Handbrake Off: The Athletic FC's Arsenal show

In this episode, Ian Stone, Art de Roché and Amy Lawrence discuss Arsenal’s win over Slavia Prague, the contrasting first and second-half performances, they chat about Martin Odegaard's career following his 250th game and also take on a Hull themed quiz and read some fan messages.Get in touch with video messages: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal’s landmark win at Anfield sparks a lively discussion about collective defending, tactical substitutions and the growing leadership of Declan Rice. The panel examines Kai Havertz’s decisive impact, impressive defensive depth and the balance between aggression and discipline. A quiz on Arsenal-Liverpool connections, fan messages and Bukayo Saka’s community work round things out.

Arsenal’s penalty-shootout collapse at Fleetwood sparks fierce debate over rotation, toothless possession and the struggles of Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyökeres. Max Dowman’s red card and Mikel Arteta’s reaction raise questions about youth and accountability. With Liverpool looming at Anfield, the panel examines depleted wing options, title-race stakes and whether Arsenal can respond.

Arsenal’s Everton victory takes center stage, from their resilience and fluid passing to Martin Ødegaard’s creative influence. The panel celebrates Gabriel’s rise as a defensive leader and compares Arsenal’s togetherness with Manchester United’s turmoil. They also look ahead to Fleetwood in the Carabao Cup, debate rotation and left-wing targets, revisit Highbury memories, and name their weekend villains.

Arsenal’s gritty 2-2 draw in Munich sparks praise for their growing confidence, fluid midfield and standout contributions from Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyökeres, Noni Madueke and Declan Rice. Bukayo Saka’s injury raises concerns over dwindling wing options before a tricky Everton clash. The discussion also explores loyal away supporters, football’s human side, Arsenal’s visual style and the club’s changing set-piece threat.

Arsenal’s gritty win at Nottingham Forest sparks debate over their cautious starts, attacking rhythm and the changing role of Eberechi Eze. Ezri Konsa’s defensive authority and Noni Madueke’s direct impact also come under the spotlight. The discussion then turns to a defining Champions League trip to Bayern Munich, plus a chaotic Arsenal connections quiz.

Adrian Clarke, a former professional footballer and tactical analyst, and Art de Roché, The Athletic’s Arsenal journalist, dissect Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Lille. They explore Bukayo Saka’s response to Mikel Arteta’s demand for more goals, praise Timber and Lewis-Skelly, revisit Olivier Giroud’s warm farewell, and debate the human impact of 60 proposed staff redundancies.

Arsenal’s comeback against Leeds sparks a discussion about their game-changing bench, Bruno’s decisive winner and Declan Rice’s response after a difficult outing. The panel weighs William Saliba’s absence, Noni Madueke’s defensive work and the Premier League title race. They also examine Manchester City’s unresolved financial charges, broadcasting narratives and the league’s credibility, alongside fans’ Arsenal memories and football-inspired songs.

Mikel Arteta’s new contract sparks a lively look at Arsenal’s future, ambitions and distinctive team culture, from music and creativity to unforgettable victories. The panel also assesses international-break momentum, injury concerns and selection dilemmas ahead of Leeds, while fans share treasured Emirates memories and global Arsenal traditions.

Manchester City’s legal battle raises uncomfortable questions about football’s credibility, while Arsène Wenger’s warnings about financial power receive a fresh look. The panel weighs Arsenal’s selection headaches, Viktor Gyökeres’s Sweden form, Emirates expansion plans and the ethics of ownership. Fan mail brings satirical songs, proposed tifos and lively debate over sanctions, transfers and football’s future.