Handbrake Off: The Athletic FC's Arsenal show

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Newcastle at the Emirates. The result all-but guarantees second place, barring an unprecedented defeat at Southampton. The panel discuss Declan Rice and David Raya's performances, and why both players in the running for player of the season. They give Myles Lewis-Skelly, Riccardo Calafiori, Jakub Kiwior and Ben White their flowers after all four thoroughly impressed on Sunday afternoon, a back line nobody would have expected to see play together at the start of the season. Plus hypocritical Howe & Tindall, a welcome return for Kai Havertz, goodbye Tierney and Jorginho, and why securing second place is important for this group. Produced by Jay Beale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal play their penultimate game of the season against Newcastle on Sunday in a bid to secure second place this season. Art de Roché and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to look ahead to the match. They discuss the injury concerns going into the game, the lack of midfield options and a potential start up front for Gabriel Martinelli. Plus Arsenal’s open training session this week and potential upcoming transfers. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 2-2 comeback at Anfield, after being 2-0 down at half time. Despite turning the game around, Mikel Arteta was seething at full time. The panel discuss the manager's comments, after what has been an emotional week for everyone involved at the club. Unlike the Arsenal of old, the second half performance was a reminder of the character and resilience within this current side. Plus Trent Alexander-Arnold booed, Alessia Russo wins WFA player of the year, and the missing piece to Arteta's Arsenal. Produced by Jay Beale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal exit the Champions League after a tough night losing 2-1 (3-1 agg) to an elite PSG side. Adrian Clarke and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to reflect on a game where Arsenal played really well in the Parc des Princes but couldn't capitalise on their chances. Hear the team speak about those Donnarumma saves, the missed chances, and how Arsenal can build on this going forward. Amy Lawrence drops in to share her thoughts too. Plus we look ahead to Arsenal’s match against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was another disappointing result for Arsenal in the Premier League as they lost 2-1 to Bournemouth. Art de Roché and Jordan Campbell join Ian Stone to reflect on a strange game where both players and the fans possibly had their attention on the big Champions League game to come. Plus, we get excited for the huge second leg against PSG in the Champions League on Wednesday and how Arsenal could overturn the 1-0 deficit. All that and there's the Saliba to Real Madrid rumours and the manager head to head between Jack Wilshere vs. Aaron Ramsey are touched on. Producer: Robby Williams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was another disappointing result for Arsenal in the Premier League as they lost 2-1 to Bournemouth. Art de Roché and Jordan Campbell join Ian Stone to reflect on a strange game where both players and the fans possibly had their attention on the big Champions League game to come. Plus, we get excited for the huge second leg against PSG in the Champions League on Wednesday and how Arsenal could overturn the 1-0 deficit. All that and there's the Saliba to Real Madrid rumours and the manager head to head between Jack Wilshere vs. Aaron Ramsey are touched on. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a tough night for Arsenal on Tuesday, losing 1-0 at the Emirates in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final to an excellent PSG side. Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to reflect on the game, finding the positives in a disappointing performance that the team will look to take into the second leg in Paris. The significance of Partey’s suspension, Odegaard’s continued lack of form, and Declan Rice’s all round improvements this season are also discussed. Plus a look ahead to Arsenal’s match against Bournemouth on Saturday where Mikel Arteta’s side are looking to get back to winning ways in the Premier League. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adrian Clarke and French football specialist Tom Williams join Ian Stone to preview Arsenal's Champions League semi-final against PSG. Arsenal ran out convincing winners when these teams met back in October, but the French side have evolved drastically since that night. The panel discuss how both teams have changed, where each will look to hurt each other, and predict the XI's Mikel Arteta and Luis Enrique will go for. Plus Art de Roché drops by to talk about Arsenal's sensational comeback in the Women's Champions League, winning 4-1 in Lyon to book a place in the final. Produced by Jay Beale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal had one of their more forgettable evenings of the season as they had drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace, Arsenal’s 13th draw of the season. Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to reflect on a disappointing game and performance with both teams possibly distracted by bigger games to come. They speak about the recent errors by Saliba despite being imperious otherwise, and the positives from the match, particularly Jakub Kiwior, Leandro Trossard and the confidence of Myles Lewis-Skelly. Plus, the transfer news regarding Zubimendi and Dean Huijsen, the Gunners for Peace campaign against club’s ‘Visit Rwanda’ sponsorship, and we touch on the huge game we have coming up against PSG. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adrian Clarke and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's demolition of Ipswich at Portman Road. Mikel Arteta opted for a strong side, the panel discuss why rhythm and momentum is as important as rest in the lead up to Arsenal's Champions League semi final. Leandro Trossard got the nod up front scoring a brace, the Belgian dovetailed beautifully with Mikel Merino who was deployed in a midfield role. With Thomas Partey suspended for the first leg against PSG, was this perhaps an indication of Arteta’s plans in the Champions League? After his heroics in Madrid, Gabriel Martinelli was on the scoresheet again — his 50th goal for the club — while Ben White returned to the starting XI, completing the trio of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, who hadn't started together since November. With two goals coming from short corners, and 16 being taken across the Brentford and Ipswich games, has Nicolas Jover added some variety to Arsenal's set piece routines? The panel also reflect on Arsenal's 2-1 defeat to Lyon in the Women's Champions League, and look ahead to Crystal Palace's midweek visit in the Premier League. Produced by Jay Beale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal dominated Real Madrid to deservedly win 2-1 at the Bernabeu, dumping the holders out of the Champions League and marching on to the semi-finals. Hear what it was like in Madrid from Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas, as Art de Roche and Ian Stone reflect on a monumental night for Arsenal - we even managed to get Adrian Clarke away from the snooker to send over his thoughts too. We talk about the team’s immense performances, the incredible job Mikel Arteta has done in building this team and back to back MOTM performances from Declan Rice. Plus, reflections on Bukayo Saka’s iconic Bernabeu goal, another outstanding performance from Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jakub Kiwior’s stellar defending and our make-shift No.9 Mikel Merino with two fantastic assists. Oh, and yes, we look ahead to Ipswich at the weekend. Warning: strong language and scenes of jubilation throughout this show Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal dominated Real Madrid to deservedly win 2-1 at the Bernabeu, dumping the holders out of the Champions League and marching on to the semi-finals. Hear what it was like in Madrid from Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas, as Art de Roche and Ian Stone reflect on a monumental night for Arsenal - we even managed to get Adrian Clarke away from the snooker to send over his thoughts too. We talk about the team’s immense performances, the incredible job Mikel Arteta has done in building this team and back to back MOTM performances from Declan Rice. Plus, reflections on Bukayo Saka’s iconic Bernabeu goal, another outstanding performance from Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jakub Kiwior’s stellar defending and our make-shift No.9 Mikel Merino with two fantastic assists. Oh, and yes, we look ahead to Ipswich at the weekend. Producer: Robby Williams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adrian Clarke and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to preview Arsenal's Champions League quarter final second leg against Real Madrid, in which the Gunners lead 3-0 on aggregate. The panel touch on Saturday's 1-1 draw against Brentford - in which Mikel Arteta made five changes to his starting XI - before turning their attention to Wednesday's tie. The magnitude of the fixture, how Arteta should approach the game, and how Arsenal are becoming devastating in transition are all discussed and more. Produced by Jay Beale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tuesday saw a historic night at the Emirates as Arsenal emphatically defeated European giants Real Madrid 3-0 in the Champions League. Amy Lawrence, James McNicholas and Art de Roche join Ian Stone to reflect on what was possibly the greatest match of the Emirates era. We talk about the entire team’s incredible performances — but one man in particular — MOTM Declan Rice and those out of this world free-kicks. Plus, reflections on the wonderful job that Mikel Arteta has done to get us to this point, Bukayo Saka’s tireless contributions, the ever-impressive Myles Lewis-Skelly, and our make-shift No.9 Mikel Merino amongst the goals yet again. Producer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adrian Clarke and Art de Roché join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal's 1-1 draw at Goodison Park and look ahead to Real Madrid's visit in the Champions League. Ben White returned to the starting XI against Everton, the panel discuss his importance ahead of Tuesday's tie and ask whether Bukayo Saka is ready to start. Plus we talk Gabriel Martinelli's potential against Real Madrid's high line, the battle in midfield that see's Martin Odegaard face his old club and should Mikel Merino lead the line up front? Produced by Jay Beale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.