Like everyone else inside the stadium or watching - from an extreme wide angle - on TV around the world, they were witnessing what appeared to be a pale imitation of a Premier League match, played at pre-season pace. There were familiar faces on both teams, but we were seeing them in an alien environment - a long way from home. Arsenal fans were here with their flags in greater numbers and took over a street of bars near the city's famous Fountains Square in traditional 'fans abroad' style - good natured, and loud. They are also used to commandeering city squares for major European finals - think Munich for the 2012 Champions League final, or Amsterdam for the 2013 Europa League final. Two Premier League teams, playing a competitive match closer to home, outside of the UK and with silverware at stake.

Source: BBC May 30, 2019 05:48 UTC