Handbrake Off: The Athletic FC's Arsenal show

Arsenal shines in their 4-1 victory over Aston Villa, showcasing a liberated second half after a cautious start. The two Martins, Odegaard and Zubimendi, spark praise for their dynamic midfield partnership. Gabriel Jesus marks his comeback with an emotional goal, while Gabriel Magalhães impresses with his leadership and defensive prowess. The panel also reflects on Leandro Trossard's breakout season and the depth of the squad. Looking ahead, the discussion turns to the upcoming match against Bournemouth and memorable moments from 2025.

The discussion kicks off with Arsenal's narrow 2-1 victory over Brighton and highlights from the Carabao Cup win. Odegaard's standout performance is lauded for his creativity and impact. Raya's crucial match-winning save draws applause, showcasing his importance to the team. The panel dives into the challenges faced by new signings adapting to the squad. Also, a look ahead to the tactical threats posed by Aston Villa and the necessity for a pragmatic approach adds to the excitement. Fans are encouraged to trust the players amidst their nerves.

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.

The discussion kicks off with Arsenal’s crucial 1-0 win against Everton, highlighting the psychological boost of being top at Christmas. The panel critiques a slow first half but praises Declan Rice’s commanding presence in midfield. They dive into Victor Gyokeres’ confidence in taking a penalty and his relationship with teammates. A preview of the upcoming Carabao Cup clash against Crystal Palace reveals thoughts on squad rotation and fixture congestion. Nostalgia seeps in as hosts reminisce about personal clutter while keeping an eye on the team's rhythm this season.

A deep dive into Arsenal's injury woes is on the agenda as the hosts explore the ongoing struggles of Ben White and the squad's overall fitness. They question whether the team's intense style of play is a factor in these setbacks. Victor Gyökeres' performance comes under scrutiny as they discuss his modest goal return and the challenges he's facing in adapting to the Premier League. With Everton on the horizon, the panel weighs up squad availability and the importance of securing a win to maintain title hopes.

Arsenal's narrow win over Wolves sparked a lively debate about their concerning performance trends. The panel highlights Bukayo Saka's creative flair despite the team's slow starts. They discuss Mikel Arteta's worries about passive play and the implications of Ben White's injury. Excitement builds with Gabriel Jesus's return, suggesting he could be a game-changer moving forward. The hosts also share their thoughts on upcoming matches and the importance of this week for training and recovery.

In this lively discussion, the team celebrates Arsenal's impressive 3-0 win against Club Brugge and their perfect Champions League record. Noni Madueke shines as the standout player, showcasing his impact on the squad's mentality. Gabriel Martinelli makes history with a spectacular goal, while Ethan Nwaneri impresses in his cameo appearance. The return of Gabriel Jesus is highlighted for his potential influence this season. The panel also raises concerns about Victor Gyokeres's form and shares a heartwarming story of football fandom from Kenya.

The panel grapples with Arsenal’s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa, dissecting the impact of missing key defenders Saliba and Gabriel on their defensive approach. Odegaard's standout performance shines amidst frustrations, as discussions arise about whether the team should have adopted a more conservative strategy. They reflect on the team's unbeaten run and emphasize perspective in light of recent fixture congestion and player fatigue. Looking ahead, there are tactical considerations for the Champions League clash against Club Brugge.

The discussion kicks off with a tense recap of Arsenal's narrow 2-0 win over Brentford. Ben White's impressive return to the lineup grabs attention, showcasing both solid defense and a key attacking role. Noni Madueke's daring play adds excitement, while concerns about ongoing injuries, particularly Mosquera's, loom large. Martin Odegaard's return is celebrated as crucial for midfield dynamics. The hosts also debate Mikel Merino's rising status, hinting at tough selection choices ahead of the match against Aston Villa.

The discussion revolves around Arsenal's gritty 1-1 draw against Chelsea, highlighting the team's struggles without key defenders. The panel dives into Arteta's strategic game management and the impact of fatigue on performance. They also celebrate impressive moments from Rice and Saka, as well as tackle the lively match atmosphere and suggested new fan chants. Additionally, there's a peek into upcoming fixtures and a nostalgic look back at obscure former players, all while mixing in fan stories and book recommendations.