There is a certain gravitas that comes with the Champions League semi finals and the atmosphere at the Emirates this evening was thick with expectatio...
There is a certain gravitas that comes with the Champions League semi finals and the atmosphere at the Emirates this evening was thick with expectation. The first leg in Madrid ended in a stalemate at one goal apiece but the North London side came into this fixture carrying the lion's share of the momentum. Bukayo Saka, the young Nigerian international who has become the heartbeat of this Arsenal project, led his side out with the composure of a seasoned general. The pre match pleasantries however sparked a minor controversy that has nothing to do with tactics. The commemorative badge presented to the visitors was a far cry from the elegance of the Art Deco crest that adorned the Arsenal jerseys of old. Herbert Chapman must be turning in his grave at the sight of this modern crest. Atletico Madrid on the other hand brought a badge that was a timeless piece of football heritage. But on the pitch, there was no contest. Arsenal were clinical. They moved the ball with a pace that left Diego Simeone. �s men chasing shadows. Every attack was a calculated assault and the home crowd roared their approval. The Nigerian supporters watching from viewing centers in Surulere and Wuse will tell you that Saka. �s driving run was the moment the tie was won. He drew three defenders before slipping a pass that sliced the Atletico defence wide open. It was a move of pure football intelligence. At the end of the day, the powers that be at the Emirates will be pleased with this result. The Super Eagles talisman gave a good account of himself against a formidable Spanish side. This result puts Arsenal firmly in the conversation for European glory and for the fans in Nigeria, it is a night of unbridled celebration. The viewing centres in Ikeja were packed to the rafters. When the final whistle blew, the noise was deafening. Men in Arsenal kits jumped onto plastic chairs and women waved their scarves with wild abandon. In a corner of a hall in Surulere, a man clutched his chest and shouted that this was the best football he had seen since the days of Kanu Nwankwo. The traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge will be very heavy tonight but nobody cares. The victory is all that matters.
