Handbrake Off: The Athletic FC's Arsenal show

Will there be any Declan Rice left for Arsenal next season? 13.07.2026 38分

It’s World Cup semi-final time and there are still eight Arsenal players at the tournament.Ian Stone is joined by Art de Roche and Nnamdi Onyeagwara to discuss what this all means for Arsenal’s pre-season plans. When will they be back and available? Do Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka need to sit down in a dark room for a couple of months?Elsewhere, Bruno Guimaraes has told Newcastle that he wants to join Arsenal. Will this mean the Gunners now come in with a formal bid?And Illan Meslier has become the club’s first new signing of the transfer window. Will he be a Number 2 or Number 3 choice goalkeeper? And what about Ona Batlle arriving at the women’s team?Produced by Xavi Bird. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Leandro Trossard go down as a cult hero? 06.07.2026 44分

After three and a half seasons of clutch moments and goggle celebrations, Leandro Trossard looks like he’s on his way out of Arsenal.Ian Stone is joined by Art de Roche as the Gunners agree a £17.1m deal to sell the Belgian international to Besiktas.We ask how he’ll be remembered after playing a huge part in helping the team secure their first league title in 22 years.There’s bad news on the Jeremy Monga front, with Manchester City set to sign him from Leicester ahead of Arsenal.But a big name IS through the door at the Women’s team. Lioness star Georgia Stanway has joined from Bayern Munich. The Athletic’s Charlotte Harpur tells us just what she could bring to Renee Slegers’ side next season.Produced by Xavi Bird Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal make offer for Bruno Guimaraes 30.06.2026 33分

Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta’s quest to raise the ceiling begins in central midfield.Ian Stone is joined by Adrian Clarke and Art de Roche as Newcastle reject Arsenal’s verbal offer for central midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.It’s believed to be under £60m, well under Newcastle’s valuation. Will the Gunners come in for round two? And what kind of qualities does this mean they're looking for in that position of the pitch?There’s also World Cup chat with Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka continuing to be injury doubts for England. And the team discuss who the next Academy Manager might be, after the club hold talks with Strasbourg’s Pascal De Maesschalck.Produced by Xavi Bird Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do Arsenal tackle World Cup burn out? 22.06.2026 41分

Arsenal haven’t played for nearly a month and yet injuries are still the main concern for the Handbrake Off team.Ian Stone is joined by Adrian Clarke and Nnamdi Onyeagwara as all of Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, William Saliba and Martin Odegaard struggle with injury problems over the World Cup.Is this sort of thing inevitable with the number of games players are expected to play nowadays? How much of a challenge might it cause Mikel Arteta going into next season?The team also discuss the fixture schedule for the new campaign and “Up Your Arsenal” is back, with a special message from Brian in Perth, Australia.Produced by Xavi Bird. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transfer talk - How can Arsenal raise the ceiling? 17.06.2026 44分

We may be in the middle of World Cup mania, but there’s plenty of Arsenal transfer chat to discuss with the Handbrake team.Ian Stone is joined by Adrian Clarke and Art de Roche to talk about who we might like Mikel Arteta to bring in over the summer.Club Brugge’s Christos Tzolis is the big story over the last week, but is he good enough to properly shift the dial at left-wing? Might Morgan Rogers be the answer there? Or will it be Bradley Barcola?There’s also more Kroupi and Alvarez chat as the team discuss who they’d like to see leading the line for the Gunners next campaign. And what about central midfield? Ayyoub Bouaddi looks good!Produced by Xavi Bird Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal at the World Cup + what's happening with Jeremy Monga? 08.06.2026 47分

It’s a World Cup special for the Handbrake Off team, with both Adrian Clarke and Art de Roche joining Stoney to talk about 16 Gunners players off to the Finals this summer.Four Arsenal players will be representing England at a World Cup for the first time since 2002. What might we expect from the Three Lions? Could William Saliba come back with a winner’s medal with France? And why is David Raya not going to play at all for Spain?All this, plus chat about those who aren’t going. And is Jeremy Monga about to join from Leicester?We'd like to hear your thoughts on the podcast, please find the listener poll here: https://forms.gle/cShwS3WaXaMZ2URi9Produced by Xavi Bird Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Squad Audit: Where do Arsenal improve this summer? 04.06.2026 47分

Adrian Clarke joins Ian Stone to do a squad audit ahead of what could be a busy summer for Arsenal.They discuss the need to continually refresh especially when you’ve won, the players that are more likely to leave this summer, those who there may be questions about, if there could be some surprising departures, improvements needed in the attack, who their ideal signings would be and they touch on the story of Gabriel’s jersey becoming the highest selling at the club since the UCL final.We'd like to hear your thoughts on the podcast, please find the listener poll here: https://forms.gle/cShwS3WaXaMZ2URi9  If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on both Spotify and Apple Music and listen to them all there: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045acApple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6PProducer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We'll be back 01.06.2026 57分

