Our member Sarah Lau shares his visit to The Arsenal to watch the team take on Everton in December 2024.

Pleasantly surprised, I found myself seated in Block 120, Row 12—prime viewing territory. This was my fifth match at the Emirates, fourth for Alice, and hands down, one of the best seats we’ve had. We’ve experienced the dizzying heights of the upper tiers before, but honestly, just being in the stadium to cheer on The Arsenal is always a privilege. Adding to the serendipity, We were seated next to Alvin, a fellow Gooner from Singapore. It’s always special to connect with someone who shares the same love for the club, especially so far from home. 

This game, however, turned out to be our first-ever 0-0 at the Emirates. Not the thrilling, edge-of-your-seat kind of stalemate, but more of a chess match where one side plays to lock the board. Everton came to sit deep, absorb pressure, and frustrate, which they did all too well. Having watched Arsenal win all four previous games I attended, this one felt bittersweet. We loved being there, singing our hearts out, but a point still felt like a missed opportunity.

Looking back now, it doesn’t sting as much—especially considering City and Chelsea also failed to secure wins against Everton. But in the moment, it felt like a golden chance to close the gap on Liverpool had slipped away.

The match began with promise. Martin Ødegaard found himself in great positions early on but couldn’t find the finish. Saka, ever the livewire down the right, caused plenty of trouble, but Jordan Pickford was having one of those games, denying everything. At one point, the Clock End broke into a raucous “You’re just a sh*t Aaron Ramsdale,” which drew laughs all around. It’s the kind of banter that makes being in the stadium so special.

As the minutes ticked by, the frustration grew. Ødegaard’s substitution for tactical reasons raised a few eyebrows. I wasn’t convinced it was the wrong call, but without him, the spark we needed to unlock Everton’s stubborn low block never came. Despite dominating possession and pushing for a breakthrough, Arsenal lacked the cutting edge to find that magic moment.

Leaving the stadium, the mood among fans was subdued but not despondent. It’s always a joy to watch the boys live, but on this occasion, it was a reminder that even the best teams can hit a wall. We support our team wholeheartedly anyway, whatever the weather, whatever the result. Up the Arsenal!