Handbrake Off: The Athletic FC's Arsenal show

The Athletic
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Apr 21, 2025 • 32min

As easy as it gets at Ipswich

Adrian Clarke and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's demolition of Ipswich at Portman Road. Mikel Arteta opted for a strong side, the panel discuss why rhythm and momentum is as important as rest in the lead up to Arsenal's Champions League semi final. Leandro Trossard got the nod up front scoring a brace, the Belgian dovetailed beautifully with Mikel Merino who was deployed in a midfield role. With Thomas Partey suspended for the first leg against PSG, was this perhaps an indication of Arteta’s plans in the Champions League? After his heroics in Madrid, Gabriel Martinelli was on the scoresheet again — his 50th goal for the club — while Ben White returned to the starting XI, completing the trio of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, who hadn't started together since November. With two goals coming from short corners, and 16 being taken across the Brentford and Ipswich games, has Nicolas Jover added some variety to Arsenal's set piece routines? The panel also reflect on Arsenal's 2-1 defeat to Lyon in the Women's Champions League, and look ahead to Crystal Palace's midweek visit in the Premier League. Produced by Jay Beale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Apr 17, 2025 • 54min

Remontadahaha as Arsenal dismantle Madrid in Champions League

Arsenal dominated Real Madrid to deservedly win 2-1 at the Bernabeu, dumping the holders out of the Champions League and marching on to the semi-finals.Hear what it was like in Madrid from Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas, as Art de Roche and Ian Stone reflect on a monumental night for Arsenal - we even managed to get Adrian Clarke away from the snooker to send over his thoughts too.We talk about the team’s immense performances, the incredible job Mikel Arteta has done in building this team and back to back MOTM performances from Declan Rice.Plus, reflections on Bukayo Saka’s iconic Bernabeu goal, another outstanding performance from Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jakub Kiwior’s stellar defending and our make-shift No.9 Mikel Merino with two fantastic assists.Oh, and yes, we look ahead to Ipswich at the weekend.Warning: strong language and scenes of jubilation throughout this showProducer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Apr 14, 2025 • 33min

All eyes on the Bernabéu

Adrian Clarke and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to preview Arsenal's Champions League quarter final second leg against Real Madrid, in which the Gunners lead 3-0 on aggregate. The panel touch on Saturday's 1-1 draw against Brentford - in which Mikel Arteta made five changes to his starting XI - before turning their attention to Wednesday's tie. The magnitude of the fixture, how Arteta should approach the game, and how Arsenal are becoming devastating in transition are all discussed and more. Produced by Jay Beale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Apr 9, 2025 • 47min

The Emirates’ greatest night as Real Madrid destroyed

Tuesday saw a historic night at the Emirates as Arsenal emphatically defeated European giants Real Madrid 3-0 in the Champions League. Amy Lawrence, James McNicholas and Art de Roche join Ian Stone to reflect on what was possibly the greatest match of the Emirates era. We talk about the entire team’s incredible performances — but one man in particular — MOTM Declan Rice and those out of this world free-kicks. Plus, reflections on the wonderful job that Mikel Arteta has done to get us to this point, Bukayo Saka’s tireless contributions, the ever-impressive Myles Lewis-Skelly, and our make-shift No.9 Mikel Merino amongst the goals yet again.Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Apr 7, 2025 • 42min

Can Arsenal find the chaos against Real Madrid?

Adrian Clarke and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 1-1 draw at Goodison Park and look ahead to Real Madrid's visit in the Champions League. Ben White returned to the starting XI against Everton, the panel discuss his importance ahead of Tuesday's tie and ask whether Bukayo Saka is ready to start. Plus we talk Gabriel Martinelli's potential against Real Madrid's high line, the battle in midfield that see's Martin Odegaard face his old club and should Mikel Merino lead the line up front? Produced by Jay Beale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Apr 2, 2025 • 41min

One in, one out as Saka returns in style

The long awaited return of Bukayo Saka took place as Arsenal saw off Fulham 2-1 at the Emirates on Tuesday night.James McNicholas and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on the win, Bukayo's return and winning goal, Gabriel’s injury and excellent performances from both Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino.We also reflect on the life and career of Arsenal legends David Rocastle and Kevin Campbell and we look ahead to the final ever game against Everton at Goodison on Saturday.Producer: Robby Williams  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Mar 31, 2025 • 34min

Kevin Campbell's Arsenal legacy: with Alan Smith, Lee Dixon, Paul Davis & Andy Cole

Welcome to a special episode of The Athletic’s Arsenal podcast, Handbrake Off, in honour of a much loved Arsenal great Kevin Campbell.Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke are joined by a quartet of legends. Alan Smith twice won the golden boot as the best goalscorer in England as well as delivering Arsenal’s last European trophy. Lee Dixon played a phenomenal 619 games for the club over 15 years of service. Paul Davis holds a special place in the hearts of Black Arsenal as a trailblazer, and masterful midfielder. Andy Cole came through the club’s youth system at a similar time to Kevin, before leaving for a hugely successful career elsewhere, particularly at Newcastle and Man United. The panel reflect on Kevin's legacy, a champion of a wonderful and very important generation of young black players at Arsenal. Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri's rise to the first team, comparisons between George Graham and Mikel Arteta, and Arsenal's 31 year wait for a European trophy are also discussed. Produced by Jay Beale. With thanks to the Kevin Campbell Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Mar 27, 2025 • 32min

International break round-up & Fulham preview

Arsenal Women are through to Champions League Semi-finals after an incredible comeback against Real Madrid, and the final men’s international break of the season is over. Ian Stone is joined by James McNicholas and Adrian Clarke to reflect on a marvellous night for Arsenal in the UWCL and discuss the performances of the men’s players on international duty. Plus, they look ahead to the Fulham at The Emirates next Tuesday and touch briefly on the news of Trent Alexander-Arnold potentially leaving Liverpool. Produced by Robby Williams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Mar 24, 2025 • 28min

Nwaneri & Lewis-Skelly: Arsenal's Next Gen

Hale End graduates Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have made waves at Arsenal during their breakout season, despite playing in positions relatively unfamiliar to them. With major contributions in both the Premier League and Champions League, their seamless integration into the first team has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the course of this episode The Athletic details both Myles and Ethan’s rise to the first team. Topics include their friendship since the age of eight, their contrasting personalities on and off the pitch, comparisons to Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe’s journey, the challenges that come within academy football, the importance of supporting young players from multiple angles, Myles' England debut, and what the future holds for both players. You’ll hear from football coaches Adam Birchall and Greg Lincoln, and The Athletic’s Art de Roché, James McNicholas and Amy Lawrence. Get to know Arsenal’s new kids on the block, they’re here to stay. Written and produced by Jay Beale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Mar 20, 2025 • 48min

Squad Audit: Who should Arsenal sell this summer?

Ian Stone is joined by Adrian Clarke and Art de Roché to conduct an audit of the men's first team squad, discussing who they think Arsenal should keep and sell this summer.Plus, they answer your questions including Gabriel's Saudi Links, where they think Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly will play going forward and the contracts of Saka and Saliba.Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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