Old Git Gooners Podcast #16

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Former Gooner Editor Kevin Whitcher is joined by David Oudot, Andreas Kokkinos, and Frank Whitcher to reflect on a difficult period for Arsenal, beginning with memories of Alex Manninger. Recorded: 16th April 2026.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

Alex Manninger – memories of the former Arsenal goalkeeper after the news of his tragic death

Bournemouth defeat analysis - mental fatigue and physical exhaustion exposed

Root causes of poor form - teams now know how to play against Arsenal

Tactical solutions proposed - reverting to aggressive style or back 5 formation

Set piece decline - effectiveness dropped from corner routines significantly

Rice captaincy change - player vote decided he wears the armband in Odegaard's absence

Manchester City preview - first 15-20 minutes crucial to avoid early deficit

Champions League semi-final vs Atletico Madrid - bookmakers favour Arsenal strongly

Max Dowman debate - 16-year-old too risky to start against City's intensity?

Squad rotation failures - minimal changes all season causing exhaustion

Creativity crisis - lack of attacking spark becoming barrier to winning

External noise affecting players despite Arteta's protective efforts

Tottenham relegation watch - lack of fight in recent performances

HOSTS & GUESTS

- Kevin Whitcher - Former Gooner Editor

- David Oudot

- Andreas Kokkinos

- Frank Whitcher

LINKS & RESOURCES

Latest Book Release

Arsenal On The Edge: The dramatic story of the 2024/25 season

Co-written by Kevin Whitcher and Alex Fynn

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arsenal-Edge-dramatic-story-season/dp/1785909967

Subscribe to Arsenal Musings

Get Kevin Whitcher's post-match thoughts and Arsenal articles delivered to your inbox:

https://arsenalmusings.substack.com/

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Part of the Old Git Gooners Podcast series - bringing you passionate, knowledgeable Arsenal discussion

Old Git Gooners Podcast #15

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Former Gooner Editor Kevin Whitcher is joined by Charlie Ashmore, Tony Porter, and Martin Ling to dissect the Carabao Cup final defeat and look ahead to crucial fixtures across three competitions.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

Carabao Cup Final Analysis

- Pep's defensive tactics exposed Arsenal's vulnerabilities

- Kepa's critical error and the team's composure collapse after his booking

- Ødegaard and Merino absences underestimated in the cup final

- City's stationary defensive line blocking passing lanes

- Will other teams replicate Guardiola's tactical approach?

FA Cup & Squad Rotation

- FA Cup quarter-final at Southampton: facing a tough Championship form side away

- Squad rotation plans with Kepa's FA Cup redemption opportunity

Injury & Fixture Management

- Injury concerns: who will be fit for Lisbon?

- Fixture congestion with potential treble of competitions

- Man City clash on April 19th as potential title decider

Champions League Campaign

- Sporting Lisbon Champions League tie: confidence vs complacency warning

- European opponents playing more openly suits Arsenal's style

Summer Transfer Planning

- Squad decisions: keep or sell verdicts

HOSTS & GUESTS

- Kevin Whitcher - Former Gooner Editor

- Charlie Ashmore

- Tony Porter

- Martin Ling

LINKS & RESOURCES

Current Book Release

Arsenal On The Edge: The dramatic story of the 2024/25 season

Co-written by Kevin Whitcher and Alex Fynn

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arsenal-Edge-dramatic-story-season/dp/1785909967

Martin Ling's Music

Listen to the legendary indie band Serious Drinking featuring Martin Ling

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2vj82PkypmZSvedxc5G17Z

Subscribe to Arsenal Musings

Get Kevin Whitcher's post-match thoughts and Arsenal articles delivered to your inbox:

https://arsenalmusings.substack.com/

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Part of the Old Git Gooners Podcast series - bringing you passionate, knowledgeable Arsenal discussion

Old Git Gooners Podcast #14

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Former Gooner Editor Kevin Whitcher is joined by Simon Hill, Steve Killick, and Alex Croft for a wide-ranging discussion covering recent matches, emerging talent, squad concerns, and Arsenal's financial landscape.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

Recent Match Analysis

- Nerves at the conclusion of the Everton game

- Reflections on the Bayer Leverkusen tie

Player Form & Squad Management

- Max Dowman's impact on the team

- Saka's fatigue concerns

- Ben White's current situation

- Does Myles Lewis-Skelly have a future at Arsenal?

