Feature

Global Gunners: The view from... Delhi

Aakash Chakrabarty of Arsenal Delhi blogs on the FA Cup semi-final, formations, form and why his city has an important place in the history of Indian football.

Eight wins in a row. Not since 'The Invincibles' have Arsenal looked so ominous.

On Saturday, The Chatter House pub will be packed to capacity as the Delhi Gooners cheer their team on from this corner of a foreign field. There will be around 25 of us absorbing every minute of the FA Cup semi-final against Reading.

This big week has just about begun and we can’t get to Saturday soon enough. The first thing I do when I log into my computer everyday is to Google “Arsenal” as if it were some sacred prayer. I catch up on the latest news, rumours and hoping, with my heart in my mouth, there are no fresh injuries. We are willing Jack Wilshere and the Ox back to full fitness right now. 

"The first thing I do when I log into my computer everyday is to Google "Arsenal""

Arsenal have won all their matches against Reading in the Premier League era, and fans will remember the dramatic, nerve wracking 7-5 win in the League Cup in 2012/13. It will be interesting to see Le Professor’s team selection - and whether Danny Welbeck or Theo Walcott get a look in. I’m especially looking forward to Wilshere’s return. His presence in the midfield does add impetus to the forward movement.

I don’t expect the Royals to be pushovers but I don’t think they’ll throw up a scare either. The present team seems to have struck a fine balance between creativity, aggression and solidity. We have been keeping the ball well, as well as winning it back quickly when we lose it. That has shown in our recent form. It is also a sign of a team enjoying their football. The tetchiness over the ball that spread some panic among the rank and file of Gooners worldwide now seems like a distant memory.

Arsenal’s purple patch has coincided with Francis Coquelin’s renaissance as the anchor of the midfield. While the heroics of Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla, Alexis and Aaron Ramsey have propelled Arsenal towards an outside chance for the title. Olivier Giroud has returned from injury a lethal striker - underestimate him at your peril - and Welbeck’s hunger and tenacity in front of goal has yielded rich dividends. 

 

Olivier Giroud

Olivier Giroud



Our city, Delhi, holds an important place in Indian football. It was here in the 1951 Asiad that India won a gold medal in football. Since then Indian soccer may have gone a little downhill, but India, especially Delhi, has not lost its appreciation for the beautiful game.

We are firmly divided among club lines, be it Indian or English, Spanish or German. The Arsenal Delhi page on Facebook has helped Gunners fans connect across the city. We are already over 900-strong and steadily growing. We have also found a base at The Chatter House, where we watch Arsenal play on weekends, over beer and shots, chanting ‘Arsenal till I die!’

 


Arsenal Delhi contact details
Facebook: Arsenal Delhi
Twitter: @ArsenalDelhi
Website: www.arsenaldelhi.com

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