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Before the the Whistles, all the cup games!

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THE ARSENAL OPINION - BY LE GROVE

PETER WOOD
  • 4.6 (251)
  • SOCCER
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

An Arsenal opinion podcast. Recorded live, never edited. Hosts Pedro, Matt, and Johnny Cochrane bring you LIVE On The Whistle match analysis, transfer speculation, strategic insight, and all things Arsenal. Get bonus content on Patreon

  1. 18H AGO • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    ON THE WHISTLE | LEAGUE CUP SEMI | CHELSEA (A) | MEMBERS

    Fresh off a thrilling 3-2 victory over Chelsea in the League Cup semi-final, the boys break down a massive night at Stamford Bridge. It was a game where the "propaganda machine" finally got some fuel as Viktor Gyökeres ("Big Vic") stepped up with a goal and an assist—but is this the turning point for the striker, or just a flash in the pan? In this episode, we discuss: The Big Vic Debate: Gyökeres delivers a "big boy performance" when it mattered most. We analyze his fox-in-the-box goal, his first assist for the club, and whether he can kick on from here. Defensive Dominance: William Saliba put in a "Rolls Royce" display with midfielder-level distribution, while Benny Blanco brought the goals—and the shithouse—back to the right flank. Midfield Magic: Martin Zubimendi ran the show, scored a screamer, and won the hearts of the fanbase by getting into it with Enzo Fernández at the final whistle. The Goalkeeper Dilemma: A mixed bag for Kepa Arrizabalaga highlights just how integral David Raya is to Arsenal’s trophy hopes. Should Kepa keep his place for the second leg? Hottest of Takes: From Saka’s "quiet" brilliance to bold predictions about winning the league and downing Man City. Plus, we look ahead to the second leg at the Emirates and the upcoming clash with Nottingham Forest.

    52 min

  2. 1D AGO

    THERAPY SESSION | ETHAN, READY TO MAKE THE STEP UP?

    In this episode of The Arsenal Opinion, Pete and Jacob break down a frantic but entertaining victory over Portsmouth. They discuss why the chaotic nature of cup games is often more enjoyable than the tactical rigidity of top tier Premier League fixtures and praise the fresh energy brought by the rotated squad. The conversation takes a brief detour to La Liga to analyze the exit of Xabi Alonso from Real Madrid. The hosts debate whether player power has gone too far and if modern superstars like Mbappe and Vinicius Jr are becoming unmanageable for even the world's best coaches. Back in North London, the focus shifts to individual performances with some contrasting takes. Jacob argues that Ethan Nwaneri looked like a seasoned midfielder against Portsmouth and makes the case for him to keep his place for the upcoming Chelsea clash. Pete dives into the worrying data surrounding Viktor Gyökeres and questions if the club missed a massive marginal gain by not signing a striker who better fits the system. The boys also share their relief at the return of Kai Havertz and discuss how his presence instantly balances the attack. Additional topics include the struggles of summer signings Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke to find consistent output, the specific chemistry between Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, and a full preview of the lineup dilemmas facing Mikel Arteta for the League Cup semi final. If you want this episode ADVERT FREE, get a membership below. You get bonus content, Discord access, and early access to live show tickets. NEWSLETTER + AUDIO: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ AUDIO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    54 min

  3. 1D AGO • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    THERAPY SESSION | ETHAN, READY TO MAKE THE STEP UP? (AD FREE)

    In this episode of The Arsenal Opinion, Pete and Jacob break down a frantic but entertaining victory over Portsmouth. They discuss why the chaotic nature of cup games is often more enjoyable than the tactical rigidity of top tier Premier League fixtures and praise the fresh energy brought by the rotated squad. The conversation takes a brief detour to La Liga to analyze the exit of Xabi Alonso from Real Madrid. The hosts debate whether player power has gone too far and if modern superstars like Mbappe and Vinicius Jr are becoming unmanageable for even the world's best coaches. Back in North London, the focus shifts to individual performances with some contrasting takes. Jacob argues that Ethan Nwaneri looked like a seasoned midfielder against Portsmouth and makes the case for him to keep his place for the upcoming Chelsea clash. Pete dives into the worrying data surrounding Viktor Gyökeres and questions if the club missed a massive marginal gain by not signing a striker who better fits the system. The boys also share their relief at the return of Kai Havertz and discuss how his presence instantly balances the attack. Additional topics include the struggles of summer signings Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke to find consistent output, the specific chemistry between Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, and a full preview of the lineup dilemmas facing Mikel Arteta for the League Cup semi final.

    50 min

  4. 3D AGO • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    ON THE WHISTLE | FA CUP | PORTSMOUTH (A) | MEMBERS

    Was that fun? It was. Pedro, Johnny, and Matt discuss a nice afternoon at Pompey. They discussed: ⚡ Martinelli: Bossing the "little" teams. 😰 Eze: Are we worried yet? 🎢 Madueke: A mixed bag of good and bad. 🔦 Ethan: Adding dimensions in the dark! 🛠️ Merino: The Super Utility King! 🧱 King Kai: Having a Gilberto moment.

