• The World Cup of underrated Arsenal players
    Jun 23 2025

    Who is the most underrated player in Arsenal's recent history?


    Ian Stone is joined by Amy Lawrence, Adrian Clarke and James McNicholas for a special Handbrake Off, in which the panel attempt to pick the player who has done the most for the club with the least fanfare.


    Ian, Amy, Adrian, James and The Athletic’s Art de Roché gave producer Jay names of the Arsenal players they believe should be in the conversation. The only names they were aware of pre-recording were those they submitted individually. The players were drawn out of a hat in knockout competition style, going up against each other head to head being put to a vote each time.


    Listen to find out who the team crowned as their underrated champion, and let us know in the comments below who your choice would be.


    Produced by Jay Beale.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • Carlos Cuesta leaving, Next Season’s fixtures, Mailbag
    Jun 18 2025

    Adrian Clarke and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to talk all things Arsenal; including Arteta’s Assistant Carlos Cuesta leaving the club to become Parma Manager and what that means for Arsenal, the release of next season’s fixtures and our tough start to the campaign, an update on Ethan Nwaneri at the U21 Euros with England and some transfer rumours. Plus we answer your questions in the latest handbrake Mailbag.


    Produced by Robby Williams.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • Zubimendi latest, Nwaneri interview, Mailbag
    Jun 10 2025

    Adrian Clarke and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to talk all things Arsenal; including the latest on Martin Zubimendi's arrival, the interest in Kepa Arrizabalaga and what it would mean for David Raya, Gabriel Magalhães' new contract, and how Ethan Nwaneri is feeling ahead of next season after speaking to Art at St George's Park.


    Plus we answer your questions in the latest mandbrake Mailbag.


    Produced by Jay Beale.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • Arsenal through the generations: Sesko vs Gyokeres
    Jun 5 2025

    Welcome to this special edition of Handbrake Off where the multi-generational crew have decided to reconvene to see if they can reach the kind of consensus Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta need on the hot topic of a new striker for Arsenal.


    Amy Lawrence is joined by our range of Arsenal fans from across the years. Arthur, The Athletic’s resident teen, Handbrake's Art de Roché, and Richard, our most mature (legendary) supporter.


    So, the key dilemma that is keeping Arsenal fans from sleeping soundly is to Sesko or to Gyokeres, that is the question. The drip drip of whispers and hunches, breaking developments about concrete talk - god forbid any talk should be non-concrete - is already getting irritating.


    The panel discuss the options, with the aim of agreeing on who they would choose if they were Arsenal’s new sporting director.


    Produced by Jay Beale.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • What would Martin Zubimendi bring to Arsenal?
    Jun 2 2025

    Adrian Clarke and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to discuss the potential arrival of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad and what it could mean for Arsenal's midfield.


    The Spanish midfielder is expected to be Mikel Arteta's first signing of the summer, with a £51m deal reportedly in it's final stages. The panel discuss his best qualities and why he’d be a great fit – including where he’d slot into the side and how he’d benefit those around him. We also hear from The Athletic's data writer Thom Harris and tactics writer Liam Tharme with their takes on what his arrival could mean for the club.


    Plus, PSG's performance in the Champions League final and the guys pick their favourite Arsenal shirts of all time.


    To give feedback on the show, please head to: https://forms.gle/LgZJu5hvMFQqUb7r5


    Produced by Jay Beale.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • End of Season Awards: Part Two
    May 28 2025

    James McNicholas and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to continue the chat around Arsenal's magnificent triumph in the Women's Champions League and we hear from Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Steph Catley at the trophy celebration.


    James and Art have their say on our end of season awards, choosing the goals, moments and players they think were unlucky to miss out on Monday's show and talk Max Dowman after another impressive display for England's U17's.


    Plus, we answer your questions on transfers, tactics, and how many sheep you could realistically fight at once. All that and plenty more!


    Produced by Jay Beale.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
  • Arsenal win UWCL & End of Season Awards: Part One
    May 26 2025

    Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Barcelona in Lisbon, to secure the clubs second Women's Champions League 18 years on from the first.


    Stina Blackstenius was the hero, scoring the winner just seven minutes after coming off the bench. The panel discuss Renee Slegers impact since becoming manager back in October, including her connection with the squad and how she's improved them tactically.


    We hear from Blackstenius, Beth Mead and Chloe Kelly speaking to The Athletic's Charlotte Harpur post game, and Art de Roché drops by to give his thoughts on a brave and intelligent performance.


    Amy and Adrian make a start on our end of season awards for the men's side, looking back at the highlights and lowlights of the campaign, choosing their player of the season, goal of the season, moment they wished could be different plus many, many more.


    We'll be back on Wednesday with James and Art to talk more about the women's monumental triumph, continue the awards and answer your questions, you can email us at handbrake@theathletic.com.


    Produced by Jay Beale.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Looking ahead to Southampton and a busy summer
    May 22 2025

    Arsenal play their final game of the season against Southampton on Sunday with 2nd place all but secured. Art de Roché and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to look ahead to the match.


    They discuss Hale End prospect Max Dowman’s performance for England U17s, the individual moment’s of brilliance we’ve experienced this season and the need for more next campaign.


    Plus Arsenal's potential transfers this summer and praising the players who look set to leave.


    Produced by Robby Williams.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    48 mins