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

Back to winning ways as Odegaard shows his importance

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. Martin Odegaard's influence was on show as Mikel Arteta's side looked back to their fluid best, a performance Arsène would've been proud of. The panel discuss the partnership between our captain and Bukayo Saka, with shades of Robert Pires and Thierry Henry. Plus, another incredible cameo from Ethan Nwaneri, who scored his first Premier League goal just four minutes after coming off the benc...

Nov 25, 202441 min

Nottingham Forest preview & which old players should come home?

Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to look ahead to Arsenal’s home game against Nottingham Forest. We also talk about the news that Patrick Vieira is the new manager of Italian side Genoa, and we wonder if this a step on the road towards the dugout at Arsenal for our former captain. We then answer more of your questions about how the club are faring recruiting youth players and if there’s a space for Oleksandr Zinchenko in midfield in the future? Produced by Steve Hankey. Learn mor...

Nov 21, 202451 min

The Handbrake Off Mailbox

Art De Roche and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone for an international break mailbox special with the panel answering your questions. From Arsenal's season expectations and Mikel's rotation to Edu's BBQ and beyond. Plus a look at left backs and what Arsenal should prioritise in the transfer window. Produced by Jesse Howard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 18, 202456 min

Is this Arsenal squad as good as we think it is?

James McNicholas joins Ian Stone to reflect on where Arsenal are at as we enter the final international break of 2024. We use the start of the break to assess how good the squad we have this season actually is. Who’s underperformed? Who’s overperformed? Have we been unlucky with injuries or are there things we could have done in the summer to avoid some of the problems we’ve faced? Produced by Steve Hankey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 13, 202450 min

Where does Chelsea draw leave Arsenal's title hopes?

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. Martin Odegaard returned to the starting XI for the first time in six weeks, and showed just how much he's been missed. After a run of four Premier League games without a win, the panel discuss where Sunday's result leaves Arsenal's title chances. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 11, 202452 min

No Italian Job at the San Siro and a Chelsea preview

Art De Roche and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on the loss to Inter at the San Siro. Plenty of chances and some questionable refereeing calls but ultimately a frustrating night against the Serie A champions. The panel also discuss how much Mikel's side have to worry about their recent form and what the answer might be. Plus a look ahead to the tricky trip to Stamford Bridge on Sunday and how Arsenal might line up against Maresca's improved side. Produced by Jesse Howard. Learn more abo...

Nov 07, 202448 min

Edu's departure & Newcastle analysis

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on the news that Arsenal's sporting director Edu is set to leave the club. The news comes at an unfortunate time, with Mikel Arteta's side without a win in their last three Premier League games. The panel also analyse Saturday's defeat at St James' Park and look ahead to Wednesday's trip to the San Siro, as Arsenal face Inter Milan in the Champions League. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoice...

Nov 04, 202455 min

The Ethan Nwaneri show

James McNicholas and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's victory in the Carabao Cup, beating Preston North End 3-0 at Deepdale. Ethan Nwaneri was the star of the show yet again, scoring a beautiful goal and earning himself the player of the match award. The panel discuss what makes this youngster so special, and analyse the performances of those we haven't seen too much of this season. Plus, a look ahead to the trip to St James' Park on Saturday, where Mikel Arteta will be hopin...

Oct 31, 202440 min

Learnings post Liverpool & Preston preview

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal’s 2-2 draw at home to Liverpool. After taking the lead twice, Mikel Arteta will be disappointed not to have won the game, but the panel assess why circumstance and context is important when analysing the result. Plus, things the guys can’t live without after Bukayo Saka returned to the XI, and a look ahead to Preston in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adch...

Oct 28, 202452 min

Job done midweek, all eyes on Sunday

James McNicholas and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's unconvincing victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. That being said, with 7 points from three games and yet to concede a goal, Mikel Arteta's side are getting the job done in Europe. The panel discuss Gabriel Martinelli's MOTM performance, Thomas Partey at right back and yet more injuries to key players. Plus, we look ahead to Sunday's six pointer against Liverpool, where Arsenal cannot afford to lose. Produ...

