Gyokeres scores, Dowman shines but Saka, Odegaard injured as Arsenal thrash Leeds

21:18Now, normally we would see Gabriel in this position here as one of the players, I don't know what you call it, a train, whatever, at the back post. But they've given something slightly different. And in this instance, Nonto is going to block him. Obviously, it's a mismatch with the size. But they've put two players on him because they're so worried about his aerial threat. And then you obviously add into it Declan Rice, who's got just the most brilliant delivery. You know, he's developed that in-swinging cross. Such a flat air. It's so flat, hard to defend against. It makes it difficult for all the defenders here.

21:49And you can see the four defenders there. They're trying to get himself in a position, but they know what's coming. This ball, you can guarantee, is going to end up in this area because it's so good. They're having a little chat. There's Jokeres and Uri Ntimba, the goal scorer. And as that ball comes in, it's just a matter of can you win that individual battle? It comes in at a real pace and fly. It's a ferocious cross. Uri Ntimba comes in, number 12, right at the back post. He gets himself into a lovely area. and he just wants it. You know, he flicks his head at it. It's a wonderful header, isn't it, Theo?

22:20It's brilliant because as well, it's really hard to pick up Arsenal in this position because he's not been marked and they all were having that discussion and say, we're going to get you this goal. This is your goal. And we were a bit confused of if it was an own goal at first, but look, it's an incredible header because he's got to lean back and fall over at the same time. Yeah. And he just, that little glance, but like you say, we've gone back to Declan's delivery. It's all about the delivery because he just needs to glance it and the pace is on the ball. The pace is on the ball. And it's a bit of a shame, obviously, for, you know, 44 here on the back stick, not getting to the edge of the post there.

22:55But look, Arsenal have been known for the set pieces, and it's another strength. It's another, look, brilliant for them. So they've got so many options now that are going to create so many problems for so many teams. They went two up just before half-time. And again, it comes from a set piece at the start of it, Jamie. But is this the crucial bit of this goal, not the fact that they win it back in midfield, but how quickly they get the ball moving forward again. Yeah, they do. But Gary Neville was, I thought we spotted in commentary, and he spoke a lot about Declan Rice. And Declan obviously has an important part to play in this.

23:24And then this is where Odegaard has gone off and Waineri comes onto the pitch. But I was going to highlight Declan Rice in every instant in this clip, because I feel it's so important as any midfield player that's watching it, or even whether you're playing or not, or want to be a footballer, just watch his energy and desire because he's so key to what happens in the first part of it. Then, obviously, it's all about Timber and then Bukayo Saka. He wants the ball in that area there. He's looking for it. He doesn't quite get that one. Then the ball there gets played into one area. He plays a little one-two with him.

23:55There, now he's off. Now, I'm going to just stop it right here. Now, just take that back just a little bit. Now, Declan, when you see sometimes the ball, we talk about counterpress. That's obviously the modern word that we use. Once he loses the ball, one area, just watch what Declan Rice does. and the aggression and the desire to win the ball back for his team, knowing that we can then counter and might have an opportunity to score. Just watch how quickly he does this. Look, ball comes in, then he's off. He goes and wins that ball back. Gruev hasn't got a second to think about it. And now just take that because I think this is so important.

24:28Pass from Zubermen. Yeah, it's a really good ball there. He slides it into him, but Hermansen's got a problem. For you, Theo, this is beautiful, isn't it, this situation? Because if that ball can then get played in there, in behind, you've got open space. That's what you want, isn't it, as a forward? And these are the sessions that I do, you know, in training where they play behind the mannequins. But look, for me, it's a great finish and this is where Bukayo Saka is at his best as well, when he's in these areas and everyone expects him to be on the left-hand side. But look, you're always in danger when you lose the ball and obviously Bukayo Saka punish them there.

24:59And maybe the goalkeeper could do better, but look, we've got to give... He took it early and surprised everyone and maybe surprised us, but look, they're just going to want him fit. Yeah, what a big blow that is. It really is. We're still waiting an update on Bukaya's fitness because they'd love to have him available, of course, to take on Liverpool next week. So it was 2-0 at halftime, 5-0 it finished, two goals for the new boy, making his home debut member, Victor Jokeres, who I'm delighted to say, joins us live right now from the Emirates. Well, congratulations to you, Victor. Thank you so much for speaking to us.

25:30How would you describe your emotions right now? Yeah, of course I'm really happy with the result and of course it was very nice to score two goals as well. Well, you say very nice, but would you go a little bit further than that? Because it does feel like there's been a lot of pressure building on you. Yeah, I think it's always pressure, but I know I'll take my chances sooner or later and today I took two of them and we won 5-0. So it was a great day. Victor, Theo Walcott here. I just wanted to ask you, everyone will speak about your goals and I love the celebration and all that, but how important was it for you tonight to get 90 minutes under your belt in the Premier League for the first time?

