Arsenal FC v Paris Saint-Germain

Bonjour!

Comment vas-tu? J’espère que vous allez bien ? October the 1st 8.00pm (western European time) will see the second Champions League game for the Mighty Cannon, as we are set to task by the very chic Paris Saint-Germain. I’m sure for us all this is a very exciting game to be involved in? Despite the superstars of superstars now having moved on, its still a team packed full of talented players, and it could be a great victory for us, or a dreadful loss. And just to prove to you I’m an expert, it might even be a draw.

Its always a strange thing how we Britishers always talk about “we’re in Europe “or “European clubs” when it comes to football, its as if once over the twenty-two miles or so of grey-green water, the landmass ahoy becomes one massive homogenised country? Certainly insulting to them, and certainly insulting to us my dear Stanley. Over the years I met and spoken with people from all the western and middle European countries, and some from the east and they all feel baffled and ask: “why do you not feel part of Europa?” and suddenly I have to act an ambassador and apologist. Also each country doesn’t feel too happy about being grouped together, each has its own history, culture and aspirations that has of course interacted with the others (and I’m not just talking 20th century war blues) but even before the deep and dark days when Mirkwood was really a place. Its not going to change on our part, those that know, know and those that don’t, don’t. Luckily I know that you know (like Bernie Rhodes), and that’s why you’re at PA.

This is Frances most successful side ever, but like us, have never managed to win a CL final, but have notched up fifteen Coupe de Frances, twelve Ligue1 titles, twelve Trophée des Champions, nine Coupe de la Ligue, one Intertoto and one UEFA cup and a partridge in a pear tree. Its pretty odd to think most of us here at PA are older than PSG. U whipper-snapper PSG! They were only formed in 1970, and didn’t really start winning anything until the mullet- years of the 1980s. Their total dominance seemed to really start in the mid 2000s though, when the black- gold money came in and then after that they have basically grabbed every piece of silverware possible and put them into their swag-bag and ran off home for their Brioche.

I urge you to read the wiki page on the PSG supporters, its one heck of a historical ride, and way to complicated for me to boil down to some essentials, put it this way I’ve never heard of fans from different stands fighting each other before.You?

Saint Germain (of Paris) was a bishop known as the ‘father of the poor’, he lived in the early middle ages, his feast day 28th of May. The commune of Saint Germain-en-Laye is named after him and it gave its name to PSG who reside in the area. Its a town in the western suburbs of Paris, about 19km from the centre. Notable inhabitants have been (amongst lots of others) Debussy, James the 2nd of England( he’s also buried there), his daughter Louisa Maria Stuart, Henry the II of France, Edward Woodstock( the Black prince)Louis Louis the 14th, also his brother Phillipe, Alexandre Dumas resided there for some years, Mozart and Cardinal Richelieu often visited. The town was occupied in the Franco-Prussian war, the treaty of Saint- Germain was signed in the main Château and during World War 2 it was the HQ for the commander of western front. The inhabitants of this town of elegantly tree-lined streets and the lovely Place du Marché-Neuf are known as Saint-Germanois. The Béarnaise sauce also originates from here.

PSG at the time of writing this (a week in advance) have basically a 21% chance of winning. So somebody likes the Gunners statistically! Luis Enrique is their manager and his win rate is 66.10 % but only started in 2023. PSG are currently 1st in their league and have won four, lost none and drawn one.

Well that’s it, lots of bits and pieces that I’m sure have made you rush out for a soirée at Café Flore in search of overpriced coffee and ‘influencers’, which I guarantee you will find there.

Even so, here’s to a great game for us and lucky horses! 

COYG and keep on keepin’ on!

Mills