Five-a-side

Author: Five-aside

This is the Five-a-side pod, essentially a futbol podcast although once in a while we will delve into other topics such as lifestyle, social/political issues, history etc
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Language: en

Genres: Soccer, Sports

Contact email: Get it

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Arsenal flexed, Pep stressed, Chelsea depressed 😭⚽
Episode 50
Wednesday, 21 January, 2026

This episode of Five A Side kicks off with Arsenal’s statement win against Inter Milan in the Champions League and what it says about squad depth, rotation, and whether Arteta’s “starters and finishers” philosophy is turning Arsenal into the most in-form team in Europe. The guys break down Saka’s performance, the tactical battle with Inter’s wing-backs, and why Premier League intensity keeps giving English teams an edge in Europe.The conversation then shifts to Manchester City’s collapse, Pep Guardiola’s questionable selections, defensive injuries, Rodri’s struggles, and whether City’s dominance is finally cracking or just hitting a rough patch. From Pep’s future to City’s spending, nothing is off the table.Chelsea’s issues come under heavy fire next — from uninspiring performances to confusion over tactical identity, boardroom decisions, and whether the club is repeating Manchester United’s mistakes with young players and instability. Liverpool’s European resurgence, Madrid’s stars (Vini, Bellingham, Mbappé), coaching styles, man-management vs over-coaching, and big-ego players are all debated.The episode closes with AFCON fallout, focusing on Senegal vs Morocco, the walk-off controversy, possible sanctions, corruption vs protest, and whether African football needs more accountability or protection for teams speaking out.A long, honest, unfiltered football conversation — tactics, politics, ego, money, and reality.Time Stamps00:00 Cold weather, MLK day vibes & Champions League energy01:21 Arsenal rotate vs Inter Milan & “best team in Europe?” debate05:41 Squad depth talk: “Starters vs finishers” explained09:31 Saka vs Dimarco masterclass (no goals, pure violence)12:31 Premier League intensity vs European football freedom18:31 Manchester City disasterclass & Pep roulette23:31 Is Pep losing aura or just injured?27:01 Pep quitting theories & Maresca hypotheticals31:31 Spurs beat Dortmund (and annoy everyone)36:01 Managers snapping at press conferences (Therapy FC)44:31 Chelsea vs Brentford: vibes in the mud52:01 Liverpool resurgence & Slot cooking58:31 Madrid, Vini, Mbappé & man-management debate01:05:01 AFCON final fallout: Senegal walk-out & corruption debate01:30:31 Arsenal vs United anxiety & final thoughts