Freeway - ARSENAL - CHAMPIONS

ARSENAL – CHAMPIONS

I have supported arsenal football club for many years now. The north London team caught my eye when I was at the age of ten years old. I saw them on television and ever since then I thought they looked a real good side. People have asked me why I don't support a team nearer to the area I live, such as Everton, Liverpool or Manchester united. I've supported arsenal because I liked the players and the style of football they play. Arsenal have never been as successful as Manchester united or Liverpool but that doesn't really concern me.

I first went to see arsenal play in a game at Leeds United in 1996. On the day I was full of excitement in anticipation of what would happen. The game finished 0-0 despite being highly eventful. Since then I have seen arsenal play in away games at Blackburn and Everton. I have only seen arsenal play at home once in my life and that was when they played at home to Blackburn in December 1997. It was a very disappointing day travelling all the way down to London and losing the game 3-1. The reason why I have only seen arsenal play at home once is because to obtain home tickets is just about impossible.

I would definitely say that my favourite match I have ever seen arsenal play in is arsenal against Newcastle in the 1998 F.A. cup final at Wembley. The day was just perfect, the weather was hot and sunny and the atmosphere was tremendous. Arsenal saw off Newcastle winning the game 2-0 and lifted the F.A cup.

The 1997-98 football season was definitely one to remember for arsenal football club. It was the season that they did the double-the Premiership title and the and the F.A. cup (as I mentioned above). Arsenal won the title with two games to spare holding off a strong challenge from Manchester united. Arsenal were magnificent throughout the season apart from a dip in form around December. One factor that made arsenal win the title was that they won a record ten matches in a row. The key to their season was winning home and away to Manchester united. The team were based around a solid defence, men who worked hard in midfield and great attacking options. The football writers player of the year was Dennis Bergkamp. The Dutchman was instrumental for arsenal scoring magnificent goals. Not only a goal scorer but he was a great provider for other players. Bergkamp was definitely a huge influence on deciding where the Premiership title and the F.A. cup ended up.