Adrian Clarke and Amy Lawrence join Ian Stone to discuss the Champions League final loss to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties on Saturday.The panel reflect on the joyous images from the trophy parade on Sunday, the atmosphere in Budapest as fans gathered for the game, Arsenal proving they belong on this elite stage, the brilliance of the team's defending, the need to improve in possession, the room for growth in the squad, the togetherness of the players, the penalty shootout, Marquinhos consoling Gabriel at the final whistle and there's praise Lewis-Skelly, Gabriel and others who stood out on the night. Plus, the panel respond to listener messages and reflect on the season as a whole. If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on both Spotify and Apple Music and listen to them all there: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045acApple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6PProducer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All eyes on Budapest 28.05.2026 52分

Adrian Clarke and Art de Roche join Ian Stone to look ahead to the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday.The panel discuss the confidence level of the squad after winning the Premier League, how Arsenal’s defence can nullify the oppositions strengths, comparing both teams Champions League campaigns, their preferred starting lineups, getting used to how good Arsenal are right now, what winning the Champions League would mean, Declan Rice being a key player in this game and touch on his class after his message to West Ham following their relegation. Plus, the panel respond to listener messages and we hear from Quentin in Paris in this week’s instalment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’.If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on both Spotify and Apple Music and listen to them all there: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045acApple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6PProducer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are unbearable 25.05.2026 57分

Amy Lawrence, Adrian Clarke and Art de Roche join Ian Stone to reflect on Arsenal’s final league game and 2-1 win against Crystal Palace on Sunday.The panel reflect on a joyous day as Arsenal lifted the Premier League trophy, this special group of players, finishing the season with the best disciplinary record, continued praise for the job that Arteta has done, Dowman breaking yet another record, Jesus’ impact since arriving on what might potentially be his last appearance, Merino’s return from injury and Eze’s incredible reception as he returned to Selhurst Park a champion.  Plus, the panel respond to listener messages and reflect on the celebrations of Arsenal fans around the world. If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on both Spotify and Apple Music and listen to them all there: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045acApple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6PProducer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

End of Season Awards: Champions Edition 22.05.2026 1時間 3分

Amy Lawrence, Adrian Clarke, Art de Roché and James McNicholas join Ian Stone for the end of season awards.The panel choose their goal of the season, game of the season, moment of the season, worst moment of the season, the moment they’d change, save of the season, signing of the season, most improved player and player of the season.Plus, the panel reflect on Mikel Arteta’s first press conference as a champion, briefly look ahead to the final game of the season against Crystal Palace and we hear a snippet of when Art spoke to Mikel Merino.If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on both Spotify and Apple Music and listen to them all there: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045acApple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6PProducer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let it all work out 20.05.2026 48分

Arsenal are Premier League champions.Amy Lawrence, Adrian Clarke and Art de Roche join Ian Stone to reflect on the club's first title in 22 years.The panel reflect on how they’re feeling the morning after, the celebrations outside the stadium, the communal experience of the fans celebrating together all over the world, avoiding final day anxiety, similarities to the 1989 title celebrations, paying tribute to Mikel Arteta for what he’s done for the club in his first managerial club, the player celebrations and showing they have the bottle to get over the line.If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on both Spotify and Apple Music and listen to them all there: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045acApple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6PProducer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One more to go… 19.05.2026 35分

Amy Lawrence, Art de Roché and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss on Arsenal’s 1-0 win against Burnley on Monday night.The panel reflect on the scenes at the end of the game as the fans celebrated the team, the evolution of Arteta’s relationship with the fans, Saka’s perfect delivery for the goal, the atmosphere in Emirates Stadium, Arsenal's excellence in defending as a unit to see out 1-0 wins, Rice’s inspiring presence all season, Havertz’s incredible leap to score and whether he was lucky not to be sent off.Plus, they respond to listener messages, discuss the title race and reflect on the journey that takes Arsenal to potentially one game away from the League title. If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on both Spotify and Apple Music and listen to them all there: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045acApple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6PProducer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens if Spurs actually get relegated? 14.05.2026 46分

James McNicholas and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to look ahead to the match against Burnley on Monday.The panel discuss Ben White’s injury, whether Jurrien Timber will make be fit in time for Champions League final, anticipation for the final home game of the season, the potential difficulties Burnley may pose and the title race going into the final week of the season.Plus, they respond to listener messages, pay tribute to Beth Mead as she played her final game at Emirates Stadium for Arsenal Women and we hear from Michael in San Francisco in this week’s instalment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’.If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on both Spotify and Apple Music and listen to them all there: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045acApple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6PProducer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’ve always loved Darren England 11.05.2026 52分

