BY JAHZARAH IRIS C MASON
Synchronised. If there was one word that I would use to describe this current Arsenal team, it would be ‘synchronised’. Watching them play is like watching a well oiled machine function. Everyone knows their role, and they all come together to create a masterpiece. There are not many things in this world that have the power to both break my heart and put it back together, but if there is one thing that can do that it is (you guessed it) Arsenal. That is exactly what they did today against Leicester City. A game I will never forget.
Often it is debated which stadium/fan base produces the strongest atmosphere. When Arsenal moved from Highbury to their current stadium in Holloway, many fans expressed that the atmosphere died down. However, after attending today’s turbulent game, I can vouch for the Emirates and say that the atmosphere there is no short of unreal. Prior to kick off, a range of music was playing with fans singing along. As the players came out to train, the familiar (to me and any one else born and raised in London) sound of JME and Skepta echoed. If I could fall in love with Arsenal more, that would’ve been the moment. As players from both sides got ready for kick off, Arsenal’s most famous song ‘North London forever’ rang out through the stadium. It felt as though, I had been pulled back to a British assembly, although this time I took pride and joy in singing along with my peers. The ambience had been set for what was sure to be a wonderful game.
As the game kicked off, Arsenal dominated the first half. Arteta had decided to stick with the same team that he had used for the game against Man City the week prior (which Arsenal drew). Both Martinelli and Saka went down during the early minutes of the first half, though it was not long before they were back on their feet ready to pioneer the team to success. Leicester and Arsenal had a great share of goal scoring opportunities in the first half, however both teams’ opportunities were halted by goalkeepers-(for Arsenal) Hermansen and (for Leicester) Raya. Despite the lack of goals during the early stages of the first half, Arsenal absolutely dominated possession, playing forward/attack for most of the first half. Hence why it was no surprise that at 19 minutes, Brazilian left winger Gabriel Martinelli scored a beautiful goal, bringing the score to 1-0.
Martinelli’s name has not been seen on a score sheet in a while, which has left many people discussing the player’s ability and doubting his role within Arsenal. For him to score must have felt as great for him as it did Arsenal fans. With Arsenal having gained a wave of confidence, and Leicester City having received two yellow cards (Vardy and Ndidi), the game was looking Arsenal side up. A cheeky goal from Trossard, assisted by Martinelli, left Leicester fans blue, and Arsenal fans beaming. However those emotions were’t to last for long, with the second half looming in the balance…
As abruptly as the first half ended, was as abruptly as the second half began. The shift in domination was seen in an instant. Where the game began with Arsenal dominating with ease, it appeared during the start of the second half, that Leicester had come back on that pitch with a mission- to put up a fight. Fight they did indeed, as just two minutes after coming back, Leicester’s Number 2- Justin, scored. The blue corner of the stadium erupted in cheers, whilst the surrounding reds simply watched on in disbelief. Shortly after that, another shock was sent Arsenal’s way as Justin scored a brace, hitting the net again during the 63rd minute, bringing the game to 2-2. Despite substitutions made for both sides, with talented youngster Ethan Nwaneri coming on, no goals were in sight. As time climbed on to the 90th minute it was appearing as though, despite Arsenal’s positive outcomes of the last few games, they were to be humbled by a 15th place team at home.
This did not stop Gunner’s fans from chanting repeatedly, to let the players know that they still believed in them. Those chants grew louder when the referee announced that there were to be an additional 7 minutes of extra time. What I now (post match) would call seven minutes of hell and heaven. It began as hell as Arsenal had many chances, but none hit the net. Leicester too, during the seven minutes, had great chances, which only pushed Arsenal fans further on the edge of their seats. But then a miracle was witnessed. In the 94th minute, Leandro Trossard (although it was later claimed to be a Leicester player-Ndidi- own goal) scored. It felt like up until that moment, the entire stadium had been silent, afraid of whether either side was going to score. After that goal however, it appeared as though the passion and determination within the Arsenal team and the fans had been reignited. Ignited, it remained as during the 99th minute Havertz scored, bringing the end result to 4-2. I imagine at this point, I was not the only Arsenal fan with a tear in my eye, as Arsenal had strenuously climbed their way back up the table, to reclaim their seat as second in the Premier League.
That brings us to the end of the game, and almost, to the end of this piece, but not yet. One of my main principles is giving flowers where they’re deserved. In this case both Leicester players and Arsenal players. James Justin, who plays as Leicester’s Number 2, was phenomenal throughout the game. He definitely earned his spot on that scoresheet. Mads Hermansen (Leicester’s goalkeeper) also played wonderfully, as he successfully blocked many of Arsenal’s goals. Despite conceding four goals, he worked tirelessly throughout the game to ensure that it would not be any more than that scored for Arsenal. Moving back to the home side, the Gunners, there are many players who have earned their flowers today. Firstly, Leandro Trossard- he missed the last game against Bolton Wanderers (which Arsenal were victorious in, beating them 5-2), and evidently came back hungry for both a win and goals.
Fortunately he was able to gain both, which he deserved based on his performance in the game. Next up- Kai Havertz. I remember when it was first announced that Havertz was joining Arsenal, I was overjoyed, other Gunner fans not so much as they doubted his ability as a soon to be Arsenal player. But with time Havertz has blossomed into a player that all Arsenal fans are proud to have on their team, and it is him we have to thank for contributing to the victory today. Finally, and it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t show my adoration for defenders-Gabriel, Timber, and Saliba. Having the opportunity to see their chemistry in the flesh was something I will forever cherish. Prior to attending the game I had heard (and agreed) with the fact that Saliba and Gabriel have such a natural, fluid chemistry. Getting to observe it in person, I couldn’t agree more. Now having Timber healthy again with them as well, Arsenal’s defence have got their side covered, which all of them showed today and for that they have earned their flowers.
Without an intelligent manager no team can be successful. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager for around 5 years now, made a brave choice in playing the same line up that he had for the Manchester City game, yet his decision prevailed in the end. In his post match conference Arteta emphasised his pride towards the Arsenal team, rightfully so after a presumably physically and emotionally draining game . He also expressed his admiration and respect for Pep Guardiola, which appeared to be in doubt amidst his prior comments early this week regarding his time at Manchester City. Currently both teams have the same amount of points, with Manchester City claiming the top Premier League spot simply due to a one point goal difference. With all of the discourse and drama stirred up by fans amidst the ‘Manchester City v Arsenal’ title race occurring again, one can only hope that this season’s race will be even more exciting than last season’s. Naturally, as a Gooner myself, I long for the day that I see Arsenal surpass Manchester City and gain the Premier League title again after 21 years.
I can only hope that day arrives sharply this season.
