Handbrake Off: The Athletic FC's Arsenal show

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 1-1 draw away to Leverkusen in the Champions League on Wednesday.The panel reflect on the players potentially being inhibited to improvise, concerns that the attack hasn’t clicked as yet, the fatigue of English teams in general, not moving the ball quick enough, some players looking jaded, getting 'Arsenaled’ by conceding to a set piece, Saka having an off night and what the other results of this round might mean for for Arsenal going forward. Plus, they look ahead to the match against Everton at the Emirates on Saturday, respond to some listener messages and we hear from John in Penzance, Cornwall in this week’s instalment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’.If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on both Spotify and Apple Music and listen to them all there: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045acApple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6PProducer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amy Lawrence and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 2-1 win away to Mansfield in the FA Cup on Saturday.The panel reflect on Max Dowman’s eye catching display and whether he can be a serious option from the bench, Marli Salmon’s confidence despite his mistake, Jaden Dixon making his debut, some players not making the most of their opportunity, Mansfield’s good spirits to make the tie a fun occasion and how Arsenal manage the next block of games up until the international break. Plus, they look ahead to the match away to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Wednesday and respond to some listener messages.If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on both Spotify and Apple Music and listen to them all there: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045acApple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6PProducer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 1-0 win away to Brighton on Wednesday.The panel reflect on the outside noise surrounding Arsenal, having perspective in relation to the difficult seasons of the past, Gabriel’s immense performance, the midfield duo desperately in need of rest, missing Merino and Odegaard, Saka scoring on his 300th appearance the club, Hincapie getting better with each game, not seeking external validation and the away fans celebrating after news of Man City’s draw came through.Plus, they look ahead to the match away to Mansfield in the FA Cup on Saturday, respond to some listener messages and we hear from Daniel in Kent in this week’s instalment of Up Your Arsenal.If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on Spotify and listen to them all here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045acProducer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 2-1 win against Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.The panel reflect on the game being a painful watch, struggling to see out the final minutes, the lack of ruthlessness, the hurdles to overcome when trying to get over the line for the first time, needing the courage to continue to attack when defending a lead, whether Rice and Zubimendi need a rest, missing Odegaard’s security on the ball, Hincapie continuing to improve and Raya’s magnificent performance to ensure victory. Plus, they look ahead to Brighton away on Wednesday, chat about the Champions League draw and respond to some listener messages.If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on Spotify and listen to them all here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045acProducer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amy Lawrence and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to look ahead to Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.The panel discuss how they’re feeling as fans as crunch time approaches, how the team navigate the next three league games before the international break, building on the momentum from the Spurs win, embracing the enjoyment of their offensive play, striking the right attacking balance in the upcoming games, Gyokeres looking happier and Arteta’s task of maintaining belief and confidence while the stakes are so high. Plus, we hear from Molly from San Francisco in this week’s instalment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 4-1 win away to Spurs on Sunday.The panel reflect on how the Arsenal players bounced back after the mid-week disappointment against Wolves, Saka playing close to his highest level, Gyokeres best game in an Arsenal shirt, the attackers playing closer together, how Arteta can get more out of Eze after scoring five goals against Spurs this season, Rice’s response to making a costly mistake, Gabriel getting lucky and a shoutout for Hincapie and Mosquera after strong performances. Plus, they respond to some of your messages and look ahead to a week off for the team.If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on Spotify and listen to them all here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045acProducer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James McNicholas and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 2-2 draw away to Wolves on Wednesday night.  The panel reflect on the fear felt throughout the club, Arsenal’s lack of attacking endeavour as the game went on, the lack of chemistry in attack, if Arteta’s football is too controlled, lack of game changers in the squad, the equalising goal, and whether this squad has a mental fragility exacerbated by pressure. Plus, they look ahead to the North London Derby on Sunday, discuss safe standing coming to the Emirates Stadium and we hear from Brett in Gillingham for this week’s instalment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’. If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on Spotify and listen to them all here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045acProducer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 4-0 win against Wigan at Emirates Stadium in the FA Cup on Sunday.The panel reflect on the hunger of the squad after nine changes to the starting 11, Martinelli playing like he was on a mission, wanting to see more of Saka in midfield, Eze seizing his opportunity by pulling the strings, Kepa’s great response to Setford coming on for his debut, Norgaard setting a great example in the squad and hoping to see more of him after his performance.Plus, they look ahead to the match away to Wolves in the league on Wednesday night and respond to some listeners emails. If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on Spotify and listen to them all here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045acProducer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Art de Roché and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 1-1 draw away to Brentford on Thursday night.The panel reflect on whether the result was a point gained or two points lost, the poor first half display, whether Arsenal are risk-averse, Raya’s concentration after another big save to redeem his mistake, Madueke’s towering header, Saka not looking fit when he came on, the need to rest Timber, the defensive performance overall and wanting to see more from Eze after his substitution at half-time. Plus, they look ahead to the match against Wigan in the FA Cup on Sunday at the Emirates and we hear from Steve in Cork, Ireland for this week’s instalment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’. If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on Spotify and listen to them all here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045acProducer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 3-0 win against Sunderland at Emirates stadium on Saturday. The panel reflect on how both teams approached the game, the different ways Arsenal can win games, taking more shots from outside the box, Zubimendi continuing to add to his game, the effective timing of the substitutions, Raya’s reliability after another clean sheet, Martinelli’s impact from the bench and the developing partnerships of Rice-Zubimendi in midfield and Havertz-Gyokeres up front.Plus, they look ahead to Brentford away in the league on Thursday night and some of the challenges the side will face in the coming weeks.Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amy Lawrence and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 1-0 win against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg to book their place at Wembley.The panel reflect on the celebrations after Havertz’s last minute goal, the impressive defensive unit, whether Arteta will choose Kepa or Raya for the final, the performances of Rice and Martinelli, if Arsenal should’ve had a penalty, the significance of winning the game and looking ahead to the final.Plus, they touch on Mikel Merino’s injury, audition some listener player chants, look ahead to Sunderland on Saturday at Emirates Stadium and we hear from Victor in North London for this week’s instalment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amy Lawrence and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s emphatic 4-0 win away to Leeds on Saturday. The panel reflect on a great weekend for the Gunners, the team’s response to a difficult week, Arteta’s decision to start Havertz over Odegaard, Zubimendi’s ability in the air and Madueke’s encouraging display as the forward line found their shooting boots after the recent scrutiny. Plus, we hear from Adrian Clarke on Arsenal’s 3-2 victory over Corinthians to win the inaugural Champions Cup and look ahead to the men’s next match hosting Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg on Tuesday night. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 3-2 win against Kairat Almaty at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.The panel reflect on Arteta’s pre match press conference and his message to the players and fans, Havertz scoring and assisting on his first start since returning from injury, Martinelli’s excellent performance, Kairat’s away support, enjoying the new league format of the Champions League, potential opponents in the knockout phase, Eze’s improved showing and the difficulties creative players face settling into a new team. Plus, they look ahead to the match away to Leeds United on Saturday and we hear from Daniel in London in this week’s instalment of Up Your Arsenal. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 3-2 defeat to Manchester United, and ask whether the result really is the end of the world.The panel discuss the nature of the loss, what it means for the Gunners' title hopes and whether Mikel Arteta and his players can use it as a wake up call.Plus, the lack of attacking threat, what needs to change and whether the biggest threat to Arsenal’s title challenge is Arsenal.Produced by Jay Beale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James McNicholas and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 3-1 win away to Inter on Tuesday night to make it seven wins from seven games in the Champions League. The panel reflect on the exciting attacking display, the space afforded to Arsenal in Europe, the strength of the squad after heavy rotation, Jesus’s player of the match performance, the benefit of Gyokeres off the bench, Mosquera’s impressive return from injury, Lewis-Skelly’s positive showing and whether Saka is the best right winger in Europe.Plus, they look ahead to Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on Sunday and we hear from Pedro in Santiago, Chilé in this week’s instalment of Up Your Arsenal. Producer: Robby WilliamsWe want to hear from you. We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits. Three lucky entries will win £100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you’re a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback. Go to: theathletic.com/survey26 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 0-0 draw away to Nottingham Forest The panel reflect on the disappointment of not fully capitalising on dropped points from rivals, the mis-firing frontline, the lack of urgency in attacking play, the impact the schedule is having on players, missing Calafiori on the left and taking perspective on the season as a whole. Plus, they look ahead to Inter at San Siro in the Champions League on Tuesday night. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Art de Roché and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 3-2 win away to Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday night. The panel reflect on their disappointment that the lead wasn’t bigger going into the second leg despite the win, Arsenal’s aggressive pressing, a good night for White, Gyokeres’ improved performance, Zubimendi’s attacking dimension, how the substitutes affected the game, the differences between Kepa and Raya, and the atmosphere in the away end.Plus, they discuss Per Mertesacker leaving his academy role at the end of the season, they look ahead to the match against Nottingham Forest on Saturday and we hear from Natasha from Trinidad & Tobago in the latest instalment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’.Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 4-1 win away to Portsmouth on Sunday. The panel reflect on Marli Salmon becoming the youngest player to represent the club in the FA Cup, Gabriel Martinelli responding to a difficult week with his first career hat-trick, Mikel Merino’s performance in the holding midfield role, Ethan Nwaneri’s encouraging display, Kai Havertz’s return from injury and Madueke’s eventful outing.Plus, they talk about Bukayo Saka’s new contract with Arsenal and look ahead to Arsenal’s match away to Chelsea in the semi-final first leg of the Carabao CupProducer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adrian Clarke and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 0-0 draw at home to Liverpool on Thursday night. The panel reflect on whether Arsenal lacked bravery in a disappointing performance, losing control in midfield in the second half, Gyokeres’ ineffective showing, the atmosphere in the ground, the lack of urgency to win the game, the Martinelli incident during stoppage time and the media response to it.Plus, they look ahead to Arsenal’s match against Portsmouth in the FA Cup on Sunday, we hear from Stephen in Belfast for another instalment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’ and David Ornstein gives us the details on Bukayo Saka’s new 5 year contract.Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amy Lawrence and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 3-2 victory away to Bournemouth on Saturday. The panel reflect on the teams’s ability to get tight victories over the line, players improving since arriving at Arsenal, the midfield fluidity, Zubimendi’s impressive season so far, Odegaard hitting top form, Gabriel’s atonement for his early mistake, and Rice’s new chant following his player of the match performance.Plus, they look ahead to Arsenal’s match against Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on Thursday night and react to Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.