Why Arsenal? A fan’s perspective from a million miles away

The heart always beats a little faster as kick off approaches. Particularly of late for myself as a big Arsenal fan. Sometimes even a tight clamp like feeling over the chest. The Arsenal are on a good run. I have so much confidence in this process. Arteta is our man. The Hale End graduates are flourishing. However a little nervousness is always there. Please let us not fall back to our ways of the last decade. Showing the highest of highs in terms of promise; and then crashing back down to reality with struggling performances.

I do have faith in this side though. There is something special brewing. It just feels right. The football isn’t free flowing yet. We haven’t quite got Wengerball running through our veins. The hand brake is still firmly in place, albeit beginning to creep down.

Yet, Mikel Arteta has my support. Solidity. Defensive structure. Glimpses of attacking intent and creativity. Maybe most importantly of all, passion, desire, spirit. I simply am willing this team on to succeed.

Confidence breeds confidence. It is infectious. It really feels like this side will go places. I mean how can you not feel the energy; feel the vibe, when Aaron Ramsdale is giving everything back at opposition fans and taking whatever is thrown at him with the biggest grin you could possibly imagine.

These are the feelings I have. All the way across the world in Auckland, New Zealand. So far away from North London and the Emirates come match day it’s not even funny. When the sun hits the middle of the sky for an afternoon kick off. Fans roll out of the underground. I really should be fast asleep.

But there I am glued to the TV. Willing the lads on. Coffee, beer, or tea in hand. Whatever the time. 1am, 4am, 6am. Always. Even if it means a lack of sleep, before a massive day of hands on work as a physiotherapist, aiding my own clients to rehab their injuries to get back on the right side of that white line. Back out their playing our fantastic game.

To friends I am crazy. To me I am living this life and enjoying every minute of it. The Arsenal are a special club. They mean something more than just a sporting club should mean. It’s a way of experiencing our life in a another element. Happiness, excitement, pride, disappointment.

This season just feels different. I feel like we are coming back. To the days of yesteryear. Enjoy this journey. For every low, brings new highs.

This Arsenal side should bring us together as fans. Impressive young players with energy. Experienced players who love to play for our club. A team that feels like they love doing it with each other, and doing it for us fans.

Arsenal are on their way. Taking millions and millions of fans along with them. Enjoy the stadium. Enjoy the performance. Enjoy the atmosphere. Remember across the globe we are all here cheering from our houses.

It feels good to be a Gooner.

Kia Kaha.