The Athletic FC Podcast Is the Premier League as strong as everyone thinks?
7 snips
Mar 12, 2026 Sam Lee, Manchester City correspondent who breaks down City's tactics and the Real Madrid tie. James McNicholas, Arsenal analyst who examines Arsenal’s away struggles and cup prospects. Liam Twomey, Chelsea specialist who dissects Chelsea’s collapse, goalkeeping issues and PSG clash. They debate Premier League strength after a tough Champions League night and whether English sides can recover.
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Goalkeeper Weaknesses Break Chelsea's Strategy
- Chelsea's goalkeeper uncertainty undermines their high-risk build-from-back style in big games.
- Liam Twomey points to Jorgensen's pass picked off and Sánchez's form dip as evidence Chelsea need a goalkeeper who is elite with both hands and feet.
Pedro Neto Ball Boy Incident Sparked Chaos
- Pedro Neto shoved a ball boy and immediately regretted it, triggering a mass confrontation that almost shifted momentum.
- Liam Twomey compared the boy's theatrical reaction to Eden Hazard's Swansea incident and noted Neto offered an apology and his shirt.
PSG's Knockout Gear Can Dominate Big Opponents
- PSG can flip into a superior gear in knockout ties, combining press intensity with elite attackers to punish teams playing out from the back.
- Liam Twomey noted PSG's coherent identity and how Vārīs Gālia changed the game after 74 minutes.