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

Finally, after years of unwavering support and planning, I had the incredible opportunity to watch my first Arsenal home game before the year 2024 comes to a close. My journey as an Arsenal supporter began in 1996, with Arsène Wenger’s appointment as manager. While I had visited both Highbury and the Emirates Stadium in the past, I never had the chance to experience a live match—until now.

This time, I didn’t just attend one game; I had the incredible opportunity to experience the thrill of three home matches at the Emirates and an away game at Selhurst Park, each set in a different cup competitions (Champion League, EPL-home/away and Carabao Cup). What a thrilling experience! The atmosphere, the energy, and the camaraderie among the supporters made each match truly special. To top it off, I was lucky enough to bump into Nigel Winterburn during the stadium tour as well.

A sincere thanks to Arsenal Singapore (#Dhanesh / #Joel) for kindly helping me secure tickets to two of the three home games. I enjoyed my first eight nights in a cozy Airbnb apartment, conveniently located just a five-minute walk from the stadium (and Tollington Arms). After each of the three thrilling home games, I could easily stroll back to my room, reflecting on the excitement of the match. Every day, I relished the opportunity to wander around the stadium and explore the Armoury shops, soaking in the rich history and passion that surrounds Arsenal.

These moments are truly unforgettable—not just for me, but also for my son, who was destined to be an Arsenal supporter. I’m sure every true fan can appreciate the deep significance of these games. They will undoubtedly become treasured memories that we will share and reminisce about for years to come.