Miles Coleman, the writer and producer of Netflix's FIFA Uncovered, joins the pod to discuss his groundbreaking series and the current football landscape. From the prospective Qatari takeover of Man United to the role of a modern football fan to colonial hangovers to future of sports journalism, it's a wide ranging conversation that will make you introspect about your relationship with the sport. 

Host: Shubi Arun 

Panel: Miles Coleman, Paddy Knowles, James Price

Shubi Arun is joined by Gazette writers James Price and Jackson Fuller to break down the first instalment of the recently released Netflix series, Break Point, that charted the journey of some of the best players on the tennis circuit in 2022. 

Be sure to check out The TW2 Podcast and The Road to Rome podcast!

This week's Consumption Corner: 

What to watch: Trial by Fire on Netflix 

What to listen to: Quinn XCII's new album, The People's Champ 

What to read: Paul O'Connell's autobiography, The Battle and The Boy on the Shed by Paul Ferris

Shubi Arun is joined by journalist and broadcaster Andy Brassell joins the podcast to discuss his book Football Murals, a celebration of the sport's greatest street art. Andy talks about how the book came about, what murals tell us about fandom and discusses some of his favourite football art work. 

Andy Brassell can be found each week on the Football Ramble  podcast. Use this link to buy his book. 

To read my review of Football Murals, tap here

Host and Producer: Shubi Arun 

Guest: Andy Brassell 

On Eddie

Reflecting on a man who gave me one of the greatest nights of my life

It's been fifteen years since I last went to The Emirates to see the men's team. The last time I was there, I was nine years old. It was a 2-0 win against West Ham (Adebayor and Eduardo scored) and to be honest, I don't remember much else of the game. But, I do remember that at half-time, I went down to the club store and bought my first Arsenal jersey - a Fabregas No. 4. I'd started following football only a few months prior and it was love at first sight with Cesc. Few players can elicit in me what he did. First loves and all that.

My relationship with Eddie is different. Forget getting a jersey, just the thought of him being involved with the first team felt preposterous a year ago. I preferred a rotund Lacazette to him. He'd sulk about not playing enough but when he did, he'd look so uncultured up top. So scrappy and completely unsexy.

But when he finally got his chance, he took it. You could see what it meant to him. The desperation to succeed was tangible. What he lacked in guile, he made up for in graft. The braces against Chelsea and Leeds last season were borne out of this quality. He grew with each game and he began to grow on me too. The new deal and jersey number didn't irk me in the way it did some. I didn't question Eddie, I was just curious about him.

Eddie was a man transformed at the start of this season. He'd bulked up, looked sharper and more settled. There was a fire in his eyes that seemed to be sparked more by purpose than passion. For so long, he knew what he was capable of. But now, his manager did it too. His powers had begun to be honed.

I went to get my shirt printed with his name before the match and the guy behind the counter had to actually reconfirm his jersey number with me! That says it all doesn't it? Disrespect has been a constant theme in his career. Not worthy to play for the club, not worthy to wear the No.14, not worthy to deputise for Gabriel Jesus.

It's evident he carries a chip on his shoulder. The same shoulders that are currently carrying Arsenal's title charge. His name was being sung by fans leaving the stadium after the game.

Eddie's journey is pure inspiration. The scary thing is that this isn't even his final form.

Shubi Arun is joined by ESPNCricinfo journalist Yash Jha to chat about Season 2 of the The Test, the Prime Video show about the Australian national team. They talk about Pat Cummins being too perfect, Justin Langer's absence from the series, Glenn Maxwell's stunning cameo and the image of Australian cricket today. They also briefly discuss the cricket docuseries sub-genre and fantasise about the tantalising prospect of a show on Pakistan cricket. 

Season 2 of The Test is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. 

Host & Producer: Shubi Arun

Guest: Yash Jha