Handbrake Off: The Athletic FC's Arsenal show-logo

Handbrake Off: The Athletic FC's Arsenal show

The Athletic

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.

Location:

United States

Networks:

The Athletic

Description:

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.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Gabriel returns in style as Arsenal thrash Villa

12/31/2025
Amy Lawrence, Art de Roché and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 4-1 victory against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night. The panel reflect on the freedom Arsenal played with in the second half, the two Martins running the midfield, Trossard’s excellent 2025, Jesus’ first goal since returning from injury, Gabriel’s influence on the team and the importance of his partnership with Saliba. Plus, they look ahead to Arsenal’s match against Bournemouth on Saturday and look back at some of their highlights of 2025. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:51:50

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Odegaard on song in nervy Brighton win

12/29/2025
Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss both Arsenal’s 2-1 win against Brighton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday and their quarterfinal win against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup last week. The panel reflect on another nervy finish to the game, feeling positive about Arsenal’s attacking play despite poor finishing, Odegaard’s encouraging performance, Raya’s importance after another match winning save, Gyokeres' continued lack of form and the difficulties for new players to adapt. Plus, they look ahead to Arsenal’s match against Aston Villa on Tuesday night at Emirates stadium. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:50:40

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Up Your Arsenal: Sliding doors moments, favourite away wins & why we love football

12/23/2025
Welcome to a special Handbrake Off bonus episode featuring some of our favourite stories and questions from our new segment 'Up Your Arsenal'. We’ll be back with a regular podcast on Monday 29th December, where the panel will reflect on both Arsenal's Premier League game against Brighton and their Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace. Please keep the Up Your Arsenal submissions coming if you’d like to be featured in 2026, Merry Christmas! Produced by Jay Beale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:41:34

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Gyokeres penalty sees Arsenal top at Christmas

12/22/2025
Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 1-0 win away to Everton on Saturday. The panel reflect on getting the job done in a must win away game, a steady but flawed performance, the slow start to the first half, a lack of cohesion in the midfield, still waiting for the team to click going forward, Declan Rice being back to his best, Victor Gyokeres’ improved performance and being entrusted with the penalty by his teammates. Plus, they look ahead to Arsenal’s match against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night at Emirates stadium. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:39:43

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Arsenal’s injury concerns & analysing Gyokeres

12/18/2025
James McNicholas and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to look ahead to Arsenal’s game against Everton on Saturday. The panel discuss the possible contributing factors to the squad’s injury issues since the start of last season, Gyokeres’ start to life as a Gunner not yet meeting expectations, whether Arsenal can have a better record at Hill Dickinson Stadium than they had at Goodison Park and more. Plus, we hear from from Joey in Indianapolis for another instalment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:38:57

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Saka spares Arsenal’s blushes against Wolves

12/15/2025
Adrian Clarke and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to discuss the 2-1 win at home to Wolves on Saturday. The panel reflect on the contributing factors to the disappointing performance, Arsenal’s poor first half displays recently, Arteta’s team selection, Bukayo Saka continuing to deliver, growing concerns around Victor Gyokeres, Ben White’s injury, and the excitement around Gabriel Jesus’s return. Plus, they discuss how Arsenal should approach the week ahead with no midweek game and look ahead to the next run of fixtures. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:35:37

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Madueke magic in Bruges

12/11/2025
Amy Lawrence and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to discuss the 3-0 win away to Club Brugge on Wednesday. The panel reflect on the attitude throughout this Arsenal team, Noni Madueke’s player of the match performance, Ethan Nwaneri’s eye-catching cameo, the return of Gabriel Jesus, potential concerns over Victor Gyokeres’s form and Gabriel Martinelli making history in style with a spectacular goal. Plus, they look ahead to Wolves at home on Saturday night and we hear from Anna in Kenya in this week’s instalment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:48:30

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Arsenal stumble at Villa as unbeaten run ends

12/8/2025
Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss the 2-1 loss away to Aston Villa on Saturday. The panel reflect on Arsenal’s performance, the tactical approach to the game, Odegaard’s player of the match display, mounting injuries, what impact the recent tough run of fixtures may have had on the result and the importance of Gabriel and Saliba. Plus, they look ahead to Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:32:56

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Ben White returns in style in Brentford win

12/4/2025
James McNicholas and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Brentford on Wednesday. The panel reflect on the tension during the game, Ben White’s return to the starting lineup with a player of the match performance, Noni Madueke’s positive showing, the importance of Martin Odegaard regaining fitness, more injury woes as Cristhian Mosquera was forced off, and the dilemma Mikel Merino has given Arteta after another goal and assist up front. Plus, they look ahead to Aston Villa on Saturday, and we hear from Alex in Amsterdam in this week’s ‘Up Your Arsenal’ instalment. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:33:21

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A point secured at Chelsea after an intense week

12/1/2025
Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss the 1-1 draw away to Chelsea on Sunday. The panel reflect on the difficulties Arsenal faced at Stamford Bridge, why they were unable to find their rhythm, how the team managed without Gabriel and Saliba, Arteta’s game management, Rice having to play deeper, and the contributions from Saka and Merino. Plus, they audition some more player chants suggested by listeners and look ahead to Brentford at the Emirates on Wednesday night. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:42:16

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Rice masterful in Bayern demolition

11/27/2025
Art de Roché and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to discuss a statement 3-1 victory against Bayern Munich at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night. The panel reflect on another fantastic team display, impactful contributions from the bench, Mikel Merino making the false 9 role his own, Eze’s growing influence, Declan Rice’s masterful display and how Martin Zubimendi has helped him reach new levels this season. Plus, they look ahead to Chelsea away at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and we hear from Charles in Switzerland in the latest instalment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:51:46

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Eze’s prayers answered as Arsenal thump Spurs

11/24/2025
Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss the dominant 4-1 victory over Spurs at Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The panel reflect on Arsenal’s near perfect display, the intent of their attacking play, the sense of calm after conceding, the Tifo unveiled before the game, capitalising on rivals dropping points and of course Eze’s historic hat-trick and performance. There’s praise for the entire team with special focus on Trossard, Merino, Rice, Timber and Hincapie. Plus, they look ahead to Bayern Munich at home in the Champions League on Wednesday night and Ian auditions some of the potential player songs sent in by listeners. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:43:47

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North London derby preview

11/20/2025
Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to look ahead to the North London derby at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The panel discuss how they’re feeling going into the game, the loss of Gabriel due to injury, other potential fitness concerns after the international break, and updates on whether any players are returning as the Gunners begin a tough run of fixtures. Plus, the end of the 8 year sponsorship of Visit Rwanda and we hear from Moid in San Francisco in the latest instalment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:39:19

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Arsenal’s quarterly report

11/17/2025
Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to conduct a quarter term report on Arsenal’s season so far. The panel discuss how much they’re enjoying what they’ve seen, how well Arsenal have been performing, the togetherness of the squad, some of the players who have impressed them, their personal highlights, the positives of the season and the very few negatives that could be improved on over the course of the campaign. Plus, Ian chats to Megan Feringa about Arsenal Women after their draw with Tottenham and the struggles they’ve been facing. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:56:49

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Arsenal’s improved disciplinary record & mailbag

11/13/2025
Art de Roché and James McNicholas join Ian Stone for a customary mailbag episode as it’s another international break. The panel discuss which player they think has the best chance of being sold in the summer to balance the books, how the season would’ve transpired so far if Sesko was signed instead of Gyokeres, the worst game they’ve ever seen at the Emirates, non-sports related injuries that they’ve suffered and more. Plus, they discuss Arsenal’s improved disciplinary record this season, the impending arrival of Italian scout Maurizio Micheli and we hear from Jeville in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for the latest instalment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:56:05

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Should Arsenal be disappointed by Sunderland draw?

11/10/2025
Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal’s 2-2 draw away to Sunderland on Saturday. The panel reflect on the difficulties Sunderland posed, Arsenal’s much improved second half showing, the lack of substitutions used by Mikel Arteta, Zubimendi’s impressive performance, the uncharacteristic mistakes made by the defence and the two excellent goals scored by Saka and Trossard. Plus, they look at the title race as a whole and the shape of the team going into the international break. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:35:20

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Merino’s brace seals historic night in Prague

11/5/2025
Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal’s 3-0 win away to Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday. The panel reflect on Arsenal’s ability to weather the early pressure from Prague, their feelings about the team conceding a shot on target, Max Dowman becoming the youngest player in Champions League history and Mikel Merino’s intelligence and continued ability to make it count in the box. Plus, they look ahead to Sunderland away in the Premier League on Saturday evening and we hear from Royston in Los Angeles in another segment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:40:46

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Rice runs the show in Burnley

11/3/2025
Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal’s 2-0 win away to Burnley on Saturday afternoon. The panel reflect on Arsenal’s dominance, the team’s love for defending, Gyokeres’s best showing since arriving, Gabriel’s set piece contribution in both boxes, Trossard delivering once again on his 100th appearance, man of the match Declan Rice and the trust and competitiveness within the squad. Plus, they look ahead to Slavia Prague away in the Champions League on Tuesday night. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:41:44

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Hale End sensations sink Brighton

10/30/2025
Amy Lawrence and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal’s 2-0 win against Brighton in the Carabao Cup at the Emirates on Wednesday night. The panel reflect on Arsenal’s historic October, Hale End’s recent success, developments in youth football as a whole, Max Dowman becoming the youngest ever starter for the club, the first team debut of Andre Harriman-Annous, and we hear from Myles Lewis-Skelly on embracing the challenge of competition in the squad. Plus, they look ahead to Burnley away on Saturday and we hear from Ken in Tokyo in the latest instalment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:46:42

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Eze magic makes the difference

10/27/2025
Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal’s 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace at the Emirates on Sunday. The panel reflect on Arsenal becoming statistical favourites to win the league, the faith that they have in the team’s formidable defence, the media narratives around Arsenal’s set piece prowess, Jurrien Timber’s excellent performance and Eberechi Eze’s moment of magic with a fantastic acrobatic goal against his former club to open his Premier League account. Plus, they discuss Max Dowman’s contract signing, continue the discourse around the Emirates crowd leaving games early and look ahead to Brighton in the Carabao Cup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:47:25