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

Handbrake Live returns!

Handbrake Off returns to Leicester Square Theatre after a remarkable year for Mikel Arteta’s team. Life-long Gooners Ian Stone, Amy Lawrence, James McNicholas and former Arsenal number 29 (1995/96 and 1996/97 seasons) Adrian Clarke will look back on a remarkable year for the Arsenal. They’ll assess the start of the new campaign and how the new summer signings are settling in, and dare to dream about making an even bigger impact in the Champions League in the 9 months ahead. Plus, there’ll be sto...

May 30, 20243 min

89 points & end of season awards

For one last time this season join Amy Lawrence, Adrian Clarke, and Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal reaching 89 points in the Premier League. The panel look back at the highlights and lowlights of this wonderful campaign, choosing their player of the season, goal of the season, moment they wished could be different plus many, many more. All on this final episode of Handbrake Off (for this season!) Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 20, 202454 min

The Arsenal take it to the final day

Art de Roché and Jordan Campbell join Ian Stone to look ahead to the visit of Everton, as Arsenal look to end the season with 89 points. The panel reflect on the progress this season, and look at where the team can improve again next campaign. We cross everything for a Moyes masterclass, and discuss the aftermath of Spurs' defeat to City. Plus, Art & Jordan pick their player of the season and we say goodbye to an Arsenal legend, Vivianne Miedema. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad c...

May 16, 202432 min

One-nil at Old Trafford - Trossard again

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's one-nil victory at Old Trafford, taking the title race to the final day. It was our 27th victory this season, the most we've ever managed in the Premier League. William Saliba was monstrous at the back, while Leandro Trossard was on the scoresheet yet again, clutch. Plus, how do the panel feel about supporting Spurs, as Manchester City head to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about yo...

May 13, 202433 min

Squad Audit: where do Arsenal upgrade this summer?

James McNicholas and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone for a squad audit. The panel discuss where Arsenal should look to improve this summer, including who should be sold to raise funds. Plus, two games remain in our push for the title, how do Arsenal approach Sunday's visit to Old Trafford? Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 08, 202442 min

Declan Rice, we got him half price

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 3-0 victory over Bournemouth, keeping the pressure on Manchester City. The Gunners equalled last season's tally of 26 wins and 88 goals scored, while David Raya confirmed the Golden Glove. The panel talk Bukayo Saka's mentality, and discuss where Declan Rice is best suited after another man of the match performance. Plus, questionable decisions, the super Leandro Trossard, and we hear from Art de Roché on Arsenal's dramatic vi...

May 06, 202444 min

Should Arsenal sell Gabriel Jesus?

James McNicholas and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss the future of Arsenal's number 9. Gabriel Jesus looks a far cry from the player who took us to a new level in the first half of last season, with only four Premier League goals this campaign. Have this team out grown him, and should Mikel Arteta look to sell? Or can he get back to the form we know he's capable of? Plus, what could Jorginho's contract offer mean for Thomas Partey, and a look ahead to Saturday's home fixture against Bour...

May 02, 202436 min

Havertz and Saka shine in absurd north London derby

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on another ludicrous north London derby, as Arsenal beat Spurs 3-2 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mikel Arteta's side have showed their maturity since the defeats to Villa and Bayern, and the win over Spurs emphasised their resilience. Despite not being at our best, including gifting Spurs two goals, we held on for a deserved and incredibly important win. The panel discuss stand-out performers Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka, with the forme...

Apr 29, 202447 min

Chelsea crushed - the perfect preparation for Spurs

Ian Stone has Adrian Clarke and Art de Roché on board to look back on a near-perfect performance by the Gunners in that incredible 5-0 defeat of Chelsea - not a bad way to prepare for the North London derby on Sunday. Do we make any changes for Spurs, or stick with the boys who did so incredibly well on Tuesday? Plus: the return of Jurrien Timber, and considerable amounts of love for the continued magnificence of Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz. Look out for Amy Lawrence's piece on our new favou...

Apr 25, 202444 min

Top of the table again!

Arsenal went to Wolves at the weekend and came away with the necessary win to head back to the top of the table once more and put a dreadful week behind them - and Ian Stone, Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke are all about channeling the positivity for this episode of Handbrake Off. It's a case of one down, five more finals to go, then, and it starts on Tuesday with Chelsea. Does Arteta rotate and rest anyone ahead of the North London derby? Presented by: Ian Stone With: Amy Lawrence and Adrian Cla...

