Amy Lawrence

London

Football Writer at The Athletic

Football writer. Music lover. Nostalgia wallower. On the Arsenal beat for @TheAthleticUK insta @amylawrence.71

Articles

A tired and incomplete squad almost took Arsenal to a Champions League final

1 week ago | nytimes.com | Amy Lawrence

There are only so many times a promising squad can give everything of themselves throughout the slog of a season. The unrelenting schedule of prepare, play, recover, prepare, play, recover; the family sacrifices and time away; the psychological strain of being constantly and fiercely judged for every detail of your working output; the physical pain of injuries and rehab.
Our writers on first-leg lessons, tactical battles, predictions

1 week ago | nytimes.com | Amy Lawrence |James McNicholas

Arsenal are hoping to reach the Champions League final when they face Paris Saint-Germain in their semi-final second leg on Wednesday, but to do so, Mikel Arteta's side will have to overturn a 1-0 deficit after losing at the Emirates. Last week, Ousmane Dembele took just four minutes to erase any lingering elation left from Arsenal's quarter-final victory over Real Madrid. But while PSG were tactically superior and technically brilliant, they failed to add to their advantage.
Should we really be surprised Arsenal are playing catch up in the Champions League?

1 week ago | nytimes.com | Amy Lawrence

Outside the Emirates Stadium a few days before this semi-final series got underway, a representative from French television was asking around, trying to get a feel for the two clubs in advance of this intriguing tie. There was, he reckoned, a special connection. Here are two substantial football institutions, from two of the great cities of the world, both still waiting to bask in the radiance of a first Champions League success. His turn of phrase was sharp enough to make both clubs wince.
The night Thierry Henry and Arsenal silenced Real Madrid's galacticos

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Amy Lawrence

Before Arsenal face Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Emirates, Amy Lawrence looks back at a famous tie between the two clubs in 2005-06, starting with a masterclass from Thierry Henry et al in the first leg at the Bernabeu followed by one of the greatest 0-0s back at Highbury... Meandering outside the Bernabeu an hour or so before kick-off, there is no inkling whatsoever of the transcendental twist that is about to happen. The Madridistas rock up unperturbed.
What if Arsenal had never left Highbury?

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Amy Lawrence |Chris Weatherspoon

In mid-February, we invited requests from our subscribers for articles you might like to read on The Athletic as part of our latest Inspired By You series. Robert S. asked for a piece on Arsenal's move to Emirates stadium and whether, with the benefit of hindsight, the club would have enjoyed more success in the short-term if they had not had to pay for their new home? So Amy Lawrence and Chris Weatherspoon took a look. Come with me on a stroll from Arsenal tube station.
Best Things to Cook in an Air Fryer

1 month ago | mothersalwaysright.com | Amy Lawrence

The air fryer has quickly become a must-have tool in my home kitchen, and it’s easy to see why. What started as a trendy appliance has now found its place as a kitchen staple, and it’s no surprise—it’s fast, it’s efficient, and it makes cooking so much healthier. I’ve had my air fryer for a while now, and I can honestly say it’s completely transformed the way I cook. From crispy fries to juicy chicken wings and even desserts, the air fryer is a game-changer.
Arsenal readers' views: Arteta's style, Berta's impact, Zubimendi's role

1 month ago | nytimes.com | James McNicholas |Amy Lawrence

As part of The Athletic 's Arsenal coverage, our club writers are always looking for new ways to engage with supporters and in this new segment, they will look through reader queries, comments and questions across our articles each week - as well as in our live match discussions and Q&As - and pick a few to discuss. Read the views of James McNicholas, Amy Lawrence, Art de Roche and Jordan Campbell below and feel free to add your own to continue the discussion.
Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Amy Lawrence |Simon Johnson

Another goal from stand-in forward Mikel Merino again sealed three points for Arsenal against Chelsea at the Emirates. In a feisty London derby, with strong challenges and yellows on both sides, it was Mikel Arteta's side who came out on top to move four points clear of third-place Nottingham Forest in the Premier League table. His near-post header came from a a corner, which has been a strength for Arsenal this season though this was their first from one since January.
Watching Arsenal's surreal and tensionless Champions League evening

2 months ago | nytimes.com | Amy Lawrence

It felt like an evening in an alternative Champions League universe. It is not often there is a total absence of tension in the last throes of a European knockout rendezvous. Yet here we were. Late on at the Emirates the PA system crackled into life to inform the crowd: "The referee has indicated a minimum of three minutes of stoppage time." One fan turned to his mate and casually quipped, "Hopefully we'll hold on..." Such is the rare comfort of a six-goal cushion.
Arsenal's choice of Andrea Berta as sporting director is a clear signal of their direction

2 months ago | nytimes.com | Amy Lawrence

In the four months between Edu's exit and Andrea Berta's imminent arrival, it has been clear that Arsenal have reached a sporting-director crossroads. Do they stick or twist? Do they value continuity and a known and trusted colleague who stepped into the role and promote Edu's former deputy Jason Ayto, or do they shake up the scene and bring a flash of new impetus from outside?