For an Arsenal supporter living in Australia, late nights and early mornings come with the territory. Yet without doubt, this has been the most stressful season I can remember following any team. That includes my lifelong support of Sturt in the SANFL and the Adelaide Crows in the AFL.

As I’ve written before, I can’t remember exactly why I became an Arsenal supporter. What I do know is that my support stretches back to my high school years in the early 1970s. Back then, following English football from Australia required patience.

The only way to keep up with results was through the classified sports results on the radio early on Sunday mornings or by reading The Advertiser a day or two later. The only live football we saw was the FA Cup Final and the European Cup Final. There was also a weekly highlights package from either the BBC or ITV—I honestly can’t remember which. Every week I eagerly waited for Shoot magazine to arrive. By the time it reached Australia by boat, the news was already weeks old, but it still provided that vital  connection to the club.

Towards the end of the 1980s, the occasional First Division match began appearing on Australian television, including the incredible final game of the 1988-89 season. Gradually, coverage improved until there was usually one match on television each week. Then came Pay TV, bringing regular access to the Premier League, along with other European leagues and competitions.

With improved coverage and a career spent working for an international professional services firm, my interest grew into what can only be described as a passion. Sometimes I wonder whether Arsenal has become my true favourite team, even ahead of the Adelaide Crows.

Years of watching matches in the middle of the night have helped me perfect what I call the “silent roar” — that moment when Arsenal score at three o’clock in the morning and celebrating too loudly would wake the entire household. Daylight saving provides a brief annual reprieve, with some matches kicking off at the far more civilised hours of 4.30am or 6.30am.

I’ve only been to the Emirates once, for a match in 2019. I’ve been a club member for a number of years and am also on the waiting list for a season ticket. Over the years I’ve progressed from around 100,000th in the queue to roughly 50,000th. Realistically, I’m not expecting an offer anytime soon. Then again, living on the other side of the world means it’s hardly a pressing concern.

To stay connected, I listen to several Arsenal podcasts, particularly Arsecast and Handbrake Off. Like so many supporters scattered across the globe, these club-focused podcasts provide a genuine sense of belonging. I’ve especially enjoyed listening to and reading Amy Lawrence through Handbrake Off and The Athletic. Her recollections of Arsenal’s past triumphs bring history to life. Some of those moments I remember, though never in the detail she does. What’s particularly satisfying now is that we finally have a new title-winning season to celebrate. The glory years remain an important part of Arsenal’s story, but they’re no longer the only memories supporters have to cling to.

And so to the season just past.

My word, it was stressful.

Those famous “1-0 to The Arsenal” victories tested my nerves to breaking point. Watching alone at home, I endured every twist and turn of a title race that seemed determined to torment supporters. Time and again Arsenal built a lead over its title rivals only for it to shrink.

I remember being at the gym in Perth in the early morning when Arsenal surrendered a lead against Wolves, a moment that felt like the lowest point of the season. There were countless occasions when it looked as though Arsenal would finally pull away, only to find Manchester City once again breathing down our necks. Years of watching City win titles made it difficult not to fear the seemingly inevitable.

Still, there were plenty of great moments to enjoy. My personal highlights were Gabriel’s late winner from a corner at Newcastle and Max Dowman’s goal against Everton.

The defeat to City was particularly hard to take. Yet as Declan Rice said afterwards, that it’s not done were emblematic.

From that point onward, Arsenal found another gear. Five wins later, they were Premier League champions and in the celebrations the fans sang “It’s not done, Declan Rice said it’s not done”.

The overwhelming emotion wasn’t excitement—it was relief. Relief followed by immense joy.

For two solid weeks after the title was secured, I immersed myself in videos, podcasts and articles, reliving every moment. By the time I woke at 1.15am to watch the Champions League Final, I wasn’t nervous at all. Arsenal’s European campaign had been excellent. The loss on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain was disappointing, but with the Premier League trophy already secured, anything more would simply have been the cherry on top of an already iced cake. The defeat in Europe is not something I’ll dwell on.

The Premier League title was the achievement that mattered most.

Now, as the season finally comes to an end, I realise just how long this journey has felt. After years of second-place finishes, the manager, players and Arsenal supporters can finally relax and enjoy the view from the top.

Credit must go to Mikel Arteta, his coaching staff and the players. They have transformed Arsenal from where they were when he took over 6 plus years ago into hopeful challengers and now champions.

For now, I’ll bask in the glow of a Premier League title.

And then, like every Arsenal supporter, I’ll start looking forward to next season.