Handbrake Off: The Athletic FC's Arsenal show

This week, Arsenal were fined £65,000 over the players’ reaction to Myles Lewis-Skelly's (wrongly awarded) red card at Wolves.  Adrian Clarke and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to reflect on this news, and discuss the squad’s adaptability in the face of numerous challenges this season.  Plus, we talk Takehiro Tomiyasu’s knee surgery, a club record level of revenue, and look ahead to Saturday’s ga...

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 2-0 victory against Leicester City at the King Power. Mikel Merino was deployed as an emergency striker off the bench, scoring both goals. The panel discuss whether he is the short term solution to Arsenal's forward line injury crisis? Plus, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly on fire yet again and a Sunday to remember in the W...

Arsenal have returned from their warm weather training camp in Dubai with the news that Kai Havertz will miss the remainder of the season with a hamstring tear.  Art de Roché and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to talk potential solutions and reflect on what the news means for Arsenal’s trophy hopes.   Plus they look ahead to Saturday’s game against Leicester City, and answer more of your question...

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss the tone of coverage around Myles Lewis-Skelly over the past week. The panel reflect on a difference in framing when it comes to black players, referencing Ian Wright's recent comments on the lack of care and awareness around the subject. Plus we make a start answering your questions in the first part of this week's mailbag. Produced by Jay...

On Wednesday night, Arsenal were knocked out of the Carabao Cup after losing 2-0 to Newcastle in the semi-final second leg at St James' Park.  Art de Roché and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to reflect on a disappointing evening and semi-final in general. With three defeats against The Magpies already this season, Newcastle seem to have our number and Alexander Isak has displayed exactly what we'...

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 5-1 rout over Manchester City. If there was anyone who didn’t know who Myles Lewis-Skelly was before this game, they certainly know now. It was a perfect afternoon for Arsenal and Hale End as Ethan Nwaneri put the icing on the cake, scoring what is becoming a trademark goal. The panel discuss the momentum and belief this perform...

Arsenal are through to the round of 16 in the Champions League following their 2-1 win against Girona on Wednesday Night.  Art de Roché and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on the game, marveling at the incredible performance of Ethan Nwaneri on his Champions League Debut, announcing himself on the European stage. Neto's Arsenal debut and Sterling's performance are also discussed.   Plus we...

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on another ludicrous red card for Arsenal, as Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off in Saturday's 1-0 victory at Molineux. Is the way PGMOL is being operated the best practice for the Premier League? The panel also talk spirit and professionalism, as unlike Arsenal’s previous three red cards this season, they found a way to win thanks to a beautif...

Arsenal are all but through to the round of 16 in the Champions League following their 3-0 win against Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday Night.  Art de Roché and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to reflect on the game. There’s praise for Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri. We discussed the performances of the rotated squad players and there's a mention for Nathan Butler-Oyedeji...

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 2-2 draw against Aston Villa, in which the Gunners threw away a two goal lead. The panel discuss the familiar issues of a lack of personnel to call upon and a lack of focus when in front. With the Champions League returning on Wednesday, does Mikel Arteta need to find a solution at right back after William Saliba was added to th...

As North London Forever rung out around the ground at FT, the party was in full swing after Arsenal completed the double over Spurs winning 2-1 at the Emirates. Ian Stone is joined by James McNicholas and Art De Roche to reflect on the game. There's praise for Myles Lewis Skelly, Gabriel and Declan Rice, questions over the forward line, but mostly just laughs at remaining top in North London. Plus...

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on a nightmare week for Arteta and Arsenal, losing 2-0 to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi final first leg before being dumped out the FA Cup by Manchester United on penalties. After scoring just one goal from 49 shots across the two fixtures, has Arsenal's failure to sign a striker caught up with them? Gabriel Jesus was stretchered off wit...

