Handbrake Off: The Athletic FC's Arsenal show

Discussion on Eberechi Eze’s calf injury and how Arsenal might reshuffle midfield without him. Debate over using Bukayo Saka centrally and alternative roles for Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard. Conversation about Ben White’s England recall and player minutes management to reduce injury risk. Touches on Arsenal Women’s UWCL win, Wembley performance concerns, transfer targets and light music picks.

They unpack Arsenal’s defeat in the Carabao Cup final and the narrative of the League Cup jinx. Selection choices and the Kepa versus Raya decision get a heated debate. Tactical breakdowns show why City dominated the second half. Injuries, Saka’s dip in form and how the squad can use the international break for a reset are all discussed.

Gabriel Jesus, Brazilian forward for Arsenal and Brazil known for his versatility and previous success at Manchester City. He discusses Arteta’s role in signing him and the club’s evolving winning mentality. He compares Arteta and Guardiola, reveals dressing-room chemistry and leadership, and talks set-piece work, coping with pressure and his World Cup ambitions.

They unpack Eberechi Eze’s thunderbolt and his improved defensive work. Declan Rice’s dominant display and that standout goal get plenty of praise. David Raya’s key saves and goalkeeper selection for Wembley provoke debate. Ben White’s return, Gyokeres’s all-round showing and Champions League travel plans also feature.

They relive Max Dowman’s stoppage-time magic and the stadium celebration that followed. Conversation hits Gabriel’s defensive heroics, tense moments when Everton made life hard, and Arteta’s tactical growth and player care. The panel praises squad togetherness and previews the tough Leverkusen tie ahead.

A spirited post-match breakdown of Arsenal’s 1-1 trip to Leverkusen. They debate whether the team’s attack lacks improvisation and probe fatigue from a congested English schedule. Set-piece errors and defensive lessons get scrutiny. The panel previews the upcoming Everton tie, weighs tactical pivots in midfield, and shares fan stories and song selections.

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.

Discussion of Arsenal’s pragmatic 1-0 win at Brighton and why fans should celebrate gritty results. Praise for standout defensive displays and Hincapie’s growth. Concerns about Rice and Zubimendi’s heavy minutes and the hole left by missing Merino and Odegaard. Reflections on past hard seasons, the away-end drama after City’s draw, and an FA Cup trip to Mansfield.

A tense match recap that zeroes in on nervy late moments and defensive drama. Debate over midfield fatigue and whether rotation or a deeper Odegaard could steady the team. Praise for a match-winning goalkeeper display and a breakout left-back performance. Quick takes on tactical trends, squad selection for the next trip, Champions League draw reaction, and fan messages.

A lively preview of the Chelsea trip and the tactical selection dilemmas facing the team. Conversations about handling end‑of‑season nerves and sustaining momentum after a big win. Debate over attacking balance and Viktor Gyokeres’s improved form. Listener stories about derby celebrations and travel mishaps add fan color.