26:23Yeah, of course. It was a short pre-season for me. Not too many weeks training and then of course, didn't play in 90 minutes during the pre-season. So, yeah, it was important for me to get 90 minutes and to get the rhythm and of course, to get to know the team even more during this game. So, yeah, I felt more comfortable in how we're playing and yeah, I think you could see that as well. Victor, congratulations. Jamie Redknapp here. I want to talk about your goals. I'm hoping you've got a screen in front of you. That first one, I would say, having watched you for many years, this feels like your signature move.

27:08You want to run into open spaces and do your thing.

27:14Yeah, I mean, I think I'm comfortable when the ball is coming in behind, especially on the left. And then, yeah, cutting inside. And I know I'll take the chance when I have it like that. and it was a nice goal to start off with. Victor, I just want to talk about the players around you as well and the squad. It must be music to your ears having the likes of Bakaya Saka and obviously Max Darwin coming on and Martinelli wasn't even used tonight. There's so many options for you to get the best out of yourself as well for Arsenal. Yeah, I mean, we have so many amazing players going forward and I think for me it's just important to be in the right place and doing the movements that I'll do during the game.

28:04And then, yeah, I think I'll get a lot of chances during the season. Can you give us some insight, Victor, into what the biggest challenges would be for someone like yourself, who's obviously played in English football before, but now coming to play in the Premier League at a club like Arsenal? Yeah, of course, it's difficult. I think all the teams we play against want to challenge us and do it difficult for us. So, yeah, we have to prepare for every game as best as possible. But, yeah, we have an amazing team and we train well and we work hard every day. So, yeah, it's just keep going like this.

28:46We started off well now with two wins, two clean sheets and a lot of goals. So, yeah, I think we're on the right path. But yeah, we can always do better and improve. So yeah, that's the aim. Well, the good news is from a personal level, you're averaging a goal a game now, two games into the Premier League season. And I think you've got a couple of celebrations to choose from moving forward, Victor, because we saw the usual one, but then the hair has been added as well. Now, I don't know if there's anything in this, Victor, but did some people say last week you had more touches of your hair than of the ball at Old Trafford?

29:23Has that got anything to do with that? Yeah, it might be, yeah. It could be. Well, that's a lovely way to answer any critics. Victor, congratulations and thanks for speaking to us. Thank you very much. Well done, Victor. I mean, I'll tell you one thing. There's no way you'd have answered that question if he'd have been here. You'd never have asked him. You're brave behind his studio, aren't you? He's a big boy. He's a big guy. He's a big guy. Do you think that power is going to frighten some defences this season? I do, I do, because I just don't feel like it gives you any second to rest. And as a centre-half in the Premier League these days, at times they can be, you know, especially because a lot of these forwards like to get in the pockets now as well, they don't like to play against these guys who want to always be testing them in positions they want and isolate them into areas they don't want to be.

30:15So for me, I just think he's going to have a lot of joy and even in set pieces as well, he's an absolute handful to deal with. So look, this is the obviously Timber's second goal who just doesn't give up. And it was a slight, sorry, there's a slight, so we're going back to the goal here with Timber. There's a slight mistake and potentially a handball wasn't there when we, before the goal we were saying, but look, Timber is in the right place at the right time again, he gets, he gets his rewards. It's not often he gets two goals in this situation. I mean, but they do just cause chaos with these set pieces, don't they?

30:45And I think they just spread so much fear because that is, listen, you can't, If you're trying to analyse a goal, I'm not quite sure how you do this because it's just chaos. You know, they've got a load of bodies going in there. They're aggressive. They want to win it. You've got Saliba, Calafiore. But Uri and Timber will not care one bit. He's just got a cheeky brace. He's delighted. As he said, he's got his family there. And he's a nuisance in that box. And he's not the biggest guy in the world, but he certainly knows where the goal is. He did it a few times as well last year. He's in a really good signing for him.

31:13He's one of those players that goes so unnoticed. You know, there's a lot of good players there. Miles Lewis Skelly in defensive areas, but he's one that the manager always plays. You know, he's such an important player for them, really. And, you know, especially after when he first arrived at the club, he had obviously a terrible injury. And now you can see the real fit. Strength in depth. Strength in depth. He's a really good player and a good type as well. Isn't there now for Arsenal? And we saw it again with the substitutions and the youngsters coming on, not least 15 year old Max Downman, 16 on New Year's Eve.