Adrian Clarke and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to reflect on a devastating defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg. Alexander Isak showed Arsenal what they're missing, as the Gunners failed to find the net in 23 attempts. The panel discuss whether Mikel Arteta has enough clinical players at his disposal, and consider how he can get Arsenal firing again with the fixtures coming t...

Ian Stone is joined by Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke to discuss the 1-1 draw away at Brighton on Saturday. Ethan Nwaneri started again and scored the opening goal but came off at half time with a muscular injury as Arsenal's depleted squad is stretched further yet. The panel discuss the penalty decision after João Pedro was deemed to have been fouled by William Saliba as the two clashed heads in...

Art De Roche and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's first game of 2025, a 3-1 away win at Brentford. Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli were back amongst the goals as Arsenal came back from 1-0 down to win amidst a sickness bug in the squad. Ethan Nwaneri was arguably the story of the game though, the 17 year old made his first Premier League start and was involved in 2 of t...

James McNicholas and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 5-1 victory at Selhurst Park. It was the second time this week the Gunners have beaten Palace, with Gabriel Jesus on fire again. It would have been a perfect evening but for Bukayo Saka's hamstring injury that forced him off in the first half. The panel discuss Mikel Arteta's options in Bukayo's absence, as we head into the...

James McNicholas and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to look back on a Cup win against Crystal Palace. Gabriel Jesus owned the night scoring a hattrick to send Arsenal through to the semi finals of the Carabao Cup. After a terrible first half, Arteta brought on Martin Odegaard who ignited the match and brought it under Arsenal's control. Plus it's been five years since Mikel Arteta took the reins at...

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal’s disappointing 0-0 draw at home to Everton.  It was the second week in a row that the Gunners have dropped points in the Premier League, the panel analyse where things are going wrong this season.  Has Mikel Arteta become too risk averse in his approach? Have Arsenal lost the variance in their attacking play? Are enough players c...

Ian Stone is joined by James McNicholas and Art de Roché to reflect on a satisfying 3-0 win over AS Monaco at The Emirates. The panel discuss a very impressive first Champions League start for Myles Lewis-Skelly and an improved showing from Gabriel Jesus up front. Plus a look ahead to Arsenal’s home game against Everton on Saturday in the Premier League. Produced by Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast....

Ian Stone is joined by Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke to reflect on a disappointing draw at Fulham in the West London wind. The panel discuss whether Arsenal create enough and if they have enough attacking depth after a frustrating game where they dominated possession but lacked killer instinct. Plus a look ahead to Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday with Mikel's side in a great position...

James McNicholas and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Manchester United. Set pieces stole the show yet again as Arsenal managed to score from two corners without Gabriel Magallhães on the pitch. The panel discuss our set piece supremacy, how Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko came into the Arsenal back line and were part of a very composed defensive performanc...

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's bonkers 5-2 victory over West Ham. It was the second season in a row that Mikel Arteta's side took The Hammers apart at the London Stadium, with Bukayo Saka heavily involved yet again. The panel discuss unsung hero Kai Havertz, the unstoppable Gabriel Magalhães, and look ahead to Manchester United's visit on Wednesday. Produced...

Ian Stone is joined by Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke to discuss Arsenal's 5-1 away win in Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League. Sporting hadn't lost at home for 18 months and Arsenal blew them away with five different goalscorers in a dazzling display. The right hand side was dominant as Bukayo Saka scored and assisted and Gabriel scored his first Champions League goal to cap off a great defen...

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. Martin Odegaard's influence was on show as Mikel Arteta's side looked back to their fluid best, a performance Arsène would've been proud of. The panel discuss the partnership between our captain and Bukayo Saka, with shades of Robert Pires and Thierry Henry. Plus, another incredible cameo from...

Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to look ahead to Arsenal’s home game against Nottingham Forest. We also talk about the news that Patrick Vieira is the new manager of Italian side Genoa, and we wonder if this a step on the road towards the dugout at Arsenal for our former captain.  We then answer more of your questions about how the club are faring recruiting youth players and if t...