Our member Ernie Supandi shares his visit to The Arsenal to watch the team take on Manchester United

“Victoria Concordia Crescit”

I was delighted to be back at the Emirates Stadium after almost 4 years. My last trip to Emirates Stadium was in Mar 2019 and it was also against Man United! 

Arrived at the stadium early to visit the shop and also to purchase the match-day programme. The stadium area were buzzing with optimistic and excited gooners! Went to the ground early and saw Freddie Ljungberg at pitchside doing an interview. The entire stadium were decked with clappers which I think it’s unnecessary as our atmosphere had been class for the past 2 seasons. 

Singing “North London Forever” just before the match starts gave me goosebumps and proud to be a Gooner! After Rashford scored on the 17th minute, we were cheering and encouraging the team which led to Nketiah’s sixth goal in his last 7 games within 7 minutes!

In the 2nd half, our Starboy, Saka scored a stunning 25 yards goal! But we could only hold onto our lead for 5 minutes before Martinez equalized. The atmosphere was electrifying throughout the match and Nketiah eventually scored a winning goal on the 90th minute! A nervous wait followed as a VAR review checked the goal for offside. As the goal stood, we could celebrate all over again! It’s was a truly memorable experience!

Thanks to Arsenal Singapore for securing the match ticket to Arsenal vs Man United on Sunday, 22 Jan 2023. I’m blessed to be able to watch Arteta and the Gunners in action!

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.”

Our member Tan Chok Wei shares his visit to The Arsenal to watch the team take on Newcastle

One of my dream come true & bucket list checked. 

My wife and I plan to spend our honeymoon in Japan once the Covid restrictions lifted.

One day, My wife throw a question to me : Aren’t you said you gonna watch Arsenal game in Emirates Stadium before 30years old? Left me thinking like, if I don’t do it this year, 2023 I will be 31.

Hell yeah!  we decide, let’s change the honeymoon to Europe and UK instead and pray hard to get arsenal ticket during our 21days honeymoon. Lucky enough I able to secure the Arsenal vs Newcastle match on 3rd Jan 2023 from Arsenal Singapore. 

Special thanks to Dhanesh and all the Arsenal Singapore Club staff for help fulfilling one of my dream.

During the Match

Me and my wife arrived at Emirates stadium 2 hours in advance to feel the home game atmosphere. The underground is crowded and fans are chanting even 2 hours before the game.

When we step into the Emirates stadium the home atmosphere is fascinating and I cannot believe I actually gonna watch this exciting game.

My hand is shivering thoughout the whole game. Chanting singing and shout on every tackle every challenge Arsenal made.

Arsenal try multiple approach to break thru Newcastle defence. Unfortunately, the game end goalless 0-0 at home.

Regardless my first home game experience is amazing!!! I will remember this for the rest of my life.

Thanks to Arsenal Singapore Club for this wonderful experience.

This is my first time experience in Emirates stadium and definitely not the last. Emirates stadium, I will be back again.

Last but not least we can win the EPL this year. COYG!