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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Show the fire not the fear

4/16/2026
Amy Lawrence and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 0-0 draw at home to Sporting CP in the quarter-final second leg on Wednesday, which saw Arsenal through to the semi-finals. The panel reflect on the historic achievement of consecutive Champions League semi-finals for the first time in the club’s history, the need to cut through the negative discourse surrounding Arsenal, imploring fans to ignore outside noise, looking at the context surrounding Arsenal’s current circumstances and there’s praise for Zubimendi, Hincapie & Martinelli for their performances. Plus, they look ahead to Manchester City on Sunday, respond to some listener messages, and we hear from Jack in Canada in this week’s instalment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:56:19

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Now’s the time for a siege mentality

4/13/2026
Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 2-1 loss at home to Bournemouth on Saturday. The panel reflect on the disappointing overall performance, the lack of energy, if this result had been coming, the problems in the attack, tactical changes that could be made going forward, the need to be less risk averse and calling for a siege mentality amid the noise around the club. Plus, they look ahead to Sporting CP in the quarter final second leg of the Champions League on Wednesday and respond to some listener messages. If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on both Spotify and Apple Music and listen to them all there: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045ac Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6P Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:46:39

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David Raya: Difference Maker

4/8/2026
Art de Roché and Nnamdi Onyeagwara, making his Handbrake Off debut, join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 1-0 win away to Sporting Lisbon in the quarter-final first leg of the Champions League on Tuesday. The panel reflect on the impressive result, a controlled away performance, David Raya potentially being Arsenal’s player of the year after another outstanding display, squad depth as the finishers combined for the winner, the players not looking nervous despite the fans understandably feeling so, the attacking play needing to be more adventurous and whether fatigue is impacting it. Plus, we hear from James McNicholas and Amy Lawrence out in Lisbon, look ahead to Bournemouth on Saturday, respond to some listener messages and we hear from Andre in Sydney, Australia in this week’s instalment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’. If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on both Spotify and Apple Music and listen to them all there: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045ac Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6P Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:41:01

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Stop being stupid

4/6/2026
Art de Roché and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat to Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final on Saturday. The panel reflect on how they’re feeling about the result, how well Southampton played, Dowman’s excellent performance, needing to improve managing the momentum swings in matches, some of the squad players not being at the standard required, Odegaard’s promising return from injury and their optimism for the run-in despite this result. Plus, they respond to some listener messages and look ahead to the quarter-final first leg against Sporting CP in the Champions League on Tuesday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:39:09

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Can Saka get back to his best?

4/1/2026
Art de Roché and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss all things Arsenal and look ahead to the match against Southampton in the FA Cup this weekend. The panel reflect on 11 Arsenal players withdrawing from international duty, the outside noise around this, Ben White being booed on his England return, contributing factors to Saka’s less impactful season so far, and what Odegaard can bring to the team as he nears a return from injury. Plus, they look ahead to the run-in, Southampton in the FA Cup on Saturday, we hear from Phoebe in Hong Kong in this week’s instalment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’ and they pay tribute to David Rocastle on the 25th anniversary of his passing. If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on both Spotify and Apple Music and listen to them all there: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045ac Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6P Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:38:08

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How costly will Eze’s injury be?

3/25/2026
Art de Roché and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss all things Arsenal and dip into the customary mailbag for the final international break of the season. The panel reflect on Arsenal’s 3-1 win in the UWCL quarter-final first leg, Eze’s calf injury keeping him out for a month, solutions to help Saka find his best form, Odegaard’s expected return from injury and Ben White’s call up to the England Squad. Plus, they answer some listener questions and we hear from Abhinav in India in this week’s instalment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’. If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on both Spotify and Apple Music and listen to them all there: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045ac Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6P Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:50:11

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The curse of the League Cup continues

3/23/2026
Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday The panel reflect on the issues which resulted in a poor second half display, the knock on effects of missing key players through injury, whether the sentimental decision to choose Kepa over Raya was a mistake, the majority of Arsenal’s players underperforming, Saka’s drop off in form and the errors that lead to the goals conceded. Plus, they discuss how the team can learn from this loss and find the courage to be more assertive in big games, before looking ahead to the opportunities the international break presents for Arteta, the Arsenal players and the fans. If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on both Spotify and Apple Music and listen to them all there: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045ac Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6P Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:39:43

