Just on 3 years ago, I accompanied my eldest daughter - then 4 years old - to accomplish one of my life dreams: to watch Arsenal play at Highbury.
The previous season (2003/2004) was the last time Arsenal won the English Premiership - although I have high hopes for this season. Not only did they win the Premiership in 2004, but they went through the whole season undefeated. The game we saw was against Charlton, with Arsenal winning 4-0 - including one magic goal scored by Thierry Henry, now sadly playing in Spain.
Arsenal had commenced the 2004/2005 season well, and were undefeated until 2 weeks after we had seen them play. The following week, Arsenal defeated Aston Villa, but then they were defeated by Manchester United, and their longest undefeated run came to an end.
Unlike football games in Australia, the atmosphere in England was simply breath-taking. The closest I have experienced in Australia was when Australia played Uruguay in Sydney in 2006 to advance to the World Cup Finals for the first time in 32 years.
Not only was the atmosphere electric at the game, but also in the streets surrounding the Stadium. The vast majority of spectators arrived on foot or by public transport (whereas in Australia, many people drive to games) - and streets were closed off to allow people to mill around and experience the occasion.
Scalpers were working quietly, asking more than AUD$350 per ticket.
In Australia, football grounds are rarely right in the middle of a residential area - but in North London, the terrace houses are just across the road. Some owners established stalls in their front gardens, selling lollies (sweeties for my UK readers), scarves, banners, T-shirts and all things Arsenal.
We arrived at the ground with plenty of time to spare, and we were surprised to see how few people were in the ground for what was a sell-out. Even up to 10 minutes before kick-off, the stands were only sparsely occupied - but within that last few minutes, supporters came from the Pubs and the streets and by kick-off the ground was full.
We proudly wore our Arsenal kit - but we hadn't accounted for the Gunners' supporters habit of standing for much of the match. In Australia, if people stand during the general play, you are likely to receive abuse until you sit down, but in London, it seemed that every time the ball advanced over the half-way mark towards us, there was this wave of people standing up - unlike a "Mexican wave" that goes around the ground, this wave started at the front and rushed back as the people behind the people in front joined in so they could see.
One problem: my girl was only 4 years old - and before long she started becoming upset because she couldn't see. My solution? For the rest of the game, I simply held her on my knee, and as the "wave" started, I stood up holding her - which she just loved.
Now that Arsenal has moved their Headquarters down the road to the Emeritaes Stadium, never again will we see this great and proud Club play at Highbury.
A life ambition achieved in the nick of time!
