I was at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal beat Everton 2-1, on a bittersweet day as Mikel Arteta’s side fell just short of the Premier League title.
Arsenal headed into the final day knowing that Manchester City would have to drop points if they were to win their first Premier League title since the Invincibles triumphed in 2004.
Despite Arsenal heading into the final day two points behind Pep Guardiola’s side, there was still a buzz around North London. For the first time since 1999, Arsenal were in with a chance of title glory on the final day of the season.
This was reflected in the atmosphere in the areas surrounding the Emirates. It was a carnival-like feeling around Blackstock Road – every pub had reached capacity over four hours before kick-off, with hundreds more in the surrounding streets.
Arsenal fans were in full voice, with pyro smoke filling the air, and despite the odds being against them, there was a refusal to give up ahead of kick-off in both games. The walk into the Emirates felt very different to any other game this season.
The Emirates was electric as Arsenal did all they could against Everton
The concourses were deafening at times in the half-hour leading up until kick-off. Even in the East Stand, which at times is one of the quietest sections when it comes to generating noise, the fans did all they could to create a raucous atmosphere.
The club also helped give this a boost, after a season in which fan groups have sometimes been left frustrated that their efforts off the pitch were not matched by the decisions taken by the hierarchy over ticket allocations and crowd displays.
As the players walked out of the tunnel, something not seen before stunned the Emirates crowd. Arsenal had launched pyro off the stadium roof, creating both noise and a hazy smoke often more associated with crowds in South America rather than North London. The sense of occasion was there, and the pre-match anthem The Angelrang around with more gusto than ever before.
A mixed day of emotions for Arsenal fans as Man City won title
Despite the incredible build-up to the game, any small hope of a shock at the Etihad Stadium was quickly extinguished as Phil Foden opened the scoring, and news quickly reached the Emirates.
This did not deter Arsenal fans from supporting the team, as there was an acceptance that this was the likeliest result. “Just focus on our own game,” one fan told me after seeing the frustration on my face.
Worries then increased as Everton stole a shock lead after Idrissa Gana Gueye saw his free-kick deflected into the top corner. Arsenal fans would accept not winning the title if they secured maximum points from their final game, but this was in jeopardy.
Takehiro Tomiyasu then spurred the Emirates back into life with his equaliser, but the most heartbreaking moment was yet to come. News of Man City going 2-0 up had spread, but Mohammed Kudus then pulled a goal back to give everyone a shred of hope.
There was seemingly some miscommunication, as news spread around quickly that West Ham had equalised to make it 2-2. For a brief moment, the upset was on, and the crowd exploded into noise. However, the realisation quickly came that there was no such equaliser, and as the half-time whistle went, there was more confusion than anything else.
As the second half went on, Arsenal were far from inspiring on the pitch, and fans were just desperate to see Arteta’s side record one last win. News of Man City’s third goal spread and the title was gone.
Nevertheless, Jurrien Timber came on to a roaring reception, on his first appearance after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament on the opening day of the season, and Arsenal eventually found a winner.
Gabriel Jesus picked up on a loose ball, drove forward and fed a pass into Martin Odegaard, who slipped in Kai Havertz to score yet another goal after an outstanding run of form.
The full-time whistle went shortly after, and the Emirates were on their feet roaring their team on. The players looked crestfallen as they learned the Man City result, but there was nothing but pride from the fans who could see the magnificent effort they have delivered this season.
Arsenal fans are more optimistic than ever
As Mikel Arteta and Odegaard gave their post-game speeches to the crowd, hardly anyone had left their seats. There is full belief in this squad and manager, and although trophies did not come this season, there is more optimism than ever that silverware will be lifted in North London soon.
READ MORE: Arsenal’s top European nights at Highbury and Emirates Stadium
“I think now it’s time to have a break, think, reflect and please, keep pushing, keep inspiring this team. Don’t be satisfied because we want much more than that, and we’re going to get it. Thank you so much,” Arteta said to the crowd, who roared in unwavering support for the manager.
It was a highly positive mood at the Emirates, in which Arsenal fans could see the progress the team has made over the last two seasons, and their belief has not faltered despite the frustration of missing out on the title by such a close margin.