Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea – 06/05/07 – (Premiership) 14 May, 2007

On Sunday it was the last game of the first season at our new home which was always going to be a little bit special but was made even more so by the visit of Chelsea. They needed a win to stay in the title race with Man United; anything other than that and the trophy would be leaving London.

It was a bit weird thinking that we would make the old rivals win the league if we held up Chelsea but at the same time it would be beautiful seeing the money-grabbing wankers crying, especially Ashley Cole. Speaking of him, Sunday was meant to be his first return to Arsenal after leaving in the summer. I think I said back then that I see him not playing in his return and chickening out on facing his old fans. Surprise surprise he didn’t make the squad and names such as Scot Sinclair took his place on the bench. Didn’t stop us having a bit of a sing-song about him but really it was a moral victory on our part. He might have been ‘injured’ or ‘tired’ or some other rubbish like that but we all know the real reason.

It was a strange sort of game; I don’t think either side played particularly that well. The first half was quite open, each side having one or two decent chances but nothing really that memorable. Half time approached and it looked as if it was going to be 0-0 going into the break but then Baptista found a way through and before he had the chance to get a shot away he was brought down by Boularouz and the ref pointed to the spot. Boularouz was sent of for his challenge as the last man, the Chelsea players and staff were furious but it was an obvious red. Gilberto placed the ball down and finished well past Petr Cech to make it 1-0 to The Arsenal at half time.

I thought before the game that because Chelsea needed a win they’d be going for this one and Arsenal always play better when the opposition team is pushing forward leaving us more space to work with. So one goal down at half time I thought this would be doubled and to add to that they were a man down.

However the second half didn’t plan out this way and it carried on just as in the previous half. Both sides looked more threatening in front of goal though. Chelsea equalized midway through the half through Michael Essien. It was a good goal, well struck and left Lehmann nowhere. The fans went wild as maybe they could snatch that win they were desperate for. They did look threatening to get that second, Jens Lehmann had to make a good save late on and a good shot from outside the box beat our German no.1 only for the linesman to rule it offside.

Eboue nearly scored a wonder goal near the end but it flashed off the bar. In the end it finished 1-1, a fair result I feel and Manchester United are the 2006/07 Premiership Champions. Chelsea tried not to look down but you could tell deep down they were devastated and it was great.

The plans did the customary end of season lap of honour; was nice to see Van Persie and Henry out on the pitch again, and Mathieu Flamini who I might’ve seen for the last time on Sunday. I can’t believe that’s it, the seasons over, it’s gone so quickly. Well yes we have Pompey at the weekend but I mean that’s all our home games, and all the games I’ll go to this season. It was a good day in all, some Gooners were a bit upset we didn’t win but I wasn’t bothered, the score made no difference and to me was just another good day out at The Arsenal which for me, is what it’s all about.

We look forward to Portsmouth now and then it’s the summer break. Thanks for reading.