The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast Arsenal's attacking woes & a proper relegation battle
14 snips
Feb 19, 2026 
Liam Tharme, tactics and match observer; Mark Carey, data and historical analyst; Michael Cox, deep tactical breakdown specialist. They unpack Arsenal’s recent attacking bluntness, vulnerability to counters and goalkeeping positioning. They also survey the tightening relegation fight, managerial churn, and which clubs look most at risk as the run-in intensifies.
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Arsenal's Problem Is Quality, Not Caution
- Michael Cox argues Arsenal's problem is technical quality, not intent or excessive caution.
- He says they lack the players to create enough chances and must improve to build bigger leads.
Brentford Game Illustrates Counter Risk
- Liam Tharme describes the Brentford second half as nearly costing Arsenal with multiple breakaways.
- He uses the game as an example of Arsenal's vulnerability to counter-attacks without balance players like Ødegaard.
Possession Without Control
- Liam notes Arsenal had 99 possessions but still suffered frequent turnovers and failed to control the game.
- He links that to missing balance from an injured Martin Ødegaard and experimenting with front-three positions.