through the turning points that shifted momentum. There’s analysis of the second-half drop-off, the numbers behind the collapse, the defensive spacing issues, the Raya debate, and the substitutions that changed the rhythm of the game. Then comes the bigger discussion — mentality, game management, title pressure, and what this result means for Mikel Arteta’s project. Is this a wobble, or something more structural? The bottle debate is addressed directly. Part Two shifts gears. There’s reaction to Bukayo Saka’s new contract and what it signals for Arsenal’s future. The hosts discuss the recent fan incident outside the Emirates and player security. The prediction table returns. The North London Derby preview takes centre stage — injuries, tactical adjustments, and whether this is the perfect reset fixture after Wolves. And of course, the Spurs-themed “Who Am I?” returns — with a suitably painful answer. It’s a raw, honest episode. Frustration, analysis and perspective — all before a defining derby weekend. 🎧 Listen now and join the conversation. Chapters: (00:00) - Arteta’s Non-Negotiables Intro (01:00) - Starting XI Reaction & Saka Central Debate (02:38) - 0–1 | Early Control & Saka’s Opener (03:47) - Early Dominance Faded… (05:59) - Martinelli Miss & First-Half Frustration (08:31) - Match Stats Breakdown (Full Game vs Second Half) (09:21) - 0–2 | Hincapié Scores Against the Run of Play & VAR Check (11:01) - 1–2 | Immediate Response & Raya Debate (14:06) - Timber, Subs & Tactical Collapse (18:46) - 2–2 | Collapse Complete (19:17) - Title Race, Bottle Debate & Arteta Future (35:31) - Pt.2: Who Am I? (Game) North London Derby Special (36:34) - Saka Contract Extension (41:25) - Emirates Fan Incident Discussion (50:49) - MW27 Prediction Game (56:05) - Spurs “Six Pack” (58:56) - North London Derby Preview (01:10:35) - Who Am I? Answer & Closing Thoughts

    1h 13m
  2. E171: "Easy as Pie: Four First-Half Goals vs Wigan, Saka’s Central Experiment, and Fresh Injury Worries Before Wolves"

    3D AGO

    E171: "Easy as Pie: Four First-Half Goals vs Wigan, Saka’s Central Experiment, and Fresh Injury Worries Before Wolves"

    Arsenal step away from Premier League pressure and into the FA Cup — and for 45 minutes, it looks effortless. In this episode of The Non-Negotiables Podcast, we break down the 4–0 win over Wigan Athletic, where four first-half goals settled the tie early and allowed Mikel Arteta to rotate heavily. We discuss the starting XI surprises, Calafiori’s latest warm-up withdrawal, and the long-anticipated experiment of Bukayo Saka operating centrally. There’s a deep dive into the first-half performance — Eze’s influence, the combinations between Saka and Madueke, Martinelli’s clinical finish, and Nørgaard’s standout display. Was this simply lower-league opposition being exposed, or did we see tactical clues for the weeks ahead? We also assess the second-half slowdown, Gyökeres’ introduction, and the home debuts for Salmon and Setford — moments that reflect squad depth and internal culture. From there, attention turns to the FA Cup draw. Mansfield away awaits, Manchester City travel to Newcastle, and the pathway opens slightly — but questions remain. Part two shifts into bigger concerns. We address Arsenal’s mounting injury issues — recurring patterns, squad construction, recovery methods, and whether the modern game is shortening careers at the top level. Is this bad luck, load management, or something structural? Finally, we preview the trip to Wolves. With Odegaard and others doubtful, does Saka stay central? Is this the moment for a tactical pivot? And with Arsenal chasing control at the top of the table, is this simply a must-win — or a tone-setter for the run-in? All that, plus this week’s “Who Am I?” featuring a 1971 double winner. Control restored — but bigger questions are building. Chapters: (00:00) - Arteta’s Non-Negotiables Intro (00:51) - FA Cup Context: Rotation & Calafiori Warm-Up Injury (03:47) - Saka Central? (06:01) - Eze’s First-Half Influence (09:35) - 1–0 | Madueke Finished, Eze Assist (10:51) - 2–0 | Martinelli Rifles It Home (12:30) - 3–0 | Own Goal & Saka–Madueke Link-Up (15:25) - 4–0 | Jesus Scores, Nørgaard Delivers (17:36) - Second-Half Coast & Gyökeres Chance (19:15) - Home Debuts: Salmon & Setford (22:30) - Match Stats Breakdown (23:57) - FA Cup Draw: Mansfield Away & City at Newcastle (30:39) - PT.2 Who Am I? (Game) (31:57) - Mounting Injury Concerns & Squad Depth Debate (53:51) - Wolves Preview: Must-Win Pressure (56:07) - Saka Inside vs Wide: The Big Decision (01:06:15) - Who Am I? Answer & Closing Thoughts