31:44he wins the penalty Jamie let's have a look at it it looked like Gabriel Goodmanson on that left side had his work cut out within the moment that he came on the pitch because the kids, as I said I've seen so much of him at a young age he's got wonderful feet and he stops starts players, he's got that hip movement that only a few great players possess and you see it here, he chops it back onto his left foot you can see Stack comes in too quickly can't stop and obviously then he just nips away at first of all you're not sure is it is it going to be is it a penalty or not but i'm going to obviously do it right here so just keep your eye on max's left foot here and then stack comes in i think with his right foot and as he comes in i'll just try and slow it down you can just see he steps on his toe there left foot of max's we just let it go a little bit more there we go hold on guys let's flip forward there's the impact just there and then it fouls him and he goes down he feels the contact and it's definitely a penalty no doubt at all and he will win so many penalties he did it in pre-season he will score goals you know and even when he came on there was a few things that went his way a few things that didn't but he showed enough to get Arsenal fans so excited and rightly so and it's dispatched the penalty is exactly where you want it Theo you called it of him winning the penalty as well actually before he even came on I will admit.

33:06But he's going to scare defenders because these inside wingers committing to defenders is a big, big feature to have. So brilliant. He's got a really, he's a very successful career ahead of him, I'm sure of that, because he's so positive with his first outlet. And yeah, it did take him a bit of time to get into the game, but you can sense the qualities are there. You wouldn't be playing at Arsenal Football Club at 15 if you weren't good enough. So I just love the fact his first instinct is always first thought, put the full back onto the back foot. You isolate these guys into these positions and he's strong and he won't give up as well in these situations and he's going to be learning off potentially one of the best wingers in this in world football right now.

33:44Let's just remember that you went to World Cup at what age? 17? Yeah 17 so when I when I watched. Jamie went to Liverpool at 17? Yeah yeah I remember David at 16 like you Theo. So when I watch someone like this who comes through as well we obviously obviously need to be careful because it's going to go one or two ways but look he's going to have The difference in him, I'd see it, is he can relate to a lot of the younger players that have come through at Arsenal Football Club right now. Was that not the case for you? That was very different for me. I had the invincible team coming through, so I couldn't really relate to the players.

34:12You know, Thierry Henry was in his pomp as well. I was only 16, so I had to grow up. Were you a little bit intimidated by that, a little bit overawed? The thing is, at times, I'd probably say I wasn't intimidated, but more on the pitch, I could express myself. And I think the difference in his, I feel like, future, the looks of the likes of Ethan Wannier around him, Myles Lewis-Skelly, he's going to have Bakaya. Five touches in the opposition box, only Joffre's more in the game. It's the trust, though. He will provoke situations, and that's what he's got. And he's also got what every... When you ask a footballer what you'd like, you'd want to be left-footed.

34:44They're just different. The way they move the ball, it's effortless for them. And Arsenal are blessed. If you look at Myles Lewis-Skelly, Saka, you know, Odegaard, Wannery. I don't know what they're giving them at Arsenal, but they've got some beautiful left-foots there, and they just do it differently. and he is going to be a superstar. Make no mistake. Is that right that we should be saying that right now? Are you a little bit worried about what could happen from this point? Because the secret is out the bag now. People have been talking about this kid for a long time. Now we've actually seen it in a Premier League game.

35:14Look, this is the... Even with myself, there was a lot of wait. So I have to wait six months to even play. So there's all that expectation. And then I, of course, went to the World Cup without playing in the league. No choice of my own. And then there's a different kind of pressure. he's going to have pressure every day now how he even you know the way he is around the place right even at school of course I'm sure Arsenal really look after him that side of it because we can't forget about that side obviously Gary alluded to that in the comms but you can just get the sense that he's got a good head on his shoulders and he's got a good management there as well Mikel Arteta who as well will look after him and he trusts him I think that's the biggest thing when you have a manager that trusts you and it allows you to express yourself I think the world is at its feet but it just kind of makes me sick at times just thinking let's let him enjoy his football.

35:58He's going to obviously still develop mentally as well. I think that's one thing we need to, you know, not shy away from. I think it's important to obviously to look after him in that sense. But I think they will, the squad, I get the sense that they really do look after him. Declan Rice particularly as well. You're right. The manager's really important, but the support network around him, be it his parents, where every day he's going to go home and they're going to be making sure that he keeps his head on his shoulders. And it's not going to be easy because right now that kid is the talk of the town.

36:23It's as simple as that. But there's been the talk of the town since he was 13 years of age. He's been blowing up Arsenal for playing two, three years ahead of his age, ahead of his time. And every time he makes that step up, it's just effortless for him. So I think it was the same. I remember playing against Wayne Rooney when he was making his debut for Everton. I was playing for Tottenham. I remember looking at him in the tunnel and just thinking, this kid's different. And you just know, you see it, the way they play, the confidence they have. And it was the same with Max when he walked onto that pitch today.

36:52It wasn't like this is going to be a stress for him. And some people are different. Just one thing, Jamie, because we've talked about the fact, as Theo said, he talked about it, Gary, on commentary about his schooling. How is that actually going to work? If he's going to train as a professional, how can he then go and finish his GCSEs at the same time? He's on summer holidays at the moment, so he's not got to do school. He's fine for a week. He's got another week left. And then what they did last year, from what I can gather, was that he would be training with the first team and then he'd do tutoring in the evening, which Arsenal are adamant and they supply tutors to make sure that he keeps his grades up.

37:22I know his parents are going to be pretty militant with him. They're going to be on him. They're going to make sure that he comes out of the school the best that he can. I can only speak from experience. I was sort of playing first team football at 16. The last thing on my mind was my schooling. And I didn't exactly have a mum and dad that would push me because they just wanted me to be footballers. But I'm not going to say that you should do that at home, by the way. We would never have guessed. Oh, thanks. But I think that from Max's perspective, an Arsenal will make sure that he does all the academics that he can while making sure that he carries on with the football trajectory that he is.

37:54And you have to balance it because once he, next year, he will still go back to school. He will have to, he'll have to do his exams because they don't homeschool him, say like maybe Chelsea do. They go to school and then they come into training. But there will be a fine balance there. And then obviously the following year, he'll sign on his scholarship terms. And then when he's 17, he'll sign as a pro. So he's still got a year and a half before he can sign a pro deal at a football club. And he's already made his professional debut. It's pretty scary. But as I said, I'm pretty confident in what I'm saying here.

38:22This isn't a typical 15-year-old. You know, this is a very unusual player that we're watching. But just one more on this, Theo. It was the ideal circumstance to bring him on today, wasn't it? With, OK, they'd lost a couple of players with injuries, so maybe the hand was forced a little bit today, but they were comfortable in the game. There was plenty of time left in it as well for him to sort of showcase his talents. Do you think Nikol Ateta might just pull the reins back in a bit now? I get the impression that I don't think he will because I think as well, when you start scoring more and more goals, the freedom comes out of all the players, not just Max.

38:55And I think it's really important, Arsenal, to go away from just winning 1-0 from set pieces. They score 2-3-4 goals. Obviously, it helps with the league itself, but it just lets you just loosen it, lets you express yourself. I think it's really good to see. Let's put it this way. Mikel Arteta has got a job to do. Of course, he wants to develop this young man. But right now, things have already changed in 90 minutes. Whereas he might not come on today. He might not start in the next six weeks. But all of a sudden, Bukai Osaka looks like he's got a hamstring injury. After his last hamstring injury, he needed surgery.

39:25So I'm not a doctor, but let's work on the basis that's two or three weeks he's going to be out for. Obviously, they've got an international break in that period. So Maduweki will probably come on to the right or one area, either one. And if they're not working, what's your first substitution? You're bringing on a kid that's already made an impact and drawing a penalty in a game. So already things have escalated. You know, like you said, the cat's out the bag. Defenders are going to have a nightmare trying to deal with him. But this is exciting. You know, I think we should embrace it. I don't think we should hide from it.

39:54This is a unique young player who's going to have a brilliant career. And he's at the right club because they've already done it with Myles Lewis-Gellie, who's got a great support network around him. And then you've obviously got Waniere. And you look at Bukayo Saka. And if you're right now that young man, I would be watching what Bukayo Saka does every day in training because he was great academically. It was well spoken about how well he did at school. On the pitch, he's a superstar. He is the perfect role model for him. I went to Liverpool, I had John Barnes. I should just watch John Barnes every day in training.

40:22I just wanted to be like him. And I just thought, that's the role model that you want to have. And that's why for Max, playing the same position, just look at what Pakaio has done, because he's not just been a role model on the pitch, he's also a role model off the pitch. So exciting, isn't it, for Arsenal right now? The explosion of young talent to add to all these new signings, and new centre-forward scoring goals. and haven't seen Iberi Eze on the pitch for them yet. Well, he was in his jeans today, but we're on that in a moment. And we'll hear from his new manager on this 5-0 victory when we come back.

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42:44New centre forward with two goals and a new star in the making in Max Dowman. Two for Timber as well tonight, 5-0 victory for Arsenal to go top of this early table. Here is Mikel Arteta with Patrick Davison. It's him. Mikel, not perfect maybe because of a couple of injuries, but was there a lot to be excited about tonight? A lot. A really positive afternoon, I think, to start the season at home in the manner that we've done it. You could sense the energy immediately that has gone up a level. And that's what we were looking for. I think the team played really well, really confident, really attacking with the inconsidered anything and five goals and a clean sheet is a very good start.

43:24In terms of your fluency and your open play, do you think that improved and grew maybe after the first goal? Probably. You need that and teams are really well organised in the league and it's not easy to get through them but that's definitely a factor. We have the ability to score from various ways. Very happy as well for Victor to score the first two goals. Jurjen, two goals after such a long injury and all the hard work that him and the medical Calista had to put in. And then, yeah, the debut of Mosque, and I'm for sure the one of Max that's 15 years old. That was a special moment that you could sense it.

43:59I mean, you really could sense it, couldn't you? The stadium absolutely came alive. It electrified the place. I was thinking for you, with how exciting Giddy we're going to get, how exciting Giddy the supporters are going to get, is your job to try and sort of keep a lid on it a little bit? I mean, just watching him tonight, that's going to be impossible, isn't it? I think we have to gather on the information and it's how he reacts, how he deals with that situation, what his teammates feel about him and it's very clear because they constantly give him the ball. And then we have the ability as well to change the energy in this stadium by bringing him in.

44:33And then he's got an impact. He wins a penalty in his debut at the Emirates. That's incredible. I'm very aware when I asked this that you came through at Barcelona, but at 15 have you seen anything like it? Ethan was a bit younger when he made his debut. Incredible. I think that's credit, first of all, to the families, the way these kids have been raised and the environment that they have created because they are not overwhelmed by the situation, by the context. A lot of courage, a lot of determination. And then the academy as well, the work that they've done to raise those kids in that manner with that confidence and then with understanding of the game, which is very unusual at 15.

45:15I've got a quote from you from pre-season in my mind about Victor Jocherez, where you said one-on-one, he'll destroy you. And we saw that for the first time with the first goal. Yes, I mean, he's so powerful. He's so determined in those actions. And the moment he has a space and he can attack people, you are dead. The excitement actually began before the game with the Varese. I don't think you were out, you saw it, but it was that again, a bit like the thing with Max, it was quite a moment. I mean, you can talk about it now. How pleased are you to have him? I think it's that you could feel it in the last 24 hours.

45:53That's something that was happening. I think our supporters, the way they reacted to what he brought immediately. It's something special. We signed a player with an enormous talent that he has a massive impact in this league. And on top of that, he has unbelievable feelings towards the football club. He's made it very clear. His family has made it very clear. And you can sense that. I missed him because I was there but I just spoke to him with a massive smile on his face. So welcome to the family. When did you know you were going to get him? I was very convinced yesterday that everything was going to be through.

46:24But this is football and everything has to be done. The medical has to be done, the paperwork has to be finalised. In terms of the player, how convinced he was to come, I have no doubts. At the start of the week, did you think he was going somewhere else not too far away? Probably not. At the start of the week I wasn't really planning to do that. I must ask you about the bad news I mentioned at the start, Saka and Odegaard of all people. Martin looks like a shoulder, so we have to scan tomorrow and understand how bad this is and Bukai had to come off when he was sprinting and wrestling with the defender.

46:57He felt something in his hamstring, I think. Different hamstring though, which hopefully is good news. It's the other side, but not great news. Do either of those, I know it's hard as you stand there now, feel like they might be long-term? I don't know, we lost Kai, which is a massive player already, and now Martin and Bukayo, that's why. The score has to be well-equipped, it's going to be a long, long season. We're going to need a lot of players in order to achieve what we want. Well done tonight. Thank you. It's really the one major sour note on what has been an extraordinarily positive day otherwise for Arsenal.

47:31First it was Martin Odegaard tumbling Theo. Yeah, this is an injury which is hard to say. You've done this haven't you? I actually, it's hard to continue to play on with a dislocated shoulder. I'm not saying it's dislocated, but I played the whole season when it was popping in and out and it's never ideal. But this one's probably the biggest worry for me because it's always unknown. Now it's the other side. So look, until they actually have the scans, we're not going to know. But if that's happened to you in the past and yes, we think it's the other side, it was the right side, the major operation, and we think it might be the left side this time.

48:01Will there be that sort of nervousness in your mind if you do feel something straight away to get off the pitch? There'd be all those worries but he's, even though he's so young, he would have stopped at the right time. You know some players would want to continue to play on because, you know, they still feel like they can. He knows his body really well and I think it's one of those needs to manage it but this is why Mikel's got all these options now, where he can try and take the load off people like Bikai. I think it's a worrying sign of course for Arsenal fans but look, the most important for him is to obviously make sure he's coy early.

48:32I think that's the key. The thing is, you've got a lot of people, you've got a lot of players that have come in, but there's only one Bakayo Saka. And that's the major problem. And when he got injured against Crystal Palace, he required surgery, the hamstring after that. It took a long time and it actually deflated the whole team. You know, they weren't the same after that. They lost a lot of rhythm, lost a goal threat and they lost a talisman because he was the one player that when things weren't going right, you always looked at Bakayo Saka to make things better. And to not have him, and I know they've got an abundance of players that have come in, Eze's going to be fantastic.

49:02but Saka's the one that when he gets the ball, you always feel like everything's going to be right if you're an Arsenal fan. And to not have him at Anfield next week is going to be a massive blow. It's a major game. It's a major test for them this early in the season as well, isn't it, Theo? And to the lacking Havertz, there was a theory amongst some that Havertz might be the one to play at Anfield had he been fit rather than Jokeres, and then potentially to lose your captain, Odegaard, and to lose Bukayo Saka. Is this playing into Liverpool's hands? Or do Arsenal this season, unlike last, have the options to cope with that?

49:34Well, they did cope. As soon as they made these, obviously, the changes, of course, it's disappointing, but there was, you know, even more freedom played because these are players that want to get into the starting line-up. So they're going to want to impress. They're going to want to, you know, someone like Trossard who actually would probably look at himself and think, I need to do more now. And then players like Martinelli, who's never been tested in this domain at Arsenal Football Club, having all these players around him now thinking, I'm going to have to reach a new level. They're going to see a different side of me now.

50:00So suddenly you start to get levels of players wanting to do better than them. And of course they're going to be competitive. They're going to want to be at Anfield. But this is where Mikel Arteta will be disappointed, but he'll be grateful he's got all these players to pick from. I think it just shows you the importance of signing Eberici Eze. Because right now they need him. They're going to need him probably. I wouldn't be surprised if he starts at Anfield. Because if you think about it, Maduweke will probably go back onto the right. I mean, he could have started today in his jeans. He was so chill.

50:29This is the coolest walkout I've ever seen. I mean, just look at this little look to his right. I mean, he's got the chew in the gum. He looks cool in the jeans. And then there you go. Stop. Hold the pose. And he's like, that's one happy man right there. And I met him a few weeks ago, actually, in a restaurant in London. I was having a little chat with him and I was like, what a great guy. He is such a cool dude and he is going to be brilliant there. And the number 10 shirt just feels right on him because at Palace. He was 10 at Palace, wasn't he? Yeah. I'm sure he was 10. anyway when he played the 10 and it just feels like he he deserves he's done such a great job for crystal palace this is now his big opportunity did you tell me earlier when he got released from there as a kid as well he was yeah he's been released to arsenal when he was young so it just shows doesn't it unfinished business the reception was amazing well he's he's a player that reminds me of like a dennis burkham that can just do something different he's like you say you've got that number 10 shirt that pressure as well but if you walk out like that you can deal different though playing at Crystal Palace and playing at Arsenal?

51:28The thing is though he won't shy away from the way he plays from Palace to Arsenal because he just loves playing football and when you have players that just enjoy when the ball's at their feet and they have that aura about and that presence and now having that shirt of Arsenal when he's been at the club thinking I'm going to show you I'm going to I'm going to make it work here look you can just see how gifted he is he just creates space he gets into areas and the goals are the side of it which you look at someone like Odegaard probably doesn't get as many goals in that position. He scores all kinds of goals.

51:56Seems to perform in big games as well. We've seen that in cup finals recently, Jamie. Yeah, exactly. He doesn't quite get hold of this one, though. Yeah, he's a fantastic player. He's played for his country. He is going to flourish there. And I would like to see him in positions where, in here, you know, if he plays wide, it's a bit more difficult for him to make things happen. I feel right now the one player would be under a little bit of pressure. And I thought two years ago I'd be saying that. I thought I must be crazy. But I think the captain Odegaard will be looking and thinking he might be a problem for me.

52:36Because if he gets in, it might be hard for Odegaard to take his place. Do you think for now though he's most likely to be on the left side, wide left? He can play wide left, he can play inside. But we've shown clips there. And the reason why we've shown those clips is because that's where he's at his best. Martinelli won't come in there and play in that area. I feel if you asked Eze, he'd want to play centrally where he can make things happen. But you mentioned about Martinelli that he might need this because he's been too comfortable for too long. All those substitutions today. We haven't seen Martinelli.

