The Couplehood Journey of a Distort Soul....

Emirates Trip 2012 - Part 1...

After days of deciding and contemplating, I finally booked my return flight to London via Malaysia Airlines on 8th until 12th March 2012. I will be going with Arsenal Football Club Supporters Malaysia members (20 of us) on this historical trip. This will be my first trip to Emirates Stadium to watch my beloved Arsenal playing against Newcastle. I didn't manage to visit the famous Highbury Stadium but I will visit Highbury Square. A big thank you to my lovely wife for pushing me to go on this trip and I will bring back Burberry thingy for you :-)

Arsenal 3 - 2 Sunderland...

The game started during berbuka and I only managed to watch it at around 7.30pm. By then Arsenal was leading by 2 goals; scored by Van Persie with a stunner free-kick and a somewhat lucky shot from Senderos. Then suddenly Sunderland scored through Miller from an opportunity shot from James that was initially blocked by Almunia. During half time, I went donw to do laundry and to my suprise, the score is 2-2. Sunderland scored again, right after the 2nd half commence. It was an open game where both teams are attacking each other, creating good scoring chances. Walcott did have an opportunity to score but he air-kick the ball but he made immediate amends in the 80th minute by passing the ball to Van Persie to score the third goal (he did an excellent turn to evade the defender). 10 wins in all competition. Very impressive indeed :-)

Steau Bucharest 0 - 1 Arsenal...

There is no LIVE for Arsenal 2nd game in their Champions League Group Stages. During sahur and after waking up Fadzli by turning on his bedroom light, I immediately on the wifi and open ATVO. We manage to hear the online radio (reminds me of the time that I listen to Perak football matches on the radio); the commentator was crisp and clear. I still remember; "Adebayor to the byline, crosses back to Fabregas... Van Persie.... GOALLLLLLL". We were so happy and high five each other. Another win for Arsenal making it 9 wins in a row for all competition. Impressive. Next match, Black Cats is coming to Emirates this Sunday :-)

West Ham 0 - 1 Arsenal...

I watched this game at Matang with Yeop; brought along my Astro Smart Card as Yong did not subscribe to Sports Channel. It was a tricky away game as our previous encounters with West Ham has not produced the desired result. We scored early in the first half; a header from Van Persie after an intelligent exchanges between Adebayor and Hleb. BTW this is Van Persie first headed goal in his career. We did created chances but Greene was up to the task. Ashton (West Ham best attacking player) did have a golden chance to score but he heads straight to Almunia. Again, a win for Arsenal and thoroughly enjoy the game apart from the last few minutes of broadcasting errors from Astro :-)

Arsenal 2 - 0 Newcastle...

Carling Cup, the one that we lost to Chelsea last year. We began the campaign with yougsters, as usual. BTW there is no LIVE at ASTRO so I just surf to ATVO during sahur and noticed that Arsenal won by two goals, scored in the last 10 minutes by Bendtner and Denilson (both first goal scored for Arsenal). It was an impressive result considering that Newcastle fielded mostly first team player. I can't wait to download the match clips and watch the goals scored :-)

Arsenal 5 - 0 Derby...

It was a magnificent game, 5 goals to nil. Derby did packed their defence and did manage a few shots on goals but well-saved by Almunia. Diaby started the celebration with a thunderous shot from outside the box. At first I thought it was going out but went into the top corner. He did have the same chance again but denied by the keeper. Adebayor struck the second via an intelligent pass from Cesc. In the second half, we received a penalty after Eduardo was pulled back and Adebayor convert with ease. The fourth goal came from Cesc, another long range shot (he was about to be subtituted). The look on Wenger enjoying the goal was priceless. Adebayor complete his hat-trick by scoring ala-Henry via a lobb pass from Denilson. 7 wins in a row in all competition :-)

Arsenal 3 - 0 Sevilla...

Arsenal began their 2007/08 Champions League with a home match against Sevilla; UEFA Cup Champions. It was not shown live but delayed at 5am. After sahur, I immediately switch on the TV to watch the game. But ESPN showed the summary of the other matches played and Arsenal won by 3 goals. Excellent result, 3 goals in 4 games. Cesc scored from a deflection, Persie scored from a neat flick from Sagna via Cesc free kick and Eduardo scored after a brilliant one-touch passing between Hleb and Cesc. Overall, Sevilla dia have their chances but luck was not with them. Next up, Slavia Prague in Czech Republic :-).

