The Non-Negotiables: Arsenal Podcast

Non-Negotiables Podcast
  • 5.0 (14)
  • Sports News
  • Updated Semiweekly

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. E218: Player Grades Pt. 1 — Raya, Saliba, Gabriel & Arsenal’s Defense (Season Review)

    1d ago

    E218: Player Grades Pt. 1 — Raya, Saliba, Gabriel & Arsenal’s Defense (Season Review)

    The NN Pod begins its end-of-season player review series as Gavin returns to the show following Arsenal’s Premier League title celebrations and a football-filled trip across England, Scotland and Europe. From the atmosphere around the Emirates on trophy-lift day to watching the Champions League Final in Amsterdam, the hosts reflect on a memorable few weeks before turning their attention to the squad review.   Part One focuses on the foundation of Arsenal’s title-winning side. The panel grades the goalkeepers, defenders and deeper midfielders, discussing the seasons of David Raya, Jurriën Timber, Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Piero Hincapié and Riccardo Calafiori.   The conversation then moves into midfield, where Declan Rice, Martín Zubimendi, Christian Nørgaard and Myles Lewis-Skelly come under the microscope. The hosts debate Player of the Season contenders, discuss the impact of injuries and availability, and consider which players exceeded expectations during Arsenal’s championship campaign.   With grades ranging from A* to F, there are disagreements, surprises and plenty of discussion around the players who helped Arsenal lift the Premier League trophy. Part Two, covering the attacking players, follows next week.   The grades are in. The debates begin. Chapters: (00:00) - Arteta’s Non-Negotiables & Intro (00:18) - End of Season Review Series Introduction (01:22) - Gavin’s Arsenal Trophy Lift Travel Diary (08:02) - Elliot’s Emirates Trophy Celebration Experience (13:18) - Champions League Final Reflections (19:18) - Player Review Format & Grading Criteria (19:29) - David Raya (21:57) - Kepa Arrizabalaga (23:58) - Tommy Setford (Mention) (24:18) - Jurriën Timber (25:55) - Ben White (28:06) - Cristhian Mosquera (30:20) - William Saliba (32:00) - Gabriel Magalhães (33:30) - Piero Hincapié (35:10) - Riccardo Calafiori (37:33) - Declan Rice (40:23) - Martín Zubimendi (44:26) - Christian Nørgaard (46:30) - Myles Lewis-Skelly (50:36) - Looking Ahead To Part Two & Outro

    51 min
  2. E217: “The Cruellest Way” — Arsenal Miss Out on European Glory After Penalty Shootout Heartbreak (Match Review)

    Jun 2

    E217: “The Cruellest Way” — Arsenal Miss Out on European Glory After Penalty Shootout Heartbreak (Match Review)

    Arsenal’s Champions League final ended in the cruellest way possible. After a dramatic night in Budapest, Mikel Arteta’s side fell to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties following a 1-1 draw across 120 minutes. Kai Havertz gave Arsenal the perfect start, PSG responded from the spot, and what followed was a tactical battle between Europe’s most dangerous attack and one of the continent’s strongest defensive units. In this Match Review episode, Elliott, Justin and JJ break down the final in full. They discuss Arsenal’s game plan, Havertz’s early goal, Gabriel’s outstanding defensive performance, the key moments that shaped the contest and whether Arsenal showed too much respect to the reigning European champions. The panel also examine the major refereeing decisions, including the penalty awarded to PSG, Arsenal’s late appeal involving Noni Madueke and the wider frustration surrounding the officiating on the night. There is a detailed discussion on Arteta’s substitutions, the impact of Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze, as well as Arsenal’s approach during extra time as the game drifted towards penalties. The shootout itself is analysed, including Arsenal’s misses, David Raya’s role and the emotions of seeing European glory slip away after such a long and impressive campaign. Away from the final, the conversation shifts to the following day’s Premier League champions parade. The hosts reflect on the scenes across North London, the reported 1.5 million supporters in attendance, Ben White’s antics, Josh Kroenke’s celebrations and what the day meant after the disappointment of Budapest. The episode closes with a broader reflection on Arsenal’s 2025/26 season, the progress made under Arteta, the lessons learned from reaching a Champions League final and why the squad believe this journey is far from finished. Premier League Champions. Champions League Finalists. Proud of the journey. Chapters (00:00) - Arteta’s Non-Negotiables & Intro (00:18) - Champions League Final Review & Season Reflection (02:13) - Morning After Emotions & Parade (06:46) - Arsenal’s Premier League Champions Parade (07:57) - Ben White, Josh Kroenke & Parade Highlights (14:21) - Starting XI & Myles Lewis-Skelly’s Historic Night (17:06) - 1-0 | Kai Havertz Gives Arsenal The Dream Start (20:06) - Havertz Chance Before Half-Time (22:15) - Arsenal’s Defensive Display Against PSG (29:08) - 1-1 | Mosquera Penalty & Dembélé Equaliser (33:20) - Refereeing Controversies & Arsenal’s Penalty Appeal (41:03) - Timber, Gyökeres & Arteta’s Substitutions (44:03) - Martinelli, Madueke & Arsenal’s Late Threat (46:07) - Extra Time, Zubimendi & Eze Enter The Fray (47:25) - PSG Settle For Penalties? (50:10) - Gyökeres’ Blocked Chance & Arsenal’s Final Opportunity (51:29) - Match Stats & Tactical Reflection (53:39) - Penalty Shootout Heartbreak (58:55) - Season Reflection: What Arsenal Achieved (01:01:38) - Lessons From Budapest & Looking Ahead (01:06:08) - Pride, Progress & Final Thoughts (01:07:18) - World Cup Discussion & Outro

