The Jersey

Right from the time I woke up I knew that this Friday morning was to be different than any of the Friday mornings I had experienced before. Now as I was standing in front of the mirror I couldn't help but feel proud that finally I had bought it. No doubt it was expensive but then it was what I always wanted to own. Closing my eyes and taking a deep breath I slipped into it and then I opened my eyes slowly to look at my reflection in the mirror.

The logo was the first thing which caught my eye together with the characteristic Nike SWOOSH. I ran my fingers over the logo and took in the name of the sponsor printed in white at the middle of the jersey and then under my breath I whispered, "Go Gunners Go!!!"

Yes it was the Arsenal jersey which I was wearing and yes this is the 4^th season that my team has gone without any silverware L I have every reason to be disillusioned that may be some where my manager has trusted the young guns too much. Maybe consistency is a virtue of an experienced few. But, I can't let go of Arsenal just like that. Maybe the next season will see our fortunes reverse, maybe next season we will land a trophy and if everything goes right then we might even be crowned the champions of Europe. There was a saying which I read once and it goes something like, "When you win wear your jersey with pride. When you lose wear your jersey with pride" and it is this pride in me which makes me hope that there will be a better tomorrow.

It must have been a good 8 years or so since I started following the English Premier League. Its been the last 3 years when I have been closely monitoring the progress. But then now when I rewind to the days when it all started I think, "Why was it Arsenal?".

I had just got FIFA2000 from my school friend installed on my computer in the year 2002. I know I was not exactly with the times at that time J. What could I do, we got a desktop at home only in 2002 after my Std XII exam so that I would not be distracted. Anyways coming back to the question, "Why was it Arsenal?". Playing FIFA2000 for the very first time, Arsenal was the team I selected to play only because the teams were listed out in alphabetical order. So playing with or for Arsenal on my computer I got accustomed to Bergkamp, Parlour, Henry, Viera, Seaman, Pires. Then I made it a point to look out for the Arsenal games in EPL and used to watch them. All of a sudden I got hooked to the real life Henry's, Bergkamp's, Seaman's et la. Then after watching a few games I came to know that the manager of the team was one Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal and Arsene, the two names were so similar that my amateur brain drew a conclusion that Arsene was the owner or better still a founder of the club. I sure had a desktop in 2002 but no internet and I never doubted my conviction so the question of googling this up never ever crossed my mind.

The beautiful game which Arsenal played both on the field in the EPL and in my computer (with loads of help from me) made me an instance fan of the team and one another thing contributing to my following was that this was the time of the Arsenal Invincibles J J J Arsenal was giving Manchester United a run for its money, Liverpool was making waves in Europe but not in England. Chealsea was there and there about. It was Gunners everywhere.

But the dream was too good to go on. Pires left and so did Viera. Seaman retired and I felt disheartened. Henry was still there to pull us was what I felt. The Champions League final against Barcelona in 2006 was the high-point where we were beaten and after that it has been a free fall of sorts for the Gunners (according to me). Moving into Emirates was a matter of pride, but it depleted our resources (not to mention that Henry moved on to Barcelona) and for me that was a major reason which limited Arsene to go for established names. He chose to sign unknowns developing them and hoping that they click. But the young guns have left me gasping. I agree with Arsene when he says that this young team went 21 games unbeaten in the EPL, finished among the top 4 teams in Europe, what more do you expect?

But the only thing I expect is consistency. Somehow when I watched Arsenal playing even a 2 goal lead made me shaky that the opposition would come back and either level or win this. And when we were a goal down I was never confident that we would make a comeback. I felt that I was watching the Indian Cricket team of the mid 90s. Not sure of what it possessed and how to go about things? L

It is fine if in the next season we don't win trophies but I want the team to be up there rubbing shoulders with the winners, looking them in the eyes and not wither away into oblivion.

When I paid for the Arsenal jersey which I now proudly wear whatever the circumstances, a thought crossed my mind. If I am buying this Arsenal jersey for myself, then I pray that Arsene buys us a couple of established, experienced names and changes our fortunes next season. Because in Arsene I still trust.

But isn't his contract with the club only till 2011, were there not rumors of him been pursued by Real Madrid this season. That eventuality will dawn upon all the Arsenal fans when Arsene will move on and some other manager will take his place, but I am sure that he would not leave us without atleast one European Crown. Arsene should leave Arsenal only after winning the Champions League.

Today when I get back home, I am going to take off my jersey and keep it safely only to be taken out when the next season begins. I pray that things will be different then.

Go GUNNERS Go