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My thoughts exactly , couldn’t handle it.I reckon I would rather PSG.
Harry Kane you just know would bang in a goal in the 89th min to breakour hearts
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Epic mate. So happy for you and your family, memories you'll cherish forever.So, have caught up on some sleep after a whirlwind few days. Thought I’d try and share some of the experience. Apologies for the long post however not expecting everyone to read it all, just scroll down if not interested
I’ve tried chatting with family, friends, business partners etc about just how significant this week has been for Arsenal, the energy around North London, the vibe pre match and the ridiculously good atmosphere inside the stadium. But each time I know I’m selling it short, it’s really difficult to do justice for how special this week has been.
It’s Arsenal everywhere. Up and down Holloway Rd, Hornsey Rd, around the stadium that I walk daily. Highbury just a bit further away down Gillespie Road way and there’s constant fans, tourists, decked out in their Arsenal gear. I say hello and vice versa and all corners of the globe are represented, a different accent every time and it demonstrates again the global reach of football. And just how massive Arsenal are.
The other day I took my boys to the old Highbury Stadium to see it from the outside. We did the usual touristy stuff like the stadium tour and museum tour etc. They’d heard enough about Highbury to want to go and see it so we ventured down there and there’s that little public entrance to get into the garden square inside.
We went inside and randomly out of nowhere, there’s a little football to the side of the gardens. Cleary someone had left it behind quite likely a family who lives in the apartments there, so for a couple of minutes my boys kicked the ball around the grass and then placed it back to where we found it. It was their version of playing on the Highbury pitch haha.
The Fulham match was spectacular, audible gasps around me when Saka sat down Jimenez for the opening goal. He’s so adored here which is heart warming to see. Long story short I am finalising some work related stuff so I sat with some partners in hospitality for that game, and knew in the background I had to do everything possible to get my family across for the semi final.
Thankfully we secured 4 tickets together with a little help along the way. Repeatedly I was told that it would be next level, quite possibly the greatest occasion in the Emirates Stadium history. That’s a big statement to make but it’s coming from season ticket holders and match going fans who sense something different so of course I’m going to listen to that.
Some club staff and officials I met are also similar. They’re Arsenal mad as well, doing what they can to get to the game. Staff ballots etc is all luck of the draw, but they said if they can’t get to the match at minimum they’d be there outside The Armoury on Hornsey Road to greet the team bus.
And here’s where shit gets real. I cannot really properly describe the scenes that we’re building there. I tip my hat for whoever’s idea it was to organise this meet up, to get as many people down there and create that atmosphere for the arrival of the players. I’m told this has never happened before and a rallying cry was given that any Arsenal fan, whether going to the game or not, make sure to get down there and help put if you can.
To everyone’s credit they answered the call. As we approached the roundabout it was so ****ing packed I carried my youngest son as it can get quite overwhelming. We snaked our way down the road, pubs and restaurants around us were already packed approx 2.5 hours before kick off. We found a decent spot to the side of the roundabout near the staircase for to see the events unfold.
Every few minutes more and more people were coming. Media and tv stations were hovering; there was a sky news crew closeby interviewing people and passerbys. Every now and then I could catch some words, they were saying things like “I’ve finished work early, not going to the game but just had to be here” etc etc. Very similar themes like that.
It dawned on me again just how ****ing lucky we are just to be here. Just for that. But then to actually be going to the match, ****ing hell that’s special.
I genuinely felt bad at the fans walking around asking if anyone selling a ticket, it was more out of hope than anything else, they kinda knew it is not going to happen but they had to ask anyway. At all times I mentioned to my wife and sons not to make it known we’re going to the match as I didn’t want to rub it into peoples faces.
The time ticked over 5.45pm and the area was just ****ing bouncing. Ashburton Army in the middle of the roundabout going off, chant after chant. One of the biggest cheers came for Gunnersaurus. He appeared out of nowhere and came into the middle of the road and it was ****ing gold. He’s dancing away whilst they’re singing to him, the centre of attention. I ****ing loved it. He then made a special effort to go around and say hello and high five kids and families. Massive respect.