    1h 5m

  5. 3D AGO

    LIVERPOOL (H) | ON THE WHISTLE | PASSIVE ARSENAL AND STRIKER ISSUES

    It’s Thursday night football in 2026, and Arsenal have played out a stalemate against Liverpool at the Emirates. The result takes us six points clear at the top of the Premier League, but the performance—specifically a "f*****g awful" second half—has left the boys with plenty to vent about. THIS PODCAST RELEASED THE NIGHT OF THE GAME - IF YOU WANT THEM EARLY, JOIN UP, MEMBERSHIP AT THE BOTTOM Pete is joined by Matt Kandela and Johnny Cochrane to try and make wine out of a very muddy pool of water. While the table looks healthy, the eye test was worrying. From a lack of courage to a forward line that looks like it’s playing with ten men, the lads do not hold back on a frustrating evening in North London. On the docket today: The Game of Two Halves: A decent, aggressive opening 45 minutes followed by a leggy, passive surrender of control in the second. Why did we let Liverpool turn this into a chess match? The Striker Crisis: The gloves are off regarding "Big Vik" Gyökeres. Matt and Johnny deliver a brutal assessment of the Swedish striker—is he a "statue," a "magnet for defenders," or just not up to the level? Plus, the dream of Julian Alvarez. Myles Lewis-Skelly: A tough cameo for the youngster against a rampant Frimpong. Is it time for a loan, or was he just hung out to dry? Captain Anonymous: Martin Ødegaard ghosted the big occasion. Zero shots, zero duels won, and no "arm-waving" to save us. Jurrien Timber Supremacy: The undisputed Man of the Match. Why he is the only player currently operating at an elite, "Adamantium" level. Perspective FC: We didn't lose, Liverpool had zero shots on target, and the chasers are miles off. Are we overreacting, or are the cracks starting to show? Grab a drink, take a breath, and let’s digest that one. Up the Arsenal. If you want this episode ADVERT FREE, get a membership below. You get bonus content, Discord access, and early access to live show tickets. NEWSLETTER + AUDIO: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ AUDIO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 2m

  6. 5D AGO

    THE ANSWER TO GYOKERES - NOT WHO YOU THINK!

    First Therapy Session of 2026? Much needed, I’d say. 😮‍💨🛋️ Jacob and Pedro get into a few trigger conversations that might test your nerves, but stay calm. Talking it through is good for the soul. On the couch this week: 🧠 Gyökeres losing the home crowd 🔥 Headloss fans. Is it merited? 🤦‍♂️ The Martinelli nonsense 🏆 Managing the Cup experience 🎯 Who takes over as the 9 in the short term It’s a big one. Get stuck in. Thanks for listening. ❤️🎧 If you want this episode ADVERT FREE, get a membership below. You get bonus content, Discord access, and early access to live show tickets. NEWSLETTER + AUDIO: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/ AUDIO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    53 min

  7. 5D AGO • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    THE ANSWER TO GYOKERES - NOT WHO YOU THINK! | AD FREE

    First Therapy Session of 2026? Much needed, I’d say. 😮‍💨🛋️ Jacob and Pedro get into a few trigger conversations that might test your nerves, but stay calm. Talking it through is good for the soul. On the couch this week: 🧠 Gyökeres losing the home crowd 🔥 Headloss fans. Is it merited? 🤦‍♂️ The Martinelli nonsense 🏆 Managing the Cup experience 🎯 Who takes over as the 9 in the short term It’s a big one. Get stuck in. Thanks for listening. ❤️🎧

    49 min

  8. 5D AGO • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    🔢 LIVERPOOL RATINGS

    Join Johnny for another edition of Johnny's Ratings as he breaks down Arsenal's intense but ultimately goalless draw against Liverpool at the Emirates. It wasn't the sparkling performance fans hoped for, but there's "texture to the numbers" in an episode that refuses to "polish a turd" but still finds the fun in the frustration. Johnny dives into the stats, the standouts, and the "ghosts" on the pitch, handing out ratings with his signature reckless abandon. From Jurrien Timber’s man-of-the-match display to a frontline that went missing, find out who earned their keep and who needs to wake up. In this episode: The Big Picture: Why a draw feels disappointing but leaves Arsenal six points clear at the top. The Stats: XG dominance (just barely) and a lack of clear-cut chances on both sides. The Defense: Raya's shaky moment, Saliba's slump, and why Timber is becoming undroppable. The Midfield: Zubimendi’s quiet brilliance vs. Odegaard’s disappearing act. The Attack: Gyokeres and Trossard struggle to fire, while Saka flashes brilliance before fading. The Subs: Noni Madueke offers a spark, while others fail to make an impact. Whether you're celebrating the clean sheet or fuming at the lack of goals, grab a Red Bull (no red wine tonight!) and tune in for the definitive post-match breakdown.

    34 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.6
out of 5
251 Ratings

About

An Arsenal opinion podcast. Recorded live, never edited. Hosts Pedro, Matt, and Johnny Cochrane bring you LIVE On The Whistle match analysis, transfer speculation, strategic insight, and all things Arsenal. Get bonus content on Patreon

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