    1h 9m
  3. E216: Paris Saint-Germain (UCL Final) — History, Pressure & Budapest (Match Preview)

    May 29

    E216: Paris Saint-Germain (UCL Final) — History, Pressure & Budapest (Match Preview)

    One match. One trophy. One chance to make Arsenal history. Arsenal are one game away from completing a season that has already delivered Premier League glory. In this Champions League Final Preview, Elliott, Justin and JJ prepare for the biggest European match in Arsenal’s history as Mikel Arteta’s side travel to Budapest to face reigning Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain. The panel reflects on the magnitude of the occasion, where this fixture ranks among Arsenal’s greatest matches, and what it means to arrive at the final as Premier League champions and unbeaten in Europe.   The discussion revisits Arsenal’s journey to Budapest, from an unbeaten League Phase campaign through the knockout rounds, highlighting the standout moments, performances and players who have carried Arsenal to the biggest stage in club football. David Raya, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyökeres all come under the spotlight as the hosts reflect on the road to the final.   Attention then turns to the significance of the occasion itself. The panel discusses what lifting the Champions League would mean for Arsenal Football Club, the impact it would have on Mikel Arteta’s legacy, and why this opportunity feels different from anything Arsenal have experienced in recent years.   The second half of the show focuses on Paris Saint-Germain. Elliott, Justin and JJ break down Luis Enrique’s side, analysing their route to the final, attacking strengths, defensive vulnerabilities, tactical structure and key threats. The conversation explores where Arsenal can hurt PSG, how the midfield battle may develop, and whether the wide areas could ultimately decide the destination of European football’s biggest prize.   There’s also a special Champions League-themed Six Pack, counting down six of Arsenal’s most memorable European nights before the panel debates team news, predicted lineups, selection dilemmas and potential game-changing substitutions.   Finally, the hosts make their Champions League Final predictions, discuss the possibility of extra time and penalties, and share what victory would mean for Mikel Arteta, Martin Ødegaard and Arsenal supporters around the world.   Budapest awaits. Up The Arsenal. 🔴⚪️

    1h 7m
  4. E215: “Trophies, Tears & Tottenham” — Palace & Villa Conquer Europe, Spurs Survive & Salah Says Goodbye (Week in Football)

    May 28

    E215: “Trophies, Tears & Tottenham” — Palace & Villa Conquer Europe, Spurs Survive & Salah Says Goodbye (Week in Football)

