

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

May 26, 2025 • 1h 3min
Arsenal win UWCL & End of Season Awards: Part One
Arsenal's thrilling 1-0 victory over Barcelona secured their second Women's Champions League title, with Stina Blackstenius emerging as the hero. The discussion highlights the impact of manager Renee Slegers and the team's tactical growth. Listeners also hear heartfelt farewells to key players and reflections on the emotional journey of the season. The panel delves into memorable moments and personal anecdotes while casting votes for season awards, celebrating standout performances and the evolution of Arsenal women's football.

May 22, 2025 • 48min
Looking ahead to Southampton and a busy summer
The hosts anticipate Arsenal's crucial final match against Southampton, reflecting on the season's ups and downs. They celebrate young talent like Max Dowman and humorously critique rival teams. The discussion shifts to potential summer transfers, emphasizing the need for attacking reinforcements. Injury updates reveal key players' recoveries, while light-hearted anecdotes weave through serious football talk. The hosts end with a nod to pop culture, keeping the mood entertaining amidst the football insights.

May 19, 2025 • 45min
Rice & Raya all-but seal second
The discussion centers on Arsenal's narrow victory over Newcastle, which solidifies their second-place standing. Declan Rice and David Raya are highlighted for their exceptional performances, both contenders for player of the season. The panel also praises Myles Lewis-Skelly, Riccardo Calafiori, Jakub Kiwior, and Ben White for their surprising yet stellar contributions. They delve into the importance of securing second place, the return of Kai Havertz, and the impact of previous players like Tierney and Jorginho on the team's dynamics.

May 15, 2025 • 35min
Focus on Newcastle & the battle for second
Arsenal play their penultimate game of the season against Newcastle on Sunday in a bid to secure second place this season. Art de Roché and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to look ahead to the match. They discuss the injury concerns going into the game, the lack of midfield options and a potential start up front for Gabriel Martinelli.Plus Arsenal’s open training session this week and potential upcoming transfers.Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5 snips
May 12, 2025 • 43min
Arsenal show their character at Anfield
A thrilling comeback at Anfield sees Arsenal fighting back from 2-0 down to secure a draw, showcasing their resilience and character. The discussion dives into Mikel Arteta's fiery post-match comments and the emotional rollercoaster for fans. The hosts reflect on the complex dynamics of loyalty versus personal decisions in football. They also highlight standout performances from players, particularly fullbacks adapting to challenges, and ponder the missing tactical pieces needed for success this season.

May 8, 2025 • 43min
Valiant Arsenal fall short in Paris
Arsenal exit the Champions League after a tough night losing 2-1 (3-1 agg) to an elite PSG side.Adrian Clarke and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to reflect on a game where Arsenal played really well in the Parc des Princes but couldn't capitalise on their chances. Hear the team speak about those Donnarumma saves, the missed chances, and how Arsenal can build on this going forward. Amy Lawrence drops in to share her thoughts too.Plus we look ahead to Arsenal’s match against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 5, 2025 • 41min
Bournemouth punish distracted Arsenal
It was another disappointing result for Arsenal in the Premier League as they lost 2-1 to Bournemouth. Art de Roché and Jordan Campbell join Ian Stone to reflect on a strange game where both players and the fans possibly had their attention on the big Champions League game to come.Plus, we get excited for the huge second leg against PSG in the Champions League on Wednesday and how Arsenal could overturn the 1-0 deficit.All that and there's the Saliba to Real Madrid rumours and the manager head to head between Jack Wilshere vs. Aaron Ramsey are touched on.Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 30, 2025 • 43min
Down but not out as PSG lead at half-time
It was a tough night for Arsenal on Tuesday, losing 1-0 at the Emirates in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final to an excellent PSG side. Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to reflect on the game, finding the positives in a disappointing performance that the team will look to take into the second leg in Paris. The significance of Partey’s suspension, Odegaard’s continued lack of form, and Declan Rice’s all round improvements this season are also discussed. Plus a look ahead to Arsenal’s match against Bournemouth on Saturday where Mikel Arteta’s side are looking to get back to winning ways in the Premier League. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 28, 2025 • 50min
The PSG Preview
Adrian Clarke and French football specialist Tom Williams join Ian Stone to preview Arsenal's Champions League semi-final against PSG. Arsenal ran out convincing winners when these teams met back in October, but the French side have evolved drastically since that night. The panel discuss how both teams have changed, where each will look to hurt each other, and predict the XI's Mikel Arteta and Luis Enrique will go for. Plus Art de Roché drops by to talk about Arsenal's sensational comeback in the Women's Champions League, winning 4-1 in Lyon to book a place in the final. Produced by Jay Beale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 24, 2025 • 39min
Eyes elsewhere as Palace punish Arsenal
Arsenal had one of their more forgettable evenings of the season as they had drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace, Arsenal’s 13th draw of the season.Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to reflect on a disappointing game and performance with both teams possibly distracted by bigger games to come. They speak about the recent errors by Saliba despite being imperious otherwise, and the positives from the match, particularly Jakub Kiwior, Leandro Trossard and the confidence of Myles Lewis-Skelly. Plus, the transfer news regarding Zubimendi and Dean Huijsen, the Gunners for Peace campaign against club’s ‘Visit Rwanda’ sponsorship, and we touch on the huge game we have coming up against PSG.Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.