Atletico Madrid bus arrives a few minutes later and you could just sense it. Police and stewards cleared a pathway for them and they were “greeted” let’s just say by the fans.
Soon after we were told Arsenal were 3 minutes away. The chants went even louder. “Allez allez allez”, “King Of Brazil” etc. It was all happening.
Arsenal arrived and it was ****ing bonkers. Limbs, yelling, cheering. Everything. It was really special. For the vast majority of the crowd there it was as close to the action as they would get so they gave it their all. The fan connection is genuine and full credit to Arsenal, Arteta and the club for how they’ve rebuilt this connection the last few years from where Arsenal were.
The bus leaves and quickly the crowd is dispersed. People have to get home to watch the game in time. Or get to a bar or restaurant etc. Thankfully for us we just turned around and headed up the steps to the stadium.
Took a long time to get inside as expected because so many people arriving at the same time. Our seats are brilliant, mid way level above the dugout sections and the view we had of the Tifo being unveiled was ****ing magnificent.
The Tifo was a spectacle. Light show to reveal it was the icing on the cake. When the players came on, I couldn’t hear anything. Good ol Arsenal, North London Forever, the team sheet being named, it was sensational. Everything was so loud.
The champions league music was something I’ve never experienced before. How lucky I was to be there for such an event. The roar afterwards I would like to the roar after the national anthem at a prelim final at the G, but then even louder. It was unbelievable. Chills even describing it.
And by now a ball hasn’t even been kicked. The game hasn’t even started. Everything I’ve described so far was an event in itself. I would’ve happily paid for that. But now; there’s the little matter of a champions league semi final haha!
As for the game itself, probably not much I can add that you wouldn’t have seen for yourself. But a few extra things from where we sat.
Andrea Berta was ****ing going off his head in the final minutes. The stoush with Simeone was hilarious. They both were going at each other. I also saw Kepa grab the ball when it went out to delay a throw in but somehow Calafiori got the yellow card. They were laughing about as were the other Arsenal players. Very amusing.
My son noticed how deep Alvarez was drawn, he was so often picking the ball up in deep positions. Griezmann too was defending down the wing supporting his full back. This was not by design for them. It was Arsenal’s control and shape that squeezed them into this. It was masterful coaching and tactics from Arsenal. They played our game. Not theirs.
Gyokeres is a ****ing bulldozer. He deserved immense credit and he got it in spades. The way he duelled and threw his body into everything. Hardly gets a foul but just keeps going and going. The fantastic ball from Hincapie was fizzing and bouncing and bobbled at the wrong time but I was hoping he scored it just to get that moment for him. He was phenomenal anyway.
Bukayo Saka, what to say. This man can lead Arsenal to glory. Scored at the Bernabeu. Scored in Paris. And now again seals the semi final with the sole match winning goal. He’s on the verge of legendary status. So thrilled for him.
Atleti rested their entire team last weekend to prepare for this.
Yet were run off the park and Griezmann and Alvarez were then subbed out from getting no change from the elite defence of Arsenal. We don’t have that same luxury when we’re also fighting for a league title and playing every 3-4 days.
Gabriel and Saliba are ****ing ridiculous. White had a huge game and was cheered so much. Lewis Skelly when he came off to the “49” chant was very memorable for me.
Make no mistake what Arsenal are up against now. 2 nation state owned clubs that no one ever references because it’s so normalised. Look at the league minutes played of PSG’s attackers and compare the workload for Arsenal’s outfield players. That tells you a story.
After the game I headed out and **** me it’s still a blur. I was in a pub and saw many people congregating around someone and noticed it was Charles Watts (big Arsenal fan and journalist podcaster). I didn’t bail him up or anything just said hello, he too like many were very emotional and moved. He too said something along the lines of it was one of the greatest moments in his Arsenal fandom at this stadium and that’s the kind of shit I take very seriously.
An absolute pleasure to be there. So lucky.
Arsenal are 4 wins away now. 4 wins. From potentially the greatest season in Arsenal history.
This is very very special.
Mate there are no words to describe how happy I am for you to have experienced this, and how incredibly envious I am too. Truly once in a lifetime scenes you've managed to be part of there.So, have caught up on some sleep after a whirlwind few days. Thought I’d try and share some of the experience. Apologies for the long post however not expecting everyone to read it all, just scroll down if not interested
I’ve tried chatting with family, friends, business partners etc about just how significant this week has been for Arsenal, the energy around North London, the vibe pre match and the ridiculously good atmosphere inside the stadium. But each time I know I’m selling it short, it’s really difficult to do justice for how special this week has been.
It’s Arsenal everywhere. Up and down Holloway Rd, Hornsey Rd, around the stadium that I walk daily. Highbury just a bit further away down Gillespie Road way and there’s constant fans, tourists, decked out in their Arsenal gear. I say hello and vice versa and all corners of the globe are represented, a different accent every time and it demonstrates again the global reach of football. And just how massive Arsenal are.
The other day I took my boys to the old Highbury Stadium to see it from the outside. We did the usual touristy stuff like the stadium tour and museum tour etc. They’d heard enough about Highbury to want to go and see it so we ventured down there and there’s that little public entrance to get into the garden square inside.
We went inside and randomly out of nowhere, there’s a little football to the side of the gardens. Cleary someone had left it behind quite likely a family who lives in the apartments there, so for a couple of minutes my boys kicked the ball around the grass and then placed it back to where we found it. It was their version of playing on the Highbury pitch haha.
The Fulham match was spectacular, audible gasps around me when Saka sat down Jimenez for the opening goal. He’s so adored here which is heart warming to see. Long story short I am finalising some work related stuff so I sat with some partners in hospitality for that game, and knew in the background I had to do everything possible to get my family across for the semi final.
Thankfully we secured 4 tickets together with a little help along the way. Repeatedly I was told that it would be next level, quite possibly the greatest occasion in the Emirates Stadium history. That’s a big statement to make but it’s coming from season ticket holders and match going fans who sense something different so of course I’m going to listen to that.
Some club staff and officials I met are also similar. They’re Arsenal mad as well, doing what they can to get to the game. Staff ballots etc is all luck of the draw, but they said if they can’t get to the match at minimum they’d be there outside The Armoury on Hornsey Road to greet the team bus.
And here’s where shit gets real. I cannot really properly describe the scenes that we’re building there. I tip my hat for whoever’s idea it was to organise this meet up, to get as many people down there and create that atmosphere for the arrival of the players. I’m told this has never happened before and a rallying cry was given that any Arsenal fan, whether going to the game or not, make sure to get down there and help put if you can.
To everyone’s credit they answered the call. As we approached the roundabout it was so ****ing packed I carried my youngest son as it can get quite overwhelming. We snaked our way down the road, pubs and restaurants around us were already packed approx 2.5 hours before kick off. We found a decent spot to the side of the roundabout near the staircase for to see the events unfold.
Every few minutes more and more people were coming. Media and tv stations were hovering; there was a sky news crew closeby interviewing people and passerbys. Every now and then I could catch some words, they were saying things like “I’ve finished work early, not going to the game but just had to be here” etc etc. Very similar themes like that.
It dawned on me again just how ****ing lucky we are just to be here. Just for that. But then to actually be going to the match, ****ing hell that’s special.
I genuinely felt bad at the fans walking around asking if anyone selling a ticket, it was more out of hope than anything else, they kinda knew it is not going to happen but they had to ask anyway. At all times I mentioned to my wife and sons not to make it known we’re going to the match as I didn’t want to rub it into peoples faces.
The time ticked over 5.45pm and the area was just ****ing bouncing. Ashburton Army in the middle of the roundabout going off, chant after chant. One of the biggest cheers came for Gunnersaurus. He appeared out of nowhere and came into the middle of the road and it was ****ing gold. He’s dancing away whilst they’re singing to him, the centre of attention. I ****ing loved it. He then made a special effort to go around and say hello and high five kids and families. Massive respect.
