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

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

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

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

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’.

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

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

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