From Arsenal to the Ball God

August 28th, the final match of the opening month of the 11-12 season has arrived.

The match between Manchester United at Old Trafford against Arsenal will kick off promptly at 3:30 p.m. this day.

Philip woke up this morning at a hotel in the center of Manchester and keenly felt the tense atmosphere and pressure of this match.

”Glory Glory Man United.....! Glory Glory Man United.....!!” The faint chants came from outside the window, mixed with fireworks and clapping sounds.

He went to the window and opened it, hearing even more chaotic noises, whistling, beating of drums, and people on rooftops cursing.

It seemed that a hundred Manchester United fans learned where they were staying and came here specifically to protest.

”Fortunately, they didn’t set off fireworks while we were sleeping.”

Beside him, roommate Mertesacker yawned with slight relief, indicating that even Manchester United’s die-hard fans had some boundaries.

”Are you nervous?” Philip asked, pulling the window closed again, ”Playing against Manchester United might just be your Premier League debut.”

”A little bit.”

Mertesacker nodded as he put on his clothes, ”They are one of the top teams in Europe, with the best strikers. It’s definitely going to be tough fighting them.

”However..... In the pre-match analysis meeting, when Coach Philippe described the traits of their forward players, I found these types of attacking players relatively easier to defend against.

”Compared to them, I dread facing someone like you with monstrous physical stats.”

”Haha... that’s repelling like forces.” Philip chuckled a few times, dressing up and heading with Mertesacker to the hotel cafeteria for breakfast prepared by the club’s chef.

After breakfast, they rested for about half an hour before boarding the bus to Old Trafford for a field practice.

”Champione... champione...!!”

Unexpectedly, many Manchester United fans were already at Old Trafford, glaring at the bus, raising their hands as they sang the team’s third anthem with astonishing momentum.

”Do they think they have us?” Van Persie looked outside the window and joked by shaking his head.

”Let’s make them regret it.”

Although Philip still had some concerns, having come this far, there was nothing to fear. It was just a matter of putting all his efforts into the fight.

This time with Arteta and Mertesacker, along with him..... and a more cohesive Arsenal, with greater morale and confidence!

He couldn’t believe that they couldn’t cause trouble for Manchester United away and lose in that manner.

”By the way.” Van Persie caught sight of a mischievous idea forming in Philip’s mind and turned to him, ”In the match that ended this morning, Manchester City beat Tottenham Hotspur 5-1.

”Dzeko scored four goals, making it six goals in the Premier League already. Do you think he will be my competition for the Golden Boot Award this season?”

”Why ask me?”

Philip smiled, inquiring after realizing the other was teasing him, ”Do you mean you’ve already assumed you’ll be the team’s top scorer this season?

”Hold on..... Robin, better to say something like that after you’ve scored more goals than me next time.”

Players inside the bus smiled, though none of them could join in such conversations since they didn’t score much.

Philip didn’t continue the chat with Van Persie, as they soon arrived at the side entrance of Old Trafford, entering through the side passage into the stadium, seeing this historic arena.

It’s a large stadium somewhat similar to Emirates Stadium, with a dominant red color base, seating with the white-lettered ’Manchester United’ team name, and a grass field with stripes of dark green and light green interspersed.

Sir Ferguson, from here, claimed 12 top league titles and 2 Champions League titles, achieving great success!

This was Philip’s first time visiting here, naturally feeling a unique sensation.

He could sense the weight and glory of this stadium.

Scanning the field, the iconic moments from over the past decade seemed to replay vividly, legends having walked right beside him.

Currently, Philip’s experience regarding these top-level venues was quite limited.

Apart from Newcastle’s and Udinese’s home grounds, and Arsenal’s home Emirates Stadium, he hasn’t been to many large stadiums.

The journey ahead is long..... In this lifetime, he must travel to the world’s famous elite sports stadiums, leaving his story in each venue!

After training, a journalist chased after Philip on the sidelines while asking, ”Does Arsenal have the confidence to take points away from Old Trafford? Do you want to score here?”

Philip initially didn’t want to answer these two questions but hesitated and turned back when entering the exit tunnel.

He took the microphone and spoke into the camera, ”The team is in great form and very confident. Of course, I’d like to score here, that’s it.”

......

At 3:15 p.m., the players from both teams, after warming up on the field, returned to the locker room for final preparations and adjustments.

”Glory Glory Man United.....!!”

”Aaahh... Oh... Arsenal....!!”

Old Trafford was gradually heating up, with more than seventy thousand fans pouring into the stadium, turning it into a sea of red, as fans sang loudly, awaiting the start of the match.

In Arsenal’s dressing room, Wenger was making the final arrangements and adjustments against Manchester United’s lineup.

He took this match very seriously. His rivalry with Ferguson had lasted over a decade; Arsenal had ended Manchester United’s consecutive wins, while Manchester United had ended their 49-match unbeaten streak.

Naturally, the two clubs were sworn rivals, and whenever they clashed, it promised to be an intense battle.