Atletico Madrid bus arrives a few minutes later and you could just sense it. Police and stewards cleared a pathway for them and they were “greeted” let’s just say by the fans.
Soon after we were told Arsenal were 3 minutes away. The chants went even louder. “Allez allez allez”, “King Of Brazil” etc. It was all happening.
Arsenal arrived and it was ****ing bonkers. Limbs, yelling, cheering. Everything. It was really special. For the vast majority of the crowd there it was as close to the action as they would get so they gave it their all. The fan connection is genuine and full credit to Arsenal, Arteta and the club for how they’ve rebuilt this connection the last few years from where Arsenal were.
The bus leaves and quickly the crowd is dispersed. People have to get home to watch the game in time. Or get to a bar or restaurant etc. Thankfully for us we just turned around and headed up the steps to the stadium.
Took a long time to get inside as expected because so many people arriving at the same time. Our seats are brilliant, mid way level above the dugout sections and the view we had of the Tifo being unveiled was ****ing magnificent.
The Tifo was a spectacle. Light show to reveal it was the icing on the cake. When the players came on, I couldn’t hear anything. Good ol Arsenal, North London Forever, the team sheet being named, it was sensational. Everything was so loud.
The champions league music was something I’ve never experienced before. How lucky I was to be there for such an event. The roar afterwards I would like to the roar after the national anthem at a prelim final at the G, but then even louder. It was unbelievable. Chills even describing it.
And by now a ball hasn’t even been kicked. The game hasn’t even started. Everything I’ve described so far was an event in itself. I would’ve happily paid for that. But now; there’s the little matter of a champions league semi final haha!
As for the game itself, probably not much I can add that you wouldn’t have seen for yourself. But a few extra things from where we sat.
Andrea Berta was ****ing going off his head in the final minutes. The stoush with Simeone was hilarious. They both were going at each other. I also saw Kepa grab the ball when it went out to delay a throw in but somehow Calafiori got the yellow card. They were laughing about as were the other Arsenal players. Very amusing.
My son noticed how deep Alvarez was drawn, he was so often picking the ball up in deep positions. Griezmann too was defending down the wing supporting his full back. This was not by design for them. It was Arsenal’s control and shape that squeezed them into this. It was masterful coaching and tactics from Arsenal. They played our game. Not theirs.
Gyokeres is a ****ing bulldozer. He deserved immense credit and he got it in spades. The way he duelled and threw his body into everything. Hardly gets a foul but just keeps going and going. The fantastic ball from Hincapie was fizzing and bouncing and bobbled at the wrong time but I was hoping he scored it just to get that moment for him. He was phenomenal anyway.
Bukayo Saka, what to say. This man can lead Arsenal to glory. Scored at the Bernabeu. Scored in Paris. And now again seals the semi final with the sole match winning goal. He’s on the verge of legendary status. So thrilled for him.
Atleti rested their entire team last weekend to prepare for this.
Yet were run off the park and Griezmann and Alvarez were then subbed out from getting no change from the elite defence of Arsenal. We don’t have that same luxury when we’re also fighting for a league title and playing every 3-4 days.
Gabriel and Saliba are ****ing ridiculous. White had a huge game and was cheered so much. Lewis Skelly when he came off to the “49” chant was very memorable for me.
Make no mistake what Arsenal are up against now. 2 nation state owned clubs that no one ever references because it’s so normalised. Look at the league minutes played of PSG’s attackers and compare the workload for Arsenal’s outfield players. That tells you a story.
After the game I headed out and **** me it’s still a blur. I was in a pub and saw many people congregating around someone and noticed it was Charles Watts (big Arsenal fan and journalist podcaster). I didn’t bail him up or anything just said hello, he too like many were very emotional and moved. He too said something along the lines of it was one of the greatest moments in his Arsenal fandom at this stadium and that’s the kind of shit I take very seriously.
An absolute pleasure to be there. So lucky.
Arsenal are 4 wins away now. 4 wins. From potentially the greatest season in Arsenal history.
This is very very special.