Tactical & Strategic Discussion

- The change in throw-in policy and its implications

- Odegaard vs Eze: comparative analysis

Financial & Transfer Matters

- Arsenal's financials and the Kroenkes' cash injection

- Will the club have the funds in this summer's transfer window?

- Who is likely to be sold?

Looking Ahead

- Preview: Sporting Lisbon fixture

- Looking ahead to the Carabao Cup Final

- Who will Arteta play in goal at Wembley?

Off-Field Issues

- The political reality of the 115 charges

HOSTS & GUESTS

- Kevin Whitcher - Former Gooner Editor

- Simon Hill

- Steve Killick

- Alex Croft

LINKS & RESOURCES

Current Book Release

Arsenal On The Edge: The dramatic story of the 2024/25 season

Co-written by Kevin Whitcher and Alex Fynn

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arsenal-Edge-dramatic-story-season/dp/1785909967

Subscribe to Arsenal Musings

Get Kevin Whitcher's post-match thoughts and Arsenal articles delivered to your inbox:

https://arsenalmusings.substack.com/

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Part of the Old Git Gooners Podcast series - bringing you passionate, knowledgeable Arsenal discussion

Old Git Gooners Podcast #13

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Former Gooner Editor Kevin Whitcher is joined by Phil Wall, Marc Ollington, and Peter Le Beau for a comprehensive discussion on Arsenal's title push, squad management challenges, and some intriguing speculation about Tottenham's predicament. Recorded March 6th 2026.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

Match Analysis & Title Race

- Brighton match analysis: grinding out a crucial 1-0 win maintains the lead

- Title race outlook with cautious optimism

- Manchester City's recent struggles and dropped points

Attack & Player Form

- Forward line spark missing: mental fatigue affecting the attack

- Gabriel Jesus's inconsistent Arsenal record compared to his Manchester City form

Squad Management & Fitness

- Injury management challenges with 20 potential games remaining

- Rice and Zubimendi showing signs of exhaustion

- Havertz's cautious return and minute management strategy

- Left back selection debateRules & Controversies

- Time-wasting controversy and the proposed 5-second countdown rule

Looking Ahead

- Champions League draw prospects

- Tottenham's relegation battle: could they actually go down?

Off-Field Matters

- Ticket price concerns: new A+ category for next season

HOSTS & GUESTS

- Kevin Whitcher - Former Gooner Editor

- Phil Wall

- Marc Ollington

- Peter Le BeauAlso available to watch on YouTube

LINKS & RESOURCES

Current Book Release

Arsenal On The Edge: The dramatic story of the 2024/25 seasonCo-written by Kevin Whitcher and Alex Fynn

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arsenal-Edge-dramatic-story-season/dp/1785909967

Subscribe to Arsenal MusingsGet Kevin Whitcher's post-match thoughts and Arsenal articles delivered to your inbox:

https://arsenalmusings.substack.com/

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Part of the Old Git Gooners Podcast series - bringing you passionate, knowledgeable Arsenal discussion

Old Git Gooners Podcast #12

About This Episode

Former Gooner Editor Kevin Whitcher is joined by Former Gooner Editor Kevin Whitcher is joined by Simon Rose, Tony Madden and Andreas Kokkinos for a critical assessment of Arsenal's recent struggles, tactical concerns, and the challenges ahead.

Topics Discussed

Season Assessment & Recent Form

Arsenal's title challenge assessment: where do things stand?

