Mikel Arteta had to do something to breathe new life into Arsenal’s attack so we saw Trossard replace Martinelli on the wing.

The Gunners started brightly and after ten minutes the change paid off as Trossard delivered a perfect corner onto Gabriel’s head to give us the lead, but still no attacker on the scoresheet.

After that the game went a bit flat with Palace staying physical and Arsenal only getting a short time around the Palace keepers area.

After half an hour it was Palace laying on pressure and forcing a very loose pass out from Raya went straight to Lerma and suddenly Raya had to make a great save to stop the equalizer.

We than went straight down the other end, won a corner, and yet again Gabriel got on the end of it and suddenly we had doubled our lead.

England fans once blamed a Steven Gerrard misplaced pass at the Euros on the fact that he didn’t have a winter break... obviously. Today, Marcus, Jim and Vish discuss whether this new-look January schedule is finally the solution to Premier League burnout.

Elsewhere, what do Zinedine Zidane, Philippe Coutinho and Gareth Barry have in common? And we try to decide on one wildcard spot for the England squad in the summer! Theo Walcott, anyone?

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The Prem is back with a big ol’ relegation six-pointer! Marcus, Jim, Andy and Vish preview that and a whole lot more.

We wonder in what state Kevin De Bruyne will return to Premier League action against Newcastle, Phil Brown gets last one shot at management before he gets the Bargain Hunt gig, and there is a MAJOR headloss in the final round of Jack’s Encyclopaedia.

And, of course, to one of our long-time favourite characters in football: Sven, we’re wishing you well.

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In a twist that left Marcus’ aunt practically choking on her Victoria sponge, Liverpool turned the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on its head after going behind against Marco Silva’s men! But then Fulham do have a chance of winning the Euro Millions. So, you know, there is always that.

Marcus and Jim reflect on an intriguing encounter where Liverpool once again found a way to win thanks to the only person who’s more Scouse than then Scouse cat. Will they ever stop winning from a goal down? Plus, you’ll never believe the mega prize money for the Carabao Cup and you certainly WILL believe how Jose Mourinho’s Roma spent their evening.

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Football recently lost one of its greats. Today, Marcus, Jim, Andy and Vish remember Franz Beckenbauer – a player who reinvented his position and whose name has more significance than almost anyone else in the sport, though not without controversy.

Elsewhere, Marcus jinxes Middlesbrough after their historic win against Chelsea last night, before we ask the question on everyone's lips: why haven't Man United signed Jesse Lingard yet?! Jim then puts some well-deserved cake in Marcus’ face after Dominic Calvert-Lewin has his three-match suspension for getting sent off against Crystal Palace overturned. 

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That’s (almost) a wrap on the FA Cup third round! And we’re already looking forward to Liverpool playing Maidstone United on a plastic pitch at 12:30 in a few weeks’ time…

Marcus, Luke and Vish look back on some of the best bits from one of the best weekends in the football calendar. Jason Tindall pulling on Sunderland fans’ heartstrings? Darwin Nunez playing a fan’s head like a drum? And a Pascal Chimbonda update?! Yes please.

Plus, there’s the small matter of football’s true fairytale on FA Cup weekend: Jordan Henderson wants a return to the Premier League. Tune in for our reaction to all that and much more!

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Should FA Cup underdogs be allowed to choose whether they play at home or away? Marcus Speller thinks so. Today he, Luke and Jim discuss the one change they would each make to improve the world’s oldest cup competition.

Speaking of making improvements, Jim also makes the case for banning Sweet Caroline from football. Plus, we hear from a listener that once beat Jamie Redknapp at Table Tennis.

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It’s FA Cup third round weekend! And what a curtain-raiser it was last night on ITV4…

Marcus, Luke, Jim and Vish discuss Sunderland gaffes ahead of the derby, Arsenal moaning ahead of their clash with Liverpool, and why Paul Cook is definitely ready to spring a cupset!

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Wayne Rooney lasted longer than the cabbage. And at least he didn’t have one thrown at him like Steve Bruce.

Marcus, Luke, Andy and Vish discuss the exit of Luke Littler’s younger brother from Birmingham City and just why useful-FIFA-Committee-idiot-in-waiting Garry Cook appointed him in the first place.

We also ponder West Ham fans’ split on Davide Moyes and – in totally normal news – Gianluigi Buffon wants goals to be made bigger and the Argentina FA retire the men’s national team number 10 shirt. Is that… Diego Maradona with an air rifle?

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Festive football has almost drawn to a close and the highlight is most definitely Noni Madueke calling friend of the Ramble Jules Breach “bro”. Marcus, Andy, Jim and Vish react to that and share their displeasure that Liverpool vs Newcastle didn’t end 4-3. Just for old times’ sake.

Elsewhere, Marcus makes his case for why Arsenal need a Tom Cairney in midfield and Vish explains why he isn’t surprised a goalkeeper scored a worldie for Arbroath. Plus, we hear the new Roy Hodgson “let’s not take the piss here” extended cut!

