From Arsenal to the Ball God

Although he can’t help her sports brand now, helping out her friend’s suit shop isn’t bad either.

400,000 pounds isn’t much for him now; once the Golden Ball Award is over, he might soon land several similar advertisements, possibly breaking the ten million mark.

It would be better to give her friend a favor in Isabella’s name, after all, they have a great relationship and will surely support each other in the future.

This favor will eventually come back to Isabella in another way.

”No more excuses, I’m almost late for training, bye.” Ma’el didn’t give Isabella a chance to refuse, and after a roar of the engine, he drove away.

Isabella’s blonde hair blew past her forehead, then fell back around her eyes. She stood there, disheveled and dazed, for a long time before walking toward Aisha.

”You’re really lucky.” Aisha looked at her, returning to her usual lively self, ”If I had a boyfriend like that, I’d be over the moon.”

”Yeah.” Aisha’s parents also came over, looking at Isabella with deep affection, ”He must have many great qualities himself; it would be wonderful if you could learn from him.”

Feeling a bit embarrassed by their praise, Isabella pursed her lips and said, ”Ma’el just told me he wouldn’t charge any advertising fees.”

”What?” Aisha’s uncle came over, instinctively waving his hand, ”No, no, no, we...”

”He’s already decided.” Isabella glanced in the direction Ma’el left, a few radiant spots appearing on her face, ”That amount of money is nothing to him now. Consider it a thank you for helping in a pinch.”

Aisha’s whole family fell into silence. They weren’t stupid; they knew this was definitely because of Isabella.

”Please come in.” Aisha’s uncle extended his hand to invite Isabella inside, flusteredly saying, ”I don’t know how to thank you and him, but in London, whenever you need us, just ask, okay?”

”Why don’t we have a meal together tonight to celebrate? Aisha is so very lucky to know you.”

Aisha laughed then too, entering with everyone, ”Now, I feel like your luck has rubbed off on me a bit.”

Isabella went with them, taking one last look into the distance before entering the house. She wanted to say, the luckiest part was her decision to meet Ma’el on her own.

...

On January 23rd, the day before the home match against Liverpool, Wenger held a meeting at the Korni Base.

This was a very important match. Originally, they tied Liverpool 2-2 at the away game, gaining a significant advantage for the second leg.

But with Mertesacker’s muscle fatigue and Vermaelen’s injury, the situation had become again unpredictable.

”Starters can be decided in advance.”

Wenger opened the tactical board, arranging a 4-3-3 formation with the pieces, ”Goalkeeper Szczeny, left-back Gibbs, center-backs Zhu Lu teamed with Koscielny, right-back Sagna.

”In midfield, Alexander Song in the center, with Arteta and Rosicky on either side.

”The frontline stays the same, with Ma’el, Van Persie, and Walcott.”

After announcing the lineup, he adjusted the pieces a bit, switching to a 4-4-2 formation, ”We’ve studied Liverpool’s recent matches; they will probably continue using the 4-4-2 formation, but there will be adjustments compared to the last game.”

Wenger may lack on-the-spot directing ability, but his pre-match analysis ability is undoubtedly strong, which is why Arsenal has consistently ranked in the top four over the years.

”Firstly, it’s certain they won’t play many defensive midfield and forward players again; they’ll aim to take the initiative during the away game.”

Wenger said this, pointing it out so he could segue into the next point, ”Once that’s the case, Henderson and Gerrard’s positions will be much advanced; they must keep up with the team’s overall formation.

”And at that moment, the transition becomes critical... yes, it’s still about transitions; modern football is all about the transition.”

Ma’el sat below, listening intently; this match was crucial to him. On one hand, he deeply desired the championship; on the other hand, he remembered this was a battle line he had fought for.

This battle line has now become a true championship line. If they win two more matches, they’ll lift the trophy by the end of February.

That would be his first top-league championship trophy, the beginning of a Grand Slam.

”Swish.....” Wenger drew back the tactical board, gathering the pieces into a small area, ”When we regain possession, and they realize there are few on their defensive line, they’ll definitely make a desperate immediate counter-press.

”However, because they don’t have many defensive players up front, the intensity of their counter-press might be lesser, unless Henderson and Gerrard join in.

”At that moment, the more difficult it is to pass the ball out, the greater the chance of getting it to their weak side... remember, the more difficult your pass, the harder their defensive line will be later.”

He tapped the tips of his fingers at the opponent’s penalty arc area, ”This will be their weakest spot. So, I hope once we gain possession, the wingers should cut inside more.

”As long as we draw their center-backs out of position, their defensive line will be in disarray. Then... you know what to do; I don’t need to teach you shooting or passing.”

He closed the tactical board and leaned on the table with both hands, ”Since we’ve made it to the semifinals, I sincerely hope they end seven years of trophy drought on this battle line!

”Come on, guys!”

”Clap, clap, clap...!” Applause erupted in the tactics room, with players clapping energetically, full of fighting spirit.