Arsenal Opinion

Get the hottest Arsenal opinion from fans who care about the club as much as you do

5 worst Arsenal injuries

Thankfully, Arsenal haven't suffered a really bad injury in a while, but there was a time when we couldn't escape them.

Arsene Wenger’s 5 most dubious free Arsenal transfers

It’s hard to complain when you receive something for free but it would be difficult to criticise anyone for thinking that these free Arsenal transfers were still a waste of money.
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 18: Gabriel Martinelli during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Arsenal FC at Brentford Community Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

25 clubs wanted Martinelli who ‘didn’t think twice’ about joining Arsenal

Gabriel Martinelli is currently valued at around £36m, although you would need a lot more than that to get the club to sell him as he gets close to signing a new deal but how did Arsenal sign him when so many others wanted him?
LEEDS, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 18: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal celebrates after scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Arsenal at Elland Road on December 18, 2021 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Gabriel Martinelli explains why Manchester United turned him down

Not long after he signed for Arsenal, Gabriel Martinelli revealed that he used to train regularly with Manchester United, so why didn't he sign for them?
Arsenal's French midfielder Matteo Guendouzi waves to the crowd at the end of the English Premier League football match between Leicester City and Arsenal at King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on November 9, 2019. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)

What really happened between Mikel Arteta and Matteo Guendouzi?

When Mikel Arteta arrived at Arsenal, Matteo Guendouzi was valued at £45m and was a regular first team starter, but a handful of games later, he was out of the squad altogether, so what happened between Mikel Arteta and Matteo Guendouzi?
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21: Match Referee Mike Dean shows the Yellow card during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Arsenal FC at Bramall Lane on October 21, 2019 in Sheffield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Arsenal yellow card betting investigation: What happened?

In January, it was revealed that the FA were looking in to betting around a card shown to an Arsenal player, but after much suspicion was thrown around, what do we actually know and why did the story vanish?
Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta reacts during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Brighton and Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium in London on April 9, 2022. - Brighton won the match 2-1. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Why it’s time for Arsenal to ditch Lacazette for Nketiah

If you didn't know it already, following last Monday's rather painful experience at Selhurst Park, Saturday's home defeat to Brighton, told us rather emphatically, that nothing can be taken for granted as we head towards the end of this Premier League season.
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 11: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal reacts after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on December 11, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s Supermen: What makes an Arsenal hero?

Thursday, 31 March saw the 21st anniversary of the passing of one the Arsenal's favourite sons, David Rocastle. It seems incomprehensible to me now...
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal takes on Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on March 16, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Gabriel Martinelli provides reasons for Arsenal fans to believe

I'm not sure if it's a sense of my own, or indeed Arsenal's new found, hard won maturity, but I went to bed following our 2-0 reverse at home to Liverpool feeling fairly philosophical.
Arsenal's French striker Alexandre Lacazette (C) celebrates with Arsenal's English goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale (L) and Arsenal's English striker Eddie Nketiah (R) on the final whistle in the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 24, 2022. - Arsenal won the game 2-1. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal fans start to care about football again

Football is a game of emotions more than anything else, as Paul Williams ponders this week.
Brentford v Arsenal - Premier League - Brentford Community Stadium Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reacts after the final whistle during the Premier League match at the Brentford Community Stadium, London. Picture date: Friday August 13, 2021.

Why are Arsenal fans split over their manager? The Arteta Dichotomy

In a long-overdue return to writing, Paul Williams ponders the difference between Arsenal fans in the stadium and those online who seem to have very different views on what Mikel Arteta is doing at Arsenal.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 07: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Leicester City at Emirates Stadium on July 07, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

1, 9, 14: What Arsenal players will change shirt number?

With more players set to depart Arsenal in the summer, there will be a few first team squad numbers up for grabs, so who could change?
Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in Arsenal away shirt 2021-22

All 9 victims of Arsenal’s captains’ curse

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was stripped of the captaincy at Arsenal just weeks before his contract was terminated as he became the latest to fall victim to the demon armband.
Togo's national football team Togolese forward Emmanuel Adebayor smiles during a training session on January 18, 2017 in Bitam during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations football tournament in Gabon.

