The Thing About Arsenal

If you thought watching that game was nerve-wracking, try doing it AT West Ham. In the home end.

Lucy and Rory are almost (but fortunately not totally) speechless after one of the most dramatic games of Arsenal's season. 

We unpack it all: the VAR decision that saw Callum Wilson's equaliser ruled out, David Raya's extraordinary composure to save from Mateus Fernandes, and the equally extraordinary assist from Martin Ødegaard. But we're still trying to figure out why Declan Rice went to right-back...

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Even after reaching the actual Champions League final, people are still trying to bring us down. Unfortunately for the haters, they're going to have to sit this one out. We're going to celebrate, and keep on celebrating until we can't no more.

The three Ls of Laura, Lucy and Luke are here to reflect on a week that just got better and better. Plus, we look ahead to the weekend as Arsenal take the Mildmay Line across London to our noisy neighbours West Ham.

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ARSENAL ARE IN THE FINAL OF THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE! Laura and Jim dive out of the Emirates and get on the mics straight after full time to drink it all in.

From Viktor Gyökeres' heroic performance up top, to Bukayo Saka's goal, Ben White's redemption and Myles Lewis-Skelly's continuing midfield masterclass... there is A LOT to enjoy. Jim also explains how unique the pre-match atmosphere was and Laura cannot get over the chaos on the touchline. On a night like this, we're here for absolutely all of it.

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Ugh! Lyon 3-1 Arsenal. Laura and Rory are here to react to a frustrating afternoon in Lyon. Rory explains why Wendie Renard gave him the ick, and we rue Arsenal’s missed chance to show everyone how good we can be.

Elsewhere, we are further icked out by the thought of Beth Mead and Katie McCabe going to Man City. Plus, we explain why Arsenal need to take the title race to the last day of the season.

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Were we wrong to think that Arsenal weren't capable of a free-flowing performance anymore? Apparently so. Luke and Jim are here to further discuss our 3-0 win over Fulham at the weekend, Viktor Gyökeres' recent form and Myles Lewis-Skelly, who might have just saved us 80m quid in the summer.

Elsewhere, we start to get excited to play Atlético Madrid tomorrow night. Rumour has it there could be a very large tifo for us to enjoy.

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That's more like it! Jim and Rory gather after a very enjoyable - and strangely nostalgic - afternoon in N5. We once again take a moment to appreciate how important a fully fit Bukayo Saka is to this team.

Elsewhere, Rory gives plenty of credit to Mikel Arteta for starting Myles Lewis Skelly in midfield and Jim hopes this result will give us a big old confidence boost going into the final few games of the season. Plus, we share some enjoyable celebrity sightings at the Emirates.

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It’s Jim and Rory on the show, and they kick things off with their "Atlético Reflections” following an important week in the Champions League. Did Ben White know he was stepping on the Atlético badge? Does he even know what the badge looks like? Does the fact he didn’t step on the bear make a difference? We get into the nitty gritty of it all.

Elsewhere, we look ahead to Fulham at the weekend and once again bravely (naively) hope that this is the week our attack will click back into gear.

After last night's nonsense in the Champions League, it was time for some proper European football and some trademark Arsenal control. And we got it! For the first 45 minutes, at least...

Luke and Jonny react to a very valuable 1-1 draw away at Atlético Madrid, which – despite all the toilet roll everywhere – featured some really positive performances, not least Declan Rice and Viktor Gyökeres. The penalty decisions ain't even got us mad! But we still reserve some ire for Diego Simeone, don't you worry about that.

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What’s that in the air? Look closely… it’s just a hint of Arsenal in Champions League dreamland again. Today, Laura, Lucy and Rory are keeping their emotions in check despite being impressed with Arsenal’s hard fought victory over Lyon in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final.

Elsewhere, Manu Zinsberger makes us all cry after it was announced she would leave the club. Plus, we could be back in the title-race. We aren’t get excited yet but Lucy will be singing YNWA at the weekend.

Note: We recorded this befor...

Every fanbase says things aren't fair but hear us out...

Laura, Lucy and Luke reflect on the Newcastle victory, which left most of us confused and one of us fearing that Title Race 2.0 was already slipping away when Kai Havertz went down the tunnel.

