Share

cover art for Is it happening again?

Handbrake Off: The Athletic FC's Arsenal show

Is it happening again?

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=62f2d7c1c10045ac


Producer: Robby Williams

More episodes

View all episodes

  • Stress free as Arsenal batter Wigan

    35:27|
    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
  • Arsenal get ‘Arsenaled' at Brentford

    39:42|
    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
  • What can’t Martin Zubimendi do?

    31:53|
    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
  • Kai Havertz scores again...

    47:16|
    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
  • What a difference a week makes

    40:30|
    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
  • 8 wins from 8 as Arsenal top UCL league phase

    46:43|
    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
  • Is this really the end of the world?

    37:20|
    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.
  • Jesus brace sinks Inter at San Siro

    44:27|
    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