About this episode

The episode focuses on the tactical preview of Aston Villa's clash against Arsenal, discussing key matchups and transfer window performances.

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 Mason Guests: Adrian Clarke, Thom Harris Executive Producer: Guy Clarke Producers: Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: Kate Mason

Guests: Adrian Clarke, Thom Harris

Topics covered

• Aston Villa vs Arsenal
• transfer window analysis
• tactical preview
• football analysis
• midfield struggles
• pressing tactics

Keywords

• Aston Villa
• Arsenal
• transfer window
• tactics
• football
• midfield
• pressing
• Chelsea
• Brighton

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Athletic, Chelsea, Brighton, Man United, Ipswich Town, Coventry City, Hull City

Places: Aston Villa, Arsenal, Brighton

More episodes of The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

• Arsenal vs Chelsea + how to rebuild a squad · September 4, 2026 · 42 min
• Newcastle vs Liverpool + early season tactical trends · August 21, 2026 · 45 min

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