All or Nothing: Arsenal is Done

Am I a Gunner now? I might be. But in the most casual sense possible.

• First Air Date: Aug 4, 2022
• Audience Rating (if available): 67% (Rotten Tomatoes)
• Critical Rating (if available): 80% (Rotten Tomatoes)
• Genre: Documentary Series
• Bingeability (1–10, subjective): 1. Unless you really, really love Arsenal, watching this once is perfectly fine.
• Likeability (1–10, subjective): 7— I was pleasantly surprised by how engaging this show turned out to be.

You know, maybe it’s the rise of Ted Lasso but I feel like sport is becoming popular. Maybe now that it’s more mainstream, we’ll finally see these players get the fame and recognition they deserve.

Oh hang on no, that’s not right. They already do get almost literally everything for kicking a ball around for a couple of minutes once a week. And that is, unvarnished, how I felt before I started this show.

Fine. I’ll feel feelings then.

The deep dive in All or Nothing: Arsenal did a lot to change my mind. Not entirely, but maybe a little further down the road. I’m still never going to feel sorry for someone who earned 140 million GBP because they feel like the fame is too much. You could literally build a fort out of one pound notes.

When I embarked on this journey to watch 76 days’ worth of television, “All or Nothing: Arsenal” seemed like a significant detour from my usual preferences. I had little knowledge about sports, let alone football, and my expectations were modest at best. However, my experience with this documentary series turned out to be quite unexpected, leaving me genuinely moved and intrigued.

One of the most striking moments for me was the decision made by coach Mikel Arteta to drop Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the squad after his repeated infractions. It was a decision that showcased the complexities of leadership and the need to uphold discipline and respect within the team. It’s a reminder that even in the realm of professional sports, principles and values matter.

The series beautifully captured the essence of teamwork, dedication, and the sheer passion that drives both players and fans. It wasn’t just about the game; it was about the people, their stories, and their unwavering commitment to their club.

In the end, “All or Nothing: Arsenal” was a pleasant surprise. It managed to break through my initial lack of enthusiasm for sports and engage me in a world that I never thought I would appreciate. The dedication of the players, the leadership of Mikel Arteta, and the emotional rollercoaster of a football season made for compelling viewing.

It’s a testament to the power of storytelling that can transcend one’s preconceived notions. This series, with its ups and downs, its victories and defeats, showcased the human side of sports. It was about more than just a game; it was about the relentless pursuit of excellence and the unity of a team.

So, as I move forward on my television-watching journey, I’ll carry with me the unexpected joy that “All or Nothing: Arsenal” brought into my life. Who would have thought that a show about football could be so captivating and emotionally resonant? It goes to show that sometimes, the best experiences come from the least expected places.

But I still don’t know what the offside rule is.

p.s. If you want a quick higlight reel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CSkU4Xyi9k