Analyzing the Wolves collapse and what it reveals

Handbrake mentality: playing with fear and not finishing teams off

Havertz's absence coinciding with Arsenal's recent poor run

Individual Performance & Tactics

Raya's costly errors: coming off his line unnecessarily

Player form concerns across the squad

The captaincy debate: comparing Rice vs Odegaard's leadership credentials

Arteta's tactical rigidity and over-coaching critique

Defensive Vulnerabilities

Set piece defensive weaknesses exposed by Brentford

Off-Field Issues

Ticket price increase and new price categories announcement

Looking Ahead

North London derby predictions

Hosts & Guests

Kevin Whitcher - Former Gooner Editor

Simon Rose

Tony Madden

Andreas Kokkinos

Links & Resources

New Book Release Arsenal On The Edge: The dramatic story of the 2024/25 season Co-written by Kevin Whitcher and Alex Fynnhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Arsenal-Edge-dramatic-story-season/dp/1785909967

Subscribe to Arsenal Musings Get Kevin Whitcher's post-match thoughts and Arsenal articles delivered to your inboxhttps://arsenalmusings.substack.com/

Part of the Old Git Gooners Podcast series - bringing you passionate, knowledgeable Arsenal discussion

Old Git Gooners Podcast Episode 11

5th February 2026

Former Gooner Editor Kevin Whitcher is joined by Charlie Ashmore, Simon Cardwell, and Steve Pye for an in-depth discussion on Arsenal's squad dynamics, tactical considerations, and upcoming challenges.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

The return of Kai Havertz and what it means for Arsenal's attack

Forward line rotation options: exploring the alternatives

Assessing the impact of Mikel Merino's absence

Would signing Julian Alvarez work out for Arsenal?

Any changes since the post-Manchester United defeat team meeting?

What does Arsenal's reliance on set pieces say about modern football?

Potential midfield overload risk with Rice and Zubimendi together

Potential Champions League Round of 16 opponents

Does the upcoming fixture schedule present a real opportunity for Arsenal?

 LINKS & RESOURCES

Current Book Release

Arsenal On The Edge: The dramatic story of the 2024/25 season - Co-written by Kevin Whitcher and Alex Fynn

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arsenal-Edge-dramatic-story-season/dp/1785909967

Steve Pye's Writing

That 1980s Sports Blog on The Guardian

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/that-1980s-sports-blog

Simon Cardwell's Podcast

Music Maps Podcast

https://www.youtube.com/@musicmapsE17/podcasts

Also available on all major podcast platforms

Subscribe to Arsenal Musings

Get Kevin Whitcher's post-match thoughts and Arsenal articles delivered to your inbox:

https://arsenalmusings.substack.com/

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Part of the Old Git Gooners Podcast series - bringing you passionate, knowledgeable Arsenal discussion

Old Git Gooners Podcast #10

Date: 22nd January 2026

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Former Gooner Editor Kevin Whitcher is joined by Martin Ling, Alex Croft, and Frank Whitcher for another lively discussion about all things Arsenal.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

Arsenal's European Campaign

- Breaking down Arsenal's impressive away win against Inter Milan

- Martinelli's European brilliance contrasted with his Premier League struggles

Squad & Player Analysis

- Gabriel Jesus: Should Arsenal extend his contract or sell in the summer?

- Viktor Gyökeres: Examining his adaptation struggles and the demands of the Premier League

- Kai Havertz: Managing his injury concerns and reintegration into the squad

Tactical Insights

- Arsenal's ongoing frustrations when facing defensive low blocks

- The appointment of a throw-in coach and what it means for the team

Fan Culture

- Home fan behaviour and its impact on team performance during the Liverpool draw

HOST

- Kevin Whitcher - Former Gooner Editor

- Martin Ling

- Alex Croft

- Frank Whitcher

LINKS & RESOURCES

Current Book Release

Arsenal On The Edge: The dramatic story of the 2024/25 season

Co-written by Kevin Whitcher and Alex Fynn

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arsenal-Edge-dramatic-story-season/dp/1785909967

Signed copies by Alan Smith & Adrian Clarke available from behind the bar at the Tollington pub on Hornsey Road.

