Sun, 22 Dec, 2024

Gunners Trophy Drought Finally Comes To An End

By Sameer Shrestha

So, the 9 year trophy drought that had started in 2005 has finally ended at Emirates Stadium on 2014. The Gunners came from two goals down to pull an amazing comeback to win 3-2 after extra time and lift the FA Cup trophy. This was their first trophy of any kind in 9 years. The FA Cup, one of the most prestigious and the oldest cups of England, was highly anticipated by the Arsenal fans and the critics. It was the only hope left to end the drought after the Premier League had already slipped away. Lots of pressures and tension were mounting among the players, the manager and the fans. Even the reign of Manager Arsene Wenger was questioned for his failure at the cups and his same tactics, which kept on failing. Arsenal FC, once known for its beautiful game had faded away in recent times. It had lost its charm. But time’s changing, with the arrival of new players and the rise of young players, they have started showing some promise to bring that lost charm again. As an Arsenal fan, this is my first trophy. I was one of all those fans, who were eagerly waiting for the final. The long wait for the game was finally worth waiting. We wanted to win this trophy so badly to shut the critics off and especially shut those trophy drought jokes which had been pretty harsh on us. Finally, the day of Final arrived, a lot of Arsenal fans all over the world had gathered to watch the match. We were confident winning the game, but Hull City being underdogs could turn the game and surprise us. We had to be careful. They had nothing to lose, so they played with an open heart and to the fullest. On the other hand, Arsenal had sensed the pressure, the minute whistle had blown. And, the game began. Surprisingly, Hull City took the lead in the 3rd minute. And I was like what? Don’t worry! It’s just one goal, we’ll bounce back. The game was then running smoothly until they scored another goal. ARS 0 – 2 Hull City. 2-0 down in 8 minutes! What? Why always us? Seems like we’re always cursed in all these big occasions. What if we lose this one too? What if? I had to deal with too many what ifs. The tension was rising as the time passed. With the passing of every minute, there was a stack of tension piling up, pile by pile. To relieve the tension, on the 18th minute, Cazorla struck a stunning free Kick!! Yes!That was awesome! The score line then suggested 1-2 for Arsenal.  It was such an exciting moment. I screamed so loud that the neighbors had woken up. Throughout the game, both the teams made a numerous number of attacks but could not score. Finally, on 71st minute, Koscielny broke the deadlock by scoring the equalizer. I knew it! I knew it!! Didn't see that goal coming though!! Seems like he was hurt after scoring, Koss the Boss -his typical nickname. It made the score 2-2, such a relief that it gave us hope after a tiresome & continuous effort on goals. At least it bought us some more time to press them. During the later period, Arsenal survived some anxious moments as Hull City pressed forward in desperation and nearly scored. Often, nearly gave us a heart attack. Finally, at the end of the second period of extra time, Aaron Ramsey scored a stunning winner to provide this triumph of success after 3,283 days of wait for silverware. WE WON THE CUP! Two Nil Down, Three Two Up, That’s The Way To Win The Cup in STYLE. arsenal1   Finally, I experienced the feeling, when your favorite team lifts the trophy. The celebration of Arsenal fans could clearly show how desperate we were to win a trophy. Slipping the final twice, UCL trophy in 2006 and League Cup in 2011, and continuous failure in cups had us more desperate than anything. All thanks to our players & the manager, Arsene Wenger. That smirk & smile on his face was priceless. We owe to this guy and we are lucky to have him here with us. That celebration & happiness shared by the players and fans, Wow! Still makes me feel, gosh! If only I could be there! I hope this trophy is just a start and more stories of success is to follow. I know we should not be boasting about this trophy, we should be aiming for big target. We’ve always been criticized for not having big ambitions, but this is surely going to change, the glory days will follow someday again. “You just don't support and follow the team just 'cause they are winning and bringing trophies home.You love them ‘cause you feel you have some attachment with them not knowing when it got attached”.