Football Daily - The Debrief: Arsenal On Top

Episode Date: December 30, 2025

Arsenal increase their lead at the top of the Premier League table following a 4-1 win at home to Aston Villa. Hear from their manager, Mikel Arteta, and from Unai Emery after his Aston Villa side's 1...1 match winning streak came to an end. Dion Dublin, Ellen White, Statman Dave and Clinton Morrison join Steve Crossman to discuss a busy night of Premier League football and the latest twists at the top and bottom of the Premier League table. More dropped points from Chelsea - hear from their coach Willy Caballero and Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola after a 2-2 draw - what's the latest on Antoine Semenyo's future at the club? Plus, hear from Rob Edwards after his first point as Wolves manager following a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford to Manchester United. And they discuss the latest transfer rumour - could Brennan Johnson be set for a switch across London from Tottenham to Crystal Palace?TIME CODES:01:10 - Arsenal 4-1 Aston Villa 08:20 - Mikel Arteta 12:20 - Unai Emery 14:40 - Willy Caballero 15:50 - Andoni Iraola 18:50 - Manchester United 1-1 Wolves 21:45 - Rob Edwards 22:45 - Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace?

Transcript
Discussion (0)
Starting point is 00:00:00 This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. To embrace the impossible requires a vehicle that pushes what's possible. Defender 110 boasts a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, a weighting depth of 900mm and a roofload up to 300 kilograms. Learn more at landrover.ca. This podcast is brought to you by Wise, the app for international people using money around the globe. With Wise, you can send, spend, and receive up to 40 currencies with only a few simple taps. Plus, Wise won't add hidden fees to your transfer. Whether you're buying souvenirs with pesos in Puerto Vallata or sending euros to a loved one in Paris, you know
Starting point is 00:00:39 you're getting a fair exchange rate with no extra markups. Be smart. Join the 15 million customers who choose Wise. Download the Wise app today or visit Wise.com. Tise and C's Apply. Tuesday nights football. Arsenal, five points clear at the top of the Premier League after a four-one victory over Aston Villa. We've got Stapman Dave, Ellen White and Dion Dublin with us inside the stadium. Clinton Morrison, other stories in the Premier League. Manchester United won, Wolverhampton Wanderers won. So Wolves get their first point under Rob Edwards and United failed to beat them at Old Trafford. elsewhere in the Premier League. West Ham 2, Brighton 2. West Hamstayed third bottom. Forest are four points above them. They were beaten though, 2-0 at home by Everton. It finished Burnley 1, Newcastle, 3 Newcastle moving to the top half and an absolute belter of a game
Starting point is 00:01:42 at Stamford Bridge, which finished Chelsea 2, Bournemouth 2. Let's continue the story then at the Emirates, just looking at David Ryer celebrating that. And you know what, Dion, And before we talk about anything else, I want to talk about David Ryer's save. Forget all the goals that went in. The other day, he made the save that people think is the best we've seen this season. He might actually just have beaten it. Well, it's going to take some beating. When he made that save in the last game, I'm saying, catch it.
Starting point is 00:02:12 I was with Helen at the time. So catch it, get both hands on it. What to save, that was, by the way. But I think tonight may have just gone to the top of the tree. Honestly, the reactions and just the way they move their feet, It's just, and they all are different species keepers, by the way. They train on their own, they've got their own coaches, they do what they want to do. They do have a keeper's union.
Starting point is 00:02:34 But when they make saves like that, you've got to tip your hat. I was going to say as well, I think he's outstretched with his left arm, hit the ground, but then his ability to get up, stand, shuffle his feet to get across. Obviously McGinn should absolutely volley that into the back of the net, but his ability to spread himself again. Yeah, he's a phenomenal keeper. It was a sensational save. This time, though, by the time it happened, the game had already been won.
Starting point is 00:02:58 I've got to say, Clinton Morrison, an Arsenal team without Declan Rice to do that to a Villa side that had won 11 games in a row, it's pretty frightening. No, it is frightening. Villain need to be at full strength, though. No Kamara, no cash. They're two important players for them. Villa couldn't afford to come to Arsenal and not be at full strength. So they did miss them too in particular, for sure.
Starting point is 00:03:19 But you're right, it was frightening. Only in the second half, though, crossy. I thought in the first half, it was flat. They weren't moving the ball quick enough, but in the second half, yeah, they got their mojo and they were cooking. And you're right. David Reha, the save tonight was brilliant.
