Written by Lindsay Melrose Wednesday, 29 December 2010 01:45

GunnerTalk Blog

By Lindsay Sheehan

When I got home at 2 am from the match last night I watched it in full and then I watched the highlights straight after. So today I have watched it again, in-full, twice. If I was a Spud and sad in that way I would demand our store released a DVD immediately.

I went to the match with 3 of my oldest friends. Fates, Nike hospitality and dodgy backs conspired to a once in a lifetime opportunity of all going at the same time. Neither overrunning engineering works nor black eyes or Dr Who scarves (long story) could part us and once I was hit by the Gunners Pub in full voice my nerves evaporated.  It just felt ... right.  And it was. The walk to the stadium was springy and I got into the ground feeling optimistic for absolutely no reason.

Thierry was there sporting a beard that on a mere mortal would appear silly but on such a God, enhanced the already divine. (Sorry but I’ll never get over losing him) Also back was Gilberto, a legend realised only fully after his loss. He gave a cheeky “I was there” tweet that warmed the heart, especially when the poster boy for disloyalty (to club and wife) Ashley Cole was on display.  Who by the way was having a complete shocker. Anyway while we illustrated the old cliché (yep another one from David) that form is temporary but class is permanent, they had John Terry.

I waited till a lull in the crowd noise to call him a C*** at the top of my voice. Anyone knowing me will testify if he had have been on the bus at Highbury Corner he still would have heard me. I think I gave it so much gusto after being denied a similar opportunity when snow removed Ryan Shawcross from range. There was an 8 year old behind me but I only noticed him at half time. Got to be honest, I didn’t really feel bad; I was speaking only the truth.

A lot has been said about the Arsenal personnel and I myself am desperate to receive January re enforcements. But, when you watch hard work and determination get a result it confirms that it’s been mentally where we’ve gone missing. If a team, albeit one with weak links, concentrates, fights and has desire and belief then talent is almost secondary. You can still make a mistake but go straight back to plan and it won’t be a full scale collapse.  There was not one player on that pitch who played poorly. Gael “Clichy Moments” was outstanding.  Theo made, scored and grabbed his start; Djourou had Drogba in his top pocket like a Swiss watch and Song went forward and only bloody scored! Cesc was back to pin point passing while still not fully fit, Robin’s play, although without goal, was clever and tricky. We pressed, we ran, and we concentrated.  And that’s it isn’t it? The basics? We know we can do ‘the pretty’ so good it looks easy but the mundane? The bread and butter? Seems mentally harder to us. Yesterday we did it. A real TEAM performance rather than individual brilliance. And I for one shed a little tear when Wenger did his dance.  

I had victory chips on the way home. Don’t you just love the kebab/chips- in-pitta/greasy burger you devour after being made ravenous by a good win against bitter rivals? Nothing tastes better than the taste of success and donner meat.

So all in all a bloody good day. We’ve seen false dawns before and as Jesus said it all means nothing if we don’t beat Wigan. With City, Spurs and Man Utd all looking strong we need this level each moment of every game to compete.  But let’s enjoy it. We’ve had a few tough weeks – today is for grinning.  Sweet dreams.xxx