The Athletic FC Podcast

Jaksot

• 
  Ornstein latest: Why are Spurs still struggling to score? 15.09.2026 45min

  Spurs have scored zero goals in their first four Premier League games this season. So why are Roberto De Zerbi's side struggling to find the back of the net despite their £300m summer outlay?Emma Paton is joined by David Ornstein and James Horncastle to discuss why they're misfiring in front of goal. Tottenham correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke also drops by to discuss the issue.David also answers questions from subscribers on Man United's coaching set-up, Coventry City's poor start to the season compared to Hull City and Ipswich Town and interest from Arsenal in Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha.Host: Emma PatonWith: David Ornstein and James HorncastleFeaturing: Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducer: Mike StavrouVideographer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Has Manchester derby defeat put Carrick under pressure? 14.09.2026 39min

  Erling Haaland settled the 199th Manchester derby with the only goal as Man City came away from Old Trafford with a 1-0 win.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Cerys Jones and former England goalkeeper Rob Green to pick through a controversial meeting.Manchester United correspondent Laurie Whitwell reflects on Michael Carrick's anger at the decision to allow Haaland's goal with former Premier League referee Graham Scott joining us to explain the VAR process.Man City correspondent Sam Lee explains the significance of the derby win for Enzo Maresca and we also wrap-up some of the other key talking points from the weekend with Seb Stafford-Bloor.Host: Emma PatonWith: Cerys Jones and Rob GreenFeaturing: Laurie Whitwell, Graham Scott, Sam Lee and Seb Stafford-BloorExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducer: Jay BealeVideographer: Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  What If... Wayne Rooney joined Manchester City in 2010? 13.09.2026 50min

  Ahead of the Manchester derby, this week on What If... we're talking about Wayne Rooney and the hypothetical around whether he could have possibly made the switch across Manchester from United to City back in 2010.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and Dan Kilpatrick, as well as Andy Mitten from Talk of the Devils to delve into Rooney's at times strained relationship with Sir Alex FergusonOur alternative timeline ponders whether the move to City could have taken place, as well as whether Rooney could have moved to Jose Mourinho's Chelsea in 2013 as well as the impact any move could possibly have had on his own - or Sir Alex Ferguson's - Manchester United legacy.Host: Emma PatonWith: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Dan Kilpatrick and Andy MittenExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou, Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Tactical Preview: Man United v Man City + underlying data buys 11.09.2026 39min

  This week on the Tactical Preview we're looking ahead to the first Manchester derby of the season, as Manchester United welcome Man City to Old Trafford.Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and The Athletic's Thom Harris to analyse City's midfield having been reconstructed during the summer transfer window with the arrival of Elliot Anderson, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Enzo Fernandez.The Athletic's Man City correspondent Sam Lee also drops by to explain how the new unit is coming together, while the panel assess whether playing on the counter may suit Michael Carrick's sideThere's also a look ahead to Fulham's trip to Anfield, having seen plenty of midfield chaos from Alvaro Arbeloa's side, while Aston Villa will be hoping to score their first Premier League goal of the season against Nottingham Forest and Hull head to Chelsea, yet to so far concede.Meanwhile in the breakdown, the panel look at the under the radar data signings made this summer that may be worth keeping an eye on!Host: Kate MasonWith: Rob Green and Thom HarrisFeaturing: Sam LeeExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducer: Xavi BirdVideographer: Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Champions League boom + Garry Cook on Manchesterism 10.09.2026 44min

