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Welcome to the Sky Sports Premier League podcast. The season got underway at the Emirates on Friday night as champions Arsenal took on newly promoted Coventry City. Here's how the opening game of the season finished. And that's that. And that is the level. That is where the ball is sent. That is how good the champions are. And that is the extent of Coventry's task. Just as Michael Artena would've wanted it, Kai habits with a really smooth finish after quarter of an hour. The Kaiosaka Johnny on the spot, seven minutes after that. And Martin Erdogard, who was brilliant with what actually amounted to a bit of a miskick. The third goal soon after the halftime interval. And Arsenal, Jamie, Arsenal are looking really good. Yeah, they did. And as I said, we'll know in a few weeks is the next little bit of swagger about the rules. It's just a case of a player that you know, a team who are probably not used to the level, first game for them. And you know, Arsenal show their class you get that. And to be honest, I think it's really a scoreline probably. It doesn't probably do justice to where to ask that time and how they play. But it's probably something that you know. And that was a happy Coventry first game. We'll promote a team as well. And I think the Coventry. We've got the toughest test they'll have this season on the way first game. And the 37 to go. And looking at them and consoling in some sense, Carl Rushworth Coventry will no doubt find a way to derive positives from that. I wanted he was right off the bench towards the end. But Frank Lampard understands he knows what it is to be champion. And Arsenal tonight certainly looked champion. The final score on opening night table. Arsenal three Coventry City now. Very much a case of job done for Arsenal. Frank Lampard knows all about what goes on in Caiapurts. His mind as well. He was into England, didn't he? With Chelsea and he was on the team. And he's not receiving in tonight. But even as he said to us before the game, Frank Lampard. Of course, you never know. But his Coventry fans will head off into London tonight, singing their anthem. And they will know that this was not here. What might happen in fact on their Premier League future. They are not going to live and die by what happens in away games in Arsenal. And their next one. Manchester City as well. The first home game of their new Premier League adventure. And that is against whole city next Saturday, which even at the early stage of the season because of the opposition, because it's a fellow promoted side brings with it huge importance. They are back in the Premier League. And that in itself is worthy of celebration. And they will have learnt an awful lot from this first 90 minutes at the home of the Premier League. Very happy man with what he's seen here tonight. We'll get our tether and why not. Arsenal fans might be happy as well. And you can get involved and give your verdict on tonight's performances because Sky Sports is partner with fanatics to discover true fan opinion. A fanaticist to have your say on your blog. Download the fanaticist app right now. Scan that QR code to find out more information on the fanaticist app. So one down tonight at the Emirates Stadium and five to go for us this weekend. This is the picture tomorrow, whole city starting against Manchester United. Everton ever against Palace. It's its rich, another new boy ever against England. Boris play leads in our second live game of the weekend. He's bred for take on spurs from 530. Super Sunday three live games for you. The two one o'clock kickoff's brightened up against as two o'clock kickoff's brightened billet at Manchester City, Bournemouth and at 430. Newcastle United up against Liverpool. Both of them are new management as our Fullham and Chelsea, who will kick us off on Monday night football and super six returns with a million pound jackpot. And it's there until it's won all you have to do is predict six correct scores play for free against scan that QR code for more information. They're all just too busy. Fine, I'll do it myself. Sky Sports have got 1,500 live matches this season. Search Get Sky Sports to find out more. That's not bad, you know. It's a reckon I could get on the telly. Don't push it. Well, there goes that dream. You're listening to the Sky Sports Premier League podcast. Let's get back to the studio for more reaction to today's game. They certainly weren't tonight, weren't they? They were slick from the outset, the defending champions as well. You might expect they are a team high on confidence and they dominated this game with 20 shots to four, six on target to come trees, one which came in the second half, 1.8 on the XG to come trees, 0.2A. Didn't have a touch in the opposite box. It went until the 60th minute and 64% of the possession went Arsenal's way as well. A very happy man, Michaela Tetta, with what he's seen here this evening, continuing the way they started against Manchester City in the community shield so much to be positive about. Less so for Coventry City. This was a bruising start for them, but it might well have been worse than it might have been. It turned out to be 3-0, the final score here at the Everance tonight. Ian Wright and Gary Neville are on side us. We're going to bring you loads of reaction as and when the key players, managers, come out of the dressing rooms, but Ian start us off. Why do you actually learn to think tonight watching Arsenal? Well, I thought obviously it was a pretty, we were talking early in the season and you know, you look very sharp. Would you expect them to be, you know, coming off from the preseason? Before the game against in the community shield was, they looked pretty sharp, but they've taken that into this game. Obviously, I think it was a tough one for Coventry. You're coming up against a team that went around, they immense pressure to get this done. Once they've got it done, they've got the monkey off their back and they just look perilous. I think they too much space was left in the midfield for them to exploit and they just couldn't get near them, they couldn't get going. It was a tough erm baptism for Coventry today. We shouldn't patronize Coventry either. Should we carry their hair on merit? They have to be judged for being a Premier League side now. Was there a golfing class? Yeah, there was. I always think it's most telling. I think you can get into a defensive shape and that's fine. But I think it's very difficult. I said before the game, it's very difficult to break out from that defensive shape when you've got a team like Arsenal that smother you and their belts and their backs are pushing