    On this week’s Week in Football show, Elliott and Justin look back at a chaotic end to the domestic and European season as English clubs continue to dominate across the continent. Crystal Palace make history by winning the UEFA Conference League under Oliver Glasner, while Aston Villa lift the Europa League with Unai Emery collecting yet another European trophy. The lads discuss what these victories say about the growing financial and competitive power of Premier League clubs in Europe, and whether Emery’s remarkable Europa League record changes how he should be viewed among modern managers. There’s also reaction to Tottenham surviving relegation on the final day while West Ham go down despite beating Leeds, with discussion around Spurs’ injury crisis, the media reaction to their survival, and the wider state of both clubs heading into next season. Elsewhere, Granit Xhaka’s Sunderland secure European football in their first season back in the Premier League, Chelsea collapse out of Europe entirely after defeat to Sunderland, and questions continue around the structure of their bloated squad and long-term direction. The show also reflects on major Premier League farewells as Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, Bernardo Silva and John Stones all potentially close chapters with Liverpool and Manchester City. The conversation explores what those exits mean for the identities of both clubs moving forward. Plus: Hull City return to the Premier League after late Wembley drama, Southampton’s Spygate fallout continues, Leicester City’s decline into League One is examined, and the lads close by reflecting on football’s ability to move quickly from glory to crisis. A wide-ranging look at the week that was in football — through an Arsenal lens. Chapters: (00:00) - Arteta’s Non-Negotiables & Intro(00:18) - Week in Football Introduction & Final Day Overview(01:27) - WATG: Premier League Final Day Roundup(03:59) - Tottenham Survive & West Ham Relegated(13:07) - Arsenal, Media Narratives & Premier League Coverage(19:42) - Granit Xhaka’s Sunderland Reach Europe(24:44) - Chelsea Collapse & Squad Questions(28:05) - Manchester City Farewell: Bernardo Silva & John Stones(34:32) - Mohamed Salah, Robertson & Liverpool’s End of Era(41:19) - Liverpool’s Rebuild & Arne Slot Discussion(44:57) - Aston Villa & Crystal Palace Win European Trophies(51:10) - Unai Emery’s Legacy & European Record(54:21) - Hull City Promotion & Southampton Spygate Fallout(01:00:12) - Leicester City’s Decline & Football’s Cruelty(01:03:19) - Outro

    1h 4m
  5. E214: “Standing In Our Dreams” — Palace 1 Arsenal 2 | Arsenal Crowned Premier League Champions (Match Review)

    May 26

    E214: “Standing In Our Dreams” — Palace 1 Arsenal 2 | Arsenal Crowned Premier League Champions (Match Review)

    This was supposed to be a match review. Instead, it became something else. Arsenal closed the Premier League season with victory away at Crystal Palace — but the football quickly gave way to reflection, celebration and everything that came with finally seeing the trophy lifted after a twenty-two-year wait.   Elliot and Justin react to the final day atmosphere, the guard of honour at Selhurst Park, the celebrations in North London and the emotions of finally watching this Arsenal side complete the journey. There’s discussion on the trophy presentation, the symbolism of seeing ownership hand over the title, Martin Ødegaard’s moment as captain and the scenes shared across the Arsenal fanbase worldwide.   On the pitch, there is still a game to review. The lads work through Mikel Arteta’s heavily rotated starting XI, discuss Martin Zubimendi’s surprise role at right back, look at Max Dowman’s involvement and reflect on Gabriel Jesus marking the day with a goal in what could prove to be one of his final Premier League starts for Arsenal. The performance itself is unpacked through the lens of freedom, rotation and whether anything meaningful can actually be learned from football played after the title is already secured.   There’s also reflection on the moments behind the moments — player leadership, the conversations that helped carry the squad through difficult periods, the significance of lifting the trophy after years of near misses, and what this achievement means for the club’s future rather than simply its past.   And finally, one image, one quote and one feeling. Standing there together. Standing in our dreams. Chapters: (00:00) - Arteta’s Non-Negotiables & Intro(00:18) - Match Review Setup & Champions Reflection(00:58) - Guard of Honour & Final Day Atmosphere(03:07) - Trophy Lift Emotions & Watching Arsenal Become Champions(06:15) - Kroenkes Deliver the Trophy & Symbolism Discussion(07:58) - Arteta’s Entrance & Trophy Presentation(09:33) - Ødegaard Lifts the Trophy & Celebration Moments(10:41) - Favourite Celebration Scenes & “We Are Unbearable”(12:18) - Starting XI Reaction & Rotation Discussion(13:14) - Max Dowman Impressions & Christian Nørgaard Start(13:58) - Martin Zubimendi at Right Back Debate(15:53) - Midfield Selection & PSG Thoughts(18:50) - Gabriel Jesus Goal, Captaincy & Future Discussion(22:07) - Arsenal’s Freedom, Match Context & Performance Reflection(23:47) - Palace Push Back & Closing Match Moments(25:42) - Match Stats & Control Analysis(28:30) - Post-Match Scenes Around North London(30:30) - Global Arsenal Celebrations & Fan Connection(32:29) - Mikel Arteta’s Trophy Lift Reflections(34:02) - Josh Kroenke, Belief & What Comes Next(38:51) - Martin Ødegaard’s Journey to the Title(41:10) - Declan Rice, Player Meetings & Leadership Voices(44:36) - Bukayo Saka, Perspective & “Standing In Our Dreams”(47:35) - PSG Question & Looking Towards the Final(49:22) - Outro & Champions Sign Off