Starting point is 00:03:31 It's fantastic. But I think because of the scoreline, people won't talk about it that much. But I think on the weekend, the one against Brighton was outstanding because when I saw Minter start, I'm trying to bend it into that far corner. And I shouted goal already,
Starting point is 00:03:44 and Ray had just said, nice. Not a goal here, Clinton. I think that's, you can lip read. That's exactly what he said. He said Clinton, I don't think you know what you're talking about here. Clinton, just a quick one, mate. You've watched that game tonight. Yeah.
Starting point is 00:03:58 What was the difference? I mean, Villa three points behind Arsenal. Yeah. What was the difference on the pitch? Why were Arsenal so dominant? You know what? I look at the bench as well that you can bring on the deal on, but it was over before Arsenal made a change.
Starting point is 00:04:13 But I just thought the front three caused a lot of problems. I know your career, he didn't get his goal, but he's a handful. He causes a lot of problems. And I feel the difference. was probably Odergaard. I thought Oudegard in the second half took hold of the game and basically said this is our place I'm going to grab this game by the scruff of the neck and he started to get into pockets and I do believe Anana going off was a huge blow for them because I think in the first half there was no space for Odegaard to get on a ball as soon as Anana went off I think Odegaard he came into his own and he started playing them slide all passes he probably be disappointed he didn't score a couple of goals so I say Deion he was the he was the biggest the biggest threat for them and I'd say probably Vila Rogers was quiet tonight and it's unusual but it's he can't always do it by himself you know what I mean that's why that's why Clinton gets paid the big books
Starting point is 00:04:58 mate no I'm like to be a pound behind you and Ellen I'm allowed to say that I'm allowed to say this crossy but I watched you on every morning on a pro on a BBC program at 11 o'clock he is brilliant isn't he thank you thank you young man thank you all every day every day I love always say, am I allowed to say it? Didn't wait for me to answer? I'm just saying it. It's BBC, mate. You're okay. We're all BBC. We're all BBC. Statman, give us some of the numbers of that then, because, you know, 4-1 doesn't tell the whole
Starting point is 00:05:33 story. I think the big thing with Arsenal, as we know, the set piece is there supreme at that. And Gabriel, being back today is absolutely massive. That's his 19th goal in the Premier League for Arsenal in that period. That's six more than any other defenders managed in the division. He's the top scoring centaarth in Europe since joining Arsenal. But I think on top of that, obviously, the impacts of Leandro Trasse. this season's got to be spoken about 13 goal involvement more than any other Arsenal player and finally I think someone like Martin Zubendi has
Starting point is 00:05:58 improved Arsenal directly involved in six goals already this season Thomas Party was six in the entirety of last campaign we're also seeing him roam around pick up really interesting spaces took his goal so well today and it gives the team a different dynamic and as Clinton spoke about Erdogard can find you if you make those forward runs
Starting point is 00:06:15 and it makes them harder to play against if their number six is getting into the box Yeah, I was just going to say, do you think Clint, you know, Dave, Dion, this really showcases, particularly this game, the depth of the Arsenal team, of, you know, obviously Rice missing, yes, but they have obviously missed Odegaard in other games and previous games, obviously Gabrielle. But I feel like this game has really highlighted the depth that they have and the quality of those players as well. I think what you said, Steve, about United not beating wolves, I think United not beating wolves tells you where United is or United are. and then Arsenal, doing what they did to Villa tells you where Arsenal are. It's just we have to get the job done and we will do it. We've got the players to do it.
Starting point is 00:06:56 I'll make the right decisions. I'll play the right formation. Everything's going right for Arsenal because they're all contributing. The manager's doing his bit. The players are doing their bit. The coaches are set pieces. And when you keep us, you know, whatever it may be, it seems to be a bit of a juggernaut at the moment because everybody's contributing.
Starting point is 00:07:13 And at Man United, it's not quite there. That's why they couldn't get over the line with Wolves tonight. Clinton, let's have a mention on Gabriel Jesus here as well because the evening started with a lot of fear for Arsenal fans because Declan Rice was out and I think we're assuming that's not a serious injury so we'll wait and see. But the evening almost ends with the opposite feeling
Starting point is 00:07:32 because Kai Havert's is back on the bench so we're going to see him before too long. Obviously Arsenal haven't seen him at all this season. And Jezus gets his first Premier League goal, well, his first goal full stop of the season as well. Yeah, definitely. That's why Ella makes a really good point. This squad depth is a joke.