Plus, should Eberechi Eze's goal count as a set piece? Is Declan Rice still auramaxxing? And what kind of hellish tie awaits us in Madrid against Diego Simeone's Atlético? Join us for all that and more!

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One-nil to the Arsenal. Good, bad, stressful but ultimately good. Laura and Jonny are here to react to a win at home to Newcastle.

We discuss Eberechi Eze’s unique talent, the importance of Kai Havertz to our title chances and the unprecedented stress we all feel watching the team this season.

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Anyone got a number for Marc Cucurella's barber? We've got some fake lineup news to share...

Laura and Rory cast their eyes over the opening weekend of Mikel Arteta's new season – and it's kicked off with the return of Bukayo Saka! We're excited, but also a little sceptical. Elsewhere, Laura explains why she's not sure Arsenal can switch their mindset so completely to start blowing teams away, while the listeners have a new plan in mind anyway. Why don't we just get the mascots to have a big old fight and decide the title that way? Jo...

Arsenal players have been out on international duty, with Alessia Russo now in her maverick era and Katie McCabe continuing to be Ireland’s hero. Laura and Rory are here to round up all the international goings-on!

We also hear from some listeners re: the squad rebuild needed at the end of this season (sorry, Stina). Plus, it’s finally time to look down the barrel at Arsenal’s brutal run-in: seven games in twenty days. Laura might need a Bovril to get through it.

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Luke, Jonny and Rory convene after a painful afternoon at the Etihad. But what's that? We're actually feeling good about it?! Jonny shares his reasons to be hopeful, including why Sunday might be the start of a brand new Mikel Arteta XI for the run-in.

Elsewhere, we relish that Gabriel and Erling Haaland battle for the ages, Rory proposes a new chess-based format to decide the league (you know what to do, Ez) and Emmanuel Eboué pops up because... why the hell not at a time like this? Join us!

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We once again turned up at the house of our bullies and were sent home without any dinner money. Laura and Jonny and here to unpack a painful afternoon at the Etihad.

We reflect on the absolute best and worst of Kai Havertz, which were both on display today. Plus, Jonny maintains some optimism ahead of the final five games of the season.

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Luke has some inspirational words for the Arsenal players before our titanic clash with Man City: become a statue. Not on the pitch ideally, please.

Luke, Jim and Rory have more words of wisdom ahead of the biggest game of the Premier League season. We discuss Mikel Arteta's fire - is that reassuring for the fanbase, or coming across as desperation? Is Jurrien Timber going to be back or is he being a tease? And... how the hell should Arsenal approach this game?! Join us for all that and much more.

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Arsenal looked for their mojo tonight, and although we didn't quite find it, at least we find a last four spot in the Champions League!

Laura and Jim get straight out of the Emirates to discuss a confusing night against Sporting which wiped some of the slate clean, while raising fresh concerns for Sunday against Man City...

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The big summer block is approaching and Arsenal currently have 11 players who could be out of contract. Today, Laura, Lucy and Rory are stepping into Renee Slegers' shoes to decide which players make it through to judges' houses and who gets sent packing to London City Lionesses.

Plus, we share our dream transfer targets and decide where to build Manu Zinsberger's commemorative bench.

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Today's title is a real quote from a Greek philosopher who was also an Arsenal fan, by the way. Title race in circa 56 BC.

Laura, Jim and Lucy gather to do the only logical thing at a time like this: talk about Samir Nasri's Deliveroo orders in 2022. They also discuss some game that happened on Saturday and another one that happened on Sunday involving two teams in blue kits, one of which caused Lucy to swear at a child.

Plus, we look ahead to Sporting and what it could mean for the biggest...

Sam's stranded on an island. Jonny's trying to give up cigarettes. And then Arsenal go and do that.

We process one of the lowest points of the season as the April slide continues. Jonny points out his worries from the moment the lineup was named, while Sam is baffled by just how much this team looks like it's going backwards under Mikel Arteta – summed up by Martín Zubimendi's nervous performance.

