Chris Forino is ready to match Arsenal’s dark arts as he goes for glory against his boyhood team.
The Bolton centre-back says the League One players have had goose pimples ever since they were drawn against Mikel Arteta’s giants.
Islington-born Forino will have 42 family and friends at the Emirates tonight — all Gunners fans like him.
He says making his first appearance there will be a “dream come true” — but that will not stop him chasing a giantkilling act.
And if that means resorting to the same streetwise methods displayed by Gabriel, Jurrien Timber and William Saliba to get it done, then so be it.
Ten-man Arsenal formed a human shield throughout a second-half Manchester City siege in Sunday’s dramatic 2-2 draw at the Emirates.
Plenty was made of how that trio’s work in a packed rearguard was anything but pretty.
Yet Forino loved watching every minute of the battle, with their defiance breached in the end by John Stones’ 98th-minute equaliser.
Now he is prepared to repeat the process if necessary, saying: “As something of an old-school defender myself, I admired so much of what the likes of Gabriel and Saliba did.
“The dark arts of defending may not exactly be what people want to see. But it’s always been a part of what us central defenders have to do when push comes to, yes, shove.
“You can’t teach it. The dark arts just come as a sort of instinct.
“It’s not something you learn on the training ground. You just do what you have to do when necessary.
“You’re paid to protect your goalkeeper and your goal and put your body on the line no matter what.”
Forino tuned into the game with team-mate Jay Matete, who, like him, is a lifelong Gunners fan and who was brought up just a stone’s throw from the Emirates.
St Lucia international Forino, 24, who joined the Trotters from Wycombe in the summer, added: “Me and Jay were just glued to the TV.
“At times we couldn’t believe what we were watching. We couldn’t believe that Mikel Arteta had decided to stick all his players behind the ball and guts it out for a whole half.
“Not against a team like City. Yet they so nearly did it and that defensive display was an inspiration for me. It was amazing to watch.
“Some people say that the dark arts of defending are anti-football but whether you like it or appreciate it or not, it’s part of the game.
“Of course, I know how tough it’s going to be for us against Arsenal but I’m ready to give my all, no matter what.”
Forino and midfielder Matete, 23, on loan from Sunderland, have been mates since they were kids, with the defender revealing: “We used to play against each other.
“We grew up playing on Highbury Fields, both of us dreaming that one day we’d play for the Arsenal.
Some people say that the dark arts of defending are anti-football but whether you like it or appreciate it or not, it’s part of the game.
“Now we’re going up against them and I started getting goose pimples the minute the draw came through.
“My dad, Barry, will be there leading the family and many friends who want to see me play at the Emirates.
“It’s going to be a fantastic experience for them, just as it will be for me. Who knows? I might even get the chance to score a header, just like Gabriel did against City.
“My first time at the Emirates was in 2008 to see a game with Portsmouth.
“When I was a kid, Thierry Henry was my idol — although I had so many of them in that team.
“Now whatever happens — and, yes, we believe we can do it and win — I’d love to come away with a shirt.
“There would be so many of them I’d like but, right now, if I had a choice of asking any of them to swap I’m edging towards Gabriel.
“That’s because he and Saliba are the kind of defenders you would always want to be.”
Forino's Inspiration
Forino's love for Arsenal dates back to 2008, and he vividly remembers his first visit to the Emirates. He remembers his idol, Thierry Henry, and the many players he admired in that team. He's been eagerly awaiting this game and even said that he gets goosebumps when he thinks about it.
Bolton's Journey to the Emirates
Bolton Wanderers' journey to the Emirates is a testament to their determination and perseverance. They are a club with a history of causing upsets, and their recent victory over Reading has boosted their confidence. Forino hopes that this will be a turning point for Bolton, and he believes that they have a chance to cause a surprise in their clash against Arsenal.
A Family Affair
Forino will have 42 family members and friends at the Emirates, all of whom are Arsenal fans. His father, Barry, will be leading the group and they are all excited to see Forino play at the stadium. The game is a family affair and a special moment for Forino, especially considering his childhood love for Arsenal.
Remembering the Past, Embracing the Future
Forino's comments about the “dark arts” of defending and his admiration for Arsenal's backline highlight the evolution of the game. While the modern game often focuses on attacking flair and intricate passing, the importance of a solid defense remains crucial. Forino’s acknowledgment of this aspect of the game, and his willingness to embrace it, reflects his commitment to success, even if it means employing unorthodox tactics.
As Forino prepares to step onto the Emirates pitch, his journey from a young Arsenal fan to a seasoned defender facing his boyhood team is a testament to the unpredictable nature of football. It's a story filled with passion, ambition, and the unwavering pursuit of a dream, a dream that is now closer than ever before.