Starting point is 00:07:46 It's an absolute joke, Arsenal. That's why they recruited ever so well in the summer and brought in a lot of quality. And you've got players like Jay-Zus, who they did have. He's been out for so long, a very long time. And it must be hard for him. People will tell you, crossy, when you're injured, it's a lonely place and you're thinking,
Starting point is 00:08:00 will I get back onto that pitch? Since he's come back, he's been so lively and he deserves that goal. I think he's brilliant. And he's just different in the 10 or 15 minutes that he was on the pitch. When the ball goes up to him, it sticks. He can roll people.
Starting point is 00:08:13 I think he's a brilliant, brilliant player. But you know what they've got? competition for places, but yeah, he's going to be like a new sign in Gabriel, Jay-Zus. That is why Arsenal are favourites, because their squad depth is unbelievable. But also someone like Mikhail Moreno, who's scored really important goals for Arsenal this season. Today he played a very much a dirty role. He played that Declan Rice role. In a sense of he made the most offensive actions for Arsenal, won the most tackles. It's a different part of his game that we haven't really seen in the Premier League.
Starting point is 00:08:38 Could have potentially got sent off. We got booked early on, committed a few fouls. But that type of role you need in a football team like Arsenal at the moment, a player that really digs him. All those ugly jobs. The ugly jobs, the dirty jobs, Dionne. No, that's it. And, you know, Decker and Rice is obviously a lot more than that. And he's, in my opinion, possibly the best in the world at that at the moment. I think he's that good.
Starting point is 00:09:00 But he just does everything really simple. He makes it look simple. He gets the ball back. He plays the right pass. If he goes forward, somebody sits in with him. He's a very intelligent footballer. But they've got over the line without him tonight. That tells you something.
Starting point is 00:09:13 Okay, let's hear from the Arsenal manager, Mikhail Artata. Bickel, you've had three very close halves of football against Aston Villa this season, but wow, what a second half that was tonight. Yeah, it was amazing. We knew we played against a team that won 11 games in a row. They are a great emotional state. They are really fabulous team. They keep you on the edge in a reaction.
Starting point is 00:09:38 And in the first half in the first 10 minutes, we miss time a few things, and they open us up, and they are really dangerous there. After we have some more control, we came up in the second half. half and I thought we were outstanding. You looked as if you had told them to go through the gears a bit, up the intensity right from the first whistle in the second half. We did that, but then that's sometimes not enough.
Starting point is 00:09:58 At the end, you have to time things really well. I think there are certain roles and behaviours that are really important against them. You want to be efficient in what you do. We really did that credit to the boys. I think the quality team finishing as well was something that we've been missing in the last few games and certainly today we had it and that made a difference. Talking about making a difference, how important to have Gabriel back in your team, both defensively, of course, but he makes a nuisance of himself at the other end?
Starting point is 00:10:25 Yes, both boxes, I think. I think the presence, the character he brings to the team, it's something else. He's been out for six weeks. Haven't played yet, and today has to play against probably the most dangerous team, especially with the space in behind, and I think he was fabulous. Gabriel Jesus, too, 300-odd days out, came back recently, and what an introduction to the match. Right. He looks sharp, very ambitious. I think Victor did it really, really well today as well in the front line. But Gabby took his chance so well.
Starting point is 00:10:53 So, another one on board. Does this to you feel like a nice statement win to see out 2025? A little reminder to everybody else who the team to beat are? Another three points is the only thing that matters. We know how long this is going to be. But yeah, it's been an incredible 2025. We know what we won from 2026. We're going to have to earn it.
Starting point is 00:11:16 we're still a long way away. And Arsenal fans, of course, will want to see Declan Rice back in the team quickly. Is that likely to happen? I think so. Well, if that swelling comes down in the next few days, he will be in a better place. But the good thing is that without a lot of players,
Starting point is 00:11:28 still the team is able to perform in that way and win the game. Let's talk a bit of Villa then, Alan. I mean, look, they'd won 11 in a row. They're on this unbelievable run. People were talking about them and a title race. Is there a danger of kind of under-appreciating the job that they are doing this season? by comparing them to the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City.
