Live Event #8
The Emirates Stadium
I had been imagining this moment since 2005-2006, the year I began supporting Arsenal Football Club. My commitment level as a fan has progressively gotten stronger: in 2005-2006 I watched one match, the Champions League Final, an unfortunate 2-1 loss to Barcelona that saw keeper Jens Lehmann sent off inside twenty minutes; in 2006-2007, Thierry Henry’s final season at the club, I watched mostly highlights and the occasional game when the Arsenal appeared on Sportsnet; in 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 I watched the big Premier League games at my friend Tyson’s house (a United supporter), and all of the Champions League games at home; since 2009-2010 I have watched all but a select few of the Arsenal games, thanks in large part to my purchase of Setanta Sports Canada and the advent of the PVR. There are four reasons as to why I decided to support Arsenal. #1: Thierry Henry; #2: their brilliant red uniforms; #3: to irritate my friend Tyson (and provide many memorable FIFA PlayStation memories); #4: the protagonist in my favorite book series supported them. What began as something innocent and fun morphed into a full-fledged obsession, an affectionate passion for a football club located halfway around the world in a city that I had never even visited.
One of the murals outside of the ground
The Emirates Stadium is an architectural spectacle; situated in the middle of a residential neighborhood, the stadium towers over the block houses, an imposing figure that embodies the happiest of memories. The massive murals of the Arsenal legends displayed around the ground are stunning, a reminder of all the generations that have been invested in the success of a football club. Once inside the stadium, it is impossible not to admire the perfect grass and the symmetry of the seats. I had finally made it; a place that had previously only existed in my mind was now presented in front of me and could not have looked any more beautiful.
Arsenal dominated the game from the get go. Despite the absence of Cesc Fabregas, the midfield tandem of Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey played a phenomenal match and more than made up for his absence. In the 30th minute, Arsenal were very unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty, when United defender Nemanja Vidic swatted away a Theo Walcott cross intended for Robin van Persie inside the 18 yard box. Van Persie protested vehemently, demonstrating the emotion that makes him a fan favorite, but Arsenal’s claims were waved away and the teams returned to the locker room deadlocked at nil-nil. Ten minutes into the second half, Robin van Persie spotted Aaron Ramsey streaking inside the 18 yard box and the twenty year old Welshman put Arsenal in front 1-0, sending the crowd into frenzy. Man United came close a few times but it was to be Arsenal’s day. I left the Emirates singing to myself “One-Nil to the Arsenal”, a testament to the unbelievable atmosphere. I have never experienced anything like it. Unprompted singing and chanting, it is something that any fan of sport must experience even if you don’t like soccer.
Arsenal stars Robin van Persie (left) and Samir Nasri
The season didn’t go the way I had hoped. Arsenal collapsed in the four competitions, highlighting various weaknesses in the squad; questions surround the team going forward but for one match, it felt as if the Arsenal had pulled through for me. It was truly, a perfect day.
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