Marcus needs consoling. Again. That’s because Fulham have been drawn against Liverpool in a two-legged semi-final. Oh no...

Luke joins Marcus to react to Liverpool dishing out yet another defeat to poor old David Moyes, who made history by becoming the first manager to try and play a Carabao Cup quarter-final via email. Plus, why Santa has been dragged into the middle of the Celtic-Rangers rivalry and bold predictions that Steve Cooper’s going to pop up in the Bournemouth end at the weekend. Probably topless.

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Gary Neville expressed his belief that David Raya was outstanding against Liverpool this evening and is emerging victorious in the debate over who the best goalkeeper at Arsenal is.

The Spaniard, who joined the Gunners in the summer, has been under scrutiny for much of the first half of the season due to some shaky performances. Despite expectations, Raya claimed the number one shirt from Aaron Ramsdale.

Ramsdale, known for his amiable personality, has made it a challenging task for Raya to convince fans that he is the right choice for the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta, however, has voiced his confidence in Raya, asserting that the Spaniard is the best goalkeeper at the club. Raya’s performance against Liverpool likely added weight to Arteta’s endorsement.

Neville thought he did very well and said on Sky Sports:

Jamie Carragher believes that Arsenal’s draw against Liverpool this evening was the ideal outcome for Manchester City. Both teams have outperformed the defending champions this season, and a victory for either side could have widened the gap between them and City.

With City not playing this weekend due to their commitments at the Club World Cup, they aim to secure a fourth consecutive Premier League title and need to stay in close contention with the top teams.

While City celebrates their status as world champions, they will be pleased with the weekend’s results as Liverpool, Arsenal, and Aston Villa all dropped two points each, keeping City within striking distance at the top of the table.

While on punditry duty for the Arsenal game, Carragher said via the BBC:

“At the moment, this is a fantastic result for Manchester City.”

In their visit to Liverpool this evening, Arsenal secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw, delivering a thrilling encounter at Anfield.

Traditionally, Mikel Arteta’s side has faced challenges at Anfield, often being overpowered. Still, this match provided them with another opportunity to demonstrate their status as one of the top clubs in the country.

Currently vying for the Premier League title, much like the previous season, the Gunners consider Liverpool their primary contender for the championship, at this moment in time.

Having dropped points against Manchester United in their recent home league game, Liverpool aimed to regain the top spot with a victory over Arsenal. Nevertheless, Arteta’s side presented a formidable challenge, proving resilient for the home team.

Ultimately, both teams shared the spoils after a competitive 90 minutes, and according to pundit Stephen Warnock, it was the right and deserved result.

Although an Arsenal victory against Liverpool at Anfield did not materialise today, there’s a prevailing feeling that the pendulum is swinging Arsenal’s way.d.

Under Mikel Arteta’s guidance, the Gunners navigated their way through one of the most formidable venues for any visiting side in their pursuit of maintaining their position at the summit of the Premier League table.

Recognising the Reds as their primary contenders for the Premier League title this season, the Gunners seem to be witnessing the emergence of a new rivalry between the two clubs.

The match unfolded as an intense, back-and-forth encounter, with Liverpool determined not to relinquish four points in two home games against both Manchester United and the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta’s squad initiated the game strongly, looking like potential champions and securing the opening goal.

This is the big one, the winner today will be league leaders at Christmas and in fact, a draw will be enough for Arsenal to stay top over the festive period and this is the team that Mikel Arteta has selected.

𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎

Saliba at the back
Rice in the middle
Jesus leads the line

Let's go, Gunners pic.twitter.com/3PIWqD80aY

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 23, 2023

When you look at Arsenal being at the top of the league standings, you have to admit they have had a good season thus far. There are several reasons why Arsenal has been stable and able to pick up results after results. One of the reasons for this is that they had a fantastic summer transfer business, such as bringing in Declan Rice and David Raya (who have both come in and played vital roles), which has seen them empowered enough to have a say in the title race.

Though that may be the strongest justification for why Arsenal has been able to compete this season, Trent Alexander Arnold believes the lessons learned from last season’s failed title bid have made the Gunners a better club; it has made them consistent.