Emmanuel Adebayor hates Arsenal as he tweaks his own narrative

Emmanuel Adebayor has been ranting again while three Arsenal loanees are doing things to make people take notice
Arsenal training kit, via Arsenal

Why Arsenal women’s kit gaffe should leave them red-faced

When Arsenal released their latest training kit, they once again excluded female fans and the women's team and, as Helen Trantum explains, this is far from an isolated incident...
12th May 1925: The French women's football team, complete with berets, line up before the England vs France Women's International Football match in aid of shipwrecked mariners at Herne Hill in London. England is represented by Dick Kerr's team From Preston. (Photo by MacGregor/Topical Press Agency/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Why men are ‘better’ at football than women

The outliers theory translates across gender lines and helps explain why women’s football still struggles. That, and the FA banning the game for 50 years.
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 07: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal scores their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Watford at Emirates Stadium on November 07, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Episode 313: How Arsenal turned a 4-0 v Watford into a 1-0

On this week's podcast, Matthew is joined by Paul (and Anita, briefly) to look back at Arsenal turning what should have been a 4-0 win over Watford into a narrow 1-0, and give some love to Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Benjamin White and (as per usual) Emile Smith Rowe.
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal acknowledges the fans after his sides victory in the Premier League match between Leicester City and Arsenal at The King Power Stadium on October 30, 2021 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Episode 312: Behind Tottenham enemy lines as Aaron Ramsdale rises

Matthew is joined by Helen and Paul this week to look back on an excellent victory at the King Power, and wax lyrical about the rise of Aaron Ramsdale.
Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League - Emirates Stadium Tottenham Hotspur s Harry Kane left and Son Heung-min appear dejected during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Picture date: Sunday September 26, 2021. Copyright: Nick Potts

Harry Kane booed as he turns into Alexis Sanchez

Amid the hilarity of Harry Kane's performance against Arsenal and his complete no-show this season, it occurred to me that Manchester City have, yet again, disturbed a rival player to the point of crippling him.
Bernd Leno of Arsenal in action during Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium in London - 23rd April 2021 Arsenal v Everton, Premier League, Football, The Emirates Stadium, London, UK - 23 Apr 2021 Photo by Holly Allison/TPI/Shutterstock

Is Bernd Leno paying for being signed by Unai Emery?

Aaron Ramsdale looks more and more likely to retain the Arsenal number one shirt after just a few games this season for Bernd Leno, but is the German paying for being signed by Unai Emery?
Burnley v Arsenal. Referee Anthony Taylor awards a penalty against Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal which is later overturned photo by Daniel Chesterton Burnley UK Copyright: Daniel Chesterton

Mail on Sunday moan about ‘extraordinary’ Arsenal VAR call vs Burnley

The Mail on Sunday thinks Burnley's penalty against Arsenal should have stood because the referee didn't make a 'clear and obvious' error.
Brighton and Hove Albion v Arsenal - Premier League - AMEX Stadium Arsenal s Alexandre Lacazette Copyright: Markx Pain

Alexandre Lacazette at Arsenal: Success or failure?

As I was doing some reading this week, I saw an article that claimed, "Lacazette has failed to impress during his time at the Emirates Stadium," and I thought to myself, has he really?
Mikel Arteta Arsenal head coach at the EPL match Arsenal v Norwich City, at the Emirates Stadium, London, UK on 11th September, 2021.

Mikel Arteta’s comments reveal more than he intends

Mikel Arteta says he sometimes feels like hitting himself when things don't go well but his comments may have revealed a little more than he intended.
Beth Mead and the Arsenal team celebrate after scoring during the Barclays FA Women's Super League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, London on Sunday 5th September 2021. Copyright: MI News

Episode 305: Arsenal’s Wonder Women and more window gazing

This week, Matthew is joined by Paul to enjoy Arsenal Women's 3-2 win against title rivals Chelsea, and to asses the men's team transfer window.
Takehiro Tomiyasu with Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal on Twitter)

Episode 304: Assessing Arsenal’s transfer window

This week Matthew is joined by Stephen to lament another limp performance against Man City, get quietly excited about yet another signing and what he can bring to the club in terms of balance and bite, while also struggling with office metaphors talking about Willian's surprising painless departure.
Brentford v Arsenal - Premier League - Brentford Community Stadium Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reacts after the final whistle during the Premier League match at the Brentford Community Stadium, London. Picture date: Friday August 13, 2021.