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Gabriel Jesus interview: Arteta vs Guardiola, Arsenal's title race & more

3/21/2026
Ahead of the Carabao Cup final, Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus sits down with The Athletic FC for an exclusive interview. In conversation with Mario Cortegana Santos and Jack Lang, they get into how his move to Arsenal came about, the team’s mentality after three consecutive 2nd places finishes and how they’re coping with the current title race. Plus, the narrative around set pieces, the differences between Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta, his love for R9 and much more. Hosts: Mario Cortegana Santos & Jack Lang Guest: Gabriel Jesus Exec Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:33:55

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Springtime Eze has sprung

3/18/2026
Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 2-0 win against Bayer Leverkusen at Emirates stadium on Tuesday. The panel reflect on the arrival of springtime Eze with his rocket of a strike, his improved defensive work, the attack looking more fluid, David Raya’s continued excellence, Ben White’s positive return to the starting lineup, Gyokeres’s strong all-round display and how lucky Arsenal are to have Declan Rice following another great performance and an even better goal. Plus, they look ahead to the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City on Sunday, respond to some listener messages and we hear from James in New Zealand in this week’s instalment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’. If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on both Spotify and Apple Music and listen to them all there: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045ac Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6P Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:47:04

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Max Dowman: Game changer

3/16/2026
Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 2-0 win against Everton at Emirates stadium on Saturday. The panel reflect on Max Dowman’s magic moment, whether it could be pivotal in the title race, what it means to the Dowman family, his performance overall, the celebrations around the stadium at the final whistle, their favourite moments from the match, how difficult Everton made the game, Mikel Arteta’s improvement as a manager, the togetherness of the squad, and there’s a shoutout for ex-Arsenal defender Konstantinos Mavropanos. Plus, they look ahead to the match against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday and respond to some listener messages. If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on both Spotify and Apple Music and listen to them all there: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045ac Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6P Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:38:26

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The horseshoe of doom

3/12/2026
Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 1-1 draw away to Leverkusen in the Champions League on Wednesday. The panel reflect on the players potentially being inhibited to improvise, concerns that the attack hasn’t clicked as yet, the fatigue of English teams in general, not moving the ball quick enough, some players looking jaded, getting 'Arsenaled’ by conceding to a set piece, Saka having an off night and what the other results of this round might mean for for Arsenal going forward. Plus, they look ahead to the match against Everton at the Emirates on Saturday, respond to some listener messages and we hear from John in Penzance, Cornwall in this week’s instalment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’. If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on both Spotify and Apple Music and listen to them all there: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045ac Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6P Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:41:06

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Young hearts run free as Dowman lights up FA Cup

3/9/2026
Amy Lawrence and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 2-1 win away to Mansfield in the FA Cup on Saturday. The panel reflect on Max Dowman’s eye catching display and whether he can be a serious option from the bench, Marli Salmon’s confidence despite his mistake, Jaden Dixon making his debut, some players not making the most of their opportunity, Mansfield’s good spirits to make the tie a fun occasion and how Arsenal manage the next block of games up until the international break. Plus, they look ahead to the match away to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Wednesday and respond to some listener messages. If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on both Spotify and Apple Music and listen to them all there: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045ac Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6P Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:32:08

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Boring, boring Arsenal

3/5/2026
Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 1-0 win away to Brighton on Wednesday. The panel reflect on the outside noise surrounding Arsenal, having perspective in relation to the difficult seasons of the past, Gabriel’s immense performance, the midfield duo desperately in need of rest, missing Merino and Odegaard, Saka scoring on his 300th appearance the club, Hincapie getting better with each game, not seeking external validation and the away fans celebrating after news of Man City’s draw came through. Plus, they look ahead to the match away to Mansfield in the FA Cup on Saturday, respond to some listener messages and we hear from Daniel in Kent in this week’s instalment of Up Your Arsenal. If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on Spotify and listen to them all here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045ac Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:40:52