Apr 22, 202438 min

How do Arsenal get to the next level?

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich. Mikel Arteta has lead incredible progress at the club, the panel discuss how success should be considered, and what Arsenal need in order to move to the next stage. Plus, with six games remaining in the Premier League, can the Gunners bounce back at Molineux to stay in the hunt for the title? Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoic...

Apr 18, 202441 min

Villa dent title hopes, how Arsenal respond is key

James McNicholas and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's disappointing home defeat to Unai Emery's Aston Villa. The Gunners failed to capitalise on Crystal Palace's victory at Anfield, meaning it's Manchester who lead the way with a 2 point gap at the top. The panel discuss whether Mikel Arteta's side have outgrown Zinchenko, and if moving Havertz into midfield was a mistake. With Bayern Munich up next in the Champions League, and the tie in the balance, this could be a season de...

Apr 15, 202440 min

Honours even, all to play for in Munich

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich. The panel break down the penalty shouts at both ends, as well as the mistakes and missed chances that cost Mikel Arteta's side. It was the Gunners first Champions League Quarter Final in 14 years, did the performance show the lack of experience they have in Europe? Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus made the difference off the bench, should they come into the starting XI at the Allianz? Plus, de...

Apr 10, 202443 min

Arsenal stay top after superb South Coast display

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 3-0 victory at the Amex. The Gunners stayed top of the Premier League after Liverpool were held to a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford. The panel look ahead to the remaining fixtures, and discuss the maturity of Mikel Arteta's side compared to this time last season. Plus, a look ahead to Bayern Munich's visit to the Emirates. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 08, 202452 min

Required rotation sees Smith Rowe shine

Adrian Clarke and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 2-0 win over Luton, keeping the pressure on Liverpool and City. Mikel Arteta made five changes to the side that started at the Etihad, the panel discuss whether this was the last chance to rotate. Emile Smith Rowe was one of the players to come in, and was involved in both goals. How big of a role could he have during the run in? Plus, bullies at the back, and a look ahead to Brighton on Saturday. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn ...

Apr 04, 202445 min

Ever-growing maturity and experience nullifies City

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's hard fought point at the Etihad. Mikel Arteta will be proud of shutting Manchester City out, ending their 57-game goal streak. The panel analyse the performance, and discuss where it leaves Arsenal for the remainder of the season. Plus, we hear from Art de Roché on Arsenal's win over Chelsea in the Conti Cup Final. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 01, 202445 min

A season defining Sunday, how do Arsenal hurt City?

Premier League football finally returns this weekend, with Arsenal travelling to Manchester City on Easter Sunday. James McNicholas and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to preview what could be a season defining fixture. The trip to the Etihad was a humbling experience last season, but the panel discuss how Arsenal have improved since then, and where they might hurt City this time. Plus, a look ahead to the women's Conti Cup Final against Chelsea. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choi...

Mar 27, 202436 min

Ben(jamin) White, Bayern and Bukayo Saka's sauce

Ian Stone has Amy Lawrence and Art de Roché for company as we discuss Ben - or is it Benjamin? - White's new contract and why his decision to not play for England should be greeted as a positive for the game as a whole. Plus, some extremely early thoughts on the Champions League semi-final with Bayern Munich, and, er, Bukayo Saka's new Nando's sauce. Yup - it's definitely the international break... Produced by Jay Beale and Ben Green Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Mar 20, 202436 min

Raya heroics and Ødegaard magic see Arsenal into last eight

James McNicholas and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal reaching the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in 14 years. Porto did not make it easy, taking the game to extra time and a penalty shoot-out. Arsenal dispatched their penalties with such confidence, while David Raya took care of the rest saving twice from the spot to send Mikel Arteta's side through. The panel discuss what this win will do for momentum and belief within this young Arsenal team. Plus, captai...

Mar 13, 202440 min

Kai Havertz the hero in Porto dress rehearsal

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's dramatic win over Brentford. Our summer signings showed their worth with Declan Rice getting his sixth goal of the season, and Kai Havertz bagging a lane winner as he did in the reverse fixture. Aaron Ramsdale returned to the side with David Raya ineligible to face his parent club, and made an unfortunate error to gift Brentford an equaliser before half time. The panel discuss whether Mikel Arteta's decision to bring in a new ...

