For us Arsenal fans, today was supposed to be the day we made history. Winning the Premier League and now almost winning the Champions League. It would have meant we put our enemies to shame by conquering the Champions League with an unbeaten record. If I am not mistaken, it would have been the first in history.
Image from the official arsenal’s x page!
The match was like no other as fans all over the world were eager to see their team win the league, if not for anything else, but for the bragging rights. It will not be complete if I do not make mention of the fact that the hatred was cumbersome. We had more haters watching the match than fans. It was no other than fellow Premier League fans that are jealous to see us triumph. One would think they should have supported their fellow brothers in arm against a foreign French club. Then when we head back to England, we continue with the beef. Rather they chose jealousy and spite. It is true what they say that winning comes with more foes than friends and I could see that in Champions League final.
I cannot deny the fact that as a hardcore fan, the lost in the UCL final cuts deep, worse than a heartbreak from a loving partner. Well, holding back the tears requires discipline, which I am not a stranger to. It is also marvelous to note that this performance from Arsenal did not just come at an appropriate time, rather it shows that our squad can no longer be overwritten. Our patience, long drought of no wins and the tenacity to keep pushing forward with our head held up high has been fully displayed in all matches. I have said it before and I will say it again, in the past, at this stage, we have already said goodbye to all trophies long before the season comes to an end but look at us now. Fought hard to win the Champions League after winning the toughest league in the word, the Premier League.
I challenge you to cast the first statement without mentioning the fact that we did extremely well for ourselves this season. Despite the hatred and giving up the lead after the opening goal from Kai Havertz at just 6 minutes into the game, we still gave them a good run for their money. In the game, Arsenal held down the fortress, doing everything possible despite the external forces from the referees and all Arsenal haters. They thought it was over for us in the start of the penalty shootout, yet we came back.
I have to be honest, it was a competition with my heart racing from pillar to post. I stayed glued to the TV from the get go down to the end of the penalty shootout. It was so tough and yet so close for us as a team. It felt like a win slipping from your hand as you watched it go. Nonetheless, Arsenal's squad did well. To Eberechi and Gabriel, do not get depressed over the penalty shots missed, you guys have done well for us this season it can only get better from here. Nothing will prepare you for the victories ahead like the losses encountered and we are no stranger to being persistent despite the setbacks. Gunners for life!
I am @samostically, a chess player and writer. I love to share the experience I have gained from different battles over the 64 squares and the knowledgeable insights from books I have read. But most importantly, I am a Midnight Owl and I founded the community Midnight Letters.
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