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.

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Episodes

A dark place

Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to discuss the latest calamitous result from the weekend as Arsenal were thrashed 5-0 by Manchester City. And on the 10 year anniversary of the 8-2, just to rub salt into the wound even further. But all hope is not yet lost, there's still one member of the team who believes that a top six finish is possible, that there's reason for hope come the NLD, but one thing we can all agree on is the need for some gallows humour at this time. RUNNING ORDER ...

Aug 30, 202148 min

Carling Cup vibes

Join Ian Stone, Amy Lawrence, and James McNicholas for a round up from Arsenal's loss to Chelsea at the weekend. We look for the positives, ask where the deficiencies were, and do not touch the "Arteta out" question. Plus emotions on a return to the Emirates with friends and family, goalkeeper competition, and the importance of the upcoming Carabao Cup game against West Brom. RUNNING ORDER PART 1 - Back to the Emirates (01.30) PART 2 - Arsenal 0-2 Chelsea (06.00) PART 3a - West Brom Wednesday (2...

Aug 23, 202147 min

We were looking for positives

The opening week of the season could have gone, well, a lot better. But misery loves company so Ian Stone, Art de Roché and James McNicholas are here to provide that for you. This week, which defender has the turning circle of a ship in a harbour? Who's just staring into nothingness? And why was Torreira at a theme park? RUNNING ORDER PART 1 - Oblivion (01.30) PART 2 - Brentford 2-0 Arsenal (05.00) PART 3 - Transfers (26.00) Get yourself an Athletic subscription with 30% off here Learn more abou...

Aug 16, 202141 min

Miss Trunchbull vibes

Join Ian Stone, James McNicholas, and Art de Roché for a season preview as we gear up and set our expectations for Arsenal in 2021/22. There's still plenty of business to be done but what's our priority is an attacking midfielder or should a number two be number one? Who's been good in preseason? And what would be Thierry Henry's Olympic sport? All that and much more RUNNING ORDER PART 1 - Gold! (01.30) PART 2a - Spurs 1-0 Arsenal (02.00) PART 2b - Transfers (15.00) PART 3a - Brentford v Arsenal...

Aug 09, 202146 min

A continuing psychodrama

We're back and releasing the handbrake slowly on a brand new season. It's Ian Stone, Adrian Clarke, and Art de Roché with you for a look at the pre season games so far, thoughts on the new shirts, and the All or Nothing doc that's heading north to the Emirates. All that plus we run our eye over the latest recruits, those that are staying put, and have a song too. RUNNING ORDER PART 1 - All or Nothing (01.30) PART 2a - Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal (09.00) PART 2b - Movers (14.00) PART 3 - Shirts (30.00) P...

Aug 02, 202148 min

Reasons To Be Cheerful, Reasons To Be Fearful

In the last podcast of the season, Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to agree never to speak of this year again. Before that, we search long and hard for the diamonds in the dirt: Saka and ESR, Laca taking the knee, Tierney taking on the snow in shirt sleeves… We also look forward to next season before signing off with a three song jukebox and an extended appreciation of Steve Bould. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 26, 20211 hr 12 min

Highbury Highs

The Athletic's Amy Lawrence and broadcaster Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone for this week's show. It's 15 years since the club left Highbury and the panel examine it's effect on the club, and the impact on the Arsenal of today. Luiz, Saliba and Arteta's tactics go under the microscope, and Kolo Toure is the subject of the Random Arse Generator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 19, 202158 min

Arsenal Car Boot Sale

Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to peer through the crystal ball at what Arsenal’s future looks like for the squad, in boardroom, and of course for the manager himself. After Willian’s wonder-strike it’s inevitable that the name John Jensen would come up somewhere this week, and If you’ve been wondering where Alex Song is now, or how Amy saved him once from the wrath of Islington’s parking attendants, you’ve come to the right place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaph...

May 12, 202159 min

OK (Amy) Computer

Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to vent about Villareal, wonder what's next for Joe Willock and reveal the genesis of the chant "1-0 To The Arsenal". Both Amy and James' favourite cup finals happened on this day (in different years) so our writers from The Athletic are put through their paces in a fiendish quiz on the cup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 05, 202157 min

By Eck!

Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to sing about the protests, dance on the grave of the European Super League, and pray at the Avenell Road altar for a positive result against Villarreal. There's football talk too - another graduate of Hale End FC - Folarin Balogun's new contract, Thomas Partey's shooting, a moment for Thierry Henry,.. plus the Random Arse Generator is here to remind you that Paul Merson was *really good* at football once. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit m...