Martin Ling - Indie Legend

Listen to the legendary indie band Serious Drinking featuring Martin Ling's Sinatra-esque vocals on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/album/4JWjHFFPYXoLLFVFv82KID?si=GJQhQPeqTZKgXSkbW3Am0Q

Subscribe to Arsenal Musings

Get Kevin Whitcher's post-match thoughts and Arsenal articles delivered to your inbox:

https://arsenalmusings.substack.com/

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Part of the Old Git Gooners Podcast series - bringing you passionate, knowledgeable Arsenal discussion

Old Git Gooners Podcast #9 - 6th January 2026

Kevin Whitcher in conversation with Peter LeBeau, Steve Killick and Tony Porter

Former Gooner Editor Kevin Whitcher is joined by past and present Gooner contributors to assess Arsenal's title chances and squad strength.

Topics Discussed:

Is this the strongest Arsenal squad ever assembled?

Why are more goals being conceded lately?

The best option at left back

The pros and cons of Viktor Gyökeres

Are the bookies justified in making Arsenal such clear favourites for the title?

The reasons why Arsenal should win the title and what could stop them

Does the cyclical nature of football mean Manchester City will decline post Guardiola?

Should Arteta field strong teams for any of the four cup games in January?

The argument for taking the Carabao Cup more seriously

Links: Book: Arsenal On The Edge - the dramatic story of the 2024/25 season https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arsenal-Edge-dramatic-story-season/dp/1785909967 Signed copies available at the Tollington pub, Hornsey Road, near the Emirates Stadium

Arsenal Musings on Substack: https://arsenalmusings.substack.com/

Old Git Gooners Podcast #8 - 18th December 2025

Kevin Whitcher in conversation with Charlie Ashmore, Simon Rose and Phil Wall

Former Gooner Editor Kevin Whitcher is joined by past and present Gooner writers to discuss Arsenal's recent performances and the title race.

Topics Discussed:

Arsenal's recent form issues and defensive fragility

Does Villa's form make the title more than a two-horse race?

Re-evaluating Unai Emery's Arsenal legacy

Arsenal's growing European reputation

Champions League vs Premier League - which is the easier to win?

Squad management and rotation concerns

Arsenal's striker dilemma

Warning signs from the Wolves game despite the win

The post-Wolves dressing room discussions

Will Arsenal look to buy anyone in January?

How seriously will Arteta view the Carabao Cup?

Links: Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lDwCxEbvUDw

Book: Arsenal On The Edge - the dramatic story of the 2024/25 season https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arsenal-Edge-dramatic-story-season/dp/1785909967 Signed copies available at the Tollington pub, Hornsey Road

Subscribe to Arsenal Musings on Substack: https://arsenalmusings.substack.com/

Old Git Gooners Podcast #7 - 4th December 2025

Kevin Whitcher in conversation with Marc Ollington, David Oudot and Basti Wocker

Former Gooner Editor Kevin Whitcher is joined by former onlinegooner podcast regulars to reflect on Arsenal's recent performances and look ahead to upcoming fixtures.

Topics Discussed:

Current feeling about Arsenal after a tough series of gamesArsenal's calculating tactics to eat the clockNeuer v Raya - A battle of the sweeper keepersWould a Seaman or Raya approach to keeper positioning be preferable?Arsenal's full backs being taller than centre backs v BrentfordEze or Odegaard to play against Villa?Is Eze really effective as a left sided attacker?Will Villa mirror the tactics of Sunderland and Chelsea?Memories of the parachuting Villa Santa that cost Arsenal the 1999 titleBukayo Saka's new contract reportedly agreedTribute to the sadly departed Steve Ashford, the Highbury Spy

Links: Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KUiRIqqFxi4

Book: Arsenal On The Edge - the dramatic story of the 2024/25 season https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arsenal-Edge-dramatic-story-season/dp/1785909967 Also available at the Tollington Arms, Hornsey Road (near the Emirates)

Subscribe for free to Arsenal Musings on Substack: https://arsenalmusings.substack.com/

Basti Wocker's autobiography - Joy of Addiction: https://www.amazon.co.uk/JOY-ADDICTION-Confessions-teenage-wastrel/dp/1739991303

Steve Ashford celebrating Thierry Henry goal (from 2m 17s): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuLRCmeMcMs