Been working on what has accidentally become a loose trilogy of longform football essays about Mikel Arteta over the past few months. After Arsenal finally won the title this week, it all sort of coalesced in my head as three separate articles about three different aspects of the man.
Around 7000 words total between the three of them.
My interest in football started with the FIFA World Cup. There was innocence in it. You were not aware of rivalries or fan wars, you just wanted to enjoy the best players in action.
Then club football finds you, you pick a side, & life changes afterwards.
@Troytheiggest@Unc1eAnt I don’t want to argue whether 96/97 was a full season or not, doesn’t erase that he took 3 titles from them in what would otherwise have been a PSG/Bayern level dominant era.
The Empire State Building shines red and white tonight in celebration of @Arsenal’s Premier League Title and trophy celebration.
See the lights live: https://t.co/iavtXSm3Fx
What a historic season. First league title in 22 years and beat Man City/Pep to it. Second UCL final in the club's history and we took one of the greatest ever teams all the way to penalties. So proud of this team and manager.
The number of Arsenal shirts on show in Brooklyn this morning is making me feel like I've woken up on the alternate earth where there wasn't an American Revolution
Brian Cox has moved his 80th birthday party to accommodate Arsenal's #UCL final against PSG.
The Succession star sat down with @AdamCrafton_ to discuss his admiration for Mikel Arteta, Arsenal & his love of the beautiful game.
Watch the full interview next week on The Athletic.