

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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 10, 2025 • 35min
Should Arsenal be disappointed by Sunderland draw?
The panel dives into Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Sunderland, analyzing their sluggish first half and a much-improved second half. They question Mikel Arteta’s substitution choices and discuss defensive errors that allowed Sunderland to equalize. Praise flows for Saka and Trossard’s brilliant goals amidst the intensity. Zubimendi's adaptation to the Premier League is spotlighted, as well as the dedication of away fans facing tough travel. They reflect on Arsenal's standing in the title race and what's next during the international break.

14 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 41min
Merino’s brace seals historic night in Prague
A thrilling 3-0 victory against Slavia Prague takes center stage as the hosts delve into Arsenal's resilience and defensive strength. They celebrate Max Dowman's record as the youngest Champions League player and his careful integration into the team. Mikel Merino's intelligent movement and scoring prowess shine, setting him apart in the squad. Fan stories and club kindness add a personal touch, while the panel anticipates a challenging match against Sunderland. A lively discussion wraps up with hopes for ongoing momentum in the season.

6 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 42min
Rice runs the show in Burnley
Arsenal showcased impressive dominance in their 2-0 win against Burnley, with a standout performance from Declan Rice earning him man-of-the-match honors. The panel highlights the team's solid defensive ethos and Gyokeres's impactful play. Trossard's consistent contributions and leadership also steal the spotlight. As they look ahead to Slavia Prague in the Champions League, the discussion touches on squad trust and internal competitiveness, setting the stage for exciting upcoming matches.

Oct 30, 2025 • 47min
Hale End sensations sink Brighton
The discussion kicks off with Arsenal's impressive 2-0 victory over Brighton, showcasing the promising talents from Hale End. The team dives into Max Dowman's historic debut and Andre Harriman-Annous's first appearance. They explore the secrets behind Hale End’s success in developing young players, touching on modern coaching practices. Myles Lewis-Skelly shares his excitement about competing for a spot in the squad. With a look ahead to the upcoming match against Burnley, the hosts reflect on the thrilling journey of these rising stars.

19 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 47min
Eze magic makes the difference
Arsenal's narrow 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace is the focus, highlighting their title chances and solid defense. Eberechi Eze's spectacular acrobatic goal dazzles as he marks a milestone against his former club. The hosts debate the significance of set pieces in Arsenal's strategy, while discussing the Emirates crowd's early exits. Jurrien Timber’s impressive performance garners praise, and the narrative around squad depth ahead of the Carabao Cup clash with Brighton adds to the excitement.

11 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 41min
Gyokeres stars as Arsenal thrash Atletico Madrid
The hosts celebrate Arsenal's impressive 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid, highlighting the team's growth and hard work. Victor Gyokeres shines by finally breaking his goal drought, while Gabriel's exceptional set-piece skills draw praise. Zubimendi's brilliance in midfield stands out as a key factor in controlling the game. They also discuss fans leaving early and the importance of showing support. Looking ahead, excitement builds for the next match against Crystal Palace, showcasing the squad's depth and potential.

11 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 41min
Saka shines in job done at Fulham
Arsenal showcases their resilience with a narrow 1-0 win over Fulham. Bukayo Saka shines, embodying the team's spirit and leadership. The hosts discuss the impact of Gabriel Heinze on the squad's mentality and highlight Gabriel Magalhães as a pillar of strength. With a formidable defense and a variety of goal scorers, Arsenal's depth is evident. The team prepares for a crucial Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid, weighing their priorities between league and European success.

Oct 16, 2025 • 41min
How do Arsenal utilise Merino?
The discussion kicks off with a look at Mikel Merino’s impressive form for Spain and how Arsenal can best utilize him. The panel debates whether he should play a more advanced role to maximize his scoring potential. They also explore Odegaard's injury and its implications for Nwaneri's playing time. Christian Mosquera's calm debut is praised, while Kevin shares a touching story about a family connection to Declan Rice. The hosts wrap up by reflecting on Arsenal's away struggles and potential lineup rotations.

Oct 14, 2025 • 31min
Dream Arsenal 5-a-side team & who’s been the standout summer signing?
Amy Lawrence, a veteran football journalist and Arsenal specialist, and Adrian Clarke, a former professional footballer turned pundit, dive into listener questions about Arsenal. They craft their dream 5-a-side team, debating players from different eras, including the likes of Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp. The panel also discusses standout summer signings, favoring Zubimendi for his consistent impact, while addressing fans' concerns about Martin Odegaard's fitness and the team's future upgrades, especially in the left wing.

Oct 13, 2025 • 38min
Arsenal's most handsome player ever & who’d be most fun on a night out?
Join Amy Lawrence, a seasoned football journalist, and Adrian Clarke, a former professional footballer and tactical pundit, as they dive into listener questions. They debate which past Arsenal player would be a perfect replacement for Bukayo Saka and discuss wild office stationery comparisons for Mikel Arteta. The trio also shares their picks for the most fun Arsenal players to hit the town with. Plus, they explore what’s next for Andrea Berta following a busy transfer period and how larger squads are influencing Arteta’s tactics!