Spurs 1 - 3 Arsenal...

I managed to catch the 1st Half analysis and was suprised at the scoreline, Spurs are leading by 1 goal; a beatifully taken Gareth Bale free-kick. Arsenal did created chances but Robinson was up to the challenge. Diaby even hit the woodwork after an excellent move from Hleb. In the second half, Arsenal nearly went two goals down when Berbatov dribble pass the on-rushing Almunia but Toure came in with a sublime tackle. Adebayor did miss a sitter from a pass by Sagna but he made ammends for himself when he scored from a set-piece supplied by Cesc. The game is getting interesting and Almunia redeem himself by saving Keane shot. Clichy saved us by standing near the right post when Berbatov slammed the ball into his chest from a corner. In the 80th minute, Cesc scored a wonderful strike from a distance. Spurs did get their chances again through Bent but he scuffed his shot. I still remember the commentator says; "Goodness gracious me". In the 90th minute, Arsenal scored again. Rosicky lay the ball to Denilson but Robinson manage to parry with his legs but the ball falls to Cesc and passed it to Adebayor. He tapped the ball and in one swing he volleyed into the top left hand corner. The commentator says; "Absolutely brilliant" :-)

Arsenal 3 - 1 Portsmouth...

It was quite interesting to watch a lot of ex-Arsenal playing for Portsmouth now; Kanu, Lauren and Campbell. Monsieur Wenger make some changes to the squad; Van Persie with Adebayor upfront; Gilberto, Fabregas, Rosicky and Hleb in the middle; Toure, Senderos, Clichy and Flamini at the back with Almunia in goal. We scored first via a penalty by Adebayor and added a second via a corner kick by Rosicky, headed by Gilberto to Fabregas who then turns and shoot. It was 2-0 at halftime, could have been more. We started the 2nd half the same as the first while Portsmouth adds more power into their midfield with Mendez and Nico. In the 55th minute, we lost Senderos to a red-card for a foul on Kanu. Gilberto; as usual; covered the vacant slot. But with 10 man, Arsenal still continue to play attacking people and it was rewarded by an excellent strike by Rosicky. From a free-kick taken early by Fabregas from just outside the box, Rosicky slammed the ball between Glen Johnson legs and into the empty net. The celebration was hilarious. But a minute after that, Kanu scored with a lucky but brilliant tap. I guess we were still celebrating the goal and that we forgot to defend. Well, the score is 3-1 to Arsenal and our midfield is in a scoring frenzy :-)

Arsenal 3 - 0 Sparta Prague...

I woke up at 3.15am and already missed the first goal; scored by Rosicky from an excellent pass from Walcott (this kid is fast). Eduardo started with Persie upfront with Gilberto, Diaby, Rosicky and Walcott in Midfield while Toure, Senderos, Hoyte and Glichy at the back with Almunia in goal. We did create few chances in the first half but our finishing was poor; the connection play is excellent though. Sparta Prague looks dangerous in the second half but I have a feeling that Arsenal will score again. They scored, twice in the last 10 minutes. Cesc scored after an excellent one-two with Eduardo in the 82th minute while Eduardo scored in the 89th minute from a Denilson cross after being put through by Adebayor. I thought Eduardo injured himself after scoring as he just lay down on the field for awhile but he was just enjoying the moment, his first official goal for Arsenal. Can't wait for the Champions League draw tomorrow to determine who will we faced in the First Round Group Stage. BTW Malaysia U23 won the Merdeka Tournament by beating Myanmar 3-1 :-)

Arsenal 1 - 0 Man City...

I was so tired from eating BBQ and was only half-awake during the game. We lost Senderos to an ankle injury during warm-up and Sagna in the first 10 minutes after colliding with Flamini. Gilberto started his first game and played in an unfamiliar centreback role with Toure. Adebayor also played his first game after resting due to his injury sustain during the pre-season. Arsenal created numerous opportunities including a penalty but was denied by the heroics of the opposition keeper; Kasper Schemeichel. It was until the 90th minute that we scored; an intelligent pass from Hleb to Cesc and the outcome; a rocket angle strike to the top left corner. Man City did have a corner at the dying minutes but it was easily saved by Almunia (header from Kasper). It was a deserved One Nil win; but Man City played their hearts out. We were lucky not to go a goal down early in the second half. Suprisingly we have been scoring goals late in the game (3 games now). It shows the fighting spirit of Arsenal :-)

Blackburn 1 - 1 Arsenal...