**Please note that only UK listeners are eligible to enter our Toshiba competition!**

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Football’s great - but it’s not perfect. As a new year rolls around, we thought it was a perfect time to decide on some resolutions that football should definitely adopt. All of them. Even the ridiculous ones.

Marcus, Jim, Luke and Vish bring some idea of their own, from shot clocks and sartorial guidance to fundamentally destroying the fabric of the game. Plus, we sift through a boatload of suggestions from you lovely lot, which mainly focus on spanking and Gary Neville’s goalgasm.

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Martin Keown has urged Mikel Arteta to grant more freedom to Bukayo Saka on the pitch.

Saka, operating on the right side of Arsenal’s attack, has emerged as one of the team’s standout performers. However, his effectiveness has made him a marked player, with opponents taking special measures to neutralise his threat.

Facing increased attention and sometimes becoming predictable, Saka has encountered challenges in certain matches. Keown, having observed the Englishman’s struggles against specific opponents, recommends that Arteta allows him more freedom to enhance his influence on the pitch.

He writes in the Daily Mail:

“Currently, Arsenal’s full backs move into central areas, but there is also the option for them to get forward more regularly down the flanks. Saka could be given greater freedom to roam rather than remain fixed to the right. Perhaps Martin Odegaard could enter that space on the wing to pose extra problems.”

Mikel Arteta has shared his perspective on why he relishes matches against Liverpool as his Arsenal team prepares to face them this weekend.

Having played for Liverpool’s city rivals Everton for several seasons during his career, Arteta is well-acquainted with the intense rivalry between the red and blue sides of the city.

As the manager of Arsenal, he recognises that Liverpool stands as one of his team’s most significant rivals, emphasising the need to approach each encounter with seriousness and determination.

In their last visit to Anfield, Arsenal secured a 1-1 draw, establishing themselves as a formidable opponent for the Reds.

Ahead of their game this weekend, Arteta said, as quoted by the Daily Mail:

Arsenal is showing interest in a potential move for Amadou Onana and may consider approaching Everton for his signature in the current transfer window.

Despite Everton’s recent struggles, the midfielder has been one of the standout players in the Premier League and has remained loyal to the club.

Onana’s combative presence has been instrumental in Everton’s resurgence under Sean Dyche, catching the attention of Arsenal.

According to Team Talk, Mikel Arteta is impressed with Onana’s performances, and Arsenal is contemplating a move for the midfielder in the ongoing transfer window.

With Thomas Partey facing an extended absence from training, Arsenal is actively seeking a replacement for the Ghanaian, and Onana is being considered as a potential heir to Partey’s role at the Emirates.

Arsenal Women lost legend Jordan Nobbs when she signed for Aston Villa in the 2023 winter transfer window. Jordan’s reasoning at the time was to give her more playing time and a far greater opportunity of being selected for the Women’s World Cup 2023 Lionesses squad – which she achieved.

Arsenal Women then lost former Arsenal Academy player, defender Anna Patten, when she signed to Aston Villa in the 2023 summer transfer window, after Patten had been on loan to The Villans for more than one season.

We reported this week that the latest departure from Arsenal Women is full back Noelle Maritz who has now completed her transfer to Aston Villa Women, which has been confirmed today by Arsenal.

It is highly anticipated that Arsenal will announce the signing of USWNT full back, Emily Fox, within the coming days.

Aston Villa Women had a roaring season last year, finishing 5th in the WSL table behind the traditional Top 4. This season however, has been a totally different kettle of fish for Carla Ward’s Villans. They currently occupy 9th position in the WSL. After losing their first 5 games, more recent wins have seen them move out of the relegation zone but Ward was expected to be a busy manager in the January transfer window, to boost Villa’s chances of moving up the table.

The transfer window will not save Arsenal; only Mikel Arteta and his tactical decisions will. by Jack

Arsenal has lost three of its last five games, which is disappointing, but in games against West Ham and Fulham, Mikel Arteta, on paper, clearly fielded his strongest available lineups. On a good day, with Raya at goal, Saliba at defense, Rice and Havertz at midfield, and the attacking trio of Martinelli, Jesus, and Saka, plus the other players, Arsenal have the ability to demolish any side that comes up against them. Having said that, the Gunners have not been performing as expected in recent weeks.

Many Gooners are certain that signing a super striker will solve everything. However, Mikel Arteta, like any other top coach, is dealing with a team that has lost form and whose tactics have become predictable. There’s no assurance that replacing Gabriel Jesus with Ivan Toney will return Arsenal to their top form.

Mikel Arteta’s tactical plan may have to be reconsidered. He has a variety of tactical options. He can, for one, choose to revert to a 4-4-2 shape, which will protect his fullbacks, particularly the left back, who have been exposed. One of the front two, Havertz and Jesus, or Havertz and the new attacker, can play as a No. 10. That’s only one of several ideas Arteta might consider adapting.

We need to be realistic about the transfer window; there’s even a suggestion that this may be a quiet transfer window due to FFP restrictions.

No more excuses!

