Overview of The Athletic’s Totally Football Show
This episode covers Crystal Palace’s first European trophy in the Conference League, then turns to the Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal. The panel also touches on transfer news around Anthony Gordon and Barcelona, Nuno Espírito Santo staying at West Ham after relegation, and the broader pattern of English clubs thriving in Europa League and Conference League knockout ties.
Crystal Palace win the Conference League
A landmark night for Palace
- Crystal Palace won their first-ever European trophy in their first European campaign.
- Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the decisive goal after a rebound from Adam Wharton’s shot.
- Oliver Glasner was credited with transforming the club’s mentality and cup credentials.
- The panel described it as a defining moment in the club’s modern history, and possibly the start of a bigger run.
Key performances and match themes
- Adam Wharton was repeatedly singled out as the standout player.
- He reportedly played through injury and looked slow early on, then grew into the game.
- His calmness, progressive passing, and control helped Palace settle.
- Palace were said to be the better team in a key 15-minute spell after halftime and should have added more goals.
- Their opponents were praised for competing well and making the final more open than many expected.
Notable stat and context
- A recurring stat from the show: since the start of the 2024-25 season, English clubs have won every knockout tie against non-English clubs in the Europa League and Conference League.
- The panel also noted the huge budget gap between clubs in these competitions, reinforcing how unusual Palace’s achievement is.
PSG vs Arsenal: Champions League final preview
Why the final feels so evenly poised
- The panel sees this as a high-level tactical clash:
- Arsenal are described as the best out-of-possession team in Europe.
- PSG are described as the best in possession, and possibly the best team in Europe over the past year.
- The key question is whether Arsenal can keep the game level long enough to create chances of their own.
- The consensus: Arsenal probably cannot rely on a clean sheet, so they must be clinical when chances come.
Tactical talking points
- PSG’s ability to adapt game states was highlighted as a major strength.
- Arsenal’s main defensive challenge is likely to come from wide areas and PSG’s runners cutting inside.
- The panel discussed the importance of:
- Right-back/left-back matchups
- PSG’s pressing and counter-attacking speed
- Arsenal’s need to avoid going behind early
Team news and selection debates
- Ousmane Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi were reported to be training and likely available.
- For Arsenal, the striker decision is a big question:
- Kai Havertz has been underwhelming since returning.
- Viktor Gyökeres was suggested as a possible starter after impressing in Europe.
- The hosts also referenced Arsenal’s strong defensive numbers in the competition, but argued that PSG’s chance conversion is so good that Arsenal need goals, not just a clean sheet.
Prediction split
- Colin and Jack leaned toward PSG.
- Duncan argued for an Arsenal upset, partly because the final could be decided by fine margins or penalties.
Transfer and managerial news
Anthony Gordon to Barcelona
- The report of Barcelona targeting Anthony Gordon for a reported €80 million sparked debate.
- The panel felt Gordon is a clever, high-intensity player whose off-ball work, pressing, and movement could fit Barcelona well.
- Concerns were raised about:
- Whether he has done enough in the Premier League recently to justify that price.
- How Barcelona would fund the move given their ongoing financial constraints.
- The move was discussed alongside Barcelona’s existing option on Marcus Rashford, with wages and fees seen as part of the same financial puzzle.
Nuno Espírito Santo staying at West Ham
- Nuno staying on after West Ham’s relegation was described as a surprise.
- The panel noted that he may help with structure and rebuild, but is unlikely to be a charismatic “turnaround” figure.
- His links to Jorge Mendes and experience with squad turnover could be useful in the Championship.
Closing notes
- The episode ended with anticipation for the Champions League final and the show’s live coverage plans.
- There was also a lighthearted mention of Crystal Palace’s official “Champions of Europe” messaging and how winning a first European trophy can reshape a club’s mentality and ambitions.