    50 min
  6. E213: Crystal Palace (A) — Final Day, Arsenal Prepare for Trophy Lift Day at Selhurst Park (Match Preview)

    May 22

    E213: Crystal Palace (A) — Final Day, Arsenal Prepare for Trophy Lift Day at Selhurst Park (Match Preview)

    One more game. One more moment. One more trophy lift. Arsenal head into the final Premier League game of the season with the title already secured and a first league crown in twenty-two years confirmed. Before attention shifts elsewhere, this episode stays firmly in the present and looks ahead to one final league outing away at Crystal Palace — and everything that comes with trophy lift day.   The conversation opens with the season’s final round of Who Am I? before moving into the wider Premier League picture and a final set of prediction calls. Liverpool’s closing-day atmosphere, the noise surrounding Arne Slot, Brentford’s season, and the tension surrounding Tottenham and West Ham all feature as the hosts reflect on how strange final-day football can become when scoreboards start to matter as much as the pitch.   There is also a special Six Pack celebrating six iconic Arsenal trophy lifts — from Patrick Vieira and the Invincibles to Tony Adams, Wembley memories and the anticipation of Martin Ødegaard preparing to lift the Premier League trophy. A reflection on moments that helped define eras and what this title means in the wider story of Arsenal Football Club.   Then attention turns to Selhurst Park. The hosts discuss whether Mikel Arteta should prioritise rhythm or rotation, balancing a final Premier League performance with what comes next. There is conversation around team news, the freedom that comes with pressure removed, Arsenal’s defensive discipline this season, and whether lifting the title changes how this team plays.   The episode closes with reflections on players who have carried Arsenal through different eras, what this title means emotionally, and who the hosts are most looking forward to seeing lift the trophy when the moment finally arrives.   Champions of England. One final league game remains. Chapters: (00:00) - Arteta’s Non-Negotiables & Intro(00:18) - Show Setup & Final Day Preview(01:56) - Who Am I? Game(02:49) - Prediction Game | Liverpool vs Brentford(06:05) - Final Day Stakes: Spurs, West Ham & Relegation Drama(09:05) - Six Pack: Six Iconic Arsenal Trophy Lifts(14:17) - Crystal Palace (A) Preview & Trophy Lift Day Context(16:17) - Rotation Debate: One Eye on Europe?(18:43) - Final Day Atmosphere & Managing the Occasion(20:06) - Freedom, Pressure & Arteta’s Arsenal(22:42) - Glasner’s Farewell & Defensive Discipline Discussion(24:55) - Refereeing, PGMOL & Arsenal This Season(27:41) - Lineup Decisions, Fringe Players & Squad Management(30:10) - Eberechi Eze Returns to Selhurst Park(32:03) - Trophy Lift Reflections & What It Means(34:38) - Players We Most Want To See Lift The Trophy(36:38) - Who Am I? Answer & Outro

    38 min
  7. E212: “It’s Over” — Drama in Scotland, Bournemouth End Pep’s Title Chase, Pep Exit Rumours & Southampton Expelled (Week in Football)

    May 21

    E212: “It’s Over” — Drama in Scotland, Bournemouth End Pep’s Title Chase, Pep Exit Rumours & Southampton Expelled (Week in Football)

