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For the last 11 days, it has been difficult to grasp the significance of our achievement.
I’ll always treasure the celebrations that first night, where the streets I walked to school or took my dog through were alive with spontaneous Arsenal joy. Yet, I sometimes wondered, am I really part of this? Is this what it feels like to win?
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When that red banner with white lettering flickered across Sky Sports during the Bournemouth versus Manchester City game naming Arsenal champions, it felt surreal, almost like a moment from FIFA.
Then there was the unusual sight of Martin Odegaard lifting the trophy at Selhurst Park, which felt even more peculiar given that David Raya was decked out in the full Arsenal kit.
However, there are distinct differences this time. The past week, coinciding with the week before a Champions League final, has been remarkably calm.
What if Manchester City had turned things around at Vitality Stadium, much like they did against Everton? Would the day’s events have played out differently? Almost certainly not.
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Much of this season for Arsenal has been about staying resilient, both on the pitch and as supporters. We’ve faced numerous challenges along the way. This might explain the joy many have found in singing “The Angel” recently (not personally, but I cheer on those who do). I even heard a surprisingly harmonious rendition from Lee Dixon on the radio where he cheerfully sang, “whatever the weathaaaa.”
I feel like I’ve sleepwalked my way to Budapest, where a glamorous encounter with the most prestigious European trophy awaits.
Should I be more anxious? Likely. Yet, trophies—especially this historically elusive one—have suddenly shifted from something to be fearful of losing to something to aspire to achieve.
We also need to appreciate the magnitude of this moment. History is often unkind to newcomers in this competition, but we have a 50/50 chance at achieving our best season ever. Let that sink in.
You can find more from Scarlet Katz Roberts on the Goal Difference podcast