Oct 23, 202439 min

A bad day at Bournemouth

Amy Lawrence and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to reflect on a disappointing display on the south coast, as Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of Bournemouth. The panel debate whether Mikel Arteta's side have a disciplinary issue after William Saliba was shown Arsenal's third red card of the season, resulting in dropped points yet again. Plus, the irreplaceable Saka, another impressive Nwaneri cameo, and a look ahead to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. Produced...

Oct 20, 202437 min

Eidevall’s exit & Bournemouth preview

Ian Stone is joined by Adrian Clarke, Art de Roché and The Athletic's women's footballer writer Charlotte Harpur to reflect on Jonas Eidevall's departure from the club. The panel discuss the details behind the exit, what it means for Arsenal going forward, and how vocal fans are changing the culture of women's football. Plus, we look ahead to Bournemouth on Saturday as the Premier League returns. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 17, 202443 minEp. 1

The Bukayo Saka show

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on another test of character in the Premier League, as Arsenal fought back from behind to beat Southampton. Kai Havertz made it seven goals in 7 games at home, while Bukayo Saka's leadership came to the fore with two vital assists and a goal for good measure. We discuss the substitutions that changed the game, and Art de Roché drops by with an update on Jonas Eidevall's Arsenal side after a disappointing draw. Plus, nap time for Norberto N...

Oct 07, 202447 min

Havertz brilliant as Arsenal cruise past PSG

Art de Roché and Jordan Campbell join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's professional and comfortable victory over Paris Saint-Germain. The panel review a game of two halves, where Arsenal showed both the fluid and robust sides to their game. Plus, first impressions of Mikel Merino, and a look ahead to Southampton's visit on Saturday. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 02, 202442 min

Trossard again as Arsenal leave it late

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's dramatic 4-2 victory over Leicester thanks to who else, Leandro Trossard. The panel talk Gabriel Martinelli's form, the impact of Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber, and Ethan Nwaneri's dazzling cameo. Plus, Frida Maanum gets the winner for Arsenal in the WSL, and we look ahead to PSG's visit in the Champions League. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 30, 202452 min

Nwaneri runs the show against Bolton

James McNicholas and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's thrashing of Bolton in the Carabao Cup. The panel talk Ethan Nwaneri's spectacular first start, Myles Lewis-Skelly's potential, and a wonderful evening for 16 year old goalkeeper Jack Porter. Plus, we look ahead to Leicester's visit on Saturday and decide which Arsenal player would be the most helpful around the house. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 26, 202440 min

A hard fought point at Man City as a rivalry grows

Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal claiming a hard earned point away at Man City. City scored in the 98th minute to deny Arsenal what would have been a famous away win at The Etihad after Mikel Arteta's team had defended their lead so well for 45 minutes with 10 men. The panel discuss how brilliantly Arsenal reacted to going 1-0 down under intense pressure with a debut wonder goal from Calafiori and another big header from Gabriel, and how they then reacted brill...

Sep 22, 202450 min

Raya lights up Atalanta draw - next up Man City

Adrian Clarke and Art De Roche join Ian Stone after Arsenal kick off their Champions League campaign with a point in Italy. It’s David Raya to the rescue with an incredible double save against Atalanta as the Gunners draw 0-0 in Bergamo. Have we given him enough credit in his Arsenal career or should Mikel Arteta be worried about how busy he is? It doesn’t get much bigger than Man City at the Etihad on Sunday in the Premier League. Will we see the exact same approach as in the 0-0 draw in April?...

Sep 20, 202449 min

3 points at the Lane, again

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's third consecutive away north London derby win, for the first time since September 1988. It was Gabriel Magalhães on the scoresheet on a day where Mikel Arteta's side defended superbly. The panel talk about the similarities to George Graham's '91 title winning side, with focus on both David Raya and Jurrien Timber's performances. Plus, we look ahead to the return of the Champions League and celebrate our man of the match - Arse...

