Football Daily - Man City’s new era and Arsenal’s next step

Episode Date: August 14, 2026

Reigning Premier League Champions Arsenal are taking on FA Cup winners Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday, with both clubs having very different off-seasons, so Aaron Paul along with Clinton Morrison, Phil Brown and Dwight Gayle try and breakdown what’s gone on inside the two clubs. For the first time in a decade Manchester City begin the season without Pep Guardiola at the helm - Enzo Maresca is the new man in the dugout, so the guys try to put themselves in Maresca’s shoes and try to gage how he will be feeling come Sunday. For Arsenal they are the reigning champions for the first time in over 20 years…how will they cope with being the side everyone else is looking to beat? And several clubs are in Europe for the first time, or back in European competition with Sunderland, Bournemouth and Manchester United on that list – so Aaron looks at their quieter summers in terms of incoming transfers.And don’t forget there’s commentary on 5 live of the Community Shield from 3pm live from the Principality Stadium on Sunday. TIMECODES:01:00 – Manchester City new era focus. 22:24 – Arsenal and season expectations. 31:07 – Sunderland in Europe. 34:20- Manchester United focus. 40:30 – Bournemouth season predictions.

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For the first time in a decade, Manchester City begin the season with that pep Guardiola, at the helm. We are going to begin by chatting about City in the company of our panel. Welcome, Dwight Gail from a Crystal Palace and Newcast United Stryker. How are you, pal? I'm good. Thank you. You, yourself. Yeah, great. Thanks. Good to have you with us this evening. Also alongside us at the former whole city boss, Phil Brown. Good evening. How are you, Aaron? Yeah, well, mate. Good to see you, Brownie. And cousin Clinton. Clinton Morrison makes his

return to Friday night. How are you, pal? Good summer? Yeah, very good summer. You're ready to go again? Strong opinions. Always strong opinions. You know me. I'll be like that. I'm always like that.

Don't worry anyway. We've got to enjoy it. I'm here with Brownie and Dwight, so it should be a good show. So I'm looking forward to it. It's not about me and you, mate. It's about everyone. Absolutely.

It's a family affair, isn't it? Let's talk Manchester City. Pep Guardiola, of course, stepping down at the end of last season. Enzo Moreska, as expected, is the new man in the dugout. put yourself in Enzo Moreska's shoes. How will he be feeling over the next week, Phil?

Is it a monument to act he has to follow? I think it's enormous. It's absolutely enormous. The best part about Enzo is that he knows him very well. He knows Pep Guardiola, he works with him. He knows his stales, etc., etc. Does he start copying Pep Guardiola because of the success that he had at Man City? All of them things will be going through everybody's mind,

but it's a real dilemma. the moment, how do you behave? How do you act? Because your arsenals of this world are now, by definition, having won the title, they are now stronger, they're spending more in the, they've got more of a say-so in the transfer market. And the look to me is a real powerhouse arsenal at this moment in time, without a ball being kicked. Will that be changed in a charity shield event? I don't think so. I think people's opinion of Manchester City it's going to be really skeptical

over the first sort of 10, 12 games and who knows where it's going to go with Man City? I'm not sure. Certainly with a club that's just down the road, Manchester United, who look like they've got their act together. There's a lot of pressure on Manchester City, a lot of pressure on Moresco and a lot of pressure just to win a few games

to get the crowd on his side before he even gets talking about titles, etc., etc. Dwight, fundamentally though, he's been picked for a reason. It's going to be partly football star, but because they believe the city board who are pretty shrewd when it comes down to it, that he is the best man

to follow on from Pep Guardiola's era of success. Yeah, I think that would definitely have been in their decision. I think obviously him being there and being at the club and working under Pep before is going to be something that they wanted to bring into the dressing room. He obviously worked with some of the boys before, but I think it's going to be a real big test to try and bring

the big characters back in. They've obviously lost a few players, very important ones, obviously stones. Rodry could go at the moment and I think they're really big characters in the dress room and I think that's going to be one of the big things that comes into the transfer window going forward so if he can bring some big characters into the dress room I think that will help them. I also think that obviously the playing style is vital and I was just going to compare it to the Liverpool situation. Obviously when Klopp left and slot came in. He obviously continued for a year in a similar stance and they obviously had success

with it and I think he'll look at that and try to do the same. Obviously when he started to bring in some new characters and tried to change a bit in the dress room and on the pitch and style of play, I think it started to change a little bit that they probably had a lot of beliefs and confidence in so I think first and foremost with a similar style I think that gives him the best opportunity. Phil, when he goes into that job, how much of a Brian Clough can he do? And when I say Brian Clough, just to put it into context. Of course, Brian Clough going into Leeds United

after Don Revy, lasting 44 days, wanting to banish the ghosts of Don Revy. He's apparently gone and had a conversation with Pep Guardiola and talked about the squad and Zemoreska. He is what I call a DOP, a disciple of Pep,

as there are so many of them across football right now. How much of an influence does he take from Pep and how much is it a case of, well, I'm my own man? Yeah. I'm going to do things my way. Well, he can't banish the gorse of Pep

because it's so fresh in everybody's mind, you know, it's just last season. You know, he's a disciple of Pep Guardiola. Let's put it that way in. And he's going to emulate to a certain extent that style of football because Man City brought him in for that reason. So I don't think it's a kind of Brian Clough

trying to demolish what Dunrevee did at Leeds United by any stretch of imagination. But he's going in and he's losing a changing room of character. And I'm talking about if he loses Rodry, and if Rodry goes for 60, 70 million, for a 34, 35-year-old, you've got to take that kind of money.