in. And you've got a real quality to be able to play out against that counter-pressant. They just didn't have that tonight and you wouldn't expect them to have that. What I would say is, I don't think it's a bad result for Coventry and that isn't patronizing them because it's 2-0 down after 25 minutes I thought, oh this could get messy. And actually they hung in there, they got a little bit better before half time. The goalkeeper disappointed with a couple of the goals. But it was a bit of a free hit for Coventry tonight. Smother was almost, it's the right word isn't it Ian? Because at times it felt like they just couldn't breathe and they also contributed to their own downfall. You have to say that as well in the first goal. You like to think that maybe, I don't know, you might have thought this is the kind of thing you get away within the championship. But I think that when he's got to attack that and then once he doesn't get it here, I think his defenders got a call and he's got to try and get that to him and then they can maybe clear their lines. But then after that it was just pure class and the way Arsenal just ruthlessly just put them away there. You know, to finish. There's a great ball across and I think he's got to get closer. And once he doesn't win this, then he's got to go back to the goalkeeper. I'm going to minute with Manzaal. Martin Irrigard has just joined us. Martin, congratulations. We're just watching the first goal back. And you may as well contribute to that as well. I mean that was the perfect start for you wasn't it in terms of getting out of the traps, getting that first goal. It's Jamie Joyce's as well. I give you one of mine. Thank you. Yeah, no, for sure it was good to get the first one. I think first game of the season is always a bit, you know, a novy. And I think they played well, you know, from the start they gave us a good fight. There are a lot of physical players, you know, they gave us a good battle. So it was key to get the first goal and I think after we controlled the game much better and we created a lot of chances and yeah, we're solid. Everyone's using that phrase that the Arsenal looks really sharp tonight. Did you feel that out there? Yeah, I mean, I think we look good. I still feel like it's things we could have done better. And we could have scored more, could have created more. I think we're so many times in and around the box where we can be a little bit more precise and a little bit more sharp. But of course it's a good game and a good performance. But I still I feel like we can do even better to be fair. I was going to say in respect of the sharpness, is that something that you think you're going to be able to maintain? Because sometimes you watch Arsenal and that's the only thing that you feel like what we need to keep moving it quicker, keep moving it quicker. Is that something we need to focus on? Yeah, no, I think so, especially the way the opponent plays against us. There's many times we play a low block, you know, a lot of players in and around the box. So yeah, we need those relationships that we have, you know, players wanting the ball. A lot of movement like you saw today, you know. As I said, I think we can be even more sharp with the last pass. I had a few there where I have to give it better and then we can score more goals, you know. So yeah, it's a good game, but we can do better. Matting, the competition for places in and around the area that you're playing. You've got Zubimendi, Merino, Declan Rice, Mazelouis, Skelly, Everett, Ibuchi, Ezei. So many players you self obviously. What's the feeling like in the group? You must feel so confident right now about the squad and the... I suppose the way in which the managers continue to go, it's relentless, really. Yeah, no, for sure. I think the quality in the squad and the team is unbelievable. As you say, you can put so many players on that pitch and they will perform at the highest level. And we see that every single day in training, you know. We push each other and you always have someone there to push you to get better. And I think the level we compete at in training is really high and I think that helps us a lot as well. So yeah, the squad is unbelievable and yeah, everyone is pushing each other. Man, can I assure you about where you feel you are right now? Because probably in the last season, a little bit in and out of the team. I felt your role towards the end of the season and getting asked over the lambs. Fantastic when you come off the bench at West Ham. I thought you were brilliant in the World Cup as well, especially in that Brazil game. Fantastic last week again. You feel like, you know, you are the captain but you were in and out of the team last season. You think this is a sort of big scene to reestablish yourself again and almost see yourself as one of the top creative players in the Premier League? Yeah, no, that's the goal for sure. I think last season was a big struggle for me. I think I had too many injuries and a lot of weird situations, you know, a lot of bad luck. I could really never find the rhythm, you know. It's hard when you always go in and out and sometimes you play maybe not 100% fit. So it was hard but yeah, I feel good now. My body is good. I've had the good summer, good World Cup, good preseason and now I'm feeling 100%. So that always helps, you know. So I feel great. And you got your goal as well, Martin. I mean, it sounds a bit cheeky to say but because you scored last week as well, you've actually beaten last season's tally already. Yeah. You're aware of that. Thanks for reminding me. That's your perfect position there, Martin. Yeah, that's a good position. Yeah, it's a good ball from Decker's World and then Ben is always there on the overlap and then it's the top finish, I would say. But a player of your quality, will you be setting yourself goals because you have been hitting double figures in the past? Yeah, for sure, that's what I want to do. You know, I want to help the team to create chances, score goals and I think it's not the best finish, obviously. I'm there. It's great to see you there, Martin. Yeah, I'm there in the right area. And I think that's been a big focus, you know, to being around the box and to, yeah. Then you get this luck as well. That's three on that right hand side. Sacka, Ben Whiting himself. That was a real brilliant combination a couple of seasons ago. Did you see that's the most comfortable you are on that side when you three play? I think, I mean, whoever plays is so many good players, you know, and we have great relationships with all of them. But I think we've played so many games together, you know, the three of us. As you said, probably two to three seasons ago, we played almost every single game together. So we know each other really well and I think we complement each other really well. So I think you could see that today as well. Martin, we have to let you go. Jamie has awarded you plenty to go and do the honors. There's no celebration, please, here tonight, Jamie. Should we get a picture? Yes, sure. Thank you very much. Well done. I'm sure the first of many congratulations, Martin. Thank you very much for joining us. Thank you. Everyone is talking about him, aren't they, right now, as being back to those sort of levels. And how exciting would that be for us, though, if you can get there? Well, like it did mention, sorry, yeah, it did mention, you know, you know, being in and out, you know, his, you know, his body's in a good place now. And what we saw, I think, especially like you mentioned it, in the World Cup, we saw a player that was, like, like, look fit, look sharp, look ready to go. And he started the season in the same way. The end of the season and the goal against West Ham in particular was, where I started to see, okay, he's starting to get to what he does. Because I think he's the only person in that particular incident in scenario who, who sets that goal up for us to score, for the end of trust hard to score. So I'm just glad to see that he started the season well. That's all I'm just, I'm just very glad to see that happening. He's exceptional in the ball, he's understanding of the game, he's fantastic. I actually think that, and I'm, I'm being respectful here to sort of have hurts into Yokarez. But if there say was an EM right up front for Arsenal, who made those little runs all the time, I think he would be even better. I think because Yokarez always comes to the play and shoulders have hurts, he's almost always playing possession in the final third, rather than playing those slip through passes, which I think could be so dangerous. So I had to think that if Arsenal were to get an Alvarez, I had to think he would actually go up a level as well, himself. Because I think that would be perfect for the style of play. So yeah, I think he's a fantastic player. I actually thought when SAK Mini would be out of the actual team, I thought that he would take a swap, but he looks like he's reestablished himself. But in terms of being stronger as a team, Jamie, sometimes it's not about the signings that you make. Sometimes it's the players already in the building. So have it SAK and Martin Erdogan on the score sheets tonight. Three players who probably didn't weren't at their top level because of injury for most of the last season. No, 100%. And I say it a lot, and I think I've said it tonight, before the game that I still think they lack a way of class player in the front four. But two years ago, the way SAK and Erdogan were playing, I thought it was just natural that they were going to make that next step. They were just almost there. And for whatever reason, it didn't quite happen. Whether it was injuries, whether it was made 100% fit, whether the team went at the best a year or so ago when Liverpool won the title. But they were really close, I felt, to get into the levels that we were seeing Manchester City players and Liverpool players were winning leagues. You think of Kevin De Bruyne and Harle and you think of Salah at Liverpool and Mani. They got to that level and took their teams over the title. Now, ask the Wunder League without them doing it in a 40-strange way. They actually won it by having a great defence. Great goalkeeper, Declan Rice in front. But I still think the scope for those players to get back to where they were a couple of years old and maybe get to that level. We've done first goal. We've done the third goal as well. We'll take you back to the second goal now, because it was a really nice build. Actually, it wasn't a year. And the finish, it's pretty straightforward. But how much will that help the Kyle Sack are going forward? Well, to be honest, the first game of the season, you always want to be getting yourself on the scores. You can see me looks fit. He looks sharper. He's going to get himself on the back stick like he does. But again, Salah starts brilliantly there. Goldkeeper could have done maybe better. But you just got to be in there to finish those off. And again, Sack has for me. He can be getting between 10 and 15 goals. He has done in the past. He has done in the past. Seven last season. Seven last season. I'm sure he'd be disappointed with that, because I believe that he can get more. I think you make a really good point, go about him, Ben White and Erdogan. They are very good and a lot of that work does come down the right hand side when they're free of playing. But if he can get into this kind of position more frequently, he will score the goals, because I feel like he looks fitter. Erdogan looks fitter. You know, however, it looks fitter. It's a brilliant start for us at the moment. What a tough start, though, for Coventry City, having rumped the championship. This was a real steep learning curve. Matt Grimes played every game last season. The captain. And I'd like to say that Matt joins us now. Thank you so much, Matt. So three nil defeats here on the first game back in the Premier League. Tell us what you made of it. Disappointing, obviously, we've not been used to losing for the last year and a half or so. So yeah, difficult night. But the quality they've got, we always knew it was going to be a tough ask coming in and getting something. What do you think you learnt from it? Well, we spoke at a half time about being a bit braver. I think we were a little bit in our shows first half, so we wanted to come out second half and give a better account of ourselves. To mean in possession when you actually... Yeah, a little bit above, to be honest. But yeah, I felt like we could have played more. And then obviously spoke about a half time, but then conceded the goal so early second half and kind of killed the game. What did they manage to say about the goals that you conceded in the first half? Not too much to be honest. I think when you play such a high level of player, little mistakes become big mistakes. And that's just the level of what we're facing this year. Matt, I think it's 11 years since you played in the Premier League. What was it like out there tonight compared to how it was the last time you played all those years ago? Well, because it was such a long time ago, really. I'm not really counting it. I'm not really counting it. So yeah, I had a small stint such a long time ago. But I never felt like I was ready for it then. I feel like we're ready for it now and we want to give the season