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High tension squared

3/2/2026
Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 2-1 win against Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The panel reflect on the game being a painful watch, struggling to see out the final minutes, the lack of ruthlessness, the hurdles to overcome when trying to get over the line for the first time, needing the courage to continue to attack when defending a lead, whether Rice and Zubimendi need a rest, missing Odegaard’s security on the ball, Hincapie continuing to improve and Raya’s magnificent performance to ensure victory. Plus, they look ahead to Brighton away on Wednesday, chat about the Champions League draw and respond to some listener messages. If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on Spotify and listen to them all here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045ac Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:38:23

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Carry On Handbrake

2/26/2026
Amy Lawrence and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to look ahead to Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The panel discuss how they’re feeling as fans as crunch time approaches, how the team navigate the next three league games before the international break, building on the momentum from the Spurs win, embracing the enjoyment of their offensive play, striking the right attacking balance in the upcoming games, Gyokeres looking happier and Arteta’s task of maintaining belief and confidence while the stakes are so high. Plus, we hear from Molly from San Francisco in this week’s instalment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:34:16

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Eze & Spurs: A match made in heaven

2/23/2026
Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 4-1 win away to Spurs on Sunday. The panel reflect on how the Arsenal players bounced back after the mid-week disappointment against Wolves, Saka playing close to his highest level, Gyokeres best game in an Arsenal shirt, the attackers playing closer together, how Arteta can get more out of Eze after scoring five goals against Spurs this season, Rice’s response to making a costly mistake, Gabriel getting lucky and a shoutout for Hincapie and Mosquera after strong performances. Plus, they respond to some of your messages and look ahead to a week off for the team. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:42:11

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Is it happening again?

2/19/2026
James McNicholas and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 2-2 draw away to Wolves on Wednesday night. The panel reflect on the fear felt throughout the club, Arsenal’s lack of attacking endeavour as the game went on, the lack of chemistry in attack, if Arteta’s football is too controlled, lack of game changers in the squad, the equalising goal, and whether this squad has a mental fragility exacerbated by pressure. Plus, they look ahead to the North London Derby on Sunday, discuss safe standing coming to the Emirates Stadium and we hear from Brett in Gillingham for this week’s instalment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’. If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on Spotify and listen to them all here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045ac Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:41:22

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Stress free as Arsenal batter Wigan

2/16/2026
Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 4-0 win against Wigan at Emirates Stadium in the FA Cup on Sunday. The panel reflect on the hunger of the squad after nine changes to the starting 11, Martinelli playing like he was on a mission, wanting to see more of Saka in midfield, Eze seizing his opportunity by pulling the strings, Kepa’s great response to Setford coming on for his debut, Norgaard setting a great example in the squad and hoping to see more of him after his performance. Plus, they look ahead to the match away to Wolves in the league on Wednesday night and respond to some listeners emails. If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on Spotify and listen to them all here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045ac Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:35:27

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Arsenal get ‘Arsenaled' at Brentford

2/13/2026
Art de Roché and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 1-1 draw away to Brentford on Thursday night. The panel reflect on whether the result was a point gained or two points lost, the poor first half display, whether Arsenal are risk-averse, Raya’s concentration after another big save to redeem his mistake, Madueke’s towering header, Saka not looking fit when he came on, the need to rest Timber, the defensive performance overall and wanting to see more from Eze after his substitution at half-time. Plus, they look ahead to the match against Wigan in the FA Cup on Sunday at the Emirates and we hear from Steve in Cork, Ireland for this week’s instalment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’. If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on Spotify and listen to them all here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045ac Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:39:42

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What can’t Martin Zubimendi do?

2/9/2026
Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 3-0 win against Sunderland at Emirates stadium on Saturday. The panel reflect on how both teams approached the game, the different way’s Arsenal can win games, taking more shots from outside the box, Zubimendi continuing to add to his game, the effective timing of the substitutions, Raya’s reliability after another clean sheet, Martinelli’s impact from the bench and the developing partnerships of Rice-Zubimendi in midfield and Havertz-Gyokeres up front. Plus, they look ahead to Brentford away in the league on Thursday night and some of the challenges the side will face in the coming weeks. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:31:53