What in the world is this pathetic excuse for a season? The FA Cup? Seriously? Oh, great, a chance for some silverware, but it damn well better not be the only one. As an Arsenal fan, I’m not settling for anything less than winning a minimum of two trophies and being the runner-up in the third.

And don’t get me started on the absurd amount of money we’ve squandered on this so-called “group of players.” Saka, ESR, Nelson, Nketiah – we didn’t even have to cough up for them, and Martinelli came on the cheap. So, let me get this straight, we shell out big bucks, and the players we actually buy aren’t even good enough to start? What a colossal waste!

Arteta and Edu, the masterminds behind this disaster, handpicked these players, and now they’re responsible when things inevitably go south. The Kroenke’s should demand more than this pitiful excuse of a season. We should be aiming for the top, not just some measly FA Cup. If we drop out of that, and our league position takes a nosedive, Arteta and Edu should pack their bags and make way for someone who can actually win the league and the Champions League. No more room for experimentation – this is business, and it’s time to deliver trophies or hit the road.

Last Minute Arsenal v Liverpool Tickets – Buy Now!

I’m supposed to feel confident going into this FA cup game at home, but instead, I’m fearing a thrashing from Liverpool’s B team. Arteta, it’s time to step up or step out. The Kroenkes can’t afford to wait around – a couple of games and, if things don’t turn around, it’s goodbye. We need a manager who’s a proven winner, not some apprentice learning on the job. No more patting ourselves on the back for participation – it’s about serious results now, a relentless run of victories, or it’s time to clean house.

Oleksander Zinchenko missed Arsenal’s game against Fulham owing to a calf injury that Mikel Arteta could not clarify the severity of. After witnessing Jakub Kiwior struggle at left back against Fulham, and with Takehiro Tomiyasu joining the Japan national team ahead of the Asian games, Arsenal fans have been worried for the better part of this week that they may not have a recognized fullback when they play Liverpool this Saturday.

Throughout the week, there were numerous suggestions for how Arsenal should handle the matter. Many people did not want to see Kiwior play left back again; thus, some suggested recalling Kieran Tierney after his loan spell at Real Sociedad. There was also speculation about signing a left-back.

The good news is that, for the game against Liverpool, Mikel Arteta has hinted that Oleksander Zinchenko may be available for selection. He said of the Ukrainian international, as per Football London, “He’s progressing well. We have another training session tomorrow. We’ll evaluate if he’s ready to start the game. The rest, there is no news.”

It’s fantastic news that Zinchenko might be fit for selection against Liverpool. I hope he’s back to his best. Anyway, there has been discussion of Arsenal purchasing a top left back, and I believe that is a major move that should not be overlooked. Zinchenko hasn’t been very great at times, and competition may be the perfect way to motivate him to improve.

Darren N

The match between Arsenal and Liverpool is one that most football fans will want to watch this weekend in the round of 32 of the FA Cup.
Given that both teams will want to maintain their dignity as top clubs, the game is expected to be tight.

Liverpool will be without their star player, Mohammed Salah, but Jurgen Klopp has sent a warning to Arsenal, insinuating they should be worried as they are going to face a strong Liverpool team. The German coach wants to win the FA Cup, and he knows he has to beat Arsenal to do it.

“It is probably the most tricky draw you can get,” Klopp said at his pre-match press conference, as per the BBC. “It will be a tough one, but the game here was a good one, so let’s hope that we can show a good performance there as well.

“I don’t know if Arsenal is a game to rotate. I don’t know if we have 100% the opportunity to do it. It’s not as if we have the biggest squad available.

“We have players available, and we can line the team up 100%. A good team, and I think that is what we will do. If that looks then afterwards like rotation, then I don’t know that.

Should Arteta play Ramsdale or Raya to face Liverpool?

Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal squad will welcome Liverpool to The Emirates for the 3rd round of the FA Cup in what is set to be an action-packed game and a chance for our lads to go through to the next round. Arsenal holds the record for the most FA Cup won by one club and will be looking to continue this fine form this season and hopefully win our 15th trophy.

Arteta will no doubt make some changes and rotate his squad a bit as it’s a cup game and I’d expect the same type of thing for Jurgen Klopp, and with a chance to rotate and give the fringe players some minutes, all eyes will be on the team sheet to see who and who doesn’t start and for me, the biggest question is whether Arteta starts Aaron Ramsdale or David Raya for this cup clash.

Normally, I’d 100% expect Ramsdale to be starting cup games as he has all season and Arteta said he would, but because we were drawn against Liverpool, who have been in great form this season, currently sitting top of the table and look to be one of our main competition for the title, Arteta might decide to play what he thinks is his strongest squad and if the early part of the season is anything to go by, Raya is his ideal and first choice keeper.

Last Minute Arsenal v Liverpool Tickets – Buy Now!

For me, I think Ramsdale is more than capable of putting on a performance between the sticks, but with the 3-1 loss to West Ham in the Carabao Cup freshly in Arteta’s mind, I can see why he would put his trust in Raya against such a strong rival. Ramsdale last played against PSV in The Champions League, he had a very good game and made some incredible saves, looking a bit shaky and nervous at the start but really grew into the game in the second half.