Hell... Don't know if Gabriel would be happy I stole his number but I've never looked that good in my life 
Could play inside mid AFL with your physique mateView attachment 2606442
Got chatgpt to do a picture of me as an arsenal player
Great postSo, have caught up on some sleep after a whirlwind few days. Thought I’d try and share some of the experience. Apologies for the long post however not expecting everyone to read it all, just scroll down if not interested
I’ve tried chatting with family, friends, business partners etc about just how significant this week has been for Arsenal, the energy around North London, the vibe pre match and the ridiculously good atmosphere inside the stadium. But each time I know I’m selling it short, it’s really difficult to do justice for how special this week has been.
It’s Arsenal everywhere. Up and down Holloway Rd, Hornsey Rd, around the stadium that I walk daily. Highbury just a bit further away down Gillespie Road way and there’s constant fans, tourists, decked out in their Arsenal gear. I say hello and vice versa and all corners of the globe are represented, a different accent every time and it demonstrates again the global reach of football. And just how massive Arsenal are.
The other day I took my boys to the old Highbury Stadium to see it from the outside. We did the usual touristy stuff like the stadium tour and museum tour etc. They’d heard enough about Highbury to want to go and see it so we ventured down there and there’s that little public entrance to get into the garden square inside.
We went inside and randomly out of nowhere, there’s a little football to the side of the gardens. Cleary someone had left it behind quite likely a family who lives in the apartments there, so for a couple of minutes my boys kicked the ball around the grass and then placed it back to where we found it. It was their version of playing on the Highbury pitch haha.
The Fulham match was spectacular, audible gasps around me when Saka sat down Jimenez for the opening goal. He’s so adored here which is heart warming to see. Long story short I am finalising some work related stuff so I sat with some partners in hospitality for that game, and knew in the background I had to do everything possible to get my family across for the semi final.
Thankfully we secured 4 tickets together with a little help along the way. Repeatedly I was told that it would be next level, quite possibly the greatest occasion in the Emirates Stadium history. That’s a big statement to make but it’s coming from season ticket holders and match going fans who sense something different so of course I’m going to listen to that.
Some club staff and officials I met are also similar. They’re Arsenal mad as well, doing what they can to get to the game. Staff ballots etc is all luck of the draw, but they said if they can’t get to the match at minimum they’d be there outside The Armoury on Hornsey Road to greet the team bus.
And here’s where shit gets real. I cannot really properly describe the scenes that we’re building there. I tip my hat for whoever’s idea it was to organise this meet up, to get as many people down there and create that atmosphere for the arrival of the players. I’m told this has never happened before and a rallying cry was given that any Arsenal fan, whether going to the game or not, make sure to get down there and help put if you can.
To everyone’s credit they answered the call. As we approached the roundabout it was so ****ing packed I carried my youngest son as it can get quite overwhelming. We snaked our way down the road, pubs and restaurants around us were already packed approx 2.5 hours before kick off. We found a decent spot to the side of the roundabout near the staircase for to see the events unfold.
Every few minutes more and more people were coming. Media and tv stations were hovering; there was a sky news crew closeby interviewing people and passerbys. Every now and then I could catch some words, they were saying things like “I’ve finished work early, not going to the game but just had to be here” etc etc. Very similar themes like that.
It dawned on me again just how ****ing lucky we are just to be here. Just for that. But then to actually be going to the match, ****ing hell that’s special.
I genuinely felt bad at the fans walking around asking if anyone selling a ticket, it was more out of hope than anything else, they kinda knew it is not going to happen but they had to ask anyway. At all times I mentioned to my wife and sons not to make it known we’re going to the match as I didn’t want to rub it into peoples faces.
The time ticked over 5.45pm and the area was just ****ing bouncing. Ashburton Army in the middle of the roundabout going off, chant after chant. One of the biggest cheers came for Gunnersaurus. He appeared out of nowhere and came into the middle of the road and it was ****ing gold. He’s dancing away whilst they’re singing to him, the centre of attention. I ****ing loved it. He then made a special effort to go around and say hello and high five kids and families. Massive respect.
