Highbury

Thierry Henry said sometimes ago that there was something special about the stadium, the pitch. And so it proved. A special player needs a special stadium and a special occasion to show his genius. A great football game against the brave Wigan that showed no fear for us, a thrilling 90 minutes where everyone can't stop checking on the Upton Park situation, a hattrick from the deadliest no. 14 the world has ever seen, a win that see us leapfrogging Sp*rs, of all team, into 4th spot. Man.. that 90 minutes was surely not suitable for those with heart problem. A fitting finale, a grand finale for Highbury.

When we were about to start this season, I said that its gonna be a great and thrilling ride. It was just a gut feeling. I never thought it would really turn out to be one of the most memorable seasons I have had as a supporter. In fact it could just get better with a 1-0 win against Barca next week but let's leave that for now.

Let's just congratulate the team for their spirit and effort to fight till the last minute. When we were down 2-1, instantly we switched into top gear and for all Wigan's spirited play, they just couldn't cope with Arsenal. Many have been said with regards to the match. A thrilling 4-2. The winning game was actually a gift from Thompson who was responsible for the two goals they scored. He did a 'Gerrard'.

And the last goal was of course interesting in a way considering it was a foul by Johansson against Ljungberg who came on at exactly the same time. It was just such a great script that we could make movie out of it.

And speaking of the departing players.. I'd just like to tell you another gut feeling I have. We all feel that TH would stay and maybe you can consider him kissing the Highbury Turf as a declaration of his intention to stay. But it's not just Henry, I felt that Ashley Cole will also stay with us. I don't know. Looking at the way he played, his gestures.. I just felt that he will stay. I know that his mistakes make it impossible for us to be proud of him the way we used to be but still.. he is a very very good fullback and his experience (on the pitch experience, of course) will be very important to lead the young players. Just as long as he does not teach them to meet other club's manager in some hotels. As for Pires.. he seemed to be at the crossroad. He knows he won't be first choice anymore come next season but he loves the club and fans and he would love to be there at the new stadium. .

One player I would not hesitate to part with is Campbell. I don't want to criticize any player during such a good moment but I just can't help pointing out his performance. He was out of pace and he struggled so badly at times. Pairing Campbell with Cole who make forward runs all the time is suicidal. If I were Barcelona, I would invite Cole into my area. I would let him run unopposed and when Campbell begin to move into the flank to cover the area, I would try to snatch the ball away and launch a counterattack. Giuly will be more than capable of outpacing Campbell. Once Campbell is taken care of, I will only have to take care of Toure. With Ronaldinho and Eto'o up there, I should have a good chance to make something out of it.

Let's just hope that we will see a fully fit and focused Campbell in the CL final. We know he is a good player. He just needs to bounce back for one last time.

Enough of criticism. I am sorry for those negative parts. I guess in the end the lads have really gave their all and deserve the credits. And the fans.. the noise they made, the singing, everything.. I was so proud and jealous of them. That sight of Ian Wright and other Arsenal legends in the midst of supporters. The red and white shirts in the stadium.. It was just magical. Everything, everything, was just magical. It was something the Russian money can never buy. Let's just hope that if there is one thing that we can bring to the new stadium, it's the spirit.