The Offside Chat

This week The Team discusses Arsenal nerve wracking win against Newcastle last Saturday, a sobering couple of weeks saw Arsenal slip to second in the table as City beat Burnley in their midweek game in hand. It was imperative that Arsenal won against Newcastle and they did, just not in style! It was a brilliant strike from Eberechi Eze who seems to come alive at the end of Season but other than that nothing else to write home about, it seems Arsenal are just intent on getting the points hook or by crook in order to seal their first league title since 2004. In the other side of North London, beleaguered Spurs travelled to Wolverhampton knowing that anything other than a win could further damage their bid to stave off relegation, a win they got but it was a costly one as they lost Solanke to a hamstring injury and Xavi Simons to an ACL. To add further insult to injury, West Ham beat Everton with a late winner from Callum Wilson to send West Ham two points clear. Spurs are really staring down the barrel of a gun, can they beat the drop or is their 34 year stay in the Premier League over?

This week it’s just the usual Team however the subject is still the same, another Arsenal crisis meeting albeit slightly calmer!Arsenal went to the Etihad on Sunday knowing a win against Manchester City would all but confirm them as Champions for the 25/26 Season instead in typical fashion they lost 2-1 to blow the title race wide open! It was all good a month ago, Arsenal in four competitions and cruising at the top of the League with a 9 point gap, they conspired to lose in the Carabao Cup Final against Manchester City, get knocked out by Southampton in the FA Cup QF, things are going well in the Champions League and have made it to the SF against Atletico Madrid however if City win their game in hand over Burnley this Wednesday then they go top of the League on goal difference. Safe to say it has been a sobering couple of weeks for Arsenal but nothing new under Mikel Arteta, if the unthinkable happens then the inquest will happen and a decision from KSE will have to be made. However if he wins all the remaining league games and there some dodgy results for City all is well but we’ve seen this movie all too regularly!

This week The Team are joined by two Special Guest Mike & Kai as The Offside Chat have an official Arsenal Crisis Meeting bordering on a Civil War!It has been a sobering couple of weeks for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, first they lose to Man City in the Carabao Cup Final, they then get dumped out of the FA Cup QF by Championship Side Southampton and last weekend they decided to lose at home to Bournemouth! The panel discuss many issues surrounding Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, will the 22 year wait for the Premier League Title will continue or do Arsenal and Mikel Arteta actually have what takes to win? If Mikel doesn’t win is it time to say goodbye or does he deserve another year?

This week The Team discuss Carabao Cup Final result as Manchester City beat Arsenal 2-0 to win the first trophy available of the Season. Despite a decent 20 mins from Arsenal, Pep and City proved they still know how to win when it matters most and thanks to a brace from O’Reilly they picked up their 5th Carabao Cup in 10 years.Nobere led a passionate rally cry to all Arsenal fans to hold their nerve as this is the business end of the Season now, whilst the result is not what any Arsenal fan wanted there are bigger fish to fry (always the case with Arteta!). Ted & Naeem felt Arsenal squandered a chance to win a trophy with an insipid performance, you can lose but it’s how you lose in a final that matters as well. Elsewhere along the league all of Arsenal’s enemies, sorry Rivals were enjoying Arsenal’s defeat forgetting they too lost on the weekend! Spurs are in deep deep trouble as they lost 3-0 at home to Nottingham Forest in a 6 pointer, if West Ham beat Wolves Spurs will end up in 18th. They really have it all to do and the unthinkable is looking all too real.Chelsea continued their downward slide with a resounding 3-0 reverse to Everton, their shambolic defence made Beto look like prime Drogba as he ran amok. Liverpool also made a mockery of their Title defence at Brighton in the early kick off on Saturday and after spending £500m finishing outside the top four was not in their plans surely. Both their managers need to pull a rabbit out the hat to save their jobs let alone the Season.

This week The Team Discuss the pathetic performance from Premier League Champions Liverpool against relegation threatened Spurs. Spurs rocked up to Anfield devoid of all confidence and a first XI out injured, winless in 2026 as well and Liverpool could have stuck the boot in by hammering them 5-0 but conspired to draw the game 1-1 and give Spurs hope! Fair play to Spurs as they were well worth the point in the end as for Liverpool this has to be up there with one of the worst title defences in Premier League History.It was a great weekend for League leaders Arsenal as they beat Everton 2-0 thanks to late goals from Viktor Gyokeres and the new kid on the block 16 year old Max Dowman, officially the youngest goalscorer in Prem history literally changed the game as when he came on showing the Country that he is a talent to be reckoned with. It wasn't pretty but Arsenal got the job done.Speaking of failing to get the job done City stuttered again for the second game in a row after dropping points to Forest at home midweek, they desperately needed to beat West Ham to maintain pressure on Arsenal. However West Ham had separate ideas and thanks to a Mavropanos equaliser a share of the spoils was due. Is this too little too late for City or can they turn their fortunes around?

