We still have Paris

Saturday’s lackluster loss to Bournemouth only underscores how Wednesday’s Champions League semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain is now the defining moment of Arsenal’s season.

As the Gunners limp along behind champions, Liverpool, even second place in the Premier League is no longer a lock. To give their season real meaning, Arsenal must overcome a one goal, first leg deficit against the Ligue 1 Champions.

Thomas Partey is back to bolster the midfield, but a far better effort is needed from everyone else, for any hope of success. Hopefully, the Arsenal side that dominated Real Madrid in successive matches, shows up in Paris.

I really miss being at Maggie’s for these big matches, but it is unavoidable right now. Hoping to be back for Liverpool. I just need the rest of you to make as much noise as possible in my absence.

If you’re at the pub and have pics and videos, please share or tag to our Instagram or Facebook page.

COYG!

Best, Mark

Playing for pride

Arsenal’s first leg of their Champions League semi-final against PSG on Tuesday, ended 0-1 to the visitors. The Gunners need a legendary performance next Wednesday to overcome this well-oiled opposition at their home stadium in order to secure a spot in the Final.

Meanwhile, Liverpool officially won the 2024/2025 Premier League title last weekend, demolishing a hapless Tottenham (still getting battered everywhere they go). Yet, Arsenal still have 4 matches left with nothing to play for in the league but the second spot and pride.

Saturday the Gunners face Bournemouth, currently chasing a top eighth or ninth place finish in hopes of European football next season. Arsenal will hopefully rest some key players in anticipation of their trip to Paris.

Nice leisurely 9:30 am kickoff, so get yourself to Maggie’s to hang with the Gooner family.

Unfortunately, I’m still unable to come to the pub, but hope to be back in action soon. COYG!

Best, Mark.

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.