But it's what's left behind. He hasn't got the characters of John Stones. He hasn't got the characters of a Rodry that can get a hold of a change room. He's still 30. I know, but... They lost Bernard de Silver as well, which is going to be a massive character as well.

Absolutely. There's quite a stronghold of good characters in that change room that have all vacated the premises on the back of Pep Guard. I think it's a massive challenge. It really is. Come on, Clinton Morrison. First touch of the season. Let's have it. What are you thoughts on this situation?

No, I totally agree. It is a massive challenge. Enzo Moreska done a good job at Chelsea and he has got a different style of play. But he is, Pep kind of groomed him if you know what I mean. He was like, he's understudied and he went obviously to Chelsea. He's done a good job there. I thought they played attractive

football, but I agree with what Brownie and Galey say. If they lose Roder, they're in big trouble. Listen, I still think Arsenal are the favour of the favour of, regardless if Rodry stays or not, but I think Roderry's at the peak, he's the best midfielder in a world

for me. In that position, at this moment in time, he's the best. I think you saw... Go on, mate. Clint, I'm saying, not to stoke the fires out. I'm just saying,

down the road, Manchester 8 is doing a great job, and then the manager's going to the east. He's steady the ship. He's finished the season, like a house on fire. They're decent in the transfer market. For me, they'll look favourites for finishing ahead of Man City.

Yeah, really? You know why I know what he's saying. If Mani United can get another midfielder and a left back which I think Michael Carrick wants, I still think, me personally, I can understand what Brownie's saying, but I still think Man City, if they keep Rodgy,

will probably finish ahead of Man United at the moment. But Clinton, City paid, city paid the fee for Elliot Anderson, which Manchester United weren't willing to do. Yeah, because it's a lot of money. It's 170 million. But Phil's talking about United potentially finishing above them That's not just on one player, Warren.

That's not just on the decision of one player. But if Rodry moves, it's just a big void that they're going to leave in that change room. Does my how they bring in? What if they're going for Enzo Fernandez? But it's got nothing to do with figures. This has quality of play. This is a guy that dominated the Premier League

single-handedly for the last three or four season and the World Cup. It's a massive, massive loss to a Man City change room, that for me. Let's talk more about this city midfield. Chelsea's deadline for clubs to bid 100. 20 million pounds. Frenzo Fernandez has passed and they now expect Fernandez to stay at the club this

season. Elliot Anderson is through the door though at the Eti had. Enzo Moresco has been speaking about Anderson replacing Bernardo Silver and City's trend of senior players leaving the football club. It's a big challenge first of all because Bernardo, you know, show

how good is on the ball of the ball in these years. But again Elliot arrived, we are completely sure that Elliot is going great job for this club in the next one, two, three, four, five years. No doubt about that. They are different players.

They are different players. But we're going to try to use Elliot in the best way for him and for the team. With Bernardo, John, Ake already, we see what's happened with some more players. But there is a change

in this moment. And in the moment that the window transfer is closed, we need to be good enough to find as soon as possible solution for the players, for the team. But again, we are in a moment where, you know, player that they were here for many years, probably they already left, probably they can leave. And that means that there is a change. And we're going to try to do our best. Ender Moreska, the Manchester City boss there. Dwight, you know Elliot Anderson, you were in the Newcastle squad with him. I mean,

tell us about him as a teenager at Newcastle and maybe him sort of developing and playing more of a deeper role? Yeah, obviously it was someone that coming to our squad at 18, a young boy, but obviously had the attributes that he had today, someone that was so strong and powerful

and he ended up being probably one of the best trainers in a team. I felt like he got a bit frustrated, the fact he didn't perhaps get the game time at that situation, and sometimes you almost have to go away to get a bit of Freddy.

I always say to the young boy, sometimes with the transition, it can be very difficult because you almost feel like you should be playing but he obviously went on loan to Bristol, Rovers and done unbelievable with them getting promotion to then coming back and having a bit of that credit to play and get a lot more game time

but then obviously again with what I mentioned before sometimes you've got players that are more established and more value to the club a bit so I felt like you almost had to take that next step and sort of leave the club to where he goes to not in and forth. and he was unbelievable. So I know the character that he is.

