Our member Jeff Sun shares his visit to The Arsenal to watch the team take on Manchester United

“My only visit to the Emirates was more than a decade long ago back in November 2012 for the North London Derby in which we came back from 2 goals down to win 5-2 dramatically. I am extremely thankful to Arsenal Singapore Supports Club for this opportunity to catch the game against one of fiercest rival, Manchester United, over the Lunar New Year weekend. The games between the two clubs always present one of the best TV memories for football fans back in 2000s, when both teams regularly completes against each other for Premier League title and FA Cup. (We will forever remember Martin Keown goading against Ruud Van Nistelrooy in the infamous clash, classic)

I planned my stay at Finsbury (Zone 2) so Emirates Stadium was just a short 15 minutes stroll from my hotel. Our leadership in the premier league title run definitely infused lots of cheerfulness within the neighbourhood. My walk to the stadium for the matchday clash with my red&white scarf has invited many positive remarks and conservation along the way. There’s a new found belief on the ground from the competitive spirit of the team assembled from the hard work, process and commitment of our very own Arteta and his staff. 

I was greeted by the expected starting XI upon my arrival, and our new signing Leandro Trossard made the bench. An extremely pleasing signing. Most of the seatings were already occupied 30 minutes before the game and the stadium atmosphere, filled with enthusiastic fans was as immersive as it could get. The game was dynamic and high-intensity, fast paced and frenetic. It was actually hilarious to see Mikel Arteta picked up a yellow card for his reaction to a foul on Saka. Even at 1-1, I was definitely still hopeful on a comeback win based how our team is tilting against Man Utd for most part of the game.

Necessary half time change was made on yellow-carded Ben White, bringing on Tomiyasu to inject more defensive stability and tracking of Marcus Rashford byline counter breaks. At 2-2 with about 10 more minutes left to play, Leandro Trossard was brought on for Martinelli. I was certain of a goal involvement from him as he’s extremely clever in tight spaces for an offensive player that likes to play direct to goal. ManUtd were sitting deep to shut the game on a draw when they brought on Fred for Antony.

And here we go on the 90^th minute. Trossard combined with Zinchenko on the left, as zinny pulled back a cross and our Captain Odegaard’s attempted came to Eddie who flicked it beyond de Gea. I am fortunate to caught this attacking phase on video, along with the elastic celebration at the Emirates.

That was it, the winner was left late but it made the victory and memory of this passionate match even sweeter.

COYG.”