This week The Team is joined by longtime Friend of the Show Samson as we discuss Arsenal beating Chelsea in game of the weekend. Another prime time 4:30 kick off for Arsenal vs Chelsea and granted it wasn’t an instant classic as neither team played to the very best of their abilities, the game was decided by three set piece goals to have the neutrals crying about the state of the game (WE DON’T CARE CRY MORE!) Despite the attacking struggles and lack of genuine champagne football on offer this ended up being a routine win for Arteta against Chelsea, he’s unbeaten in 11 against The Blues and unbeaten in 5 years at home against them as well! Chelsea must be sick of the sight of Arsenal now after enjoying a period of dominance in the mid 2000s the tide has turned back to early Wenger days! Elsewhere, Manchester United kept up their fine form under Michael Carrick to go third in the table with a win over Crystal Palace. Can United end the Season in a Champions League spot and if so does Michael Carrick get the job as the permanent United Manager?

This week the Team discuss Arsenal’s emphatic 4-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur in the 199th North London Derby in major Competition. It was the Eze & Gyokeres show, the much maligned summer signings scored a brace each as they helped Arsenal run riot all over the hapless Spurs. Arsenal showed a ruthlessness that had been missing for a couple of weeks and this victory helps keep their title aspirations on track, whilst Spurs seem hellbent on relegation this season! Manchester beat Newcastle in the late fixture on Saturday, it wasn’t a vintage performance by any means but that win keeps the pressure on Arsenal as City look to win their 7th Prem in 9 seasons, do they have enough to pip Arsenal to the post again? Last week the dark side of football reared its ugly head again as Real Madrid’s Vini Jr was the subject of racial abuse by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni. To make matters worse Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho decided to back his player and lay blame at Vini Jr for the overtop celebrations! We discuss what needs to change in Football and society as Racism has no place in either, especially in 2026.

This week the Team are joined by guest Kai as we discuss Sunday’s heavyweight clash between Liverpool and Manchester City, for over half a decade this was the premier fixture in the League as both sides battled to win the League outright. This match the stakes were high for only one side though, Man City and they got what they came for in dramatic fashion. They managed to do the League double over Liverpool for the first in 90 years and keep their hopes alive.League leaders Arsenal took care of business at home against a dogged Sunderland side who have been the surprise outfit of the Season, much maligned Striker Gyokeres got a brace off the bench to seal the victory. With the most goals scored in 2026 has he finally found his confidence in front of goal?Manchester United beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 over the weekend in the early kickoff, their job was made easier by the stupid sending off of Spurs Captain Cristian Romero! With 4 wins a row, Carrick is restoring the feeling for Manchester United fans and surely with this good an audition he must have one hand on the job permanently?

This week the Team discuss the draw between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, City looked to be cruising early doors with goals from Rayan Cherki and Semenyo. However the old cliche that Football is a game of two halves and Spurs regained their pride and fought back with a Solanke brace to help save Spurs and Thomas Frank's blushes. This was a damaging draw for City's title hopes and with Liverpool next week it is not looking good for the Cityzens.It was a great weekend for the red half of North London as Arsenal rolled into Yorkshire and silenced Elland Road with a 4-0 win against Leeds. Madueke finally registered his first goal and assist in the League with an assured display, Gyokeres, Zubimendi and Gabriel Jesus also scored.With Carrick at the wheel United show no signs of slowing down, their third league win in a row against Fulham must have the United faithful believing he may be the managerial answer to their woes.We also discuss Villa's loss to Brentford leaving their title hopes in tatters (Ed did tell you guys!)

This week the Team are joined by Special Guest (and shameless Manchester United fan!) Kofi as we discuss the only fixture that mattered over the weekend, Arsenal v Manchester United.Michael Carrick and his charges rocked up to The Emirates buoyed by their vanquishing of cross City rivals Manchester City and decided to make it 6 points out of a possible 6 by beating Arsenal 3-2.Two wonder strikes from Dorgu & Cunha plus a cool finish from Mbeumo sent the Peckham Reds into rapture and the Arsenal faithful into a mini tailspin and cut their teams lead at the top to just four points. Is this the regular old failings rearing its ugly head again or Arsenal made of tougher stuff and can prove that it’s just a momentary blip en route to their first title in 22 years?