Starting point is 00:11:49 Do you see what I mean? Like, they could have an amazing season and be third. Like that would still be amazing. Yeah, no, definitely. I think Una Emery kind of alluded to that a little bit in his press conference of what he was saying that, you know, they want to enjoy the moment. You know, they don't want to think about the title and enjoy each game
Starting point is 00:12:05 and obviously the fact that they have kind of broken a record of the most consecutive wins that they've kind of had for a good while. So I don't think this is something or a game. that they need to really focus on too much yes it would have been absolutely amazing and it would have been even more in the conversation but I think they need to focus on keeping where they are in the Champions League spots
Starting point is 00:12:27 obviously doing well in Europe as well so I think that's what they need to concentrate on yes they obviously need to analyse this but this isn't the be all and end all of their season now and their chances of European football for next season as well I think this might be this might you know silver lining and all that kind of stuff it might be they might think
Starting point is 00:12:45 hold it a minute, that's where we need to be. So what do we need to do in order to get there, you know? Just in December, you think about who they've played. They've played Chelsea way, they played Arsenal way. They've played Arsenal twice, home and away. They played Brighton. They've picked up 15 points from a possible 18. That's a great return.
Starting point is 00:12:59 It really is. And I think that's where Villa have got a look at it there, that they've done exceptionally well in December. Today, Matt, was a little bit too far. But again, as you mentioned, Dion, what can they do in January? Close that gap. Let's get some reaction. Here is Aston Villa boss, Unai, Emery.
Starting point is 00:13:13 Unai, always going to be the most difficult match in the Premier League. A trip to Arsenal, your thoughts on tonight? So happy with the players. And, of course, we must analyze this match. But overall, we are getting the day 19 with the point we have and the week we did. Today, we did very good first half differently than the last match in Chelsea. And of course, we were more or less competing well and even getting our momentum. and creating chances.
Starting point is 00:13:45 And we didn't consider it a lot. No corner the first half for them. But the second half, the first goal, changed everything. And after it, of course, they push it. And we had as well the age of Amadu and Anna. And we lost it in the middle. And they have the power they show with it.
Starting point is 00:14:04 And we finish loss in. But now with the players, my analysis, of course, is after the match how we did here 90 minutes, but overall, the most important for us is to understand overall how we are. Is that the frustration for you tonight, though? Because at halftime, in the first half, Arsenal, hadn't really troubled you a great deal.
Starting point is 00:14:30 And then suddenly it changed so quickly. Yes, we played fantastic the first half, and they started pushing. We had our momentum, to dominate our momentum, to create a chance in transition, sometimes keeping the ball position, and we are competing very well and defending very well. Of course, to keep it for the second half
Starting point is 00:14:48 was our challenge, and the first goal, how they scored it. Maybe it could be fault, but of course here in England is more difficult because the referees they let to touch the keepers and it's difficult. But we must have said because in both sides. And then, after it,
Starting point is 00:15:08 we considered another... Another chances they scored it and finished the match loss in. We scored one goal. We had another really good chances. We were as well keeping our structure and trying to use some young players as well in some minutes they played. And keep going. More drop points at home for Chelsea this evening.
Starting point is 00:15:29 Two all draw with Bournemouth. No endzo Moreska in the post-match interviews. So instead, here's his assistant, Willie Cabier. The reaction today, we were losing from the beginning. We won. for a few minutes. That's the thing that can happen. It's so difficult to score two goals
Starting point is 00:15:47 against these kind of teams that are really strong intensity. We scored two goals, but we couldn't manage the game. In that way, we need to improve. And if today we increase that, the stats, unfortunately, it's not good for us, but we need to take the positive
Starting point is 00:16:07 and the effort from the players today was amazing. And is the manager okay? He's not feeling well, is that right? Yeah, he's not feeling well. He didn't feel in the last two days. But he made the session as well. I don't know how he find the strength to do it because we saw him walking
Starting point is 00:16:25 and he was suffering with temperature and other stuff. And today he asked me to come to replace him because he didn't feel well. Ah, well, we hope for a speedy recovery for Enzo Moreska. That's Chelsea coach, Willie Cabierro. Speaking to John Salto. Bournemouth fans, listen up.