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 1-0 win against West Ham on Sunday.The panel reflect on the VAR drama at the end of the game, the outrage surrounding West Ham’s goal being ruled out, if this was the pivotal moment for Arsenal’s title charge, this match being the hardest obstacle in the run-in, Raya being one of Arsenal’s best ever goalkeepers, the defensive effort from the entire team, Arteta bravely correcting his earlier questionable substitutions, Odegaard’s game changing cameo after a tough season, Trossard coming up clutch once again, Lewis-Skelly continuing his great form and acknowledging Ben White’s contribution to the club since joining.Plus, they respond to listener messages and discuss how the team will prepare with eight days until the final home game.If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on both Spotify and Apple Music and listen to them all there: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045acApple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6PProducer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're on our way 06.05.2026 55分

Amy Lawrence, James McNicholas and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 1-0 win against Atletico Madrid to reach their first Champions League final in 20 years. The panel reflect on the scenes before the game as fans greeted the team bus, the atmosphere at Emirates Stadium, the journey everyone has been on that’s led to this achievement, the impressive Champions League run to the final, the stellar job Arteta has done since taking over, the mature performance from the whole team, Gyokeres’ best showing for the club, Lewis-Skelly’s ovations from the crowd following his display, Saka fittingly scoring the winning goal, and praise for White and Rice.Plus, we hear from Art de Roché, respond to listener messages and look ahead to the West Ham away on Sunday.If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on both Spotify and Apple Music and listen to them all there: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045acApple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6PProducer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bukayo Saka: The bringer of joy 04.05.2026 48分

Art de Roché and Amy Lawrence join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 3-0 win at home to Fulham on Saturday. The panel reflect on the fun starting line-up that led to a fun afternoon, the sense that momentum is developing, Fulham being the perfect opponent in the middle of a Champions’s League semi-final, Saka’s joyful display lifting his teammates, Gyokeres’s best performance so far as he was surrounded by more technical players, Lewis-Skelly impressing in midfield after a tough season and paying tribute to Per Mertesacker as he leaves his role as academy manager. Plus, they discuss which trophy they want more, the Premier League or the Champions League, and look ahead to the the semi-final second leg of the Champions League against Atletico Madrid at Emirates stadium on Tuesday.If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on both Spotify and Apple Music and listen to them all there: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045acApple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6PProducer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal show they belong amongst Europe's elite 30.04.2026 45分

Art de Roché and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 1-1 draw away to Atletico Madrid in the semi-final first leg of the Champions League on Wednesday.The panel reflect on the strong away performance, the togetherness of the squad, Arsenal feeling like they are apart of the European establishment, an outstanding display from Rice in a deeper role, the controversial decisions around the penalties and player fatigue in comparison to their European counterparts. Plus, they respond to listener messages, discuss the rescheduling of final home game against Burnley, look ahead to the match against Fulham at the Emirates on Saturday and we hear from Terry in Islington in this week’s instalment of ‘Up Your Arsenal’. If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on both Spotify and Apple Music and listen to them all there: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045acApple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6PProducer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why Arsenal need Eze’s individualism 27.04.2026 49分

Amy Lawrence and Adrian Clarke join Ian Stone to discuss Arsenal’s 1-0 win at home to Newcastle on Saturday.The panel reflect on the anxiety of the game, another cautious performance, Havertz’s importance to how the team play underlined by his injury, the difficulties of getting the right balance in attack this season, an honest conversation about Gyokeres, Eze’s importance in delivering big moments and trying to make sense of the persistent injury problems at the club.Plus, they respond to listener messages, congratulate Arsenal Women on their victory in the UWCL semi-final first leg and look ahead to a crucial ten days starting with the semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday.If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on both Spotify and Apple Music and listen to them all there: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045acApple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6PProducer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Choose to be excited 23.04.2026 46分

Amy Lawrence and James McNicholas join Ian Stone to discuss all things Arsenal and look ahead to the match against Newcastle this weekend.The panel reflect on the finance regulations in the Premier League, the rule-bending by clubs to boost their finances, the divisions forming in the Arsenal fanbase and Bukayo Saka’s importance in light of his injury.Plus, they respond to listener messages and look ahead to the run-in.If you like the panel’s song choices, check out the ‘Now that’s what I call Handbrake’ playlist on both Spotify and Apple Music and listen to them all there: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cgJk1eJwQBmiUJlSFZMJN?si=pMHHbBb8S8Ky5LtlKp7pHw&pi=Rra8NSxDRVm58&nd=1&dlsi=62f2d7c1c10045acApple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/now-thats-what-i-call-handbrake/pl.u-d2b00jZuDxWk6PProducer: Robby Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.