Handbrake Off: The Athletic FC's Arsenal show

The long awaited return of Bukayo Saka took place as Arsenal saw off Fulham 2-1 at the Emirates on Tuesday night. James McNicholas and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to reflect on the win, Bukayo's return and winning goal, Gabriel’s injury and excellent performances from both Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino. We also reflect on the life and career of Arsenal legends David Rocastle and Kevin Campbell and we look ahead to the final ever game against Everton at Goodison on Saturday. Producer: Robby Williams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a special episode of The Athletic’s Arsenal podcast, Handbrake Off, in honour of a much loved Arsenal great Kevin Campbell. Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke are joined by a quartet of legends. Alan Smith twice won the golden boot as the best goalscorer in England as well as delivering Arsenal’s last European trophy. Lee Dixon played a phenomenal 619 games for the club over 15 years of service. Paul Davis holds a special place in the hearts of Black Arsenal as a trailblazer, and masterful midfielder. Andy Cole came through the club’s youth system at a similar time to Kevin, before leaving for a hugely successful career elsewhere, particularly at Newcastle and Man United. The panel reflect on Kevin's legacy, a champion of a wonderful and very important generation of young black players at Arsenal. Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri's rise to the first team, comparisons between George Graham and Mikel Arteta, and Arsenal's 31 year wait for a European trophy are also discussed. Produced by Jay Beale. With thanks to the Kevin Campbell Foundation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arsenal Women are through to Champions League Semi-finals after an incredible comeback against Real Madrid, and the final men’s international break of the season is over. Ian Stone is joined by James McNicholas and Adrian Clarke to reflect on a marvellous night for Arsenal in the UWCL and discuss the performances of the men’s players on international duty. Plus, they look ahead to the Fulham at The Emirates next Tuesday and touch briefly on the news of Trent Alexander-Arnold potentially leaving Liverpool. Produced by Robby Williams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hale End graduates Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have made waves at Arsenal during their breakout season, despite playing in positions relatively unfamiliar to them. With major contributions in both the Premier League and Champions League, their seamless integration into the first team has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the course of this episode The Athletic details both Myles and Ethan’s rise to the first team. Topics include their friendship since the age of eight, their contrasting personalities on and off the pitch, comparisons to Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe’s journey, the challenges that come within academy football, the importance of supporting young players from multiple angles, Myles' England debut, and what the future holds for both players. You’ll hear from football coaches Adam Birchall and Greg Lincoln, and The Athletic’s Art de Roché, James McNicholas and Amy Lawrence. Get to know Arsenal’s new kids on the block, they’re here to stay. Written and produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Stone is joined by Adrian Clarke and Art de Roché to conduct an audit of the men's first team squad, discussing who they think Arsenal should keep and sell this summer. Plus, they answer your questions including Gabriel's Saudi Links, where they think Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly will play going forward and the contracts of Saka and Saliba. Producer: Robby Williams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 the starting XI. Plus, favourite Arsenal Patrick's on St Patrick's day, Myles Lewis-Skelly's first England call up, and Bukayo Saka's potential return. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Atletico Madrid. Plus Ian, Art and James reflect on the PSV second leg and a tantalising quarter final against Real Madrid to come, before looking ahead to Chelsea at home this weekend. Produced by Robby Williams and Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Wednesday's home leg against PSV. Producers: Robby Williams & Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 form and Declan Rice’s all action display. Plus, we touch on the news around Arsenal’s recruitment for a new Sporting Director and look ahead to playing Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. Producer: Robby Williams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 League title. Art is in his mid-20s. Arsenal last won the title when he was five, so there is no strong memory of such an achievement. It made him wonder to what extent this shapes his Arsenal world compared to older fans who were there to see major trophies and iconic eras from the club’s story. So, The Athletic decided to pull together a multi-generational gathering to compare notes and feelings, to establish what four generations share in their Arsenal experience, and what differs, based on when they happened to be thrust into this world. The conversation flowed between four supporters whose first game ranged from the 1950s to the 2010s. The cast is Arthur, who represents the teenagers, Art, the 20-somethings, Amy in the middle-aged bracket, and Richard, the veteran. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 style of football. Producer: Robby Williams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 change? What's happened to the atmosphere at the Emirates? Do Arsenal have enough players who will take initiative in front of goal? What was the thinking behind not signing a forward in January? Do Arsenal now run the risk of losing players this summer? All of that and more ahead of Wednesday's visit to Nottingham Forest. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 game against West Ham. Producer: Robby Williams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 WSL as Arsenal thump Spurs 5-0. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 questions in the second part of this week’s mailbag. Producer: Robby Williams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Beale. https://arseblog.com/2025/02/framing/ https://www.footballvisionpodcast.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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're missing. Odegaard and Saliba's performances are discussed, along with Martinelli's injury that encapsulates our luck this season. Plus - reflecting on opportunities missed following a quiet January transfer window and searching for positives as Arsenal head on another warm weather retreat to Dubai. Produced by Robby Williams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 performance will give the team, ahead of Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi final second leg at St James' Park. Plus - Declan Rice back to this best, a performance that sums Kai Havertz up, will Arsenal sign a forward on deadline day? Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 talk about Myles Lewis Skelly's red card appeal being upheld, the club's reported approach for Ollie Watkins and look ahead to a huge game against Manchester City this Sunday. Producer: Robby Williams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 beautiful strike from Riccardo Calafiori. Plus - our man of the match Declan Rice, the encouragement winning with 10 men will give the team, and a look ahead to Girona in the final group stage of the Champions League. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices