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Revolution: The Rise of Arteta’s Arsenal
The inside story of Mikel Arteta’s astonishing transformation of Arsenal
November 2019. Unai Emery’s final game as Arsenal manager sees the Gunners languishing eighth in the league. Appointed in the dying embers of the Wenger years, Emery’s 18 months as Arsenal boss has seen the team and the club go backwards – playing unimaginative, pragmatic football, and recently losing to London rivals Chelsea in the final of the Europa League. Something had to change; a fresh head with fresh ideas. A new leader.
This is the story of how Mikel Arteta turned Arsenal into one of the most exciting, innovative and feared teams in the league. From cutting his teeth as an assistant under Pep Guardiola before joining Arsenal in the winter of 2019, through to title contenders years later – including bust-ups, Covid, disappointments, FA Cup wins, fan revolt, and eventually the rise of an extraordinary young team standing on the edge of greatness – this book will be the first of its kind to explore the workings of Arteta’s philosophy and how he transformed the club from outsiders to title challengers.
With chapters on his tactical innovations, in-game strategies, transfer insight and, of course, an account of the memorable 2022-23 season – Revolution is the story of an extraordinary football ascent and the first draft of Arsenal’s new history.
November 2019. Unai Emery’s final game as Arsenal manager sees the Gunners languishing eighth in the league. Appointed in the dying embers of the Wenger years, Emery’s 18 months as Arsenal boss has seen the team and the club go backwards – playing unimaginative, pragmatic football, and recently losing to London rivals Chelsea in the final of the Europa League. Something had to change; a fresh head with fresh ideas. A new leader.
This is the story of how Mikel Arteta turned Arsenal into one of the most exciting, innovative and feared teams in the league. From cutting his teeth as an assistant under Pep Guardiola before joining Arsenal in the winter of 2019, through to title contenders years later – including bust-ups, Covid, disappointments, FA Cup wins, fan revolt, and eventually the rise of an extraordinary young team standing on the edge of greatness – this book will be the first of its kind to explore the workings of Arteta’s philosophy and how he transformed the club from outsiders to title challengers.
With chapters on his tactical innovations, in-game strategies, transfer insight and, of course, an account of the memorable 2022-23 season – Revolution is the story of an extraordinary football ascent and the first draft of Arsenal’s new history.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2023
47 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Charles Watts
1 book3 followersCharles Watts is the Arsenal correspondent for GOAL. He’s hugely respected and trusted by the Arsenal fan base for breaking news stories, as well as his insightful coverage of the team he grew up supporting. He has appeared on the BBC and TalkSport, as well as podcasts, fan shows and his own YouTube channel to keep Gunners fans up-to-date.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 12, 2023
In my mind, I have always adored the image of the reader who devours his/her niche history book on a 10-year explication of a river or a stretch of land. It makes no sense to me, of course. Why would anyone read that book? Well, because maybe I don’t have to be the main character in everyone else’s life. Huh. Isn’t it funny how that works? This book is right along that same line of niche for me. I cannot imagine anyone but the most dedicated football fans reading this book, but my lord has Charles Watts knocked it out of the park. If you are not a fan of football, this book (and this review) is an easy skip, no FOMO.
Speaking of history though – when faced with the daunting prospect of writing about Arsenal, I immediately begin to feel sympathy for historians who are passionate about the topics they study. They must struggle, I am sure, with the ever-present question of where to begin. Picking out a starting point for my discussion of this book is easier than when I wrote something for Fever Pitch, and yet inevitably excruciating. Perhaps I shall begin low resolution, coming into detail more and more as we approach the present.
Let’s begin with one specific day: 28th of August, 2011. I don’t remember much about the weather in Toronto or anything about my trepidations of having to start yet another year of high school. All I remember is where I was sitting. In the living room, on the carpet, in front of the TV. I felt numb. I had just witnessed Rooney score Manchester United’s 7th goal against my beloved Arsenal, making it 7-2. My father was leaving the house to run some errands, and he paused in order to ask one simple question: “Why are you still watching that game?” My answer, I believe, was one the significance of which I would not understand for many years to come. “I’m not giving up on this team.” Let’s not look at what that says about my masochistic tendencies and let’s instead focus on the romantic side. I stayed watching. I didn’t have much to go anywhere. The game ended 8-2. Arguably one of the most embarrassing moments in my life, as I knew that I had to now face a host of Manchester United fans who were my friends, and I knew that they would be relentless, as I had been to them when their team had been defeated. I wanted to forget everything that had happened immediately. The problems were clear – we were shit, we were young, and we had too many injuries. I think the manager agreed, and this prompted him and the Arsenal board to rush to the transfer market with a mere day to go of the transfer window. Among the mayhem that was the last 24 hours allowed for teams to register players, Arsenal signed Mikel Arteta in the final five minutes which would see him registered legally. A mad dash and panic buy if I have ever seen one.
I’ll skip and self-edit some more. Mikel Arteta came to define a special aura for me. He was slow as all hell, something I identified with. When I played, I could barely outrun a turtle. But I liked to think of my abilities as a deeper playmaker on the field, seeing the game unfold around him and displaying none of the athleticism to go along with it. Obviously, Arteta was an elite athlete. But he was slower in comparison to the others, and that was enough for me to model my game around him (as well as my hair)(as well as my wardrobe)(as well as sometimes how I spoke and moved my hands). Years went by. He was an Arsenal man through and through. Loyal to the idea of the club, representing us well. He captained the team. What a man. He retired in 2016 to go work on his managerial career. All the best to you, Mikel. In 2019, Mikel came back to take charge of an Arsenal that was in freefall. He has transformed the club into one of the premium places to be if you are a footballer. I owe so much of my happiness and mental health to this random stroke of luck – the fact that this genius decided to fall in love with Arsenal had ramifications for all of us.
What does this all spell out in terms of morals in my life narrative?
Well, with Arteta’s journey, I have learned that many are willing to forgo the process for immediate results, without considering for one second that the immediate results could be nothing but momentary wildfire, not a lasting flame. Up until the middle of 2022, he was the most polarizing man in football. The litmus test for who “knew ball” and who didn’t. If you were “Arteta Out”, you didn’t know ball. Sorry boss. If you are reading this, happen to be a football fan, and happen to have been Arteta Out? Just know that you deserve the massive L that will always remain on your reputation as a football fan. I am not above gloating.
I have learned that decades of experience sometimes pale in comparison to undeniable genius. This is Arteta’s first managerial role. He is second only to his mentor in terms of football managers. The student will beat the teacher soon.
I have learned that it is okay to put your chest out and say what you believe in if you really believe in it. During lockdown (god save us all from lockdown football), Arteta went on some insane losing run. Watching the games, I could see specific, non-tactical reasons for the losses. I did not want to be reactionary. I distinctly remember a conversation with my father – he was tired of Arteta and vehemently called for his sacking. I couldn’t blame him. Him and almost all the other fans were tired. I felt inspired that night, I think. I looked him dead in the face and said something that I will never fail to remind him of: “Either I am wrong and 99% of the fanbase is right, or I am right and that same crowd is wrong. And I’ll tell you something: I’m not wrong.”
Finally, I have learned another aspect of what resilience and dedication looks like. Arteta was hit with every unlucky event under the sun. First year in charge? COVID. His diagnosis confirmed the shutting down of the Premier League. He got hit with the European Super League debacle. He got hit with diva superstars throwing fits and wanting to disturb the dressing room. He got hit with the most unlucky injuries known to mankind. And he is still here to prove everyone wrong. He is the embodiment (and indeed, my personal origin) of We Move.
Cheers again to Charles Watts for beautifully capturing the journey so far. Arteta’s Arsenal.
Speaking of history though – when faced with the daunting prospect of writing about Arsenal, I immediately begin to feel sympathy for historians who are passionate about the topics they study. They must struggle, I am sure, with the ever-present question of where to begin. Picking out a starting point for my discussion of this book is easier than when I wrote something for Fever Pitch, and yet inevitably excruciating. Perhaps I shall begin low resolution, coming into detail more and more as we approach the present.
Let’s begin with one specific day: 28th of August, 2011. I don’t remember much about the weather in Toronto or anything about my trepidations of having to start yet another year of high school. All I remember is where I was sitting. In the living room, on the carpet, in front of the TV. I felt numb. I had just witnessed Rooney score Manchester United’s 7th goal against my beloved Arsenal, making it 7-2. My father was leaving the house to run some errands, and he paused in order to ask one simple question: “Why are you still watching that game?” My answer, I believe, was one the significance of which I would not understand for many years to come. “I’m not giving up on this team.” Let’s not look at what that says about my masochistic tendencies and let’s instead focus on the romantic side. I stayed watching. I didn’t have much to go anywhere. The game ended 8-2. Arguably one of the most embarrassing moments in my life, as I knew that I had to now face a host of Manchester United fans who were my friends, and I knew that they would be relentless, as I had been to them when their team had been defeated. I wanted to forget everything that had happened immediately. The problems were clear – we were shit, we were young, and we had too many injuries. I think the manager agreed, and this prompted him and the Arsenal board to rush to the transfer market with a mere day to go of the transfer window. Among the mayhem that was the last 24 hours allowed for teams to register players, Arsenal signed Mikel Arteta in the final five minutes which would see him registered legally. A mad dash and panic buy if I have ever seen one.
I’ll skip and self-edit some more. Mikel Arteta came to define a special aura for me. He was slow as all hell, something I identified with. When I played, I could barely outrun a turtle. But I liked to think of my abilities as a deeper playmaker on the field, seeing the game unfold around him and displaying none of the athleticism to go along with it. Obviously, Arteta was an elite athlete. But he was slower in comparison to the others, and that was enough for me to model my game around him (as well as my hair)(as well as my wardrobe)(as well as sometimes how I spoke and moved my hands). Years went by. He was an Arsenal man through and through. Loyal to the idea of the club, representing us well. He captained the team. What a man. He retired in 2016 to go work on his managerial career. All the best to you, Mikel. In 2019, Mikel came back to take charge of an Arsenal that was in freefall. He has transformed the club into one of the premium places to be if you are a footballer. I owe so much of my happiness and mental health to this random stroke of luck – the fact that this genius decided to fall in love with Arsenal had ramifications for all of us.
What does this all spell out in terms of morals in my life narrative?
Well, with Arteta’s journey, I have learned that many are willing to forgo the process for immediate results, without considering for one second that the immediate results could be nothing but momentary wildfire, not a lasting flame. Up until the middle of 2022, he was the most polarizing man in football. The litmus test for who “knew ball” and who didn’t. If you were “Arteta Out”, you didn’t know ball. Sorry boss. If you are reading this, happen to be a football fan, and happen to have been Arteta Out? Just know that you deserve the massive L that will always remain on your reputation as a football fan. I am not above gloating.
I have learned that decades of experience sometimes pale in comparison to undeniable genius. This is Arteta’s first managerial role. He is second only to his mentor in terms of football managers. The student will beat the teacher soon.
I have learned that it is okay to put your chest out and say what you believe in if you really believe in it. During lockdown (god save us all from lockdown football), Arteta went on some insane losing run. Watching the games, I could see specific, non-tactical reasons for the losses. I did not want to be reactionary. I distinctly remember a conversation with my father – he was tired of Arteta and vehemently called for his sacking. I couldn’t blame him. Him and almost all the other fans were tired. I felt inspired that night, I think. I looked him dead in the face and said something that I will never fail to remind him of: “Either I am wrong and 99% of the fanbase is right, or I am right and that same crowd is wrong. And I’ll tell you something: I’m not wrong.”