Starting point is 00:16:43 Andoni Iriola says tonight was not Antoine Cimeneo's final game for the club. I don't know what's going to happen, but he will definitely play. Yes, it's not the last game. Okay. We spoke after the game with Brentford, and obviously it was the first half in particular was a bad performance. But there must be different emotions from you tonight, Hunter. Yes, I think we all wanted to play a lot better game,
Starting point is 00:17:09 to forget a little bit this 45 minutes we did against Brentford and I think finish proud with the performance whatever was the result the reward is not massive at the end is one draw one point but
Starting point is 00:17:19 I think we have to be humble in this moment where everything is costing us a lot and take the point slowly slowly keep growing in our performances and keep insisting just and in the 92nd minute standing on the touchline
Starting point is 00:17:34 you must have thought this is it when Enesuinal had that chance yes Yes, it's a great chance to have, no, but I think Enes has done very well. The ministry has played with Amin. I think they've given us this energy, you know, that probably we were lacking in the last part of the game. I think they've had more the ball, but we've had the better chances,
Starting point is 00:17:54 and I'm not fully satisfied with the two to be honest. Deion, getting pantomime season started there as well before we heard from that. Yes, I'm sort of teared up. I'm going to panto tomorrow, actually. Are you? I'm just getting in the mood I'm going to see Jason Manfred is in Panto
Starting point is 00:18:12 in a show which I can't remember Oh he's not going to be happy He doesn't really care But I'm going to go see him tomorrow And we'll see the new year and together Clinton you must have done some Panto No
Starting point is 00:18:25 You want to see him play You've seen him play He's in Panto all the time The thing is He sent such a lovely message to me there Dion and now he's just gone and ruined it I'm quite a lovely guy No, no, I've never done Panto, but that's probably on my next, you know, wishless.
Starting point is 00:18:42 I'd be brilliant at Panto, do you not think? Have you not heard me on Five Live every week? No, you wouldn't. Thank you very much. All right. Happy New Year, everyone. Happy New Year. Take care.
Starting point is 00:18:52 Happy New Year. 226 horsepower twin turbo V8 engine and intelligent 6D dynamics air suspension. Learn more at Landrover.ca. From a small village on the banks of the River Nile. Everybody call me Mohammed, but you know, it's her name or nickname. They call me more. To the biggest stages of world football. He goes for the Cala.
Starting point is 00:19:28 Mo Salah is more than just a player. He's an icon, a symbol, a king. It's six still! And Sala rips off his shirt. Mohamed Sala represents a dream for Egyptians, for Muslims, for Africans. More than just a football player, he gave us hope. I'm Kelly Kate. This is Sporting Giants, Mo Sala.
Starting point is 00:19:52 Listen on BBC Sounds. On the Football Daily podcast, The Debrief with Steve Crossman. Okay, let's talk Manchester United next after they drew one-all at home to wolves. Dion. Ruben Ambram has had an incredibly stressful time in charge of Manchester United I think that's probably the best way. Can't speak for him, but I'll be surprised if anything else is the case. They're 16th in the Premier League after that.
Starting point is 00:20:19 They've got 30 points. And clearly from a Premier League perspective, they've improved a lot from where they were. You've got to be able to beat Wolves at home if you're not, I'm not going, oh, you know, Manchester United and what they did in the 90s, I'm not doing that. this Manchester United team right now have got to be able to beat Wolf yeah they have and they've got to set their stall out early
Starting point is 00:20:41 early on by making it difficult for Wolves and they didn't Wolves did stand strong tonight with a very good performance but yes at Old Trafford at Trafford I expect Manchester United to win that game by at least a clear goal maybe two clear goals
Starting point is 00:20:57 with the performances we've seen from Wolves you have to take Wolves back to that place where they think they're not going to win and then you can win the game convincingly but United didn't take them there. Dave, give us some of the numbers here because the evidence of the eye says that Manchester United were really poor there.
Starting point is 00:21:16 I think when you look at the expected goals, again, good at evaluating the chance. As Manchester United create an expected goal of 0.81 in the game, Wolves 1.02. Not a great game at all by those numbers but Wolves created a better quality of chance. Someone like Mascara deserves a lot of plaudits tonight. It was absolutely fantastic defensively.
Starting point is 00:21:32 won 10 of his 11 ground jewels two out of his three aerial jewels most defensive contribution on the pitch most interceptions most tackles won as well but United got a look at themselves obviously this new system, this new setup it doesn't look right to me still I think United were much better with three at the back
Starting point is 00:21:47 and I think this is the age old thing with Manchester United obviously Ruben Amrin came to the club playing that system but there's still tweaks you can make with the back three you can play three in mid-field player three five two you could play one ten off two strikers I would prefer that tactical change versus this because at times
Starting point is 00:22:04 But he was getting hammered for sticking to that system Yeah but I think he still stick to the system I don't think you should shouldn't change things because people, you know, on the outside are saying this isn't work because you look at the Which he hasn't done to be fair, has he? Do you know what I mean? He's stuck with that system through thick and thing. The system shouldn't be a problem.