Atletico Madrid bus arrives a few minutes later and you could just sense it. Police and stewards cleared a pathway for them and they were “greeted” let’s just say by the fans.
Soon after we were told Arsenal were 3 minutes away. The chants went even louder. “Allez allez allez”, “King Of Brazil” etc. It was all happening.
Arsenal arrived and it was ****ing bonkers. Limbs, yelling, cheering. Everything. It was really special. For the vast majority of the crowd there it was as close to the action as they would get so they gave it their all. The fan connection is genuine and full credit to Arsenal, Arteta and the club for how they’ve rebuilt this connection the last few years from where Arsenal were.
The bus leaves and quickly the crowd is dispersed. People have to get home to watch the game in time. Or get to a bar or restaurant etc. Thankfully for us we just turned around and headed up the steps to the stadium.
Took a long time to get inside as expected because so many people arriving at the same time. Our seats are brilliant, mid way level above the dugout sections and the view we had of the Tifo being unveiled was ****ing magnificent.
The Tifo was a spectacle. Light show to reveal it was the icing on the cake. When the players came on, I couldn’t hear anything. Good ol Arsenal, North London Forever, the team sheet being named, it was sensational. Everything was so loud.
The champions league music was something I’ve never experienced before. How lucky I was to be there for such an event. The roar afterwards I would like to the roar after the national anthem at a prelim final at the G, but then even louder. It was unbelievable. Chills even describing it.
And by now a ball hasn’t even been kicked. The game hasn’t even started. Everything I’ve described so far was an event in itself. I would’ve happily paid for that. But now; there’s the little matter of a champions league semi final haha!
As for the game itself, probably not much I can add that you wouldn’t have seen for yourself. But a few extra things from where we sat.
Andrea Berta was ****ing going off his head in the final minutes. The stoush with Simeone was hilarious. They both were going at each other. I also saw Kepa grab the ball when it went out to delay a throw in but somehow Calafiori got the yellow card. They were laughing about as were the other Arsenal players. Very amusing.
My son noticed how deep Alvarez was drawn, he was so often picking the ball up in deep positions. Griezmann too was defending down the wing supporting his full back. This was not by design for them. It was Arsenal’s control and shape that squeezed them into this. It was masterful coaching and tactics from Arsenal. They played our game. Not theirs.
Gyokeres is a ****ing bulldozer. He deserved immense credit and he got it in spades. The way he duelled and threw his body into everything. Hardly gets a foul but just keeps going and going. The fantastic ball from Hincapie was fizzing and bouncing and bobbled at the wrong time but I was hoping he scored it just to get that moment for him. He was phenomenal anyway.
Bukayo Saka, what to say. This man can lead Arsenal to glory. Scored at the Bernabeu. Scored in Paris. And now again seals the semi final with the sole match winning goal. He’s on the verge of legendary status. So thrilled for him.
Atleti rested their entire team last weekend to prepare for this.
Yet were run off the park and Griezmann and Alvarez were then subbed out from getting no change from the elite defence of Arsenal. We don’t have that same luxury when we’re also fighting for a league title and playing every 3-4 days.
Gabriel and Saliba are ****ing ridiculous. White had a huge game and was cheered so much. Lewis Skelly when he came off to the “49” chant was very memorable for me.
Make no mistake what Arsenal are up against now. 2 nation state owned clubs that no one ever references because it’s so normalised. Look at the league minutes played of PSG’s attackers and compare the workload for Arsenal’s outfield players. That tells you a story.
After the game I headed out and **** me it’s still a blur. I was in a pub and saw many people congregating around someone and noticed it was Charles Watts (big Arsenal fan and journalist podcaster). I didn’t bail him up or anything just said hello, he too like many were very emotional and moved. He too said something along the lines of it was one of the greatest moments in his Arsenal fandom at this stadium and that’s the kind of shit I take very seriously.
An absolute pleasure to be there. So lucky.
Arsenal are 4 wins away now. 4 wins. From potentially the greatest season in Arsenal history.
