This was my first ever trip to the Emirates stadium and it is only the second time I have ever seen Arsenal play. The first occasion? That was in 1978 when, as a 10 year old, I went to see them play against Rotherham United in the League Cup. Arsenal suffered a shock defeat that day going down 3 – 1. It must have been one of Malcolm McDonald’s last ever starts for the Gunners because I remember him going off injured early on and I am sure he was never the same again. Rotherham United also played a significant role in the development of the current Arsenal side as captain Cesc Fabregas made his debut against them in 2003.

By now you will probably have gathered that I am not a dyed in the wool Gooner, but instead come from the other side of the tracks as a lifelong Millers fan. However, my 7 year old son, William, has been indoctrinated by the very well organised Arsenal Soccer Schools coaching system, which means that Arsenal was the first big club he was ever exposed to. So, despite having encouraged him to develop a liking for our closest professional outfit in Cheltenham Town, who I took him to see play earlier this season (and, OK, yes they were playing against Rotherham United) he remains a steadfast Arsenal fan.

The Arsenal performance against Burnley was the greatest display of football I have ever witnessed at a live football match. I could not understand why the stadium was not rocking by the final whistle and the pitch had not been invaded by delirious Gooners. And then I realised… you must be used to it.

So, just in case you have grown accustomed to this high level of entertainment – not just on the pitch but off it as well, I thought I would contrast this experience with my own of watching the mighty Millers.

We arrived with great excitement at Arsenal tube station just before 1pm. I have always been keen on getting to the gound early to soak up the atmosphere. I used to arrive at a similarly early time at my beloved Millmoor ground. There was always a fear in the back of my mind that it would be sold out (it never was) and we would not secure our usual standing place (we always did). Millmoor came in for a lot of criticism from travelling supporters who referred to it in derogatory terms, but to my eye it had real character and was regarded by me as the Wembley of the north. Just like Arsenal, we have recently relocated to a new stadium. Unlike Arsenal this is not to take up residence in a new 60,000+ all seater stadium, custom built for the football fan. Rotherham United now play their home games at the Don Valley stadium, which not only has a running track around it to place the action at a significant distance from the fans, but is actually in Sheffield. Oh, the shame! No longer being resident I have yet to witness a match there, but it clearly lacks the warmth and character projected from a stadium built on history or from a new one built on excitement and the promise of a new era.

On the walk through suburbia to the Emirates we were greeted with numerous impressively stocked stalls selling merchandise and various foodstuffs. I am more accustomed to one person maybe selling a few knock off scarves or flags, a burgers van and a few programme sellers.

We were greeted with the very impressive E******s stadium which loomed over us ominously, with the billboard of previous Arsenal footballers dominating the skyline. I thought this was a terrific design, with literally larger than life caricatures of Arsenal legends. Millmoor used to greet fans with an anonymous footballer on a pub sign alongside the ground. I was particularly impressed with the safe atmosphere around the ground. The police presence was minimal and unobtrusive. All the stewards were readily identifiable, approachable and helpful.

By now the gates were open so, armed with several of the free inflatable Arsenal “balloons” we headed for our seats. As it transpired, these were literally as far back as it was possible to sit, in line with the corner flag, facing the players’ tunnel. This made for an excellent overall view of the action but I feared the players would be a little too distant for my son. Luckily when they came out to warm up we were able to gain close access to them at the lower level, although not as up close and personal as one used to be able to get at Millmoor. But with a running track around the pitch at the Don Valley, we were actually closer than it would be possible to get to the Rotherham players.

It was time for a few chips before kick off and we were served without having to queue at all, although the food was probably not quite as satisfying as a northern pie. Similarly we were able to use the facilities (as my father-in-law says) without any wait at all and, in contrast to the roofless ones at Millmoor, and without any danger of being rained on by the elements.

Finally the action was underway. Arsenal dominated the match, and would have had a cricket score but for Bendtner missing an array of easy chances which, to paraphrase Sir Geoffrey Boycott, “my mother would have scored with a stick of rhubarb!” The possession football played by Arsenal was of the highest quality. Watching the goals on television from the Rotherham match that evening, I was reminded of the pinball football that often took place within a crowded penalty box. That said, whilst the three Arsenal goals were of the highest quality, there is still nothing to match the excitement of my home team scoring a goal, no matter how scrambled it may be.

So, whilst the overriding thought for the day is that Gooners are very privileged to watch such high quality football week in week out, I would also observe that you have a wonderful stadium with first rate facilities. The match was watched in a friendly and safe environment and I was delighted to see Burnley fans mixing readily with the home supporters on the tube away from the ground, all unobtrusively policed by a handful of officers.

In his book, Fever Pitch, Nick Hornby railed against the purpose of supporters of smaller clubs such as Rotherham United. These clubs have just as important a job to play in the overall success of the beautiful game as the large clubs, for they provide an affordable opportunity for everyone to enjoy this great game. They also provide the opportunity for grass roots football to provide a supply line upwards and can instil a lifelong love of the game and allegiance to a team. This is character building stuff – especially for followers of clubs who have no realistic chance of ever getting their hands on any silverware of significance. Such football fans will always appreciate and acknowledge when they have seen the game played on a higher plane, which is what I was privileged to see that Saturday.

May I wish you well for the remainder of the season. Take stock and savour what you have. I hope it is not another 32 years before I see the Arsenal in action again.