Arsenal 1-1 PSG (3-4 on pens): Brilliant then brutal

It’s 8.37am as I begin to write this, and it’s clearly going to be a painful one. As ever, all I can do is share my ideas and my expertise of yesterday.

It could be counter-intuitive, however it was genuinely among the best days I’ve ever had as an Arsenal fan … till it wasn’t. The pre-game stuff was sensible, spending time with my mates in an amazing metropolis, and the vibes had been immaculate, as they are saying. The ambiance was unimaginable. Arsenal followers had been in nice spirits from the off, and I feel I stated this to Tim Stillman, however I don’t assume I’ve ever been as chilled out earlier than recreation of this significance earlier than.

I felt relaxed and joyful. Then Kai Havertz scored a superb purpose and it hit me like a ton of bricks. There was too lengthy to go. When the ball hit the again of the web, the celebrations had been intense. I feel I hugged somebody behind me and simply couldn’t let go. Sorry to that man this morning however this was out of my management. All we needed to do was hold on for one more 84 minutes.

My recollections of key occasions of this recreation could be cloudy. I’ve solely seen one replay of 1 incident (extra on that anon), however every part else is simply from my vantage level within the floor. I believed there was a handball by Bukayo Saka and time stood nonetheless however play went on. At half-time I paced the concourse. I feel I met Mikel Merino’s brother (if his identify is Unai, it’s the man who seems to be precisely like Mikel Merino).

Within the second half they received their penalty, which I haven’t seen, however everybody says it was so honest sufficient. 1-1. After which I although we gave virtually nothing away however on the similar time we didn’t actually trigger them issues ourselves. Maybe the subsequent improvement part for this group is to have the ability to take successful like that and are available storming again in an attacking sense. We’re typically excellent when it comes to our solidity and organisation, however there’s one other stage we have to go to additional ahead.

On the finish of 90 minutes I paced the concourse once more. I hugged random folks as a result of I wanted to hug and be hugged. I feel I met David Raya’s brother. Didn’t catch his identify however he was the man who appeared precisely like David Raya. I used to be tense and nervous and hopeful and scared and optimistic. My glass was half full and half empty. I feel they hit the submit. I felt just like the referee was giving them every part and us nothing. Noni Madueke went down within the field and I needed a penalty. I’ve seen the replay. You’ve seen them given however with my rule of thumb about how I’d really feel it was the opposite means round, I’ve to say I’d have been sad if that was given towards us.

Penalties. I stood arm in arm with my friends. When Eberechi Eze missed however then Raya made a save I believed we had been going to do it. It didn’t work out. Folks ask why Gabriel was taking the fifth one, and I do perceive, but when a participant is feeling it and he desires to do it, it’s a must to go along with that. The ball went over the bar. There was a surreal however utterly explicable feeling of loss. Arms on head. There have been tears. There was applause for the gamers. Each these issues had been comprehensible and vital. You simply can’t miss two penalties in a shoot-out and realistically anticipate to win. It damage. I damage for Gabriel and Eze, two gamers who’ve given us a lot to get pleasure from however who will really feel like they let the group and the followers down. Possibly some will see it like that, however I have a look at it a special means. They didn’t wish to do this.

I couldn’t keep to look at rather more. There have been extra hugs for the folks we shared the sport with. The unimaginable Arsenal followers round us within the stadium. Thanks for making it such a implausible expertise, till it wasn’t, however that was out of our fingers. I couldn’t assist however consider 2006 once we misplaced it in Paris and me and Swedish Chris wandered the streets and no taxi driver would decide us up. 20 years later we had been all hoping for higher however soccer is a merciless recreation. It felt brutal, I can’t lie.

We walked again into town centre for a post-game remedy session. The night time ended with a desk stuffed with randomly assembled Irish guys consuming beers and whiskeys after which James arrived, having executed his work on the stadium. Extra hugs. I got here again to my lodge. They’d turned the air-conditioning off and the room was the most popular place on earth once more.

It stays sweltering this morning. I’m going again to Dublin tomorrow, and I’m going to spend right now with some mates, have a couple of drinks, eat some meals which I barely did in any respect yesterday, and simply chill out. It feels just like the longest ultra-marathon of all time has come to an finish. Within the very, very, very heat chilly mild of day, I really feel the damage of not successful, however I additionally recognise this group and supervisor delivered one thing very particular to all of us this season.

We’ll have one other go at this bastard competitors and I feel we will win it. In all probability subsequent yr if the Arteta Champions League development stays linear. Nevertheless, we’ve loved a beautiful 10 days since changing into Premier League winners, and whereas it could be bitter-sweet to some extent due to final night time, I feel right now’s parade will exhibit how a lot that meant. We needed extra, it wasn’t to be, however it doesn’t undo what we achieved this season. I’m pleased with this group.

I hope the Eze and Gabriel songs ring out loud and proud. No person misses a penalty on function. If we’re hurting this morning, think about how they really feel. I hope if you happen to’re going you will have the most effective time together with your family and friends and the random strangers who can be your mates by advantage of proximity and affliation. Should you’re not going, I hope you will have an amazing day wherever you’re on this planet. I hope you keep in mind this season as particular, as a result of it was. What Arsenal did and the way Arsenal followers responded was, I feel, uniquely us.

There’s no membership prefer it. Thanks to your continued indulgence of me and my phrases, written and spoken. It’s been a protracted outdated journey this season. I’m drained. I’m emotional. I’m unhappy. I’m joyful. I’m fortunate I get to do what I do and share it with nice mates and new folks I meet alongside the way in which.

It’s 9.25am now. I feel I would go have a little bit cry once more, then go about my day. I like you all. Thoughts yourselves.

❤️