He's someone that's so fiery in tackles and he wants the ball for himself. He'll win it back for the team and he's a fantastic character to add to that dressing room. He has big, obviously, confidence and beliefs that he will go win stuff and he obviously showed that with England

in the World Cup. You know, when you're building a sort of a side in a changing room and sometimes you stumble upon the right kind of character that comes into change room and enhances that change room without even kicking a ball. I think that trying to replace Rodry with a player and you just say the words, 130 million, 140 million, what it is. You know, a lot of people are saying, what we spend that money on, you know, have we spent that money on talent? Have we spent it? It's the bigger person. It's the bigger

character that I'm talking about to replace Rodry. Is this the character that we're talking about? Yeah, he's definitely got the character in the dress room to add to that. I feel like obviously he's becoming more and more mature it's something that he's starting to lead by example and he definitely had that role in at Notting and Forest the fact that they've spent that much money is going to be on

the owner's going to be on him to start demanding more respect and paving the way for the city boys as well the fact that they've had the change of manager it's going to allow that even more I think so hopefully he continues with his development and starts becoming like you say that big character in the dress room

it's a good point actually and you know the fact that the manager's brought him in, you know, that's the main part, you know, if it's his man, he can step up to the plate a little bit earlier. Do you know what I mean? As the manager brought him in, Clinton, or is this a transfer committee decision? If you'll be able to answer that better than me.

I don't know how Man City do their business there, but it looks at it could, it might be the club signing, but whatever it is, he's a top player. Elliot Anderson's been fantastic. Over the last couple of years, his development in his football, now regular for England, and I thought he was good at the World Cup.

He gets on the ball. wants to make things happen. He's not Bernardo Silver because they're different kind of players. Bernard Silver's got the experience. So I wouldn't compare him to like Bernardo Silver. It's difficult. And you know what?

People talk about the money. He doesn't set the price tag. That's just what happening at the moment, in the market with a young English player. Look at Morgan Rogers, the amount of money he's going for. And we're talking about Enzo Fernandez going for $120 million if Man City won him.

I think Elliot Anderson would be a really, really good sign. And you know what? He deserves that move. He deserves that. excellent outstanding. Newcastle never wanted to sell him. They had to sell him for financial reasons. He went to Nottingham Forest and he just dominated it and I think

he'll be a really good signing for Man City. Are they on the hump for a partner next to him though? Because Tajani Runders looks like he's going to be heading away. As you're trying to sell Rodry already. Stop selling Roder. He's still in the building. Wait, we'll have that discussion when he's not in the building. But the problem they've got is obviously he's got a year left on his deal, Clinton.

It's a year left on his deal. And City don't want to be letting anyone go for free, especially someone who's, you know, kind of at the peak of their powers, 30 years of age. If City have got the money that they're supposed to have, they would, in my opinion, they would never let Roderie go. He's just finished the World Cup.

Does he want to stay there? He's won't the World Cup for Spain. I don't think that he, the appeal of going back to Spain for one of the big two, I think, is too big of a pool. I think, and I think that's what, he could play until he's 40, though. I think he's already... It'd always be Barcelona, though, when it? Because he's

played for Aletico. I know, but I'm not sure on what team he loves but I do think he probably feels that he's won everything he can at Man City. He's won the World Cup, he's won the Ballandor, he's won the Euros and I think he wants to leave a mark on

going to live in Spain and play for one of the big teams over there. I think he'd love to, if it's Barcelona, take them to win another Champions League there. In a crazy way though, Dway, is it a pop at the new manager coming in? Because, you know, ultimately, don't get me wrong, listen, Clinton, I'm not saying directly.

I'm just seen indirectly. I understand what you're saying. You're more less saying, PEP's gone, I'm gone. Yeah, yeah. I understand what you're saying. And as Dwight said, and you make a good point,

he's thinking, I've learnt so much under PEP Guardiola. Dwight's right, he's won everything there is to win. Now he goes to Barcelona. The style of football suits him. He'll be big out of there. He'll be a legend out in Spain anyway, winning the World Cup.

I think it could happen. And obviously, we've been hearing about bids that they've made a 55 million bid for him already. If Aaron, you're telling me he's got a year left, they'll definitely, it will happen. And I know Man City fans won't want to hear it, but most likely it will happen. The people who run Manchester City,

I mean, you, yeah, they're not silly. Let's just say that they always are able to recover remarkable sums for their players. And I don't think Roderie is going to be leaving on a free transfer. Who knows? Who knows? I doubt it, though, because, you know, they've brought in fees for Akangai.

The James Trafford fee is absolutely huge this summer. And Tajani Rinders will go for a large, amount of money as well. Do they need another midfielder though on top of Elliot Anderson? Because obviously this Enzo Fernandez story has popped up over the past couple of weeks. Chelsea then set a deadline which I wouldn't be surprised of other clubs do that now. Set a deadline of we want XYZ, buy XYZ, pay it or you're not getting your man. A hundred and twenty million pounds was the fee set by Chelsea by five o'clock today or if someone offers more than that on September 1st. It would be interesting, wouldn't it?

