Inside the Arsenal Ultras as Gunners fall short

May 23, 2024

The 2023-24 Premier League season climaxed in a dramatic final day, as both Arsenal and Manchester City vied to be crowned top dogs. City, under the astute management of Pep Guardiola, were on the brink of a historic fourth consecutive title. Arsenal, on the other hand, were chasing their first league triumph since the glory days of 2003, with Mikel Arteta at the helm, instilling new belief and resilience.

As the tension mounted on the decisive day, the atmosphere was electric, particularly outside the Emirates Stadium. The Ashburton Army, Block 25 Arsenal Ultras, were out in full force, setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable day. Lifelong Arsenal fan and photographer Alfonso Denton captured the fervour in a series of raw and girtty images. His photos showcased the sea of red, white, and black with flares painting the sky and chants reverberating through North London, encapsulating the hopes and dreams of the Gunners faithful.

Arsenal Ultras, Block 25, Ashburton Army, Emirates Stadium — © Alfonso Denton

“What I love about football is the way it brings people together. United by the love of our club, the possibility of winning the league, and huddled together on the pavement, like a band of brothers.”
Alfonso Denton

Arsenal faced an Everton side with nothing to play for in a crucial match that would determine their fate. The tension was palpable, but the home crowd’s unwavering support spurred the team on. Everton struck first, silencing the Emirates with an early goal.

Meanwhile, at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City faced Arsenal’s London rivals West Ham United. City, accustomed to high-stakes encounters, started brightly – with England man Phil Foden starring throughout as the Cityzens secured a 3-1 victory. Their clinical performance was a testament to Guardiola’s tactical genius and the squad’s unyielding determination.

Back in North London, Arsenal’s pursuit eventually paid off, winning 2-1 – but it was all too little to late as City took the league title away from them. Manchester City’s win meant they finished the season two points clear at the top, securing their fourth consecutive Premier League title.

Top photographer and Goonerm Denton, reflects on that final day drama, having to support Tottenham against City, and Unai Emery coming back to haunt them and perhaps cost them the title…

“I’m proud and disappointed at the same time! Proud that we took the title race to the last day of the season, that we broke previous season stats, and have an all-around improved team this season, but the fact that we could have won the league if we won one game against Aston Villa this season, makes it a bitter pill to swallow. Emery strikes again! Declan Rice is by far the best signing of the season and like last year, it’s great to see goals coming from different players. How we got Ødegaard for only £35m I’ll never know, but I’m not complaining! Saliba and Gabriel are shaping up to be one of the best defensive pairings the premier league will see, you can clip that! And Trossard has to get an honorable mention – some of his goals have been pivotal in keeping us in the title race.”

“Worse than the disappointment of finishing second again, It’s being in the situation of having to support a team that is your London rivals to help you stay in the title race! Never thought I’d ever see myself supporting Tottenham to win a game (Tottenham lost at home 2-0 to Manchester City in their penultimate match). But this is football, the game we all love, and anything can happen which is what make it special.”

“That said, the atmosphere for the last game of the season was epic! Big up to the Arsenal Ultras, Block 25, for setting the tone outside of the stadium before the game with flairs, drums and leading the chants. They have taken the passion and support for the team on game day to the next level.”

“Pubs were jam-packed in the area, so I had to watch the game with some of my fellow Goonas outside the Tollington Arms. We filled the pavement and the street reacting first to the news at the Citeh – West Ham game which then filtered into the Goonas inside. What I love about football is the way it brings people together who would normally walk past each other on the street. United by the love of our club, the possibility of winning the league, and huddled together on the pavement, we were like a band of brothers all anticipating the same outcome that would have sent us celebrating into the night and at the open top bus parade which could of been the next day, but the footballing god’s had other plans. Such is life!”