Travel can keep us away.  Sickness can keep us away.  Hell, bad results can keep us away.  But when it's North London Derby time, nothing can keep us from our podcasting duties!  That's right, our intrepid duo are here to preview Sunday's all important North London Derby.
  
The podcasts starts where all podcasts should start with a laugh at our neighbors to the West, then we discuss Arsenal's what we learned from Arsenal's many fixtures since Tottenham's last match, the change in the way Premier League games have been refereed over the last couple of months, and we laugh at Chelsea again.  

Then the preview starts.  What players may be out with injury for Tottenham?  Who may replace them?  What does that mean for the tactics each manager may employ?   

After the injury discussion, we talk about some key matchups and how they might affect the game.  Then we look at the 15 day gap from Tottenham's last fixture and how that may affect the tactics, flow of the game, and, ultimately, the result.   

Rick gives his overview of Tottenham's defense, midfield, and forward units and how each may influence the game.  Cal reviews each line of Arsenal's side and tries to guess what starting lineup Arteta may use.  He has to choose from a more defensive set up and one geared for full on attack.  Listen in to see which players are in each and which he thinks the manager will pick.

There is a discussion of how important this game is for each team, the stakes that are riding on it, and how that might inform as to how the game plays out.  Rest assured, that our podcasters put it all on the line with their predictions of the score and result.  Tune in to hear what they think!

Thank you for listening!

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https://www.arsenaltottenhamfanpodcast.com

Arsenal fans have had a week to revel in their dramatic Champions League win against a stout Porto side, while down Seven Sisters Road, Tottenham fans are wondering what happened to their team during that same week.  Cal and Rick are here to join in and discuss both teams and what the future's look like for each.

2:45  But, first, Rick tries, unsuccessfully to teach Cal how to pronounce Ange Postecoglou.

5:31  Cal (kinda) jumps right into discussing Arsenal's narrow win at the Emirates against a tough, skilled, and determined Porto side.  It starts with an analyzation of Porto's style of play, continues into how it took a moment of brilliance to finally break through against them, and concludes with a discussion of the bravery shown by Arsenal's new keeper, and every Arsenal fans' new favorite player (at least through the international break) David Raya.  Then Rick can resist bringing up Arsenal's participation in the upcoming Harry Kane Derby and relishing in him possibly sending the Gunners home in the Quarterfinals.  Cal is not happy and has to "fire" back.

38:10 Rick tells us what happened to guys that trotted out on the pitch against Fulham on Saturday (Rick doesn't want to call them Spurs).  Rick looks at the contrast to the previous game, tries to explain the performance against Fulham (or at least rationalize it), discuss where Tottenham go from here.  Then Cal can't resist playing a clip from Ange Postecoglou's post match press conference so Rick and analyze his comments.  The ensuing process vs results discussion is quite fun.

Thank you for listening!

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https://www.arsenaltottenhamfanpodcast.com

Arsenal left it late while Tottenham slowly ground down whatever team showed up at Villa Park to play them.  Dare we say it looks like there are two pretty dang good teams that call North London home?  For this week at least.

First, Cal details Arsenal's thrilling late win at the Emirates against a Brentford side that showed up to do everything but play football.  Aaron Ramsdale's mistake meant that Kai Havertz was needed late on to seal the three points to send Arsenal top of the table. Listen to Cal analyze the game, discuss the evolution of Declan Rice, the improvement of Kai Havertz, and why Arsenal's midfield can lead them to the title.

Next, Rick discusses why Tottenham hammering Aston Villa into surrender was Spurs' best performance of the Ange Postecoglou era.  Listen to hear him marvel at Son's form, Johnson's energy, and Van der Ven's skill and all round badassness.   He is very bullish on the rest of the season and on this episode, he tells you why.

Thank you for listening!

@ATFPodcast1
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https://www.arsenaltottenhamfanpodcast.com

Rinse - Tottenham have two weeks off to rinse the stench of their performance from the 1-2 loss to Wolves over the weekend.  Rick is on hand to review the game and discuss the reason for the result, as well as Spurs poor run of form.  You will hear his analysis of why Tottenham lost this match, his concern that his club has started slipping into some old, bad habits, what those habits are, and how Postecoglou can fix them.

