While we missed our Canadian brothers, the Windsor Arsenal Supporters Group, we still had a few Gooners show up from around the metro Detroit area for the North London derby.
The Sp*rs fans were clearly happier with the result, a 1-1 draw, than the Arsenal contingency present that day, but we could take with us the fact that Arsenal fans are a much more intelligent race than our counterparts. I found myself being ridiculed for the way I pronounced 'Arsenal'.
"It's Arrrse-un-ull buddy. That's how Americans say it." Explained one find gentleman with a cock on his chest. "You're saying it wrong."
Now, I've lived in the United States for about 18 years, and it's taken that long for someone to finally correct me in my pronunciation of my teams' name? Whatever that guys name was, I thank him. If only there were more people in the world like him, this planet might be headed in the right direction. We can only wish.
The game itself was a strange one. 70% possession for the Gunners and all we could muster was a single goal. Contrast to the Tottenham managers' comments, Arsenal genuinely dominated the match and were really unfortunate to be the first to concede. Some will say a fire was lit under the Gunners after going down 1-0, but I would argue that the fire was there the whole game. Perhaps the only criticism would be that we just weren't clinical enough in front of the goal, but you've also got to give credit to the French guy in goal. I would really like Lloris, if he didn't play for a shit team. It's just a matter of time before his will to live is run dry by spending too much time at that club, and he either retires prematurely, loses his spot in the French national team, or just becomes another Sp*rs player that dries up and everyone forgets about.
There were no poor performances from my point of view (perhaps multiple beers in the middle of the day alters your judgement?). I really do hope that the manager continues to give Oxlade-Chamberlain a run of games coming up here. I was a touch nervous he may only have the spark when coming off the bench, but he was the best player on the pitch today and deserves more starts. I was slightly puzzled as to why Alexis started from the bench, but there is a big game against Galatasaray coming up this week so I can't question the boss too much on that one.
While a point is maybe less than we expected, and clearly less than we deserved, we are still unabated this season and sit fourth place in the League. It's always disappointing not to dispose of the scum down Seven Sisters Road.
Here's to a refocus, a pat on the back for the lads after a good performance, and a win in the Champions League this coming Wednesday. Thank God, or whoever there is to thank that we're not Tottenham fans. I get chills just thinking about it.
Ooh To Be A Gooner!
