From Arsenal to the Ball God

December 26, Emirates Stadium.

The heated Boxing Day battle arrived, with all 60,508 tickets at the Emirates Stadium sold out. Fans inside sang the team anthem created during the 97-98 Double Crown season, ”Hot Stuff.”

This is a song with a slow rhythm yet full of passion, creatively incorporating the names of many players.

At its inception, the names included were mostly Ian Wright, Bergkamp, Petit, and others. But when it was sung later, fans would replace parts of the names with players who performed well that season.

”...Nothing stopped us.....!

”Everything was going...Ma’el!Ma’el!

”Walking in a...Van Persie...wonderland!”

That day, Ma’el’s name was mentioned first, followed by Van Persie, as they had scored 36 goals for the team in the first 17 rounds.

Below the pitch, after both teams’ players entered, Ma’el, who wasn’t in the starting lineup today, came to the sidelines holding the Golden Boy Award trophy, showing it off to all the fans at the Emirates Stadium.

”Ma’el! Ma’el! Ma’el!”

”Clap clap.....!”

The singing paused, and all the cheers in the stadium were directed at Ma’el alone. A thunderous applause ensued as countless arms waved in the stands.

Ma’el held the Golden Boy Award trophy and waved to the fans around the stadium, with each wave sparking even wilder cheers.

The fans’ love for him reached a peak; he was now like a new king holding a scepter at this stadium.

”Ma’el today appeared on the pitch in a suit, but after showing the Golden Boy Award trophy, the player might return to the dressing room to change into his kit.”

In the broadcasting room, Zhan Jun looked at the screen with a happy smile, as if putting himself in Ma’el’s shoes, ”He is on the match list today, but his starting position was taken by Arshavin.

”This makes me think if Wenger is planning to sell Arshavin in the upcoming winter transfer window.

”This player still has two and a half years on his contract with the club but has lost his place at the club.

”With Ma’el’s excellent performance, he can only play a few minutes when the game is already decided, and he faces competition from several rotation players in cup matches.”

As his voice fell, Zhang Lu followed his words with a laugh: ”Like they say, whether it’s a horse or a mule, let’s take it out and see. How much of his peak strength is left?

”Is that what you mean?”

”Yes.” Zhan Jun’s tone also carried a smile, ”Arshavin will probably give his all; he is 30 years old this year and can still strive for a decent contract at a better team.”

Off the pitch, after Ma’el finished showcasing the trophy, he returned to the dressing room to change clothes. Before he could get out, he heard cheers from the stadium.

”Oh.....!”

He quickly walked out of the player tunnel and looked onto the field, seeing Van Persie sliding on his knees on the sideline, high-fiving Arshavin first.

Did the Tsar just assist as soon as he came on?

Not bad.

He returned to the bench with a smile, thinking it was nice to sit on the bench and enjoy the team’s win on this beautiful Boxing Day.

The second goal didn’t keep him waiting long. In the 18th minute of the match, Gervinho scored another goal with a corner opportunity.

”Yeah.....!”

The cheers rang out again, and Ma’el stood up and applauded, praising his teammates’ excellent performance.

The first half of the match ended like this, with Arsenal leading Wolves two to zero, playing relatively comfortably overall.

Fifteen minutes later, the second half began, Wolves launched a counterattack; no one wants to lose on Boxing Day, whether home or away.

In the 48th minute of the match, Steven Fletcher seized on Szczeny’s bobble of a long shot and slammed the ball into Arsenal’s net with a follow-up shot.

One to two!

Hope reignited!

”Ma’el, warm up!”

Wenger, worried about any accidents, called up Ma’el. He had now become one of the team’s guarantees.

Ma’el had just taken off his coat and was warming up on the sidelines when he saw Arshavin break through two players on the left flank and then unleashed a powerful shot that smashed into the net.

”Wow.....!”

Exclamations arose, and even he was somewhat surprised; the Tsar still had about 70-80% of his strength.

One goal, one assist!

He’s really fighting for that new contract!

”He originally wanted to retire, but being unable to get playing time this season somewhat frustrated him... unexpectedly, it sparked his fighting spirit.”

Rosicky, who was also warming up beside Ma’el, explained. He had known Arshavin longer.

After saying this, he looked at Ma’el, recalled his conversation with Wenger, and smiled, ”The number 7 will be yours for the second half of the season. Don’t have any barriers with me in your heart because I don’t have any with you.

”So, if anyone whispers in your ear that I’m uncomfortable or something, it’s definitely trying to sow discord.”

Ma’el glanced at Rosicky, a little surprised. He didn’t expect the other to bring this up.

He paused, then subconsciously asked, ”Why?”

”Because I don’t value the number.”

Rosicky pretended to laugh lightly but quickly spoke the truth, ”Because I want to win a championship, and if the number 7 can better motivate you, I will give it to you without hesitation.

”Since coming to the United Kingdom, I haven’t won any championship. Although I can play more than 20 times a year at Arsenal, it sounds like I’m serving a big club...”

In the end, he shrugged, the meaning obvious, but still without a single championship.

Ma’el patted his shoulder, promising, ”Rest assured, I’ll make sure we get what we both want.”

At this moment, they heard cheers erupting from the far stands, turning to see Wolves’ midfielder Stephen Hunt entering the box and scoring with a push shot.