THE ARSENAL OPINION – BY LE GROVE
Johnny Cochrane has been on podcast FIRE this week - today, he interviewed David Hillier. It’s a great listen, below is the summary for you to gorge on! x
**Podcast Summary:**
**00:00:01 - Introduction and Welcome**
- Introduction to the podcast and its special guest, former Arsenal Premier League player David Hillier.
- David expresses excitement for the new football season and reflects on his lifelong involvement in football.
**00:03:01 - Collecting Panini Stickers**
- Host shares a childhood memory of collecting Panini stickers and having multiple David Hillier stickers but not Ian Wright.
- Humorous exchange about the rarity of Ian Wright stickers and the exchange rate among friends.
**00:03:22 - Hottest of Takes: David Hillier**
- David Hillier discusses his "hottest of takes" about the current state of football.
- Criticism of referees seeking celebrity status and their impact on the game.
**00:07:05 - Arsenal's Upcoming Season**
- Optimistic outlook for Arsenal's upcoming season, comparing it to Liverpool's turnaround.
- Confidence in Arsenal's potential to be "absolute killers" next season and win the league.
**00:11:01 - Personal Reflections on Football Career**
- David reflects on his football career, training with Arsenal from a young age, and the privilege of signing with the team.
- Discussion on the difference between the old system of selecting players and the modern academy system.
**00:18:02 - Premier League vs. Division One**
- Comparison between playing in Division One and the Premier League.
- Insights into the transition period and the financial aspects of football during that time.
**00:21:01 - Footballing Regrets**
- David shares his regrets, including not staying with Arsenal under Arsene Wenger and missing the opportunity to be part of Wenger's team.
- Reflects on decisions made during his career and their impact.
**00:26:00 - Comparing Managers: George Graham, Arsene Wenger, and Mikel Arteta**
- Analysis of the managerial styles and successes of George Graham, Arsene Wenger, and Mikel Arteta.
- Discussion on how each manager fits into Arsenal's history and their unique contributions.
**00:31:00 - Mikel Arteta's Greatness**
- Debate on whether Mikel Arteta is already great or becoming great.
- Arteta's attention to detail and tactical approach, and how it compares to previous managers.
**00:37:00 - Dressing Room Dynamics and Team Harmony**
- Impact of a player becoming a problem in the dressing room and how it affects team dynamics.
- Reflection on modern players' attitudes and how it contrasts with the past.
**00:40:04 - Era Exchange: Modern vs. Past Players**
- Discussion on how modern players like Martin Ødegaard would fit into past Arsenal teams and vice versa.
- Evaluation of the physicality and playing styles across different eras.
**00:51:00 - Player Wish List and Areas of Improvement**
- Areas of concern for the current Arsenal squad and the potential impact of new signings.
- Ivan Toney as a potential signing and the benefits and risks associated with his character.
**00:56:22 - Arsenal Super Soldier: Building the Perfect Player**
- David Hillier builds his perfect Arsenal player using characteristics from past and present players.
- Choices include Thierry Henry's right foot, Mesut Özil's left foot, Alan Smith's heading ability, and Gervinho's hairstyle.
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