This is very very special.
west ham game tomorowe morning is the biggest game of arteta's manager careerThanks Brentford you useless bag of shit
Great read mate. What a privilege to get to soak all this in and with your family too. Incredible experience for them all but especially for yourself. Stoked for you to be able to see this current iteration of the side and at its peak.So, have caught up on some sleep after a whirlwind few days. Thought I’d try and share some of the experience. Apologies for the long post however not expecting everyone to read it all, just scroll down if not interested
I’ve tried chatting with family, friends, business partners etc about just how significant this week has been for Arsenal, the energy around North London, the vibe pre match and the ridiculously good atmosphere inside the stadium. But each time I know I’m selling it short, it’s really difficult to do justice for how special this week has been.
It’s Arsenal everywhere. Up and down Holloway Rd, Hornsey Rd, around the stadium that I walk daily. Highbury just a bit further away down Gillespie Road way and there’s constant fans, tourists, decked out in their Arsenal gear. I say hello and vice versa and all corners of the globe are represented, a different accent every time and it demonstrates again the global reach of football. And just how massive Arsenal are.
The other day I took my boys to the old Highbury Stadium to see it from the outside. We did the usual touristy stuff like the stadium tour and museum tour etc. They’d heard enough about Highbury to want to go and see it so we ventured down there and there’s that little public entrance to get into the garden square inside.
We went inside and randomly out of nowhere, there’s a little football to the side of the gardens. Cleary someone had left it behind quite likely a family who lives in the apartments there, so for a couple of minutes my boys kicked the ball around the grass and then placed it back to where we found it. It was their version of playing on the Highbury pitch haha.
The Fulham match was spectacular, audible gasps around me when Saka sat down Jimenez for the opening goal. He’s so adored here which is heart warming to see. Long story short I am finalising some work related stuff so I sat with some partners in hospitality for that game, and knew in the background I had to do everything possible to get my family across for the semi final.
Thankfully we secured 4 tickets together with a little help along the way. Repeatedly I was told that it would be next level, quite possibly the greatest occasion in the Emirates Stadium history. That’s a big statement to make but it’s coming from season ticket holders and match going fans who sense something different so of course I’m going to listen to that.
Some club staff and officials I met are also similar. They’re Arsenal mad as well, doing what they can to get to the game. Staff ballots etc is all luck of the draw, but they said if they can’t get to the match at minimum they’d be there outside The Armoury on Hornsey Road to greet the team bus.
And here’s where shit gets real. I cannot really properly describe the scenes that we’re building there. I tip my hat for whoever’s idea it was to organise this meet up, to get as many people down there and create that atmosphere for the arrival of the players. I’m told this has never happened before and a rallying cry was given that any Arsenal fan, whether going to the game or not, make sure to get down there and help put if you can.
To everyone’s credit they answered the call. As we approached the roundabout it was so ****ing packed I carried my youngest son as it can get quite overwhelming. We snaked our way down the road, pubs and restaurants around us were already packed approx 2.5 hours before kick off. We found a decent spot to the side of the roundabout near the staircase for to see the events unfold.
Every few minutes more and more people were coming. Media and tv stations were hovering; there was a sky news crew closeby interviewing people and passerbys. Every now and then I could catch some words, they were saying things like “I’ve finished work early, not going to the game but just had to be here” etc etc. Very similar themes like that.
It dawned on me again just how ****ing lucky we are just to be here. Just for that. But then to actually be going to the match, ****ing hell that’s special.
I genuinely felt bad at the fans walking around asking if anyone selling a ticket, it was more out of hope than anything else, they kinda knew it is not going to happen but they had to ask anyway. At all times I mentioned to my wife and sons not to make it known we’re going to the match as I didn’t want to rub it into peoples faces.
The time ticked over 5.45pm and the area was just ****ing bouncing. Ashburton Army in the middle of the roundabout going off, chant after chant. One of the biggest cheers came for Gunnersaurus. He appeared out of nowhere and came into the middle of the road and it was ****ing gold. He’s dancing away whilst they’re singing to him, the centre of attention. I ****ing loved it. He then made a special effort to go around and say hello and high five kids and families. Massive respect.