Finally, I have learned another aspect of what resilience and dedication looks like. Arteta was hit with every unlucky event under the sun. First year in charge? COVID. His diagnosis confirmed the shutting down of the Premier League. He got hit with the European Super League debacle. He got hit with diva superstars throwing fits and wanting to disturb the dressing room. He got hit with the most unlucky injuries known to mankind. And he is still here to prove everyone wrong. He is the embodiment (and indeed, my personal origin) of We Move.
Cheers again to Charles Watts for beautifully capturing the journey so far. Arteta’s Arsenal.
September 6, 2023
A must for all Arsenal fans, from a top writer and football journalist. Remember to Trust the Process.
August 31, 2023
An incredibly well written and structure book packed with insight and lots of great anecdotes on the rise of Arteta and the rise of Arsenal. Brilliantly researched with great insider knowledge. A must read for all Arsenal fans and fans of managers, leadership and business.
September 1, 2023
Loved this, read it in two sittings. Great way to document the first years of Arteta’s Arsenal, some fantastic memories in this book. Enjoyed the behind the scenes insight from the author and will be recommending this to every Gooner I’m friends with
January 25, 2025
would you believe me if I told you that I cried multiple times at a book about Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta? (those who know me well will believe it)
December 30, 2025
review to come. absolutely brilliant. i may have cried just a little
February 13, 2024
Definitely would call this a light read. Charles Watts is a well respected journalist in the football world and really put together a nice summary of Arteta’s first few years at Arsenal FC, my favorite football club.
I don’t really care for “leadership” type books, but i would definitely read one written by Mikel Arteta.
Highly recommended if you’re a sports fan, and if you’re a soccer fan. Especially if you like Arsenal.
I don’t really care for “leadership” type books, but i would definitely read one written by Mikel Arteta.
Highly recommended if you’re a sports fan, and if you’re a soccer fan. Especially if you like Arsenal.
January 16, 2024
A great summary and analysis of Artetas Journey over the last few years. Expected nothing less from Charles though, always fantastic insight.
May 10, 2024
this propaganda. thank you included with spotify premium audiobooks for giving me something to fall asleep to
August 19, 2024
this one is for us who have stuck it out, brought to you by arsenals favourite man in the bushes
July 29, 2024
COYG! Fantastic insight on Arsenal’s time under Arteta.
February 27, 2024
Great book! Imaging thinking big ange could compare to a proper manager like Arteta.
September 13, 2023
Solid review of the Arteta era so far, from the doldrums of 2019-20 to the title challenge in 2023. Watts captures how Arteta’s intensity and philosophy pushed Arsenal out of its post-Wenger aimlessness and back to a level fans were used to during the late 90s and early 2000s. I especially appreciated the insights into the COVID seasons and how difficult it was for the club to stay on track amid the broader societal upheaval.
A must-read for an Arsenal fan, but those interested in leadership or management will take plenty from these pages. Little changes like moving the manager’s office closer to the other staff or putting up photos and quotes from Wenger at the training ground underscores the spirit and togetherness Arteta wants at the club.
A must-read for an Arsenal fan, but those interested in leadership or management will take plenty from these pages. Little changes like moving the manager’s office closer to the other staff or putting up photos and quotes from Wenger at the training ground underscores the spirit and togetherness Arteta wants at the club.
December 26, 2023
A great book recapping the first 3.5 years of Arteta's Arsenal tutelage. As a deeply connected fan, almost none of this was new information, but I found myself going "oh yea, totally forgot about this or that". I think its so important to document this information because the club is on the precipice of winning a lot of trophies. There'll most certainly need to be another part in a few years time!
October 28, 2025
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
“We are all together on this Journey. We want to become better and be the best”
As an Arsenal fan , this book greatly encapsulates the journey we as fans have had before and under Mikel Arteta’s rule. It describes the sorrows and inconsistencies under Emery , to Arteta's unfortunate Covid circumstances , and finally - the premier league season of 22/23 , in a great way that makes those that were there to witness it all feel connected , and for those that are just reading to see how a team like Arsenal got to the peak that it has getting feelings of admiration and respect for Arteta. Charles Watts writes in a way that helps connect for both of these sides.
