The World as I see It

It seems like many years ago when Arsene’s Invincibles were going from strength to strenght. February 2004 to be exact. Arsenal came from a goal down to win 2-1 against  Chesea at Stomford Bridge. It proved to be a decisive nail in the coffin of Blues’ title hopes that season. Arsenal went on to win the league while remaining unbeaten throughout the season. Moment of the game came when an inch perfect, sublimely weighted ball slid through from the outside of the boot of the Dutch master Dennis “the iceman” Bergkamp found Patrick Vieira. Such was the quality and timing of the pass that Patrick did not even had to take a touch to control it. All he had to do was to finish it, and finish it he did. What made the goal so special was not only that genius through ball, but also the way Arsenal carved open the mean Chelsea defense. A diagnol run by Henry dragged Terry with him, another diagnol run by Pires dragged Gallas with him creating a big gap in the center of Chelsea defense for Patrick to run into from the heart of midfield. Truly classic Arsenal goal and I’ll never forget that. Then moments later, from a corner Edu made it 2-1 and we celebrated a huge victory.

Then came the lull. A period of more than 4 and a half years. Arsenal never managed to win at Stamford Bridge. Sometimes it was lack of the physical bottle, sometimes it was poor refereeing and sometimes it was just Didier Drogba.  Chelsea never lost at Stamford Bridge, and it started getting regarded as a fortress. “Stamford bridge is a bridge too far”, thought the visiting teams. They went on to an 86-games unbeaten run at the bridge un till Liverpool beat them this October. Then this Sunday Arsenal came to Stamford Bridge knowing that a defeat will be a decisive nail in their own coffin of title hopes. It was a team whose entire midfield had no one older than 21. Eldest of them also being the captain. And on the other hand Chelsea had Lampard and Ballack and Deco, to speak of few. “On paper it is no match” said the pundits and experts. Betting companies offered insane rates for Arsenal to win as they never thought it would happen. But, there is always a but.  Never discount an Arsene Wenger side. If one thing the lads gave on the pitch, it was their heart. A solid, efficient and truly professional performance, playing football with grit determination and confidence. A bunch of players who cost less than 40m to assemble undid the mighty rich, insanely over-paid bunch of ’superstar’ Chelsea players who took more than 200m to assemble. Arsenal went behind via an own goal by Djourou, something he wasn’t really able to do anything about, wasn’t his fault either. Then we came back. I love the Dutch maestro, Robin Van Persie. His two quick goals made sure we earned a historic victory at the bridge. Some say it was a lucky first goal because it was offside, well I agree that it was but if you look at past 4 years and see how many times Drogba scored offside goals for Chelsea against us. Hell, in 05-06 season this same Robin was miles onside yet linesman gave him offside. A goal that could have won us the game never stood. So in a sense, what goes around, comes around. Suck it Chavs, and get a life!

I know we may not win the league. I know this is one of those typical roller-coaster season but what the hell, I love it right now. I really do.

And Oh dear Arsenal, everyday I love you more!