Arsenal Win at Anfield and Talk of Relishing the ‘Anxiety’ of a Title Race; St Johnstone Fans Say They’ve Been Relishing Anxiety Since 1884
The Gunners' players say the pressure of a title race is something to enjoy. Perth's football supporters say they could have told them that, and given them a pie.
A football stadium, where Perth fans have been nervous for well over a century. Photo: Rodhullandemu, “Paisley Gateway, Anfield”, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Arsenal have won at Anfield, and their players have been talking about enjoying the nervous feeling that comes with a title race.
St Johnstone supporters, whose club was founded in 1884, say they have been enjoying nervous feelings for 142 years and could run a course on it.
“Anxiety? Son, I’ve had anxiety since the 1970s,” said a season ticket holder from Muirton. “I’ve had anxiety at 1-0 up, at 2-0 up, at 3-0 up with ten minutes left. The only time I’m calm is at 0-0 in the first minute, and even then I’m worried about the second minute.”
A woman from North Muirton said she had brought a flask, a blanket and “a wee bag of mint imperials, for the nerves” to every home game since 1989. “Arsenal fans think they’ve got it bad,” she said. “They’ve never had to watch a 10-man team come from behind at Rugby Park in November. I nearly ate the bag.”
Sports psychologists say that a bit of nervousness can help performance. Perth fans say that is good news, because by that measure they should be playing in the Champions League.
The Perthetic wishes Arsenal luck in their title race and offers them a tip from McDiarmid Park: bring a flask. The anxiety is easier with soup.
The real story: Arsenal win at Anfield (BBC Sport)
Letters to the Editor
The views expressed are those of the reader, and frankly that's on them.
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Relishing anxiety is the only thing Saints fans are trained for. We should run courses.
— Callum W., Muirton, 2 November 2026 -
Since 1884? I’ve been anxious since about 11am on a Saturday in every single one of those years.
— Brian T., Tulloch, 2 November 2026 -
My grandson supports Arsenal. He lives in Perth. He’s never been to London. He’s very anxious.
— Joyce K., Bridgend, 2 November 2026
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