The definite death of the dream

‘Fraid so. It’s yet another Gooner lament, but at this heartbreaking time Arsenal supporters should be allowed to cut themselves some slack. The saddest sight on my TV screen on Sunday was the aerial shot of hundreds of Arsenal fans walking home early, as Brighton cruised to a 3-0 win. Yes, Brighton, the team that got slaughtered by Everton, who then got slaughtered by Manchester City, making the title race effectively over.

I don’t worry on my own account. I’ve supported Arsenal for over fifty years, and have seen times far more miserable than this. But for young fans early in their careers, to go to the last home game of the season and see this brilliant young team ruthlessly crushed must have been more than they could bear.

Meanwhile Manchester City rumble on, massively backed, with incredible squad depth, and super-intelligent management. Yes, it’s impressive, but it’s also paralysing, a bit like waching The Triumph of the Will.