    E212: “It’s Over” — Drama in Scotland, Bournemouth End Pep’s Title Chase, Pep Exit Rumours & Southampton Expelled (Week in Football) One week after lifting the Premier League title, The Non-Negotiables turn their attention to the rest of football and there was no shortage of stories to unpack. WATG returns for Matchweek 37 as European places tighten, relegation pressure remains alive and attention turns to the final day. Aston Villa edge closer to Champions League football, Bournemouth make more history and questions remain around who joins Europe’s biggest stage next season.   North of the border, Celtic secure a 56th league title after late drama against Hearts. The lads discuss what made the Scottish title race feel different this season, whether the Old Firm monopoly was genuinely under threat and reflect on former Arsenal figures involved in the celebrations.   There’s also discussion around the changing place of the FA Cup, managerial culture, and the growing feeling that football’s traditional landmarks continue to shift.   Then attention turns to the biggest Premier League story of the week. Bournemouth get the result that ends Manchester City’s title defence and confirms Arsenal as champions. The conversation moves from the title itself into what comes next — Pep Guardiola’s future, succession talk, timing of the reports and what a changing landscape could mean.   Elsewhere, there’s reaction to Southampton’s extraordinary play-off controversy, wider debate around punishment in football and whether the game has become too comfortable with rule breaches and inconsistent consequences.   Plus final-day permutations, Champions League qualification scenarios and one last look at the relegation battle before the season reaches its conclusion.  Chapters: (00:00) - Arteta’s Non-Negotiables & Intro(00:18) - Week in Football Introduction & WATG: Matchweek 37(02:33) - Celtic Win Title 56 & Hearts Fall Short(05:02) - Former Gunners & Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Debate(08:10) - Is the FA Cup Losing Its Place?(11:21) - Chelsea, Xabi Alonso & Managerial Chaos Discussion(14:07) - Pep Guardiola Exit Rumours & Manchester City Succession Talk(17:24) - Charges, Legacy & Arteta Beating Pep(22:33) - Slot Stays & Salah’s Statement(24:37) - Southampton Expelled From Play-Offs? Spying Scandal Discussion(28:58) - Punishments, Rules & Football Governance Debate(34:14) - Champions League Qualification Permutations(37:52) - Relegation Battle: Spurs vs West Ham(43:17) - Arsenal Confirmed As Premier League Champions(44:33) - Bournemouth’s European Qualification & Junior Kroupi Discussion(48:23) - Champions Outro

    49 min
  8. "Champions of England"

    May 20

    "Champions of England"

    Arsenal are Premier League champions. In a special instant-reaction episode, Gavin, Elliot and Justin react to Bournemouth’s late result against Manchester City confirming Arsenal as champions of England for the first time in 22 years.   The lads relive where they were for the final whistle, the surreal emotions of watching the final seconds tick down, and the feeling of finally seeing Arsenal get over the line after years of rebuilds, near misses and setbacks.   There’s reflection on Mikel Arteta’s journey from the early rebuild years through to delivering the title, the evolution of the squad across multiple seasons, and the players who helped shape the project along the way — from Emile Smith Rowe and Granit Xhaka to Aaron Ramsdale, Kieran Tierney and Jorginho.   The episode also looks at the scale of Arsenal’s global support, the scenes outside the Emirates Stadium, the reaction across social media, and what this title means to supporters who have waited more than two decades for this moment.   The hosts revisit some of their defining moments of the season, including David Raya’s huge save against West Ham, Gabriel’s winner at St James’ Park and Gabriel Martinelli’s late equaliser against Manchester City.   There’s also discussion around Arteta’s tactical evolution, squad building, recruitment, injuries, mentality and how Arsenal adapted across multiple title challenges before finally becoming champions.   Finally, attention turns to the celebrations at the Emirates this weekend, the atmosphere around the club, and why nobody inside the Arsenal fanbase wants to think about anything beyond lifting the Premier League trophy.   Chapters: (00:00) - Arteta’s Non-Negotiables & Intro (00:35) - Arsenal Confirmed As Premier League Champions (00:58) - Final Whistle Reactions & Emotional Scenes (03:44) - Watching The Clock During Bournemouth vs Man City (07:41) - Arteta’s Arsenal Journey & Players Who Didn’t Complete It (13:13) - Edu, Josh Kroenke & Arsenal’s Structural Rebuild (15:04) - “We Kept The Receipts” | Rival Reactions & Online Narratives (17:19) - Arsenal’s Growth Into A Global Football Power (19:51) - Emirates Celebrations & Supporter Connection (21:34) - Worldwide Arsenal Celebrations & Global Fanbase Discussion (23:45) - Arsenal Content, Club Media & Celebrating The Moment (25:46) - Moment Of The Season Picks (29:42) - Mikel Arteta’s Impact, Evolution & Squad Building (36:56) - Palace Celebrations, Sunday Atmosphere & Staying Present (39:01) - Champions League Final Put To One Side (40:30) - Crystal Palace Rotation Discussion & Outro (42:20) - “Champions”

    43 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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