As I know I’m one of the lucky season ticket holders, I thought I’d try to paint the picture of what I consider one of the top ten performances I’ve seen while supporting this great club of ours from beginning to end. I hope you’ll enjoy it!!
I arrived outside the ground to witness hundreds of Madrid fans taking selfies next to statues of Arsène, Tony, Thierry and Dennis.
They were very friendly, singing and seemed very sure that this was a game they were going to win.
Even outside, the atmosphere was cracking and it was so tense, you could feel it!!
I got to my seat around 6.30pm and could hear the Arsenal fans singing in the concourse, while there were quite a few Madrid fans already in place.
The announcer started winding up the crowd as he explained that behind each seat was a bag (either red or white) that he wanted the fans to hold up as the players entered the field.
Before that, we were given a pyrotechnic show, accompanied by fireworks, and then North London Forever was sung – the rendition was by far the greatest one to date.
The red and white bags, scarves and singing created a cathedral of noise and I’ve never heard or seen anything like it at the Emirates!!
The Madrid fans were also swinging their scarves, but to be honest, they were drowned out by the home crowd – in fact, I would say they were probably the most disappointing away fans I’ve witnessed during a Champions League match, but, of course, they really didn’t have much to shout about!!
The first half was heart-stopping, as we could have been two goals up, but the Chelsea reject keeper made two or three outstanding saves.
The Arsenal players went in at half-time to a standing ovation and, to be honest, I forgot that the likes of Mbappé were out on the pitch, such was our dominance.
Come the second half and our players were out at least three minutes before the Madrid players emerged to a chorus of boos.
The singing started immediately and ranged from Are you Tottenham in disguise to 49, 49 and You’ve only come to watch The Arsenal and it was non-stop, loud and brilliant.
The ground was rocking but still no goals!!
Then up stepped Declan “we got him half-price” Rice and I really don’t think anyone in the ground even dreamt what would happen next, but it did and, if there was a roof at the Emirates, it would have disappeared, believe me!!
1-0 to The Arsenal was resounding around the ground, when what seemed just seconds later, Declan did it again and we were dancing in the aisles, hugging each other and in seventh heaven.
Madrid looked like a beaten team and we just kept chanting and singing and looking at the clock.
The Madrid fans thought it was all over, but then Merino, our striker, served up yet another glorious goal and signalled even more incredible celebrations.
When the final whistle went, cue the kind of celebrations I would expect if we eventually go on and win the competition, both on and off the pitch – sensational!!
Once again North London Forever was sung, as hardly any home fans had left.
As I walked along the concourse inside the ground, the singing, the high fives, the smiles, the laughter and the disbelief at what we had just witnessed was everywhere.
Walking to the station, the singing was still going on and I only wish every Arsenal fan could have been there.
I hope I’ve conveyed what it was like to those of you who read this and, no matter what happens next, last evening will remain in the memory for all time.
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Ken1945,
That was a very nice post, and you drew the picture very well. 👍👍👍👍👍😉
Thank you 👍
I know most of the UK Arsenal supporters will have at least been to the Emirates and will be able to imagine the atmosphere, although not as you have so brilliantly described Ken 1945 For those who haven’t, hearing and singing along with North London Forever is our You’ll never walk alone. (LIsten to the whole version – its great particularly if your history is from the area) The win against City was pretty raucous, but playing Madrid and beating them so convincingly trumps that by some margin.
An astonishing night, and a well deserved win against one of the powerhouses of world football. Fingers and toes crossed for the perfect ending to the tie next week. You lucky blighter!
Proudly an arsenal fan
Thank you so much Ken, for fans like me thousands of miles away.
Can just imagine the atmosphere, be careful of that line mentioning getting Rice at half price.
That’s why I wrote this article Gunsmoke, for fans like yourself, who love and support the club as much as any lucky season ticket holder!!
It’s really difficult to find the words needed to describe Tuesday night, how the ground was buzzing both inside and outside – it was phenomenal and I think Madrid and their fans were just blown away by it.
Fingers crossed that one day you can make it to the Emirates and expert it yourself 🤞
I should have also mentioned that “We’ve got super Mik Arteta” was belted out at full volume on numerous occasions, as I know from your posts, your one of his supporters!
“We have got super Mik Arteta ” he needed to hear that, he’s only human 👍🏻👍🏻
Amazing night. The whole team was great. 3 goals and a clean sheet. Amazing result against one of the best teams in the world. So proud
Thanks for sharing, would have been amazing to be there. I could tell by the sound on the TV that the place was rocking!
Great article Ken. I wuz there. I have to travel 6,500 miles each way from Hong Kong and back to watch Arsenal and this time it was worth every mile, yard, foot. The only time I remember that could compete with Tuesday was we drew 4-4 with the more or less full Spurs Double winning side plus Jimmy Greaves in 1964. 4-2 down at half time. Geoff Strong scored with a header in the dying seconds. I’ve lived on that for 60 years. Now I’ve an up-to-date magical memory to take home! All the best.
Peter 1942
You put me to shame Peter 1942 no less!!
Our fanbase is truly worldwide and passionate.
Let’s hope you have another fantastic memory when we finally lift the CL trophy this season.
Amen. And so shall it be .
Fair play to you Peter Olsen. I’ve read up about what you’ve been through and I’ve the up most respect for what you’ve achieved and what you’ve done to help people 👏👏
Beautiful article.
I was just smiling so large as I was reading it and imagining it.
I hope we have more of this beautiful nights.
Amen. And so shall it be .
Excellent article Ken. Unfortunately I missed the first 7 minutes, so I never got to see the build up and the display by the supporters.
The atmosphere certainly sounded electric on my TV, the best there’s ever been at the Emirates imho.
The very best I’ve seen at the Emirates HD – just hope we don’t mess it up over there!!!
🤞 Ken for next Wednesday.
HD, I read what you said about Peter and wondered if you could explain further, especially if it’s to do with football and our club.
I normally find that most people who do good things are very reluctant to talk about them.
Hi Ken. Peter Olsen spent £30,000 to help feed the people of Islington during COVID. He’s also donated to the Willow Foundation, which as you know was set up by Bob Wilson and late wife.
Blessed are the lucky ones who were there keeping the faith. I am currently in , Japan without even cable access so was awaken at 5.00am. by a buzz on my mobile and a text message and a live photo from from my son, ” Real Madrid fans look shocked, Rice.” I then looked up score and we were 3-0 in 89th minute. Over the past 40 hours or so I’ve been watching endless clips of the goals and our fans reactions. It seems to get even better over time. There’s nothing like winning in style to make Gunner pride swell.
Amazing Emirates, North London Forever, whatever the weather. Now lets finish the job over, there and I keep smiling even when typing these. Don’t think I will ever make it to Emirates, wont give up dreaming though! Thanks Ken 1945 for that. I usually search for lyrics of the songs.