FA Cup: How Arsenal chucked the monkey off their backs

"Haters, can't see you from the top of the world"

The next day in North London was bright and sunny. A victory celebration was planned and a mammoth crowd of more than 250,000 fans gathered to see their heroes. Roads were blocked, public transports were detoured, and people were advised not to visit those areas if they were not Arsenal fans. Then came the players and the manager, in the open top bus, crowd went wild. The manager said, ‘Hopefully this is the first and let’s not stop at this.’ The whole area got filled with the chants of ‘In Arsène we trust’. The players then took the charge, boasted about the glory and taunted the rivals. Everything was so perfect for the Arsenal. The whole victory parade was streamed live on Arsenal website. It received so many hits that it crashed eventually. What an overwhelming support!

Talking about myself, well, I waited for so long to see the Arsenal compete in the final. The day finally came and I was up for it. I didn’t sit on the couch for a single second during the whole 120 minutes. I stood in front of the TV, and gave players the instructions (as if they were listening), I yelled at them whenever a pass was misplaced and/or a shot was miscued. I appreciated/clapped when we created a chance or registered a shot on target. People would call me mad if they see me watching an Arsenal match and hence, I always prefer to watch the matches alone.

Regarding the goals, well, I celebrated all 3 goals like crazy. I shouted so much for those 3 goals that I almost lost my voice after the match. Same thing continued on the next day. My throat hurt a lot for the whole day, reminding me of those goals and celebrations. Let me tell you one thing, when you support a football club, there is nothing which could give you more happiness than watching the goals of your team live. Nothing. This was the final and watching your team score and win the final is, well, out of this world. I don’t know when the last time I felt so much joy was. Although all the goals were classic, Santi Cazorla’s curler still revolves in my mind. Hairlets on the back of my neck rise whenever I think of that goal. That run, that smack and that curl. Oh! Less said about that is better. And yes, did I mention about his celebration? This goal will be etched in my heart forever, just like the Arshavin’s goal against Barcelona *swoon*.

Regarding my support to the club, well,I have supported them through thick and thin. I haven’t missed a single Arsenal match in more than 2 years (some sort of record eh!). I have seen more 3:00 AMs than the people studying for master of surgery or civil services exams. Timing of an Arsenal match is the most important factor when I plan my weekends.I have missed so many birthdays, parties, marriages, get-togethers and other social events.I even had to rush half way from the marriage reception ceremony of my best friend because an Arsenal game was scheduled. When you see the glory after so many painful years, it feels like heaven. I don’t know whether I will ever be able to see the Arsenal game live from the stadium. But if I do then, that will be a dream come true for me. If I don’t then, well, my spirit will wander around the Emirates stadium, making it difficult for the oppositions to play.

After 50-60 years, kids of next generations will be told the fairy tale of how Arsenal won the cup final after being 2-0 down inside eight minutes and then went on to win a string of trophies in the coming years!

“2-0 down, 3-2 up. That’s how you win the cup!”