“They are a young, exciting team who last year probably lacked experience winning, more than anything,” Trent said ahead of the Gunners’ visit to Anfield. “That’s quite similar to what we were in that season when we were nipped to it by City by one point. Those experiences teach you a lot. It teaches you how to win. They will be bringing that from last season, and it is showing in their consistency. They deserve to be near the top. So do we.

“They’re very consistent, and they are winning in a controlled manner. It is different to how we are winning a lot of games. A couple of our games have been last-minute, or down to ten men, winning in different ways.”

That being said, I hope that each time the Gunners play, they reflect on what they can do better to make this season a success. This was a season for redemption, and they needed to do everything they could to satisfy their fans’ yearning for league glory.

According to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, there’s one thing everyone needs to know about Arsenal, and that is that they are a better team than they were last season.

Different factors have made them this consistent and determined, but Klopp notes that Mikel Arteta’s brilliant summer activity has really improved Arsenal.

According to the German, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and David Raya have really been a big plus to what Arteta is trying to do at the Emirates.

Klopp made these claims ahead of his team clash with Arsenal, in a game that could decide who tops the league on Christmas day.

About Arsenal’s progression and the task at hand at Anfield on Saturday evening, Klopp said on Liverpoolfc.com: “We play a super-strong team, a team who played exceptional last season and coming back, are even better than last season.

Arsenal are headed to Anfield full of confidence that they can finally beat the Reds after years of trying and failing to get an away win over them. Even so, Mikel Arteta understands Liverpool will be dangerous, and he knows how, as he stated in his pre-game press conference.

Arsenal now leads the Premier League with 39 points, although they are only one point ahead of Liverpool. Having said that, it is apparent that this game will be difficult for both teams, with consequences that could cost either team the Premier League title.

Arsenal have not won at Anfield since 2012, not even last season when they were at their best. In April, after going two goals ahead at Anfield by the 28th minute (goals by Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus), Arsenal couldn’t keep their lead and conceded two goals, one before halftime and one in the 87th minute, to draw the game 2-2.

Reflecting on that game and anticipating the one on Saturday night, Arteta urges his squad not to allow Klopp’s side to make the runs, not to give them room to breathe in order to get momentum, and to be clinical in order to capitalise on any chance thrown their way.

“There are certain things that we didn’t manage very well,” said the Spanish coach via Football London about his team’s last trip to Anfield. “The way we allowed them to run, especially, that we need to correct and be much better at because when they have that momentum and space, they are a really dangerous team.

My predicted line up vs Liverpool

Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal squad will travel away to Liverpool tonight in what could be one of the biggest games of the year. On paper, its anyone’s game but Arsenal will be hoping that they can walk away with all three points.

Beating Liverpool at Anfield is no small task and the Arsenal lads will have to be at their very best. I expect a full-strength side from both teams, Liverpool played EFL football mid-week so, Arsenal has the advantage of extra rest, but after Liverpool drew to United last weekend, they’ll be looking to rectify that result. Here’s how I expect Arteta to line his squad up at Anfield.

In goal I expect David Raya, after a great performance against Brighton where he kept a clean sheet yet again, he will be looking to do the same thing. Keeping calm, concentrated and composed will be vital for Raya as one mistake and Liverpool will be looking to punish him.

In defence I expect a back four of White, Saliba, Gabriel and Zinchenko. Having all played last week against Brighton and kept a clean sheet, I think Arteta opts for his strongest back four available. Both full backs had really good games vs Brighton but Liverpool is a different task, with both Salah and Diaz to deal with, it will be a busy night for our full backs. Saliba and Gabriel obviously at centre back and hopefully they can continue their great form when partnered together.

Arsenal Women are now on their winter break, having opened their Christmas presents at London Colney yesterday in great festive spirit!

“I’m sorry Mum. I don’t normally do this before Christmas Day but I’m being forced to.”

Who’s ready for Colney Christmas?

