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.

Episodes

It might be Christmas, but Jesus is resurrected

James McNicholas and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to look back on a Cup win against Crystal Palace. Gabriel Jesus owned the night scoring a hattrick to send Arsenal through to the semi finals of the Carabao Cup. After a terrible first half, Arteta brought on Martin Odegaard who ignited the match and brought it under Arsenal's control. Plus it's been five years since Mikel Arteta took the reins at the club. We discuss how the club has changed in that time and what is needed to push on further. Cl...

Dec 19, 202447 min

Further frustration, what is going wrong this season?

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal’s disappointing 0-0 draw at home to Everton. It was the second week in a row that the Gunners have dropped points in the Premier League, the panel analyse where things are going wrong this season. Has Mikel Arteta become too risk averse in his approach? Have Arsenal lost the variance in their attacking play? Are enough players chipping in with goals? Plus, a look ahead to Palace in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday. Produced by Jay B...

Dec 16, 202452 min

Myles too good for Monaco

Ian Stone is joined by James McNicholas and Art de Roché to reflect on a satisfying 3-0 win over AS Monaco at The Emirates. The panel discuss a very impressive first Champions League start for Myles Lewis-Skelly and an improved showing from Gabriel Jesus up front. Plus a look ahead to Arsenal’s home game against Everton on Saturday in the Premier League. Produced by Steve Hankey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 12, 202441 min

Windy woes in the West as Arsenal rue fine margins

Ian Stone is joined by Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke to reflect on a disappointing draw at Fulham in the West London wind. The panel discuss whether Arsenal create enough and if they have enough attacking depth after a frustrating game where they dominated possession but lacked killer instinct. Plus a look ahead to Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday with Mikel's side in a great position to go through in the top 8. Produced by Jesse Howard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaph...

Dec 09, 202449 min

Arsenal set pieces sink Man United

James McNicholas and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Manchester United. Set pieces stole the show yet again as Arsenal managed to score from two corners without Gabriel Magallhães on the pitch. The panel discuss our set piece supremacy, how Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko came into the Arsenal back line and were part of a very composed defensive performance and look ahead to playing away at Fulham on Sunday. Produced by Steve Hankey. Learn more about you...

Dec 05, 202442 min

Who put the ball in the West Ham net?

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's bonkers 5-2 victory over West Ham. It was the second season in a row that Mikel Arteta's side took The Hammers apart at the London Stadium, with Bukayo Saka heavily involved yet again. The panel discuss unsung hero Kai Havertz, the unstoppable Gabriel Magalhães, and look ahead to Manchester United's visit on Wednesday. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 02, 202443 min

Arsenal find their mojo and blow Sporting Lisbon away

Ian Stone is joined by Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke to discuss Arsenal's 5-1 away win in Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League. Sporting hadn't lost at home for 18 months and Arsenal blew them away with five different goalscorers in a dazzling display. The right hand side was dominant as Bukayo Saka scored and assisted and Gabriel scored his first Champions League goal to cap off a great defensive performance keeping Viktor Gyökeres quiet. Plus, a look ahead to West Ham away on Saturday as A...

Nov 27, 202448 min

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