This week The Team discuss United’s brilliant win against Man City in the Manchester Derby, it was a masterclass and a throwback to United of old. Michael Carrick restored the feeling albeit for one game, can United turn their fortunes around permanently? Also what next for City, currently seven points adrift in the title race do they throw in the towel or will new signings Semenyo & Guehi reenergise them?Tottenham lose again! In what seems like a weekly reoccurrence with this team, this time it was against bitter rivals West Ham. A 93rd minute dagger by Callum Wilson condemned Spurs to their ninth loss of the season and were only in January. Thomas Frank got the dreaded vote of confidence and it looks like it’s a game by game situation to save his job, rotten luck on his part with the injuries but the football isn’t great and they’re losing games. Is Frank a dead man walking? Manchester United inadvertently helped Arsenal in the title race on the weekend however did Arsenal help themselves? A chance to go nine points clear with a win at Forest and they blew it! a frustrating 0-0 means the lead is seven points, not the worst result on balance of play however ruthlessness is needed and Arsenal have shown they’re not the most ruthless this season. Senegal proved they’re the Kings of African Football for the second time in four years as they beat Morocco in a drama filled AFCON Final, robbed of a clear goal by the referee and then conceding a dodgy penalty at the death it looked like we were going to see an all time robbery. Justice prevailed as the pen was missed and they scored a beautiful winner in extra time to lift the 2025 AFCON!#ManchesterUnited #MUFC #ManchesterCity #MCFC #TottenhamHotspur #THFC #WestHam #WHFC #Football #FYP #Arsenal #AFC #Soccer #TheOffsideChat #TheOffsideChatTV

This week the Team discuss the FA Cup Fixtures over the Weekend. Manchester United lost to Brighton in the Sunday fixture, this defeat means United have now been knocked out of every competition and will play their lowest number of games in a regular Season since 1914-15! There was a giant killing on Saturday, non-league Macclesfield beat holders Palace 2-1 keeping the magic of the FA Cup alive. Villa heaped more misery on Thomas Frank and his Spurs side and Arsenal beat Portsmouth comprehensively 4-1 to advance to the next round.AFCON has also reached the Semifinal round in a West v North Africa clash, Egypt take on Senegal and Nigeria take on the host nation Morocco. Xabi Alonso was also clipped by Real Madrid with Alvaro Arbelo taking over as Head Coach.

This week the Team are joined by Special Guest Riman as we discuss the sacking of Manchester United Manager Ruben Amorim after 14 months in charge. What next for Amorim and Manchester United?Managerless Chelsea nicked a point at the Etihad in the primetime clash thanks to Enzo Fernandez, has this hurt City's Title aspirations?Arsenal took care of business on the South Coast, beating Bournemouth 3-2 thanks to a brace from in the form Declan Rice. With City drawing to Chelsea, Arsenal's lead has been extended to six points. Is this the year that Arsenal finally end the Premier League drought?

This week the Team discuss Villa's win over the hapless Manchester United on Sunday. Their 10th win in a row, arguably the most in-form side in the League putting them firmly in the title race (for now!)Sorry Spurs lose yet again, ill discipline costing them against Liverpool with their charges going down to 9 Men. Will there be more pain for Spurs this Season or can they salvage this mess?Arsenal beat Everton to go back to the top of the League, it wasn't a vintage performance by any means but the win is all that matters. This will be the fourth time The Gunners have been top at Christmas however the previous three times they failed to win the League, will this Season be different?

This week the Team are joined by special guest Kofi as we discuss Manchester City defeating Crystal Palace to go within two points of Arsenal. With Phil Foden in the richest vein of form since the 23/24 season, is he back?Aston Villa’s impressive away win at West Ham, after overcoming a difficult start to life in The League earlier this season, have they officially entered the title race or will this be another Emery flash in the pan?Arsenal toiled and left it late against Wolves on the 8PM kick off on Saturday, worrying signs performance wise or is the mark of potential champions when you can win playing incredibly poorly?Sorry spurs lose again, languishing in 11th which is a marked improvement from finishing 17th. Will Thomas Frank get more time to turn things around or will he suffer the same fate as Ange is results continue to escape the North London club?

This week the Team discuss Mohamed Salah's explosive post match Interview after Liverpool's draw against Leeds. Is Salah angling for a move or for Slot to get sacked? Is he right to go public with his comments or should he have kept this in house?Also discussed is Villa's last minute win against Arsenal ending their 18 match undefeated streak, can Arsenal hold their nerve throughout the busy Christmas Period?

