I am an optimist when it comes to Arsenal. It might be a coping mechanism that I have created, or some type of bizarre mental condition that I have developed over the years. Any way you look at it, even when we are loosing, I think that we can come back and win. I mean, we are talking about Arsenal, and we have seen them do some amazing things over the years. So to my surprise, I received a phone call today from a close friend, looking to discuss the activities planned for the weekend, along with the match on Sunday. I was shaken to my Arsenal core when the following words came out of his mouth . . . “I don’t think I can do this any more.” To which I replied, “what the hell are you talking about?!” He then expounded upon his initial comment to say that he was at a point where Arsenal were in striking distance of the league, and would inevitably let us down . . . starting with the match on Sunday. I scoffed. Chuckled. And then I realized that he was serious. He had reached the Arsenal brick wall. His heart has been broken so many times in the past few seasons . . . well, he just wasn’t sure if he could take another let down . . . another season without something to show for the beauty and skill that Arsenal bring to the game of football.
I quickly realized the severity of the situation. I had to act quickly, or he might go into Arsenalaflacitc shock. I took an AFC resuscitation course years ago, but I never thought that I would have to use it in a real life and death situation. Much like Bear Grylls, I just kicked into survivor mode. I began to walk him through some of the memorable wins that we have had over United these past few years. We chatted about Thierry Henry’s match winning header at Emirates in our second season at the new grounds. We spoke of the fantastic match in November of 2008 where Samir Nasri scored two crackers, taking us to a 2-1 victory. My friend showed signs of response, but he kept on going back and forth on his potential “break” from Arsenal. I needed to do something more . . . and then it hit me. Fever Pitch. The clip that summed up his pain, frustration, and eventual joy. I got it into his hands without a minute to spare.
What happened you ask? Well, he is resting comfortably as I write this . . . ready to sing his heart out on Sunday. It’s not every day you save a supporter, but I now have a sense of what doctors get to experience every day . . . or something like that.
So we are set to take on Manchester United at 11:00AM EDT. Emirates Stadium will be filled to capacity, as our title aspirations wait in the balance. Manchester United started their season slow, and were struggling to find their form without their play maker, Christiano Ronaldo. With Sir Alex at the helm, it was only a matter of time before they found their form. As it sits today, we are sitting in third in the league, with United second and looking to overtake Chelsea at the top of the table. Wayne Rooney is in fantastic form, and will hope to continue his successes at Emirates. However, Arsenal are hitting their stride at the right time. With the return of Alex Song, and the fantastic news that Vermaelen did not break his leg on Wednesday . . . WOO HOO . . . the team is set to make an impact with nothing less than 3 points. Nikky B. will most likely be on the bench, with Nasri and others ready to take the field and make an impact. Arsenal v. Manchester United matches have everything you could want . . . goals, pace, tackles, fouls . . . it is sure to be a fantastic match.
I for one am optimistic about Sunday’s match. The Villa match was tough, and cost us two points. With Chelsea and United in fine form, it is now or never for our Gunners. I believe we are going to see a fantastic display from Andrei and Cesc. So sleep tight, and get ready for our move to the summit. DOWN with United!
Who are ya!
Who are ya!
Who are ya!
Who are ya!
Who are ya!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!
