From Arsenal to the Ball God

No one can truly be objective in matters like this. Everyone’s opinion is heavily influenced by their own standpoint.

...

On January 30th, the top-of-the-table clash at home against Manchester United arrived. The gloomy sky over North London reflected the atmosphere here on this day.

”Revenge!”

”Beat Arsenal!”

”Manchester United... Manchester United! Rooney... Rooney...!!”

The chants from Manchester United’s fans began two hours before the match. The Red Devils’ traveling fans stood together, forming a phalanx near the Emirates Stadium, and soon set off smoke bombs and neon flares.

”Sizzle sizzle sizzle...!”

Colored smoke filled the air outside the stadium, creating a shrouded atmosphere. Their momentum was fierce, and the young lads had a determined look on their faces.

At the pre-match press conference, Sir Alex Ferguson and Gibbs sat in the media room, fielding questions from reporters.

”The starting lineup is out, and we see Manchester United is playing with a five-defender formation, which is rare in previous matches. What’s the plan?” a reporter asked.

”I won’t answer tactical questions before the match,” Ferguson said sternly, fully aware of the importance of this match. ”If you want to ask, wait until we’ve won, and I’ll tell you then.”

”Giggs is also in the starting lineup. The veteran is already 38 years old. Can his body withstand the high-intensity clash for the top spot?”

Hearing the question, Ferguson glanced at Giggs, signaling him to respond.

”Haha...” Giggs laughed twice, shook his head while leaning on the table, and said, ”I might not be able to make breakthrough moves like I used to, but I can still contribute to Manchester United like before.

”Sir Ferguson isn’t worried about this, so why should you be?”

After going around in circles, a reporter finally asked about Arsenal, ”Arsenal has remained unbeaten for the past 21 matches. Are you confident about ending their streak?”

”We are here for this,” Ferguson’s expression remained serious. ”Just like when we ended their streak in the 04-05 season.”

The tension escalated. The fierce rivalry between Ferguson and Wenger was naturally one of the biggest highlights of this Premier League era.

On the other side, in the media room, Wenger and Ma’el sat on the bench.

”Mertesacker hasn’t played for nearly a month. Facing Manchester United in his first match back, can his body handle it?” a reporter asked.

”Yes, he’s trustworthy.” Wenger didn’t want to waste too much breath on such trivial questions, giving a simple answer.

”Ma’el delivered 2 goals and 2 assists when facing Manchester United away last time. What are your thoughts for this home match against them?”

”Do it again,” Ma’el also smiled as he simply answered, displaying his confidence.

”All neutral fans believe Manchester United will defeat Arsenal in this match, breaking their unbeaten streak. What’s Arsenal’s view on this?”

Wenger’s lips curled slightly as he approached the microphone, a hint of displeasure in his voice, ”All neutral fans? Is that what you think?

”Pre-match predictions are very dull. The most fascinating part of football is its unpredictability. I invite the so-called neutral fans you mention to watch this match closely, including yourself.”

The journalist remained expressionless and turned to Ma’el, ”What about your opinion?”

”Same as above.”

...

”Beep!!”

”Alright, the heated summit battle has already begun at the Emirates Stadium! Zhan Jun and Mr. Zhang bring you the live commentary!”

In the ESPN broadcast room, Zhan Jun’s iconic voice rang out, ”Today, Manchester United unexpectedly opted for a five-defender formation. The goalkeeper is De Gea, left back is Evra, and right back is Valencia.

”The central three defenders in the middle include Smolin, with Evans and Phil Jones on either side.

”In midfield, Giggs partners with Carrick. They likely have a significant defensive task and pressure today.

”In the forward line, Welbeck is on the left, Rooney at the forefront, and Nani remains in his familiar right-side position.

”Mr. Zhang, could you analyze the tactical intentions of this formation layout?

”Especially concerning the right back position, Valencia is an attacking defender. Why pair him against Ma’el?”

”Ah...” Mr. Zhang began as usual and then delved earnestly into his analysis, ”We see Manchester United’s 5-2-3 formation. In attack, they may spread out entirely, becoming a 3-4-3.

”Moreover, their 3-4-3 is more like a net, a circle.

”Everyone surely knows about the circle training drill in football. Ferguson today uses these five defenders and three forwards to form a circle around the pitch, encircling all the Arsenal players.

”Giggs and Carrick are like their frees inside the circle, able to receive the ball anywhere to help Manchester United link the play.

”In attack, the outer eight players of Manchester United’s circle will rotate, taking turns attacking Arsenal’s defensive line, with Giggs and Carrick assisting by circulating the ball.

”In defense, Giggs and Carrick will first help Manchester United sweep through, waiting for their circle to gradually tighten, compressing space to make interceptions.

”So it’s clear Manchester United intends to suppress Arsenal with ball control, minimizing Ma’el’s opportunities to receive the ball while putting pressure on him through Valencia, forcing him to keep retreating and exhausting his stamina.”

”...”

Inside the Emirates Stadium, the match has already kicked off, with Manchester United starting the ball from the center circle in the first half.

Ma’el ran into the opponent’s half and noticed they’ve stretched the formation wide, playing very confidently and unafraid of Arsenal suddenly interrupting and counterattacking.