A teenager’s view on Arsenal

Having converted from a childhood as a Chelsea fan, this youngster submitted his thoughts to the site. And for those who aren’t interested in the views of a 14 year old, we’re here to encourage!



A teenager’s view on Arsenal

Ben’s cousin Steve – presumably in Cup final attire!


Since Arsenal have moved to the new stadium I have heard consistent complaining about fans leaving early and the lack of atmosphere at home matches. I was converted to support Arsenal just before the start of the season. I had supported Chelsea since they had Gianfranco Zola, but always kept an eye on Arsenal results.

I have not been to a home match as I am only 14 and the inconvenience of travelling from Martock (which is 15 mins from Yeovil) to North London. But from watching games on the television, fans seem to leave the ground five minutes from the end of the game which is not exactly encouraging for the players. When watching the PSV game, as soon as Alex had scored the goal a stampede of fans went out of the ground. Even in the unlikely event of arsenal scoring two goals in the last five minutes they could have at least urged them on and thanked the players for their efforts.

I have also heard about the problems with getting home after games as they don't open certain train stations - but still at least support your team to the final whistle. It's like people can't bear to see failure occasionally.

I think one problem Arsenal have is they haven't got an anthem. I watched Liverpool vs Barcelona the night before Arsenal’s exit and the anthem of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ seems to lift and inspire the home side and intimidate the opposition at Anfield, The sight of the Kop also has the same effect. But ‘By Far The Greatest Team’ does really seem to have an effect on the players. But short bursts of ‘Arsenal, Arsenal, Arsenal’ when we have a corner or free kick do seem to lift players.

If you were at the Carling Cup final, I don't know if it was just me but the atmosphere was special there. It might have been just me as it was my first Arsenal game, but that match is making me want to come back for more. I went up with my cousin and we were in the lower tier to the right of the goal. We stood all game which I thought made it more exciting as the fans who sat in the west and east stand didn't seem to move.

Although stewards and police seem to have something against people standing at Ashburton Grove, I think it might just put the noise up by a couple of decibels. A nice moment for me was when Theo Walcott scored. I was ecstatic and hugged my cousin in disbelief that Arsenal had scored. We outsung and outplayed Chelsea for the majority of the game until they went ahead and they finally put their pies down and started to sing. Credit to the Arsenal fans who stayed, we were amongst them and I soon followed my cousin by standing on seats chanting various Arsenal songs with the rest of the Gooners who were left.

A great future lies ahead and many more successful years following Arsenal.


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