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From Dean Court Bucket Collections To Arsenal’s Title Hope

If readers will indulge me, I’d like to explain why there is a certain irony in the fact that, of all the places Arsenal may need a favour from in this title race, it happens to be Bournemouth.

Seven years of my childhood were spent in Poole, where I later returned to live for another five years as an adult. Anyone familiar with the area will know it boasts some of the best beaches in the UK. I lived near Sandbanks, where Harry Redknapp lives, and you can walk along the coastline all the way into Bournemouth.

For many of my school friends, the Cherries were their local club.

Back then, Bournemouth were very much a League One and League Two side. My stepdad would often take me to Dean Court, where someone would walk around the stands with a collection bucket because of the financial issues the club faced. If anyone had suggested at that point that this stadium would one day host Premier League football, nobody would have believed them.

Now, in 2026, Bournemouth are just one point away from qualifying for European football for the first time in their history. Even the Champions League is not completely out of the question.

Bournemouth beat Arsenal 2-1 at the Emirates last month – perhaps they can leave it all on the pitch with Man City on Tuesday?

Memories, family and football anxiety

One of my strongest childhood memories was my stepdad arriving home from work every Saturday during half-time of the 3pm kick-offs. We would spend the second half listening to Jeff Stelling on Soccer Saturday updating us on how our respective teams were doing.

For more than two decades my parents have lived in Greece. You would think being that far away would make it difficult to follow a lower-league football club, but somehow the opposite happened. Every weekend my stepdad would sit following Bournemouth through the club website’s live text commentary.

Football always finds a way to keep people connected.

Shared with family and friends, we still have a small group chat where, much like here on Just Arsenal, we predict scores and debate football every single week.

(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Why Tuesday night feels different

On Tuesday night I will be praying, keeping everything crossed, probably with tears in my eyes and a knot in my stomach, hoping Manchester City drop points at the Vitality Stadium.

If that happens, I avoid a final-day anxiety that, quite frankly, I am not sure I can cope with.

Two hours ahead in Corfu, my parents will also be celebrating Bournemouth moving closer to European football.

Maybe it is destiny.

Dan Smith

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184 Comments

  1. I love this Article. I have a feeling. That Man city will drop points tomorrow. We are winning the EPL and the. Champions league. COYGs.

    2. If they don’t drop tonight …. then they’re dropping on Sunday.

      Having Bournemouth and Villa all in less than a week may not be that favourable to City511…….

      Our hands are already reaching out for the trophy!

      1. Aston Villa have very little reason to fight in EPL, since they have got a UCL ticket

        Bournemouth would most likely put in more effort to defeat Man City, but we don’t really need their help because Crystal Palace have too many reasons to go easy on us

  2. Could be worse Dan!
    Dorset/Hampshire and Corfu.
    Let’s hope the fizz has gone well and truly flat for City tomorrow

  4. I have a feeling it will be over tonight. City might probably drop all 3 points.

  5. That performance against Burnley is exactly why I just pray to God Bournemouth do something against City tonight. If we are so scared to win against a relegated team, I don’t wanna know what Palace will be like…

    1. Palace would likely field their squad rotation and fringe players because of the European final and the 10m bonus clause in Eze’s deal

      1. Glasner said, they will go full strength. We will not have the incredible home support we had against Burnley. The crowd was cheering absolutely everything!

        Palace will not go easy, because of the 10 mil bonus. They would just love to ruin our party. Nobody wants another team celebrating a league title at their ground, besides the hate Arsenal get from everyone, Palace would just love it.

        Bournemouth have a chance of CL football. Slim, but still not impossible, and even EL is good for them, so I see an incentive to try and get something.

        1. I wouldn’t say the home support was cheering at everything unless my hearing aids had packed up 😊

        2. Glasner only said that for the press conference

          The upcoming European final is a huge event and the 10m bonus is a big deal for Palace

        3. @Konstantin
          Thank you very much. Palace don’t have a dog in this fight. And will be thinking more about their club’s reputation and getting the win. To think otherwise, is purely delusional.

      2. M Umarım Bournemouth birkaç puan alır ama sonuçta ne olursa olsun, Palace’a gidip onları kesinlikle ezmeliyiz. Kimse bunun gerçekleşeceğine inanmıyor. Kolay, muhtemelen çok zor ve bu genel imajımızdan kaynaklanıyor. İki küme düşmüş takımla nasıl zafer kazandığımızı görünce, adeta Tanrı Arsenal için oynuyor diyebilirsiniz. Özellikle de…West Ham tüm kompleksi toparladı, tüm o yenilgiye yönelik olumsuzluklar neyse ki işe yaramadı… Dün en kötü takımla küçük bir kutlama bekliyordum, sonunda ise nutkum tutuldu. Bu ne saçmalık?Bu kadar korku mümkün mü? Ama… Bu kadar korkuyla da kaybedilebilir. Eğer böyle saraya girerlerse, şampiyonaya elveda ve başka bir spor bulmak zorunda kalacağız. Umarım bu iş biter.Ancak bugün, eğer City galip gelirse, saray içinde çok fazla yardım alacaklardır.

      3. The 10M Eze bonus is not true as it is tied to eze’s personal performances not Winning the epl title… However it looks like we won’t need any assist from palace – Bournemouth doing it for us already…

  6. Morning, ladies and gentlemen.

    What a glorious day to wake up to.

    We are now just ONE win away from putting 20 years of pain, heartbreak, and misery behind us.

    I’m not quite sure why some are desperately hoping Bournemouth get something tonight because they don’t trust us to go to Palace and get the job done ourselves. Have a little belief. We’ve come this far for a reason.

    The last few games have been nervy, no doubt about it. The lads haven’t exactly been firing on all cylinders, but you can understand why. The pressure, the nerves, the weight of what’s at stake — the players are feeling it just as much as we are.

    Those final 20 minutes yesterday were torture. The football went out the window, everyone in the ground was begging for the clock to move quicker, and then up goes the board… SEVEN additional minutes.

    You could feel the entire stadium sink back into their seats at once. Anxiety everywhere. Seven minutes passed… then eight… then nine… and finally the whistle blew.

    And then came the explosion.

    Relief. Joy. Jubilation. Pure emotion pouring out all at once.

    But what stood out most for me was this: through every tense moment, every misplaced pass, every bit of panic, the fans never turned. Every single person in that ground stayed behind the team 100%. The atmosphere was incredible. And fair play to the Burnley supporters too — they were excellent.

    Deep down, everyone knows it now.

    Whether it happens tonight or on Sunday, this is our time. Our time to be crowned champions.

    Of course we’d all love Bournemouth to do us a favour tonight, but if not, so what? We are good enough to get this over the line ourselves — even if some still don’t believe it.

    Keep believing.

    We are almost there.
    would also like say. when MA tried to speak to everyone, the crowd drowned him out and sang out his song. we got super MA…. an appreciation to him and the team for getting us this far this close. and god forbid we dont lift anything this season i personally have enjoyed the ride even
    though the football has been dross at times
    Onwards and upwards.

    1. Unfortunately I had to go in the 95th minute – train to catch. I’m glad the crowd erupted because there were spells when we were all nervously quiet, but I agree, the fans didn’t turn.

      1. SueP
        you missed the longest 4 minutes ever in the life of an AFC fan.
        job done ..1 to go and glory beckons

        onwards and upwards

        1. & the 2 mins added into the 7 extra that was the longest two minutes this season

    2. I said it repeatedly that Lancashire district teams are not easily beaten – its NW of England a place traditionally industrial rather than corporate and nothing comes easily.

      As for the fans always wanting other teams to do the damage so as we claim the PL Title its not the Champions (elect) mindset. Manchester friends I know could not entertain the notion of a small town (albeit a beautiful aesthetic) would EVER put the spanner to their league wining aspirations. In simple Man Citeh will likely wipe Bournemouth out and commit them to folklore.

  7. Good morning fellow gooners. I hope you are all well because I am one game away from a heart attack.
    Great article on which I will just add that with two games left to define our season every player must be super committed to give every breath to win both games. I truly believe we have the best fans in the world and we are now on the verge of getting the joy we deserve after over 20 years. COYG

  8. It’s truly amazing that a club from Dorset with a stadium that holds just 11+thousand can produce a team worthy of Champions League football. Much credit to Eddie Howe and Andoni Iraola for bringing them through and for keeping them there with some outstanding performances. I worry that with Iraola gone after this season, they’ll go into a slump.

  9. Great article.
    My hope.
    Bournemouth to win tonight
    Dorman and Eze to score against Palace.
    We win 8 points clear of City.

  10. …interesting article.

    Around 2019 a colleague and I had the fortune to work spending several days in Bournemouth undertaking IT Win10 rollouts. Hotels there are viewed expensive when compared to Ringwood nearby where we stayed. I went daily via taxi to Bournemouth (Central) a beautiful town with a picturesque beach and an allure i found to be second to none – Iv heard Devon & Dorset have even more allure but iv not ventured that far.

    By comparison the NW (including Manchester are 180% different they are likely to attend and take no prisoners. It would come as a complete surprise tonight should Bournemouth manage a draw. I doubt we’ll see that happen.

  12. There are 3 matches and 9 possible results left to decide the title.

    Bournemouth win (Good result )
    City Win (not good)
    They draw (Good result)

    Aston Villa Win (Good result)
    City Win (not good)
    They draw (Good result)

    Crystal Palace win (not good)
    Arsenal Win (Good result)
    We draw (not good)

    5 out of 9 are good results which guarantees we win the EPL, If any of the 4 not so good result happens, we can still win the EPL, depending on other outcomes.

    So statistically speaking, we should win the league, but of course football is not maths and stats.

  13. We have 3 chances to win. City loose cherries, city loose to Villa & our victory at palace.
    Even we loose or draw at palace it’s ok if city draw with villa. It could go many ways.

    3 games we just need 1 our way….

    Let’s pray it’s today 🙏

  14. Bournemouth are a joy to watch but I doubt if they can withstand the pressure which they will face tonight in terms of European qualification and an in form City side which will be more determined than ever to take it to the final League match to ring the curtain down on a decade of success for their departing Manager .Expectations are never too high at Bournemouth, but they will be tonight for sure.Unfortunately their talented RB , Jimenez, is unlikely to figure tonight which is a blow as he is one of the few in the League who has the pace to cope with the in form Doku.Ah well, we can only hope their great undefeated run under Iraola can be extended tonight!

    1. Grandad, I very much doubt Jimenez will play for Bournemouth again if the case is proven against him.

      1. I think you’r right HD..I hope I am wrong but I think City will win tonight.

  15. Bournemouth is a lovely town, been there a few times. The beach is absolutely beautiful.

    Hopefully AFC Bournemouth get at least a point tonight so that our players can relax a bit this Sunday at Selhurst Park.

  17. Just off topic, Southampton have just been kicked out of the playoff final. Middlesborough have been reinstated.

    No doubt Southampton will appeal.

    Anyway back to he game tonight. 😂

  27. It’s going for City exactly how it was going for us when we lost vs Bournemouth 🥹😆

    The football gods have heard us 😃

    Arteta I’m preparing my apology 🫵

  30. You’d think with Kovacik and Rodri in front defence, and Silva in front them, Karoo-pea wouldn’t have freedom of Dorset, Rodri and Kovacik don’t appear to have match fitness.

  33. It looks the resilience and stubbornness of Arsenal have tired this Man City team. Uncatchable!

  41. Final 10 mins. Don’t think there’s much stoppage time, so we can probably start getting excited!!!

  42. Looks like the champagne is out of coolers now. A few bottles should go to Bournemouth 😁

  44. The two games most people saw city dropping points and boooom! What a game Bournemouth have had. Pep concentrated in coaching palace and forgot his team😄😄

    1. Pep played half fit stars from the start over match fit players, and lost the midfield battle. Even if they go on to win this match, City don’t deserve it.

            1. We are PL champions.
              I am shouting too much in the house and the complaints are coming from my family members and the neighbours. Not able to quieten down.

  58. 22 years wait my friends. Started using this site in 2013 all that time no title
    And we’ve did it

  60. HOLY CRAP. Of course, with a last minute scare by Haaland, what a freaking drama.

    GOONERS!!!

  65. “HOPES RAISED AND DASHED”????????? Na na na na na na na na. Thank you your boyhood club anywayyyyyy. Arsenal Champions!!!!!!!!

      1. 🥳🥳👍
        NYG
        I’ve waited all season to be able to give Haaland that piece of advice

      1. Oh I did Jax
        He got his comeuppance alright 🥳🥳
        Haven’t got to listen to a smug Noel Gallagher either giving it large either 🥳

  67. When I was a kid I saw Eduardo get injured. Finally Arsenal have won the title. I’m so happy

  68. Doesn’t feel real, weird way to win – not going to sleep tonight!

    Congratulations fellow Gooners!!

  69. So there we have it. Arsenal are champions, the best in the PL!!
    Now, it’s on to the CL!!

      1. Very emotional Dan
        Also read your words about AdPat who brought us all together in JA. I hope he knows we’re champions

    2. Guard of honour with nothing at stake on 24th May.
      Let us enjoy it as it does come around very often.

    3. Dear oh Dear. I am typing rubbish.
      Let us enjoy it as it does *not* come around very often.

  73. A massive shout out to everyone at the club from top to bottom. They deserve the accolades. Bloody brilliant

  77. CHAMPIONS 2026 CHAMPIONS!!!
    |
    Congratulations Mikel Arteta’s Gunners Squad…

    and to the Global Arsenal Fanbase…

    1 completed > 1 more to go 🙂 .

  78. Yes, yes, finally. Arsenal are deserving English Champions because of our good defence in particular. A bit strange that the Championship is not secured while Arsenal are playing, but Manchester C certainly did not play like champions tonight either. We have been so close for several years, and finally it is happening. Congratulations to everyone at Arsenal. A great evening, and now I think I am going to celebrate.

  79. Are we champions?????? Just like that!!!!!!
    Are we……..
    Why am I getting emotional????
    Why does it feel so weird????

    1. Shock. It takes a while to sink in.
      And hopefully once sunk in won’t go away for a while. And become a happy glow.

  81. We are PL champions.
    I am shouting too much in the house and the complaints are coming from my family members and the neighbours. Not able to quieten down.
    Bournemouth were brilliant. They did not deserve a draw. They were at least 2 goals better than Man City tonight.

    1. They shouldn’t have swapped Rayan for Brooks. Brooks was cold and not in the game.

      1. Pep messed up the midfield battle tonight, his dangerous forwards didn’t get enough ball.

        1. @ MG
          I think it is more a case of ‘they ran out of steam’.
          Who cares: We are Champions. I am not getting tired of saying it again and again.

          1. Arsenal lost the midfield battle against Muff at home, it’s a tricky battle. They press, move the ball between boxes very quickly. Rodri and kovacic were not match fit, at the Muff goal with space to place it you see kovacic and Rodri still jogging back. Pep picked an imbalanced line up, and then flipped it to another imbalanced line up. Not enough turnover and ball retention.

  82. congratulations everyone
    whatever our opinion whatever has been said well done the JustArsenal family

    Michelle, thinking of Pat tonight

    1. We are PL champions.
      I am shouting too much in the house and the complaints are coming from my family members and the neighbours. Not able to quieten down.

      Congrats to all the JA family.

      CL would be a bonus. I think I am on cloud 10 (not 9).

    2. Yes Dan, every Arsenal fan dream of this day but unfortunately not all of them witnessed it.
      If he’s looking he will be screaming at the top of his voice like am doing now…
      Cheers to you Pat…

    3. Yes Dan, every Arsenal fan dream of this day but unfortunately, not all of them witnessed it.
      If Pat is watching, he’ll be screaming at the top of his voice disturbing those resting in peace, pun intended.
      Cheers to you Pat 🥂🍾

  83. Congratulations Gooners Worldwide!!!!!!!!!! Arseeeeeeeeeeeeeeee nefiseeeeeeeeeee!!!!! Thank God!!! Many more to follow……….

  84. Champions! Congratulations to everyone single one of you! For all the pain and heartbreak we deserve this!

  86. A bit tough on Bournemouth as they won’t get Champions League next season, but will have Europa League.

    1. @Jax
      They had the chances. But we’re not clinical enough. They did play well and deserved a win though.

    2. Jax, just like Everton who did good to benefit Arsenal but not much helpful to their own when 3-3 v City

      1. DEREK, yes, of course, I didn’t think of that. Hope it happens for them.
        C’mon you Villa!

    2. Wait. Merino, Timber, Ricky in the middle of that scrum. Eze table dancing.
      That’s enough now. Wrap them up on cotton wool boss.

  88. Everyone past and present the Arsenal family are redeemed tonight……. Bless everyone of you mates friends brothers sisters…… Glory to be the Almighty God!!!

  89. Champions again ole ole ole. …. North London forever…. Let’s own the London streets….. To all Just Arsenal fans let’s enjoy this….. Whatever different opinion throughout the season! What a time to be a Gunner.

  90. 🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾

    1. @NYG
      Stopped drinking. But not stopped shouting since the whistle blew.

      North London Forever.
      Whatever the weather.
      These streets are our own.
      And my heart will leave you never.
      My blood will forever,
      Run through the stone.

      2. @Indian Gunner
        I don’t drink either. But I’m sure the corks are popping all around the world, for those Gooners who do. 👏🏾

  91. Our ecstasy euphoria have somewhat been consumed by the darkness. Had it been in broadlight in the presence and company of throngs of Gooners. Come Sunday

  92. North London forever

    North London forever,
    Whatever the weather,
    These streets are our own,
    And my heart will leave you never,
    My blood will forever,
    Run through the stone.

    He came to us in December 2019 to sort out the mess and rebuild our club. He promised to win the league and he kept his word in 2026. Mikel Arteta ladies and gentlemen 🏆🔴⚪️❤️

    2. And you never know, this could just be the beginning. Bad Monkey is off back now, in cage being loaded on back of van.
      Let’s Go.

      1. Indeed Moon girl 😉

        CL – quarterfinals, semifinals, Final ?
        PL – 2, 2, 2, 1 🏆
        Most consistent club for several years, one of the best in Europe. It’s only the beginning 🔴⚪️

    3. Cheers Didrik
      It didn’t always go to plan but he deserves the applause. As Sky – in particular Alan Smith rightly pointed out, Guardiola has been the best by a country mile. It took a massive amount of effort to get to where we are now. Those players celebrating deserve the joy after being the nearly men. Just a fantastic achievement

      2. Thanks and likewise Sue P
        It’s never easy, 22 years without the league trophy explaining everything. We needed to learn winning again and to handle the pressure and we did. With all the heavy expectations we managed to do it, I’m extremely impressed. Now we can throw our bottles😂

  94. Just want to say well done, and a thank you to the authors and admin at JA. You guys and girls have made this season more special for me.

  95. Dowman a PL winner @16yrs – How cool is dat 🙂

    …and No more bottlers crap OR nonesense about

    whether (or not) Mikel can get us across the line.

    COYG!!

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