  As the Champions League returns, a number of big match-ups have played out including Real Madrid taking on Inter Milan and Liverpool facing Atletico Madrid, but where is the jeopardy?Kate Mason is joined by Adam Crafton, Matt Slater and Rob Green to analyse the growth and investment within the Champions League and discuss whether the change to the league phase format has led to a closed-shop for the clubs capable of winning the tournament.Plus, ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby, former Man City CEO Garry Cook joins the podcast to discuss the role the two clubs have played in raising the global profile of the city.From a sporting, economical and political sense he reflects on his involvement with the Abu Dhabi investment into Man City back in 2008 and the ambitions of the project as well as the opportunity to be part of the growth of the city.Host: Kate MasonWith: Adam Crafton, Matt Slater and Rob GreenFeaturing: Garry CookExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducer: Jay BealeVideographer: Lara Sinclair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Is Mourinho's Real Madrid return working? 09.09.2026 35min

  Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Inter in their opening Champions League fixture was far from convincing.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero to get into Jose Mourinho’s return to the Spanish capital, the panel discuss whether he’s the man to bring silverware back to the Bernabeu amid familiar problems to last season.Plus, with the shortlist for the Ballon d'Or revealed, could Harry Kane become just the fourth Englishman to win the award?Host: Emma PatonCo-hosts: Liam Twomey, Tomas Hill Lopez-MencheroFeaturing: Guillermo RaiExec Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Jay BealeVideographer: Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Inside Everton's transfer window frustrations with Ornstein and Horncastle 08.09.2026 44min

  After seeing a late move for Folarin Balogun collapsed Everton have been left with 18 senior first team players, something manager David Moyes seems less than pleased by.Emma Paton is with David Ornstein and James Horncastle to analyse Everton's transfer dealings, discuss why things played out in the manner they did - including looking likely to strike a deal to sell Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest.The Friedkin Group are also exploring investment opportunities in the club, so the panel assess the relationship the owners have with the club having only taken control in December 2024.Plus there's the latest Ask Ornstein and The Athletic's Barcelona correspondent Pol Ballus also joins us to talk about Marcus Rashford's reintegration at Manchester United, following his loan spell at the Camp Nou last season.Host: Emma PatonWith: David Ornstein and James HorncastleFeaturing: Pol BallusExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducer: Jay BealeVideographer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Who can challenge Arsenal for the title? 07.09.2026 37min

  Arsenal made it three wins from three at the start of the new Premier League season, coming from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates.Emma Paton is joined by former England goalkeeper Rob Green and The Athletic's Matt Slater to look back on the weekend's action.Art de Roche shares his thoughts on Arsenal's attacking rotations on show against Chelsea, with Liam Twomey assessing how far off becoming title challengers Xabi Alonso's side are.Moving away from the Emirates, the panel assess who else could challenge for the title this season, with Man City being the only other side to take maximum points so far.Plus, Rob analyses the most noteworthy goalkeeping performances of the weekend and with the transfer window now closed, there's a look at which players could still be available on free transfers!Host: Emma PatonWith: Rob Green and Matt SlaterFeaturing: Art de Roche and Liam TwomeyExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducer: Jay BealeVideographer: Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  What If... Abramovich bought Spurs instead of Chelsea? 06.09.2026 1t

  For episode two of What If... we're talking Chelsea's former owner Roman Abramovich - and the parallel universe where he buys Spurs, or even Arsenal, instead of the Blues.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Tim Spiers and Spurs writer Jack Pitt-Brooke and Chelsea writer Liam Twomey to delve into the influence of Abramovich and how he changed the game forever.Our alternative timeline ponders what would happen to Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Mourinho and the Premier League's ownership and investment landscape had Abramovich not taken over.Host: Emma PatonGuests: Tim Spiers, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Liam TwomeyExecutive Producer: Adam JonesProducers: Mike Stavrou, Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Arsenal vs Chelsea + how to rebuild a squad 04.09.2026 42min

