Stifle the Eiffel

With Liverpool likely to hoist the Premier League trophy this weekend, the success of Arsenal’s season now rests on beating Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semifinal.

This is a different PSG from the one Arsenal bested in the league phase of the competition. Not only are they currently undefeated in Ligue 1, PSG advanced to this semi final by beating both Liverpool and Aston Villa.

Arsenal are without Thomas Partey because of his rash behavior against Real Madrid, shoving another player, right in front of the referee. Adding to pre-match nervousness, are reports that “the other Mikel” Merino and Ben White may not be available.

A lot of people didn’t see the Gunners getting past perennial winners Real Madrid, and the Spanish side were absolutely dominated, so let’s hope Arsenal defies the odds once again.

Sadly, I cannot be at the pub for the match but Maggie’s will be packed. If you go and are posting pics and videos, please tag us on Instagram or share to our Facebook page.

COYG!

Best, Mark.

Strolling into second

Tidy little win against soon to be relegated Ipswich on Sunday, with only a handful of Gooners at the pub. Attendance for the league matches has dipped a bit, as the inevitability of Liverpool hoisting the trophy becomes more apparent.

But, amidst our Champions League quest, there’s still matches to be played. Crystal Palace visit the Emirates tomorrow and as always, Maggie’s will have the match on for you.

I regret I will miss Wednesday’s match as well as the next two (4/29 and 5/3) for personal reasons. Hope to be back at the pub for the second leg of our Champions League semifinal on May 7, 2025.

COYG!

Best, Mark.

No reign in Spain

Going into the second leg of Wednesday’s quarterfinal, we knew what Arsenal were up against. Despite the 3 goal advantage from the first meeting, this was Real Madrid, perennial Champions League title holders.

Los Blancos have won the Champions League a record 15 times, including 5 times in the last decade alone. But this was Arsenal’s night as the Gunners exercised a lot of Champions League demons with a resounding victory. The one sour note was having Thomas Partey booked so he will now miss the first leg of the semifinal.

We now return to our regularly schedule Premier League matches. This Sunday Arsenal have Ipswich Town, facing relegation, with only the slimmest chances of survival. They gave Chelsea a scare last week jumping out to a 2-0 lead before the eventual draw, and will be fighting for their lives, so it’s no sure thing for the Gunners.

Kickoff is 6:00 am which is big ask on Easter Sunday, but I’ll be at the pub and hope you will too!

COYG!

Best, Mark.

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.