05 January 2023 , 19:00
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The transformation at Arsenal both on and off the pitch has been nothing short of remarkable.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta deserves huge credit but you can bet that a lot of fans from rival clubs will now be looking on with some envy at the owners and the way the Kroenkes have backed the team, the manager and the club.
Arsenal were the Premier League’s biggest spenders in the summer of 2021, broke the bank again last year and have already made two huge bids to sign Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk in this window. But it probably leaves some wondering what has happened and what has brought about a change in philosophy. The assumption is that it was because of the fan backlash following the European Super League.
The answer is probably a lot simpler and more obvious. The Kroenkes, Stan and his increasingly hands-on and influential son Josh, only actually took full and complete ownership in 2018 when they bought out Alisher Usmanov’s stake. As soon as any owner gets 100 percent control, it is bound to bring a different philosophy rather than having to share the spoils with another backer.
That actually should serve as a warning for Premier League clubs looking for new investors rather than full takeovers. Shared ownership rarely works well and it is far better for one family to have complete control and the final say.
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The relationship between Arteta and Josh Kroenke is particularly strong and if the Arsenal manager needs any backing then it is always on hand. They have also got internal appointments right with Edu as technical director as a prime example.
It underlines the importance of good owners but also control and shows that, even with the misplaced support of club legends, Spotify tycoon Daniel Ek’s attempted takeover was a seriously bad idea, not least because the manager was clearly in the firing line.
Toney's January impacted
Ivan Toney looks set to miss out on a January move due to the ongoing FA investigation (PA)Ivan Toney faces an anxious wait on the Football Association investigation into allegations that he broke betting rules.
Brentford striker Toney had until January 4 to respond, the case will drag on for some time yet and it could result in a ban. These cases generally depend on whether players have bet against themselves and Toney is certain to put forward strong mitigating circumstances.
But there could also be a double edged sword because the uncertainty means that it is highly unlikely any club will make a move for him in January.
And there were some big clubs circling before the FA investigation. This window could have been a real struggle for Brentford to keep him.
That could be a reprieve for Brentford - one of the best Prem stories of recent years under Thomas Frank - who get to hold onto their star striker but could yet be left without him for a period of time.
Refreshing new voices
One of the best new commentary voices on TV is Pien Meulensteen and, understandably, she is gaining a lot of attention from broadcasters.
Meulensteen often goes under the radar in the UK as she works for Premier League Productions but Sky often use their footage and she also worked for the BBC at the World Cup.
It is so refreshing to see broadcasters, like Channel 4 and their England coverage with the outstanding Jules Breach as one example, use different voices and new faces rather than the tired old merry-go-round.
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All eyes on the capital
Emma Hayes and Jonas Eidevall's sides face off in the WSL on the same day as Arsenal take on Spurs in the Premier LeagueThere is an interesting fixture clash in London on Sunday, January 15.
Tottenham host Arsenal in the North London derby at 4.30pm while the Gunners’ WSL team host Chelsea at the Emirates at 12 noon which is also one of the best games in the fixture list.
ESL doc set to air
Apple TV launches their “Super League: The War for Football” documentary series next week.
The director is Jeff Zimbalist who made “The Two Escobars” which is one of the best TV docs of recent years and should guarantee the ESL show will be first rate.
Magic of the Cup
There are five all-Premier League ties in the FA Cup third round which must be some sort of record.
While the romance of the cup is about giant killers rather than a game we could watch any weekend, at least it means the fourth and fifth round will have fewer top flight clubs than usual and may provide the upsets which make the FA Cup so special.