Atletico Madrid bus arrives a few minutes later and you could just sense it. Police and stewards cleared a pathway for them and they were “greeted” let’s just say by the fans.
Soon after we were told Arsenal were 3 minutes away. The chants went even louder. “Allez allez allez”, “King Of Brazil” etc. It was all happening.
Arsenal arrived and it was ****ing bonkers. Limbs, yelling, cheering. Everything. It was really special. For the vast majority of the crowd there it was as close to the action as they would get so they gave it their all. The fan connection is genuine and full credit to Arsenal, Arteta and the club for how they’ve rebuilt this connection the last few years from where Arsenal were.
The bus leaves and quickly the crowd is dispersed. People have to get home to watch the game in time. Or get to a bar or restaurant etc. Thankfully for us we just turned around and headed up the steps to the stadium.
Took a long time to get inside as expected because so many people arriving at the same time. Our seats are brilliant, mid way level above the dugout sections and the view we had of the Tifo being unveiled was ****ing magnificent.
The Tifo was a spectacle. Light show to reveal it was the icing on the cake. When the players came on, I couldn’t hear anything. Good ol Arsenal, North London Forever, the team sheet being named, it was sensational. Everything was so loud.
The champions league music was something I’ve never experienced before. How lucky I was to be there for such an event. The roar afterwards I would like to the roar after the national anthem at a prelim final at the G, but then even louder. It was unbelievable. Chills even describing it.
And by now a ball hasn’t even been kicked. The game hasn’t even started. Everything I’ve described so far was an event in itself. I would’ve happily paid for that. But now; there’s the little matter of a champions league semi final haha!
As for the game itself, probably not much I can add that you wouldn’t have seen for yourself. But a few extra things from where we sat.
Andrea Berta was ****ing going off his head in the final minutes. The stoush with Simeone was hilarious. They both were going at each other. I also saw Kepa grab the ball when it went out to delay a throw in but somehow Calafiori got the yellow card. They were laughing about as were the other Arsenal players. Very amusing.
My son noticed how deep Alvarez was drawn, he was so often picking the ball up in deep positions. Griezmann too was defending down the wing supporting his full back. This was not by design for them. It was Arsenal’s control and shape that squeezed them into this. It was masterful coaching and tactics from Arsenal. They played our game. Not theirs.
Gyokeres is a ****ing bulldozer. He deserved immense credit and he got it in spades. The way he duelled and threw his body into everything. Hardly gets a foul but just keeps going and going. The fantastic ball from Hincapie was fizzing and bouncing and bobbled at the wrong time but I was hoping he scored it just to get that moment for him. He was phenomenal anyway.
Bukayo Saka, what to say. This man can lead Arsenal to glory. Scored at the Bernabeu. Scored in Paris. And now again seals the semi final with the sole match winning goal. He’s on the verge of legendary status. So thrilled for him.
Atleti rested their entire team last weekend to prepare for this.
Yet were run off the park and Griezmann and Alvarez were then subbed out from getting no change from the elite defence of Arsenal. We don’t have that same luxury when we’re also fighting for a league title and playing every 3-4 days.
Gabriel and Saliba are ****ing ridiculous. White had a huge game and was cheered so much. Lewis Skelly when he came off to the “49” chant was very memorable for me.
Make no mistake what Arsenal are up against now. 2 nation state owned clubs that no one ever references because it’s so normalised. Look at the league minutes played of PSG’s attackers and compare the workload for Arsenal’s outfield players. That tells you a story.
After the game I headed out and **** me it’s still a blur. I was in a pub and saw many people congregating around someone and noticed it was Charles Watts (big Arsenal fan and journalist podcaster). I didn’t bail him up or anything just said hello, he too like many were very emotional and moved. He too said something along the lines of it was one of the greatest moments in his Arsenal fandom at this stadium and that’s the kind of shit I take very seriously.
An absolute pleasure to be there. So lucky.
Arsenal are 4 wins away now. 4 wins. From potentially the greatest season in Arsenal history.
This is very very special.
