Bullish Bielsa and the absence of the Arsenal way

Natalie Sawyer and Gab Marcotti are joined by Henry Winter and Bill Edgar on a week that has everyone in the world of football talking.


Arsenal take on Chelsea in a pivotal clash in the Champions League chase but it’s been a turbulent week off the pitch for the Gunners. It appears Ivan Gazidis has left Arsenal in a huge mess, as head of recruitment Sven Mislintat looks set to be the next man out the door.


Did Arsenal gamble too much on Mkhitaryan and Mesut Ozil a year ago? And will we see Ozil in action this weekend? Does the World Cup winner respect Unai Emery’s credentials? Plus will Sarri get his way with the addition of Gonzalo Higuain at Stamford Bridge?


Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa admits that he has sent representatives undercover to watch every Championship team train this season. Is he to be admired or punished? And did the masses and the media get manipulated by Bielsa into discussing how meticulous he is instead of the morality of spying?


Charlie Scott and Paddy von Behr provide their advice ahead of the fantasy football weekend. For free Fantasy Premier League tips from The Sweeper, visit thetimes.co.uk/fantasyfootball 


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