Well, the game this weekend feels entirely different now the board have decided to move on from Vieira. Who knows what tomorrow will bring. I certainly don’t.
What I can say is that Arsenal fans are feeling pretty upbeat despite the loss on penalties to Sporting in midweek. To keep the inside look on the Arsenal momentum, I caught up with Sulayman Desai, lifelong Arsenal fan.
Q – So Sulayman, how are Arsenal fans feeling at the moment? Pretty good I imagine?
SD: Everyone is feeling united and connected with the team. We love what Arteta and Edu have done not just this season but over the last 12-18 months. It starts with the players in the team/squad – everyone is liked by the fans. Fans feel very connected to the team, and so where there is a set back we still feel positive.
The second thing is optimism. If you watch week by week, we feel Arsenal genuinely have the tools needed to see it through. Of course, there is some nervousness, the first time in 19 years we’re on the brink of winning the league. There has been a high level of stress for example in the recent games against Villa and Bournemouth. However, when the win comes it is an extreme high, but in many games – when things are not quite going our way the tension does become quite unbearable.
We have had good moments, 2014, the FA Cup a few years ago, the Leicester season, but this feels really special, and not really about circumstances, how other teams are doing or luck.
Q – You mentioned Arteta and Edu, has Edu played a significant role as well then?
SD: Edu’s role – especially in communicating with the fans shouldn’t be underestimated. He’s been central to engaging directly with the fan base, for example in explaining ‘the project’ and the approach to young players. It’s really helped to connect fans to the vision and project. As both Edu and Arteta are ‘Arsenal insiders’ it also really helps show they care which means a lot to the fans.
Edu has given Arteta the room to make decisions he needs to – e.g. in relation to getting the right culture and personalities, including where that has been controversial like letting big name players go.
Q – Speaking of fans, it’s been noticeable that the atmosphere at the emirates has looked very different this year.
A lot has changed, first of all there has been a changeover in who actually attends. Covid led to a major turnover in season ticket holders – which has contributed to a reduction in the age profile of the Emirates. This has contributed to a big upswing in energy.
Secondly there has been a new-found prominence of fan groups – most notably the Ashburton army – who have taken on the approach of European ultras (ahem Holmesdale fanatics).
The third thing is the squad and players – a lot of local/young players – this has helped grow a real connection. Finally, Arteta himself has nurtured this – celebrating with the fans, speaking about the importance of that connection. You can see this in action with the recent spate of last-minute winners, especially those scored by Nelson and Saka.
Q – Speaking of Saka, has he been your player of the season so far?
It’s between Saka and Odegaard. Ode because he is the captain, he organises our attacking play. But more recently Saka has become even more important. So many of his goal contributions are decisive. As a home-grown player as well, he carries so much on his shoulders.
Q – So, how catastrophic would it be if you don’t win the league this season? Do you think you’ll still be challenging next season/the season after?
SD: From an Arsenal fans perspective this is our trajectory. Even last season although we finished fifth, we were on track for a top 3-4 spot, but we had significant injuries and any fan watching game by game will have felt optimistic for this year.
Another thing is our depth, including the recent signings – the depth has meant the floor of the squad has been raised, meaning the platform to succeed is much stronger.
Q – Okay, so if you had a Magic wand, who would you be bringing in this summer?
SD: Declan Rice. He’s the name on everyone’s lips. Fans are so impressed and grateful for Xhaka and what he has produced this season. But to be a sustained top team we need an upgrade. Rice’s durability and physicality to handle a Champions League campaign and (hopefully) another strong league campaign. Over time you could see him dropping alongside or even replacing Partey.
Q. What is your perspective on Palace from the season so far?
SD: I thought Palace would kick on from last season, it seems like you have regressed. Maybe losing Gallagher was the key. Personally, I think you’ve got a lot of talent but maybe Viera wasn’t getting the best from the talented squad – especially in an attacking sense.
TEB – We’ll have to see if a new regime can affect this…
Q – Where do you think the match will be won and lost?
SD: Arsenal will come out and try and dominate. The game will be won/lost in Palace’s ability to counter attack. Probably Arsenal will have a lot of the ball and a lot of opportunities. If we don’t take those we know Palace have the ability to hurt anyone. But I am feeling confident despite 120 minutes on Thursday.
Q – Anything else?
SD: Our stakes are higher than yours, so don’t give us too hard a time.
TEB – not sure I agree about that!
Cheers Sulayman. Here’s to a Palace victory at the weekend but an Arsenal title win at the end of the season!