This week the Team discuss the match of the weekend: Chelsea v Arsenal which ended in a draw. Were Arsenal lucky to escape with a point? Did the Caicedo red card derail Chelsea’s momentum? Fulham travelled to North to condemn Tottenham to their third defeat in five games! A chorus of boos rang out around the stadium at the end of the match, is time running out for Thomas Frank? Arne Slot decided to drop Salah for their match against West Ham, has the rot finally stopped or is this just a small reprieve?

The Team are joined by Special Guest Ellis as we discussed Arsenal's comprehensive flogging of local Rival's Tottenham Hotspur to the tune of four goals to one. Eze being the first Arsenal Player to score a hat-trick in the Derby since 1978, has he finally announced himself as an Arsenal Player?Ellis also led the post-mortem on Liverpool and their shocking run of form, is it a wrap for Slot and Liverpool this Season or can they restore some pride and shoot up the table?

The Team discuss Nigeria’s loss to Congo in the World Cup Qualifications Playoffs, Nigeria have failed to make the World Cup Finals since 2018 so what next for the Super Eagles?They also discuss transfers that changed the face of Football for good and bad.

The Team Discuss the aftermath of Spurs insipid defeat against bitter cross town rivals Chelsea, players disrespecting Thomas Frank at the whistle is this a sign that the honeymoon period is over?Arsenal beat Burnley in convincing fashion to increase their lead at the top of the table? Can the Gunners go all the way this season and land the Premier League after 22 years?Liverpool finally stop the rot against Aston Villa, have they turned a corner or is this just a stay of execution form wise?Who can stop Erling Haaland but himself? With City going about their business quietly are they dark horses of the League?

The Team discuss Arsenal defeating Crystal Palace with a wonder strike from their former Charge Eze.It is now definitely a Liverpool Crisis after their fourth league defeat in a row. What does Arne Slot have to do to turn it around.Are Manchester United actually back, Amorim is flexing after their third league win in a row.Sunderland condemned Chelsea to a shock defeat at the Bridge and no Haaland no party for Manchester City! (Great weekend for Arsenal!)

The Team discuss Manchester United‘s impressive win over Liverpool on Sunday, with United finally winning back to back games under Amorim. If it’s not a crisis for Liverpool it sure looks likes one as they were resigned to a fourth defeat in a row!They also discuss Ange lasting a record 39 days in charge of Forest, what next for the beleaguered manager?

The Team discuss Liverpool’s poor run of form which has led to 3 defeats in a row, is this a crisis or a mini blip? Arsenal beat West Ham to go top of the League on a momentous occasion for Mike Arteta and Bukayo Saka, Mikel managing his 300th game for the club and Bukayo playing his 200th league game and contributing his 100th G/A. Is Ange a dead man walking at Forest? Winless in 7 games, could they be staring at a possible relegation?

The Team are joined by Special Guest and Manchester United Fan Theo as they discuss Arsenal’s statement win over Newcastle United, Crystal handing Liverpool their first defeat of the Season and Brentford heaping more misery on Manchester United. Theo also gives his thoughts on the sad state of his beloved Manchester United.

The Team discuss whether Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta is far too conservative (shook!) in the biggest matches? Will he ever be able to land the big trophies with this mentality? Why wasn’t there any criticism for Pep’s tactics in the 1-1 draw? Also Manchester United beat Chelsea to stem the tide briefly. Is Graham Potter a dead man walking at West after a horrible start to their league campaign.

The Team are joined by Special Guest Samson, as they discuss the fallout from the Manchester Derby, is Ruben Amorim under severe pressure at United? Also discussed are the differing fortunes of Strikers who are inextricably linked, Gyokeres & Sesko

Slow news week so the Team debate who their Top 5 Premier League Strikers of All Time are and list their honourable mentions.

The Team discuss the Liverpool v Arsenal result in depth and also speak about the Transfer Deadline Day/Window in general.

The Team discuss new Arsenal Striker Viktor Gyokeres scoring a brace against Leeds, Eberechi Eze’s emotional return to boyhood Club Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur punishing a wasteful Manchester City side

The Team discuss the long awaited return of the Premier League for the 2025/26 Season.

The Team discuss who was better a Prime Aguero or Suarez?, transfers that left a bad taste and is the Premier League becoming a one Team League?

The Team debate who was better in their prime Drogba or Eto'o?

This weeks episode we are joined by special guest Kieran Herring as we discuss: The new Spurs Revolution & debate who was better between a prime Gareth Bale and Wayne Rooney?