Starting point is 00:22:19 The system shouldn't be a problem. If you have players of that quality, it shouldn't, in my opinion, it shouldn't be a problem. I don't know. 442, 631, I don't care what system you play. That's a bit defensive, do? Sometimes they've needed it this season.
Starting point is 00:22:38 I just feel that the United players are that good, they should be able to deal with it. And I think, you know, a system is a system. A system is different when you're in possession. A system is different. When you're out of possession, the players should be able to deal with it. Massive night for Rob Edwards,
Starting point is 00:22:53 you have to say, his first point in charge and we can hear from him now. We've got to keep our feet on the ground. I know it feels nice that we've taken something from the game, but it is only a point. And, you know, it's almost then we've got to remember where we're at as well. So it's progress, it's progress. The performance levels have been improving.
Starting point is 00:23:11 I think we've all seen that and we've felt that. But it's nice to come away with something from the game. Great for the supporters as well. No less than what we deserved. You know, I feel that on another night, it could have been more. That was going to be my next question. There were chances to win that throughout. For both teams, but more importantly for you.
Starting point is 00:23:29 Yeah, I think however you play at Manchester, United, they're always going to create and have some chances, but I feel we have bigger ones. You know, we almost give them one. And I know they had the offside chance as well, the offside goal, but we had some big, big opportunities there. But that's good. It's a positive that we're creating. In the main, we look solid. And in the first half, I thought we played some really good football. In the second half, I thought we looked a really good counter-attacking threat. So I thought we showed some nice sides to us, to ourselves tonight as well. Right. Let's do the one piece of transfer news today. Crystal Palace have reached an agreement with
Starting point is 00:24:01 Tottenham over a deal to sign Brennan Johnson for a fee of around 35 million pounds. It's now obviously up to him to decide what he wants to do. Dion, well, there's two angles to this. Palace potentially signing him, Spurs potentially selling him. Does any of that surprise you? Knowing his dad, who I played with his dad at United. Great striker. Yeah, yeah, David.
Starting point is 00:24:28 And I think David would have been saying you need to play, son, you need to play. You need games, you need minutes. I like Palace. I like Palace as a football club. I like the way it's run. I think Steve Parrish is a very good owner. He'll spend money when he needs to spend money. And I think if they can get Brennan through the door,
Starting point is 00:24:45 I think it's a huge plus point for them. And again, as I said earlier about Semenio, he will make a difference and make Palace better. I think when you look at someone like Brendan Johnson, what he's done at Spurs is score goals. You can't deny that top score last season. And I think that's a really weird thing. mentioned kind of on the radio on Saturday.
Starting point is 00:25:04 It's weird that he's not been a part of this team this season because the start of the year when they were playing really well, pressing high, being aggressive. He was scoring goals and he's done a different profile to a lot of their players. It's just a goal score. He looked at his chance conversion over the last 365 days, scored a chance at 36% at the time. That ranks him in the top 1% of players in Europe.
Starting point is 00:25:24 He's very effective in that position. You think about Pallas' system and Ishmael-Assar being that kind of goal scorer from midfield, that's exactly what Brennan Johnson could do for them, which will add such depth for their team. For 35 million, that's a steal. I do. It just seems strange to me why you'd sell a goal scorer, essentially, who was their top goal scorer last season? It just baffles me, because who have you got in that squad at the moment that will score that amount of goals and the consistency of the goals when they're playing and performing well? But he obviously doesn't feel loved. There's obviously some friction maybe with the manager. He doesn't want to fit him in the
Starting point is 00:25:58 system, so I don't blame him at all for going to Palace and wanting to go play football under a manager that seems great, but we also don't know how long he's going to be there potentially as well. But yeah, I think fair play to him. Go there, enjoy your football and, yeah, potentially score a lot of goals. You've got to wonder, Dion, whether there is another part to this whereby Thomas Frank knows that he's going to be able to invest that money, because otherwise it does seem a bizarre decision. It's not like they're blessed with players in blistering form in forward areas.
