An Arsenal opinion podcast. Recorded live, never edited.
Hosts Pedro, Matt, and Johnny Cochrane bring you LIVE On The Whistle match analysis, transfer speculati...
Myles Lewis-Skelly takes over Europe, Saka sets sights on Madrid, and Arsenal hit 143k subs!
🎙️ Featuring: @iJohnnyCochrane & @LeGrove
The international break is usually the graveyard shift for football chat… but not this week. We’ve got unexpected debuts, tactical fireworks, and a new England darling to fawn over. Pete and Johnny crack into a surprisingly juicy pod with a mix of hot takes, serious chat, and a massive shout to the AOP community.
🎖️ We kick things off celebrating a massive milestone — our silver YouTube trophy finally arrived (after three weeks marinating in the back of Pete’s car). We’ve officially passed 100k subscribers — actually 143k, if we’re bragging — and Johnny demands we make a big fuss. So we did.
🔥 Then it’s onto the Hottest of Takes:
Johnny puts all his faith in one man to take us to glory against Real Madrid: Bukayo Saka.
Pete counters with some emotional vindication after Myles Lewis-Skelly makes his England debut, bags a goal, and leaves rival fanbases in a puddle of tears. He’s not just good. He’s the guy.
🧠 We go deep on the tactical side too. Tuchel vs. Southgate. MLS as an inverted left-back / double six hybrid. Is Arteta cooking something special or getting a little too cautious? Are we really practicing transition football mid-season for a Madrid showdown?
👀 Then we dive into the cultural conversation. Johnny lays out why MLS's rise matters beyond football. Confidence. Swagger. Representation. The tired old tropes from media dinosaurs need to be put in the bin. We're not letting our next superstar be defined by clickbait narratives.
👶 We touch on Ethan Nwaneri’s usage — or lack thereof — and whether Arteta should lean into the youth revolution more. Plus a warning: let’s not Wilshere these kids. Manage the minutes. Build them slowly.
😩 There’s also some bad news: Calafiori picks up another knock with Italy. Pete rants about the signing, the injuries, and whether £40m on another centre-back was ever a good idea when he’s not even playing in his best position.
⚖️ And finally, we tie it all together with a few spicy debates:
Can defence really win you titles in 2025?
Have we learned how to manage egos and character in the modern game?
And why is it that Arsenal fans always seem to be the first to get lectured when our boys show a little sauce?
📍All this and loads more in a surprisingly banging international break edition.
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56:12
BIGGEST OF BIG ARSENAL TRANSFER RUMOR EXPLORED
🎙️ The Arsenal Opinion Podcast is back with Matt Kandela, Jacob Hawley, and Pete diving into an international break full of drama, transfer gossip, and what could have been in the title race.
🔴 Key Topics:
🔥 Vibe Check – The mood after recent Arsenal performances and what’s next.
🎯 Isak to Arsenal? – Are we finally getting our marquee striker? Why Newcastle might be forced to sell and why Isak is the perfect fit for Arteta’s Arsenal.
📉 Liverpool’s Form Slump – Did Arsenal drop out of the race too soon? Regrets over the West Ham & Man United results.
⚡ Miles Lewis-Skelly Debate – Why the backlash against the young star is ridiculous and how he's already showing captain potential.
🍹 The Ultimate Hangover Cure – A tangent into the science (or lack thereof) behind the best way to drink without regret.
💬 Get involved in the conversation and let us know what you think about Arsenal’s summer plans!
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1:01:53
WHAT SHOULD ARTETA CHANGE?
This episode is one of our international break specials where Matt and I settle in for a High T(ESTOSTERONE) Tuesday and tackle the biggest questions from our members! We discuss:
🔥 Big Gabriel’s future – Is Saudi sniffing around again? Would Arsenal actually sell him?
🔥 Midfield shakeup – If Zubimendi arrives, do we need more creativity?
🔥 Nico Williams vs. Martinelli – Why do we think Nico will thrive at Arsenal when Martinelli could shine in Spain?
🔥 Mind games on international duty – Who's putting the work in ahead of the Champions League?
🔥 Arteta’s evolution – Should he change his approach, or is squad depth the only answer?
Remember…
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1:04:26
🧠 THERAPY SESH: MADRID, THE PERFECT TIE?
The Arsenal Opinion Podcast is back with your weekly dose of Therapy 🧠
🔴 Arsenal smash PSV 9-3 to set up a huge Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid.
⚖️ Is it the perfect stylistic matchup for Arteta’s side?
🧐 Can Arsenal’s elite defense hold firm against Madrid’s attacking firepower?
💭 What’s the best XI to take on Vinicius Jr. & co.?
🔥 Saka at False 9? Martinelli central? Who makes the cut for the biggest game of the season?
Join Matt Kandela, Jacob Hawley, and Pete as they break it all down with their spiciest takes yet! 🌶️
📩 Get more Arsenal in your inbox: https://www.le-grove.co.uk/
💰 Support the pod & get exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArsenalOpinion
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1:08:49
SPORTING DIRECTOR LINK: PERFECT FIT? OR CLASH OF RELIGION?
Good morning, AOP listeners! It’s time for your weekly dose of Arsenal therapy, and this one comes with a side of Champions League hopium! We’re joined by Pedro, Jacob Hawley and Matt Kandela, and we’re breaking down all the latest from North London, including Arsenal’s 7-goal thrashing and what’s next in the UCL.
🔥 Key Topics This Episode:
⚽ Champions League Madness – Can we actually go all the way? Or is this a glorious fever dream?
🏆 Momentum in the Premier League – Why that PSV performance could be the boost we need to secure second place.
🔎 West Ham Meltdown – Was it just a blip, or did something deeper happen?
💭 Martin Ødegaard Captaincy Debate – Is he too emotional to lead, or is he the perfect fit?
🔄 Striker Talk – The missing piece: Do Arsenal need a ruthless finisher?
💰 Sporting Director Watch – Is Andrea Berta the right guy to take Arsenal forward?
🤝 Gabriel Martinelli’s Future – Would you sell for £37M to Barcelona or wait for a bigger offer?
🎧 Listen to the full episode now and make sure to support us on Patreon for bonus content, extended discussions, and behind-the-scenes insights! JOIN US HERE!
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🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe – and let us know your thoughts on Twitter @LeGrove!
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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