Apr 27, 20211 hr 2 min

Nothing Super About It

Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Adrian Clarke to discuss a very strange week in football. The Athletic's Adam Crafton jumps on the podcast to explain the European Super League, and what it might mean for Arsenal. There’s proper football talk too! That purple patch in Prague, Xhaka’s hybrid role, the 'unplayable' Hale End heroes Saka and ESR, and the gang wonder whether it’s Pepe’s time to shine. Plus...“The Romford Pele” Ray Parlour comes out of the Random Arse Generator. Learn more about...

Apr 20, 20211 hr 4 min

All Or Nothing

Amy Lawrence, James Mcnicholas and Ian Stone are looking ahead to (but not looking forward to) Arsenal’s crucial Europa League tie. The team reminisce about tense European cup ties of old, ponder the Auba issue, assess Arteta’s man management and shudder at what Arsenal’s plan C, D or E options might be this summer. Eduardo gets his turn out of the Random Arse Generator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 14, 202158 min

Not Disappointed, Just Angry

Ian Stone is joined by James McNicholas, Art De Roche (eventually) and late substitute Tayo Popoola to discuss Arsenal’s Europa League tie against Slavia Prague. There’s much talk about trusting the process, Cedric’s right foot, Laca’s two left feet, Arsenal the sleeping giant, and just how well we’d do if we got to the Champions League anyway. The wizard Kanu gets his turn on the Random Arse Generator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 09, 20211 hr 7 min

Remembering Rocky

Arsenal legend Rocky Rocastle is the focus of this week's podcast, on the anniversary of his untimely passing. Friend and former team-mate Kevin Campbell joins Ian Stone, Nick Callow and The Athletic's Amy Lawrence to reflect on the man as much as the player. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 31, 202148 min

Ode To Joy

An attacking line up of The Athletic's Amy Lawrence, James McNicholas and Art De Roché bounce back from three goals down to deliver an Ode to Martin Ødegaard, some sweet Chambers music, and much much more. Plus there's a love letter to Santi Cazorla on this week's Random Arse Generator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 24, 202155 min

Don't Cry For Me Jermaine Jenas

It's a very happy podcast this week as The Athletic's Amy Lawrence, James McNicholas and Art de Roche join Ian Stone to celebrate a North London Derby victory at The Emirates. There's talk of match day superstitions, late arrivals, Ian Wright and Neil Diamond, and of course, so many tears. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 16, 202157 min

When The White Shirt Brings A Red Mist

It's the North London Derby this weekend, and The Athletic's Arsenal writers Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone and Lee Dixon to reminisce over memorable derby moments...From Liam Brady, to Kanu, to that time Lee Dixon was pinned to the wall by his own players. Ian Stone's Mourinho fetish gets a mention, Lee Dixon tries to actually win the "Lee Dixon 90s Quiz", and 'Nutty' Nigel Winterburn comes out of the Random Arse Generator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/...

Mar 11, 20211 hr 21 min

Blanking Dennis Bergkamp

The Ahletic's Amy Lawrence and host Ian Stone are joined by Adrian Clarke and Nick Callow to discuss how Mikel Arteta is making the best of the whole squad in this most challenging of seasons. Favourite football shows on TV are chosen, a Dennis Bergkamp love in is the focus of this week’s Random Arsenal Generator, and Adrian Clarke remembers the time he actually passed on a party invitation from "The Iceman". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 04, 20211 hr 17 min

Gradual Construction, Sudden Destruction

Amy Lawrence, Adrian Clarke and Art De Roché join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s late late show against Benfica - including the wonder of Saka and the return of the Auba we all love. Laurent Koscielny pops out of the Random Arse Generator, favourite late European goals are discussed, and Arteta’s North London Derby Dilemma is chewed over Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 26, 202158 min

An Interview with Stefan Schwarz

The Athletic's Amy Lawrence joins Ian Stone and Nick Callow to interview former Arsenal and Benfica midfielder Stefan Schwarz, ahead of the Europa League tie this week. Art De Roche joins the gang to discuss Hector Bellerin, and Tomas Rosicky is the subject of the Random Arse Generator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 16, 20211 hr

Edu Scissorhands

The Athletic's Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone discuss the pruning of Arsenal's squad, the value of patience, and an excellent 44 minutes against Wolverhampton Wanderers. A diminutive Russian is thrown into the Random Arse Generator, and the panel ask which Arsenal player did you judge too soon? SPECIAL OFFER! Right now you can subscribe to The Athletic for a special price. Enjoy great analysis and in-depth features from the very best football writers around, as well as ad-free ...

