A Lifelong Devotion to Arsenal
Nigerian rapper Olanrewaju Ogunmefun, known as Vector Tha Viper, has a deep and enduring connection with Arsenal. His passion for the club is rooted in personal experiences, iconic moments, and the influence of legendary players like Nwankwo Kanu. In an interview, he shared insights into his journey as an Arsenal fan, reflecting on the highs and lows of supporting the Gunners.
The Beginning of a Fandom
Vector Tha Viper’s support for Arsenal began long before the club moved from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium. He recalls watching Arsenal during the 1999/2000 season when Nwankwo Kanu was benching Thierry Henry. This era marked the beginning of his fandom, and it was a time of both joy and challenges. The transition to the new stadium brought significant changes, including the sale of key players, which some fans found difficult to accept. However, Vector sees this as part of the club’s evolution under Arsène Wenger, who he describes as a visionary.
The Influence of Nwankwo Kanu
Kanu played a pivotal role in shaping Vector’s love for Arsenal. For many African fans, Kanu’s success with the club inspired a new generation of players. His energy and style of play connected deeply with Vector, even though he couldn’t pinpoint exactly what made him choose Arsenal over other clubs. He remembers watching Premier League matches with friends, where his friend’s sisters were Arsenal fans, and something just clicked.
Moments That Define a Fan
For Vector, the most memorable moments as an Arsenal fan are not necessarily tied to trophies but to individual performances. He highlights goals by Thierry Henry and Kanu, particularly the latter’s goal against Chelsea. These moments, he says, are more meaningful than the team’s overall success. He also recalls the pain of watching Manchester United games, especially those where he felt the referee favored them. He mentions specific incidents, like Scott McTominay’s actions against Gabriel Jesus, and how they added to the rivalry between the two clubs.
Reflections on Key Matches
The 2006 Champions League final remains a painful memory for many Arsenal fans. Vector acknowledges the referee’s mistakes that night but emphasizes that his love for the club doesn’t overshadow his ability to enjoy life. He also reflects on the recent Carabao Cup final loss, expressing hope that Mikel Arteta can help the team move past this disappointment.
The Role of Mikel Arteta
Vector believes that Arteta is doing a remarkable job with the team. He praises Arteta’s approach to coaching and his ability to manage the squad effectively. He also defends Arteta against criticism, noting that the manager has created a new culture at Arsenal, similar to what Wenger did in the past. Vector sees Arteta as a crucial figure in the club’s future.
Top Five Arsenal Players for Five-a-Side
When asked about his top five Arsenal players for a five-a-side game, Vector lists Aaron Ramsdale in goal, Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey, Dennis Bergkamp, and Thierry Henry. He considers Henry the greatest Arsenal player of all time, highlighting his versatility and impact on the team. Despite Henry’s missed opportunities in the 2006 UCL final, Vector still admires his contributions.
Rivalries and Personal Choices
Vector identifies Manchester United as his primary rival, rather than Chelsea. He acknowledges the historical rivalry between the two clubs and the impact of managers like José Mourinho. When asked if he would support a brother playing for Manchester United, he says he would support the individual, not the club, emphasizing that his loyalty lies with the player, not the team.
Conclusion
Vector Tha Viper’s journey as an Arsenal fan is a testament to the emotional and cultural connection that football can create. From the influence of Nwankwo Kanu to the legacy of Arsène Wenger and the current leadership of Mikel Arteta, his story reflects the highs and lows of supporting a club through changing times.