  Welcome back to the Tactical Preview, this week, our focus is on Arsenal vs Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.Kate Mason is joined by former England goalkeeper Rob Green and The Athletic’s Tactics writer Liam Tharme to analyse Xabi Alonso’s low-possession style from their first two games and how their potent attack could go about breaking down a stubborn Arsenal side.The panel also discuss squad building, with multiple clubs going through big changes in personnel over the summer window.They also look at Everton vs Manchester United, Nottingham Forest vs Spurs and Newcastle vs Bournemouth - and focus on how the three B’s: Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton, constantly reinvent themselves.Host: Kate MasonGuests: Rob Green, Liam TharmeExecutive Producer: Adam JonesProducers: Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Was this the summer the Premier League ate itself? 03.09.2026 41min

  This summer the Premier League smashed the record for spending within the division, with £1.7bn worth of transfers between Premier League clubs alone. Kate Mason is joined by Adam Crafton, Matt Slater and Rob Green to get into what this means for football here in the UK and why player prices are so high.Plus, Tim Bridge, lead partner of Deloitte's Sports Business Group, drops in to talk about the impact on the wider game and growing wealth gaps across Europe.Host: Kate MasonWith: Adam Crafton, Matt Slater, Rob GreenFeaturing: Tim BridgeExecutive Producer: Adam JonesProducer: Jay BealeVideographer: Lara Sinclair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Inside the summer transfer window, with Ornstein and Horncastle 02.09.2026 56min

  The transfer window is now closed after another summer of truly bonkers spending. Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein & James Horncastle to get into the deals that stood out and the deals that fell through, including Folarin Balogun's failed move to Everton that had repercussions for Chelsea.Plus, the panel reveal their favourite signing of the summer, the transfer that made them double take and which set of fans shout be most concerned now the window has shut.Host: Emma PatonWith: David Ornstein and James HorncastleExecutive Producer: Adam JonesProducer: Jay BealeVideographer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Transfer Deadline Day reaction, with David Ornstein 01.09.2026 1t 1min

  Welcome to our Deadline Day coverage with The Athletic's transfer specialist, David Ornstein, hosted by Emma Paton. They are joined by football analyst JJ Bull and other The Athletic reporters to figure out what transfers could still happen and analyse the latest news.Host: Emma PatonCo-hosts: David Ornstein, JJ Bull, Seb Stafford-BloorExec Producer: Adam JonesProducers: Don Ma, Mike Stavrou  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Can Chelsea's attack sustain a title challenge? 31.08.2026 42min

  Chelsea made it two wins from two against Brighton & Hove Albion, having scored seven goals in their opening two whilst also conceding five in that time.Emma Paton is alongside former Chelsea and England goalkeeper Rob Green and The Athletic's Cerys Jones to assess the Blues' chances of challenging under Xabi Alonso.Elsewhere over the Premier League weekend, Manchester United got their first win of the season seeing off newly-promoted Ipswich Town at Old Trafford, Hull City made it two from two while Tottenham Hotspur suffered a second successive defeat.Seb Stafford-Bloor joins the panel in-studio to dissect Spurs' latest loss before moving onto his interview with England captain Harry Kane for the latest 'My Game In My Words' feature on The Athletic. Plus, with transfer deadline day looming David Ornstein whets the appetite for what may be to come.Host: Emma PatonWith: Rob Green, Cerys Jones and Seb Stafford-BloorFeaturing: David OrnsteinExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducer: Lucy OlivaVideographer: Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  What If… Guardiola never became a manager? 30.08.2026 42min

  Welcome to the first episode of a new series on The Athletic FC Podcast: What If…Every week, host Emma Paton will be joined by a selection of The Athletic’s writers to dive into monumental sliding doors moments in football’s recent history.From Roman Abramovich’s interest in Spurs before buying Chelsea, to how the career of Brazil's Ronaldo might look if he had avoided serious injury.On episode one, Tim Spiers and Jon Mackenzie are on the panel to discuss Pep Guardiola’s alternative timeline had he not become a manager, or never joined Barcelona.What would happen to Lionel Messi, Man City, Erling Haaland and the Premier League in general?Tune in to find out.Host: Emma PatonGuests: Tim Spiers, Jon MackenzieExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou, Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Villa vs Arsenal + who has had a quietly good transfer window? 28.08.2026 45min

