The Torch Has Been Passed

It was a night to remember for Arsenal fans. And not only the traveling supporters at the San Siro but for all the fans in homes and pubs all over the world. Arsenal recorded one of their most famous European victories on Tuesday night with a 2-0 win away to Milan. This is a historic victory for the club and this side, in particular. Milan have dominated Europe in recent years and not only had they never been beaten at home by an English side, they had never even conceded to one.

But past history did not matter on this night, because future history was busy being forged from the steel that is Arsenal’s midfield. The glory of this night will live in the minds of many for a long time, but what might live even longer is the glory that this victory may pave the way for.

The signs were there, even in the first leg. Arsenal had dominated that match as well and a goal seemed an inevitability, but it was not to be at The Emirates. Doubted by almost everyone, except themselves and their supporters, Arsenal summoned the strength and courage of the old Roman gladiators and stood up to the European football establishment. We may look back on this night years from now and see it, definitively, as the moment that the Young Guns became the Gunners.

Of course, it is still all to do both domestically and in Europe. But the fact that Arsenal have put together two displays of the most gloriously shimmering football we’ve seen in a long time against the former holders despite several disappointing domestic results is highly impressive. They have shown that they can rise to the occasion and it looks as though there will be many more occasions to rise to in the next few years.

Arsenal were absolutely majestic tonight. This is one of the games you will tell your children about. Tonight, the torch has been passed; from the old to the new, from the past to the future, from Milan to the Arsenal.

By natsteel