‘The Handbrake Is Fully Off’ – Arsenal fans react to win at Newcastle | OneFootball

Arsenal Show Their Title Mettle at St James’s: “Handbrake Was Off”

In a stadium where many falter, Arsenal surged to a defiant 2-1 victory over Newcastle United, sending a clear message to the rest of the Premier League. “The handbrake was off,” declared Robbie Lyle, the face of AFTV, capturing both the intensity of the performance and the momentum building behind Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing squad.

This latest episode of the AFTV podcast was a raw, passionate reflection from Lyle and fellow contributors as they digested a game that had everything: controversy, intensity and, most of all, character.

Arsenal’s Statement of Intent

“After the weekend, Liverpool opened the door,” said Lyle, referring to the dropped points that gave Arsenal a chance to close the gap at the top. “People said the league’s over… now we’re two points behind Liverpool.” The win at Newcastle wasn’t just about the points; it was symbolic. Arsenal had faced a brutal start to the season — away to Manchester United, Anfield, Newcastle — and still stood within striking distance of the summit.

Robbie reminded viewers of the early-season narrative. “We’ve had a hard start, a lot of people have forgotten that.” But Arsenal’s ability to navigate these fixtures and emerge with wins marks them out as genuine contenders.

Courage in Decisions and Execution

Mikel Arteta’s substitutions raised eyebrows. “When he took Saka off, I’m like, what’s he doing?” admitted Lyle. But it paid off. “Merino comes on, gets the goal,” he added, praising the manager’s “bold changes”. Even Gabriel, initially criticised by Lyle for going down too easily — “He went down a bit soft” — redeemed himself. “At the end, that is a big big goal that he scored there.”

Newcastle’s opener, which came against the run of play, only hardened Arsenal’s resolve. “First half, Arsenal were all over Newcastle. How we were losing 1-0, I couldn’t get it,” said Lyle, emphasising their dominance. “Nick Pope had to make save after save. We hit the bar… the handbrake was off.”

Penalty Drama and VAR Disputes

The match was not without controversy. A potential Arsenal penalty involving Victor Jörgensen and Nick Pope was waved away after a VAR review. “Even they said it’s a penalty,” said Lyle, referring to the Newcastle fans in hospitality who, upon rewatching the challenge, admitted the foul. “He’s got knee on knee on Victor Jockz.”

Lyle questioned the referee’s integrity, labelling the decision “a St. James’s Park decision.” He pointedly added, “When’s that ever happened, apart from with us?”

Newcastle Respect Arsenal’s Threat

It wasn’t just Arsenal fans noticing the shift. “You saw Newcastle today, one nil up and they’re pretty defensive,” said Lyle. The fear factor was clear. “Some of their fans were moaning, saying why didn’t they go for it a bit more. I think they know that Arsenal are a very, very good side now.”

Eze, and Saka were singled out as major threats, and the physical presence Arsenal brought to the pitch was recognised too. Lyle noted, “I thought [Gyokeres] held the ball up very well. He was very physical… I thought he had a good game.”

“We Deserved the Three Points Today”

In a moment of quiet reflection, Lyle made it clear how much the win meant: “We were the better side. They got the goal against the run of play… We kept going and going and we deserved the win in the end.”

As they closed out the show, talk turned to the broader context. “Massive three points for Arsenal. We’re back in it,” said Lyle. A sentiment echoed in his rallying cry ahead of West Ham and the international break.

In a match charged with emotion — including a touching tribute to former Arsenal player Billy Vigar — this wasn’t just a win. It was a signal. Arsenal are not here to admire the top of the table. They are here to take it.