Arsenal Singapore Newsletter, 7 October 2020

Greetings Gooners,

It was a roller-coaster ride with Arsenal football last week, with so much passion and emotion involved. I have now recovered from being a zombie.

Liverpool 3-Arsenal 1

First off, the EPL game. There was definitely a stark difference in quality between Liverpool and Arsenal. They were the World Champions after all but there were promising qualities from the Arsenal squad in that match that I was excited about. People can argue that Lacazette should have scored, when he was presented the one-on-one situation with Alisson, and that could have changed the outcome of the game. But I think we would have still lost the game, given the number of attempts made by the Champions and how they dominated the match. At least, Arsenal was not thrashed by them. But this match would have provided a learning impact to the squad.

Liverpool 0 – Arsenal 0 (won by penalties)

Even though Liverpool’s line-up for the EFL cup consisted mostly of second stringers, they played with determination to win the game. On the other hand, Arsenal players played with strategy, tactics, and grit. If not for the heroics from Leno and his BIG performance, we could have been demolished. After a nail-biting 90 minutes, Arsenal were through to the quarterfinals by winning the penalty kicks. AMN had to be the coolest penalty taker ever!!! Once again, Arsenal gets the easy route to play Man City in December 2020.

Arsenal 2 – Sheffield United 1

And on to another EPL game, after an uninspiring performance in the first half against a buoyant Sheffield United side, Arsenal won the game in the second half through a brilliant tactical change by Arteta. He brought on Pepe to replace the ineffective Nketiah and moved our Captain to play the central striker. The switch transformed the dynamics of the game and we were rewarded with 2 quick goals from Saka and Pepe. Late in the game, Arsenal’s poor defending allowed the visitor to score a magnificent, consolation goal. It was thrilling to watch Saka play on the right, Pepe on the left, Auba as central striker and Willian supporting him. Perhaps, these strategies were Arteta’s ‘koyok’ for temporary relief in matches like this. After 4 games, Arsenal is in fourth position, above Spurs, with 9 points!! #mindthegap

This EPL season will be a very interesting one. Seems that there is a resurgence of the mid-table teams, like Everton, West Ham, Aston Villa, Southampton who were playing really well. Leeds played as if they were never relegated from the Premiership. Hilariously, ManUre and Liverpool were outplayed and battered. Kane-Son partnership has elements of the Yorke-Cole combination. These have never happened before. Perhaps it is too early to say. But exciting times are ahead of us. It will not be an easy journey for Arsenal I’m sure.

Arsenal are in the rebuilding process and the team looks more promising with the signing of our new number 18. Toreira and Guendozi won’t be Parteying with us this season. All the best to them. Arsenal still have the domestic transfers and hope that Arteta gets the players he desires to strengthen the team.

LIVESTREAM WITH ARSÈNE WENGER AND BOOK LAUNCH: 13 OCTOBER 2020 AT 1.30 AM (75 MINUTES)

Our participation rate for this livestream event is not so favourable at the moment and I hope for your consideration to sign up. I understand that it is a late event, but it’s for Arsene Wenger who had given 22 years of his life to Arsenal. Those that sign-up will be invited to a pre-event Zoom gathering, organised by the Club, in which attractive prizes will be given away. Arsenal Indonesia members are invited too!

Tickets are priced at $30 and at $46 for a limited Book and Ticket Bundle special and members of Arsenal Singapore will be entitled to a special 10% OFF their tickets! Book your tickets at SISTIC here and redeem a 10% discount with the promo code: 10OFFAFCSG by 9 October 2020.

Those that had made the booking for the event, kindly email to shai@arsenalsingapore.com with your name, membership number and contact number.

In addition, if you’re attending this livestream event and looking for beer or supper to snack on, Brewerkz has you covered! All ticket holders are entitled to a special $10 OFF at the Brewerkz e-store. Simply quote the promocode ARSENE10 and enter your ticket transaction details in the “Order Instructions/Comments” section when checking out with your purchase! The offer is valid till 31 October 2020. Valid only on: http://store.brewerkz.com

That’s all from me. I might have withdrawal symptoms in these 2 weeks of international break. Till the next newsletter!