Arseblog Arsecast, The Arsenal Podcast Arsecast Extra Episode 676 - 12.01.2026
Jan 12, 2026
The hosts analyze Arsenal's thrilling 4-1 FA Cup win over Portsmouth, highlighting Gabriel Martinelli's stunning hat-trick. They discuss Mikel Arteta's strategic 10-player rotation and the resulting shaky start. Noni Madueke's impactful but inconsistent performance is dissected, along with the significance of Kai Havertz's return. As they gear up for the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea, they contemplate player selections, the academy's future, and the impact of fixture congestion on squad depth.
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Episode notes
Allow Time For Rotated XIs To Gel
- Treat players in unfamiliar positions with patience because ten changes require adjustment time.
- Expect a period of poor connections and give the team time to settle into shape.
Moreno's Tactical Glue
- Mikel Moreno offered tactical intelligence and versatility, dropping into defence at times.
- Andrew argued Moreno's positional sense made him the calming, senior presence Arsenal needed in the first half.
Set-Piece Exploits Produce Martinelli Goal
- A quick Ethan Wernari pass led to a corner that Martinelli flicked on for a near-post header.
- The hosts struggled defending set pieces and Arsenal exploited that vulnerability with quality deliveries.