From Arsenal to the Ball God

The Manchester United players are gradually getting into their groove, as they circulate the ball, constantly transferring it through Gibbs and Carrick.

”Clap!”

”Crack!”

Once they lose possession, Gibbs and Carrick scramble desperately, quickly contributing two interceptions and one successful tackle between them.

Arsenal’s ability to play the ball out from the back is problematic, and they’re gradually being suppressed by Manchester United.

”Thud thud thud!” Ma’el continues to dash back to the flank, assisting Gibbs in defense. It’s almost impossible for him not to return.

In the past one or two years, modern football may slowly establish a trend where wingers take on 30% of the wing’s defensive duties, and even the center-forward must assume defensive responsibilities.

Football remains a battle of the sword and shield; no one can wield the sword without the shield.

Of course, this is not absolute. When an attacking player’s swordsmanship is exceptionally outstanding, to maximize their effectiveness, they may solely wield the sword without the shield.

But the cost is that their teammates must take up an extra shield for them, and securely.

Real Madrid’s Ronaldo and Barça’s Messi are such existences, and in games against weaker teams, Ma’el is also such an existence for Arsenal.

But it’s different when playing against strong teams; he must pick up his shield to relieve the pressure on his teammates!

First withstand the opponent’s slashes, then put down the shield and reveal the sword!

He is still some distance from his theoretical strongest strength; all his attacking skills are at Level 5, his physical ability is also at Level 5, and he can develop Level 4 tackling and other defense-related skills.

Then he will not only have the sharpest sword but also the sturdiest shield, and with his extraordinary physical condition, he can wield both simultaneously!

This will be a new level of player, one that has never appeared in the world of football.

”Boom boom boom....!”

In the 24th minute of the match, Manchester United once again organized an attack from the right-wing position, continuously circulating the ball to tear apart Arsenal’s local defense line.

Ma’el was standing in front of Gibbs. When he noticed Carrick passing the ball to Giggs, behind him, Valencia stealthily began his sprint..... He pretended not to see it, strolling backward while lowering his center of gravity, preparing for a sprint.

”Boom!”

Giggs struck a touch towards the position behind Gibbs, with Valencia striding rapidly forward.

Ma’el immediately started, overtaking Valencia and Gibbs in two steps, bringing the ball back under his foot.

Interception +1!

”Ah....!” A regretful sigh erupted from the Manchester United fans behind Arsenal’s goal, as it was an excellent opportunity.

This expression of regret also nicely motivated Ma’el, converting his urge to shout into energy, as he took the ball quickly towards Manchester United’s defensive half.

Gibbs and Carrick quickly closed in, intending to stop him with a tactical foul.

”Boom!”

Ma’el wasn’t foolish; he passed the ball to Ramsey in the middle, then made a non-dribbling surge into the opponent’s front field.

”Snip snip snip.....!” The sound of thread snapping came, and a pulling force came from behind.

It was the veteran Giggs again; even without the ball, he didn’t want to let Ma’el pass, trying to pull him down!

He realized that Manchester United’s defensive strategy today focuses on tactical fouls, intending to offset his offensive threat at the cost of numerous yellow cards.

”Thud thud thud!”

Ma’el used all his strength to pedal on the ground, treating Giggs like a large elastic band during training, pulling him forward.

”Thud!” Giggs quickly fell to the ground, but he didn’t let go, still gripping Ma’el’s shirt tightly.

”Rip!” With a teeth-gritting sound, Ma’el’s shirt tore at the left armpit, exposing his muscular upper body.

Giggs finally let go, feeling that the referee should blow the whistle by now.

The referee indeed put the whistle in his mouth, reaching for the pocket over his chest to pull out a yellow card for Giggs.

But unexpectedly, Ma’el didn’t give up and was still sprinting rapidly towards Manchester United’s defensive half, seemingly intent on completing this wave of attack.

At full sprint, his shirt was lifted by the wind, revealing his well-defined pecs and abs to fans on the sides.

”Yaaah...!” Many female fans screamed, as Wenger said; the girls in London are passionate, unashamedly raising their arms and staring wide-eyed in delight.

”Boom!”

Arteta’s pass soon arrived, sending it onto Ma’el’s running path.

After receiving the ball, Ma’el charged towards the opponent’s midfield, with Van Persie making a diagonal run to the left flank, taking away a defender, while Walcott pulled out wide, taking Evra with him.

”Scratch!”

Phil Jones noticed that only Smolin was left behind him, panicking and immediately going to the ground for a sliding tackle.

Ma’el was running when he suddenly felt his body lifted and fell heavily onto the ground.

This was quite severe, as the powerful impact upon landing made his neck twitch uncontrollably, and his face smashed into the ground, getting a mouthful of grass and dirt.

”Beep!!” The referee’s whistle was sharp, immediately reaching for a yellow card for Phil Jones.

”Thud thud thud!”

Ma’el felt slightly unwilling and angry, pounding the ground a few times in rage before getting up and spitting out the dirt and grass.

The repeated fouls ignited his anger, coupled with the fact that this is the top battle against Manchester United, crucial in the unbeaten streak this season, making it even more difficult for him to control his emotions.

His fighting spirit was growing stronger, raising his desire for a goal significantly.

”Phil Jones, yellow card!”

After showing a yellow card to Phil Jones, the referee turned towards Gibbs, ”Giggs, yellow card!”

An additional yellow card!

Ma’el’s one breakthrough had resulted in two yellow cards for Manchester United!

”Yeah.....!” Cheers erupted on the scene, with fans at the Emirates Stadium knowing what these two yellow cards meant; Manchester United’s defensive intensity was about to decline.

On the sidelines, Ferguson’s face turned grim; he simply couldn’t understand why Ma’el’s offensive desire was so intense!

Even with his shirt torn, he must complete the attack first?

”Jersey! Jersey!”

On the other side, Wenger anxiously pointed towards the player tunnel, indicating someone go fetch a new jersey.

Philip hurriedly ran over, and about a minute later, returned at a sprint.

Ma’el by then, had also reached the sidelines, took off his torn shirt, and switched to a new one.

”Aahh....!” This scene once again made numerous Arsenal female fans scream, with countless cameras capturing his stretched body as he donned the new jersey.

Wenger, unable to hold back, smiled. Despite his age, he still received many French fashion invitations to do male photo shoots and even walk the runway.

Wondering if after this season finishes, someone might invite him and Ma’el to team up, a duo of handsome old and young gentlemen.

Ma’el, having changed his jersey, sprinted back onto the field. He had just been taken down at the edge of the penalty arc, presenting a decent free-kick opportunity!

...

ps: Last night had an allergy and went for an infusion, got up late today, updates won’t be less, just a bit later.