Right, so the other day, it was one of those big London derby days, you know, Chelsea involved. Always a bit different, these ones. The buzz starts early in the week, doesn’t it? You feel it building up.
Getting Ready
So, I decided I was gonna make a proper go of watching this one. Didn’t manage tickets this time, they’re like gold dust for these matches, proper hard to get hold of unless you’re really quick or know someone. Instead, planned to meet up with a couple of mates down the local pub. It’s usually a decent atmosphere there for the big games.
Got my old Chelsea shirt out. Haven’t worn it in a while, but it felt right for the occasion. You sort of have to, don’t you? Show your colours. Headed out a bit earlier than usual because you know it’s going to be packed.
The Pub Experience
Walked in, and yeah, already buzzing. Found my mates, managed to squeeze into a spot where we could actually see the screen. That’s always the first challenge. Got the drinks in. The pre-match chat was flying about, everyone’s got an opinion, predictions all over the place. Mostly hope, really, especially with Chelsea lately, you never quite know what you’re gonna get.
- The noise when the teams came out, even in the pub, massive.
- Every tackle, every near miss, big reactions from everyone.
- Sharing that groan when we missed a sitter, or the cheer for a good save.
It wasn’t the best performance, let’s be honest. Bit frustrating to watch at times. You see the same mistakes, the same patterns. We were shouting at the screen like idiots, obviously. Didn’t help, but it’s part of it. You get caught up.
After the Whistle
Final whistle blew. Result wasn’t what we wanted. Typical derby feeling when you don’t win – bit flat. Had another pint just dissecting it all. What went wrong, who played well, who didn’t. The usual stuff. Everyone’s a manager after the game, aren’t they?
Thing is, though, even when the result isn’t great, there’s something about these derby days. Sharing it with other fans, even the strangers in the pub, you’re all in it together for those 90 minutes. It’s that shared passion, I suppose. Win, lose or draw, you feel part of something. Walked home afterwards, still thinking about a couple of moments, replaying them in my head.
Yeah, just another London derby experience ticked off. Wouldn’t miss them, even when they drive you mad. Already thinking about the next one, hoping for better.
