Handbrake Off: The Athletic FC's Arsenal show

The Athletic
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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.
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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.
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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!
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10 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 40min

How have Arteta's Arsenal evolved?

Mikel Arteta's tactics have transformed Arsenal, making the football more enjoyable and dynamic. The panel dives into the innovative use of bounce passes and the impressive strength at set pieces. They discuss David Raya's contract, squad depth, and how the team's defensive metrics show marked improvement. There's a lively debate on expanding The Emirates Stadium and enhancing the matchday atmosphere. Plus, personal anecdotes from fans add a heartfelt touch to the analysis of the Gunners' evolution.
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Oct 6, 2025 • 43min

Rice & Saka goals send Arsenal top

Join experienced football journalist Amy Lawrence and former player Adrian Clarke as they dive into Arsenal's impressive 2-0 win over West Ham. They discuss Declan Rice's standout performance and his evolving role in the team. The duo also reflects on Martin Odegaard's recent injury woes and the impactful arrival of Martin Zubimendi off the bench. Celebrating Bukayo Saka’s 200th Premier League match and Mikel Arteta’s managerial milestone, they highlight the club's exciting trajectory this season. Plus, insights on fans and stadium atmosphere!
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9 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 53min

Odegaard shines in win over Olympiacos

Arsenal's 2-0 victory against Olympiacos highlights their impressive squad depth and tactical flexibility. Martin Ødegaard's stellar performance showcases his returning confidence and developing partnership with Gyökeres. The panel praises David Raya's impact in goal and his crucial distribution. They also dive into the emotional connections fans have to the team during tough times. Upcoming challenges against West Ham and Mikel Arteta's managerial journey approaching 300 games are discussed, adding to the excitement of the ongoing season.
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18 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 53min

Big Gabi secures a sweet victory at Newcastle

Arsenal clinched a thrilling 2-1 victory against Newcastle, with Gabriel scoring a dramatic last-minute winner. The panel discusses Arteta’s attacking tactics that challenge previous negative narratives and the standout performances by players like Saliba and Rice. Controversial VAR decisions spark debate, while the emotional reactions from fans and celebrations highlight the team's unity. They reflect on Saliba's new contract and the importance of the win for Arsenal's title aspirations, along with a preview of their upcoming Champions League clash.
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Sep 25, 2025 • 46min

Eze off the mark & previewing St James’ Park

Amy Lawrence and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to reflect on a professional performance in Arsenal’s 2-0 win away to Port Vale in the Carabao Cup. The panel discuss the class of Eberechi Eze’s first Arsenal goal, Max Dowman’s impressive cameo, yet another contribution from Leandro Trossard from the bench and Myles Lewis-Skelly’s adjustment to less minutes this season after his whirlwind debut campaign last year.They also discuss Arsenal’s current injury problems after Madueke’s knee injury and Arsenal Women being awarded Team of the Year at this year’s Balon D’or ceremony. Plus, a look ahead to a huge match against Newcastle at St James’ Park this weekend, and we hear from Bill in Malibu in the latest instalment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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15 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 46min

Martinelli's late show - a point gained or two dropped?

Amy Lawrence, an experienced football journalist, and Adrian Clarke, a former professional player, dive into Arsenal's tense 1-1 draw against Manchester City. They explore Arteta's cautious tactics and the lineup decisions, weighing the effectiveness of substitutions that salvaged a point. The discussion highlights Martinelli's late dramatic run that secured the goal, while also touching on the potential implications of a squad rotation ahead of the Carabao Cup match against Port Vale. Insightful analysis mixed with their unique perspectives makes for an engaging conversation.
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8 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 52min

Super subs star in Bilbao

Amy Lawrence, a seasoned match reporter, shares her firsthand experience from Bilbao, highlighting the electrifying atmosphere during Arsenal's Champions League debut. She discusses the tension of the early game and the standout performance of substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, who turned the tide. The conversation also touches on Arsenal's robust defensive strategy and the benefits of a deep squad. As the team gears up for a challenging match against Manchester City, the excitement builds for what's next.

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