From Arsenal to the Ball God

”My physical condition is generally very good; the exhaustion from the match against Manchester United was just a rare case, not the norm.”

”Indeed.” Philip nodded, but still suggested: ”Have you thought about this? Just consulting like this deviates from your initial purpose of hiring a private doctor.

”At first, you might have felt that your body would wear down in high-intensity top-level matches, requiring regular check-ups and recovery training to reduce fatigue and injury risks.

”This is actually correct. If every athlete protected themselves this way, there would be far fewer injuries.

”You can’t just feel okay after playing more than half a season and then think about slowing down the frequency of check-ups..... Many hidden problems are not felt by you, but they can be detected. This is also the reason why they dare to charge this price.”

Ma’el listened to him and felt it was true. He analyzed his own heart, trying to see if long-term health had made him lower his guard.

In the end, he found there must be some. He gradually stopped valuing these things as much as he initially did.

Oh well!

Just give it, for the sake of a healthy career, spending money on a part-time private doctor for regular check-ups is definitely worth it!

”Bang!”

At this moment, Walcott burst into the penalty area and sent a crossing ball, Van Persie let it pass, and Henry followed up with a foot to push the ball into the back corner of the net.

”Oh.....!” Ma’el stood up and celebrated with both hands raised like the traveling Arsenal fans, and high-fived Philip beside him.

Leading goal!

There shouldn’t be much of a problem anymore; the team is surely returning to the right track.

On the sidelines, the bearded Henry came to the edge with his arms spread wide, tightened his lips, and burst out roaring: ”Boom....!!”

Van Persie and Walcott quickly jumped on his back, knocking him to the ground, unexpected for the veteran to score right after coming on.

After this goal, Bolton Wanderers tried to enhance their offensive, but instead gave Arsenal a more relaxed attacking environment. This is the advantage strong teams have when leading against weaker ones; they play more effortlessly.

In the 43rd minute of the match, Ramsey, who started today, sent a direct pass to Van Persie on the edge of the penalty area, who dribbled with his left foot, cut inside a few steps, and before the defenders, struck a dipping shot.

”Bang!”

The ball brushed against Bolton Wanderers defender Knight and flew towards the goal, bypassing goalkeeper Bogdan’s hand and into the net.

Two to zero!

Dipping shot into the net!

It almost sealed the victory early; for Bolton Wanderers to overturn Arsenal’s two-goal lead is undoubtedly hellishly difficult.

”Yeah.....!” Van Persie chose to slide and kneel in celebration after reaching the sidelines. Whether in revenge or not, Henry rushed over and knocked him to the ground too.

In the 47th minute of the match, as the first half stoppage time was about to end, Ramsey once again broke through and delivered a direct pass to the flank position.

Henry sprinted in, adjusted angles as if aiming for the far corner, but at the last moment flicked the ball with the outside of his foot towards the middle.

”Bang!”

Van Persie followed in the middle, converted the chance, completing the brace, scoring his 22nd Premier League goal this season.

Three to zero!

”Come on...!” Van Persie once again ran to the sidelines, this time choosing to celebrate with a punch.

”Clap, clap.....!”

On the sidelines, Ma’el, Philip, and others applauded them; the goal had steadied the match completely with no more unexpected turns.

”You and Van Persie are now first and second on the top scorers list.”

Philip leaned toward Ma’el’s ear and smiled: ”Could this season’s Golden Boot race slowly turn into an internal battle between you two?”

”It’s possible.” Ma’el nodded, leading Van Persie by 3 goals, but ahead of third-place Aguero by 7 goals.

Seems like as the season goes, it’s truly down to him and the Dutch forward for the Golden Boot.

”But don’t worry.” He glanced at Van Persie, ”We won’t sabotage each other; if there’s an opportunity, we’ll definitely pass to each other. As long as we can win, win the championship, it doesn’t matter who gets the Golden Boot in the end.”

”I’m glad you think that way.”

Philip sat back down, patting Ma’el’s back and said: ”I believe you two will prioritize the team, but to proactively say this shows you have absolute confidence in getting the Golden Boot.”

”Haha.....”

Ma’el laughed with him; indeed, this was spot-on.

The first half of the match then ended, both teams rested for 15 minutes before resuming the second half confrontation.

The rhythm slowed down again; Bolton Wanderers knew overturning the game was impossible and started to retreat in defense to avoid being crushed by Arsenal.

In the 70th minute of the match, Wenger called Ma’el, wanting him to find his form and get a feel for his feet in preparation for the next round.

Ma’el got up to warm up, standing at the sidelines by the 74th minute of the match.

”How about it, buddy?” Henry patted his chest badge, showing off his performance today, ”You better step up, or watch out your starting position gets taken by me.”

Ma’el laughed loudly, shook his head, and replied: ”I really hope to have some competitive pressure.”

Henry patted his head and walked off the field, carrying a towel, putting on his jacket, and sitting back on the bench.

After Ma’el came on and started running down the left flank, but he didn’t play too hard. His body was still a bit tired; just needed to adjust to the rhythm, especially as they were already leading by a big margin.

”Bang!”

In the 89th minute of the match, he sent a precise cross to Van Persie, potentially helping him complete a hat-trick.

However, Van Persie slipped, suddenly collapsed before shooting, missing the golden opportunity.