Repeat - Cal gets to talk about Arsenal repeating dominating performances by analyzing Arsenal's 0-5 drubbing of Burnley.  And while Rick continually uses the phrase "pub team" our resident Arsenal fan is having none of it.  Arsenal didn't suddenly get lucky and they haven't just had a run of fixtures against bad teams, rather, the Gunners have pushed the quality of their play to another level.  One not seen by Arsenal fans in years.  Tune in and Cal will analyze what they are doing differently physically, mentally, and tactically.   

Thank you for listening!

@ATFPodcast1
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https://www.arsenaltottenhamfanpodcast.com

Sure, Spurs fans would love to have another extra time win and, wait . . . I think Arsenal just scored another goal!  It was a great week for Spurs and Gunner fans as both teams did exactly what they needed to in order to keep their hopes for this season alive.

First it was Spurs scoring a stoppage time goal to finally overcome a bright Brighton.  Rick is up first to discuss how they were able to play through their mistakes and win in spite of their form and a difficult opponent.  You can hear how excited he is to have the full Tottenham squad fit, even though they may not be clicking on all cylinders at the moment.  He will make you think they soon will.

Then Cal tries to describe the demolition of the team that showed up in the London Stadium wearing Claret and Blue.  It wasn't West Ham.  Or at least the same West Ham team that showed up at the Emirates in December.  However, what made things even more difficult for the Hammers was it also wasn't the same Arsenal team that showed up that day either.  Listen in to learn why Cal thinks this one is in the title race.

All that and more on this episode of the Arsenal Tottenham Fan Podcast!

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Yes it's the 80th Episode of the Arsenal Tottenham Fan Podcast and, while Rick and Cal had some epic celebrations planned:  confetti, prizes for our listeners, and even pictures of a photographer, they learned that, regardless of the occasion, the Premier League media think celebrations (at least by Arsenal) are not cool.  So this episode will pass into history, just like the previous 79.

But this is not just any episode.  No, this is the one where Rick starts off by marveling at the incredible goal scoring form of the guy who is wearing Richarlison's jersey.  He is finishing like a peak Harry Kane, yet we know it can't be him, can it?  Whoever it is, everything he touches turns to goal.  Kind of like how it is when Tottenham is defending set pieces.  And Rick doesn't shy away from that topic either as it cost Tottenham a much needed win and saw them drop out of the top 4.

Cal then celebrates Arsenal's must win win over Liverpool, quietly and reservedly, just like any Premier League fan should, right?  Wrong!!!!!!  No, he is all too happy to praise Mikel Arteta, every player, and all 60,000 fans who dismantled a Liverpool team that came into this match having lost just once in their previous 33 games.  You will hear analysis of the key moments of the match, the tactics that freed Martinelli to run rampant down the left and hold Liverpool to just one shot on goal, and why Kia Havertz was actually the Man of the Match.

Following that is a look ahead to the Tottenham v Brighton fixture and Arsenal's trip to suddenly bogey team West Ham.

Thank you for listening!

@ATFPodcast1
@ATFPodcast2
https://www.arsenaltottenhamfanpodcast.com

That's right, we're back!  While snow, sleet, and dark of night may not detour your postman; sickness, technical issues, and travel (not to mention three Arsenal losses) can interrupt the Arsenal Tottenham Fan Podcast.  However, we are now well, technically savvy, home, and Arsenal have won two in a row . . . so we're back and better than ever!

And yes, Cal, ever the optimist still feels Arsenal are in the title race now that Arsenal have overcome the Premier League team masquerading as Crystal Palace and, ex-Tottenham manager's Nottingham Forest squad.  It took Arsenal a while to come to grips with the way Nottingham Forrest "blocked" the Gunners game, but like Robin Hood, they eventually found the target and went back home very merry men.  Listen for all the positives, as well as a few worries, as Cal breaks down the key moments of the match.

Rick was never concerned about how Tottenham were playing against the Fighting Neal Maupay's . . . except after they scored the game's first goal and look equal to the task during the first half.  But Ange "Midas Touch" Postecoglou made the right substitutions at the half time break and Spurs took over the match in short order.  They even had the audacity to give Neal Maupay some of his own Madison.  You can hear Rick relive the match, analyze what made the key moments important, and discuss who he thought were the best players on the pitch.

In the final segment you will hear Cal and Rick break down Arsenal's must win game against high flying Liverpool on Sunday and Rick mention Spurs' important fixture first thing Saturday morning versus Everton.

Thank you for listening!

@ATFPodcast1
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https://www.arsenaltottenhamfanpodcast.com

The WiFi on the Outer Banks of North Carolina let us down last week, much like the finishing of Arsenal's attackers on Saturday.  Yet, we've persevered to deliver another podcast about Arsenal and Tottenham . . . just what the world needs!  On this episode Cal mentions Arsenal's shocking win over Luton in terms of how it compared to Liverpool's and Man City's visits there and in terms of it's impact on Mikel Arteta, the PGMOL, and the fixture against Villa.  From there, it's a deeper dive into the Villa match, which, he mentions, was a match that is hard to analyze.  Nevertheless, Cal gives it his best shot, and Rick is all too happy to take a few shots, but much like Martin Odegaard, they were wide of the mark.  However, when it comes to discussing Tottenham, Rick is as true as Richarlison's right boot (I can't believe I'm typing that).  Ange's Spurs dropped the rot by topping Newcastle 4-1 and Rick is all too pleased to run riot over all aspects of this impressive win.  Then it's Cal's turn to review the 1-1 draw between Arsenal and PSV in the Champion's League and preview who Arsenal can draw in the round of 16.  The podcast ends with a preview of this weekend's upcoming matches for both Arsenal and Tottenham.

Thank you for listening!

@ATFPodcast1
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https://www.arsenaltottenhamfanpodcast.com

What a week for The Arsenal and what a game for Spurs!  First, Arsenal see through Lens to the tune of 6 - 0, then scare Wolves before subduing them 2-1.  Up north, Spurs ran, passed, and laughed their way to an exciting 3-3 draw with now third place Man City and their profligate center forward turned Eeyore  of the Eastlands.  

Arteta said Arsenal just needed to score early and they did in both games this week.  Cal is all too happy to relive all eight goals and how the first in each game opened the floodgates.  But that's not all:  there are discussions of Arsenal's domination of their Champion's League Group, the upcoming match vs PSV, and what the hell is a "dead rubber?"  Cal and Rick move on to review the match against Wolves and Arsenal's ever improving attack, Zinchenko--the good and the bad, the 5 straight wins after Newcastle and the impact of Arteta's comments, and how the improving left eight is driving Arsenal's improving form.

Postecoglou said, "let's have a go, mate."  And boy did they.  Rick is part proud, part excited, and mostly amazed at the way Tottenham are playing.  Not just the results, but the daring, the flair, and the courage.  Once again, Spurs goes to Manchester, faces the defending Premier League Champion, and returns to North London with something to show for their efforts.  Hear Rick share his thoughts on a team without their best players and a manager without fear.  

Thank you for listening!

@ATFPodcast1
@ATFPodcast2
https://www.arsenaltottenhamfanpodcast.com

For the first time this season Arsenal find themselves top of the table, and, while Tottenham suffered their third straight defeat, they are still in fifth and only four points off Arsenal.  We predicted the top of the table was going to be tight this season, but when four points separate first and fifth, it's squeaky tight!

Has Arsenal found it's keeper?  Or have they lost a keeper?  Saturday's win over Brentford made a case for both actually.  Cal and Rick fly into the penalty area with their takes on how Arteta has handled the Keeper situation for Arsenal this year, it's effect on Aaron Ramsdale, and what to make of Arteta's comments, or non comments, on this situation after the match.  Cal discusses how good Bretford has been at home and how good of a win it was for Arsenal, what he learned, and what Arsenal could do to improve going forward.

Meanwhile, down Seven Sisters Road, Rick is lamenting Tottenham's injury crisis and discusses how this affected Postecoglou's strategy for the match.  They go further to discuss Son's (non) hat-trick, playing without any center backs, and which player has taken his game to the next level.  Rick also talks about the "honeymoon period" for the new manager and how that also might be affecting his strategy and team selections.

The podcast closes with a look forward to Tottenham's match against City and Arsenal's Champions League fixture against Lens and their Premier League match against Wolves.  

Thank you for listening!  

@ATFPodcast1
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https://www.arsenaltottenhamfanpodcast.com