

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

Feb 23, 2026 • 42min
Eze & Spurs: A match made in heaven
A lively breakdown of Arsenal’s 4-1 win at Tottenham and what it means for the title race. Conversation on player bounce-back and the squad’s mental resilience after a dip in form. Deep dives into Saka, Eze and attacking link play and how movement freed up chances. Notes on Rash-saving goalkeeping, substitutes who changed the game, and reactions to refereeing moments.

11 snips
Feb 19, 2026 • 41min
Is it happening again?
They dissect a nervy 2-2 draw and the fear and pressure bubbling inside the squad. Conversation covers a lack of attacking cohesion and whether controlled tactics are stifling creativity. They question if the team lacks true game changers and replay the defensive error that cost a point. The show also previews the upcoming North London Derby and debates safe standing and ticket concerns.

Feb 16, 2026 • 35min
Stress free as Arsenal batter Wigan
A lively recap of a dominant 4-0 cup win and why squad depth made the result feel inevitable. Conversation about Martinelli’s mission-like energy and a new midfield role for Saka. Praise for Eze’s creative control and Norgaard’s calming leadership on the pitch. Thoughts on goalkeeper moments, young pros earning minutes, and a quick look ahead to the tough trip to Wolves.

18 snips
Feb 13, 2026 • 40min
Arsenal get ‘Arsenaled' at Brentford
A lively breakdown of Arsenal’s 1-1 draw at Brentford and whether it felt like a point gained or two lost. They pick apart a poor first half, risk-averse tactics, and defensive lapses around set pieces. Discussions cover Raya’s redemption, Madueke’s towering header, concerns over Saka and Timber fitness, and hopes for rotation ahead of the FA Cup tie.

Feb 9, 2026 • 32min
What can’t Martin Zubimendi do?
A lively breakdown of Arsenal’s 3-0 win, focusing on tactical variety and why long-range shots worked. A deep dive into Martin Zubimendi’s growing role and his telepathic link with Declan Rice. Analysis of the Havertz–Jõkeres front partnership and the timing of substitutions, plus praise for Raya’s defensive reliability and a forward-looking preview of the Brentford test.

Feb 4, 2026 • 47min
Kai Havertz scores again...
They relive a stoppage-time winner that sent Arsenal to Wembley and the frantic deadline-writing that followed. The panel praise a stubborn defensive display and argue over who should start in goal for the final. They debate a disputed late penalty, mull the importance of the cup, and share fan-made chants and injury updates ahead of the Sunderland match.

Feb 2, 2026 • 41min
What a difference a week makes
A lively recap of a dominant 4-0 win and how the team bounced back after a rough week. Tactical debate over a surprise midfield selection and corner routines. Praise for aerial threat and a forward who rediscovered his finishing. Preview of a cup semi against a big rival and updates on youth progress and a dramatic women's extra-time victory.

12 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 47min
8 wins from 8 as Arsenal top UCL league phase
They unpack Arsenal’s 3-2 win and the significance of going 8 wins from 8 in the UCL group stage. The panel praise Gabriel Martinelli’s direct impact and discuss Kai Havertz’s promising return to the starting lineup. They debate Arteta’s call to embrace the run, the challenge for creative players to settle, and weigh up likely knockout opponents ahead.

Jan 26, 2026 • 37min
Is this really the end of the world?
They unpack Arsenal’s 3-2 loss to Manchester United and ask if one result truly signals disaster. Tactical tweaks and formation changes are debated, especially fullback roles and substitution choices. The panel weighs dressing-room dynamics, fatigue and mindset against historical turnarounds. Fans, squad rotation and ways to spark attacking magic are discussed as routes back to form.

Jan 21, 2026 • 44min
Jesus brace sinks Inter at San Siro
In this episode, Amy Lawrence, a seasoned football journalist for The Athletic, shares her insights from Arsenal's thrilling 3-1 victory at San Siro. The conversation highlights Gabriel Jesus's standout performance with two goals and his leadership on the pitch. The panel discusses the tactical advantages Arsenal found in European play, the impressive squad depth showcased by Mosquera's return, and Bukayo Saka's rising status as one of Europe's best right wingers. They also preview the upcoming showdown against Manchester United.