Join us for a much-needed conversation – and hit us up in the comments on Spotify or on YouTube, or get in touch with...

The Premier League is back! Laura, Jim and Luke look ahead to a tough challenge against Bournemouth and try to get their heads around the rampant injury rumour mill, not helped by Mikel Arteta's secret training pitch in a bunker somewhere in Colney. Reports unconfirmed on that. Source: Kuke Lempner.

Elsewhere, our feelings after reports that the club will hear offers for Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Do we need to drive a hard bargain on academy players, or cherish homegrown stars like them? We also reflect on the career of a true legend after Aaron...

Well, who cares if we were falling asleep halfway through the second half and we struggled to break Sporting down, WHAT a result that was!

Luke and Jim jump on after a classy Kai Havertz goal capped off what was a cagey but controlled performance. We recap another imperious David Raya showing, an impressive return from Martin Ødegaard and some tentative moments from a few others - but shake off those nerves, because we got the win!

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To all the fans who were seeking solace from the men's result on Saturday night with AWFC, welcome! And welcome to more of the same. Laura and Rory look back on a rollercoaster week that saw us go from triumph at Stamford Bridge to despair at Meadow Park, which sent us on some very long, very reflective walks.

We discuss what went wrong against Brighton as the domestic cups continue to elude us, while Rory is left wondering what Frida Maanum is actually doing at the moment. Elsewhere, there's a lot of love for a truly...

With the dust settled, Jim and Jonny reflect on the Southampton defeat without declaring our season a failure or selling half of the squad. But it is time for some tough home truths.

Jonny explains why Mikel Arteta must become more accountable to the fans, while Jim questions whether this Arsenal team is truly enjoying its football. Plus, we answer a selection of your questions, including the inevitable... is it REALLY happening again? The lads come armed with plenty of reasons for optimism!

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We knew those bloody balloons were a bad omen. Laura and Jonny react to Arsenal's chastening defeat at Southampton as we crash out of the FA Cup.

We discuss where it all went wrong, from the errors across the backline, to the general lack of urgency and reactivity in both the players and Mikel Arteta that is becoming a growing trend.

There's praise for Max Dowman – but also the startling realisation that he was by far Arsenal's best player. It's fair to say Laura and Jonny kept this one real, so come join us...

Arsenal are back in action! Luke, Jim and Sam are excited to watch our beautiful boys again as they take on Southampton in the FA Cup – even if we don't really know who's going to be fit.

They discuss the walking wounded from the international break – some potentially more than others – and the wider discourse around Arsenal's withdrawals. Plus, Saka's sauce is back and everyone's behaving totally normally about it, Andrey Arshavin goes viral, and we have our first somewhat legit kit leak! Luke and Sam are already feeling ways...

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A lovely time of year for hammering Spurs and for Alessia Russo to get her first Arsenal hat-trick. Plus, the Kim Little celebrations rumble on and Laura and Rory can’t get enough of it.

Elsewhere, Rory fills us in about tifo logistics (it’s no picnic) and both the Champions League and the FA Cup are looming.

P.S. Laura has a scorching hot Lauren James take.

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After plenty of love for our backline, it's time to absolute eviscerate the rest of the team. Joking, of course – Declan Rice and Martín Zubimendi come out of this pretty well.

Laura, Sam and Rory give their marks out of 10 for every single Arsenal midfielder and attacker, featuring praise for Rice's 'ratting around', a very frank conversation about Bukayo Saka, and the horrifying realisation that Laura's Gabriel Jesus bandwagon really has run out of road. Join us!

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It’s currently the international break for the men’s team, which is generally a good time to take stock of how things are going. Therefore, Luke, Jonny and Sam have gathered to submit their Arsenal player ratings for the season so far.

Today, we are starting with the goalkeepers and defence. So we’ve got some big questions to answer. E.g, how harsh should we be to Kepa? And, is Gabriel or William Saliba more worthy of a 10? Listen to find out.

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Lucy and Rory are here to break down Saturday’s 5-0 win, where Chloe Kelly was great and West Ham were dreadful. The important lesson: bring your own chocolate.