  The Tactical Preview is back and Aston Villa's clash against Arsenal is our primary focus this week.Host Kate Mason is joined by The Athletic's data writer Thom Harris and former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke to dissect where the game will be won and lost. They focus on Villa's frailties in beating the press, Arsenal's short corners and switches of play. The Athletic's Villa correspondent Jacob Tanswell also drops by to give the lowdown on Villa's midfield struggles in the defeat to Brighton.The panel also focus on Chelsea vs Brighton, Man United vs Ipswich Town & Coventry City vs Hull City, as well as picking out the clubs who have had a quietly good transfer window.Host: Kate MasonGuests: Adrian Clarke, Thom HarrisExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Are the Big Six 'cartel' more protected than ever? 27.08.2026 37min

  Aston Villa have seen their Europa League-winning squad torn apart during the summer transfer window, despite qualifying for this season's Champions League.Adam Crafton and Matt Slater join Kate Mason to get stuck into one of the biggest talking points in the game right now around the competitive balance within the Premier League, brought on by the spending controls set by the league.Hannah Vanbiber also joins us in-studio to ask how the Premier League's spending restrictions differ from those commonly seen in US Sports as well as the level of interest of US owners within the Premier League.Plus, with Premier League spending mainly focused within the division this summer, we explore the consequences on the wider European game.Host: Kate MasonWith: Adam Crafton and Matt SlaterFeaturing: Hannah VanbiberExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducer: Jay BealeVideographer: Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  How can Iraola fix Isak and Wirtz? 26.08.2026 39min

  After arriving for a combined £225m, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak’s Liverpool careers are yet to get going.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Simon Hughes, Jay Harris and Seb Stafford-Bloor to get into why the pair are still struggling, and whether Andoni Iraola is the man to get the best out of them.Plus, after Jamie Carragher called Liverpool's 2025 summer transfer window the 'worst in Premier League history', the panel assess the work of sporting director Richard Hughes, who is expected to leave the club for Al Hilal at the end of the season.Host: Emma PatonWith: Jay Harris, Simon Hughes, Seb Stafford-BloorExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducer: Jay BealeVideographer: Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Ornstein transfer latest: Enzo, Barcola + Alvarez 25.08.2026 48min

  The final week of the transfer window is the busiest time of the year and we've got you fully covered on the podcast.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Football Correspondent David Ornstein and James Horncastle to discuss the latest market moves.The panel talk Man City's major summer rebuild including their latest big-money move for Ayoubb Bouaddi and whether they could swoop in to sign Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez at the very last minute.David also brings us news on Aston Villa's move for Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta, Arsenal's interest in Julian Alvarez and answers your listener questions.Plus, Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey drops in to talk Chelsea's 3-2 win over Fulham on Monday night.Host: Emma PatonWith: David Ornstein and James HorncastleFeaturing: Liam TwomeyExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducer: Mike StavrouVideographer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Man United's alarming Hull defeat + Spurs stung by Brentford 24.08.2026 35min

  Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur both fell flat on the opening weekend of the Premier League season losing to Hull City and Brentford respectively.Emma Paton is joined by Jay Harris and Cerys Jones to assess the shortcomings for both sides, with The Athletic's Manchester United correspondent Laurie Whitwell sharing his views having been at the MKM Stadium.Mamadou Sangare stole the show on-debut for Brentford, upstaging Spurs' new £185m midfield with both Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes featuring after their summer moves.Plus, The Athletic's Aston Villa correspondent Jacob Tanswell also joins us to discuss Aston Villa's 4-0 loss at Brighton as well as addressing the uncertainty surrounding Ollie Watkins ahead of the close of the summer transfer window.Host: Emma PatonWith: Jay Harris and Cerys JonesFeaturing: Laurie Whitwell and Jacob TanswellExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducer: Jay BealeVideographer: Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.