a good go. Can you see the difference? You know you're playing the Champions and you're... Was there any time in the game you're thinking, well, yeah, I could see it now. You can kind of feel it. Yeah, obviously there's such a good team, so well drilled, been together a long time. You've just got players everywhere. When you've got players off the back here, especially in the field, you want to get up to people with the pressure on, but you've got Erdogard, one of the best in the world at being in those half-spaces. So yes, it's difficult to put pressure on and then if you do and they get biased, it's game done. What are strengths at the end of the match there in the dressing room to you all? Our season is not going to be defined on coming away to places like this and getting beat. Obviously we wanted to do well and cause a bit of an upset today, but it wasn't meant to be. We learnt a lot, but yeah, I think obviously coming here against the Champions, a team so well drilled, such good players, it's always going to be a tough ask. So will the season be different by home games against the whole? I've got no pressure. I think if you start looking at it like that, it can put added pressure on games. I think there's certain games obviously that you identify as ones that you probably should be winning. I'd probably say we have a better chance of beating home than beating Arsenal away, that's just fact. So yeah, it's not going to define us, like I say, just got to learn all we can and go again. Was there anything about that map that surprised you? Not really, no, to be honest. Like I say, I've had a small glimpse of it 11 years ago. I've played a few of the bigger teams in the cup, so you know the level, you played against these players a handful of times before, and no, it didn't surprise us really, to be honest. Matt, it's one of the most difficult things that when you're defending deep, which obviously will be at times, that when you do win the ball back at you to be able to play out quickly in sort of transition and try and get a counter attack away. Yeah, it's so difficult because they pin you in, you're going side to side to side, they're popping up in half spaces, like I say, your legs are gone a little bit, obviously making passes, and you want to get pressure on the ball but you've got so many players in and around you, you do eventually win it back, and you want players to run and break forward, and that's what we said at half time, we needed to go with a bit more pace. This obviously a lot easier said than done when you've been defending for such a long time. But like I say, that's something we'll learn from, we'll grow from that, we'll get more use of it, more use of the level, the speed of everything, so yeah, I don't think we'd be too disartened. It's such a trusted group of players that Frank has relied on to win promotion last year, and win the league. Can you talk to us a little bit about what it's like from your perspective now as a senior figure in the team when you obviously have great friends around you and you all want to go on this journey together but you probably know at the same stage that you need those reinforcements, I think it's nine signings, a couple were on loan. Can you talk to us a little bit about what that's like trying to manage that dynamic in the dressing room? Yeah, well obviously, we're such a tight group, I've said it time and time again, so it's making sure that bringing players in fitting with our culture that we've got already, and you guys will know when you play in dressing rooms that have that culture and have that belief, when players come in, it's easy for them to settle in. They kind of not fall in line, but they just get on with things the same way that we've been acting for the last year and a half, so I like to think that makes it easier for players to adapt and come in and feel at home really. So yeah, we have to just try and keep that as much as possible. All right, Matt, thank you very much. We wish you a lot of the rest of the season starting in course next week against Chelsea. Well done, all the best, Matt. Well done. And there is of course an argument that the hardest game of the season is already out the way, coming away to the Champions. That was a hell of a tough start, and we said before the game about the fact that this Arsenal team, they smother you, when they're actually in possession and they're actually keeping the ball in the final third, they then don't let you out when they give it away. It's like they're all over you. Pepp's Manchester City team used to do it, the Barcelona team of Pepp used to it, and in Mika Latta, I think the best thing that I see them do is that, they recycle the ball really well, but when they give it away, they're all over you, whether it's Celebra and Gabriella, or it's Moscow and Gabriella tonight, and it's just hard to get out against them if you've not got real quality. Jamie, they paid for one or two individual errors, but what do you think they could have done better collectively, Coventry? I'm not really sure. To be honest, you're watching the game, and the level would so, you lost the Champions League final by a penalty, you know what? And also, I was thinking in the first half, obviously, mentioned it a few times on commentary. When you're looking at Arsenal, playing the way they were knock on the ball around the first half, you're thinking, is this because of the difference in level, you know, the promoter team just come up, or is this extra sort of bit of confidence and swagger now of winning the tight way, the Champions? They were always the nearly men. Does that change psychologically? Just give yourself that little bit of confidence and belief, to also have the arrogance in your play. And I just felt there was signs of that in that first half of the hour. Now, they'll have tougher tests to come, and can they do that against better teams? We'll see, but I think the psychological factor of actually being Champions now will be what takes this team to another level, not necessarily in terms of going by some superstar player. The football season is back, and you can keep across all the action on Sky Sports with 1,500 live games available for you to watch this season. That includes 80% of all televised Premier League games, plus matches in the WSL, EFL and Scottish Premiership. If you're not already a Sky customer, and want to sign up, head to sky.com to get all the details. Now, though, let's get back to the Sky Sports Premier League podcast. The defending Champions started with a 3-0 victory over a newly promoted commentary city, Michaela Teteras. As you can see, he has joined us. Congratulations, Michaela. The