By Sunday afternoon, the area surrounding the Emirates had become difficult to navigate.
The growing crowd had spilt beyond the usual entrances, with supporters gathering behind barriers as police and stewards tried to keep a clear path toward the stadium.
And as it was always going to be, Arsenal shirts dominated the scene.
Red and white scarves were wrapped around necks, and once through it, one would see flags hung over barriers, and every few minutes another chant rolled through the crowd before fading into the general noise.
Just beyond the supporters, several reporters had already taken their positions, waiting for the occasion that was to be but hadn't yet been.
Some stood in front of cameras preparing their live reports, while others waited beside their equipment, phones in hand as they followed the latest updates from inside the stadium.
For the moment, though, nothing remained to report.
