My First Wembley Cup Final

by MIKE HARVEY It’s strange to think that this Sunday’s showdown against Birmingham will be my first ever Wembley cup final. Despite attending multiple Charity Shields and the odd Champions League game at the original Empire Stadium, I have had to wait nearly two decades to witness my team run out and fight in a Wembley cup final.

Although I made regular trips to Cardiff, I understand I was probably a little too young to go in 1998 – the fact that my dad struggled to get even one ticket didn’t help either! I will forever remain a little upset that I never saw my Arsenal compete in a final between the iconic two towers. However, the fact that I’ll be there on Sunday below the new Wembley arch, makes me feel a little bit better.

This morning, I woke up in a good mood, after witnessing our impressive win against a thuggish Stoke City side. Despite the injuries picked up by Cesc and Theo, I was pleased with us getting the positive result we needed, that has taken us just one point behind the current league leaders, Manchester United.

But today, we have nothing inbetween now and the final, and I can’t stop thinking about Sunday’s match. I am not a fan of wisihing time away, but I just want Wembley to come now!

Despite Birmingham City being a very “tough” side, I believe we are going into the game as favourites. And with our previous league cup final history in mind, I’ll continue to say that we should take nothing for granted. However if we don’t win, I will feel very disappointed.

I will admit now, that I’m in a confident mood. Alternatively, I’m anticipating a very, very hard game from the Blues from Brum. I just pray that the referee, Mike Dean, is strong and doesn’t let their suspected tactics go unpunished – Roger Johnson, Lee Bowyer, Stephen Carr… I’m looking at you!

Like we had against Barcelona, I’m hoping for an incredible atmosphere from the 31,000 odd Gooners that were lucky enough to get a match ticket. Similarly to last Wednesday, the team is going to need our full support again.

I will have my fingers crossed for Cesc, who tweeted this last night: 

“I dont know if ill make sunday or no, but all i know is that from this moment to sunday 16’30 i wont sleep if its necessary. Ive waited too long to captain a final for arsenal and i wont give up till the last second”. 

I really hope he will be able to lead the team out on Sunday, because there isn’t a man that deserves to walkout, wearing the armband more than him!

It’s hell for me to realise that Sunday is still 3 days away, so I must move on and get my mind to concentrate on something else, other than the final. Although as a man who has had to wait nearly 20 years to see his team step out in a final in London, I don’t think this is possible. 

Roll on Sunday… Come on you reds.{jcomments on}

Mike Harvey

I'm 20 and have been an Arsenal season ticket holder since 2006. My family has had Arsenal links since the 1920's, and the support is still going strong. I am at every home game, and also manage to get to multiple away games, when I can. I have been writing for various blogs and websites since I was 15, but have now settled down and have become a regular writer for Arsenalinsider. I also run my own Pro Evolution Soccer blog, Only Pro Evolutions. Arsenal is my passion. Writing is my passion. I was never good enough to play for The Arsenal, so I'll do the next best thing!

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