Hazreen Mubarak is sitting in a classroom at SK Pengkalan Tentera Darat Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur, with his teammates.
Their football coach walks in, and tells them to pay attention as he switches on the television and video cassette recorder. He pops in a VHS (home video system) tape.
That day in 1997 changed Hazreen’s life forever.
“I can’t remember my coach’s name as I moved schools a lot, since my dad was in the army,” said Hazreen, or Mike, to his friends.
“It was 1997. I followed Newcastle as I liked Alan Shearer. He was a great scorer, but on that fateful day, my coach asked us to watch an Arsenal match.
“I was immediately drawn to Arsene Wenger’s style – something like Spain’s tiki-taka approach. There was flair, determination, and plenty of skilful players. I became obsessed.”
His admiration for Wenger’s tactics was fuelled by the presence of French midfielder Emmanuel Petit, whose ponytail, dynamism, and silky skills left a lasting impression.
“I was immediately drawn to Petit, partly because of his ponytail. But also because of the way he broke up play, and his razor-sharp passing accuracy. He was a joy to watch,” Hazreen said of the defensive midfielder.
“Arsenal also had Dennis Bergkamp in the side, and later on, Thierry Henry. They were three fantastic players.”
Hazreen said he has many great memories supporting the Gunners, including interviewing Wenger and his players when they visited Malaysia in 2012.
However, one defeat will always remain on his mind.
“I am still affected by the 2006 Champions League defeat to Barcelona. It was the club’s best chance to be European champions. We lost 2-1 after playing with 10 men for 72 minutes,” recalled the TV3 sports journalist.
Jens Lehmann, who had a superb season in goal, received his marching orders after he brought down Samuel Eto’o outside the Arsenal box.
“The players didn’t let their heads drop and gave Barcelona a fight,” Hazreen said.
Despite the heartbreak, the experience only deepened his connection to the club.
Since the glory days of Wenger, Arsenal has entered a new era under Mikel Arteta, a manager Hazreen considers a “genius”, and the one who will end the club’s title drought.
The Londoners have not won the English Premier League since 2004 but came close in the past two seasons. Hazreen is confident the Gunners can be third-time lucky.
“Manchester City is still the favourite, but Arsenal and Liverpool can challenge for the title,” said Hazreen.
“Arteta is the right person to lead Arsenal. He knows the club’s DNA. Many were unhappy when he had a poor start after joining in 2019. I have always defended him, especially on a Facebook page I created – Ultras Arsenal Malaysia.
“I’m so confident of his ability that I have his name on my new car!”
Hazreen, however, disagrees with Arteta, who said the club doesn’t need to buy a new striker. The Spaniard said he is confident his team has enough firepower after scoring 91 times last season.
“A top goal-getter is a must, especially with the new Champions League format where teams will have to play 15-17 games, instead of 13, to become champions,” said Hazreen.
“We need squad depth, too. It will be a long season. It doesn’t matter who it is, as long as the striker is willing to put on the Arsenal jersey and give it his all. We don’t need superstars.”
FIXTURES (Malaysian time)
SATURDAY
Brighton vs Manchester United (7.30pm)
Tottenham vs Everton (10pm)
Crystal Palace vs West Ham (10pm)
Southampton vs Nottingham Forest (10pm)
Fulham vs Leicester (10pm)
Manchester City vs Ipswich (10pm)
SUNDAY
Aston Villa vs Arsenal (12.30am)
Bournemouth vs Newcastle (9pm)
Wolves vs Chelsea (9pm)
Liverpool vs Brentford (11.30pm)
