I didn’t go to many games in the 2013/14 Premier League season. Winning the Championship in red just didn’t really sit right with me. We may well be remembered for that emphatic win against Manchester City, but apart from that, to me, it was a season of misery.
It’s been the exact opposite this season and I thought the game on Sunday captured the differences well. We’re relishing being back in the Premier League and representing Wales in our true colours. We certainly could have got more points on the board, but overall – there’s a lot of positives to take home from the first four games of the season. We seem to have learnt something new as each game passes. It’s now time to ensure we take our chances when we can.
I really enjoyed the pre-game atmosphere on Sunday. There was a real buzz about the City from start to finish. Pundits may write us off, but the bluebirds are relishing Premier League life. We earned our spot in the top division and we’re going to enjoy it.
It was a really different but exciting experience for me on Sunday. I spent most of my time before the game showing some Arsenal fans around the City. We walked past the Cornwall Pub and soaked in the atmosphere… I made sure to show them the old entrance of the Ninian Park ground.
Why? Well, we’re not just that recently promoted team that is written off before a ball is kicked… we’re the bluebirds… and we are proud of our history. Like we would in the Championship, or any other league we play in, we like to make the away day memorable for the opposition.
I couldn’t help but mention the famous 1927 FA Cup Victory to my new friends. I was proud as punch when I mentioned the statue that stands in front of the stadium following that historic 1-0 victory for the bluebirds in Wembley.
As for Sunday, the atmosphere in the stadium was fantastic and it was a real boost to score two goals in the game. I was really impressed with Danny Ward. After his performance against Huddersfield, I hoped he would start. He made his impact, as did Camarasa and Arter.
We pressed well and made Arsenal feel uncomfortable at the back… particularly Peter Cech. Yet, for all of our grit and determination, we were beaten by a few seconds of pure individual quality. The two goals from Aubameyang and Lacazette were outstanding. I was proud of the way the team played… but as I watched Lacazette’s goal go in, I realised that this is the threat we face against the top clubs. We need to take our chances in this league, because we’re playing against some top teams… yet, in spite of giving Arsenal far too much credit in the first half, I thought we made them play from start to finish. I was pleased with our performance.
I spoke with Arsenal fan, Bradley Earle after the game who said “two moments of real quality won us the game. With better finishing you could have had a point or a stronger team could have had more… As an away game, it was 10/10.”
Nonetheless, the bluebirds have learnt new things every game so far. If you had told me that 4 games in, we would have two draws and two clean sheets, I’d have been happy.
The passion from the fans and players was something special on Sunday. Never mind the pundits, we can only focus on ourselves. Let’s enjoy the occasion and make our voices heard in every game. Let’s enjoy the Premier League, #CityAsOne