From Arsenal to the Ball God

On the sidelines, Wenger pursed his lips. This goal could only be attributed to the team’s bad luck.

”Beep! Beep! Beep——!”

After the restart, the referee blew the whistle three times, and both sides ended in a 2-2 draw, halting Arsenal’s winning streak.

Near the center circle arc, Ma’el stood with his hands on his hips, looking at the disappointed Arsenal fans, feeling a bit guilty.

If only the attack success rate was higher, the ability to change the game stronger.

He could then ignore such coincidences, ignore the form of both teams, and more steadily secure a lead sufficient to lock in the victory for his team!

Unfortunately, his current ability is only top-notch, not unparalleled, and not enough to average 2-3 goals per game, not enough to completely break the rules of football and stand out.

However, he believes that day is not far off, that such occasional setbacks will spur him to move forward more quickly!

The outcome of this game is not too bad; they extended their unbeaten run, with only 8 rounds left to their ultimate goal!

Before leaving the field, he was surrounded by reporters. A cacophony ensued.

He caught a couple of the questions and responded, ”Newcastle was able to score today due to their strong defense and their belief in not giving up until the last moment.

”That goal wasn’t the key. They set up for it the entire match, just waiting for a similar opportunity.

”They deserve this point, that’s all I can say.”

”.....”

”Us? I think we did well too, scoring is already good enough... of course, we are not satisfied with just this.

”What answer?

”I don’t think a new answer is needed. With 24 wins, 6 draws, and an unbeaten 30-game streak, accumulating 78 points to become the team with the highest score after 30 rounds in Premier League history, that’s the best answer.

”If possible, I’d hope for us to achieve over 28 wins, maybe even challenge for 100 points.

”Thank you all, see you next match, hope to end March’s journey with a victory!”

Ma’el turned around and left, exhaling deeply as he glanced at the Emirates Stadium.

By the season’s end, he must lift the championship trophy here, let the fans witness the Premier League trophy adorned with red and white ribbons, and celebrate together!

...

Time continued to roll forward, gradually reaching March 25th, as the end-of-month points battle officially began.

Everyone hoped to have a better point total and ranking heading into the crucial month of April.

That afternoon, the Premier League 29th round matches for Manchester United and Manchester City kicked off one after another, each having played one less match than Arsenal.

”Manchester City...!”

At the Etihad Stadium, the crowd roared, and Mancini’s team launched a full-scale assault, determined to take down the mid-table team Sunderland.

Upon learning that Arsenal was held to a draw at home by Newcastle, slowing their pace... Mancini understood that this was the best chance to narrow the points gap, and they had to win this match!

But Sunderland’s resilience exceeded everyone’s expectations. In the 31st minute, this seemingly uninspired team surprisingly took the lead.

”Bang!”

Sessegnon assisted Sebastian to score a header, changing the score to 1-0!

Although Dzeko won a penalty in the 43rd minute, which Balotelli converted, Sunderland’s offensive did not diminish and sometimes even suppressed City’s siege.

Just before the end of the first half, it was Sessegnon again, delivering a through ball with the outside of his foot, assisting Bentner in scoring.

2-1!

In the lead again!

Right at the start of the second half, Bentner set up Sebastian in a counterattack, who scored with a powerful shot.

3-1!

Mancini’s expression turned extremely grim, and he immediately substituted Richards and David Silva, who performed poorly, with Adam Johnson and Tevez.

But until the game passed the 80-minute mark, the team still hadn’t scored a goal.

He called over an assistant coach and asked, ”How is the game on that side? The Manchester United one.”

”Five to zero.” The assistant coach shook his head regretfully, ”Hernandez and Valencia both scored twice; Manchester United are set to secure a big victory over Wolves.”

”Bang!” Mancini smacked his right leg hard, his eyes filled with melancholy as they remained fixed on the pitch.

If they lose this one... or even just draw, they’d fall behind the pack, and they don’t have the goal difference Manchester United does.

Such a good opportunity, but they didn’t seize it!

Self-reproach and sorrow welled up in his heart, and his complexion grew increasingly dark, with what seemed like pigment gathering on his philtrum, getting darker and darker.

On the field, the team advanced their attack to the front; Nasri sent a cross from the right flank.

”Clap... Bang!”

In the middle, Balotelli controlled the ball in the crowd, then quickly connected with an aerial strike, sending the ball towards the far corner and past the goalkeeper’s ten fingers.

It’s in!

3-2!

There’s still a chance!

”Balotelli...!!”

Mancini almost jumped for joy. He sprang up from the bench, raised both hands high, and walked to the sidelines.

Feeling it was perhaps too unsophisticated, he forced himself to lower his hands, placing them in his pockets. Upon reaching the sideline, he stretched out his right arm to direct, ”Get the ball! Get the ball! Hold on, there might be a chance!”

Everything took a dramatic turn, reigniting the flame of hope in his heart.

After the kickoff, Kolarov quickly intercepted the ball from Sunderland’s midfield and dribbled forward, seeking an attacking opportunity.

”Bang!!”

This defender, who had been heavily utilized in the latter half of the season, delivered a powerful long shot on the edge of the penalty area, with the ball exhibiting great quality and dipping as it flew towards the goal.

”Whoosh!” The moment it hit the net, the air at the Etihad seemed to heat up, and every Manchester City fan celebrated ecstatically.