Handbrake Off: The Athletic FC's Arsenal show - podcast cover

Handbrake Off: The Athletic FC's Arsenal show

The Athletic's Amy Lawrence, Adrian Clarke, James McNicholas (Gunnerblog), Art de Roche and comedian Ian Stone bring you a twice-weekly podcast dedicated to Arsenal Football Club. They'll bring you reaction to all the games, expert insight into the inner-workings of the club, including transfers and contracts, and analysis on the women's team too.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

End of Season Awards: Part Two

James McNicholas and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to continue the chat around Arsenal's magnificent triumph in the Women's Champions League and we hear from Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Steph Catley at the trophy celebration. James and Art have their say on our end of season awards, choosing the goals, moments and players they think were unlucky to miss out on Monday's show and talk Max Dowman after another impressive display for England's U17's. Plus, we answer your questions on transfers, tac...

May 28, 202554 min

Arsenal win UWCL & End of Season Awards: Part One

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Barcelona in Lisbon, to secure the clubs second Women's Champions League 18 years on from the first. Stina Blackstenius was the hero, scoring the winner just seven minutes after coming off the bench. The panel discuss Renee Slegers impact since becoming manager back in October, including her connection with the squad and how she's improved them tactically. We hear from Blackstenius, Beth Mead and Chloe Kelly s...

May 26, 20251 hr 3 min

Looking ahead to Southampton and a busy summer

Arsenal play their final game of the season against Southampton on Sunday with 2nd place all but secured. Art de Roché and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to look ahead to the match. They discuss Hale End prospect Max Dowman’s performance for England U17s, the individual moment’s of brilliance we’ve experienced this season and the need for more next campaign. Plus Arsenal's potential transfers this summer and praising the players who look set to leave. Produced by Robby Williams. Hosted on Acast. S...

May 22, 202548 min

Rice & Raya all-but seal second

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Newcastle at the Emirates. The result all-but guarantees second place, barring an unprecedented defeat at Southampton. The panel discuss Declan Rice and David Raya's performances, and why both players in the running for player of the season. They give Myles Lewis-Skelly, Riccardo Calafiori, Jakub Kiwior and Ben White their flowers after all four thoroughly impressed on Sunday afternoon, a back line nobody woul...

May 19, 202545 min

Focus on Newcastle & the battle for second

Arsenal play their penultimate game of the season against Newcastle on Sunday in a bid to secure second place this season. Art de Roché and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to look ahead to the match. They discuss the injury concerns going into the game, the lack of midfield options and a potential start up front for Gabriel Martinelli. Plus Arsenal’s open training session this week and potential upcoming transfers. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat...

May 15, 202535 min

Arsenal show their character at Anfield

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 2-2 comeback at Anfield, after being 2-0 down at half time. Despite turning the game around, Mikel Arteta was seething at full time. The panel discuss the manager's comments, after what has been an emotional week for everyone involved at the club. Unlike the Arsenal of old, the second half performance was a reminder of the character and resilience within this current side. Plus Trent Alexander-Arnold booed, Alessia Russo wins ...

May 12, 202543 min

Valiant Arsenal fall short in Paris

Arsenal exit the Champions League after a tough night losing 2-1 (3-1 agg) to an elite PSG side. Adrian Clarke and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to reflect on a game where Arsenal played really well in the Parc des Princes but couldn't capitalise on their chances. Hear the team speak about those Donnarumma saves, the missed chances, and how Arsenal can build on this going forward. Amy Lawrence drops in to share her thoughts too. Plus we look ahead to Arsenal’s match against Liverpool at Anfiel...

May 08, 202543 min

Bournemouth punish distracted Arsenal

It was another disappointing result for Arsenal in the Premier League as they lost 2-1 to Bournemouth. Art de Roché and Jordan Campbell join Ian Stone to reflect on a strange game where both players and the fans possibly had their attention on the big Champions League game to come. Plus, we get excited for the huge second leg against PSG in the Champions League on Wednesday and how Arsenal could overturn the 1-0 deficit. All that and there's the Saliba to Real Madrid rumours and the manager head...

May 05, 202544 min

Bournemouth punish distracted Arsenal

It was another disappointing result for Arsenal in the Premier League as they lost 2-1 to Bournemouth. Art de Roché and Jordan Campbell join Ian Stone to reflect on a strange game where both players and the fans possibly had their attention on the big Champions League game to come. Plus, we get excited for the huge second leg against PSG in the Champions League on Wednesday and how Arsenal could overturn the 1-0 deficit. All that and there's the Saliba to Real Madrid rumours and the manager head...

May 05, 202541 min

Down but not out as PSG lead at half-time

It was a tough night for Arsenal on Tuesday, losing 1-0 at the Emirates in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final to an excellent PSG side. Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to reflect on the game, finding the positives in a disappointing performance that the team will look to take into the second leg in Paris. The significance of Partey’s suspension, Odegaard’s continued lack of form, and Declan Rice’s all round improvements this season are also discussed. Plus a look a...

