December football does not forgive — and this episode proves it.

On this week’s Five Aside, Dalu breaks down a chaotic Premier League weekend where Manchester City reminded everyone they’re inevitable, Arsenal fans were forced into another 90 minutes of stress, and Gyökeres somehow went missing again (someone please book that therapy session).

We dive deep into United’s win over Newcastle, questioning Amorim’s substitutions and asking whether United might actually function better without Bruno. Then it’s over to City vs Forest, where hope briefly existed… before Cherki casually erased it with pure sauce. City look complete, scary, and very much uninterested in Arsenal’s title dreams.

Arsenal’s win gets dissected with honesty — Odegaard criticism is put to bed, Declan Rice is officially a cheat code, and the real concern is laid bare: why can’t Arsenal kill games off? Meanwhile, Chelsea vs Villa turns into a masterclass in why game management matters, as Emery flips the script and Maresca watches momentum disappear.

Liverpool without Salah? Surprisingly smooth… until Wolves remembered how to attack. Soft underbellies, AFCON absences, and title pressure all come into play.

Then AFCON takes over. Nigeria put on their best performance in years, Osimhen does Osimhen things, Lookman finds his confidence, and AFCON once again reminds Europe that African football is very much alive — commentary quirks and all.

From title percentages to injury rants, flair-player appreciation to Christmas stress — this episode is football therapy in its rawest form.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS (CLEAN & REALISTIC)

00:00 – Intro: No breaks, just vibes (PL + AFCON chaos)

02:45 – Man United vs Newcastle: Amorim’s subs & life without Bruno

11:40 – Should United cash in on Bruno? Team chemistry debate

16:20 – Man City vs Forest: Hope, crushed (Cherki + City inevitability)

25:30 – Why City’s defence isn’t actually bad anymore

29:50 – Arsenal win breakdown: Odegaard discourse, Rice supremacy

41:10 – Gyökeres rant 😭 (confidence, finishing & fan patience)

50:00 – Chelsea vs Villa: Emery flips the game, Maresca doesn’t

58:30 – Liverpool without Salah: good, then shaky

1:05:00 – AFCON talk: Nigeria vs Tunisia, Osimhen & Lookman cooking

1:15:20 – AFCON commentary, African football growth & vibes

1:22:30 – Title odds, upcoming fixtures & final thoughts