Arsenal, the English football club which I have been supporting since the arrival of the Arsene Wenger in 1996. As a supporter, I have been through ups-and-downs, live the life together with the beloved football club throughout these years. Finally, the time is right for me to fulfill the boyhood dream of watching Arsenal live in action, having missed it 12 years ago when they visited Malaysia for a friendly match, which Arsenal won 2-0.
1). Purchased my ticket online through Ticketpro, as soon as the tickets released on the midnight of 28/5/2011. The ticket for the match was received few days later, together with the training pass, which is held on the 12/7/2011.
2). This is a grandstand ticket for the match on 13/7/2011. The seat allocated is 6 row from the front, hope I can get some clear view of Arsenal players.
3). Here I am, in the venue Bukit Jalil National Stadium, where the match between Arsenal and Malaysia XI take place later on at 8.45pm. It took me an hour just to reach the car park, ouch! The security was tight too, been scanned right at the entrance for 3 times by 3 different persons. Come on, we ain't gonna bomb our heroes!
4). Counting down the moment when history unfold itself, as Arsenal kicks off against Malaysia national team for the third time in history.
5). An Arsenal mascot arrive onto the scene to bring the spirit and atmosphere to the ground.
6). The first Arsenal man to hitch out the stadium is none other than the Arsenal manager, Mr Arsene Wenger himself, a.k.a. The Professor. In Arsene We Trust!
7). One and a half hour before the match, several Arsenal players suddenly emerged onto the field to greet the thousands of fans out there, namely Jack Wilshere, Vito Mannone, Emmanuel Frimpong and Theo Walcott.
8). Right before the kick off, both teams were out of the tunnel for warming up. Arsenal team was led by Thomas Vermaelen, the stand-in captain in the absence of Cesc Fabregas.
9). The players are warming up in groups.
10). The players returning to dressing room after warming up, with Marouane Chamakh and Andrei Arshavin seen in the picture.
11). The starting line up for Arsenal (from left to right) : Thomas Vermaelen (Captain), Wojciech Szczęsny (Goalkeeper), Ryo Miyaichi, Aaron Ramsey, Marouane Chamakh, Kieran Gibbs, Laurent Koscielny, Carl Jenkinson, Jack Wilshere, Alex Song, and Theo Walcott.
12). Just look at the reception of the hungry fans in the house!
13). Jack Wilshere (No.19) winning a penalty as early as 4th minute in the first half, after he was tripped by a Malaysian defender.
14). Aaron Ramsey (No.16) scores from the spot kick, to give Arsenal a 1-0 lead in the 4th minute of the game. The first half finished 2-0 to Arsenal, where Theo Walcott doubled Arsenal's lead with a beautiful volley over the Malaysian Goalkeeper.
15). The second half kicks off with Arsenal substituting almost the whole team. Players who came on were Vito Mannone (Goalkeeper), Carl Jenkinson, Sebastien Squillaci, Johan Djourou, Armand Traore, Tomas Rosicky (Captain), Denilson, Emmanuel Frimpong, Aaron Ramsey, Ryo Miyaichi and Carlos Vela.
16). The Malaysia Tigers were awarded a free kick inside the penalty box. Thanks to the substitute goalkeeper Vito Mannone, who was penalized for time wasting. But the Malaysian failed to capitalised the only chance to score that night.
17). There are four players still not appear onto the field, which are Robin van Persey, Samir Nasri, Bacary Sagna and Andrei Arshavin (from left to right), who had been warming up on the side ever since the second half kicks off. The score was 3-0 to Arsenal, after Carlos Vela beautifully chipped into the Malaysian net.
18). This is it! The moment we all have been waiting for! With 20 minutes left in the game, Arsene finally made a quadruple substitutions, which delighted the fans after waiting for the whole night. Player who came off were Carl Jenkinson, Denilson, Aaron Ramsey, and Ryo Miyaichi. In which Denilson furiously stormed into the tunnel after he was substituted.
19). The final score was 4-0 to Arsenal, where Rosicky scored in the stoppage time after blasting home from a fine pass from Arshavin. A scoreline which would cheer the Arsenal fans, as well as Arsene Wenger, where his team won the match easily and no player was injured during the match.
20). Thank you Arsenal and the players for giving us an unforgettable and memorable night for the visiting fans, from all across the South East Asia. We love you all and hope to watch you guys again in near future, please don't let us wait another 12 years. Live to be a fan of Arsenal, die to be a ghost at Emirates!
23 Men Arsenal Squad
Goalkeepers Midfielders
53). Wojciech Szczęsny 14). Theo Walcott
24). Vito Mannone 17). Alex Song
16). Aaron Ramsey
Defenders 19). Jack Wilshere
3). Bacary Sagna 8). Samir Nasri
5). Thomas Vermaelen 7). Tomas Rosicky
6). Laurent Koscielny 15). Denilson
28). Kieran Gibbs 35). Emmanuel Frimpong
25). Carl Jenkinson 42). Ryo Miyaichi
18). Sebastien Squillaci
20). Johan Djourou Forwards
30). Armand Traore 10). Robin van Persey29). Marouane Chamakh
23). Andrei Arshavin
11). Carlos Vela
Arsenal vs Malaysia XI
Date : 13/07/2011 (Wednesday)
Venue : Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur.
Time : 8.45pm
Arsenal vs Malaysia XI
Date : 13/07/2011 (Wednesday)
Venue : Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur.
Time : 8.45pm
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Great match that i never seen of Arsenal team. Their players are ready for every match. The people of London loving to see the match and tickets are available at very affordable prices through online. Thanks a Lot!
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