Advertise on podcast: Handbrake Off: The Athletic FC's Arsenal show

Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to discuss all things Arsenal and look ahead to the match against Newcastle this weekend. The panel reflect on the finance regulations in the Premier League, the rule-bending by clubs to boost their finances, the divisions forming in the Arsenal fanbase and Bukayo Saka’s importance in light of his injury. Plus, they respond to listener messages and look ahead to the run-in. 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=62f2d7c1c10045ac Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6P 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 2-1 loss away to Manchester City on Sunday.  The panel reflect on the positive performance despite the loss, feeling encouraged for the run-in, the improved balance of the starting eleven, the impact of missing the first choice starters on the right hand side, the lack of consistency in attack this season, the decision to take off Eze, recognising what Arsenal are up against in Manchester City and this team doing a lot right despite having fallen short in the last few title races.  Plus, they pay tribute to Alex Manninger 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=62f2d7c1c10045ac Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6P 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 0-0 draw at home to Sporting CP in the quarter-final second leg on Wednesday, which saw Arsenal through to the semi-finals. The panel reflect on the historic achievement of consecutive Champions League semi-finals for the first time in the club’s history, the need to cut through the negative discourse surrounding Arsenal, imploring fans to ignore outside noise, looking at the context surrounding Arsenal’s current circumstances and there’s praise for Zubimendi, Hincapie & Martinelli for their performances.   Plus, they look ahead to Manchester City on Sunday, respond to some listener messages, and we hear from Jack in Canada 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 2-1 loss at home to Bournemouth on Saturday. The panel reflect on the disappointing overall performance, the lack of energy, if this result had been coming, the problems in the attack, tactical changes that could be made going forward, the need to be less risk averse and calling for a siege mentality amid the noise around the club. Plus, they look ahead to Sporting CP in the quarter final second leg of 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=62f2d7c1c10045ac Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6P Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Art de Roché and Nnamdi Onyeagwara, making his Handbrake Off debut, join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 1-0 win away to Sporting CP in the quarter-final first leg of the Champions League on Tuesday. The panel reflect on the impressive result, a controlled away performance, David Raya potentially being Arsenal’s player of the year after another outstanding display, squad depth as the finishers combined for the winner, the players not looking nervous despite the fans understandably feeling so, the attacking play needing to be more adventurous and whether fatigue is impacting it.  Plus, we hear from James McNicholas and Amy Lawrence out in Lisbon, look ahead to Bournemouth on Saturday, respond to some listener messages and we hear from Andre in Sydney, Australia 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=62f2d7c1c10045ac Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6P Producer: 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 2-1 defeat to Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final on Saturday. The panel reflect on how they’re feeling about the result, how well Southampton played, Dowman’s excellent performance, needing to improve managing the momentum swings in matches, some of the squad players not being at the standard required, Odegaard’s promising return from injury and their optimism for the run-in despite this result.  Plus, they respond to some listener messages and look ahead to the quarter-final first leg against Sporting CP in the Champions League on Tuesday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Art de Roché and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss all things Arsenal and look ahead to the match against Southampton in the FA Cup this weekend. The panel reflect on 11 Arsenal players withdrawing from international duty, the outside noise around this, Ben White being booed on his England return, contributing factors to Saka’s less impactful season so far, and what Odegaard can bring to the team as he nears a return from injury. Plus, they look ahead to the run-in, Southampton in the FA Cup on Saturday, we hear from Phoebe in Hong Kong in this week’s instalment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’ and they pay tribute to David Rocastle on the 25th anniversary of his passing. 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=62f2d7c1c10045ac Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6P Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Art de Roché and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss all things Arsenal and dip into the customary mailbag for the final international break of the season. The panel reflect on Arsenal’s 3-1 win in the UWCL quarter-final first leg, Eze’s calf injury keeping him out for a month, solutions to help Saka find his best form, Odegaard’s expected return from injury and Ben White’s call up to the England Squad.  Plus, they answer some listener questions and we hear from Abhinav in India 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=62f2d7c1c10045ac Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6P 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 2-0 defeat against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday The panel reflect on the issues which resulted in a poor second half display, the knock on effects of missing key players through injury, whether the sentimental decision to choose Kepa over Raya was a mistake, the majority of Arsenal’s players underperforming, Saka’s drop off in form and the errors that lead to the goals conceded.  Plus, they discuss how the team can learn from this loss and find the courage to be more assertive in big games, before looking ahead to the opportunities the international break presents for Arteta, the Arsenal players and the fans. 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=62f2d7c1c10045ac Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6P Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of the Carabao Cup final, Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus sits down with The Athletic FC for an exclusive interview.  In conversation with Mario Cortegana Santos and Jack Lang, they get into how his move to Arsenal came about, the team’s mentality after three consecutive 2nd places finishes and how they’re coping with the current title race.  Plus, the narrative around set pieces, the differences between Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta, his love for R9 and much more. Hosts: Mario Cortegana Santos & Jack Lang Guest: Gabriel Jesus Exec Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 2-0 win against Bayer Leverkusen at Emirates stadium on Tuesday.  The panel reflect on the arrival of springtime Eze with his rocket of a strike, his improved defensive work, the attack looking more fluid, David Raya’s continued excellence, Ben White’s positive return to the starting lineup, Gyokeres’s strong all-round display and how lucky Arsenal are to have Declan Rice following another great performance and an even better goal.  Plus, they look ahead to the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City on Sunday, respond to some listener messages and we hear from James in New Zealand 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=62f2d7c1c10045ac Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6P 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 2-0 win against Everton at Emirates stadium on Saturday.  The panel reflect on Max Dowman’s magic moment, whether it could be pivotal in the title race, what it means to the Dowman family, his performance overall, the celebrations around the stadium at the final whistle, their favourite moments from the match, how difficult Everton made the game, Mikel Arteta’s improvement as a manager, the togetherness of the squad, and there’s a shoutout for ex-Arsenal defender Konstantinos Mavropanos.  Plus, they look ahead to the match against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday 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=62f2d7c1c10045ac Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6P 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 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=62f2d7c1c10045ac Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6P 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 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=62f2d7c1c10045ac Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6P Producer: 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=62f2d7c1c10045ac Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.