The midfield player that probably is in the background is the England left back, if you like, because he can play in midfield, can't he? He doesn't mind going into that position and Manciti have honed his skills in that position, then he's been playing left back, then he's been playing centreback. I think the got already made replacement in there

in terms of the technical side of the game. Who's to play left back? He's talking about him. He's talking about him. Wiley, but no, you're talking about Riley. So what, he goes to left back? Yeah, well, they paid big money for him, didn't they? Yeah, they did pay big money for Agnori,

but O'Reilly was so good, and the Peps scored like double figures last season, but it's a good shout field because that is his position, and we've seen him play there many a time, so they might have a gem there. You know why he wants to end up, they talk about Enzo Fernandez. He's worked with Moreska,

and obviously you've lost Bernardo Silver, but you've got to still think they've got the likes of folding, they've got Cherokee, they've got Semeno, they've got Dukukuk. You do forget, don't you? You forget, Aaron, look, all these names are real enough. and then they still got the main man up front number nine, Harland, who's going to be the top goal scorer again? So you can never sleep on Man City, that's for sure.

I mean, in terms of city and building that Moreska side, having watched him at Leicester, watched him at Chelsea as well, this is going to be quite similar to Peppel. Who would you expect the key players to be in his start in 11 on Sunday, Dwight? Like Clinton said, to be fair, you've got someone like Harlan who's going to cause havoc in any defense and he's going to score a lot of goals throughout the season. You know that.

Cherokee obviously finished the season really well and he would have been a bit frustrated at his World Cup and I think he'll be ready almost get him looking to make an impact at the start of the season. So I think those two are your big names straight away. And like I say, I still think there's a lot of room for transfers. I think there's a I think the reason that a lot of people were trying to make deadlines at the moment, I feel because a lot of numbers that are probably getting chucked out are getting really high because of the situation of Morgan Rogers and Elliot Anderson. I think people

are all mightily going to be stamping higher prices on people and I think that's going to just slow things down. I think it will go towards the end of the transfer window before we see a lot more movement. You've got two weeks to go. I think it would be late to be honest. I think Gaye's going to be a big player for him next year. Centre half for me. You know, he looked like he was grown in stature towards the end of the season and the season then comes and he's England, you know, all of these things are building in his career. I think it'll be a massive season for him next year. Where does that leadership group then sort of like emerge in the Manchester City squad?

Ruben Diaz is the club captain. He's 29 years old. Mark Gaye, of course, as shown, he's got that sort of, you know, those capabilities, especially when he was at Crystal Palace. Matea Kovitch is a senior member of that squad. But where do you build that group now, that sort of that group of, you know, sort of lieutenant effectively? Clinton, who are going to be able to be trusted by the boss,

to drive messages forward and to really push this team. Well, Phil's right about Mark Geh. Mark Gehie could even be the captain. I don't know if he will because there's talk of maybe Ruben Diaz and he said he didn't want to, might not give it to Harland, but they've got a lot of experienced players in there with the leadership. They keep Rodry. Roderys, there's a leadership.

You've got Diaz, you've got Mark Gaye. There's a lot of big characters there. Even Harlan can be in the leadership group. I know he's still at an age, but he's, he's, he's the talisman, he's the main man. So they've got a lot of experience in there. I wouldn't even someone like Phil Foden, he's won everything and he's still young.

And he didn't have the best of seasons, Phil Fowden. And he'd be devastated he didn't go to the World Cup. So this season, when we're mentioning players and standout players, I think he has to come into the equation as, because I think he's got a point to prove Phil Fowder, and we know he's an exceptional talent. Man City still have a lot of good players. And I don't think they're finishing the market.

And as we're going to, as Dwight said, it will go right down to the wire. They'll probably sign a few players late and they might lose Roderie. But I still think they'll be competitive and they've got a lot of top players. You arexville now with the list of players I've just mentioned, he'd love to be going in there and managing their players.

Exactly. You mentioned Donoruma. You're talking about big, big players, you know? Exactly. Listen, when you go into a change room like that, you know what it's like Clinton, you know, you've got to go in there as a manager and you've got to make your mark. And how you make your mark is either style of football

or style of management, whichever the case may be. but I've always said for to control the changing room as a manager, a strong manager, you've got to be able to control the big boys and you've got to identify the big boys and the more you have, the stronger that change room, the stronger that bond with the managers. You know, the management group is now left and the new ones come in. That's for me, it's a real tell-tale saying. I think it's a big game for them this weekend. I really do, you know, if they can put a market down early on in the season against an Arsenal team,

early on being a charity shield, it doesn't matter, it's not just a pre-season friendly. a big game. This is a statement of intent I think from Man City and maybe even a rodry. You know, it may be a statement of intent to showcase right, I'm in the city at the start of the season and I'm staying. That might be, it might be a big weekend for them. How do we get that

swaggy, Phil Foden back? I use that word swaggy very loosely. I know there many better other words. Clinton, I'll come to you in a moment or so, but Dwight first up, how does how does he re-light his fire? I feel that the manager's just got to put his arm around him really. I think

it's really important, like you say, the first few games. He just needs to get his confidence back. We obviously know how good of a player is some of his technical abilities off the charts and no one can get close to him with it. So I think it's really important that you build a player like that with as much confidence as you can, give him the game time he needs and try to work the game around him sometimes because we saw two or three years ago player of the year how good he could be and we saw someone that we thought was going to be the best player in England for the next four or five years.