guys have been full of praise, talking about the slickness of your passing, the swagger with which you played. What did you like about it? There was a lot to like on that performance right from the beginning. I think we were really, really dominant. We really flow with the ball. We connect it with each other in a really impressive way. We scored two brilliant goals. Probably we should have scored the third one before half-time as well. And after half-time, we scored the goal with Martin. I've been lucky. And then after that, obviously, we have to manage the game. But overall, I think the overall performance was very positive, and a lot of big individual performance as well. So, half-time, what did you say? Half-time just got... We need to go for the third goal. We know that this is the Premier League, and the Tunnel doesn't give you any comfort or confident to close the game, so that's what we wanted to do. And I think we've done it, and created it to the team. Michaela, it feels like the first time I was talking to Martin earlier. That combination of soccer, Ben White, and Erdogan on that side. It's a brilliant combination, and it really works well together. They played together quite a bit two years ago in the last season. Do you see that as well, that they're the best three on that side from the point of your familiarity? I know you've got great players, but they're so good together. I want to talk about connections and chemistry. Those three got that. Obviously, they played so many minutes together in the past last year. We didn't really use them because of different situations. Today, not only that, but even on the left side, you have to see different dynamics with Cristos and Riki. Yeah, I was very impressed. Michaela, I want to ask you about your full backs, and I'm just sort of licensed. You give them to go forward and pop up in different positions. Ben White's got an assistant. I book Call of Duty as well. But especially Call of Duty, you know, you think he got to go last weekend. He set up a goal tonight. He gives a little bit of insight in where they're allowed to go. Where they're allowed to roam. So, often, they find themselves between the lines. Yeah. Well, in relation to the opponents' behavior, in relation to how the opponents behave, they need to do certain things to try to cause them problems, not to be easy to detect, not to be easy to mark, and to occupy spaces that can be really harmful for the opponents. And they are brilliant. They have this intuition. They have those qualities. They are able to occupy different spaces. They are a big threat in the opponent's box as well, so we need to use them. Well, how do you want to see your team actually evolve on the pitch? They by day. It will be in relation to the opponents as well. They've been the opponents' propositions. We will have different ideas and things that we want to do. But improving every face today, there were some very good moments. There were moments in the second half after the third goal that I wasn't too happy about it. The timing, the companions of the team at times. So, yeah, we need to give them proven. You've obviously brought in as we consider today to add to Bruno Gamerache. And significance, and this particular question, because there are two players who are 28 years old. A lot of other clubs will shy away from spending money on that age player. Why do you see that as an opportunity? Because we look at the score as a whole. And in a defensive line, we have a really young defensive line. In midfield, we have a different profile. But as well, we have two players with Max, or three, with Max, Ethan and Max as well, that we already have the next generation there ready for them. And they are playing there at 28, not 38. And when they are at their prime, especially on their hearts of the team, I think they're going to give us so much in the next few years as well. You're going to have an amazing squad when this is all done. We hear still rumors and reports of maybe another addition to the forward line. Don't you concern anything about anybody there? How are you going to keep everybody happy? Winning, I think winning helps always and making sure that they end the right to play on the pitch, which is the best way to do it. And last season, we have an incredible experience because everybody accepted the role on the day. And then we score the most goals from the finishes and any other teams. So these are the things. If it's a collective purpose, we know to play for competition every three days otherwise we're not going to do it. Otherwise, they will complain if they play 55 games every three days. So try to keep them happy, but that's a collective effort, not only mine. We look forward to seeing you manage it all. Miguel, thank you so much. Good start. Green Hill victory and they are up and running. It's going to be some battle, isn't it? Getting in the Arsenal team this season. That's what's going to happen. If they're doing what he's saying he wants to do, he wants to build legacy, he wants to dynasty, then you've got to bring the players. You've got to bring as many as you can. You've got to make them fight for it. Because that's how you become champions. That's how you win. You're so smug tonight here. That's not smug. That's not smug. This is what he was saying after the Champions League final, what he wants and that's why we're trying to go for certain players, certain players that can change the DNA of the club or what he wants to do. You know what he said back in the last season. He was looking forward to doing some games this season when it wasn't so tense. It's an amazing day, actually. We've looked at Miguel Arterta for the last few years with an element of doubt. Can he get over the line? Can he win the title? Is he going to be able to get past Pep Guardiola or Jürgen Klopp or whoever? I have a slot obviously in the last couple of years. Now I think that he must feel so different. He's got that title under his belt in terms of the surety of where he's going. Obviously I'm sure he's always been confident. But when he's now he's won that title, I think he becomes a very dangerous animal in this Premier League because obviously all the other managers are quite young. And he's gone from being, I think, said before the game, from being the apprentice to the master. And you can just see it hitting him. I don't think he'll have a problem. He's creating a real problem for himself in the sense of, actually, Alex Ferguson used to say, the hardest thing was leaving those players out every single week. And he's going to have to do the same. He's got something off camera. What a squad is built here. And if he puts another forward into that, I mean, I don't... You didn't have the bottle to name the forward, did you? That did you? I wanted to hedge my belt. What was it? A journalist will never go with one name, because there might be another one. Look, we think that Alvarez wants to go to Barcelona, but if they could get Alvarez somehow arsenal, I mean, that is going to light this place up, because then you've got a world-class striker to go with all the other world-class defenders in midfield players. And they become not just actually to be fair, Premier League title winners. You then think that they can go that extra step in the Champions League as well. So, look, it's massive this next 10, because he does need... I mean, Jamie's made the point quite a few times. They just need that little bit. And he's that little bit of magic up front, that when you don't play well, they'll win a big game for you. And he just maybe, as he got enough of that, I'm not sure. Did you see something about... Of that in Zollis? And his debut? What I would say is that he probably hasn't got the biggest of names, but he could then grow to be a fantastic player. And, you know, when Vinicius Jr. had come, and he put in that performance debut saying, how maybe is this superstar to take you to? I know the level, but what he does look, and I think Peter mentioned that in commentary, is an upgrade on Trussard and Martinelli. It's a two-game, it's a two-game, but he's certainly looked apart early on, and to go straight into the team, straight away as well, as well as both well for him, but... Yeah, it's a proper proposition to come, but I always think left-wing has been the one way... I think it was really drop-off. I like... Look, maybe I like Trussard last season. I actually like Martinelli. What's happened to him? Because your Martinelli is still a hell of a wide player, in my opinion. You know, it's up to with Martinelli, just looking at Zollis there, and I think for his debut, he's had a very good preseason, and again, he's got a very good goal-score and record in Brugra, when he's playing goal-score and assists, but respect to Martinelli, and the way Martinelli's been treated at the moment, he really makes me feel uncomfortable, because he always gives 100%. And I'm not saying that he's the greatest, you know, he's really kind of with some big moments for us, some big games and scores, some very important goals, and why's he being treated at the end here? I know they might want him out, and there's a lot of people might say, yeah, maybe it's time for him to move on, but there's ways of doing that, and it should suit him as well, how he wants to leave him. So by being treated, you talk about not being involved in the squad tonight. Not being spoken to, doesn't know what's going on. We know this, do we? I don't know this yet. Yes, I do know this. And it's, again, not being involved with the community's shield squad, not being involved tonight. You know, he doesn't know what's happening. I think he's got a year left. And again, if you bring in some alike, if you bring Vinnie in, if you bring that kind of level in, Martinelli can say to himself, well, okay, they brought him in a broad zollis, I might be third. But if you bring in Zollis in, and he's looking at Zollis, and then you've got even, you're looking at, you're looking at Maddie Wakey on the other side, you're thinking to yourself, I think I can still have it with these two. I still think I've got something to offer here. So, for him to be not way near it, it just makes me feel a bit sad for him. Don't they have to tell somebody, is sometimes maybe even for someone out? Yeah, but you're saying, I'm not even bothered about without them. I'm just saying that, I think he's done enough in this, with this team, this squad, to be treated a little bit more respect than he's been treated with at the moment. That's the challenge there, isn't it? Keeping a team happy when you've got so. I mean, that's the next set, when you're going to get, maybe that kind of situation and how it's dealt with, because at the moment, they're on that trajectory going that way, and they're not looking at the stragglers at the minute, so I'm just hoping it can all work out right for Martin Ellie. All right, let's hear from the commentary manager now. Frank Lampard is with David Craig. Frank, when you've spoken the build up to this game, you said it would be an enormous challenge. How big a challenge did it prove to be this evening? Yeah, clearly. Big challenge. Fantastic team. Good lesson for our boys to see that the levels are there. They played like champions, and it was a difficult game for us, so yeah, I think the experience of it is probably good for us, in terms of the stadium, the atmosphere, the start of the game, the quality that they have, and when you can see goals, not great from us, you know, the goals. So, an S-A-Reality of this level of football. Always lessons to be learned. What did you learn, and perhaps what did we learn about commentary city? You see more from us than that, and Arsenal will beat a lot of teams here, and play they do, and control the game a lot. And there were some bits I didn't mind with us, some individual points I didn't mind, and we'll improve all the time, so I don't want to judge the lads on that tonight. They deserve better than that, for what they did last year, and what the challenges will be ahead. So, I'm calm with it. I'm calm. As support, we're amazing. I think they understand a little bit, but we lost the game, and we will learn the lessons. The fact that it took you 60 minutes to get your first touch in their box, does that underline the task ahead for Coventry City? Yeah, but every game won't look like that. This is an Arsenal team, you know, confident and bored by the feeling of where they're at at a moment, and that's what you have to understand. The team that's been built, and well-coached, and could play us all over the park. So, I'm not concerned about the touches in the box tonight. The result is what it is. We'll go over the details of it, where we can get better. But the game's going for, we'll look different, but as I say, I'm more concerned about the, you know, the personality of taking on a game like that. I think we were a little bit timid in the first off. Maybe the occasion of it made us a little bit timid, and then when the first one goes in, and that's what we spoke about a lot before the game. So, that experience will help us. How hard is it to acclimatise to this level? Well, it's hard. I think Leeds came here on the first game and lost 4-0 and stayed in the Premier League. I'm not making any early judgments. We'll have to acclimatise. Players will get better, fitter. A lot of the players there are starting to play for us last year. I'm a regular, and we're very, very good for us. And they'll get better, you know. Everything's a little bit, the high level of talent, speed in the game, and hosting. So, there are judgments for us to make, and we'll make them. You spoke about that connection. When you went over to the fans, they all stayed, gave you a huge standing ovation. How important is that belief between players and fans and that type of momentum to take you to where you need to be? Yeah, important. Important because, you know, years ago, these couples in League 2 were playing at different stadiums. When we came in, we were 17th in the league. So, the boys have risen, the teams risen, and the connection with the fans has been amazing. They've been a huge strength to us, and they have to remain that way. And the lads have to give everything. And there's nobody out there that didn't give everything. It was just a really tough match for us. As I say, I hope and think the fans will understand that. We'll go on to the next one. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. 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We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. We'll go to Plymouth on Tuesday. Hi there, I'm Pete Graves. Why are you enjoying this show? I just wanted to let you know that we are back with another round of Transfer Talk. We'll be talking about who's on the move, where they're going, what they could bring to your team. So if you don't already, please like and subscribe. You can watch three-sky TV on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. See you soon. Welcome back to the Sky Sports Premier League podcast. It's time to get more analysis of today's match and head back to the studio. So one game down and nine to go, this opening weekend. Whole Manchester United, 12-30 tomorrow, three o'clock, Sir Edwinston Palace, Ipswich, Sonland, Forest Against Leeds, life for you, 5-30, Brentford against Spurs, and then on Super Sunday, kicking off at two, Brighton Villa, and Manchester City Bournemouth both live with us, and the 4-30 game, Newcastle United, up against Liverpool, is intriguing affair. Monday Night Football returns with Poland against Chelsea, both under new management as well. So Saturday Night Football Spurs, they didn't get a mention when we were asking the guys who might challenge at the top of the table, but they are spending, and they are continuing to spend, and Roberta Deserbier is saying this spending is not going to stop anytime soon. At what point do we start talking about them as, if not title contenders, but top four contenders? Are they already? They've got a chance. I mean, the players that they're signing, they're going to obviously look like they're going to sign Savino and Marmoush, which are a good forwards, at a real top level, not sure, but certainly better than what Tottenham have already got, and they're going for it. What's happened? Tottenham had the handcuffs on, in respect to the transfer market, it would feel for many years, and this is a complete shift of strategy, and yeah. It was a long time coming, I'm sure Tottenham fans would have said it should have happened a long time ago. They're standing there looking at beautiful stadium, and they want to see the money on the pitch, and I think that we're starting to see it now. We're so surprised to see the Tanali signing, the Fernandez signing, and now we're talking about the Savino's going there, maybe Marmoush. If I'm a Tottenham player, I'd be quite happy with those four. If those four come in, I'd be quite happy, because they've realised, they can't finish like they've done the last two seasons. They've put the money on the table, and we can't be having that, so I think if he gets those players, I think that Tottenham, with those four, could maybe cause a little bit of problems. Top four? No, not when I won't be 17. Let's just say that for a start, because that's what they need. You can't get to Nali, and Fernandez in the midfield and not up people up front to pass to. Where do they have to finish with that kind of spend, do you think? I still think we do, I mean, you're saying top four, I think it's normally top five at the moment, it's in terms of Champions League football, so could they get top five? What's happened the last few years with teams getting into Europe? The big teams, namely Tottenham and Manchester United, a couple of years back, they've sort of fell away, Chelsea last season, they're not even in the European position, so that's why we've got different teams in Europe, maybe not the most fashionable of teams. I think Tottenham would need one of the other bigger size, or established size to have a poor season. Now, there's normally one that does, I can't think it would be this season, but I think they would need that to be. You think Liverpool, do you? People are getting very carried away with Manchester United, people are putting themselves in the game. Oh, no, just sleep. Manchester United is back four, right? It's the same back four, they had five years. I know you're going to start. I don't know if you saw it. A little bit worried about Liverpool this season. A little bit. We finished five last season, can't be anywhere else in the last season. No, but do you think that what I'm saying is, that Liverpool are going to improve upon that this season? The performances will improve. They won't lose as many games as they did last season. I don't believe that. And hopefully, he's actually fit. He is one of the top strikers in the league, isn't he? But they've still got to get reinforcements in the window and get wingers in with pace, which I think they will do. And while you were commentating, it looks like Carlos Belabor. The fee is now agreed. That is the report this evening, 70 million pounds. Wow. Manchester United. Wow. So, would you be concerned about Manchester United? Yeah, would you think Manchester United? I think Manchester United currently are probably in a better place than Liverpool, would you agree? Right now. No, I think Liverpool's best 11. Still better than Manchester United's best 11 right now. And I think Liverpool will boom play. I don't want to say anything. I don't like it. I think they are. There's less belief in a couple of years they've got in there. I don't believe. We'll get their Monday night football predictions when full and play Chelsea and Gary's actually defending champion. That will happen at 10.30 after the game. What about Chelsea? Where did they come in this story then? I was watching it on Monday. Everyone's saying with Chelsea, obviously they're not in Europe. I think that they've got good