Broadcast Review of the Premier League's top Commentary Duo

Play-by-play Arlo White and color commentary Graeme Le Saux provide the sounds of the beautiful game. What makes this duo one of the best in broadcasting?

Liverpool @ Brentford (Matchweek 6: 9/25/21)

Perhaps the best thing about watching soccer is also the most daunting aspect of commenting on it: there are no breaks; save halftime, fan hunker down for two grueling 45 minute intervals of non-stop action. Soccer broadcasts are all about living on the emotions of the game, elevating the momentum on the pitch, and bringing the atmosphere on field into the living rooms of millions of fans glued to their television screens. This is what Arlo White and Graeme Le Saux do best, and certainly did in NBC’s coverage of Liverpool at Brentford on Saturday.

They begin matches with a brief analysis of the lineups and the formations. For Brentford in a 3-5-2, they depend on a packed midfield to clog up the space and deny a pivotal ball into the offense, forcing their opponent to try to play the ball long. Liverpool in 4-3-3, meanwhile, play with 2 fullbacks (who look to get forward and play crosses into the box) and an extra attacker up front, and rely on their passing quality to get into the attacking third and overload the defense. The booth painted a picture of Brentford’s promotion to the Premier League and the storylines going into the game, namely Liverpool’s chance to go 3 points clear at the top of the table and Mohammed Salah’s search for his 100th goal for the Reds. Oh and, it was the Bees’ first game against the Reds since the 1947 season! These are the insights that educate the action, bringing fans closer to the game.

White takes the play-by-play lead. What makes him the best is his comfort describing the play, balanced with the understanding when to not narrate. Soccer can get boring when there isn’t box-to-box action, but at the same time all it takes is a little run and a well-timed ball, or even a simple deflection that can lead to a complete change in play. Furthermore, the camera angle often cuts off some of the playing field, so there is some responsibility for the commentators to be aware of runs off the ball downfield, as well as tackles off the ball, dust-ups on the touch-line (between managers, staff, substitutes... the 4th official) and anything noteworthy that happens in the stands. In any case, during the less action-packed moments the booth can mix in their knowledge of the teams and really introduce the players. With Brentford center back Kristoffer Ajer, who is new to the side but certainly a quick favorite after making some highlights tackles, Le Saux explained that “the former Scottish Champion wanted a bigger challenge” motivating his move from Celtic F.C. Print can publish the full story of his transition from Scotland to England, but these brief snippets help viewers understand how teams come together. They also discussed Ivan Toney’s ascension from loan spells in League Two (3rd division) to being promoted last season with Brentford.

There are small criticisms I have in the characterization of certain instances throughout certain broadcasts, wherein commentators can easily adjust the perception of plays by using one verb or another; White and Le Saux were careful to not exaggerrate or embellish much, save for a couple mandatory moments of hyperbole (“[Curtis James] almost sent the last [shot] into the Thames River, but this one rifles into the top corner.”) Speaking of exaggerating fouls, it’s also important for the booth to play moderator and comment on tackles and rules of the game. In one instance when Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo tumbled in the box, Le Sauz quickly quieted the penalty whispers: “I think the fact that he got back to his feet says it all.”

While we’re on the issue of rules, there are some inconsistencies that should be hammered out. First of all, and because of the technological advancement of VAR, what constitutes a handball has changed several times over the past few seasons. Therefore, because of some inconsistency in the implementation of the rule, I think the specifics of it should be discussed in game. The EPL has also adjusted offsides to allow more leniency to players mostly level with the defender. The true definition of this change is ambiguous, but it translates to “bigger lines” being drawn on the VAR monitor. [Supposedly, 19 of the 32 “offside” goals that were called back by VAR last season would have stood under the new definition.]

That being said, and aside from a couple moments which I would’ve liked more tactical justice in replay breakdowns, I’m always entertained by Arlo White and Graeme Le Saux. They’re patient to contribute to the slow nature of soccer’s build-up, while also not filling the time with nonsensical chatter or personal comments. It's a good thing when broadcasters shows personality, but the best commentators know where the line is between adding to the broadcast and aggravating the listeners. That being said, it’s clear they are the premier (no pun intended) commentators for NBC Sports’ Premier League coverage, and they don’t get paid to simply yell “GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAALLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!”