Another disappointing result and performance, this time in the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. Join Holly, Stef and Chris as we try to work out whether it's a personnel problem or a systemic one. Positives include the Martinelli return, Rice and Raya. Negatives too numerous to mention. We also talk about waning defensive solidity, Arteta, Andrea Berta and PSV. And Holly doesn't disappoint on the stat front. Please follow and rate us wherever you get your pods. You can also join the conversatio...
Mar 10, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep 132•Transcript available on Metacast Join Holly, Stef and Chris as we try to work out just how we managed to score 7 (seven) goals away at PSV. We run through a whole host of records that were smashed. Holly even predicts a chance to avenge the 2006 final loss against Barcelona, such is the unfettered joy in this pod! We also turn our attention to the small matter of Sunday's visit to Old Trafford. Will it be goals goals goals, or, more likely, a narrow, tight affair? Who gets the nod in midfield and up front, and how will Unit...
Mar 06, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep 131•Transcript available on Metacast The league season is over and we've just entered March. Join Holly, Stef and Chris as we debate where it all went wrong for us. Is it the player, the manager, the board, or what about the refereeing or injuries? We also look ahead to PSV and wonder where the goals are coming from. Calafiori in the middle, Tierney out wide? Or opt for Sterling and hope for the best! Please follow and rate us wherever you get your pods. You can also join the conversation on our socials: BlueSky@northbankpod.bs...
Mar 01, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep 130•Transcript available on Metacast Will we ever score again? At least we didn't lose 3-0 eh! Join Holly and Stef as we attempt to analyse a game that has quickly become irrelevant. We discuss the team selection - was there much different that Arteta could have done? Could Ben White have started, or Sterling (stop laughing at the back!)? Where do we go from here? Are we going to have to get used to this for the next few weeks? Please follow and rate us wherever you get your pods. You can also join the conversation on our socia...
Feb 27, 2025•23 min•Ep 129•Transcript available on Metacast Our title bid, such as it was, went the same way as West Ham's hopes today (fade and die). Join Holly, Stef and Chris as we pick the bones off that particular carcass. We trace today's defeat back to a missed opportunity in the summer transfer market, compounded by further negligence in the January window. Players running on fumes, with no support off the bench to make any meaningful impact. Where does the blame lie? Individual players? Arteta? The board? We also briefly look ahead to Fo...
Feb 22, 2025•49 min•Ep 128•Transcript available on Metacast Join Holly, Stef and Chris as we get rather excited, reacting in real time to the Liverpool draw at Villa. Eight points behind with a game in hand - we couldn't, could we? With that in mind we look back at what worked well against Leicester - in particular, Nwaneri and Merino, along with the defence. We also look ahead to West Ham at the weekend. Should Merino start up front? Should Sterling get another opportunity? Will White see some minutes, and who gets the nod at left back? Brentford, B...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep 127•Transcript available on Metacast Join Holly and Chris as we ponder what might have been. Who is to blame for our current plight? Poor squad management, or simply bad luck with injuries? Is the season over, or have the wheels started to come off for Liverpool - dropped points and red cards galore! We look ahead to the Leicester game - not the most difficult team selection we've ever been tasked with predicting, but what formation will he adopt? Our 10 game winning streak must start on Saturday! We'll also have a go at pr...
Feb 12, 2025•47 min•Ep 126•Transcript available on Metacast Join Holly, Stef and Chris as we bemoan our tactical naivety...or was it arrogance, or was it stubbornness? Either way, no Wembley outing for us this season. We map out how the game should have been played, with Anfield '89 being the blueprint. We have our final say on the lack of action in the January transfer window and wish the team a relaxing warm weather training camp in Dubai. Please follow and rate us wherever you get your pods. You can also join the conversation on our socials: BlueSky @...
Feb 05, 2025•40 min•Ep 125•Transcript available on Metacast Join Holly and Stef as we fail miserably to stay humble! We devote this episode to reliving all that was superb and sublime about our absolute hammering of City. Enjoy! Please follow and rate us wherever you get your pods. You can also join the conversation on our socials: BlueSky @northbankpod.bsky.social Twitter / X @northbankpod TikTok @northbankpod Instagram @northbankpod https://www.youtube.com/@NorthBankPod and discover loads more on our website, thenorthbankfc.com The North Bank. An Arsen...
Feb 02, 2025•41 min•Ep 124•Transcript available on Metacast Join Holly and Stef for a far happier Arsenal chat than the previous pod! We chat Champions League progression, revisit the Oliver debacle from the weekend, and wonder if our surprising bid for Watkins isn't some kind of smokescreen, but for what, we're not sure. There's also a look ahead to the visit of Humble FC at the weekend. Not a VAR controversy in sight! Subscribe to the North Bank wherever you get your pods. You can also join the conversation on our socials: BlueSky @northban...
Jan 30, 2025•47 min•Ep 123•Transcript available on Metacast Join Holly, Stef and Chris as we rant our way through a look back at our 'against the odds' victory over Wolves, Michael Oliver, VAR and PGMOL. There was only one talking point - that shocking decision to send Lewis-Skelly off for a trip. We also heap praise on the team's resilience and mentality, with some standout performers in Raya and Rice. And fair play to Stef, he joined us having literally just arrived home from the game! You can also join the conversation on our socials: Twit...
Jan 25, 2025•48 min•Ep 122•Transcript available on Metacast Join Holly, Stef and Chris as we finally have a comfortable home win to look back on. With qualification to the knockout stages almost guaranteed now, there were plenty of positives tonight - Havertz, Martinelli, Rice, Gabriel, Zinchenko. We discuss Kiwior's performance at centre back and wonder if Arteta will select him again at Wolves on Saturday. We, quite remarkably, all select the same starting lineup for Saturday's game, and, even more remarkably, we all predict an away win. Yaya S...
Jan 22, 2025•44 min•Ep 121•Transcript available on Metacast Join Holly, Stef & Chris for some cathartic conversation following our 'snatching a draw from the jaws of victory' performance v Aston Villa. Why is Mikel persisting with Partey at right back when other options are available? Are we capable of putting together a sustained run to be considered title contenders? Is that much-needed January signing going to happen? We also look ahead to the Champions League tie v Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday night. You can also join the conversation on ou...
Jan 19, 2025•47 min•Ep 120•Transcript available on Metacast Join Holly and Stef as we struggle to contain our excitement and relief looking back at the North London derby. Is this the turning point in our season? We heap praise upon several players, but Lewis-Skelly in particular. We discuss the atmosphere, Rice's post match interview as well as some familiar failings. There is also talk of signings and a look ahead to Villa on Saturday. You can also join the conversation on our socials: Twitter / X @northbankpod TikTok @northbankpod Instagram @north...
Jan 17, 2025•54 min•Ep 119•Transcript available on Metacast Join Holly, Stef and Chris as we look back at the painful defeat to United. Did we play well, creating all those chances, or was it a poor performance because we couldn't take any of them? Is it an individual problem or a systemic one? Is Arteta in danger of losing the fanbase? With Spurs visiting on Wednesday, we need an instant uptick in performance and mood, will we get it? We also discuss the likelihood of a January signing. You can also join the conversation on our socials: Twitter / X @nor...
Jan 13, 2025•57 min•Ep 118•Transcript available on Metacast Join Holly, Stef and Chris for our instant reaction to the deeply disappointing, but not wholly unexpected loss to Newcastle in the first leg of the League Cup semi final. We ask if it is poor form from our attackers, or are they simply not up to the requisite standards. Looking on with envy at Isak, we fear what may become of our season from here on in. Stef asks, is this a team in the image of its manager, or have we been incredibly unlucky this season so far? We also look ahead to United on S...
Jan 07, 2025•37 min•Ep 117•Transcript available on Metacast Join Holly, Stef and Chris as we try to analyse a frustrating draw at Brighton. From a winning position were we undone by our own conservatism as much as that disgusting penalty decision? We discuss/rant at VAR, collectively decide that we don't like Brighton or their manager. Stef enjoys a mixed day of afternoon tea and the AA (the car related organisation). We also look ahead to Newcastle on Tuesday, where for once, Stef doesn't predict a draw. Should we go strong or rest players - injuries an...
Jan 05, 2025•47 min•Ep 116•Transcript available on Metacast Join Holly, Stef and Chris as we discuss the win over Brentford. Positives include Nwaneri, Partey, Jesus and Martinelli scoring and our overall game management. We also look ahead to another potential footballing banana skin with a visit to Brighton. Six games without a win for Brighton, we hope to extend that to seven, and enact some sense of revenge after their role in Rice's ridiculous red card earlier in the season. As we enter the January transfer window there's some chat about that, along...
Jan 02, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep 115•Transcript available on Metacast Join Producer Chris and Home & Away Stef for a review of the tight 1-0 win over the Tractor Boys. How did the team perform in our first game without Saka? How will we cope in his absence? And will Mikel shuffle the pack for Brentford away? There's also a nod to the boss' 5th year anniversary at the club with a quick quiz to test your 2019 squad knowledge... You can also join the conversation on our socials: Twitter / X @northbankpod TikTok @northbankpod Instagram @northbankpod https://www.yo...
Dec 28, 2024•36 min•Ep 114•Transcript available on Metacast Join Holly, Stef and Chris as we digest part 2 of the Palace sandwich. The scoreline would suggest that we witnessed a resounding five-goal thumping, but strangely, it didn't feel that way at the time. Arteta is clearly still grappling with getting the balance right between defensive solidity and attacking fluency. Plenty of positives though, Raya with some key big saves, Lewis-Skelly again, Jesus scoring his 4th and 5th of the week, Martinelli getting on the scoresheet and playing effectively f...
Dec 22, 2024•50 min•Ep 113•Transcript available on Metacast Join Holly, Stef and Chris as we digest part one of our Palace sandwich. We discuss the team selection - was Arteta arrogant with his starting 11, or was he being pragmatic and simply utilising a very talented squad? Will Jesus start the next game? Was Nwaneri unlucky to be hooked at half time? How nice was it not having to worry about VAR? We predict our starting line-up for part two on Saturday, where anything less than a win is unthinkable. And there are two quizzes to get the old grey cells ...
Dec 20, 2024•50 min•Ep 112•Transcript available on Metacast Join Holly, Stef and Chris as we digest yet another frustrating performance and result. Is there an internal fix to how we approach low block teams? Should Odegaard and Nwaneri both play? Is there something we can do with our left hand side that makes it more effective? Or is this a problem that can only be fixed by an external January signing, and who may that be? On to the League Cup quarter final this week, and we each have a stab at a starting 11 - will we go strong, especially considering w...
Dec 17, 2024•56 min•Ep 111•Transcript available on Metacast Join Holly, Stef and Chris as we look back at the win against Monaco. Plenty of positives, including Lewis-Skelly, Kiwior, Martinelli and of course Saka. What did we think of Jesus' performance? Great assist, or two missed chances? Does Monaco's tactics at our corners signal the end of Set Piece FC? We also look ahead to Everton on Saturday. Who starts at the back? Does it matter? Surely a routine home win awaits - oops. There is also a quiz to keep you entertained! You can also join the convers...
Dec 12, 2024•46 min•Ep 110•Transcript available on Metacast Join Holly and Chris as we strike a rather despondent chord following a frustrating draw at Fulham. Was it really as bad as it feels? Do we need to get a striker in, in January, or would a shift in current team structure do the trick? Are we creative enough from open play? Do we actually play for corners? Are we out of the title race? So many questions, so few answers. Distracting us from the league we look ahead to Monaco on Wednesday. A win would consolidate top 8, but can we break down anothe...
Dec 10, 2024•37 min•Ep 109•Transcript available on Metacast Join Holly, Stef and Chris as we revel in the saltiness of opposition and pundits alike lose their collective minds at our set piece prowess. No Gabriel, no problem, but we do want him back for the next game! We chat about Rice, squad rotation with Kiwior and Zinchenko, and Raya's somewhat under the radar contribution to this current run. We then look ahead to Fulham at the weekend. This could be a tough one, especially as narrative fc is in play. We select our preferred starting 11s, and make b...
Dec 05, 2024•44 min•Ep 108•Transcript available on Metacast Join Holly, Stef and Chris as we look back at what was ultimately an emphatic win at The London Stadium on Saturday. We eulogise over Saka and Odegaard, bemoan our mini wobble, and worry about some of the treatment meted out by the frustrated West Ham players in the second half. Stef has a Gabriel-centric quiz that may well leave you even more in awe of the big man (Gabriel, not Stef). We look ahead to a potentially tricky midweek fixture when we host Manchester United, currently experiencing a ...
Dec 01, 2024•46 min•Ep 107•Transcript available on Metacast Join Holly, Stef and Chris as we bask in the glory of our season best performance against Sporting, before looking forward to the game at the London Stadium on Saturday evening. Will Arteta rotate, are West Ham a threat, will Stef predict a win? We discuss who our best right back is, Liverpool's long term prospects and concern for Pep. There's the usual quiz, plus a bonus quickie: can you name our goal scorers from last season's 6-0 romp in East London? You can also join the conversation on our ...
Nov 28, 2024•50 min•Ep 106•Transcript available on Metacast Chris & Stef reflect on a relatively comfortable 3-0 win at home v Forest. Despite a few team changes, we turned in a cohesive, high-energy performance and scored 3 cracking goals. So, have we turned a corner? Has Mikel got his mojo, as well as his captain, back? And who exactly controls our stadium jumbotrons? There's a look ahead to Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday who are in fine form and boast a striker we've been closely linked with... You can also join the conversation on our socials: Twitte...
Nov 24, 2024•36 min•Ep 105•Transcript available on Metacast In the absence of Holly, Producer Chris & Stef are running the show. We celebrate the last international break of the year - although this was a strangely welcome one. We look at where we are at after 11 PL games, fringe players' form and how we might cope with the next 7 supposedly 'easy' games - can we look forward to a relatively fully fit squad and some consistency in performances? There are team and score predictions for Saturday's game before we offer a few creative ideas on how to cra...
Nov 22, 2024•31 min•Ep 104•Transcript available on Metacast In this bonus, CLASSICS episode of the pod, Holly and Stef catch up with Arsenal fan royalty, Dave Seager, as he talks us through his latest Arsenal book, 'Welcome to the Goonerverse'. We also chat about how Dave first fell in love with The Arsenal, his inspiration behind the book and his take on the current season. A thoroughly enjoyable chat I'm sure you'll all enjoy! Welcome to the Goonerverse' is available to pre-order here: Pre-order: https://www.legendspublishing.net/product/welcome-to-the...
Nov 17, 2024•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