I quite like the way Watts showcases various different aspects of Arteta's rise. Not only do we get an inside look on Arteta himself and various players that come in and out , but also the higher ups such as Edu ; and fan groups such as REDaction. By exploring various aspects , we understand that Arteta’s own knowledge wasn't the main factor for Arsenal's eventual return. I quite like that , as it also allows for people to see other aspects that we may not even consider adds up to success. I also quite like how Watts recounts his own stories he had about the club. Not only does it make Watts as a journalist more credible , but also more relatable as he shares little tidbits and interesting stuff that we as normal fans wouldn't be able to hear very openly. It's sweet.
I will say I did wish there were more sections where we got little stories that maybe weren't football related , but nether the less helped in shaping Arteta's arsenal. I did like some of the tidbits we got , but I do wish there was more. I did also feel quite bored in some areas , probably due to the amount of information that was being fed. And some information I felt was better saved for other areas.
But overall , I did enjoy reading this book. Charles Watts successfully is able to encapsulate the journey that Arsenal has had under Arteta's management , and I hope he writes more books that help encapsulate Arsenal's rise.
“We are all together on this Journey. We want to become better and be the best”
As an Arsenal fan , this book greatly encapsulates the journey we as fans have had before and under Mikel Arteta’s rule. It describes the sorrows and inconsistencies under Emery , to Arteta's unfortunate Covid circumstances , and finally - the premier league season of 22/23 , in a great way that makes those that were there to witness it all feel connected , and for those that are just reading to see how a team like Arsenal got to the peak that it has getting feelings of admiration and respect for Arteta. Charles Watts writes in a way that helps connect for both of these sides.
I quite like the way Watts showcases various different aspects of Arteta's rise. Not only do we get an inside look on Arteta himself and various players that come in and out , but also the higher ups such as Edu ; and fan groups such as REDaction. By exploring various aspects , we understand that Arteta’s own knowledge wasn't the main factor for Arsenal's eventual return. I quite like that , as it also allows for people to see other aspects that we may not even consider adds up to success. I also quite like how Watts recounts his own stories he had about the club. Not only does it make Watts as a journalist more credible , but also more relatable as he shares little tidbits and interesting stuff that we as normal fans wouldn't be able to hear very openly. It's sweet.
I will say I did wish there were more sections where we got little stories that maybe weren't football related , but nether the less helped in shaping Arteta's arsenal. I did like some of the tidbits we got , but I do wish there was more. I did also feel quite bored in some areas , probably due to the amount of information that was being fed. And some information I felt was better saved for other areas.
But overall , I did enjoy reading this book. Charles Watts successfully is able to encapsulate the journey that Arsenal has had under Arteta's management , and I hope he writes more books that help encapsulate Arsenal's rise.
August 31, 2023
Absolutely awful from the get go. Claims of Unai Emery (an incredibly well respected manager by the way, his track record & trophy cabinet speaks for itself) played “unimaginative football” are completely wide of the mark.
Arsenal under Emery scored more goals, got more wins & simply better results until Arteta hit his 4th year in the job having spent half a billion quid.
Yes, Emery at his worst point was 8th after 13 PL games - however, unironically, Charles leaves out the part where Arteta found Arsenal in 15th after 21 PL games just one year into his sorry tenure.
What is the need to factually lie about Emery & Arteta’ respective tenures over & over again? It’s disgusting this book has even been released to begin with.
There’s been no “revolution” of any kind since Arteta has been at Arsenal. He’s finished 8th (yes, the same position Emery was temporarily in at WORST), 5th (with ONE game a week after having already spent a quarter of a billion by that point)
Arteta hasn’t won a single trophy in any of his 3 full seasons at Arsenal - hell, he hasn’t even made a final.
Credit where its due though, Arteta has made a semi final in the Europa League…… oh yeah, where he lost, to Emery’s Villarreal. Couldn’t make it up could we?
A pointless book nobody asked for, nor was ever warranted. Emery could honestly sue the author for defamation at this point. AVOID.