I was still tired from the food poisoning, so I couldn't concentrate on the game. Arsenal scored early in the first half, scrappy goal from Van Persie. Eduardo started his first Premier League game. In the second half I was barely awake when I noticed the score is 1-1. Blackburn equalize; via another blunder from Lehmann. David Dunn powerful shot from outside the penalty box was aim straight at Lehmann and he chose to palm the ball first to absorb the power and then pick it up. Instead the ball fizzled through his palm, hit the post and went it. Blackburn did get their captain sent-off for two bookable offences late in the game but we didn't manage to punish them. A point drop but Blackburn did play quite physically; a usual strategy for the opposing team. We manage to cope well with the physical approach :-)

Au Revoir Pires...

It is finally confirmed (Sportcenter at 6.45m). Robert Pires wave his final farewell to Arsenal and join Villareal on a 2 year deal. It was sad to see him go but he had served Arsenal well throughout his 6 years. I still remember his first goal against Lazio in a Champions League match. He was superb in our 2001-2002 Double, and even receive an ovation from all the players during the award ceremony at Highbury. And also his effort in our "Untouchables" season. I will miss you Monsier Pires. Your initial is forever engraved in two of my Arsenal Jerseys :-)

Tomas Rosicky...

I found out about this news on Tuesday morning at Channel 80 Sportscenter. At that time it was still unconfirmed as he had just his medical with Arsenal and are negotiating the contract. Finally on Wednesday morning; again on Sportscenter; the news in confirmed. Arsenal first major signing and signalling the departure of Pires to Villareal. Pires was my favourite player and I even have two jerseys with his name. Au Revoir Monsier Pires. Back to Rosicky; he is talented, skillful and full of pace. He plays as an attacking midfielder but I sense Wenger will play him in the "hole" postion; in between midfielders and strikers. BTW he scored a magnificent goal against Arsenal in the Champions League when he plays for Borussia Dortmund :-)

King Henry...

KIng Henry is staying. He signed a massive 4 year contract with Arsenal. Well I did have my doubts in Henry during this season of his loyalty but it all diminish when I saw he played his heart out to capture the fourth spot. Pity we lost the Champions League Final to Barcelona but we will have our inspirational leader King Henry to lead his Knights to capture the elusive "big ear" cup to Arsenal. I can't wait for next season opener at Emirates Stadium :-)

Barcelona 2 - 1 Arsenal...

Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... it was just 15 minutes to glory. We did play our heart outs with 10 men after Lehmann was red-carded for a professional foul. Eventhough we were down but we managed to score from a perfect freekick set-pieces. Henry to Campbell and GOAL. The pundits said that Eboue dived but Puyol did slap his hand to Ebouse chest as he was dribbling to get past him. We begin the 2nd half cautiously. We did create few chances, Henry with the best opportunity but he scuffed his shot. It is obvious that Henry is tired after running up and down. Then Eto' scored from a brilliant move. And the nail in the coffin came in 5 minutes later. And the rain doesn't help our cause either. I am proud of my team, proud of their fighting spirit. They didn't let me down. I can't wait to the beginning of next season with King Henry to lead the new Gunners into the impressive Emirates Stadium :-)

Arsenal 4 - 2 Wigan...

This is our FINAL game at HIGHBURY. We need to win and hope for Spurs to at least drew with West Ham. The atmosphere in the stadium was awesome, the fans wore white and red t-shirt given free to celebrate this final game. We started the game strongly and scored in the 8th Minute through Pires. Then we found out that West Ham just scored and as we were celebrating the goal, immediately Wigan scored through a free-kick. They scored another one through a brilliant freekick that completely baffles Lehmann. And again I was feeling confident that Arsenal could win drew level and win this game. The moment magic didn't have to wait long, 2 minutes after Wigan took the lead, King Henry scores to make it 2-2 before the break. We started the second half strong as usual in order to ensure we win as Spurs manage to drew level through Defoe. Finally we scored, and again King Henry was the destroyer, latching through a bad pass by Thompson; rounding Pollit and scored. King Henry complete his hat-trick after Ljungberg was brought down in the 6 yard box. King Henry kisses the turf after scoring the penalty, a thank you gesture to Highbury. Going into the last 10 minutes, we heard that Spurs are now trailing 1-2 to West Ham. The image of Henry smilling when he found out about the Spurs result was priceless. He even make a hand gesture showing 2-1 and smile. We are confirm 4th. Next up, Barcelona in the Champions League Final :-)

Man City 1 -3 Arsenal...

I woke up a bit late; at 3am and the game has begun (10 minutes). The score is still nil-nil. Man City play a tight game; seldom give our midfield space to breath. The goal finally came from the genius of Henry. A delicate reverse back-pass released Ljungberg and he duly converted. This was his first goal in the premier league for this season (he scored in the CL). I thought it was going to be smooth sailing after this but Man City scored from a corner. We nearly bag the second after Henry amazing run and neat one-two with Persie but his shot was wide of the post. We started the second half strongly and Persie had an early chance but James stood his ground. I was a bit nervous but again I have the "feeling" that they would win this game; scoring at the later stages. Monsier Wenger make three changes, Pires for Hleb; Reyes for Persie and Cesc for Song. And in the 78th minute, we scored. A through pass from Pires to the ever running Eboue who passes to Reyes; and Reyes side-stepped a bit and scored. The second one was beautiful; amazing run from Henry again and laid the pass to Reyes. Reyes even had the time to stop the ball and choose his spot nicely with an angle left footed shot. GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL. 3-1 to the Gunners. Next up, final game at Highbury this sunday at 10pm against Wigan. I hope Spurs will falter at the last hurdle and Arsenal bags the 4th Placing in the League :-)

Sunderland 0 - 3 Arsenal...

We are not that convincing but we still win by 3 goals. Sunderland played well before they concede the first goal. Our midfield was not that creative but with the brilliance of Henry (assist for the two and scored the third from a free-kick), we make them look ordinary. They do play their hearts out; maybe for the future as Sunderland is already relegated and the club is in massive debt. But a bad outing for Diaby as he suffered from a broken ankle, vicious tackle at the end of the game. He will miss the final of the Champions League. We have two more games, Man City away and Wigan at home (final game at highbury). 6 points maximum and hope Spurs falter away against West Ham :-)

Villareal 0 - 0 Arsenal...

I was having sleepless night waiting to watch the game at 2.30am. I practically woke up at every hour just to make sure that I didn't slept through the alarm. I woke up at 2.10am, wash my face, on the TV and parked myself on my recliner. Eliza was still sound asleep. It was a tense game as Villareal was attacking from the start and we basically absorb their attack. Our forward movement was sloppy and tired; we gave too many balls away. We lost possession quite easily too. Villareal have a lot of chances in the first half but Lehmann stood his ground firm. As we begin the second half, my mind was at the clock, counting to the end of the game. I was so tense throughout the games and got more tense when the referre awarded the dubious penalty. Actually I thought he was going to give Jose Mari the yellow card for diving but he gave a penalty instead. With 2 minutes to go, a goal from the spot will resulted in Extra Time. But at that moment I have this feeling that Lehmann will save the penalty (the same feeling that I have when we were trailing Spurs and we will score eventually). And he did. I still remember Lehmann gathering the ball after the penalty and asking the players to go up and defend as we still have 5 minutes of the game to be played. When the final whistle blow, all the Arsenal players went to Lehmann. No doubt he is the MOTM together with the mighty Gilberto and powerful Toure. Champions League Final Paris May 17th here we come :-)

Arsenal 1 - 1 Spurs...