So we need to sort of see that player again. And I think confidence is the first and foremost, and that comes from the manager. Clinton Morrison, Steve Bruce must have had many an arm around your shoulder. Yeah, but I don't know if the way it's like me, but he probably is not. But centre forwards and Phil will tell you he worked with a loads. We all need the arms around us. Phil Fordham probably does. And he's a top player, unbelievable player.

But as you say, when you have a season like obviously, that he had last season, you can suffer low on confidence. It don't mean because you're a top player, you can't dip out of form because it happens to the very best, but he will rediscover his form for sure because he's a top player.

But I think if Moreska goes in there and says, you're my main man, and Phil Foden feels like he's going to be playing week him, week out. He gets confidence. But if you come in for one game, come out for three or four games, your confidence is low.

But he's going to have to, it's going to be challenging Cherokee. And we know the ability Cherokee because he wants to play in the number 10 and so does Phil Foulden. But when you're at a club like Man City, you're going to have competition for places. But the way, it's right,

if he can rediscover that form where he got player this season, he'll be a regular. I like Phil Foulden. I think he's a top player. What's that saying about not letting the truth get in the way of a good story? Well, I'm Correll Prince, and I'm in the way.

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It's the Football Daily podcast with Aaron Paul. We'll talk Arsenal. The Champions of England, who picked up their first title in over 20 years last season. Dwight, you of course were out of us. You're telling us pre-show. You grew up there. That was your club when you come through.

Was it at YTS? No, I wasn't there. At YTS was just from 8 to 12, just to Academy. 8 to 12? Yeah, then. You're still there. In terms of the football club and, you know, what that means to that football club,

you're Alanda you tell us what was it being like yeah it's like for the whole fan base obviously my son supports them my brother supports them my dad supports them

so there's a lot of happy people in my household at the moment so like it just obviously something that they almost didn't think was possible because they got so close to it for so long and even when it was that close

they almost doubted it thinking it was inevitable that Man City would come back into it and take it So it was a massive relief for them. I think that this transfer window was all about sort of just getting some new players in to help them kick on and hopefully be in a stronger enough position to do it again next season. I think with Bruno is definitely someone that's added to the quality in the dress room.

And I'm sure they'll be in the market for something else as well. But I think they're in a strong position and they definitely look like one of the favourites going into it. Clinton, we see the Premier League. it sort of, you know, flows in waves, like with eras. And we've seen this Manchester era, a Manchester city era, come to a close with Pep Guardiola leaving and we don't know what comes next. Are we very much into the Arsenal era now? Is this going to be a period of dominance from Mikhail Arteta's side?

Yeah, I think they will. I think they can do it. Listen, I think the likes of the Man Cities, Liverpool's Chelsea's, they'll all want to say, even Man United, they'll all want to say in it. But I did think if Arsenal got over the line, because as the white said, there were times where you're thinking, Man City, if they don't do it now, Arsenal, I don't think they'll do it for a very long time, but they managed to do it.

It's a credit to them. And I think they've just evolved, and they're just going to keep getting better and better. And the signings they've made so far this season have been really good. The thing I worry about of Arsenal is the Saliba one. I know they link to Gerald Kwanza at the moment, which I think would be a really good signing. But Saliba being injured with the partnership with Gabrielle

and the preseason results haven't gone according to plan, but Phil and Dwight would tell you it's not about preseasoners. about first game of the season. And obviously this weekend playing in the, you know, the charity shield is a big game for all of these new players. And the England players are coming back now. So I think they'll have a really good season. But Bruno Gimerash, really good signing.

And you know what I've heard as well? Talk about it today. They're linked to Ossumann as well. So if they can get Victor Ossumann as well, then they are going to be frightening. I know he's similar to Victor Yoko Res. I know they want his Julian Alvarez. And that might not happen.

But if they get another, like, world-class striker, I think they've got a great chance of dominating for many years. Just on what they've done so far this summer, Phil. Sir Alex Ferguson always said, you know, you need to have your call and then top up, what, three, four players here, Max. You can't be going and making wholesale changes. Michael Artecettis brought in Bruno Gimarich. We know what he's all about.

Krista Zollis has been fantastic in Belgium. Didn't have the most incredible spell at Norwich City, but they're doing just that. It's about fine-tuning. and working out what the issues were last season. What do you think the issues were with Arsenal last year? Oh, good question. You were going to go that way to tell you the truth.