Apr 30, 202543 min

Down but not out as PSG lead at half-time

It was a tough night for Arsenal on Tuesday, losing 1-0 at the Emirates in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final to an excellent PSG side. Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to reflect on the game, finding the positives in a disappointing performance that the team will look to take into the second leg in Paris. The significance of Partey’s suspension, Odegaard’s continued lack of form, and Declan Rice’s all round improvements this season are also discussed. Plus a look a...

Apr 30, 202551 min

The PSG Preview

Adrian Clarke and French football specialist Tom Williams join Ian Stone to preview Arsenal's Champions League semi-final against PSG. Arsenal ran out convincing winners when these teams met back in October, but the French side have evolved drastically since that night. The panel discuss how both teams have changed, where each will look to hurt each other, and predict the XI's Mikel Arteta and Luis Enrique will go for. Plus Art de Roché drops by to talk about Arsenal's sensational comeback in th...

Apr 28, 202550 min

The PSG Preview

Adrian Clarke and French football specialist Tom Williams join Ian Stone to preview Arsenal's Champions League semi-final against PSG. Arsenal ran out convincing winners when these teams met back in October, but the French side have evolved drastically since that night. The panel discuss how both teams have changed, where each will look to hurt each other, and predict the XI's Mikel Arteta and Luis Enrique will go for. Plus Art de Roché drops by to talk about Arsenal's sensational comeback in th...

Apr 28, 202559 min

Eyes elsewhere as Palace punish Arsenal

Arsenal had one of their more forgettable evenings of the season as they had drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace, Arsenal’s 13th draw of the season. Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to reflect on a disappointing game and performance with both teams possibly distracted by bigger games to come. They speak about the recent errors by Saliba despite being imperious otherwise, and the positives from the match, particularly Jakub Kiwior, Leandro Trossard and the confidence of Myles Lewis-Skell...

Apr 24, 202539 min

Eyes elsewhere as Palace punish Arsenal

Arsenal had one of their more forgettable evenings of the season as they had drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace, Arsenal’s 13th draw of the season. Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to reflect on a disappointing game and performance with both teams possibly distracted by bigger games to come. They speak about the recent errors by Saliba despite being imperious otherwise, and the positives from the match, particularly Jakub Kiwior, Leandro Trossard and the confidence of Myles Lewis-Skell...

Apr 24, 202547 min

As easy as it gets at Ipswich

Adrian Clarke and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's demolition of Ipswich at Portman Road. Mikel Arteta opted for a strong side, the panel discuss why rhythm and momentum is as important as rest in the lead up to Arsenal's Champions League semi final. Leandro Trossard got the nod up front scoring a brace, the Belgian dovetailed beautifully with Mikel Merino who was deployed in a midfield role. With Thomas Partey suspended for the first leg against PSG, was this perhaps an indic...

Apr 21, 202532 min

As easy as it gets at Ipswich

Adrian Clarke and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's demolition of Ipswich at Portman Road. Mikel Arteta opted for a strong side, the panel discuss why rhythm and momentum is as important as rest in the lead up to Arsenal's Champions League semi final. Leandro Trossard got the nod up front scoring a brace, the Belgian dovetailed beautifully with Mikel Merino who was deployed in a midfield role. With Thomas Partey suspended for the first leg against PSG, was this perhaps an indic...

Apr 21, 202541 min

Remontadahaha as Arsenal dismantle Madrid in Champions League

Arsenal dominated Real Madrid to deservedly win 2-1 at the Bernabeu, dumping the holders out of the Champions League and marching on to the semi-finals. Hear what it was like in Madrid from Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas, as Art de Roche and Ian Stone reflect on a monumental night for Arsenal - we even managed to get Adrian Clarke away from the snooker to send over his thoughts too. We talk about the team’s immense performances, the incredible job Mikel Arteta has done in building this team a...

Apr 17, 202554 min

Remontadahaha as Arsenal dismantle Madrid in Champions League

Arsenal dominated Real Madrid to deservedly win 2-1 at the Bernabeu, dumping the holders out of the Champions League and marching on to the semi-finals. Hear what it was like in Madrid from Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas, as Art de Roche and Ian Stone reflect on a monumental night for Arsenal - we even managed to get Adrian Clarke away from the snooker to send over his thoughts too. We talk about the team’s immense performances, the incredible job Mikel Arteta has done in building this team a...

Apr 17, 20251 hr 3 min

All eyes on the Bernabéu

Adrian Clarke and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to preview Arsenal's Champions League quarter final second leg against Real Madrid, in which the Gunners lead 3-0 on aggregate. The panel touch on Saturday's 1-1 draw against Brentford - in which Mikel Arteta made five changes to his starting XI - before turning their attention to Wednesday's tie. The magnitude of the fixture, how Arteta should approach the game, and how Arsenal are becoming devastating in transition are all discussed and more. Produ...