This was the last "North London Derby" to be played at Highbury but it ended with the tainted image of Spurs enjoying the draw through a hotly disputed goal. Actually a draw would be the right result as Spurs was attacking their hearts out but I am still angry about their goal. We were a bit slow to react and our midfield lost a bit of their sparkle. Henry and Cesc was rested (good decision ahead of the 2nd Leg). When Spurs scored the "haram" goal, I know that Arsenal could come back with a goal and it finally came through the genius of Adebayor and Henry. I was shouting my lungs out and even suprised Eliza. Usually I am a bit subdued during goal celebration especially at home but this time the tension of the game caught up to me. Well we are still one point behind Spurs but lets hope they drop points to Bolton and West Ham and we secured all 9 points from Man City, Wigan and Sunderland. At the end, it was a truly magnificent goal from King Henry :-)

Arsenal 1 - 0 Villareal...

This is our last Champions League to be played in Highbury before we moved to our new Emirates Stadium. It was nerveracking in the first half, we played our usual fast game and threaten Villareal at every attempt. The goal finally came from Toure after magnificent deft pass from Henry to Hleb. In the second half, our midfield was a bit tired and it shows. Villareal started to attack but our defense and Gilberto played well. Riquelme was not that commanding but he did shows a glimpse of his skills. He will be their talisman in the return leg next week. Hopefully we can still maintain our clean sheets and progress to the final :-)

Arsenal 3 - 1 West Brom...

As this was "Bergkamp Day", I decided to watch the game wearing my holland jersey, to celebrate the event eventhough I am in Malaysia. My friend; Kar Heng; was in highbury but I am not so sure whether I manage to catch a glimpse of him on ASTRO. Well obviously he enjoyed the game with 3 goals, 1 came for the "Flying Dutchman". We did have our moments when West Brom scored late in the second half but Bergy make the difference. BTW I really like the jersey that Bergy baby wore :-)

Portsmoth 1 - 1 Arsenal...

Arghhhhhhhhhhhh.... The first goal was beautiful. A neat one-two between Henry and Adebayor. Well Adebayor did miss couple of sitters and I was thinking to myself that we would regret all the chances. Then Lua-Lua struck a header from a free-kick. One good thing to note, our central midfield was run by two teens; Alex Song and Abou Diaby :-)

Man Utd 2 - 0 Arsenal...

The first half was very entertaining with both teams attacking. Toure make a magnificent save (with his arms) at the end of the first half. Persie had few chances but his lack of competitive match shown. I noticed that most of the players are tired in the second half and from a tackle by Vidic, Silvestre crosses the ball straight to Rooney and goal. Senderos was just inches from the ball. Henry did came in during thr second half but he look tired (hopefully not injured). Well away to Pompey next. An away win I hope and debut for Walcott :-)

Juventus 0 - 0 Arsenal...

We are finally through to the Semi-Final stage of the Champions League. The first time in our proud history. The defense was again strong. Juventus only manage one-shot on goal in the first half and it was way-off. Second half, they did manage to create numerous dangerous chances but Lehmann and his defense stood firm. After Nedved receives his second yellow card, I knew it was all over for Juventus. Now we must face Villareal for the place in the final :-)

Arsenal 5 - 0 Aston Villa...

They didn't show this match LIVE so I have to wait until 12.30am on Sunday morning to catch it. But I did manage to catch the result at around 10.45pm during the Boltan - Manu match on ESPN. The scores was two nil. At midnight, I watch the "Final Score" and the commentator Dykes mention of a massive win. 5-0 to the Gunners. I watched all the goals. Magnificent. I like both Henry goals, full of class. Adebayor scored an opportunitist goal. Diaby scored his first home goal. Van Persie scored a stunner. And 4 of the goals derived from long passes from the defense. I did try to watch the delayed game at 12.30am but I was too tired. But did manage to see Cesc being substitued in the 16th minute, foot injury. And Eboue also went out injured, groin. I hope both of them would recover in-time for the Juve match in Turin :-)

Arsenal 2 - 0 Juventus...

There is only one CESC... There is only one CESC... It was worth the lack of sleep... Two beautifully crafted goals, a prodigy and the skipper... I was cheering my lungs out each time they scored... Hail Prince Cesc :-)

Postpone : Pompey vs Arsenal...

I woke up at 1am, in Pokok Assam, still blur, switch on the television, ASTRO C81 and watching the match summary from Liverpool and Everton. I thought the game was delayed but then I saw the notice on the ESPN Crawler, game is postpone due to water-logged pitch. Aiyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. Well, more rest before the Juve match-up Wednesday morning at 2.45am :-)

Arsenal 3 - 0 Charlton...