I was looking at Declan Rice and the amount of games he plays. And Clinton, you know, I can question this one. You know, when you're that good, you're that strong in the change room. You've got that good a relationship with a manager. It's almost like you never want to miss a minute. You know, like a Lionel Messi, you never want to miss a minute. And you cut your cloth of cord. as a player.

So you know, you don't have to train during the week, but you're playing at the weekend. And Declan Rice became that player where Arsenal was concerned. He never wanted to miss a minute. And he looked at you had that relationship with the manager. I think the manager's brought a midfield in now

that can give Declan Rice some breathing space because he's come back from the World Cup. He's probably, there's no doubt about it. There would have been fatigue involved there, but he won't have had the preseason that everybody else has had. In fact, the preseason would have been all over the place with regards to individuals.

But at the end of the day, you're just coming to the party at the right time. You know, now's the start of the season on Sunday in the charity shield. Is Declan Rice going to be playing that? Probably not, I wouldn't have thought. I think he's going to showcase the new players. But there's also a problem with centreback. And he's talking about top-end centre-halfs bringing them in.

You know, Kwanza, you know, there's Konsa from Villa. He's talking about taking teams. He's talking about taking players from teams that are going to be challenging for the title next year. And he's actually saying Arsenal are big enough now to take them players off you. because everybody wants to play for it. I think it's Arsenal's era now. It really is. I'm not saying because of Manciti management movement,

not because of Manchester or any of the others and the problems that they've all got. I just think Arsenal in a very, very good place. And I think the managers as well. And now they've got them over the lane last year. I think it's time again. How does Mikhail Artetta not just maintain, well, build and maintain this dynasty in the Premier League,

but take the club to the top table of European football and be challenging for European Cups. Well, this is why he's signing players like Bruno Gimerich, and obviously he wants to strengthen in that centre forward area as well. And as we said, he's interested in Kwanza. I think Kanzar, Ezri Kanzer, he's a really good defender at Aston Villa. That's probably his number one target. But yeah, this is what they're,

and that's why they made a statement, and I didn't think it was ever going to happen, when they went to go and get Vincius Jr. That's the market Arsenal want to shop now, as they want to take over and as I say they're here for it and they were really close

in the Champions League last season but obviously eventually he lost the PSG or a fantastic team but they want to kick on and they want to keep strengthening and everyone says

how do you manage these group of players and keep everyone happy? Well, you're at Arsenal Football Club now and you're one of the biggest clubs there is around at the moment so you've got to manage

these players and stuff like that and Phil made a really good point when he said about Declan Rice I think he played so much football come the end of the season He did look knackard, but he still managed to deliver and go again at the World Cup. I think when you bring in someone like a Bruno Gimeridge,

you can sometimes you can give Declan Rice a rest because you've got Marino. You've got loads of, even Lewis Skelly went in there, Zubimendi, other midfielders that can go in there. O'Degard, Eze, that play in the 10. They're stacked in that department. So, yeah, I think Arsenal are ready to dominate. I think Declan Rice will understand that as well.

And that's the main part. You know, you can see good players coming to change room. When you're sitting there and you go, wow, there's another one. so you sometimes think yourself well hold on a second I don't have to play 38 games now I don't have to play in every cup final I can take a breather in some games and that's for me is good management

now the fact that they've got it over the line they've won a Premier League I think they've created something that City had where City was able to make these signings of having two good players in each position and being able to accept it sometimes and knowing that my chance might not be now but I know that it's for the team

and I'll be in it in a few weeks and I know what's required of me. I also think that what we mentioned earlier about Man City looking for big characters, signings, and who's going to look to take over the dress room? I think what Arteta's done with Bruno Gemeraish is brought someone into the club and with the Konza situation

is someone that is a big character in Aston Villa. It's a big character in Newcastle, both big characters that are basically captains. And I think if you bring stuff like that into the dressing room, it will only add to it. And it will bring along the boys to be successful, I think. Let's talk Sunderland, Bournemouth and Manchester United.

Of course, several clubs in Europe for the first time are back in European competition after a season or two away. All three, though, have had quieter summers in terms of incoming transfers than some may have predicted. Phil, let's begin with your beloved Sunderland playing in Europe for the first time in 53 years. What takeaways? will Reggie Slabreast take into this campaign.

It's going to be difficult. We know what European football brings in terms of stretching squads. And their squad was stretched when they lost players to Afcon last time out. I was, I've got to say, at the start of last season, I came on this show and I was jokingly say, you know, that we're going to finish in the top three, we're going to win the title and all that kind of stuff, as a Sunland supporter.

And it was just blasey rubbish. But then I was more than impressed with the way the team played. I thought the team performed in some of the games absolutely heroically. And Regula Bree just got a grip of a group of players in a way that it can only be described as almost pep-like. You know, he had a style of football and this is the way we're going to play. And everybody seemed to be enjoying playing that way. Then he's saying the Granite Shaka lad. Now, when he's saying Granite Shaka, I'm a manager with a bit of experience.

And I'm thinking to myself, if I bring a player in, that's 34, 35-year-old who's got the experience of being at Arsenal. he's been in Europe, etc, etc. He could actually take over the changing room in a bad way. Having said that, I was fascinated the way he was managing him. He let him get on with it. He let him manage the players on the field of play. And consequently, I think that was the main reason

why Sondon had such a great season. This year, I've got me doubts, and I've only got me doubts for a couple of reasons. Everybody talks about second season syndrome. They've survived on the sort of, the phenomenon that you get promoted from the championship, you're going to the Premier League and you've got the extra inches and you go quicker, yard quicker and this, that,

and everything about you is on the sharp end. I think they've just slumped into a sort of a pre-season that I'm not quite sure about what the outcome is going to be like. They've got a hell of a start to the season, and they've got Europe. Have they got a big enough squad? Have they done enough in the transfer market? I'm sceptical at the moment, I've got to see it.

I mean, players have left the club. a lot of players that left the club. Roussin, meander, is the biggest name. Leah Yelda, the defender, Anthony Patterson, the goalkeeper's gone to Rexham. And they've only brought in Thomas Munier, the Belgian fullback, 34 years old for a right-back. We know what he's been brought in for for that European experience, Clinton.

But fundamentally, they need more if they're to avoid doing what Ipswich did all those years ago. Finish six and they get relegated to the next season. Yeah, you do worry for Sunderland. but I still think they did very good business and they've still got, as Phil alluded to, you saw Chelsea were knocking on the door for Granite Jackar. I still think when you've got that man in the building, he's a top player and he'll lead it.

And they've got lots of good players in. I tell you, it was excellent for them. He's a hell of a strikers. Broby, he really impressed me. I think he's strong. He's a man mountain. Defenders can't handle him. But they're in Europe, so it's going to be difficult.

And I know what it's like being, when I've watched a lot of palace, when you're playing on a Thursday and you're playing on a Sunday. and you need a big enough squad and they've only bought in Thomas Mungier, they've lost players, and Dingeras, I think it's gone to Monaco as well.

So they've lost a lot of players, but I think Sondland will still do business, but I can understand what Phil's saying the second season. You do start worrying, but I still think Sondon have enough to be competitive this season. I'm really impressive.

That first season, getting into Europe, that's a massive bonus. Don't get me wrong. Definitely, definitely. If we had it just missed out on Europe, how would have been a lot more happier. Happier, yeah, yeah. It's a strange one,

Nick, you know? I complain to Spurs fans. They're saying, oh, you know, we're in Europe and this, that's the reason why we finish 17th in the Premier League. I'm like, hold on a second, the amount of money that you can spend compared to Sondland. You're in a different market to us. You should never be complaining about being in Europe. Manchester United back in Europe and the Champions League after a year away and only 40 games played last season, their lowest since World War II. I mean, that's likely to go up by about 20 this time round. They've made some short. shrewd signings, Clinton Morrison.

Yuri Telemont, who's got himself in a bit of trouble this week with Aston Villafans and Andre Santos brought in from fellow Premier League clubs. Is it going to be enough for them to sustain 38 games in the league, cups and the Champions League? No, they need more. And Michael Carrot has come out and said they need more. They've got good attacking players as well. They did good business last season, but he wants a bit more.

I think the job he'd done last season going in there. And it's not easy because management is. it's not easy and Phil will tell you that, especially going to a club like Man United that had been struggling. But what Carrick did, he played players in the right position, played Cobby Mayno, who Rubin Amarin didn't fancy, played Bruno in his best position in the number 10

and he ended up being the best 10 in the Premier League and got player the year. He was outstanding. But then you need to add to it. And what it was, they're in Champions League now as, they only concentrated on the league last season, but it's a different kettle of fish now when you get into that. And you need to add to the squad,

and you need a bigger squad. They've got, I said last season, they had probably a good 14. And, yeah, they have strengthened it, and they've got a lot of good youngsters. But as the season goes on, you do need to strengthen. And I hope they do bat Michael Carrick,

because I think the job he done last season was fantastic. When you hear about them on the hump for a left back field, do you sit there and think, about time? Because Luke Shaw has had so many injuries over the years. And look, brought in in 2014, it was a long, long time ago that he arrived under Louis Van Hal for a big price tag. hung on and hung on, waiting for him to come back,

and he's never come back as he... Not in the form that he was in when the first brought him to the football club. He changed shape, everything about him, you know, was something... You were suffering for him because he was never 100% fit since them early days. And they had a good left back, don't get me wrong. I think it was a damn good left back.

But truth be known, they should have been replacing him, what, two or three years, maybe even more ago. What else do they need, Phil? Another midfielder? They need good numbers. And we've talked about Arsenal. You know, Arsenal are bringing in good numbers now. It's not just players to enhance the squad.

It's players that can win the title and win it again and again and again. So they're setting a standard of a football club. Manchester United have always had a standard. They can attract any player. You know what United have always been? Now they're in Europe again. They can attract the right kind of player. And consequently, I think they've got a great shout.

