It’s Thursday (well technically Wednesday night at the time of writing) so that must mean today you get a “life” post, right?
Wrong.
Sorry, I know I promised Thursday’s would be lifestyle ramblings – and I did toy with the idea of writing about the kids and/or life – but as much as I try to put my mind to it, I just can’t. I just can’t stop thinking about Arsenal. Do you know why? Because Arsenal are the Premier League CHAMPIONS!
I was in London for work on Tuesday, heading back on the train to the Midlands whilst trying to hold onto any reception to keep an eye on the Bournemouth vs Man City score. I just had a feeling City would drop points – which would crown Arsenal champions. Maybe it was more wishful thinking. Either way, I sent a message to the family Arsenal group chat to inform them of my plans to head to a pub if Bournemouth were to do something magical. It was 9pm and I was approaching my station. Bournemouth were 1-0 ahead. There were around 15-20 mins remaining of the game.
And then superstitious thoughts started taking over my mind. What if me being on the train was the very reason for the score? Do I stay on the train, leading to a guaranteed result in Arsenal’s favour? Or do I get off the train so I don’t end up in the middle of nowhere and miles away from home?!
I found the courage to overcome my superstition, got off the train at the right station and headed straight to a local pub showing the game.
I have to say, the pub was full of people that looked a bit dodgy. I mean, I shouldn’t judge books by their covers, but also I didn’t want to be murdered for cheering an Arsenal league win. So I thought I’d sit at the side and remain lowkey. Then Bournemouth went one on one for the opportunity to double their lead and I stood up and screamed “COME ON!”. They missed. I looked around. It felt like all eyes were on me. But no one bothered me. Perhaps they were more afraid of me than I was of them. Man City scored an equaliser and I let out a loud yelp. Then, the full time whistle went. I cheered. And so did some lads on the table next to me. Turns out they were Arsenal fans – wearing Arsenal merch. So I’m blind as well as loud.
A few cheers with my new friends and the cavalry arrived. The family were together, some other Arsenal fans entered the pub and we all sat around chatting, excited. The pub usually closed at 11pm so I was trying to find where to go for drinks next, but turned out it was poker night so they kept their doors – and more importantly, the bar – open for a couple more hours. We all watched scenes from London, and it hit me that I could have just stayed in London and head to the Emirates Stadium to be part of the joy there, but I made my choices and have no regrets.
Going back to superstitions for a second. I purposely stayed away from purchasing any Arsenal shirts this season. Somehow that was also linked to us winning the league. After a couple of drinks last night I decided it was the right time to purchase the 2025/26 home and third shirts. Finding these shirts in my size (a very manly medium) wasn’t as easy as I expected. Especially under the influence. I found the third shirt and immediately ordered it, then I found it cheaper elsewhere and ordered it again, and then I found a home shirt and I ordered that too. I really hope I had ordered the right size. I’m half expecting a full wardrobe of incorrectly sized shirts being delivered in the coming days.
Tuesday night was amazing. I’ll always remember where I was when Arsenal became champions.
It was such a release of pent up emotions, frustration, anger from the last 22 years. 22 years!! My mum called me when we were confirmed champions – and it hit me how the last time we won the league I was 18 years old, with ambitious dreams ahead of me. Now, 22 years later – I’m still only 21 years old, but I’m a married man, I have 2 beautiful children, and life is pretty good. Were the dreams met? They were exceeded. Apart from the Arsenal Dream.
Thinking back to the last time we won the league I never would have guessed it wouldn’t happen again in so long. My nephew asked me what it was like when we won the league in 2004. Honestly, I took it for granted – like it was a given. I thought we would go on to dominate English football. Then Chelsea football club were formed with dirty oil money, and Man City followed. It hasn’t been an easy couple of decades for Arsenal fans. Especially with all the hate from other clubs. But this made this league victory all the sweeter.
I’ve been going through the different stages of joy. Right now, I’m at the emotional stage. I find myself welling up just thinking about what this means to so many people. Look at the huge crowd of fans that turned up unplanned at the Emirates. The players celebrating after years of being so close. Those that say “it’s just football” honestly don’t get it. It’s much more than just football – it’s a community, a belonging, and I can’t wait to soak up all the content over the coming weeks.
If we win the Champions League the joy will climb to new heights. If we don’t win it, then that’s ok, because this team has achieved something we’ve been yearning for, for decades, and nothing will take away from that.
As for me, I’m going to miss the lifting of the trophy on Sunday as I’ll be on a flight to Greece. It’s ok, I can catch up when I get there. At least I don’t need to sit on a flight with any uncertainty around if we’re champions. Because ARSENAL ARE THE CHAMPIONS!
I’ll be in Greece for the final too – which is ok, but I will miss the parade on 31st May which I’m rather gutted about. Either way, I’m happy – and maybe the underlying stress I’ve been carrying around with me can now be lifted.
COYG!
