Handbrake Off: The Athletic FC's Arsenal show

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 1-0 victory over London rivals Chelsea. Our makeshift forward Mikel Merino was the difference, as Arsenal got back on the scoresheet via a set piece for the first time since January. The panel give Jurrien Timber his flowers, talk about the petulance on display from some of Chelsea's players and discuss Martinelli's return to th...

Ian Stone is joined by James McNicholas and Art de Roché to discuss Arsenal’s incoming Sporting Director Andrea Berta, including how they feel about him joining the club and the challenges he’ll have to tackle in his new role.  The Athletic’s David Ornstein drops by to give us the details behind the appointment and we also hear from Spanish football writer Dermot Corrigan on Berta’s time at Atleti...

It was yet another maddening trip to Old Trafford for Arsenal on Sunday, playing out a disappointing 1-1 draw. Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on a frustrating game but excellent performances from both David Raya and Declan Rice. The panel also touch on Arsenal’s new Sporting Director Andrea Berta, reflect on 200 games for Arteta and speak to Martin Keown ahead of Wednesda...

On Tuesday night, Arsenal became the first team in Champions League history to score seven goals away from home in a knockout stage match after they destroyed PSV Eindhoven 7-1 to all but book their place in the Champions League quarter finals. Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on a historic night including the performances of our Hale End teenagers, Odegaard’s return to for...

How much are football perceptions coloured by age? To what extent is the football experience consumed and digested differently according to how new or old you are to the game? These questions came up when one of our Arsenal correspondents, Art De Roché, had what he described as an “existential” conversation with his friend in the wake of the week which virtually extinguished hopes of a Premier Lea...

On Wednesday night, the gap to Liverpool increased to 13 points as Arsenal drew 0-0 to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.   Art de Roché and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to reflect on the game including the team’s struggles in front of goal, Calafiori’s eventful first half and Ødegaard’s continued lack of form.  Plus, the importance of luck, and a discussion around Mikel Arteta’s changing st...

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on where Arsenal's defeat to West Ham leaves them. Post match Mikel Arteta said his side were 'nowhere near the level to challenge', the panel ask the question as to why. Is there a formula to beating this Arsenal side that managers such as Potter, Howe and Emery have cracked? Why are Arsenal struggling to create chances and what needs to ch...

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...