Let Us Support Arsenal: Fans Need To Be More Than Just Admirers

What is the difference between an admirer and a supporter?

An admirer loves to switch on the television set and watch us pass teams out of the stadium. An admirer loves to go and watch a London derby in a bar with friends.

But a supporter stands by his team when the going gets tough. A supporter comes out wearing a Gunner jersey with pride even after two successive defeats.

Unfortunately, Arsenal have many admirers who, when things get tough, start shouting their mouths off. Some people (admirers) make weird suggestions, such as spending £100 million on new signings and sacking the manager.

But true Gooners are not like admirers. Some people are after glory, but the Gooners are not after anything—they listen to their hearts and passions. Gooners don't simply like Arsenal, they just love it.

Arsene Wenger gave us something no other team in the Premiership has—a 49-game unbeaten streak. Who can beat that? Why can't we stand by him when he needs it the most?

If Wenger is standing up for Almunia, Song, Denilson, Eboue, or Diaby—putting his job on the line—why can't we as supporters stand by our own team? Don't we as individuals expect support and belief from loved ones in crisis?

Just see how Song and Diaby have started to pay dividends. There's nothing much we can do. We cannot change formations or buy players, but what we can do as supporters is stand by our team.

Hurling abuse and downing the morale of the players will do us no good, but cheering them on loudly for the rest of the season might egg them on to surprise the world. Just ask yourself this question: "Is it that bad?" So what is there to frown about? I don't care if we get beaten by Manchester City again this week; I would still wear the Gunner jersey with the same pride to my ground on Monday.

So, this is the time to stand out and create a difference. Now let us separate supporters from admirers, stand by Arsenal, and enjoy the beautiful football.

When I want to see cabinets full of trophies, I watch Madrid, Milan, Barcelona, and Manchester United. But when I want to see beautiful, purely spellbinding football, I watch Arsenal.

We may not be winning trophies but there is no reason to be disappointed. Keep the faith and listen to your heart. Do not simply admire Arsenal, but support them.

I know many supporters of other clubs who admire Arsenal, but they support other teams.