In other news, Renee Slegers is a record-breaker and the Champions League approaches! Despite the inevitable nerves, Rory tells Lucy why we should feel confident that we can beat Chelsea tonight.

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Luke, Lucy and Sam are back in the studio the afternoon after the afternoon before, for more thoughts and plenty of feelings about our Carabao Cup final defeat to Man City.

We chat about this team still lacking a killer instinct, the beauty of hindsight-informed alternative tactics and how there's still SO MUCH to play for this season!

Consider this episode the final dose of Cup Final Sadness Hour, then join Lucy and Rory tomorrow to preview a crucial week for the women's side!

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Disappointed? Us too. But a problem shared is a problem halved, so join Laura, Jim and Jonny as they reflect on that uninspiring cup final defeat.

Should Kepa have started in goal? What’s wrong with Bukayo Saka? We try to get to the bottom of it all. Plus, Laura explores what activities she can now do to avoid reliving this match.

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Birmingham City in 2011, playing the kids vs Chelsea in 2007 and that Sergio Aguero chip in 2018. We’ve had a lot of heartbreak in the League Cup final over the years but Laura, Jim and Jonny believe that is over and we are ready to make it our year!

Join us as we preview this weekend’s Carabao Cup final. Does Mikel Arteta know how to get the better of Pep? Will Kepa start in goal? How will this affect the run-in? We cover it all. 

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Laura and Jim get on the mics straight after an impressive win against Bayer Leverkusen that propels us into the quarter-finals of the Champions League, courtesy of some great performances from Viktor Gyökeres, Martín Zubimendi n’ co.

And for anyone annoyed at our style of play, have a look at those bangers from Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice… You’re welcome.

Think we're going to win the Champions League? Email show@thingaboutarsenal.com, tell us all about it.

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After three weeks without a game… we’re back! And we’re back winning. Laura and Rory chat about the result, the performance and the personnel - plus, are we learning more about Arsenal’s identity under Renée Slegers?

In other news, Mariona Caldentey and Leah Williamson play the kazoo and the guys reckon Subway has gone downhill. Not only the cup, but also the sandwiches.

Plus, is Alessia Russo somehow still underrated? We discuss that and look ahead to the first of many, many London derbies in the next couple of weeks.

We're not getting carried away but Saturday was one of the greatest moments we've ever had at the Emirates. Surely? Luke, Jim and Rory discuss where it ranks in our all-time list and just how significant it could be for the rest of our season.

Plus, Eberechi Eze season continues apace, Win the dog is spotted at last, and there's a bumper preview for Bayer Leverkusen – Luke explains why he is feeling VERY confident. Huddle around everyone!

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Jim charges back from the Emirates to join Jonny and react to what could be the defining moment of Arsenal's season. And all thanks to a 16-year-old from Chelmsford. Max Dowman, bloody hell.

Suffered as much incredible headloss as us? Email show@thingaboutarsenal.com, tell us all about it.

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Laura, Luke and Jim are here to affectionately moan about Arsenal and look ahead to a massive Saturday afternoon clash against Everton at some stadium called the Emirates. Is Bukayo Saka really injured, or is he hampered by the horseshoe of doom? Will Kai Havertz get the nod against Everton? And why is Rodri having a full-blown midlife crisis?

Plus, Luke has a troubling confession to make and Laura turns to the film 'Goal!' for advice. Said no one ever.

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A sticky game which, if we’re honest, Bayer Leverkusen deserved to win. But thanks to a very “Champions League” penalty decision it’s all square going back to the Emirates. It will do…

Today, Jim and Jonny reflect on Bukayo Saka’s poor performance and the value of having a deep squad after Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz's contributions off the bench. Plus, Luke shares his experience of watching the game at the BayArena in Leverkusen.

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Welcome to The Thing About Arsenal’s Big Bumper International Break Round-up. And it’s a full house! Laura, Lucy and Rory take a look at the fortunes of our players out on international duty at the World Cup qualifiers and the Asian Cup, while Rory scouts some potential new signings.

Elsewhere, we look ahead to major upcoming events including Mother’s Day and Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea. Plus, we decide which team are the One Direction of the WSL and Laura promises to make the Arsenal Women’s team on The Sims.

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