53:03No, and this might be a situation now where for Martinelli, he needs to up his game and Eze will certainly bring that. He's got so much confidence. Is it also significant, Theo, and probably this is the last one on Arsenal, that in players like Jocheres and in players like Eze, This is a shift from the age profile of players that Arsenal have been signing. These are now signings to deliver the biggest trophies right now. Well, even you look at going back to Eze, he brought the best out of Mateta. So now they're going to want to bring the best out of Jokeres. But you're right, the age and having that experience and that presence of actually thinking, yeah, this is me at that age, I think is a good place to be right now if you're at Arsenal Football Club.

53:45I'll tell you one thing though, there's no excuses now for the manager. You know, you bought the players. He's been backed. They have severely backed this manager. Well, how about Havertz and Saka and Odegaard? Three. And he's only two weekends. But that's why they've backed him. And the reason why they haven't probably got over the line previously is they haven't had the strength in depth. Now they have. You're going to be bringing in players of top quality as well. We will see what a game it's going to be next Sunday at Anfield, where Liverpool take on Arsenal. So, this was chastening tonight for Leeds United.

54:16Great start. to their return to the Premier League with a home win against Everton. It was an entirely different experience for Daniel Farker at the Emirates tonight. His thoughts next.

54:48Existing Sky customers can upgrade their package. Or if you've not got Sky, you can sign up at sky.com. Now, let's get back to the Sky Sports Premier League podcast.

55:07Tough night this for Leeds United and Daniel Farker and their long wait for victory at the Emirates. 22 years and counting. Let's hear from Daniel now with Patrick Davison. Well, Daniel, it's a tough night. The Premier League probably doesn't offer too many tougher tests than that. What did you make of how your team coped with it? Yes, it was always a difficult game for us, travelling here without my most important player, with our captain, his number two. And then, of course, you have Arsenal perhaps after whatever Champions League game and not on their first home game on the back. for them a very important win away at Man United.

55:48All the new signings are already presented even before the game. The whole staging was buzzing and they are on it. Like today, you could feel it in the first 10-15 minutes. It was too good for us. We had to suffer a lot. I think then we came better into the game, had probably the best chance of the game with Pascal Struijs. Had a great save from their goalkeeper. And yes, of course, also annoying that we concede out of a set piece and also in added time after promising win of the ball when we underestimated they're counter-pressing a little bit and they scored out of a difficult angle. The two null was of course difficult in the second half.

56:26Yes, second half, again, five shots on goal, five shots on target, five goals is difficult when they are so effective like today. A bit annoying that again we concede a set-piece and also again in added time after an unnecessary loss of the ball deep in their half. Another penalty situation. I haven't watched it back. I'm not sure if it was a penalty or not. It looked a bit softer, if I'm really honest, just from the outside. But long story short, they were the better side today. They deserve to win this game and it's not a season-defining game for us. Particularly first half, was it a real lesson in how ruthless the Premier League can be?

57:03As you said, after a tough start, you grew into it. you've probably had the best chance of the half and yet you're sat in the dressing room two down. Not less. We know that they would come out of the blocks flying and we spoke about that we have to survive this game. So for me it was this period. For me it was important that we didn't allow chances out of the game. Of course, through the centre they didn't create anything but over the wings they were of course dangerous and then sometimes if you just can block a ball there is a wide error of free kick or a throw in or a corner kick. and a bit annoying that two times Timber scored more or less in between my two strongest defensive header.

57:38Of course, if you want to travel away with points here in such a night, you have to be better in these situations in terms of defending. But it has happened and for that, no complaints anyhow. We know that's not a season-defining game for us. Them being good at set pieces is obviously no surprise whatsoever to you. You knew it was coming. but how big a difference is there between knowing what's coming and actually stopping it? Yes, I think also Man United know how good they are and they also weren't able to avoid it. Strategy was clear but it's still about, OK, you to win your duel, to be there with awareness.

58:15We knew how they would block and in which area they deliver the ball. Yes, and a bit annoying that two times it's timber in between my two strongest headers. And, you know, of course, awareness level could have been better. We should have cleared it. But this is also what other teams are trying to do against them. At the moment, it's probably the best side in these terms, I would say, even in the world. It's so difficult to defend at the best choice, always not to allow any corner kicks or whatever free kicks for them. But, of course, they have so much quality, it's difficult to avoid everything.