I'm not saying that Michael Carrots came out in categorically stated week and win the league. But he has to believe that. that. He has to start believing that. If he comes out and sees it, it puts a little bit too much pressure on the players. But I think he's got a group of players that can handle that. Can I ask Phil and Dwight, say, let me answer this, Dwight. You go first.

What do you think with Marcus Rashford? Would you keep him at the football club? Because it's like having a new signing, is it? And I think you'll be good under Michael Carrick. What do you think? I think definitely. I obviously know that Carrick's someone that probably worked with him before at some point. probably have had his ear when he was perhaps not playing

and wanted to get into the team and Carrick, I'm sure, would have given him the right advice at that point and I think they'll have that relationship already. I think you know what Rashford can bring to the table when he's on fire. I do think this season's all about stabilising. I think it's going to be difficult for a United to kick on and be title contenders because I don't...

How do you stabilising the champions do? I think they've got to have a good season in the championship. 10 Miz League, but then to back it up with finishing the top four again. Is Rashford lucky, though, Phil, that it is Michael Carrick? Because if you've got a manager who's not linked with Manchester United, who doesn't have that connection with Marcus Rashford, does it go a different way from?

This throws all my management experience into disarray to a certain extent, because I know what both the guys are saying. I think Rashford's priceless. One thing he's got blistering pace. blistering place, international player you name it, you're not attracting the top clubs because you're a bad player, you're attracting the top

club because you've been brought up the right way, you know how to play the game. But he knows how to play the game on and off the field of play. He knows his worth and his value, and that's as big as United can get. And they've got a player in the ranks that the manager can manage. They've obviously got a relationship that is

pro-Manchester United. I think it's a no-brainer that he stays at the football club now, whereas a year ago, I would have said, rid. Yeah, I definitely think someone like that, you know, it costs a lot of money to bring someone that you know is going to add value. So if that's someone that's going to add numbers straight away, I think this is a no-brainer. And like I said, they just need to do some shrewd business because we know what the numbers are at the moment and how much it's going to cost. And for Maine United, it's about creating two good players in each position, which I probably think it's going to be a bit

of a push this season because of the value of the players. But they need to get a good 17 to 18 to really have a good season, I think. Just touching on at AFC Bournemouth, we have thoroughly enjoyed watching Andani Aeroa's Bournemouth over the past few years. Marco Rose has come in. Now, this is someone who's had success in Austria with Red Bullsburg winning the title. He's had success in Leipzig as well, winning trophies. How hard is it, though, going to be just coming into that Bournemouth environment where

And Dona Arola has created this brotherhood, this team, and sort of just coming in and trying to do your own thing. Yeah, I think it'll be difficult for Bournemouth. I mean, Rihol is a top manager. That's why he's got the Liverpool job. I think the way Bormath play when they're in possession and out of possession, their work rate is fantastic. But it's a difficult one because you look at Scott and will he leave?

Obviously, we see Bormath have offered him a new deal, and I'm not sure if he wants to sign it. There was talks of him going Chelsea. They got Rayan, who I like the Brazilian international. But you know who they've lost? as he's injured, is Crupi. Crupi's injured

and he's going to be a big blow for them because I think he's an exception and talent and a lot of clubs are watching that. And Rosa, it's difficult because they're big shoes with

listen, I'm not comparing it but it's like we just said PEP's gone, Moreska has to come in, they're big shoes. The job Iriola done for Bournemouth even to get into Europe

where Bournemouth are usually near the other end of the table is fantastic. So listen, but one thing with Bournemouth, they always recruit well. When they lost the men, they're bringing players

and they recruit well. I still think they'll be right this season, but I don't think they'll have the season like they had last season under Ariola. Clinton, just looking at the Premier League this year, who's going to be your ones to watch? Oh, wow. That's a difficult one. You know what?

My ones to watch, you know what my ones to watch? You all are going to laugh because they spent loads of money, but they always been finishing in the bottom near the bottom. So I'm going to go Tottenham's are my ones to watch as. One word answer from you, Dwight? Oh, it's got, it seems like I'm just copying at the moment. I've gone Norwich and now I've gone Tottenham as well. No, I like it.

Sorry, Clint. Phil, I'll have to join it. It's good. I'll have to join you. I'll tell you what, Phil. Phil, you can hold on and give me your answer to because you join me on 606. Myself and Phil Brown. Our live commentary offering on Sunday comes from the Principality Stadium Cardiff as the Champions

Arsenal take on Manchester City. This goes beyond what the KGB did back in the days. Conspiracy theories in the Football World Cup is the air. ever one without the other. Well, I've been digging into one of the very best back in 1994. Guy from Iraq gets a red card for a, you know, a dubious tackle. I'm James Montague and from BBC 5 Live, this is Sports Strangers Crimes Presents, Shadows on the pitch. Listen on BBC Sounds.