Good as none

Most Gooners have been riding an insane high since last week’s Arsenal brilliant win over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final first leg. Not even the tepid weekend draw against Brentford could dim the glow. But most Arsenal supporters are not harboring any illusions this is job done.

Arsenal need a repeat performance this Wednesday in the cauldron of the Bernabéu, though they can advance with a draw. 19 years ago, Thierry Henry scored the winner, making Arsenal the first English side to beat Los Blancos on their home pitch and the subsequent draw, saw them through. Since then, the Gunners have never lost to Madrid, so we’re hoping to extend that streak.

Weekday matches are always a tough ask, but we had a phenomenal crowd last Tuesday at Maggie’s and I’m hoping for a similar atmosphere. Looking forward to seeing a packed pub!

COYG!

Best, Mark.

Double order of Rice

Tuesday afternoon was as joyous an affair as we’ve experienced at Maggie McGarry’s in some time. On the back of two sublime, surreal free kicks by Declan Rice, Arsenal bested Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final meeting.

Gooners cheered, screamed, hugged, and ran around like small children while a few beers were spilled in the ensuing celebration. Simply a great day to be at the pub. Besides this video, you can find pics on our Insta or Facebook.

Before we do it all over again for the second leg next Wednesday, there’s the small matter of Brentford Saturday. Despite the title looking like a foregone conclusion, there’s still a few league matches to be played and reasons to join us at Maggie’s.

Speaking of match days, if you attend regularly, enjoy meeting new Gooners, and want to get more involved, look me up at the pub.

Saturday’s lovely late kickoff means no excuses will be accepted. Look forward to seeing you all at the pub!

COYG!

Best, Mark.

One basket

A handful of true Gooners turned up for Saturday’s 4:30 am kickoff against Everton. Sadly, we got a rather anemic draw, marred by shambolic officiating (never a penalty). Liverpool lost the next day so the Gunners missed a gilt-edge chance to close the gap.

But does anyone still believes Arsenal will finish at the top of the league table? All silverware hopes seem to rest in the Champions League basket. This campaign continues tomorrow with the first leg of the quarter-final tie against Real Madrid.

Not that the pundits are giving them much of a chance. Particularly after Gabriel Magalhães went out with a season-ending injury. But our defense is still strong and our Starboy, Bukayo Saka is back, so why not hold out hope.

Arsenal haven’t had a ton of Champions League opportunities in recent years, so let’s make the most of it.

Hope to see you tomorrow! COYG!

Best, Mark.

Stars and clouds

Tuesday’s match should have been a storybook affair. The glorious return of Arsenal Starboy, Bukayo Saka to a thunderous roar from the adoring crowd, capped off by his goal securing all 3 points. While it had all those elements, the football gods defecated all over our perfect night.

Defenders Jurien Timber and Gabriel Magalhaes both suffered injuries. Timber managed to stay on the pitch almost until the end, but Big Gabby went off early, and he will miss the rest of the season.

With Ben White, Calafiori, and Tomiyasu already out, we’re not exactly flush with defenders. Our hopes for the immediate future seem to rest on Jakub Kiwior, a prospect not filling us with confidence.

West Coast Gooners are faced with another predawn kickoff Saturday as Arsenal are away at Everton. Maggie’s is opening for us, presenting an opportunity to cement your BAG legend status.

I’ll be there with Bob’s Donuts and hope I’m not watching alone.

COYG!

Best, Mark.

Fools for Arsenal

In the weeks since the last Arsenal match, we’ve had a few pleasant distractions. Young guns, Miles Lewis-Skelly excelled for England during the Nations Cup, and Ethan Nwaneri had a stellar goal for the Under-21’s.

Arsenal signed new sporting director, Andrea Berta. Edu’s replacement is credited for a number of successful signings while at Atlético Madrid, so here’s hoping he does the same for us.

The Arsenal Woman showed the men a world of possibility in their Champions League quarter-finals against Real Madrid. After suffering a 2-goal first leg defeat, the women roared back in the second leg, to win 3-0, propelling them into the semi-finals. Here’s hoping the men can make a similar leap into the next round.

The Gunner’s 7-match April campaign starts tomorrow against Fulham. By all accounts, Bukayo Saka is fit and available for the match. Liverpool still show no sign of dropping points, but perhaps our Starboy’s return will give us a boost in our Champions League quest and remaining league outings.

I won’t make it to Maggie’s tomorrow but am back bright and early for Saturday’s predawn match against Everton. The Crystal Palace match at the end of the month will likely get rescheduled due to FA Cup involvement.

I look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday! COYG!

Best, Mark.

Sh*t gets Real

Arsenal drew against United, completely unable to break down the low block and wasteful in the final third. A few days later, the Gunners drew again against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League second leg. However on the strength of their 7-1 win in the first leg, they won the right to play Real Madrid in the Quarter Finals.

Despite Liverpool as Premier League Champions looking like a foregone conclusion, Arsenal still have 10 matches left in the season and need to get back to their winning ways to ensure another top 4 finish.

Seeing Martinelli back in the fray was encouraging and Sterling was actually surprising in his efforts. Hopefully this Sunday, we can put Chelsea to the sword. .

Look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday! COYG!

Best, Mark.