The bright studio lighting reflected off the polished black desk as the camera panned across the panel of analysts.
The winter sun filtered in from behind the glass wall overlooking London, tinting the skyline just enough to feel like something was about to begin again.
"Right then," said the host, leaning slightly forward.
"We've had our break. A short one, yes—but enough to reset. Now the holidays are done, and we're staring down the second half of the Premier League season."
He tapped the digital screen in front of him, which brought up a fixture list.
"And what a way to close the year," he continued.
"Arsenal vs. Brentford at the Emirates—New Year's Eve, under the lights."
Jamie Redknapp nodded beside him, arms crossed.
"Brentford's no easy game, especially after the break. But Arsenal's got momentum. The way they closed out December, unbeaten, dominant—it's set the tone."
Michel Saso leaned forward, the corners of his mouth twitching upward.