Feb 04, 20211 hr 4 min

A New MØ for Arsenal

The Athletic's Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s transfer strategy. How does it work? Who’s the team behind it? And how have things changed post Arsene Wenger? Norwegian journalist Knut Espen Sveagaarden gives us the inside track on new loan signing Martin Østergaard, the gang choose the favourite Arsenal Nordic moments, and a Dutchman is the subject of the Random Arse Generator. SPECIAL JANUARY OFFER! Throughout January you can subscribe to The Athletic for a...

Jan 28, 20211 hr 9 min

Göödnight Sweet Prince

The Athletic's Amy Lawrence & James McNicholas join Ian Stone to reminisce over their favourite Mesut moments, whilst breathing a sigh of relief that the saga is now over. There is praise for Partey, more joy over Arsenal’s Bright Young Things, and the time Lee Dixon was mistaken for Glen Hoddle on a Korean style game show. PLUS...the Random Arse Generator makes a triumphant return, for it’s second week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 20, 20211 hr 5 min

We Are Young, We Are Free

Ian Stone is joined by The Athletic's Amy Lawrence, James Mcnicholas, Art De Roche and club legend Lee Dixon to discuss Arsenal’s continuing good form, and ask themselves “What should our squad look like?” There’s also time to discuss Mesut Ozil. Plus there’s messages from the mailbag, the Lee Dixon 90’s quiz, and a tentative attempt at a new game called Random Arsenal Generator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 13, 20211 hr 2 min

New Year’s Revolution

A front three of The Athletic's Amy Lawrence, James McNicholas and Art De Roche join Ian Stone to enjoy Arsenal’s Christmas revival, as new hope springs eternal at the Emirates. The gang look ahead to the FA cup 3rd round, and discuss a classic against Newcastle from yesteryear. Plus the best of the articles from The Athletic’s Arsenal writers SPECIAL JANUARY OFFER! Throughout January you can subscribe to The Athletic for a special discounted price. Enjoy great analysis and in-depth features fro...

Jan 07, 202157 min

A Year of Arteta

The Athletic writers Amy Lawrence, James McNicholas and Art De Roché join Ian Stone to discuss the results of The Athletic poll of Arsenal fans, after a year with Mikel Arteta in charge. The gang also discuss the unremitting pain of Sunday nights, and Ian finds himself Whammed Out at The Emirates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 18, 20201 hr 12 min

Can We Just Talk About Music Instead?

The Athletic writers Amy Lawrence and Michael Cox join Ian Stone and former Arsenal right back Lee Dixon to reluctantly discuss the Spurs’ result. Lee Dixon offers a solution to Hector Bellerin’s foul throw problem, Amy reports from Emirates as the fans return, and Michael has a good reason for suggestion U2 as the closing song, SPECIAL CHRISTMAS OFFER! Right now if YOU subscribe to The Athletic you can give another subscription as a gift for FREE. It’s the perfect present for any football fan t...

Dec 09, 202056 min

Bonus Episode - The Fans Are Back!

The Athletic's Amy Lawrence hosts a special edition of the Handbrake Off podcast as fans return to the Emirates Stadium for the first time since March. Amy brings you her match day experience as a fan, and shares the much-missed sounds of live football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 03, 202016 min

Broken Canon Crest Klaxon

The Athletic's Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to wonder aloud at the latest poor performance from Arsenal. They decide on a scale of 1 (Silvestre) to 10 (Henry) how much they are looking forward to the North London Derby, and whether our midfield will ever play a forward pass again. Plus the best of the week's writing in the Athletic is discussed, as well as Amy's recent interview with Arsene Wenger, and David Ornstein's chat with Freddie Ljunberg SPECIAL BLACK FRIDAY OFFER! Ta...

Dec 01, 202043 min

Amy Interviews Arsene Wenger

In this special edition of Handbrake Off, The Athletic's Amy Lawrence speaks with Arsene Wenger. They discuss a wide range of subjects, including dealing with stress as a manager, the reasons why some players cannot fulfil their potential, and the importance of VAR in protecting footballers. He discusses Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby, explaining how the physicality of the Premier League cost them their careers at the top level. Amy asks him about some of his other former players who have now tran...

Nov 27, 202022 min
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