Firstly, can I start by saying that this is the first time that I have ever written into the Gooner. I have been an avid reader for a long time now, but have always been content to let others do the talking. I would add that I love the Gooner. I look forward to every issue and happily print a week's worth of articles off the website and sit down with a beer to digest. There has been much criticism of the fanzine recently. Too much negativity etc etc. But what I love is reading about the views of other fans. Whether it is differing opinions of a player, views on who we should buy next, or just hilarious piss-taking out of the Spuds or Chavs. Most of all, I find it gives me solace when I am hurting. When my beloved Arsenal have been soundly beaten by Man Ure, it is nice to know that I am not alone in feeling despondent or frustrated.

It was the game on Wednesday night last week that has led me to write in. I am fortunate to be a season ticket holder this season. A mate of a mate wanted to sell his on last summer, so I gobbled up the opportunity. I was a Red Member and have been to most games in the last few seasons, but often missed out on the really big matches, due to lack of ticket availability. I therefore approached the Barca game with an ever increasing amount of excitement. The chance to see the greatest club side in the world.

I was not disappointed. This match had everything. It was a privilege to be there. Barca were simply out of this world in the first half. I have watched hundreds of Arsenal games over the years, but I have never seen a side batter us like they did in the first 70 minutes.

I am not going to dissect the game and blame Arsenal for their inadequacies. I will simply say this. This Arsenal side made me incredibly proud that Wednesday night. They refused to give up and produced an amazing recovery to gain a 2-2 draw. The Arsenal of a year or two ago would probably have lost that game 6 - 0.

The atmosphere was electric... and we don't often say that about THOF. It was just a pleasure to hear the crowd so raucous. I wish we could repeat that in every home game. I think it would make such a massive difference to the team. I notice in the latest Gooner, with the interview with Cesc, he describes how sometimes it can be 'cold' at the ground. If that isn't a pointer to us all to say 'increase the volume', I don't know what is. I always sing in every game, but I understand that not everyone wants to do this. I just wish that some of our supporters would show a bit more passion.

Not only was the game brilliant, but it was ALL going on in block 101 where I sit. The guys next to me seemed to have a problem with the two 'fans' sitting in the row in front. Not sure what was going on, but one threatened to send one of them flying down the steps to join the steward 10 flights below! I think it was pretty clear that the two 'fans' were not Arsenal supporters and had clearly drunk 17 pints of Special Brew before they arrived. How did they manage to get tickets??!!

And then, one of the regulars that sits near me, stands up and starts having a go at the entire block for cheering Thierry Henry, when he came on! Quite bizarre, although I can sort of understand where he's coming from. I just find it hard to not cheer arguably the best player to ever pull on an Arsenal shirt.

I recall an piece recently from a bloke who follows Rotherham. He gave us all a timely reminder of what we have. Amazing football, a beautiful stadium and a top class manager. It is easy to forget that we do not have a divine right to win a trophy every year. I think we have been spoilt by the Wenger years. I was a season ticket holder from 1980 to 1989. Believe me, the first five years of that decade were dismal in comparison to what we have now. The thing is, I didn't know any different at the time. I loved going to every Arsenal game and standing on the North Bank and seeing Hawley, Quinn, McDermott, Caton and other 'talents'!

I desperately want Arsenal to win a trophy this year. I get frustrated and angry when we don't play well and are critical of certain players. Yes, Diaby had a shocker on at home to Barcelona, but he is a much improved player this year. I think it's important to keep things in perspective.

The players need our support more than ever now. With Cesc and Gallas out for the season, Arshavin out for a few weeks (although no great loss... yes, he is lazy!) and RVP still a few weeks off, then we need every player to perform to their very best.

I think it is unlikely that we will get anything at the Nou Camp and I believe that the league is probably out of our reach, but anything is possible in football.

Whatever happens this season, celebrate the positive moments and look forward to next season with optimism. If we can keep the players (particularly Cesc), add a new goalie and a couple of more experienced additions, we will be a real force.

And if you were at the Barca game, remember it for what is was. A brilliant game of football, a superb atmosphere and a memorable fightback from our beloved Arsenal.