Handbrake Off: The Athletic FC's Arsenal show Up Your Arsenal: Sliding doors moments, favourite away wins & why we love football
Dec 23, 2025
Dive into heartfelt stories and lighthearted debates about Arsenal! From the reasons behind fan loyalties to favorite Brazilian players like Martinelli and Gabriel, the hosts explore what makes the club special. Memorable away wins and iconic moments, like a 1987 League Cup semi-final, spark nostalgia. A playful discussion about who’d excel in sumo wrestling adds humor, while personal anecdotes, like a vintage shirt memory, deepen the connection. Ultimately, the love for Arsenal and its global fan community shines through.
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Brazilian Bond Through Martinelli
- Rodrigo from Porto Alegre became an Arsenal fan after Gabriel Martinelli signed and his cousin studied in London.
- They share match-day meals and sing Arsenal chants together, showing football's local bonding power.
Style Builds Global Fans
- Ken in Tokyo fell for Arsenal's 'Vengervan silkiness' watching on limited overseas TV in 1998.
- The style of play can create lifelong international fans even with sparse coverage.
Hospital Visit Sparked A Fan
- Mohammed from Birmingham traced his Arsenal fandom to a neonatal ICU visit from 1985 players and later moments like 1994 Cup Winners' Cup.
- Early, personal club contact can seed lifelong allegiance.