Thursday, July 14, 2011

Keep on rollin', GUNNERS

And that sums up the GUNNERS Fever that hits the Malaysian shore since the ARSENAL FC team arrived for the ASIA TOUR, kicking off in Malaysia and followed by China.

After a lapse of 12 years since Malaysia last seen this team, you can bet the adrenalin rush on almost any ardent Gunner Supporters when they announce the confirmation of taking on the Malaysian XI team on July 13, 2011...

Me inside the Bukit Jalil National Stadium

so the date was locked, July 13, 2011 @ Bukit Jalil Stadium (Arsenal vs Malaysia XI)

Gunners in my HEART, TIGERS are my Soul

As the date approaching, news are flying over the imminent transfer of both highly sought after prolific players - Fabregas and Nasri, but that did not deter supporters from looking forward to the team's arrival. And it was a dissapointed confirmed news when Fabregas tweeted last Saturday on his omission from the Asia Tour. A sign that his move to Barcelona is happening soon???

But as soon as the full team squad was announce, Nasri inclusion in the tour gave avid supporters the cheers needed!

Nasri smiling happily during the training session

The team arrived in Malaysia to a warm reception and nice to know the pilot whom have flown them to Malaysia is a die-hard ARSENAL supporter. (Good choice, pilot)

The arrival of the team also signalled the 10 days EPL mania, kicking off with Arsenal FC taking on the Malaysian team, followed by Liverpool FC on July 16 and Chelsea FC on July 21. I can tell you the atmosphere leading to the Bukit Jalil National Stadium has been awesome.

Arsenal FC - Full Squad taking on Malaysia XI

Everywhere Arsenal went, flocks and flocks of Gunners supporters made sure they can get to meet or at least share a glimpse of their Arsenal heroes, that includes me :)

So i missed out on the Meet the Fans session, but thankfully, a good friend of mine got me autograph of the players. Sweet!

Arsenal Players autographs

And off to Stadium for official training session on July 12 with Daphne and next day with Arsenal Supporters Club Malaysia fan club members and a colleague, Lisa Kim and BF...

Arsenal Players autograph - Aaron Ramsey & Andrey Arshavin

It was good to see droves and droves of avid Gunner Supporters coming together to support our beloved team as well as Malaysia! and summing up a perfect night, my view from the pitch was excellent and plus some really crazy supporters surrounding me, the experience was just surreal!

Hitting 4 goals past Malaysia, Lethal Gunners seems a perfect demonstration of the EPL Giant team on the Malaysian leg of the tour.

Final Score - Arsenal FC 4 - 0 Malaysia XI

An unforgettable reception from the fans - the stadium was filled with approaching 70,000 passionate supporters. Notably, it seems many wants both team to win with the sightings 'Gunners in my Heart, Tigers are my Soul'.

I especially look forward to Nasri, Walcott, Van Persie, Wilshere and Arshavin in action. And was glad to see Walcott finding himself to the net. I like to note the fact, Aaron Ramsey and new signing, Ryo Miyaichi looks real good on the front. I really hope they can make an impact when
the new EPL season comes along next month.

Jack Wilshere (No.19) in action

In the end, it was a special night that belongs to all Arsenal Supporters from near and far (especially the locals). It has been memorable!

Me spotted with some Gunner fanatics and a Chelsea fan

Goodbye for now and anticipating your next visit to Malaysia again. Safe journey to CHINA...