players. Especially that I think upfront, they could cause problems midfield. Same thing. I think the goalkeeper is something I don't want to diss him too much. But I think that if there's anything I'd say, it probably is the goalkeeper. I think Laquois is a good signing. Alongside Colwell. The midfield's good. And then I think up front with Jal Pedro. I quite like Jal Pedro. I think he's a very, very good player. Well, back. Yes. Danny Wellbeck, good experience. That's what they need a bit of experience in it. And like I say, without the European games, I think Chelsea can cause a problem as well. I think Chelsea is there to finish Champions League. You think so? Yeah. Could they even knock on the door a little bit higher? No. I just think when you're... I go back a few... Manchester United would appear for the example last season. I'm from 15th or 6th of the league today. Years ago, now we live up to almost one of the league on Brandt Rogers. I don't think they had European football that season. I just think if you've still got good players which they have, and you're training and getting yourself ready to be sort of at it every weekend, the problems sometimes that the biggest teams have is sometimes you can catch them maybe on a saty at 3 o'clock game and they've played mid to be 100 Wednesday. And they're all quite there. And they'll draw the game or lose the game. You've never got that thing when you've got no European football. And I think, you know, you can get training as well. To train in the sport, signs build up to every game. You should be absolutely flying at the weekend. So I think Chelsea says it's Champions League. If I did experience Gary, no club World Cup this time, 10 years since they last won the title 2016 under Conte when they didn't have European football and they played three at the back. I completely agree with Jamie. I think they're a certainty to finish in the Champions League place. I think they could even be second. They could get nearest to Arsenal. I think the signings of Wellbeck Henderson bring standards, discipline, organisation and guardianship of the dressing room to ensure that the likes of Rogers, Cole Palmer, those talented young players end up in Anders. Those ones that really are to be fair quite especially in their talent. But they need to receive what real high standards and professionalism looks like. And I do think that knowing both of those Henderson and Wellbeck, that they'll show that. So I think they've got a good chance. I think it was crazy that they used to sign these young players and basically get rid of every single experience player and then they're inexperienced managers, inexperienced sporting directors. It's absolutely the right thing to put a couple of good soldiers in the dressing room and that's what they've done. They're very excited for Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers. I'm really inspiring. Honestly, I'd love to have had Morgan Rogers. They'll be a handful up front and they've got the probably on paper best made field in the league. Jamie, what about that next group of clubs, Bournemouth, Brighton, Brentford, Sondlanda, all that excelled last season. Aston Villa have obviously had a difficult evolutionary summer so far. But could any of those teams take a step towards the top five? I think there's only been asked in Villa. But I mean, they're just getting decimated now. And I know he's a genius soon, I am. And for me right now, I still put him at the top in terms of managers when you look at his career and what he's doing, the job he's done in Villa. But is career what he's done at different clubs? I think it's difficult to argue who is better than in the Premier League. And every season, I almost write them off. And I'm a little bit reticent to do the same again, but I do look at it and think, you know, Morgan Rogers, Conzer at the back. I think they're looking to maybe move the goalkeeper on the board and the goalkeeper as well. I just think, oh, and they are in the Champions League. Yeah, it's elements. And they are in the Champions League as well. That takes a lot out of them as well. But I think the other teams you just mentioned there, I think they benefit on the back of basically two or three big Premier League teams not doing as well. Hence, you know, Sunder and Fan themselves in Europe. I worry for Sunder and Dave, I know you're Sunder and... You keep saying it, I keep saying it. No, I just think that there's the Sunday thing. A lot of the games last season were tight and they just went their way. You know, I'm brilliant. But there's also Afcon last year, which they had to handle in their first season with a lot of African players that they lost for a while. Yeah, I didn't think about that. Good point, Dave. Great point. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I put in 12. We've just got into 12 now. Oh, that's good, Dave. Let's cheer everyone up up there. And of course, you're up there on Sunday. What are you expecting from Newcastle United this season? I'm really worried about Newcastle. I don't know why. I think it could be a real... It could be two more look there this year. I hope it's not, because it was for so many years under my casually. Been brilliant in the last three or four years and I'm hoping they're not going back there again. I think that manager's got to shoot my bow. I don't know why they just shoot my... I've got a vibe, man. Yeah. Looks like a bit of a spiky character that we're going to enjoy. You love spiky characters. Oh, yeah. Jamie, Gary, and thank you very much. Great to have you back with us. And this brand season. We're not quite done yet. More than 1500 live matches on Sky. This season and tomorrow you can get a more of a flavor of them. Are you doing these, Gary? Do the... Oh, this Thomas Robinson. Get him in. Get him in. Thomas Robinson. Oh, promos. You can watch over 1500 live matches this season. You've got Lincoln and Portsmouth tomorrow on E on Sky Sports Football on Sunday. You've got the SPFL Scottish League Aberdeen versus Rangers. And it's a week on Sunday, by the way. And then on Friday, September the 4th, you've got the WSL London City versus Manchester United and the WSL kicks off. And we want Thomas Graverson here. Get him in here. What is he? What's Thomas Graverson doing? He's on his way. So Thomas Graverson before the game. Thomas Graverson before he pulled me into the belly and went, oh, fat Gary. I've been working hard. First game of the brand new season. Some things change and some things stay this day. Can I promise? Thanks for listening to the Sky Sports Premier League podcast. Make sure you give us a follow so you don't miss an episode. See you next time.