Sep 16, 202451 min

Three more years of Arteta & NLD preview

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to talk all things Arsenal ahead of Sunday's North London derby. With Rice suspended, Merino and now Odegaard injured, Arsenal will be without arguably their first choice midfield - the panel discuss the options and solutions. Plus, David Ornstein drops by with the details of Mikel Arteta's new contract and we cheers to another three years with our beloved manager. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 12, 202440 min

2 weeks until Handbrake Live!

In just two weeks time Handbrake Off returns to Leicester Square Theatre! 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 stories from the glory, glor...

Sep 09, 202444 sec

Learnings from Brighton draw & Sterling's arrival

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 1-1 draw at home to Brighton. The panel assess Declan Rice's controversial red card, discussing both the referee's decision and whether Arsenal could have responded better when down to 10 men. Plus - Raheem Sterling's arrival and a look ahead to the Champions League following last weeks draw. Produced by Jay Beale. Live show tickets: https://leicestersquaretheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873646240/events/128539366/se...

Sep 02, 202444 min

Mikel Merino, Brighton preview, will Arsenal sign a forward?

With Stoney on the bench in need of a rest, Adrian steps into the role of host with versatility Mikel Arteta would be proud of. Clarkey's joined by James McNicholas and Art de Roché to talk Mikel Merino's arrival, Fabio Vieira's departure, and what to expect from Fabian Hürzeler's side this weekend. Plus, will Arsenal sign a forward before the window shuts on Friday and which former Gunner would the panel love to see back at the Emirates? Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. ...

Aug 29, 202459 min

A statement victory at Villa Park

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 2-0 victory at Villa Park. The panel talk that David Raya save, a grumpy but clinical Leandro Trossard, and the Rolls Royce that is William Saliba. Plus yet more reasons to love Ben White, and which past Arsenal player would make the best bodyguard? Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 26, 202449 min

Transfer latest & Villa preview

James McNicholas and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to talk transfers, the PFA awards, and look ahead to Aston Villa on Saturday. The panel discuss the futures of Eddie Nketiah and Aaron Ramsdale, and talk about the potential arrival of Mikel Merino. Plus, after losing both league games to Unai Emery's side last season, what can Mikel Arteta do differently this time around? Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 22, 202440 min

Saka & Havertz shine in perfect start

Adrian Clarke and Art de Roché join Ian Stone, to reflect on Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Wolves on the opening day of the 24/25 season. The panel talk Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz - who were the standouts performers in attack - and David Raya, who made a sensational save in the first half. Plus, we remember Arsenal legend Kevin Campbell, and talk about Jonas Eidevall's change of approach ahead of the WSL season. Produced by Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 19, 202442 min

24/25 Preview: Hopes, dreams, & expectations

Ian Stone is joined by James McNicholas and Adrian Clarke to preview Arsenal's 24/25 campaign. The panel talk key fixtures, players they want to see more of, and where Mikel Arteta's side can improve. Plus, ambitions and aspirations for the new season, and a look ahead to Saturday's opener against Wolves. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 15, 202448 min

Set piece FC, Ødegaard magic, do Arsenal need an authentic #9?

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Lyon, the final game of pre-season. Set pieces proved key once again with goals from Saliba and Gabriel, courtesy of two brilliant Declan Rice deliveries. The panel discuss if set pieces will carry the same threat this season, and how Mikel Arteta might set up against Wolves. Plus, can Arsenal win the Premier League title without an authentic No 9? Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

Aug 12, 202440 min

Back at the Emirates & AFC supporters clubs

Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's first match back at the Emirates. Granit Xhaka made a return to North London, as the Gunners beat Bayer Leverkusen 4-1. Plus, 5 years of Mikel Arteta, and an appreciation for the 179 Arsenal supporters clubs around the world. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 08, 202449 min

U.S tour, Calafiori's arrival, goodbye Smith Rowe

Handbrake Off returns for all things pre-season, with Ian Stone, Adrian Clarke and Art de Roché. The panel discuss Arsenal's defensive combinations with new signing Riccardo Calafiori and fit again Jurrien Timber. James McNicholas drops by with updates from the U.S tour, where academy prospects Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly are shining. Plus, we say goodbye to Emile Smith Rowe with the midfielder set to join Fulham in a deal worth £34m. Produced by Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choic...

Aug 01, 202441 min
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