Arsenal under Emery scored more goals, got more wins & simply better results until Arteta hit his 4th year in the job having spent half a billion quid.
Yes, Emery at his worst point was 8th after 13 PL games - however, unironically, Charles leaves out the part where Arteta found Arsenal in 15th after 21 PL games just one year into his sorry tenure.
What is the need to factually lie about Emery & Arteta’ respective tenures over & over again? It’s disgusting this book has even been released to begin with.
There’s been no “revolution” of any kind since Arteta has been at Arsenal. He’s finished 8th (yes, the same position Emery was temporarily in at WORST), 5th (with ONE game a week after having already spent a quarter of a billion by that point)
Arteta hasn’t won a single trophy in any of his 3 full seasons at Arsenal - hell, he hasn’t even made a final.
Credit where its due though, Arteta has made a semi final in the Europa League…… oh yeah, where he lost, to Emery’s Villarreal. Couldn’t make it up could we?
A pointless book nobody asked for, nor was ever warranted. Emery could honestly sue the author for defamation at this point. AVOID.
April 18, 2025
CHARLES WATTS - REVOLUTION: THE RISE OF ARTETA'S ARSENAL 9/10
Book 14 of 2025.
As someone who’s supported Arsenal for 35 years through every twist and turn, I picked up Revolution with a mix of curiosity and hope. Charles Watts delivers a sharp, behind-the-scenes look at the seismic changes Mikel Arteta has brought to the club and for me, it reads like a leadership case study as much as a football chronicle.
What stood out most wasn’t just the tactics or the rebuild (though those are fascinating), but the mindset. Arteta's clarity, resilience, and unapologetically high standards are the hallmarks of a modern leader. His belief in culture before glory, in values before silverware, is something I resonate with deeply, especially as someone who leads teams through growth and change.
This isn’t a book just for Arsenal fans (though let’s be honest, we’ll appreciate every detail), but for anyone who believes that strong leadership can drive transformation, on and off the pitch.
I rated it 9/10 not because it’s perfect, but because I want Arteta to lead this club for as long as possible. The vision he brings is rare. And as a fan who's seen generations of highs and lows, this era feels different. It feels intentional. It feels like home.
If you're into football, leadership, or just stories of bold cultural transformation, this one’s worth your time.
#Arsenal #Arteta #Leadership #BookReview #CharlesWatts #Revolution #CultureShift #TrustTheProcess
Book 14 of 2025.
As someone who’s supported Arsenal for 35 years through every twist and turn, I picked up Revolution with a mix of curiosity and hope. Charles Watts delivers a sharp, behind-the-scenes look at the seismic changes Mikel Arteta has brought to the club and for me, it reads like a leadership case study as much as a football chronicle.
What stood out most wasn’t just the tactics or the rebuild (though those are fascinating), but the mindset. Arteta's clarity, resilience, and unapologetically high standards are the hallmarks of a modern leader. His belief in culture before glory, in values before silverware, is something I resonate with deeply, especially as someone who leads teams through growth and change.
This isn’t a book just for Arsenal fans (though let’s be honest, we’ll appreciate every detail), but for anyone who believes that strong leadership can drive transformation, on and off the pitch.
I rated it 9/10 not because it’s perfect, but because I want Arteta to lead this club for as long as possible. The vision he brings is rare. And as a fan who's seen generations of highs and lows, this era feels different. It feels intentional. It feels like home.
If you're into football, leadership, or just stories of bold cultural transformation, this one’s worth your time.
#Arsenal #Arteta #Leadership #BookReview #CharlesWatts #Revolution #CultureShift #TrustTheProcess
January 28, 2024
Revolution: The Rise of Arteta's Arsenal was an enjoyable way of re-experiencing the most exciting Arsenal period in my lifetime. Because of my obsession with all Arsenal online content, this read was mainly a second pass through stories & interviews I'd already been exposed to. That said, the book is well written, and it captures the same emotions that I'd experienced myself in real-time. Particularly, I would recommend this book for any new Arsenal fan that wants to fill in their knowledge gaps.