The amazing Hleb, the man from Belarus. But I was quite afraid at the beginning as Adebayor @ Kanu look-a-like miss a few good chances. Then Hleb started the first flowing moves that involves him, Henry, Adebayor, Henry, Pires and back of the Charlton net. We scored a 2nd through Adebayor acrobatic lunje ala Kanu and the 3rd in the second half by the ever impressive Hleb @ Man of the Match :-)

Sparta Prague 0 Arsenal 2...

Hail King Henry... Hail King Henry... I managed to wake up just in time to watch the first goal. It was full of class. Henry use the same foot to control the lob from Toure and then look around for options. Then Henry hit the ball with the outside of his right foot and it curls nicely into the corner. What a goal to welcome King Henry back into the team after a lay-off due to his injuries and to cap it off, Henry managed to break Ian Wright 185 Goals for Arsenal when he scored the 2nd after an intelligent pass from Pires :-)

Arsenal 1 vs Birmingham 0...

This time is the opposite from the earlier West Ham game as I was counting the number of times Arsenal had shots saved by the towering Maik Taylor. Reyes tested him numerous but everytime Maik was able to palm away the shot. He even saved a penalty taken by Pires. I was getting frustrated until we finally receive our big break from a deflected shot by Robin Van Persie. BTW if we were playing against 11, the game would be more open rather than packed defending by Birmingham as their captain was red-carded in the first half. Arsenal passing was excellent as usual but the finishing is still below my expectations. A win is still win, eventhough it was from a scrappy goal :-)

Ajax 1 vs Arsenal 2...

I woke up at 3am yesterday and the game has already began (20 minutes) and Arsenal is leading by one goal courtesy of Ljungberg. Arsenal is faced with a number of crock lists which includes Henry, Gilberto and Bergkamp while Van Persie and Lehmann is still suspended (Red Cards). Suprisingly I didn't notice Cesc in the 1st half and thought that we are playing with 10 players. I was anxiously waiting to see the 1st goal during the half-time highlights but to my dismay it was fill with advertisements. BTW Reyes is running all over the field to close down the Ajax defenders and Hleb got an excellent driblling skills. Toure and Sol (Captain) was a tower at the back, shutting down on all Ajax attacks. We finally scored through a disputed penalty rewarded due to a foul on Reyes by the Ajax keeper. Pires calmly slotted the penalty and as I was enjoying the 2 goal cushions, Ajax scored after a long range shot was palm away by Almunia but it hit the post and bounced invitingly to an Ajax player. The last 20 minutes was quite tense but finally we hold to our win :-)

West Ham vs Arsenal...

Arghhhhhhhhhh... I can count with my fingers the number of times Arsenal actually have a decent shot on goal... maybe West Ham played quite defensive but Arsenal should have been more creative and try to shoot from outside the box rather than trying to driblle the keeper to score the "beautiful" goal... a tap in will do... at least Campbell played well but Gilberto went out injured... and considering that we are going to play Ajax in Amsterdam next week, I am starting to get worried :-(

Arsenal 2 - 1 FC Thun

Hail King Bergy @ The Non Flying Dutchman. Scored the decisive goal in 92 minutes. It was such a tremendous relieve when he scored as FC Thun packed their defense and the referree is a bit "senile" for awarding RVP the red card in the first half for what was obviously a yellow card offence (he was watching the ball you *%$^*). Again Hail King Bergy :-)

Champions League... Bayern Onslaught

Big match coming up against Bayern Munich this coming Wednesday morning. We have to overcome the pathetic display in Munich where we lost 1-3. Luckilly we managed to score a solitary goal there and we have to score at least 2 goals to progress to the quaterfinal stage (away goals means a lot in this tournament). We do have defensive frailties as Sol and Cygan are both injured. Senderos should fit in just fine but I am more worried about Toure as he has lost his confidence lately. Cole and Lauren should provide ample cover and attacking options. Reyes should play in the absence of Pires with Ljunberg on the right. Vieira and Flamini in the middle with Henry and Bergkamp unfront. Would really like to see Quincy plays as that kid is fast (just like Henry) and has good close control. My prediction, Arsenal win by 2-0 :-)