    1h 9m
  3. E170: "Long Ball FC - Brentford 1–1 Arsenal: Identity Questions, Injury Worries and a Title Race Warning"

    6D AGO

    E170: "Long Ball FC - Brentford 1–1 Arsenal: Identity Questions, Injury Worries and a Title Race Warning"

    Arsenal leave West London with a point — but far more questions than answers. In this episode of The Non-Negotiables, we break down the 1–1 draw at Brentford and ask whether Arsenal are drifting away from the identity that made them so dominant. With Manchester City applying pressure in the title race, this was a night that demanded control. Instead, it became another conversation about long balls, lost fluency, and a worrying lack of sustained chance creation. We analyse the starting XI, the impact of key absences, and how the tactical approach shaped the first half. Is “Long Ball FC” becoming more than just frustration? Are Arsenal overthinking matches against teams they should be imposing themselves on? And what does this style shift say about the manager’s current priorities? There’s a deep dive into the Eberechi Eze debate — recruitment vs role — and whether he’s being used in a way that suits his strengths. Then we unpack the second-half momentum swing: Odegaard’s introduction, the return of familiar patterns, and Madueke’s header that briefly felt like the breakthrough moment. But control evaporated. We examine the throw-in equaliser, the defensive lapses, and the concerning injury situation around Odegaard. Why was he left on? What did it cost Arsenal structurally? And how much did fatigue and squad rotation play into the late chaos? We close Part 1 with the bigger picture — xG, chance creation trends, and the uncomfortable truth about title-winning standards. Can you win a league without a 20-goal forward? And what actually is Arteta’s football right now? Part 2 covers managerial sackings across the league, concerns around Ethan’s loan situation, another controversial VAR weekend in MW26, and a look ahead to the FA Cup tie against Wigan — a potential reset moment before Wolves. The title race isn’t over. But identity, control and attacking clarity now feel like the decisive battlegrounds. Set Piece FC rolls on — but can Arsenal rediscover themselves in time? Chapters: (00:00) - Arteta’s Non-Negotiables Intro (01:01) - Brentford Context, Starting XI Reaction & Injury Concerns (03:03) - Long Ball FC Returns (09:00) - Eberechi Eze Debate: Role or Recruitment Issue? (14:27) - Half-Time Shift: Odegaard Changes the Game (16:59) - 0–1 | Madueke’s Header & Momentum (19:28) - Back to Long Balls & Control Lost (21:08) - 1–1 | Throw-In Chaos & Odegaard Injury Scare (24:25) - Why Was Odegaard Left On? (27:51) - Late Chances (31:05) - Stats, Chance Creation & Title-Winning Standards (33:12) - Identity Crisis: What Is Arteta’s Football? (36:21) - PT.2 Managerial Sackings: Spurs & Forest (41:23) - Ethan Loan Concerns (45:17) - VARse MW26: Chelsea, City & Officiating Standards (51:55) - Wigan FA Cup Preview (01:00:27) - Final Thoughts: February, Injuries & Title Belief

    1h 2m
  4. E169: "Yes, That Was 3–0: Arsenal See Off Sunderland in a Scrappy Affair as Attention Shifts to Brentford and the Title Race"

    FEB 9

    E169: "Yes, That Was 3–0: Arsenal See Off Sunderland in a Scrappy Affair as Attention Shifts to Brentford and the Title Race"

    Yes, That Was 3–0 Arsenal make it three points and move on — but not without plenty to dissect. A scrappy afternoon at the Emirates saw the scoreline race ahead of the performance, raising familiar questions about control, rhythm, and how much style really matters at this stage of the season. The pod breaks down a strange opening half hour, the physical nature of Sunderland’s approach, and why Arsenal seemed willing to let the game become chaotic before asserting themselves. There’s discussion around the pitch conditions, defensive duels, and how Arsenal gradually shifted momentum before finally finding a breakthrough. Attention then turns to the second half, the substitutions that changed the dynamic, and what the goals revealed about Arsenal’s pressing, decision-making, and ability to exploit space when it finally appeared. Individual performances are assessed, with particular focus on leadership, midfield responsibility, and how standards are being set — even on days when fluency is missing. In Part Two, it’s a full Whip Around the Grounds, including Leeds’ control against Forest, Manchester United capitalising on Spurs’ self-destruction, Chelsea’s penalty-heavy win, Brentford’s late drama at Newcastle, and a chaotic collapse at Anfield that reshapes the title conversation. The VARse section returns with a deep dive into another weekend of inconsistency — from reputation-driven red cards to penalty debates, double jeopardy confusion, and where law and common sense continue to collide. Finally, the focus shifts forward. With Brentford away next, the pod looks at mentality, rotation, and how Arsenal navigate a run of fixtures against sides with little left to play for — while the pressure at the top refuses to ease. Chapters: (00:00) - Arteta’s Non-Negotiables & Intro (00:47) - Sunderland Preview & Line-Up Calls (02:50) - Physical Chaos & A Game Going Nowhere (06:39) - The Emirates Pitch (08:48) - 1–0 | Momentum Shift & Zubimendi’s Strike (11:32) - Jesus Offside, Nearly 2–0 (13:24) - Half-Time: Sloppy, Scrappy, Unconvincing (16:08) - Saliba, Brobbey & the Physical Battle (19:44) - Second-Half: Struggles Continue (21:34) - The Subs That Changed the Game (22:43) - 2–0 | Pressing, Space & Composure (24:23) - Late Control & Game Management (24:38) - 3–0 | Breakaway & Martinelli’s Square (27:29) - Post-Match Stats & Performance Reality (30:17) - Results vs Standards Debate (30:56) - Leadership, Rice & Captaincy Noise (32:59) - Part Two — Whip Around the Grounds (33:07) - Leeds Dominate Forest (34:16) - Red Romero Does Old Trafford (35:26) - Bournemouth & Villa Stalemate (36:03) - West Ham Defeat Burnley (36:44) - Everton Come From Behind at Fulham (37:18) - Cole Penalty Hat-Trick at Wolves (38:10) - Newcastle vs Brentford: Five-Goal Thriller (39:22) - M23 Derby Edged by Palace (40:02) - Liverpool Collapse at Anfield vs City (42:22) - VARse: Romero Red — Reputation or Reality? (46:59) - St. James’ Park VAR Controversies (51:12) - Anfield Chaos & Inconsistency (56:02) - VAR, Law vs Common Sense (00:59:46) - Is This the Worst Title Defence Ever? (LiVARpool) (01:04:13) - Brentford Away: Pressure Test (01:08:23) - Selection Headaches & Rotation (01:14:18) - Control Without Odegaard or Saka (01:20:02) - Brentford Form, Key Players & Closing

    1h 22m
  5. E168: "So… We’re Going To Wembley: Emirates Delight as Kai Havertz Seals Arsenal’s Carabao Cup Final Place"

    FEB 4

    E168: "So… We’re Going To Wembley: Emirates Delight as Kai Havertz Seals Arsenal’s Carabao Cup Final Place"

    Arsenal are heading back to Wembley. A cagey semi-final second leg against Chelsea unfolded with little rhythm and few clear openings, as the game drifted under a cloud of outside noise and shifting narratives. But beneath the surface, Arsenal remained composed, controlled, and patient. In this episode, the lads break down a night where structure mattered more than spectacle. The conversation focuses on Arsenal’s game management, defensive discipline across the tie, and the single moment of quality that settled it — Kai Havertz’s calm intervention at the Emirates. There’s discussion around missed chances, penalty appeals, and why the performance felt understated rather than dominant. Attention then turns to what reaching Wembley represents in the context of Arsenal’s season, the value of the Carabao Cup as momentum, and how the upcoming fixture run could shape what comes next. Part two widens the lens, touching on Pep Guardiola’s recent comments, the wider Premier League backdrop, upcoming fixtures, predictions, and a familiar round of Who Am I? A quiet semi-final, settled the Arsenal way. Chapters: (00:00) - Arteta’s Non-Negotiables Intro (00:55) - Chelsea 2nd Leg Review: “Nothing Happened…” (02:07) - Chelsea Offered Nothing + Neville Narrative Flip (03:00) - “LinkedIn Liam” Warm-Up Moment + Ref Talk Tee-Up (04:42) - Penalty Shouts + Havertz Goal Obsession (06:22) - Arsenal Chances That Could’ve Made It Comfy (08:12) - The Winner: Rice Carries, Kai Rounds Sanchez (10:35) - Wembley Feeling + Why The 6-Week Gap Might Help (12:48) - Fixture Run + London-Heavy Schedule (15:54) - Carabao As A Springboard + City Psychological Edge (16:54) - Defensive Shape Returning + “Meeting” Rumours (19:39) - Stats Quickfire + Game-Plan Discussion (21:54) - Standout Players: Hincapié, Madueke, Martinelli (26:06) - Part 2: Who Am I? (Game) (27:18) - Pep Pressers: Net Spend Rant + Pressure Talk (31:09) - Pep On World Issues + Hypocrisy Conversation (36:54) - Predictions Table Update (37:26) - Leeds Vs Forest Preview + Picks (40:20) - Man United Vs Spurs Preview (43:48) - Sunderland Preview: Injuries, XI Questions, Weather (55:02) - Who Am I Answer + Memories (59:00) - Wrap-Up + Sunderland Next

    59 min
  6. E167: "Routine at Elland Road - A Comfortable Four-Goal Win at Leeds, Tempered by Injury Blows to Saka and Merino"

    FEB 2

    E167: "Routine at Elland Road - A Comfortable Four-Goal Win at Leeds, Tempered by Injury Blows to Saka and Merino"

    Arsenal return from Elland Road with a four-goal win that extends their lead at the top, but the performance itself sparks plenty of debate. The pod breaks down a strange afternoon in Leeds — from a late line-up shock and Bukayo Saka pulling out in the warm-up, to a disjointed opening that gradually turned into set-piece control and second-half authority. There’s discussion around Arsenal’s reliance on corners, Noni Madueke’s growing influence, and why the scoreline ultimately flattered Leeds more than it reflected Arsenal’s grip on the game. Attention then turns to Martin Ødegaard’s impact off the bench and a wider conversation about control, runners, and whether Arsenal’s system is currently helping or hindering their key players. The panel also debates the shift in shape, what the numbers really say about the performance, and why this felt like “business done” rather than a statement win. In Part Two, a major injury update drops live during recording, raising fresh questions about depth and priorities as the season enters a decisive phase. There’s also a full Whip Around the Grounds from Matchweek 24, another packed VARse segment dissecting controversial decisions across the league, and a look ahead to Chelsea at the Emirates with Wembley at stake. A routine win on paper — with bigger questions bubbling underneath. Chapters: (00:00) - Arteta’s Non-Negotiables Intro (00:54) - Leeds Away: Line-Up Shock & Saka Pulls Out (04:04) - A Scrappy Start & Why Arsenal Looked Dull (06:38) - 0-1 | Set-Piece FC: Zubimendi Breaks the Deadlock (08:42) - 0-2 | Chaos at Corners & Madueke’s Growing Influence (12:16) - Second-Half Sloppiness & Missed Kill Shots (15:55) - Odegaard Enters & Instantly Controls the Game (17:11) - 0-3 | Martinelli’s Cross, Gyökeres Reacts, Game Over (19:04) - Odegaard Debate: Has He Looked Better Off the Bench? (25:48) - Saka, Runners & The System Problem (30:48) - 0-4 | Jesus Responds: From Net-Negative to Highlight Reel (33:00) - Stats Don’t Tell the Story of a 4-0 Win (36:14) - Shape Shift: From 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 (42:10) - PT.2 Bombshell: Merino Likely Out for the Season (44:48) - Whip Around the Grounds: Matchweek 24 (54:22) - VARse: Brighton, Old Trafford & Villa Park Chaos (01:12:00) - Chelsea Preview: Injuries, Rotation & Wembley Stakes (01:19:20) - Closing

    1h 20m
  7. E166 "A Perfect Run — With Cracks: Perfect in Europe, Uncertain at the Back — What Arsenal Must Fix Before Leeds"

    JAN 29

    E166 "A Perfect Run — With Cracks: Perfect in Europe, Uncertain at the Back — What Arsenal Must Fix Before Leeds"

    A Perfect Run — With Cracks Perfect in Europe, Uncertain at the Back — What Arsenal Must Fix Before Leeds Arsenal close out the Champions League League Phase with a perfect record — eight wins from eight — but the performance against Kairat raises uncomfortable questions beneath the surface. Gav and Jus break down a night that should have felt routine, but instead reinforced growing concerns around defensive concentration, individual errors, and Arsenal’s recent inability to protect leads. Despite controlling the game, creating heavily, and topping the group in style, the conversation quickly turns to why clean sheets have disappeared and why “control” — once Arsenal’s defining strength — is starting to erode. There’s analysis of Kai Havertz’s return, Viktor Gyökeres’ night in front of goal, Gabriel Jesus’ ongoing role in the squad, and the balance between occupying defenders versus offering genuine attacking threat. The discussion also looks at Martin Ødegaard’s form, the noise surrounding his place in the side, and whether changes in midfield would actually solve the bigger issues at play. Attention then shifts to what comes next. With Leeds United up next in the league, the hosts examine why this fixture could act as another reset point — much like it has in previous seasons — and what Arsenal must rediscover if they’re to re-establish their defensive authority and momentum in the title race. There’s also the weekly Who Am I? game, a look ahead to key Premier League fixtures elsewhere, and Jus’ latest Six Pack, ranking the best seasons by newly promoted teams in Premier League history. A perfect European run. Plenty of goals. But with standards slipping at the back, the bigger test may still lie ahead.

    48 min
  8. E165: "Humbled at Home: Manchester United End Arsenal’s Emirates League Run"

    JAN 26

    E165: "Humbled at Home: Manchester United End Arsenal’s Emirates League Run"

    Humbled at Home: Manchester United End Arsenal’s Emirates League Run A sobering afternoon at the Emirates sees Arsenal suffer their first league defeat at home to Manchester United, cutting the title gap and raising uncomfortable questions about control, mentality, and attacking identity. In Part One, the conversation begins with the wider title context — pressure at the top of the table, selection choices, and Arsenal’s early dominance — before unpicking how a game that felt controlled for long spells slipped away. The discussion explores structural issues in possession, the balance at full-back, recurring midfield problems, and the moments that shifted momentum against Arsenal. Attention then turns to mentality: from the atmosphere inside the stadium to the team’s response once the game turned. There’s a deeper look at Arteta’s in-game management, familiar substitution patterns, and whether Arsenal’s current structure is limiting their attacking threat. Questions are raised around midfield chemistry, the striker role, and whether the 4-3-3 is still serving this side at the business end of the season. Part Two shifts focus to brighter notes and the wider football landscape. There’s reaction to Ethan Nwaneri’s impressive start on loan at Marseille, what the move could mean for his development, and why this loan feels different to others Arsenal have managed in the past. The episode also features a full Whip Around the Grounds from Premier League Matchweek 23, before closing with a preview of Arsenal’s upcoming Champions League fixture against Kairat Almaty and discussion around rotation, squad management, and the challenges ahead. A reflective, honest episode at a critical point in the season. Chapters: (00:00) – Arteta’s Non-Negotiables Intro (01:09) – Table Pressure, Title Context & Starting XI Breakdown (02:28) – Hincapié at Left-Back & Selection Trade-Offs (04:42) – Match Shape (06:03) – 1-0 | Own Goal Advantage After Early Dominance (07:19) – Structural Issues: Timber in the Box & Attacking Balance (09:48) – 1-1 | Zubimendi Error, Sloppiness & Momentum Swing (11:28) – 1-2 | Second-Half Collapse & Dorgu Worldie (12:59) – 2-2 | Set-Piece FC Strikes Again (13:38) – 2-3 | Cunha Screamer… Game Slips Away (15:08) – Emirates Atmosphere, Fan Nerves & Mentality Debate (18:50) – Arteta, Substitutions & Tactical Inflexibility (21:35) – Midfield Identity Crisis? (24:03) – Striker Problem? (26:45) – Is the 4-3-3 Dead? Structural Reset Discussion (30:15) – Match Stats, xG & Why the Scoreline Lied (30:45) – Title Run-In Maths & Dropped Points Reality (32:47) – Part Two: Ethan Nwaneri at Marseille — Debut Goal & Role Fit (36:45) – Whip Around the Grounds: Premier League Matchweek 23 Review (43:00) – Champions League Preview: Kairat Almaty

    54 min
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5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

The Non-Negotiables is your twice-weekly fix for honest, insightful Arsenal FC discussion. Every Monday and Thursday evening, we break down the matches, tactics, transfers, and talking points that matter – without the fluff or clickbait. Hosted by lifelong Gooners with a passion for the game and a commitment to clear analysis, we bring you sharp takes, key stats, and a love for the club that’s as constant as the red and white. Whether you’re looking for instant post-match reaction or a deep dive into the bigger picture, this is where Arsenal talk stays non-negotiable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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