November 7, 2024
Trust the process a term all Arsenal fans know well now. When Arteta took over there was a new energy to the club we hadn’t seen in a very long time. Charlie Watts has taken us back to those earlier days and managed to encapsulate the excitement we now feel when we play (even the day after losing to a dodgy penalty decision in Milan). There is a belief and our time is coming ❤️🤍
A must read for any football fan but particular Arsenal fans
A must read for any football fan but particular Arsenal fans
October 25, 2023
Well written narrative of the years of Arsenal following Emery's departure to the title challenge of the 2022-2023 season. Great read/listen for anyone that wasn't following closely but fails to provide any new insights that one couldn't gather from following the news closely. Still a great look back for any Arsenal supporter that brings hope for the days to come.
January 7, 2024
Flew through this book in 2 days. It helped having it as an audiobook on Spotify. Loved it and made me feel very warm towards a great season of football.
Only downside about it, because it covers a 3 year period, it can be a bit “this game happened and then this game happened and then this game happened…” and less of a helicopter view of Arteta’s time at the Club.
Only downside about it, because it covers a 3 year period, it can be a bit “this game happened and then this game happened and then this game happened…” and less of a helicopter view of Arteta’s time at the Club.
March 22, 2024
3.8 ⭐️
Love Charles Watts for being the ardent fanatic that also writes about Arsenal; was painstaking to read through the rougher years of Arteta’s reign but knowing a few behind the scenes that went on in 2020/2021 was helpful in retrospect
Nothing but love for my foreign team that affects my mood on weekends (and some weekdays). COYG!
Love Charles Watts for being the ardent fanatic that also writes about Arsenal; was painstaking to read through the rougher years of Arteta’s reign but knowing a few behind the scenes that went on in 2020/2021 was helpful in retrospect
Nothing but love for my foreign team that affects my mood on weekends (and some weekdays). COYG!
November 22, 2024
Very, very good book for someone who is new to the football scene and wants to support Arsenal. This provides a great chance to learn how Arsenal has been performing the past few years, and how fans should place trust in Arteta as he has a clear cut plan. I would reduce one star just because the behind the scenes aren’t detailed and ‘exposing’ enough.
January 24, 2025
Some really good insight into the early years of the Arteta era. And it’s interesting to be able to juxtapose the book with your own (very fresh) memories as well as the Amazon documentary. My biggest criticism is that Watts skirts around some issues, and plays it a bit safe likely to not burn any bridges with the club.
January 14, 2024
Een mooie en unieke blik achter de schermen van de voorbije jaren bij Arsenal. Revolution schetst een compleet beeld van Mikel Arteta - zowel van de coach als van de persoon, zijn kwaliteiten en zijn minder sterke punten - en hoe hij Arsenal als club getransformeerd heeft.
March 9, 2024
This is probably a 3.5 but being an Arsenal fan I’m going to round up.
The book was a fun reminder of how far Arsenal have come under Arteta.
A recommend for any Arsenal fans, otherwise you can probably skip it.
The book was a fun reminder of how far Arsenal have come under Arteta.
A recommend for any Arsenal fans, otherwise you can probably skip it.
May 14, 2024
Interesting book. As an Arsenal fan, I really enjoyed this recap of events and could even dare think of what is ahead for the club. It touches a bit on leadership and the unpredictable nature of life that demands a high level of performance to thrive. Hopefully, trophies follow soon for Arteta.
November 15, 2024
As an Arsenal fan, it's 5 stars. But as a neutral, I think it's between 3 stars. I wish there was more about what other teams were doing, tactics-wise, recruitment-wise, and ownership-wise, and the way football has changed over the years. In the end, I was fine with the Homerisms but it's no Fever Pitch or The Numbers Game.
December 2, 2025
Äänikirjana. Hyvin kokos tärkeimmät asiat yksityiskohtineen viime kausilta. Hyvää perspektiiviä tähän hetkeen. Toki julkaistu muutama vuosi liian aikaisin kun prosessi jää kirjan kertoman osalta kesken.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews