Arsenal's Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Martinelli takes a penalty following extra time and a penalty shoot-out in the UEFA Europa League round of 16, second-leg football match against Sporting Lisbon at the Emirates Stadium in London on Thursday. - Sporting Lisbon won the match 5-3 on penalties. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)
With all the problems we are facing in this country and the draining news one constantly has to bear, I am just glad the last thing I need to worry about is Arsenal’s performance because they have truly become invincible. Football weekends at home have become different now.
High energy, goosebumps and endless cheers are truly what I live for. The team is probably the most enjoyable team to watch by far in the top flight and I am not just saying this because I support them.
It’s just facts. Currently eight points clear at the top of the league and ahead of the bothersome Manchester City, we are definitely making big steps in the title race.
Having to witness my Manchester United-supporting older brother suffer from our victories brings me so much peace.
But even football can be stressful. It’s been trying and frustrating times as we have been through so many ups and downs with this team.
All these young players have been working hard and tirelessly. It is remarkable and heartwarming to see how far they have come.
It hasn’t been an easy road for us, but as coach Mikel Arteta always said, it is essential to “trust the process”.
My local team may not be performing as anticipated and expected. They are constantly stressing my father out and contributing to his mini-heart attacks and sleepless nights – but at least Arsenal was, for once, not the reason for that.
I truly like reflecting back to how I was introduced to this sport and my teams. I think my parent’s love for the sport always made my interest in it much more fascinating. Growing up among men and being the only female, besides my mother, contributed immensely.
Being close to my father, I, from an early age, attended plenty of football games during specific weekends and went to many other matches – sometimes even on school nights.
Weekends have always been known as football weekends at my house. I enjoy reminiscing on such. There was surely no way I could not like the sport.
Another factor is my uncompromising mother, who I sometimes have to fight with because many times she doesn’t have any sportsmanship because of her intense love for her teams.
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Football and supporting Arsenal reminds me not to give up if you believe – or have love for something. It doesn’t matter what it is.
You know, Arsenal might face problems and challenges but this team is, right now, mentally so strong. We don’t know yet if we’ll win the league or not because it could go either way.
But Arteta has done an excellent job in transforming an Arsenal team which appeared directionless for so long.
The Gunners have been playing with cohesion and dynamics throughout, with Arteta imposing his philosophy on the team.
The team has risen to the occasion and Arteta’s bit of cultural background as a former Arsenal player has contributed to the quality of football we now see – as well as roping in the cream of the crop of players who are working hard to bring the glory back to the Emirates Stadium.
It is only positive energy on this side of the land. Whatever happens, this Arsenal team deserves so much credit.
I hope the team reaches the point of enjoying the glory they once had before, during the times of good players such as Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie before they left for greener pastures.
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