What does arsenal say about north london?

North London isn't one single entity. Like most of London, it is a collection of areas, within which there are communities ranging from the Jewish communities around Finchley, Hendon and Golders Green, to the Turkish and Kurdish communities along Green Lanes, the Somali and Caribbean communities in Tottenham, the Irish in Cricklewood. I grew up here and this diversity is one of the things that always draws me back, every time I think about leaving.

Arsenal can for many of these communities act as a portal that connects them to London and each other, or a glue that binds together these distinct communities. I love the fact that football, despite it’s issues with racism in the past (and sometimes the present), is a place that brings people from all races and backgrounds together. It is a great leveller - which is something that was so visible at the winners parade.