The Battle of Pep's Testicles | Community Shield PREVIEW!

[00:00:09] Hello and welcome to The Corner Flag. We are coming to you on a Friday. We are coming to you after roughly about 8 months because lots has been happening in our lives and lots I'm sure has been happening in your lives as well. But we are back! We are back for the new season. Joining me today is Ronak and also joining me is Nathan. We have no idea where Mukesh is. He might join us, he might not. We never know. But good to be back, huh boys?

[00:00:40] Fucking good to be back. Yeah man, good to be back. I miss this. You are a lot of excitement in your voice. It's like a intro, I have given you and you have fucked us. 10pm streams, I'm just looking forward to the bloody Premier League starting. I can't wait. Bro, these late night situations are going to be there this season for you and me as Man United fans. I haven't been together with World Cup since then. Wow!

[00:01:10] Nathan, you also saw a lot of the World Cup. Nathan, I think your mic is switched from back. So you might need to just see your mic and see if you want to switch it to a lovely USB podcast mic that you have spent your hard earned money on. So you have spent so much money on your way. This is just the gunjai sh. From our side. Nathan is saying that this is an English podcast. What is this? What happened? This is fun.

[00:01:41] But yes, while Nathan sorts out his mic, it's okay man. Technically issues happen. It's all good. This is all a part and parcel of the corner flag experience. But yes, what's been going on with your lives guys? Where have you been for the last 8 months? What have you done? Let's hear about that before we get into the charcha for today. What are you doing in your life? Honestly, just the same old same old. Just following my sports, working, chilling.

[00:02:11] That's pretty much life man. Not nearly as interesting as your past 8 months have been. I'm sure of that. The past 8 months have been fucking ridiculous. It's been a roller coaster. But it's come to a point where now I think I can manage life in a way where I can make some time to do this shit. And you know, it can go from there. So that's very good. Nathan is still having issues.

[00:02:40] So he's dropped off, but he will join back at some point. I don't know if we'll have time to then talk about what has happened in his 8 months. Speaking of which, we don't have a run order for this one guys. We are back after 8 months and we've decided, fuck it. Let's just go with a topic. No run order, no research, nothing. That is the whole point. That's how we do it. That's the whole point of the Conflag. Where we just get together and do Bakchodi. Apparently people will think that we are experts, but we are not.

[00:03:09] We are not claiming to be experts. We will do dumb shit. And hopefully people will like it. And hopefully somewhere along the way we will make some sense. Because they say that every broken clock is also right twice a day. Yeah. Yeah. Or there is the other favorite saying of mine. If you give a monkey an unlimited number of ears and a keyboard in front of him, he will eventually write the words of Shakespeare.

[00:03:37] We are the monkeys in this situation. The Conflag is the keyboard. Nice. But yes, it looks like Nathan is back. Nathan, are you back? Yes. Yes. Yes. Okay. So we were saying, what is your previous work experience in this field? Where do you see yourself in five years?

[00:04:07] Ah, now you've got the endo era. You know, you can manage one game at the end. I watched a couple of pre-season games. I watched like a little bit there and highlights. But we are... In the first season, we had titles. Exactly. You know, it would be damn funny. It would be damn funny.

[00:04:36] I mean, it's not going to happen. But Hirala comes in. He's already in. Wins the league in his first season. And then next season, he shits the bed again. That would be so funny. These people, you know, their thoughts are on different levels. Like, new manager comes in. Imagine if he wins the league. Man then shits the next season. Dude, this has been a pattern since Klopp, by the way. You know, like... There's been only one manager since Klopp, babe.

[00:05:05] One manager does not make a pattern. Klopp won in 2020. The next season, they finish fourth. Then the following season, they could have gone for the quadruple. The next season, again, they like finish fifth. Then third. And then, yeah, it's been like... So basically, every time Liverpool win a trophy, next season, they will collapse. That's... So if they win a trophy this season, next season, I'm not going to watch. So I guess you guys are safe right now. Yeah, you guys are safe right now. Because then according to this pattern, then Hirala is supposed to win the league.

[00:05:36] If it's hard, it's hard. When will it be? Okay. So you're now considering every trophy as... It will be. Success will be. Yeah, at this point. Yeah, at this point. You know, what are my hopes with this season? As a United fan? Obviously, like... Champions League, we need to secure the Champions League. That is priority number one. Second is, I just want more number of games. I just want some more games. I just want some more games. I just want some more games.

[00:06:06] I just want some more games. I just want some more games. I just want some more games. Like, just more number of games. 40 games, right? Last season. We had 38 Premier League games. First round EFL exit. First round FA Cup exit. And that's the season done. Minimum number of games, dude. Like, that is next level stuff. I feel like this is going to be in-use. Cost cutting.

[00:06:35] How can we spend the least amount of money in a season? What are the biggest expenses? See, if you take Jaden Sanchez and Marcus Rashford out. What else? Sir, match day. How do you play the least amount of money in a season? Hey, but there's good news. Can we get out of the Premier League? No, sir. Premier League 38 games, you have to play. There is no way. There is no way out of that shit. Okay. There is some good news though. Grimsby, guys.

[00:07:03] Grimsby are already out of the Carbo Cup. One of these, man. United's biggest rivals. Grimsby, bro. It's always a grudge match with them. Meanwhile, Accrington Stanley is still there. So, I'm also worried now. Dude, but okay. Let's stop with the Liverpool and the United Chad.

[00:07:32] That's the whole season. Of course, today we are previewing the Community Shield, which is a gigantic silver plate that is given to either the FA Cup winners or the Premier League champions. And this Community Shield this year, of course, is happening on Sunday, which is the 16th of August. And it is Arsenal, the Premier League champions. I vomit in my mouth every time I have to say that.

[00:08:00] I think that was the reason why we stopped doing this podcast for 8 months. We all noticed. All of us were like, This will not be possible, bro. Liverpool was still bearable. But... As a Liverpool fan, you can't say that. As a Liverpool fan, you can't say that. What would you rather see? Liverpool win the league or Arsenal? Answer is none. But if you had to pick one? Neither. I would rather say nuclear apocalypse. Zombie uprising.

[00:08:30] Anything. Yes. But yes, so it is Arsenal as the Premier League winners versus Man City as the FA Cup winners. It is a battle of wits between Mikel Arteta and Enzo Merezka now. And as I like to call this season's Community Shield, the battle between Pep Guardiola's left testicle and right testicle. Because... Both are learning from Pep's... You know... So... It's a...

[00:08:58] The narrative is already building up, Ronak. It is. It is. And... It's going to be interesting. I mean, there's so many caveats to this. You know, Arsenal coming off of the Premier League title, obviously. Man City getting... You know... It's a complete shift. For 10 years, City have had Pep Guardiola at the helm. And you know, they were more or less secure. They knew what was what and everyone knew this is business. But now, what kind of a city turns up?

[00:09:28] Is Merezka going to be able to get the best out of these players? Where does he, you know, potentially play these players? And what position someone like Semenyo is going to take? Because... I remember interestingly, like when Semenyo just transferred to City, he was playing very up high, almost as a second striker alongside Haaland. And he got a lot of FPL returns also. And then, somewhere along the... You know, towards the end of the season, Guardiola pushed him out wide.

[00:09:57] And then, of course, his goals and assists kind of dried up. So, it's these kind of players that will kind of make, you know, Merezka's time what it'll be. So, it'll be interesting to see how he uses the squad because he obviously has a brilliant freaking squad. And they're just even going after Enzo Fernandez now. After having signed Elliot Anderson for 117, 120 million. Yeah. And... Yeah, man, it's ridiculous. City just have no caps, nothing.

[00:10:25] So, I'll tell you all. Like that is... I get where you're coming from. But I think this is a great time to introduce the concept of the Friday streams that we want to do. So, basically, for regular Corner Flag listeners, you know that we stream on Mondays, which will continue. We will be back on Monday and subsequent Mondays as well. But we will also be coming to you on Fridays to preview the games that are coming. But we will be a little different. We are going to just do the hottest of hot things.

[00:10:54] Like the worst opinions ever. The most rage-baity, hopefully, opinions we are going to put across. And I think for this one, I will start with my opinion. I feel this season, Manchester City are not going to qualify for the Champions League. It's not going to go. Yeah, even I have a feeling. I do not think... I don't think it's going to do... And I'll tell you why. Like you might say that that is not true. That is bullshit. What are you doing? These are all questions coming to me.

[00:11:24] But just substituting one takla for another does not make a great team make. Not to say that I don't rate Mareska as a manager. I think he was brilliant for the five hours that he was Chelsea manager. But he is a very combustible figure. He is very, very volatile. Much like an Antonio Conte type of figure.

[00:11:51] And he is succeeding one of the greatest managers of the recent Premier League era. Right? Without a doubt, Pep Guardiola has transformed Manchester City. It is his club. He has made it his club. For a Mareska to come in. And I understand the succession planning. Mareska has been assistant to Guardiola in the past. He knows... He's worked at Man City in the past in an assistant capacity. He is all right. But these are extremely big shoes to fill.

[00:12:20] And I will be very surprised if that transition is seamless. And I feel like with the changes that are happening in City squad with Rodri going out, Bernardo Silva is gone. Of course, it's not like Bernardo Silva was getting any younger or anything. But John Stones is gone. But John Stones is gone. Silva is gone. And the key part is that Rodri is as good as gone to Barcelona. Those are key players and not just for their footballing ability but for their presence in the dressing room.

[00:12:48] These are key players that are now going out. So, I don't think it's going to happen for them. It's going to be a trial and error season for them this season. One alternative take to yours can be... This is a similar situation of like Slott in Liverpool. Klopp had just missed out on the league. The team was set. It was good to go. And then Slott kind of came in. He bought a couple of players. He bought Alexander Izak for whatever. Although he didn't play too much.

[00:13:21] But then Slott ended up winning the league. So, could something like that happen with Mareska at City? Where he has the team set. They just missed out on the league last year. It was theirs to kind of topple over. And then they kind of gave it back to Arsenal after losing a couple of games. I think drawing or losing against Bournemouth. Which was kind of the turn of the tide. And so, could something like that happen?

[00:13:48] But on the flip side, I also agree that key players have gone from City. Which is Rodri and Bernardo Silva. And while I agree, Bernardo Silva was not getting younger. But he was a crucial cog. He was ridiculously good. He would make that team tick. And he is the player who has the most appearances for Pep Guardiola in a Manchester City shirt.

[00:14:16] I mean, it's symbolic. That both kind of leave together. See, when you say that could it be a slot type situation, I don't think it will. Nah, no chance. I've just thought of another hot take. There's a reason as to buy. Here we go. Maybe United fans will hate me for this. Maybe Liverpool fans will love me for this.

[00:14:40] But I feel like Liverpool has, as a club, a lot more culture and history than Manchester City as a club. And that's just a fact. That is just a fact. I feel like when Klopp narrowly missed out on the league and then said he was leaving, there was some sort of a fire that was ignited in those players.

[00:15:10] Right? And I feel like that is something that dragged Liverpool across the finish line. Any manager could have done it. And again, maybe not any manager. Maybe David Moyes would not have done it. But, like any decent manager with a tactical setup, which is kind of coherent, I think would have done what slot did. Because it's not like slot changed too much.

[00:15:39] He just said, you know how to play. I don't want to play. Just a little bit. Just a little bit. It was just that. Like he wasn't doing anything revolutionary over there. And like you said, Rana, he won't get a lot of players, but he was injured half the time. Again, his transfer was a completely different fucking circus altogether. We'll not get into that.

[00:16:04] I feel like with City, they were so robotic and used to winning under Guardiola. That now that filter has been taken off. Like those rose-tinted glasses are gone now. Now these bunch of winners, now these bunch of winners are going to look at Enzo Marasca and be like, Okay, you've promoted Leicester in one season. Cool. Then what's going on?

[00:16:30] When Guardiola came to Man City, he came as a serial winner with Barcelona, with Bayern Munich. You know, what has Enzo Marasca realistically done? Apart from like I said a little while earlier, be Guardiola's right testicle. Right. And you know, it's interesting that you kind of mentioned this because it is something similar that David Moe's faced when he went to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson.

[00:16:58] Because he, you know, I think it was one of Rio Ferdinand's interviews or something. Or maybe Patrice Evra's interviews where they said that Moe's came in and he wasn't equipped for the job. So he just said, see, you guys are winners. You've already won the Premier League just now. So just kind of keep on keeping on, you know. And that is where he kind of lost the dressing room because you can't expect the players to take the lead on the team. Yeah.

[00:17:21] So you have to be in charge and you know, you have to kind of imprint a little bit on the team and at least make the players trust you and respect you. So yeah, I mean, I can see that Marasca will have a bit of an uphill battle there. Succeeding Guardiola is no easy task for any person. So I get that. See, I'm going to be very interested. Like it will be very, very interesting to see how Man City fare this season across all competitions that they're in.

[00:17:50] I don't think they're going to have a great time in the first season. If Enzo Marasca manages to still keep a hold of the dressing room and build something from there where there's signs of something coherent happening. Because see, again, you can lose a bunch of games just purely because of bad luck also. That's it. And you can lose a string of games without the dressing room losing faith in the manager. That's it. The manager is good enough.

[00:18:17] If Marasca manages to do that, yes, in maybe the next year or the year after next, he can really build something and build City back to the top of the Premier League where they currently sit. Even though Arsenal are champions, we still believe that City are unfortunately… I vomit every time I say these lines. There's no winning here. But I don't think in his first season as City manager… And yes, the preseason has been fairly good.

[00:18:46] But like we discussed at the start, preseason means… Rarely means anything. So yeah, it's going to be interesting. So Sunday's fixture is going to be quite the perfect curtain-raiser I feel because Arsenal are going to want to retain their title. They haven't retained their title ever. Arsenal are a team that have not retained the Premier League title ever. Right?

[00:19:10] So they will want to get that monkey off their back and immortalize this squad by doing that. And yeah, they've made some good signings as well. They've made some fantastic signings. Dude, this guy man, Bruno… But wait, sorry, before we get into Arsenal signing, let's talk about the City signing. We were talking about City, so let's talk about the City signings as well. Elliot Anderson of course being the marquee signing.

[00:19:39] What do you guys think about Mr. Anderson? Dude, I completely forgot about that transfer. I'm like, oh shit… You've got a British World transfer for 125 million. Yeah, I… This is how detached I have been. Nathan, people are giving us a chance to say this. How do you think about this? You're an expert on the podcast and on. Like I've seen this… Like it just slipped from my mind. Like, wow. And I'm like, yeah, Elliot Anderson will be… But I think it will be a great addition too. But that's the thing, right?

[00:20:07] I agree with you because Elliot Anderson is that type of player only. He's an unassuming player. Like he will walk down the street in front of you. And you won't even realize that he plays football for Man City. You won't even be in the country. He is such a regular looking guy. Like he is… Like in India, his name would be Suresh. Like there's nothing. He's more like a Kartik. He's a Suresh. He's a CA. He is not a celebrity.

[00:20:38] Yeah. But City, I mean, I feel Elliot Anderson is a great signing for City. Because, I mean, I would honestly think about it more of like how Pep would have liked his box-to-box midfielder to be. He's fluid on the ball. He is robust going into tackles. He's fairly physical. He's not very, very tall or something. But he knows how to tackle. And I think he can link the defense and the attack very well.

[00:21:04] He has that one forward pass in him and he has that one, you know, long ball across or whatever in him. So, I think he's a good signing. Look, this analysis is very astute. But I would like to remind everyone that people said the same thing about Calvin Phillips. Yes. And then, but I feel like there, there, I, and, and this is, this is sour grapes maybe because United were also in for Elliot Anderson.

[00:21:32] But I feel like, I feel like the Calvin Phillips curse might come back to bite them. And you can call it the Jack Grealish curse. You can call it the James Trafford curse. Basically, any young English player that comes in for a lot of money does nothing at Man City. Right. So, so let's, let's see what, what ends up happening. Let's keep the train going then. Yeah. I, I don't, I don't know. He's a fantastic player, right?

[00:21:59] Like he was, he was absolute class for Nottingham Forest last season. He was absolute class for England at the World Cup. Like just such a composed, no nonsense midfield player, right? Like just a treat to watch. And for, for, for younger viewers of football, like, you know, even when we were kids used to love watching the wingers, you know, doing the step overs and fucking flicks and all. But there is something so beautifully poetic about a proper midfielder who does the job.

[00:22:31] Like just keeps the fucking midfield running. No, that is the one of the toughest jobs. And so, just basically. Yes. Just peripheral 360 degree peripheral vision, you know? So yeah, Elliot Anderson is, is very good, but I just don't know how he's going to do at city. Just purely looking at historical context of players, uh, like him who have come for big money. Right.

[00:23:00] That's quite an interesting point. Quite, yeah. And, uh, but I mean, I don't know. City seem to be in quite a flux this season. I think a lot of it, a lot of their, um, you know, output will be dependent on first of all, what kind of formation, what kind of play Mareska kind of takes with city, but also players like Phil Foden, who, when he's in top form, he's the best number 10s in the league. Yeah. But otherwise he can simply just be a miss.

[00:23:30] Otherwise you won't even see him in the game. So, uh, and Mareska has publicly come out and said in his interviews that, uh, this season Phil Foden and Guardiol are going to have a very important role in the team. So, it'll be interesting to see if Phil Foden really steps up to the actual hype that Guardiol had, uh, you know, given for Phil Foden that he was the best number, you know, 18 year old or 17 year old that he'd ever seen. And because he'd seen Messi at 19. So, stuff like that.

[00:23:59] So, but on that, you know, like when, when managers move clubs, they obviously have a connect with certain players that have played for them at the previous club. And you move to a new club and you'll always be like, I want to contact this team because I want this player to come with me. You know, there's always those sort of deals that happen. Now that Guardiola is just basically chilling, taking a vacation, taking a sabbatical, shouldn't Phil Foden also go on sabbatical with him?

[00:24:25] He's just like Guardiol and Foden on the beaches of Greece, just like chilling. I thought you were going to talk about Enzo, Fernandez and Mareska. I'll tell you what, Enzo Fernandez, okay, I'm glad you brought that up, but Enzo Fernandez looks like it will not happen because apparently the deadline that Chelsea had set for Man City has passed. It has. But I mean, do you think tomorrow City come tomorrow morning, 120 million on the table? Do you think they're going to do that?

[00:24:55] The deadline has passed. I will not take the 120 million even though my finances are rubbish right now. And I need that money. I will not take it on the matter of principle. Dude, the inflation is just crazy. Like any player is going for a minimum 50 million now. Dude, Basa was trying to sign Rodri for 55 million. Yeah, because he's what 20 and 30 and he's in the last year of court. Yeah, fair, but like I read that. I'm like, dude, you're talking about a what? Four, five time Premier League winner.

[00:25:26] 50, 60 is like starting, not even starting price. Like, let's go 70 at least. You know what I mean? I mean, it's going to be between 60 and 70 only. It won't be too high. Guys, in other news, I don't know if we should bring this up but I've just seen this. Official, Liverpool ownership FSG has agreed to sell third of the club to consortium headed by Amit Bhatia and also Jeff Bezos. Amazing. Yeah, amazing.

[00:25:56] So I think, the money is going to be. No, no, no. You will have an ad play in the Liverpool match every 10 minutes. That's what's going to happen. Oh yeah, that's also going to happen. They will stop play. They will stop play for it. They will stop play for it. Yeah. Yeah. And they're going to move Liverpool's all red. They have their own video channel where they show the training and all these preseason games. I think they're going to move it to Amazon now, obviously. Amazing. Amazing.

[00:26:25] Every time Isak scores a goal, he's going to show a QR code where you can scan and buy the Liverpool jersey. Yeah, that's what's going to happen. Do you think Andoni Iraola will tell all his players to stop going for loo breaks and take a piss in a bottle while they're training because there's no time? Oh, very, very interesting Amazon workspace comment.

[00:26:50] Do you know that you guys have Amazon fulfillment centers where workers don't get time to go to the bathroom? Yeah, they don't get time. They go to the bathroom. To do one day delivery. Yeah. Yeah. You think when they, the goal is missed, if somebody from Liverpool misses a goal, they're just like, listen, we tried to deliver, but you were not available. So we will try delivery again in three days. Three days. Yeah.

[00:27:19] And then it's going to happen again and again. Yeah. Yeah. I just don't know what to expect for my club by this season. Like I have zero expectations. Like, it feels like I'm starting to watch football again. Like. Like. Why? I mean, Liverpool have just signed Ronald Araujo. Liverpool are in for Bar Cola. That's a, I liked, always liked Arao. Liverpool got that Victor Munoz deal and that was a hijacked deal. He was going somewhere else and then Liverpool just came in.

[00:27:45] Dude, Liverpool just hates Newcastle at this point and vice versa. I mean, everybody hates, everybody hates Newcastle. Newcastle are very unlucky in terms of transfers, but coming back to, to Man City's dealings, reminding everybody that this is a community shield special. Yes. Liverpool is not playing the community shield. We don't care about Andoni Iraola or Ronald Arao. Could I just end it that sentence? That Liverpool is not playing only. Just. No, he's playing. He's playing.

[00:28:14] You've seen pre-season, Nathan. He's not playing. What's that? That's all. Dude, back to back, bottle two games by leading 2-0. Great. It's like the... No comments. Nice. Yeah. But City's outgoings also, let's talk about. Tajani Reinders is about to go. Where is he? Stafford has got the leads. Has he completed the transfer on the court? Is he still? Reinders? No, he's not. Here we go still hasn't come, but it's on the final. I'm surprised.

[00:28:43] But he is on his way out. He played two seasons. Imagine how does City do this, man? They are able to sell Reinders. They're selling... Apparently they're selling Reinders for a profit. They've sold James Stafford for a profit. For a profit. They've done sweet support. How are they doing this? It is because... 115 charges, 2-3 charges. 1-1-7. United has loaned Rashford. He told him that... You only have 26 million.

[00:29:13] In this fucking transfer, whatever era. Yeah. And still, bars are declined at the end of it. United were fucking surprised that... You know, United had completely counted Rashford off the books. They were like, we had 26 million, so we're getting rid of Rashford. And we're getting 26 million. So one second. Wait, wait, wait. I'm not... Rashford is still at United only now, right? He's at United. He's wearing the number 14. He's gonna play this season. Wow. That's good. Good enough for you guys.

[00:29:43] I am happy. But I mean, it's... Rashy bro. If he performs, I'm happy. If he doesn't, then I'll be like, what the fuck? Look, there's a rashy bro and all is fine, but he's also costing the club 325,000 pounds a week. Oh, 350 now. Because we're in the UK. Oh, right. 350. What? That's lawyer's contact, bro. That's lawyer should handle all of us. What? What? Who's the... How many strikers are United? Sesko's your main striker and you guys don't have a backup striker.

[00:30:13] Zergzi? Oh, yeah. Zergzi. Zergzi. Yeah. But yes. Arsul Gipas can go in. As the other opponent in the community. Let's talk about Arsenal, man. I have a hot take for this. Go for it. Okay. Yeah. Saka is scoring a brace on Sunday. That's not a hot take, dude. That is not even a hot take. That is a very mild take. That is not even a mild take. I think that is a jalebi take, Nathan.

[00:30:42] There is too much sweetness in there. That's why Arsenal fanboy take. That's it. Yeah. You're a Liverpool supporter, right? You're a Liverpool supporter, right? You're a Liverpool supporter, right? Your Liverpool badge... I think you'll have to go in the stats. When did he last brace? When did he last brace? Yes, that's it. That's it. I'm 100% sure Saka is scoring brace. I'm not counting that as a hot take. So if you have something hotter than that, please... Hotter than that. Okay.

[00:31:12] Hmm. This is a little bit of a hot take. It's a little fact. Look, I was telling you to prepare it. Haaland and Gabriel are going to be a laugh. That's like, again, given one. Oh man, you've eaten a milk in life, Nathan. Did you know what's happening? What's the hot take? Anyway... Hot take is like Arteta is going to slap Mareska. That's a hot take. Yeah, that's a very hot take.

[00:31:41] But I'm saying... That would be a killer start of the season, bro. While Nathan thinks about what his hot take is going to be, let's talk about Arsenal's chances. What do we think about Arsenal's chances this season? Especially considering the movements they've made in the transfer market. Bruno Guimaraes... They absolutely have to be favorites, man. They absolutely have to be favorites. Just on paper. I feel they're definitely favorites.

[00:32:09] They were scored that obviously won last year. Yeah. Now they have the same squad who's already won. Now they have experience. And then they've added, you know, Bruno Guimaraes to that midfield. Which I think is a solid fricking buy. And like, you know how... There are so many times that we see Declan Rice and Zubimendi. And Zubimendi is just non-existent. He's a good holding midfielder, but at times he's non-existent. When you need him to kind of, you know, maybe take charge when they're, you know, drawing or losing or whatever.

[00:32:40] Yeah. So in that space, Bruno Guimaraes is going to be an absolute joy for them. And you know, people are sleeping on the left finger that they've bought. That... Zolis or Solis or something like that his name is. Solis. That guy is... I mean, at least the videos that I've seen of him is an absolute lightning bolt. He has had double digit assists and goals. I'm just blanking on where he came from.

[00:33:09] But he's a very interesting finger. And Arsenal needed that. They don't have a left finger. They've sold Rossard. Martinelli is looking like he's on his way out. So they are still interested in yet another left finger. And if they end up doing something like that, it'll be ridiculous. But remind me because I've been away from football for a while. What was Arsenal's left wing? Because I know Trossard used to play there, but Trossard was not a starter.

[00:33:36] I know that Martinelli used to play there, but Martinelli is also not really a starter. So you had Saka on the right, but you had Saka on the right. Who played on the left for Arsenal? Just these two. Left finger. People underestimate how influential Trossard was for Arteta. People really underestimate because he was either starting games or he was clutch off the bench. Yeah.

[00:34:02] They would give 50 minutes to Martinelli to just run off to the, you know, defenders and then Trossard would come in with his technical ability and then really run circles around the midfield. And he's such a tricky player. You don't know if he's going on the wing. You don't know if he's coming inside. He'll just keep floating and suddenly he'll be at the end of a shot. Yeah. And he's got you. So he was really critical for Arteta. He's such an intelligent winger.

[00:34:29] So I'm sure Arteta will miss someone like Trossard who can unlock defenses in a very tricky way of his own. Yeah. I mean, if any Arsenal fans are watching, let us know in the comments about what you think about the left wing situation. Because even on the left side, Miles Lewis Kelly who can play center mid but also can play left back. So, somewhere on the left wing, he is also rumored to move to Manchester United. Although I don't know if that is going to end up happening on March.

[00:34:56] There were some inquiries that were made and then I think Arsenal decided not to part ways with him. But yeah, that left side does look a little skinny, right? Like even with Solis' inclusion in the squad now, it doesn't seem like that's a very, very robust left side. Yeah, 100%. They need someone else and that's why they're looking to offload Martinelli for I think 45 or 50 million.

[00:35:23] And that'll be enough money for them to, you know, go ahead and put some more. And then they were in for Barcola, like they've inquired about Barcola also. So if Liverpool really don't kind of wrap that deal up, I can really see Arsenal kind of, you know, slithering their way in for him. Yeah, but isn't it amazing how a Premier League victory to a club that has not won the Premier League in very long, how it suddenly changes the attitude. It's like, you know, when you travel first class for the first time,

[00:35:54] business class or first class, when you travel business class for the first time, you're just like, I mean, hot towel, give it a lot, I'll use it. Okay, let's give it a lot, I'll drink it. Okay, let's take that too. Let's take that too. I mean, all of them. Just give bro, just give everything. Okay, you can get sunglasses on the plane. Okay, okay, I'll get it. I thought everyone in business is sitting here. But fair, Arsenal have won the league and they're like, who can we get now? Vinicius Junior!

[00:36:22] Let's try and get Vinicius. That was never going to happen. I would have put anything on it. That was not gonna happen. I facepalmed myself immediately. I'm like, no, wow. Dude, I think when this news came out, not just you, Vinicius also facepalmed himself. He got a face. He got a face. What was it called? He did some surgery or something. Now he's not Vinicius, he's Chinisius. Chinisius.

[00:36:53] But yeah, that was never going to happen, Arsenal. I'm glad that you tried. But realistically, it wasn't going to happen. Because Vinicius just looked at this interest from you guys. Chinisius. Sorry, my bad. Just looked at this interest from you guys and he went straight to Florentino Perez and said, Dajji, new deal please. Give me more money. And they gave also.

[00:37:19] He's nicely taken to Arsenal for a ride and gotten a better payday from Real Madrid from you. Absolutely man. He was never going to come to Arsenal. I mean, The move to Arsenal is, Korea would have been Vinicius. But it's going to be interesting to see how Vinicius Junior and Jose Mourinho get along. Because of course, the last racist saga that happened with Vinny was against Jose Mourinho's Benfica, where Mourinho defended his player. And said that,

[00:37:49] Yeah, but realistically, Vinny is like this, he keeps doing this. And I was like, That's not the thing you need to say bro. Come on Jose. I'm so excited for this coming El Clasico also. Too good. It's fun. Hansi Flick vs. Mourinho. Killer. Yeah. But yes, Arsenal. So, do we think like, you're saying Ronan, that they have to be considered favorites. But, Have to be considered favorites. Yeah. I don't think they're going to win it.

[00:38:19] Do you think they're going to win it? I think they're going to win it. I don't think they're going to win it. Why is that? Because even last, I mean, I will still argue that even last year, it's the referees that kind of handed them the title. It was, it wasn't theirs. Yeah. So much so man. So many decisions you, it is unreal. How many decisions favored them? Then, how much Haram balls they have played? How many corners? How many wrestling matches they've played? In the corner boxes? How many handballs have been given? I remember the best time match bro. Like, just in me or something.

[00:38:49] It's ridiculous. I mean, I was so sad bro. I don't think Arsenal can, first of all, even last year I was saying that those tactics are going to be reviewed over the summer and will not be in play this year. Hmm. Because it was, out in the open and everyone could see it. And, for whatever reason, you know, last year it came to pass, but I don't think it's going to happen again this season. So, they're going to have to find some new tactics. They're going to have to find some new referees to manage.

[00:39:19] Hmm. That's going to be the, that's going to be the thing. When it comes to the head to head between Arsenal and Man City, though, just keeping the community shield angle in mind, I think it's still going to be an Arsenal victory. Arsenal are going to lift the community. Yeah, yeah, easy. One. Whether Saka scores the brace or not, we don't know. No, I don't think so. Because, the, the, the, the, the, the, the back end now, Saliba's not there. Saliba's injured and,

[00:39:49] all the replacements they have are, is exactly, it's just Mosquera. Or maybe you play Ben White in the, in centre back if Timber is back out to play right back. I know it's just a whole, you know, it's, it's, it's Arteta's choice. But, I don't think they're going to have the same solidity that, someone like, Saliba obviously provides. And I don't think they're going to go with two left footed centre backs either. In Gabriel and maybe Call of Fiori or someone. So, they're going to have to play Mosquera.

[00:40:19] And, I think Haaland, if Haaland plays, because I don't even know if he's back in training, because he's not been playing. Must be extended break, no? Haa, exactly. So, I don't know if Haaland is going to play, in the coming community shield. But I still think City could give Arsenal a run for the money. And Arsenal just by the way, they've not kept a single clean sheet. I know it's, it's only pre-season and it doesn't really matter. He's going to penalties also. Sorry? Could go into penalties. Never know. Yeah, it can go into penalties. But, yeah.

[00:40:50] I just think they'll have to really work some new tactics in. Because, I do, I really hope man, that the same, fuck all, wrestling the defenders and the keepers down to the ground. Like, you know, the World Cup was very clean because they, they just, the corner would be immediately taken or given away. The corner would be given away as a goal kick if the foul was happening before the corner is taken. Yeah. So, so, that needs to be kind of implemented here as well. But I think that is going to be implemented. No. That,

[00:41:19] if I remember correctly, I read somewhere that the Premier League is also going to reduce that rule starting this season. It should happen. It should happen. I'm not sure if it's happening. But it should happen. It should be a lot of tactics to change. It should be a lot of tactics to change. Nathan, have you thought of a hot take? Hot take is not. No, man. I gave my referee's national title. But that is not so hot. That is fact. Anyway, but you were saying something, Nitin.

[00:41:49] I cut you off. No. I mean, I feel like, it's not a hot take again, but it's just more of a fact. Like, all the clubs are going to be chasing Arsenal. And like how City, how Arsenal were chasing City, two seasons ago. Now it's the opposite. The city is going to chase Arsenal. United, Liverpool, Chelsea, all these, all these teams are going to chase Arsenal. But you're talking about this season, or you're talking about like for the next few?

[00:42:19] This coming season. This coming season only. So, so much. One second. Like, you know, one, one interesting thing for the upcoming season is Spurs. Because it's really, I mean, their transfers are not going under the radar, but Spurs is not a name people are having a conversation about. When we're talking about the coming Premier League season. And I think they're going to go into the Champions League next year. I would, I mean, it'd be so nice to see honestly. They have, they have no Europe. Yeah. They have a stacked,

[00:42:49] stacked squad now. Yeah. They have put Pedro Poro and Mickey Van Deven down to long term contracts. Yeah. The whole, and they've got Robert Wood Deservey obviously. Yeah. That's the main. They are, left back is good. They know they're down for business now. It is literally just going to be about, the 17th place last two seasons. Finding their feet. They're going right for the top now. I don't know if they're getting Europe football. They're still Spurs. But they're getting Europe football.

[00:43:19] 100%. European football 100%. Yeah. The problem with Spurs though is, I'm still not convinced about their, their attacking options. Like after Harry Kane, and of course Harry Kane has big shoes to fill. But after Harry Kane, they haven't really had that sort of a player. Or even close to that sort of a player. Who can, who can be that talismanic forward player for them. Right? Like Dominic Solanke is not that player. He's a good player. He can get you goals, but he's not going to be the main man to get you goals.

[00:43:49] He'll always be a sideshow. Hmm. Right? So, I don't know if they have the firepower. Because, one of their best players, Dejan Kulusevski, he's been injured for fuck knows how long. Yeah. Right? James Madison is constantly injured as well. Who's a, who's a major creative outlet for them. The players that they got in last season, Randall Kolomani was in for, for a loan last season. He didn't, he didn't really do much. Zavi Simons didn't really,

[00:44:18] didn't really do much. They have Zavi Simmons in attack. They have Richarlison, they have Dom Solanke, they have Matthias Tell. Yeah, but again, Matthias, Matthias Tell and Richarlison also, what's up there? No, nothing. But, Richarlison's only thing is, no, but Richarlison's only thing is, he will celebrate a goal and to be chalked off by VAR. Like that's the only thing. He will score in the 90th minute, he will score in equalizer, he will get a t-shirt and then VAR will say, why won't he have a goal? That's his only contribution. He's the kind of player,

[00:44:48] He's the kind of player who has made fans, not believe in goals anymore. Like usually when you're a team player scores, you leap with joy. When Richarlison scores, Spurs fans are like, oh shit, Ganden. Right? Like he is the harbinger of darkness in that team. So, again, he is not that talismanic player. All of these players that you've mentioned, Matthias Tell, Richarlison, Dominic Solanke are add-on strikers. They are the 60th minute,

[00:45:17] they will cause some trouble and they might get a goal when you need it. But they're not the people who you will depend on to get goals. I agree. I agree to a certain extent. Mohamed Kudus is Spurs on you, no? Mohamed Kudus is Spurs, a fantastic player. But again, he's not really done that well if you think about it. Because he's not playing that much. He's also been injured. Which is a larger issue with Spurs, I feel. They have too many injuries and they've had too many injuries under too many managers.

[00:45:47] So, it's not an Angi Postogoglu problem. It is not an Antonio Conte problem. It is a Spurs problem. There is something wrong with that team where their medical department is just unable to diagnose injuries properly and treat them properly because they're just getting injured left, right and centre. Or they just love to buy injury prone players. It's one of the two or both. I mean, talking about their, this summer transfer window, it's been brilliant. Sandra Tonali for 100,

[00:46:17] Mathias Fernandes for 85, Van Heck in defence, two partner, you know, Van Deven. They've also got Senesi. They've got Andy Robertson in left back as well. Yeah. And they might get Gakpo done. Yeah, they're either going for a Gakpo or Savino if they're able to get one of those deals done. Correct. So, now, but therein lies my point again. Right? Like, these are all fantastic transfers.

[00:46:46] But these are all robust defensive transfers. Sandro Tomali, box to box midfielder. He'll get you a goal, but he's not really known for the goals. He's not going to be the guy who will get you a certain number of goals in a season. Same with Mateus Fernandes. Both are there to really strengthen that midfield. Which they needed. Fair enough. Good buys. Senesi in defence is great. Robertson, great experience, head at the back.

[00:47:14] He will raise the standards of that dressing room for fucking sure. With all his experience at Liverpool. So, great, great transfer. Van Hecke is also a great transfer. Also, De Zerbe has prior experience with Van Hecke from Brighton as well. So, you know, it's a good fit. But who's getting them the goals? Yeah. And you're talking about Savino.

[00:47:43] Okay, Savino is again a Mohamed Kudus type player. He's a wide player. No, there's no dedicated goal scorer. I mean... Cody Gappo can't be your guy. Yeah. We'll just have to see how De Zerbe is able to get the best out of the striking options that he has. Which is obviously Richarlison and Dom Salanki. Yeah. But they need a proper striker. They need... Yeah. They would have... They needed an Alexander Isak. Yeah, but I mean they're not gonna get now anymore. Now, exactly. Now they're not going to get.

[00:48:13] But from Newcastle, if Spurs would have bid for Isak and if it played out in a way where Isak actually went to Spurs and not Liverpool, I feel like that would have just been the perfect... It would have been the correct stepping stone. For Spurs. Yeah. Or Spurs need a Lukaku from three years ago, four years ago. Hmm. They need somebody like that. They need somebody who's just a fucking flat track bully who will go and get you the goals.

[00:48:43] Fuck it. Get you the goals against the shittier opposition. But still get the goals. Get the goals. Get the points where you can. That's the... You're 17th two seasons in a row, bro. Like the only way from here is up. So... Yeah, I mean obviously. You have to... But you have to make that effort. You have to figure out how you're going to fucking get the goal. Hmm. I think Spurs... That is my concern with them. Hmm.

[00:49:13] But yeah... Fair points. Fair points. They don't have a really good goalscorer. But I think they have a good team. Let's see if they can make enough chances for them. Goalscorers to maybe knock in one or two. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, see, I do not think that they're going to finish in the bottom half of the table this season for sure. Because under... Like Dezorbi seems like he's sorted. The fact that he saved them from relegation last season after coming in very, very late on in the season

[00:49:40] has given the dressing room a little bit of belief in this manager. Regardless of how combustible the manager is and has been at Brighton and at... Where was he? Marseille. Marseille. Yeah. But you know, he can do a job there. Let's talk about the Premier League in general though. Because this is, of course, a curtain raiser podcast as well. We have 10 minutes remaining before we wrap up this live stream.

[00:50:04] So just in general for the Premier League, Nathan, what do you think is going to be a surprising element of this season's Premier League? Let's put it that way. Maybe you're the hot thing. The surprising element? Ooh. I think United could... They could take... The United will be in a tight race. What bull? What bull? What bull? What bull? What bull? No, no. Seriously. Like, everyone's ruling them out.

[00:50:33] I feel United could go all the way till maybe April. And then maybe things could go south. But like, I think... I'm not going to... You're saying that things will go south. I don't know but I feel like... United are gonna compete for top two. They might even win the league. Because the thing is everyone's... Dude, just think. This could be Bruno's last season. So, I have a feeling that...

[00:51:01] That entire midfield... Bruno, everyone's gonna give it their best. That is quite true. This could very well be Bruno's last season. So like, it's gonna be... Do or die for them. And I think because of this... See what I think it's ridiculous for anyone to say that... United is gonna win the league. I don't think they're anywhere close to it. But top three for sure. Which exact position? I don't know but... United finishing top three. You heard it your first base. I tell you what.

[00:51:28] Though I feel like there is some merit in this chat because... Look at the... Look at the state of the team right now. Every team is in a state of transition right now. Man City are in a state of transition. Right? Spurs are in a state of transition. Chelsea are consistently in a state of transition. Chelsea are a transition. They are a transition only. Arsenal have just won the league. I feel like just because of everything else that's happening with all the other teams...

[00:51:58] That is why Arsenal should be considered favorites. Not for... Yeah. Much more else. But I feel like yeah... You're right. The field is open for a team like United to try and... See United's biggest problem will be... I just feel United need to buy players. And I know they will buy a couple of players. One or two players will have signed. They will be signing. Probably a left back. Probably another midfielder.

[00:52:28] We'll see what kind of opportunities are there. If Zergzi kind of finds his way into Italy. Then we get a backup strike of a Sesco. Who knows what that might be. Dude if this... Miles Lewis Kelly deal goes through na... That's like gonna be a bargain for United. If that deal goes through. I don't think there's even... Unlikely. Talks that have happened. It's just... Unlikely. But like I've heard other United creators also... Sort of... Say something like that. What was I gonna say? Yeah. Oh yeah.

[00:52:57] United's biggest problem is always gonna be... Not the top six. Not the big six. It's gonna be like the away matches. The West Ham, Brighton... Southampton... And those have always been a problem. Yeah. So it's this season also... Those are gonna be tricky. Because I don't know. I just have this feeling like... With Carrick now in charge... He's gonna continue the... What do you say? The spree of winning against big clubs. That'll be cool.

[00:53:25] But I feel like that underdog mentality... That has now suddenly corrupted to United... Has worked out for them. It is... Like you said... It is the... It is the mid-table and lower-table opposition that... We find it tough to... We'll clip this now. We'll clip this. Where I said United are winning the league. And after... Nine months... Let's see what happens. Let's see what happens. Yeah. Yeah. We'll see. But yes... Alright... I think we can start wrapping up... This week's edition of the Conflict... Because...

[00:53:55] I think we've got everything down. It has been... So much fun to get back to this. We've... We've been away from this for too long. And... It's fun. I've just read a comment. Do it a little... Regularly. You've just read a comment by... By Humphrey... It goes... Nathan has better touch than... Not even... That is true. But what touch is he talking about, Nathan? Why have you...

[00:54:24] Why does Humphrey know about Nathan's touch? Why you look at me touch... Things? Yeah. Why? Humphrey, we need answers, bro. Even Nathan's leaning into it, okay? Yeah. It's always... It's always a good idea to lean into things. When you lean into things, you can touch them very well. So... I think on that note... On that note... It's a good point too. And thank you so much everybody for tuning in... And for listening...

[00:54:51] And for watching the Corner Flag on all your favorite podcast platforms... They're on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts... Everywhere. We're at our homes. You can come home. See us. Talk at home as well. If you want... We'll give you chai, I guess. Don't come home. It's not nice. But yes, we will be back on Monday to talk about the result of the Community Shield. We'll see if Sata has indeed scored a brace or not.

[00:55:16] We'll see if Mareska has decided to show that he can be as good of a bald fraud... As the bald fraud before him. And we'll come to you with all the answers then. So until then, it is goodbye from us. So say bye, Ronak. Bye-bye, guys. Say bye, Nathan. See you guys very soon. And it's bye from me.