Starting point is 00:26:32 No, I think when you haven't got a number nine that's getting you 20, 25, you have to play, obviously, share the goals out and Brennan was one of those that was getting goals. So you're taking that away from what you have. Finding it again, finding goals, first or foremost,
Starting point is 00:26:48 in anybody is difficult. If you've got it in the room, try and keep hold of it. It looks like he's going to be going to Palace. and Pallas are buying goals. Palace are buying goals. If you've got another source of goals, along with the players at Pallas have already,
Starting point is 00:27:03 another 15 goals a season, Dave, is that about right? Yeah, you'd probably say so for a player like Brennan Johnson, that's what you'd expect in Crystal Palace's team. And I think you'd think about his game and how good he is playing on the last line with someone like Matetta that will take that attention away that can link the player that still scores goals for fun,
Starting point is 00:27:19 but you're almost going up, you know, under the radar a little bit. Pino's a player that likes the ball to feet, Sarah is different as we mentioned before he's a player that runs the other way and I think with Matetta that's the perfect foil in there so it's a super exciting signing for Crystal Palace fans and once again like the value
Starting point is 00:27:34 for money you're going to get there because it was 54 million that Spurs spent on him okay and now what again 35 so they're losing what nearly 20 million on a player again it doesn't seem like the right recruitment but you look at what Spurs have done over the last probably 24 months their squad
Starting point is 00:27:50 there's been a lot of investment in there what's their best forward line we still don't the inconsistencies with their performances last season and the league finish was obvious for us all to see. But considering that Brennan Johnson's scored two goals, only Van de Ven and Richarderson scored more in the Spurs squad, yet he's only played 600 minutes. Wow.
Starting point is 00:28:06 Paints a picture. 47.5 mil, it was. So they're making a 12.5 million pound loss on a player who is surely a better player than they won they signed. Just seems weird. I mean, I suppose the thing that's been thrown at Tottenham in the past is that they have recruited Pooley and they haven't managed to move players on.
Starting point is 00:28:28 So I suppose the flip side to it, Ellen, is, if the manager has made the decision that Brennan Johnson is not for him, then getting $35 million is more important than whether or not you get what you paid for him. Yeah, potentially. And maybe he's got some one up his sleeve. I don't know.
Starting point is 00:28:44 I don't know who they're potentially looking at, but he's obviously got people in mind that he wants to bring in for the style of play that he wants to play. But yeah, you obviously don't want to lose money on someone that is someone that you've brought, what, three seasons ago, two seasons ago? It's not a great investment, is it? I'd be very surprised if Thomas Frank hasn't forward planned and got his eye on somebody. I think he's that kind of manager.
Starting point is 00:29:09 I like Thomas Frank as a manager. I think he's a very special manager, a very special man. So he will have something up his sleeve. And just to finish on this, if I was a palace fan, I'd be thinking, I really hope what this is. means is that the manager has told Steve Parrish what he wants if he's going to stay and this is the first sign of that happening. And if that's the case then, you know... Because if you're Brennan Johnson, you're going to want to know
Starting point is 00:29:34 is the guy he's signing me? Absolutely. And are we keeping hold of the players that we have at the moment that are making things happen for Palace at the moment? I think another two or three players and Palace will be there again, you know. Challenge of the trophies, they will be. Dave Ellen Dionne, thank you all very much indeed. That's it. from this episode of the Football Daily podcast, next edition, the Euroleagues,
Starting point is 00:29:57 you're better than that. End of year quiz. As always, thank you so much for listening. Five Live Sports. The Test Match Special podcast. This is going to be the focus of some pretty serious heart-nosed cricket over the next few days.
Starting point is 00:30:14 Drives into the offside. This will be his hundred. Well-played Joe Roe, England's finest. Runs, too. Oh, he's got to get back again. She, swash. Sorry, settle down tougher, sorry, Ray. Oh, I'm living every ball of this.
Starting point is 00:30:27 Listen to the TMS podcast, Every Day of the Ashes with BBC Sounds. Hello, Greg Jenner here, host of You're Dead to Me. In my new family-friendly podcast series, Dead Funny History, historical figures come back to life for just about long enough to argue with me, tell us their life stories, and sometimes get on my nerves. There's 15 lovely episodes to unwrap, including the life of Ramsey's the Great. Josephine Baker and the history of football plus much much more. So this Christmas give your ears a treat with dead funny history.
Starting point is 00:31:00 You can find it in the You're Dead to Me feed on BBC.com or wherever you get your podcasts.

There aren't comments yet for this episode. Click on any sentence in the transcript to leave a comment.