Can Mikel Arteta fix Arsenal?

Mikel Arteta said that he needed to question himself after Arsenal's latest defeat, but that's something he should have been doing a long time ago.
Henry Winter

Times football chief: I’ve written tweets for England players

Henry Winter has admitted that, despite being the chief football writer for The Times, he has written tweets for England players - and he's not the only one.
martin odegaard

Episode 303: Help us Martin Odegaard, you’re our only hope

Help us Martin Odegaard, you're our only hope: This week, we try to see what lessons can be learned from Chelsea, where our signings fit and ask is Mari the new Cygan?
Aaron Ramsdale

Abusing Aaron Ramsdale won’t make him better but it does make you worse

Aaron Ramsdale was announced on Friday night to little fanfare from Arsenal or their fans.
Martin Odegaard after signing for Arsenal on a permanent deal (Photo via Arsenal.com)

Spanish media turn on Martin Odegaard for leaving Real Madrid

Martin Odegaard is receiving the same treatment from the Real Madrid-friendly press in Spain as Mesut Ozil did when he left the club for Arsenal.
Brentford v Arsenal Premier League Arsenal s Bukayo Saka shows dejection as they concede their second goal during the Premier League match at the Brentford Community Stadium, Brentford Copyright: Daniel Hambury

Episode 302: Arsenal’s Bee sting shows contrasting clarity of purpose

This week, Matthew is joined by Paul and Brentford fan and host of the Sustainababble podcast (@thebabblewagon) Dave Powell (@powellds) to run the rule over any remaining Arsenal pre-season optimism evaporating on day one.
kroenke out sack the board

Arsenal’s squad value plummets below Tottenham’s and beneath Leicester

The value of Arsenal's squad has plummeted, dropping them below Leicester and some £200m away from Spurs in what is a damming indictment of how the club has been run.
Brentford v Arsenal - Premier League - Brentford Community Stadium Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reacts after the final whistle during the Premier League match at the Brentford Community Stadium, London. Picture date: Friday August 13, 2021.

When will Mikel Arteta’s process make things better?

Mikel Arteta went into this season knowing his job was nowhere near as secure as he would like it to be and with fans back in the stadium, his process needs to start delivering very soon.

Emi Martinez and his massive Arsenal chip

Few things drone on more than a man with a chip on his shoulder and that's exactly what Emi Martinez seems to be despite how well it's been going for him.
The Dream Factory: Inside the Make-or-Break World of Football's Academies

Episode 300 Pt 2: Exclusive Interview with Ryan Baldi about the English Football Academy...

As a special extra to celebrate 300 episodes, an exclusive interview with football writer Ryan Baldi (@RyanBaldiFW) about what he learnt researching his new book ' The Dream Factory: Inside the Make-or-Break World of Football’s Academies'.
300

Episode 300 Pt 1: Causes for optimism, Arsenal squad needs and requirements

Celebrate 300 episodes as we look back at the contrasting fortunes of the men's and women's teams against Chelsea, what we can learn from both and where £50m man Ben White fits in.

Why Arsenal fans should be excited about Ben White and sad about Saliba

Arsenal announced Ben White on Friday and we explain what Arsenal be getting for their £50m and why Arsenal fans should be very excited indeed.
Ben White (via Arsenal)

How Ben White can help get Arsenal back to the Champions League

Ben White is now an Arsenal player after signing a five year deal as Mikel Arteta seeks to bolster his squad ahead of next season, but what will he add to the team for the £50m outlay?
Albert Sambi Lokonga via Arsenal

Episode 299: What’s in a number? Smith Rowe, Sambi Lokonga & more

Stephen is joined by Anita this week to discuss the signing of Albert Sambi Lokonga, Emile Smith Rowe's contract extension and why giving him the number 10 shirt is such a big deal.
Herbert Chapman

Why doesn’t Herbert Chapman get talked about like Busby and Shankly?

Herbert Chapman is an Arsenal legend, but shouldn't he be a footballing one all fans know?