Pre Season Round-Up: Arsenal in Asia

Arsenal have a history of touring Asia since the 1960s, and their latest trip ahead of the new season gave many overseas supporters a closer glimpse of their heroes. The Gunners squad for the Far East visit may have lacked any major new signings, or indeed skipper Cesc Fabregas, but the presence of international stars such as Robin Van Persie and Jack Wilshere will have softened that blow for local Arsenal enthusiasts.  In addition to the first team regulars, Japanese teenager Ryo Miyaichi was also included after impressing in training, and he was joined by fellow youngsters Carl Jenkinson and Emmanuel Frimpong.

The first destination for the London side was Malaysia, and Kuala Lumpur.  After a few days of training, and providing the locals with signing sessions, Arsenal took to the field for the first match of their tour on Wednesday - facing a Malaysia XI at the Bukit Julil Stadium in front of almost 70,000 spectators.


The large crowd were treated to some trademark possession play from Arsenal, who were sporting their new Away kit, and it didn’t take long for the Gunners to make their superiority count. England international Wilshere was sent through by Kieran Gibbs before being brought down in the box, and Welshman Aaron Ramsey slotted home the resulting penalty kick, sending the keeper the wrong way and giving Arsenal the lead with just a few minutes played.

The Score remained 1-0 for half an hour, before Ramsey then turned provider, playing a perfectly flighted pass over the defence for Theo Walcott to cleverly chip over the on rushing Malaysian keeper. Carlos Vela then added a third goal just before the hour mark, also showing great composure to lob into the net following a defence splitting pass by Tomas Rosicky. The rout was completed by Rosicky himself in injury time, as he headed into an empty net following some good work by Andriy Arshavin down the left hand side, making the final score 4-0.

Laurie Dunsire