(@leahcwilliamson isn’t) pic.twitter.com/JDfw8Pfmsa

— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) December 22, 2023

“Football was better in the good old days!” But was it really? Today, Marcus, Luke and Vish state the case for why football is actually better off with fewer Vinnie Jones type characters. I am sure Gazza agrees…

Marcus then plays the hits by reminiscing about the time a 35-year-old Gabriel Batistuta nearly signed for Fulham and shoehorning everyone's (no-one's) favourite British-Canadian tennis playing Greg into the show. And no, it’s not Greg Proops…

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Join us for a bumper Barclays preview! Marcus, Luke, Jim and Vish settle in to write some Tom Cairney fan fiction and wonder if Steve McClaren will tear his hair island out should Man United get punished by Jürgen n’ co.

Elsewhere, Stevey Cooper looks to save his skin Under The Lights™ and Chelsea vote to ban something they’ve been doing all season - very noble.

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After Newcastle’s chaotic loss against Milan, Pete comes down from off the ceiling to commiserate Andy, who saw his dreams of some paid Europa League work at St James’ go up in smoke.

Commiserations are also extended to fans of the Premier League’s UEFA coefficient and we catch up with results elsewhere, as the Champions League group stages rage against the dying of the light.

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Is Man United’s season over? Marcus, Jim and Vish debate that on today’s Ramble after their Champions League exit has left Vish yearning for the haunted boy himself, Ole Gunnar Solskjær. Things must be really bad…

Elsewhere, Jim explains why perhaps Arteta didn’t play the kids in their “big rubber” against PSV last night and we wonder whether Sevilla have a Europa League Black Card that will guarantee them a spot in the knockouts, despite finishing bottom of their group. Plus, we take a moment to reflect on the last-ever Champions League group stage!

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We see you, sitting there with that apple core in your hand, about to listen to this podcast. See that bin over there? Go for it. Be brave. Be like Michael Owen.

Marcus, Luke and Andy react to one of the weirdest things anyone has ever said this year, while Man United revert to their painful norm. Plus, Andy explains how Aston Villa went full-blown Emery on Arsenal, Marcus inspires Fulham to score more goals, and Whamaggedon descends upon Northampton Town! Oh, and we REALLY channel the spirit of Sean Bean. Join us, you b*****ds!

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After a week where you could watch every Premier League game live, do we actually have... access to too much football?

Today, Marcus, Luke, Andy and Pete are back for our (now weekly) Ramble Mailbag! On the show, the Ramblers are given the power to overturn one result from football history and Luke, nobly, decides to use his powers for good to overturn one of football’s great injustices. There's also a story about an 80-year-old Norwegian referee that has officiated over 5000 matches across two different sports... and is still going strong!

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We want to talk about the football. Marcus wants to talk about the fact that he watched Fulham on Wednesday with Stuart Broad and then convinced Roberto Martinez to take the England job at the urinals. Well, we’ve had one England manager resign from a toilet so why not…

Marcus, Andy, Luke and Pete discuss Steve Cooper’s last chance saloon at Wolves and a huge showdown at Villa Park! Pete also ponders on the logistics of ‘doing an Emi Martinez’, while Marcus has penned an ode to the great man. Emi, not Pete. Join us!

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Unlike Trent Alexander-Arnold, Pete and Andy keep their bums very much covered on tonight’s Ramble Reacts! But there’s no hiding Pete’s secret…

They discuss a hugely important win for Man United, Aston Villa’s masterclass to beat Man City, and why Evangelos Marinakis’s Craven Cottage ticket ended up in a hedge – and why ol’ Roy the Boy could be thrown in one soon, too!

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Arsenal went to Kenilworth Road and stole the points! Just like Aaron Ramsdale’s dad stole Arsenal’s Christmas decorations...

After a brilliant game of football Marcus, Jim, Vish and Andy are here to explain why chaos is the answer for Luton Town going forward.

They then all agree that chaos is definitely NOT the answer for Man United ahead of a potentially season-defining clash with Chelsea tonight and celebrate the FC Twente fan that successfully carried 64 beers back to his seat. Plus, is Chris Wilder the answer for Sheffield United? He knows the club, after all.

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