THE ARSENAL OPINION - BY LE GROVE

4d ago

Host Jacob Hawley is joined by actor and comedian Ed Kear for a debut appearance on the pod. The pair dissect a frustrating but vital win against Wolves, the strange feeling of being five points clear without fully clicking, and why this season feels different to previous title charges. In this episode: The Screen Smasher: Ed talks about the relief (and rage) of the Wolves win and why dropped points against Villa and Sunderland still haunt the fanbase. The Gyökeres Debate: Is it the player or the system? Ed argues that Arsenal aren’t exploiting Gyökeres’ attributes, while Jacob suggests the striker is suffering from “Main Man-itis” and a lack of confidence. Captaincy Call: A bold claim that the armband might be better suited to Declan Rice or Gabriel Magalhães to drive the team through the nervy moments. Odegaard’s Evolution: The boys discuss whether the captain is being too safe, if he should be moved back to an #8 role, or if he’s just suffering from a lack of “fantasy” in the final third. Everton Away: Why the upcoming trip to Goodison Park feels like a season definer, and the “vibes” based argument for starting Gabriel Jesus. Follow Ed Kear on social media and catch his live stand-up dates! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edkear/?hl=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 15

It wasn't pretty, but it was effective. The boys gather to break down a "nail-biter" against Wolves that saw Arsenal escape with a win and move five points clear at the top of the table. Despite a "destruction 11" lineup that failed to destroy, the panel discusses why winning ugly—even with two own goals—is the hallmark of champions. In this episode: The Ugly Win: Johnny labels the performance "full blown shit," but admits that finding a way to win when nothing is going right is a massive signal of intent for the title race. Jesus vs. Gyökeres: Pete declares Gabriel Jesus the "antidote" who brought Brazilian flair and energy to a stagnant attack, while the panel worries that "Big Vik" is running out of time and confidence. Super Subs: A look at how Arteta’s substitutions saved the day, with Trossard and Odegaard providing the quality and "game changer" energy needed to break the deadlock. Saka’s Ceiling: Matt asks if Saka is reaching "Hall of Fame" status, while Johnny compares him to Eden Hazard—a player who steps up to decide the biggest moments when the chips are down. The Eze Debate: Jacob defends Eze against claims of being anonymous, arguing the new signing needs time to adjust to Arteta's complex system, much like Declan Rice did. Arsenal newsletter: LE GROVE Exclsuive Audio: patreon.com/thearsenalopinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 10

Fresh from a cold open training session at London Colney, Simon Collings (The Standard) joins host Jacob Hawley for a new episode of The Dugout. The pair dissect the “gut punch” defeat at Villa Park, analyzing how the match descended into an “Unai Emery basketball game” and asking the big question: Can this team survive the winter without the aura of Gabriel and William Saliba? On the agenda: Defensive Frailties: Analyzing the makeshift backline and Hincapié’s adjustment to the Premier League. The Eze Debate: Is he struggling to adapt to the system, or does he just need time like Declan Rice did? Odegaard’s Role: Why Arsenal need the 15-goal version of their captain back. Squad Rotation: Looking ahead to Club Brugge—will Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly finally get minutes? The Striker Situation: Gyökeres’ fitness, the Jesus wildcard, and the Noni Madueke conundrum. Simon’s Hot Take: Why he is doubling down on his prediction that Arsenal will win the league by 10 points. We hope you loved this one! x IF YOU WANT THE ADVERT FREE VERSION OF THIS PLEASE SIGN UP HERE: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 8

All the boys are on for this one… and it was a horrible afternoon. We got into: 🎩 Odegaard’s performance 💣 Viktor’s disaster cameo 💀 The last-minute killer blow 🚨 Defensive chaos across the pitch 👊 Unai’s revenge tour rolling on Take a listen. IF YOU WANT THE ADVERT FREE VERSION OF THIS RIGHT AFTER THE GAME PLEASE SIGN UP HERE: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 5

It was a GLORIOUS no-drama kind of evening against Brentford which made for GOOD discussion. Pedro, Matt, and Johnny discussed: 🛡️ Best defence on the planet with another clean sheet 👑 KING MERINO OWNING THE 9 SHIRT 💀 Injury curse ramps up – Dekkers and Mosquera struck down 😬 Chelsea and Liverpool have shockers 🎩 Martin Odegaard and his OK return Enjoy the podcast, thanks for being a member! IF YOU WANT THE ADVERT FREE VERSION OF THIS RIGHT AFTER THE GAME PLEASE SIGN UP HERE: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 4

Pedro and Jacob dive into a nervy but valuable midweek win over Brentford, unpacking: 🔥 How Arsenal completely neutralised Brentford’s set-piece circus 💪 Merino’s outrageous form and whether he’s now undroppable 😬 Declan’s calf tweak, Mosquera’s knock, and the growing fitness crisis 🤕 Arteta’s rotation choices and the training-ground intensity debate 📉 Why Odegaard divides the fanbase despite strong numbers ⚡️ Noni Madueke: chaos merchant, future star, or finishing project? 🧱 Timber at centre-back and the state of the stand-in defence 🤝 Which attacker combinations actually work 📦 January loans: where should Berta strengthen? A lively, honest therapy session on a performance that gave us three points… and three new worries. Tap in and get your head straight for Villa away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 2

Rough afternoon at The Bridge, but a point gained. We discuss: 🔵 Caicedo madness 🤕 Arteta making the same fitness mistakes 😬 Madueke getting overawed 🥶 Myles having another poor game 🐺 MERINO DOING BIG DOG THINGS 🟥 Arsenal letting Chelsea off 10 men Enjoy the listen! x ____________________________ 🎧 IF YOU WANT THIS CONTENT AD FREE AND ALL THE BONUS THINGS LIKE NICE WRITING, EXTRA CONTENT, AND A VERY GOOD DISCORD, PICK YOUR OPTION BELOW: WRITING + AUDIO + VIDEO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion AUDIO + VIDEO: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/8c0cfff5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 28

Jacob Hawley is back in the Dugout with Telegraph football reporter Sam Dean to break down one of the biggest weeks in the Arteta era. Fresh off dismantling Spurs and putting Bayern Munich in a chokehold at the Emirates, the lads get stuck into the big question: is this the best-coached team in Europe? We talk through: 🔥 Bayern Demolition: Why Arsenal’s set-piece storm, tactical adaptability, and elite squad depth left Bayern scrambling. 🎯 Eze and Martinelli Link-Up: Two massive games, two massive moments… the new double act delivering on the biggest stages. 🏋️ Declan Rice Masterclass: Is Rice the most influential player in Europe right now? 🔁 The Number Nine Debate: Sam Dean drops a scorching take on Jesus, Mourinho, and whether Arsenal really need a new striker. 👶 The Kids Are Fine: Miles Lewis-Skelly and Mosquera at Champions League level. The future is silly. 📈 The Arteta Evolution: A squad that can beat you any way it wants, with elite depth and total tactical control. Plus all the usual chaos, jokes, therapy, and the best Arsenal chat you will hear this week. ____________________________ 🎧 IF YOU WANT THIS CONTENT AD FREE AND ALL THE BONUS THINGS LIKE NICE WRITING, EXTRA CONTENT, AND A VERY GOOD DISCORD, PICK YOUR OPTION BELOW: WRITING + AUDIO + VIDEO: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion AUDIO + VIDEO: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/8c0cfff5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices