This was one of our most in-depth pods of the season.

We start by discussing what it actually means to be top of the Premier League at Christmas – whether it matters, and how it shapes narrative rather than destiny.

From there, we take a helicopter view of Everton 0–1 Arsenal, focusing on confidence, control, and a huge sliding doors moment with Trossard that could have completely changed the external perception of the performance.

We then go deep on:

• Ødegaard’s role, connections & why he drops deep• How players micromanage each other in possession

• The knock-on impact on Zubimendi

• Penalty incidents & officiating

• The title race & Man City

• A disagreement on Hincapié & defensive profiles

• Gyökeres, Jesus & finishing patterns

• David Raya’s distribution & intent

We finish with a detailed Crystal Palace Carabao Cup quarter-final preview, knowing we won’t be podding again until after Bournemouth.

A proper football conversation.

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Timestamps:

00:00 – What does “Top at Christmas” actually mean?

05:30 – Helicopter view of Everton win & confidence without data

09:40 – Sliding doors moment: Trossard chance & narrative shift

14:14 – Ødegaard: connections, combinations & dropping deep

22:14 – Penalty incidents & officiating discussion

25:14 – The title race & Man City context

30:00 – Hincapié debate: flaws vs Gabriel comparisons

35:11 – Gyökeres & Jesus: chances, penalty & areas to improve

49:42 – David Raya: distribution, calm & intent in possession

51:14 – Crystal Palace (Carabao Cup QF) deep preview