From Arsenal to the Ball God

Chapter 284: Chapter 89: Derby Showdown! The Gunpowder Scent at White Hart Lane! Ma’el’s Duel with the Two Speedsters! [1/3]

At 2:10 PM, the tension was rising as the head coaches from both sides sat for interviews in the press conference room.

They sat side by side, avoiding eye contact, both aware that the first battle of the derby would be waged here.

Some pre-match press conferences bring together the head coaches of both teams, using this approach to add intrigue and tension.

The North London Derby, already high in popularity and intrigue, naturally sees the media take this approach to further heat things up.

Even the clubs themselves tacitly approve or endorse this method.

They all understand that some matches are impossible to tone down, and it’s best to fully immerse themselves and strive to savor the beauty of victory after a fierce contest.

”The early season performance has indeed been questioned, but in the derby, we won’t hold back.”

Tottenham’s manager Redknapp, seated, was the first to respond to the media: ”Arsenal has been performing well this season, but that’s as far as it goes. We will end their unbeaten run at White Hart Lane.

”What wasn’t achieved in the 03-04 season will be resolved in the 11-12 season. We will exact revenge.”

”.....”

”Sorry, I only want to talk about the match, not individual players... don’t ask me about Van Persie and Ma’el again, we are not afraid of them.

”But since it’s brought up, I must say we have defensive strategies in place for Van Persie and Ma’el.

”Kyle Walker is in great form, he’s become a top Premier League full-back, his qualities are not inferior to Ma’el’s, and he can successfully defend.”

”.....”

”Wenger’s investment in the youth academy? I don’t think it’s proven effective. In fact, Ma’el is not a product of Arsenal’s youth academy; he joined the team coincidentally and left for Sheffield United after the trial.

”If you want to talk about Gilbert from the last match, I would agree that he’s a fruit of Arsenal’s youth academy, but not Ma’el. His joining was Arsenal’s luck.

”He doesn’t have Arsenal’s heritage, and frankly, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him join Tottenham in the future, haha.....”

After this question, the reporters turned their attention to Wenger on the other side, asking if he was confident about the match.

Wenger didn’t rush his response, but instead sternly countered Redknapp, as the latter had clearly touched a nerve.

”I think the Tottenham coach should maintain respect for his old rivals, whether towards the club or me, or the club’s players.

”As a manager of a prominent Premier League team, at least 20% of your time and energy should be dedicated to dealing with the media and public opinion, and it’s inappropriate to speak in such a manner at this time.

”Is it possible he’s seeking more attention? Too focused on things outside the field? All I can say is, in this regard, I don’t recommend following Mourinho.”

He mentioned a former rival as an example, and speaking of it, there is a hint of nostalgia... there’s talk of his potential return to Chelsea.

”Wait.”

Redknapp didn’t wait for Wenger to continue and interrupted: ”I’m not trying to emulate anyone, that’s just your view. I suggest you focus on the match.”

”Not focused on the match enough?” Wenger continued to look ahead without turning back: ”I’m not sure who started this first, but I certainly won’t engage in such petty topics.”

Redknapp opened his mouth to rebut, but this time Wenger interrupted him, pointing to a reporter: ”It’s your turn to ask a question now.”

”Does Ma’el represent the club’s future? What does he represent?”

Wenger’s expression remained unchanged, he replied without hesitation: ”Everything.”

......

”Ladies and gentlemen, you’re now watching the highlight match of the 7th round in the Premier League!”

In the broadcasting room, Zhan Jun sat as he always did for these eye-catching battles, usually taking the commentary lead: ”Here at White Hart Lane, the atmosphere is wild! Both sets of players are about to take the pitch!

”This is ESPN Sports, I’m commentator Zhan Jun, and my co-commentator is Zhang Lu.”

”Hello, everyone.” Zhang Lu’s distinctive voice chimed in, with a hint of amusement, ”Hehe... there’s no need to emphasize the importance of the derby match. Let’s hope both sides deliver a fantastic contest.”

Zhan Jun nodded with a smile, picking up the lineup sheet: ”Let’s look at the starting line-ups for both teams.

”For the home team, Tottenham is lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with goalkeeper Frederick; the backline from left to right is Asueke, Ledley King, Cahill, and Kyle Walker.

”In midfield, sitting deeper is the defensive powerhouse Scott Parker, in front of him the Dutch star Van der Vaart, and the Croatian star Modric.

”Up front, leading the attack is Adebayor, who once played for Arsenal... Bell is on the left wing, with Defoe on the right.”

After he finished, Zhang Lu summed it up: ”This is a very luxurious lineup and Tottenham this season aims to compete for a Champions League spot... at home against Arsenal, they will definitely go all out for victory.

”The head-to-head between Bell and Ma’el on the flanks is a key highlight, and his showdown with former Sheffield United teammate Kyle Walker is also worth anticipating.”

As he concluded, Zhan Jun followed up: ”As for Arsenal, they’re set up in a 3-4-3 formation. Due to Koscielny’s injury and the successful experiment of a three-center-back formation in the last Champions League match, Wenger continues with this tactical system.

”Goalkeeper...”

At White Hart Lane, the densely packed crowd filled the seats; even with a magnifying glass, it would be hard to spot a vacancy, with the atmosphere already reaching a boiling point.