From Arsenal to the Ball God

”The match has begun!!”

In the broadcast studio, renowned Premier League commentator Zhan Jun began his commentary with a lowered voice: ”Dear viewers, you are now watching the broadcast of the 11-12 season Premier League first round brought to you by ESPN Sports Channel!”

His voice was somewhat hoarse, but the tone was high, easily stirring the passion of the fans, ”I am today’s commentator Zhan Jun... After a three-month break, we’re back again, and I’m sure everyone is eagerly anticipating this!”

”In the first half, it’s Newcastle United in black and white striped jerseys attacking from left to right!”

”Arsenal is wearing their away kit today in dark green and indigo, with a commemorative club crest embroidered on the chest, marking their 125th anniversary!”

”Recalling 1886 in Woolwich, 15 pioneers pooled together six pence to form this team, which has now grown into a giant!”

”Let’s focus on the match!”

On the field, Newcastle United kicked off from the center circle in the first half, deploying a 4-4-2 formation, indicating a clear strategy of defensive counterattacks.

”Bang!”

Just over ten seconds in, they launched a long pass into Sagna’s control area, where Sagna successfully challenged for the ball, passing it to Vermaelen to take control.

Ma’el was already advancing to the front, with the noise ringing in his ears and seeing the well-prepared tight formation of the opposition. His adrenaline was pumping, desperately wanting to receive a pass from his teammates.

No matter if it’s an overlap or a cut inside, let’s just go for it!

Turning his head, he spotted Danny Simpson, the opposing fullback he was matched against today.

He knew this defender well, largely because Simpson would later become a mainstay fullback in the Blue Fox miracle.

At this time, Simpson was probably still young, around twenty-three or twenty-four years old, still struggling with middle and lower Premier League teams.

Danny Simpson quickly closed in on him, occasionally nudging him with his right hand to measure the distance while staying alert.

Ma’el turned his head, facing his teammates, waiting for the ball to be played in his direction.

For now, the players at the back were controlling the ball without rushing forward, seemingly waiting for Newcastle to press up.

”Move! Move.....!!”

On the sidelines, Newcastle United’s coach Alan Pardew gestured backward, signaling his players to push up collectively. He had planned before the match to press hard for the first fifteen minutes.

Today he was dressed in a bright suit, standing straight on the sidelines, seemingly in a fashion face-off with Wenger.

The distance between Wenger and him was only about 30 meters, and as they turned their heads toward each other, they could even see the expressions on their faces.

”Newcastle’s pressing, Arsenal’s passing rhythm has quickened, they are trying to break the high press!”

In the broadcast room, Zhan Jun’s voice rang out continuously: ”Sagna is blocked on the flank and having trouble handling the ball, Cabaye intercepted it, dangerous!”

”Ameobi and Demba Ba are calling for the ball in the middle, Cabaye passes it to Barton, Barton’s cross!!”

In Arsenal’s penalty area, a fast-arcing ball whipped over.

The defenders jumped quickly, stretching their necks to reach the ball, but couldn’t quite make it.

”Bang!”

Newcastle United’s tall striker, Ameobi, jumped up high, heading the ball powerfully towards the net, seemingly for a powerful header.

However, the accuracy was off; the ball flew straight into the stands behind.

”Ah.....!” A collective sigh of regret sounded from the Newcastle United fans at St James’ Park Stadium, with many holding their heads and others sitting back down.

On the sidelines, Alan Pardew stood on tiptoe, body tense, relaxing only after the ball went out of play, wearing a look of regret.

”Come on....!!” Yet he still pumped his fist and roared in encouragement to his players. He was satisfied with the effectiveness of the pressing and hoped his players would maintain it.

In the next few minutes, he almost became the most noticeable figure on the sidelines, with some fans even ignoring the match to watch his performance.

”Oh.....!”

He occasionally raised his hands high, looking poised as if ready to celebrate for the team, sometimes striking at the air in front, expressing his excitement fiercely.

At times, when a controversial decision arose, he would even take a few steps towards Arsenal’s coaching area, complaining to the fourth official while drawing Arsenal’s coaching group into the complaints.

It was clear his excitement level was high, so high it made others uncomfortable.

On Arsenal’s coaching bench, Wenger’s expression instantly showed dissatisfaction. The pressure of playing away was significant, and now the opposing head coach was rubbing it in.

”Hey!”

He approached the fourth official, pointing at Alan Pardew: ”Tell him not to leave the technical area, he’s affecting us!”

The fourth official nodded slightly and went to negotiate with Alan Pardew, who soon turned his gaze, looking for who was complaining.

”I’ll be careful.”

Alan Pardew placated the somewhat annoying fourth official and spread his hands toward Wenger, looking puzzled.

”Unbelievable!” Wenger watched his innocent act, dissatisfied as he flicked his hand upward and walked away.

So a minor grudge was borne between them, waiting for a good chance to launch a mocking attack, having been bottled up for months, just waiting for someone to show their face.

......

In the 14th minute of the match, Newcastle United intercepted the ball again in Arsenal’s midfield and planned to launch a quick counterattack.