From Arsenal to the Ball God

”In the midfield position, Essien partners with Romelu, with Torres and Malouda in the center ahead of them, and Kalou and Sturridge on both sides.

”With this lineup, trying to compete with a full-strength Arsenal should be somewhat challenging.

”Di Matteo’s intention is clear, either directly qualify for next season’s Champions League by winning the Champions League or qualify for next season’s Europa League by winning the FA Cup!

”If they manage to do both, that would be extraordinary... Alright, the match has begun, let’s focus on the field!”

”.....”

At the Emirates Stadium, amidst chants from the crowd, Van Persie kicks off from the center circle, and Chelsea’s four forwards press past the halfway line to initiate the press.

”Bang!”

The fullback Kyle Walker, newly receiving the ball near the sideline, is in no rush, deliberately waiting for the opposing forward to approach before passing the ball back to Szczeny.

”Go, go, go!” Two of Chelsea’s midfielders also push past the halfway line, blocking Szczeny’s passing channels to Arsenal’s midfield.

”Bang!” But Szczeny quickly finds Ramsey on the side and delivers the ball to him.

Facing Arsenal’s seven-player backfield, Chelsea’s six-person pressing unit is undoubtedly hard-pressed to cut off all passing options.

Wenger emphasized the numerical advantage here during the pre-match talk, instructing the team to maintain deep ball control, draw the opposing midfield forward, and then simplify the process to pass the ball to the forwards, allowing them to directly face the defenders.

”Bang, bang... bang!”

Ramsey, after receiving the ball and turning, swiftly passes it to Van Persie, who has come back to receive.

In a half-turn, the latter distributes the ball, allowing Ma’el the opportunity to possess it on the left flank, with Chelsea’s middle and forward defense lines already breached.

”Slam...!”

Ma’el dribbles the ball towards the opposing defender Bosingwa, known for tackling and aerial duels, definitely not easy to surpass in set-piece situations.

However, in this transition play, Bosingwa is certainly full of vulnerabilities.

Feigning a forward dribble to deceive the opponent’s tackle, he nudges the ball towards the center, heading straight towards the opponent’s goal.

Upon reaching the arc top, he faces three choices, either to pass to the slashing Van Persie or to distribute to Walcott on the right flank.

”Bang!!”

He chooses the third option, a direct dipping shot, believing the likelihood of Van Persie bypassing the defender and scoring is less than him directly shooting.

”Whap.....!”

”Oh oh oh.....!”

Arsenal fans gasp in surprise as Cech executes a stunning save, batting away the shot aiming for the goal’s corner with one hand.

This is a great goalkeeper, especially before his severe head injury.

Ma’el, undeterred, apologetically gestures to Van Persie and Walcott, stepping into the box to contest the corner kick.

Throughout the season, he’s understood the probability of succeeding on the first try is small, and has long been accustomed to warming up his feel for the ball before seeking to score.

”Doing well?”

Van Persie doesn’t blame him; instead, he smiles and asks, ”So, planning to help us win with goals again?”

”Haha.....” Ma’el optimistically nods, clapping hands with him, saying, ”Though my attempt failed, the team’s tactical attempt succeeded, so I’m confident I’ll get more opportunities.”

Van Persie says no more, standing at the near post, readying to contest the corner kick.

Ma’el moves to the central position, glancing at the Arsenal fans behind the goal, full of anticipation and confidence, a very sure feeling suddenly surges within him.

This crucial match, they won’t lose; they’re sure to win and then lift the championship trophy at the end of the month!

...

”Opportunity!! Relying again on Cech! In the past 30 minutes, Arsenal has launched 6-7 shots, demonstrating exceptionally high attacking efficiency!

”Chelsea has also had some successful attempts, with Sturridge and Torres on this strong side often delivering some spectacular attacks and completing shots!

”Overall, Arsenal has the upper hand, but whether they can score first still depends on the strikers’ form!”

”.....”

”With that, the first half of the match is over, Arsenal fans may have to momentarily put away their anticipation and wait for the match’s second half!

”They still believe in their team, finishing the season with 28 victories in 34 matches, garnering 90 points!

”If someone from the future were to tell them now that Chelsea blocked Arsenal’s stride to secure the title at Emirates Stadium, preventing them from lifting the trophy this month, they certainly wouldn’t believe it!

”They still have Ma’el and Van Persie! Both are players capable of changing the course of the game!

”The Double-Strike Kings! The duo is nearly about to reach a combined 70 Premier League goals, which surpasses some mid-lower tier teams’ total season goals by a wide margin!

”.....”

”Arsenal’s players walk out of the player tunnel, chatting and laughing, looking relaxed, without the pressure that weighed on them previously!

”Alright! The second half has begun! Let’s see Chelsea’s backfield organization!”

”.....”

”Ramsey’s corner kick comes in! Ma’el is at the near post, flicking the ball towards the far post position!

”Koscielny is not well-positioned, heading the ball back into the box! The ball hangs in Chelsea’s penalty area, just won’t come down; Cech doesn’t dare to come out! It’s chaos!

”Arteta and Essien go for the header! Neither gets to it, and they tumble, both appealing to the referee!

”Arteta is about to have a shot! Cech!! Mertesacker with the follow-up shot! Finally, the ball is in!!

”In the 67th minute of the match! Mertesacker has given Arsenal a 1-0 lead! The 29th victory is imminent! Achieving this will tie them with Chelsea, becoming the teams with the most wins in a single Premier League season!