From Arsenal to the Ball God

The players looked at him, their expressions heavy. They knew what kind of season they were wrapping up.

”In the second half, you need to be more resolute in passing in the backfield, attract their players to press up, and then...”

Ten minutes later, the second half began, perhaps Wenger’s words had an effect.

”Bang!”

In the 55th minute, Koscielny scored with a header from a corner, helping Arsenal to a 3-2 lead.

After this goal, Wenger replaced Gervinho with Gibbs, shifting to a 5-4-1 defensive formation.

However, in the final moments, a mistake by the busy defense gave the opponent a chance, allowing West Brom’s other forward, Fortine, to score.

Three to three!

This was the final score, Arsenal ultimately secured a point on the road, keeping their unbeaten record intact!

”Clap...!”

”Clap...!”

In the post-match handshake, players from both sides didn’t look too upset, this result was something they could both accept.

Sean Long, who had scored one goal, held Ma’el’s hand and smiled, ”Maybe you don’t quite realize what kind of season you’re experiencing, but as bystanders, we are well aware. Keep it up.”

”You too.” Ma’el embraced him and encouraged, ”See you in the Premier League next season, hopefully, we’ll both be better then.”

”Absolutely.” Sean Long nodded, took off his jersey and exchanged it with Ma’el, and said as he left, ”Though I may not have a chance to chase greatness, I’ll strive to surpass myself this season.”

Ma’el smiled, waved at Sean Long, and looked forward to their next meeting.

The day ended so plainly... But the mindset of the Arsenal players had quietly changed.

When they were one step away from ultimate victory, they felt their shortcomings and understood how truly difficult it was to go through a season unbeaten, with all the upheavals and twists it entailed.

They couldn’t be blamed; every player on this team had never been so close to such monumental success.

Only by truly experiencing it and learning from a setback could they demand more from themselves next time!

The result wasn’t too bad. They only suffered a minimal setback and didn’t lose the chance to become immortal, which was somewhat fortunate.

It also made them understand more clearly why, before this, many superpower teams that had even created a reign in league domination had never completed a season unbeaten.

Only a handful of teams had ever achieved this feat, standing atop the mountain, looking down at other teams, enjoying the title of legends.

Now, it’s time to focus on the final match. They must end the season with a win at home and stand atop the mountain!

”Top of the table: Arsenal, 37 matches, 30 wins, 7 draws, 97 points. Second: Manchester City, 37 matches, 28 wins, 5 draws, 4 losses, 89 points. Third: Manchester United, 37 matches, 26 wins, 7 draws, 4 losses, 81 points.” — Premier League standings

”If Arsenal wins at home against Norwich in the final match, they will become the first team in the history of the four major leagues to win with 100 points and break multiple records!” — The Guardian

”Just past West Brom! Arsenal is only one step away from an unbeaten season + winning with 100 points! They are standing at the edge of legend, just one final push to kick the door open!” — Live Stream

”Match schedule a day earlier! With Arsenal and Real Madrid both at 97 points and both having the chance to be the first 100-point winning team, both teams surely want to make history, but Arsenal’s league match is a day earlier than Real Madrid’s.” — Spain’s Asi Bao

”Can’t the Royal Football Association reschedule for a day later? In this situation, Real Madrid can only hope Arsenal loses or draws.” — Spain’s Asi Bao

”Even if Arsenal is the one likely to achieve greater success, it’s unfair to Real Madrid.” — Spain’s Asi Bao

...

”Bang bang bang...!”

On May 7th, while practicing fancy techniques, Ma’el received a phone call, inviting him to sit at a restaurant with someone speaking Russian-accented English.

He agreed, and at dinner time he met, up close, this legend of an oligarch known within the team.

”Usmanov.”

This was a middle-aged man with a formidable aura. Just by looking at him, you could tell the kind of blood and thunder management experiences he had gone through in his life.

But today, when approaching, he seemed very amicable, ”I suppose you’ve heard of my name. First of all, like everyone you’ve encountered during this time, I want to congratulate you on leading Arsenal to this achievement.

”As someone who considers himself quite successful, I really admire successful young people, especially in the sport of football, which I love dearly.”

Ma’el smiled and made polite small talk. Whether Usmanov really loved football, he didn’t know. But he understood that the other’s investment in football was not, or not solely, out of love.

Like Ah Bu, these oligarchs leaving upheavals safely needed a new foothold in Europe desperately.

And football became their best weapon to enter the circle of European elites... Maybe he would fall in love with football, love the club he invested in just like Ah Bu did, but perhaps not.

”The reason I wanted to meet with you during this time is quite apparent, I hope to gain your support.”

Usmanov was all smiles as he called the waiter to bring a bottle of whiskey, pouring a glass and placing it in front of Ma’el, ”At this time, I know that just saying love is not enough, I have to show sincerity.