58:45You wanted to scare Arsenal. I think you said that in your pre-match press conference. But how difficult against a side that good is it to build your own play? If you try to build up via the keeper, they're straight on you, they press and they create stuff. and then if you go long you've got those two centre-halves you gobble almost everything up. So does it become really, really difficult to impose yourselves at all? Yes, it's difficult. The best chance you have as long as you have a result because of course the first 10-15 minutes we're also not confident enough in possession to scare them but then we grew into the game and then we had our three, four situations through the game with Daniel James, one against one, close to their box, our set pieces and then if you feel, okay, if they have to defend they would also get nervous, Stadium gets a bit nervous But of course, if you then allow them before halftime to score two goals, they are in full flow.

59:31It was always difficult in the second half. So it's more or less like you have to stay in the game and you have to use your opportunities. It's a huge leap, isn't it? As we know from the Championship to Premier League, Leeds United got 100 points last season. They lost four games all season, all by one goal to nil. And here they are stepping into the Emirates on a night like this and losing 5-0. but how much can they take from that first half an hour? And as he said, frightening Arsenal in those one or two moments. Yeah, I mean, first 30 minutes, there wasn't a great deal in the game. And this is the first real opportunity of it.

1:00:06If this goes in, it gives you something to hold on to. And that can be sometimes a difference, I think. And the manager spoke about himself. No Ethan Ampadu today was obviously a key player for them. And that made a real difference because he's got that calmness. He's a good player himself. So I just felt at times what tends to happen when you come into the Premier League is just those individual mistakes, those little details. They nearly give away when Gokerez, when they're playing out from the back. It can't happen. You've just got to make sure that if teams beat you, how they score, they have to earn it.

1:00:36There was another opportunity when we spoke about the one that Declan Rice wins. Is it Gru-Ev in midfield? He has it. He takes his time. He wins the ball back. He thinks, OK, I've got a bit more time in the Championship. You might get time. In the Premier League, you don't because people jump on you. They win it back and all of a sudden the ball's in the back of your neck. back in there. So you have to make sure with those fine details, you've got to get right. But three points out of two games, he would have absolutely bit your hands off. And it's not going to be games like Arsenal away that decide Leeds United's fate this season, is it?

1:01:01Or indeed for any of the three sides that have been promoted to the Premier League. This is what is on the horizon for them. Well, it's another tricky one. Before the first international break, Newcastle United live with us next weekend. And then they come back with Fulham, Wolves and Bournemouth before they face Spurs. Are those the kind of games where there will be a bit more focus from Daniel Farker in a sense of we need to get some points on the board from those? Yeah, I think like all the goals tonight were avoidable in his sense, I feel, but this will just show if they want to break that pattern of being a team that's come up from the Championship, is their home form.

1:01:37And we all know, you know, Ellen Road is some place to play football. It really is incredible. The fans will obviously help them, guide them in that, you know, obviously trying to stay up. But look, it's going to be difficult for them. But like you say there, Dave, These games, they're just not expected to win. Arsenal are expected to win the league. And you're telling me that Leeds are going to go there to the Emirates to get a result. These aren't the games, but I think he's just going to be disappointing the fact that a lot of these goals were avoidable tonight. And there was patches in the game where they were, like you said, Jamie, in the first 30 minutes, they had some good signs.

1:02:04But look, for me, Leeds will, I think, have all the teams coming up. They've shown some good signs in this moment, particularly at home. Just a bit more firepower, Jamie? Yeah, I'm sure he'll be asking the owners if he can get a few players in and just a little bit more, certainly in the top end of the pitch. Or getting Dominic Calvert-Lewin up to speed. Up to speed and staying fit because he gives you something. I mean, he's a totally different prospect. I mean, the proposition, he can score goals, he's good on the ball, he's got Premier League experience. He'll be a great signing, but he has to stay fit.

1:02:35I know we all know the qualities that he's got. We've seen it before, brilliant in the air. But yeah, can he stay injury free? I think you were going to say, weren't you, about the three promoted sides all getting a win on the board. No. It was November last season. November last year. So that just shows you that the three sides that have come up are going to be certainly more competitive than the ones in the previous years. A win for Sunderland leads on the opening weekend and a win for Burnley against Sunderland this afternoon. Theo Walcott, thank you very much. It's been lovely to see you. Jamie, thank you very much as well.

1:03:02It's been a great night for us. Thank you very much for your company as well on Saturday Night Football. They have a new centre-forward scoring goals. He's up the mark with two tonight and there is a new superstar. I'll do that one. There's a new superstar in the making as well in young Max Damman. What a start to Premier League life for him. And there's loads more football to come on this Premier League weekend. Bye for now.