Akhil Vyas celebrating our 2-1 FA Cup final win over Chelsea at Wembley Stadium in 2017
Akhil Vyas (@10akhil) is a board member for the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust (AST).
In normal times he attends nearly every home and away game and can often be found talking about his love for Arsenal in the media.
He also runs a social media consultancy.
When did you start supporting Arsenal and why?
I was pretty much born a Gooner as my mum grew up in north London.
As she married she moved to west London but the family were all Arsenal fans so for as long as I can remember, I’ve always supported The Arsenal.
What was your first Arsenal match?
It was in the early 90s at home to Coventry.
The game ended 0-0 and not much happened! I mean I know that’s my first game but I was very young so can’t recall much!!
Who was your first Arsenal hero and why?
Ian Wright! The reason why I fell in love with football.
His character, his humour, his celebrations! I loved everything about him.
Who is your favourite ever Arsenal player and why?
Patrick Vieira. I love centre midfielders and love leaders and PV4 was both.
He had it all - technically gifted, physical and knew how to win. He really defended the badge which I loved.
What is your biggest Arsenal regret/disappointment?
The 2006 Champions League final - I think most Arsenal fans would agree.
It was a horrible night which could have been truly magical.
Why didn’t the ref give Barca the goal and leave Jens on?!
What is your favourite Arsenal memory (away from the pitch) and why?
I have a few - one is having my wedding reception at the emirates and receiving a card personally signed by Arsene Wenger on behalf of Arsenal.
And another was working in the stadium tours team for a year.
I always wanted to represent Arsenal in some way and I have a payslip to prove it!
It’s a much smaller slip then any of the players mind you!
What is your favourite ever Arsenal match?
1998 at Old Trafford.
I had just begun going to away games so this was one of my first.
Arsenal went to OT and won for the first time in the Premier League, our first ever goal in the PL there and it was a joy.
Arsène Wenger had announced his arrival and we took their title away a few months later.
Magical.