Morning.
A quick Sunday blog from a London hotel room. I was in town yesterday to celebrate a friend’s 50th birthday. Bon anniversaire, Ollie! It was lovely to see some old friends again, and to watch Arsenal beat Liverpool 4-0 at the Emirates.
In truth, that scoreline could have been even more comprehensive. Aside from three goals we scored in the first half, we hit the post twice, and Liverpool’s right-back got roasted time and time again as we found space down the left. There was just the one goal in the second half, but what a good way that was to prepare for Wednesday’s game against Real Madrid.
Arsenal were completely dominant from start to finish really. Maybe it’s because Liverpool weren’t good on the day, but I think the credit should go to us for the way we just controlled it all the way through. The third goal was the pick of the bunch, a brilliant curling effort from Mariona Caldentey who for me, at least, was the stand-out player on the day. She always wants the ball, always looks to make things happen, and some of the best stuff we played went through her.
It was also an interesting experience to attend a women’s game for the first time. The Emirates wasn’t quite as full as for some other games, but there were still 35,000+ there, and the atmosphere was fun. It’s obviously different from a men’s game, but still feels like Arsenal. Just a distinct version of it, which is a good thing. The crowd all waving scarves was something I’ve never seen at a men’s game, people also using their phone torches (but it was a bit too scattered to come off properly).
Obviously winning 4-0 helps, but it was lovely to see all the kids – many of whom can never get tickets for a men’s game – having a great time, celebrating the goals, and dancing around at the final whistle. I think there are all kinds of reasons to be really cynical about football, the game itself, how it operates etc these days, but this was just very pure. New generations of Arsenal fans enjoying themselves and having a great day out as we stick four past the Mugsmashers – what’s not to love about that?
The only thing missing was the 5th goal so the scoreline would read 5-0 on Ollie’s 50th, but that’s a minor complaint! Elsewhere, Martin Odegaard played the full 90 as Norway beat Moldova 5-0, and got an assist to his name. Today, there are a handful of players involved for their countries, including William Saliba, Leandro Trossard, Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Mikel Merino and possibly David Raya. Whatever you’re doing today, keep fingers crossed they all come through unscathed.
Right, gotta dash. More here tomorrow, including an Interlull Arsecast Extra with James. For now, have a good one.
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