Apr 14, 202533 min

All eyes on the Bernabéu

Adrian Clarke and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to preview Arsenal's Champions League quarter final second leg against Real Madrid, in which the Gunners lead 3-0 on aggregate. The panel touch on Saturday's 1-1 draw against Brentford - in which Mikel Arteta made five changes to his starting XI - before turning their attention to Wednesday's tie. The magnitude of the fixture, how Arteta should approach the game, and how Arsenal are becoming devastating in transition are all discussed and more. Produ...

Apr 14, 202541 min

The Emirates’ greatest night as Real Madrid destroyed

Tuesday saw a historic night at the Emirates as Arsenal emphatically defeated European giants Real Madrid 3-0 in the Champions League. Amy Lawrence, James McNicholas and Art de Roche join Ian Stone to reflect on what was possibly the greatest match of the Emirates era. We talk about the entire team’s incredible performances — but one man in particular — MOTM Declan Rice and those out of this world free-kicks. Plus, reflections on the wonderful job that Mikel Arteta has done to get us to this poi...

Apr 09, 202547 min

The Emirates’ greatest night as Real Madrid destroyed

Tuesday saw a historic night at the Emirates as Arsenal emphatically defeated European giants Real Madrid 3-0 in the Champions League. Amy Lawrence, James McNicholas and Art de Roche join Ian Stone to reflect on what was possibly the greatest match of the Emirates era. We talk about the entire team’s incredible performances — but one man in particular — MOTM Declan Rice and those out of this world free-kicks. Plus, reflections on the wonderful job that Mikel Arteta has done to get us to this poi...

Apr 09, 202555 min

Can Arsenal find the chaos against Real Madrid?

Adrian Clarke and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 1-1 draw at Goodison Park and look ahead to Real Madrid's visit in the Champions League. Ben White returned to the starting XI against Everton, the panel discuss his importance ahead of Tuesday's tie and ask whether Bukayo Saka is ready to start. Plus we talk Gabriel Martinelli's potential against Real Madrid's high line, the battle in midfield that see's Martin Odegaard face his old club and should Mikel Merino lead the line ...

Apr 07, 202542 min

Can Arsenal find the chaos against Real Madrid?

Adrian Clarke and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 1-1 draw at Goodison Park and look ahead to Real Madrid's visit in the Champions League. Ben White returned to the starting XI against Everton, the panel discuss his importance ahead of Tuesday's tie and ask whether Bukayo Saka is ready to start. Plus we talk Gabriel Martinelli's potential against Real Madrid's high line, the battle in midfield that see's Martin Odegaard face his old club and should Mikel Merino lead the line ...

Apr 07, 202550 min

One in, one out as Saka returns in style

The long awaited return of Bukayo Saka took place as Arsenal saw off Fulham 2-1 at the Emirates on Tuesday night. James McNicholas and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on the win, Bukayo's return and winning goal, Gabriel’s injury and excellent performances from both Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino. We also reflect on the life and career of Arsenal legends David Rocastle and Kevin Campbell and we look ahead to the final ever game against Everton at Goodison on Saturday. Producer: Robb...

Apr 02, 202549 min

Kevin Campbell's Arsenal legacy: with Alan Smith, Lee Dixon, Paul Davis & Andy Cole

Welcome to a special episode of The Athletic’s Arsenal podcast, Handbrake Off, in honour of a much loved Arsenal great Kevin Campbell. Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke are joined by a quartet of legends. Alan Smith twice won the golden boot as the best goalscorer in England as well as delivering Arsenal’s last European trophy. Lee Dixon played a phenomenal 619 games for the club over 15 years of service. Paul Davis holds a special place in the hearts of Black Arsenal as a trailblazer, and masterfu...

Mar 31, 202543 min

International break round-up & Fulham preview

Arsenal Women are through to Champions League Semi-finals after an incredible comeback against Real Madrid, and the final men’s international break of the season is over. Ian Stone is joined by James McNicholas and Adrian Clarke to reflect on a marvellous night for Arsenal in the UWCL and discuss the performances of the men’s players on international duty. Plus, they look ahead to the Fulham at The Emirates next Tuesday and touch briefly on the news of Trent Alexander-Arnold potentially leaving ...

Mar 27, 202541 min

Nwaneri & Lewis-Skelly: Arsenal's Next Gen

Hale End graduates Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have made waves at Arsenal during their breakout season, despite playing in positions relatively unfamiliar to them. With major contributions in both the Premier League and Champions League, their seamless integration into the first team has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the course of this episode The Athletic details both Myles and Ethan’s rise to the first team. Topics include their friendship since the age of eight, their contra...

Mar 24, 202530 min

Squad Audit: Who should Arsenal sell this summer?

Ian Stone is joined by Adrian Clarke and Art de Roché to conduct an audit of the men's first team squad, discussing who they think Arsenal should keep and sell this summer. Plus, they answer your questions including Gabriel's Saudi Links, where they think Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly will play going forward and the contracts of Saka and Saliba. Producer: Robby Williams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 20, 202556 min
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