I never used to like going to Wembley when the old version was still there, and that hatred hasn't changed much for the new version. Although it is in London, it contrives to be a total pain to get to, it is in the middle of a horrible concrete wasteland, is horrendously overpriced at every turn, and I always thought it was just very overrated as a stadium and an experience. The pitch there is a case in point - the venue for Cup Finals and the like, and the pitch cuts up something stupid. You'd think that would be an obvious thing to sort out, in between working out how to fleece fans for £5 for a hotdog.I was sat in the lower tier corner, and the stadium does look fairly impressive when you are in your seat. The middle 3 blocks of the lower tier are corporate central, which I think makes the stadium look stupid when the cameras are on a half empty area at kick off. Still, whatever they need to do to make money, eh?
The game itself was quite forgettable. Obviously, given that Arsenal lost, I also want to forget about it as quickly as possible too. Arsenal had a strange team selection, with no Arshavin (despite him not being available in the Champions League), and no Nasri. Looking back on the game, we didn't create much, probably didn't deserve to win as a result, and with either of those 2 playing, it could have been different. We ultimately lost through what Arsene Wenger called 2 cheap goals - both caused by a combination of defensive cock-up, plus an exceptionally bad day at the office for Lukasz Fabianski. I hope it doesn't affect him too badly.
So, a day that will be remembered as Arsenal's first visit to Wembley. The sun was shining, and it could have been memorable for good reasons besides that - but ended up being a day to forget, as quickly as possible. Having got to the Champions League semi final as well, we all hope that doesn't end up the same way. Getting revenge on Chelsea in Rome would be ideal.
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