Mar 11, 202444 min

Mikel's multifunctional midfield & durable defence

James McNicholas and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to discuss how Arsenal's versatility is causing problems for the opposition. The panel analyse how Declan Rice and Benjamin White have have been deployed differently of late, helping Mikel Arteta's side be unpredictable. Plus, a preview of Saturday's game vs Brentford where Ramsdale will return. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 07, 202429 min

Who put the ball in the Sheffield net?

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's thrashing of Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. The Gunners are in some form, having scored 31 goals in their last 7 league games, conceding just 3 times. The panel talk about the charisma in the squad, analyse how Mikel Arteta deployed Declan Rice offensively, and ask whether Kai Havertz has made the centre forward position his own. Plus, Saliba's passing, our 10,000th goal, and Russo's winner in the North London derby. Produc...

Mar 05, 202454 min

The evolution of Gabriel Magalhães & tactical variation through adaptability

With our Brazilian centre half having an exceptional season, Adrian Clarke and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to give Gabriel Magalhães his flowers. The panel also discuss whether Arsenal were too one dimensional last campaign, analysing how they've evolved tactically, particularly through variation. Plus, February's goal of the month... safe to say there were a few to choose from. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 29, 202443 min

Relentless pressing suffocates Newcastle

Adrian Clarke and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 4-1 thrashing of Newcastle. After a disappointing performance in Porto, this was the perfect response. The panel analyse how Arsenal, led by Martin Ødegaard, never let the Magpies settle, pressing relentlessly from the first minute. Plus, pre match penguins, Jorginho the controller, and an atmosphere to remember. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 26, 202444 min

Inexperience shows in Porto - but it's only half time

Ian Stone is joined by Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke to nurse you back to cheeriness after that last minute Champions League kick in the teeth in Porto. Plus: a look ahead to revenge against Newcastle on Saturday; falling down the stairs; and influential 19th century French composers v middling 21st century French left backs Produced by Ben Green Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 22, 202435 min

What on earth did Arsenal do in Dubai?

Adrian Clarke and Jay Harris join Ian Stone to reflect on another brilliant away win, this time putting five past Burnley. Since their winter trip away, Arsenal have scored 21 goals conceding only twice. The panel discuss where this form has come from, and look ahead to Wednesday's tie vs Porto, Arsenal's first Champions League knockout game in 7 years. Plus, a record crowd saw Arsenal beat Manchester United in the WSL, can this reignite their title ambitions? Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more a...

Feb 19, 202438 min

This season vs last & should Trossard stay up front?

Adrian Clarke and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to preview Arsenal's trip to Burnley. Gabriel Magalhães has the chance to continue his fine scoring form, as only one team has conceded more set-piece goals than the Clarets. Gabriel Jesus may be back in contention, but after 3 goals in 3 games, does Trossard deserve to stay in the side? Plus, the panel compare this season to last, and look ahead to the fixtures we can improve on during the remainder of this campaign. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn mor...

Feb 15, 202431 min

Hammers hit for six… boring boring Arsenal

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to to reflect on Arsenal's biggest away victory since 1935, beating West Ham 6-0 at the London Stadium. Declan Rice was exceptional, providing two assists before scoring a screamer from 25 yards. Bukayo Saka got his 50th and 51st Arsenal goal, the youngest player to hit a half century for the club since Frank Stapleton in 1978. Set pieces proved important once again, but is the open play fluidity we saw so much of last season returning? Plus, a livel...

Feb 12, 202440 min

West Ham away at a pivotal moment, here we go again

James McNicholas and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to preview Arsenal's clash with West Ham. It was this fixture last season that the Gunners threw away a two goal lead, Sunday will be a test of how far they've come since then. The Hammers have got the better of Arsenal twice already this season, can Declan Rice enact revenge in his old stomping ground? Plus, Takehiro Tomiyasu returns from the Asia Cup, and Jurrien Timber is added to the Champions League squad. Produced by Jay Beale. Help John loc...

Feb 08, 202429 min

Jorginho masterclass as emotion returns

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 3-1 victory over league leaders Liverpool. With Jorginho partnering Rice in midfield, and Havertz and Odegaard pressing from the front, Mikel Arteta got his tactics spot on. The panel analyse the performance and address the 'over-celebrating' claims, after an emotional display on and off the pitch. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 05, 202443 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
Open in Metacast