Arsenal fans are dancing in streets
by Tim Collings, May 19 2014, 12:55
Tim Collings
Arsenal fans are dancing in streets
LONDON — Tens of thousands of raucous Arsenal fans filled the streets of Islington in north London on Sunday to hail their team’s comeback victory in Saturday’s Football Association (FA) Cup final.
On the capital’s hottest day of the year, manager Arsene Wenger and his squad laughed, danced and waved during a celebratory open-top bus tour.
Arsenal recovered from two goals down in the opening eight minutes to defeat Hull City 3-2 after extra time at Wembley and lift their first trophy in nine years. Their previous success came after beating Manchester United 5-4 on penalties in the 2005 final.
Wenger, who said it was the most important win of his career, had signalled that he was also set to stay at the club following the imminent expiry of his contract, but there was no official statement to confirm that he will extend his 18 years’ in charge.
"This trophy is for him," match-winning goal scorer Aaron Ramsey told Sky Sports News. "He’s backed us and stood by us and he is so instrumental in the way we play."
Wenger, soaked in champagne and given "the bumps" by his players on Saturday, was once again dressed in his pristine uniform — of white shirt and black trousers — as he smiled for photographs.
His team’s success had not only ended the club’s second-longest spell without success since 1930, but also answered critics, including Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who had labelled Wenger a "specialist in failure".
The parade included a pause for the squad to visit Islington Town Hall and pose for photographs with the mayor and staff before continuing to a red and white ticker tape reception with thousands of fans at the club’s Emirates Stadium.
"The happiness is linked sometimes with the suffering, and the time you have to wait, and that’s why it’s such a great moment," said Wenger, who has won the FA Cup five times with Arsenal.
In less sober style, his players shared a microphone to perform an impromptu karaoke of football anthems. Lanky German defender Per Mertesacker’s rendition of Arsenal Till I Die triggered an impassioned chorus as past impatience was set aside and a new era of hope ushered in.
Ramsey insists Arsenal’s dramatic victory will be the springboard for more glory now that the Gunners have finally ended their trophy drought.
"Absolutely. This is what it is all about, getting to Wembley and winning trophies," he said.
"You could see what it meant to the players, the staff, the manager and the fans. I’m determined to get back to a final and win more silverware next season. Being in the final and lifting the trophy at the end of it is what you work for all season. It’s what you dream about doing since you were a young kid. I’m over the moon to have scored the winner but more importantly I’m over the moon to win the trophy and hopefully this will be the first of many."
While the victory was a cathartic moment for everyone associated with Arsenal, it was especially sweet for Ramsey, who has overcome a series of disappointments to prove his worth.
Reuters, AFP
May 19 2014, 12:55
Arsenal players ride on an open-top bus with the trophy on as fans crowd the streets of Islington during a victory parade on Sunday after Arsenal won the FA Cup final against Hull City at Wembley Stadium in London. Picture: REUTERS
LONDON — Tens of thousands of raucous Arsenal fans filled the streets of Islington in north London on Sunday to hail their team’s comeback victory in Saturday’s Football Association (FA) Cup final.
On the capital’s hottest day of the year, manager Arsene Wenger and his squad laughed, danced and waved during a celebratory open-top bus tour.
Arsenal recovered from two goals down in the opening eight minutes to defeat Hull City 3-2 after extra time at Wembley and lift their first trophy in nine years. Their previous success came after beating Manchester United 5-4 on penalties in the 2005 final.
Wenger, who said it was the most important win of his career, had signalled that he was also set to stay at the club following the imminent expiry of his contract, but there was no official statement to confirm that he will extend his 18 years’ in charge.
"This trophy is for him," match-winning goal scorer Aaron Ramsey told Sky Sports News. "He’s backed us and stood by us and he is so instrumental in the way we play."
Wenger, soaked in champagne and given "the bumps" by his players on Saturday, was once again dressed in his pristine uniform — of white shirt and black trousers — as he smiled for photographs.
His team’s success had not only ended the club’s second-longest spell without success since 1930, but also answered critics, including Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who had labelled Wenger a "specialist in failure".
The parade included a pause for the squad to visit Islington Town Hall and pose for photographs with the mayor and staff before continuing to a red and white ticker tape reception with thousands of fans at the club’s Emirates Stadium.
"The happiness is linked sometimes with the suffering, and the time you have to wait, and that’s why it’s such a great moment," said Wenger, who has won the FA Cup five times with Arsenal.
In less sober style, his players shared a microphone to perform an impromptu karaoke of football anthems. Lanky German defender Per Mertesacker’s rendition of Arsenal Till I Die triggered an impassioned chorus as past impatience was set aside and a new era of hope ushered in.
Ramsey insists Arsenal’s dramatic victory will be the springboard for more glory now that the Gunners have finally ended their trophy drought.
"Absolutely. This is what it is all about, getting to Wembley and winning trophies," he said.
"You could see what it meant to the players, the staff, the manager and the fans. I’m determined to get back to a final and win more silverware next season. Being in the final and lifting the trophy at the end of it is what you work for all season. It’s what you dream about doing since you were a young kid. I’m over the moon to have scored the winner but more importantly I’m over the moon to win the trophy and hopefully this will be the first of many."
While the victory was a cathartic moment for everyone associated with Arsenal, it was especially sweet for Ramsey, who has overcome a series of disappointments to prove his worth.
Reuters, AFP
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