From Arsenal to the Ball God

July 27, Emirates Stadium.

Over 40,000 Arsenal fans and more than 10,000 Manchester City fans filled all the stands, enjoying popcorn and beer as they welcomed the team’s first friendly match of the new season with a relaxed mood.

”Arsenal...Arsenal.....!!”

”Ma’el...!!”

The cheers echoed throughout the stadium. However, judging by the volume and the intensity of the fans, it was still different from a regular match.

More Arsenal fans came with the idea of welcoming the European Cup champions and the new signings, while some wanted to see the new look of the team to judge its competitiveness for the new season.

On the field, Mancini and Wenger, these two old rivals, shook hands near the center circle extension line, their hands clasped together as they chatted with smiles.

”Will this year be stronger?”

Mancini glanced at Arsenal’s lineup, with a sense of emotion in his eyes, ”I haven’t seen Arsenal’s lineup reshuffle like this in a long, long time, and the newcomers are all top-notch players famed in European football.”

You could hardly say he’s envious. During his three years at Manchester City, his annual spending exceeded one hundred million Euros, and Arsenal’s investment this year is just their average for previous years.

More than anything, he just sighed that the old professor finally got the treatment he deserved, having the chance to make a splash in the transfer market.

”Haha.....” Wenger nodded with a smile, ”We still don’t know what effect it will have, so we need to play a match against another top team.”

Mancini patted Wenger’s shoulder and turned to walk towards the dugout.

Wenger also turned around and walked back, during which he glanced at the new team lineup, looking at the strong backs, and felt an extraordinary sense of security and confidence in his heart.

Goalkeeper Szczeny, center-backs Thiago Silva pairing with Mertesacker, left-back Kyle Walker, right-back Sagna.

The midfield is Arteta teamed up with Cazorla, with Ma’el on the left and Gervinho on the right, forwards Giroud pairing with Van Persie.

Of course, this 4-4-2 is just the initial positioning. In most attacking and defensive scenes, the team’s formation will be closer to 4-3-3.

At that time, Ma’el will be closer to the center, playing his inside forward position in the France team, while Gervinho will retreat to the midfield to assist Arteta in defensive sweeping.

It can be said that this is a configuration close to perfect at any position!

Looking at the defense line, the partnership of D Silva and Mertesacker provides both aerial defense and ground interception, along with excellent ball distribution ability.

The full-backs, with one inclined towards defensive sweeping and the other towards attack, are versatile enough to be used in any manner.

In the midfield, Spanish midfielder Cazorla’s technical ability can shoulder the role of the organizational core, responsible for creating space and delivering threatening passes, with Arteta providing support and handling defense and sweeps.

With Gervinho adding the ability to run, there will be almost no problems.

As for the forwards, it goes without saying. Big Giroud, as a tall center-forward, can hold the opposing center-backs to act as a tactical pivot, with aerial advantage and playmaking ability, enriching the team’s offensive means.

Van Persie excels in finishing and organizing, capable with the ball and extremely flexible, highly lethal, and his role does not overlap or conflict with Giroud, providing excellent complementarity.

The super striker Ma’el serves as a free role player in the frontcourt, darting to wherever an opportunity arises, creating opportunities for the team through personal ability to score!

”Phew.....” Wenger looked at them with a radiant expression, eyes filled with satisfaction and anticipation.

In the past, this was definitely a dream lineup he couldn’t even imagine, not even dare to dream in his sleep.

And this isn’t even where the team’s enhancement this season is at its peak.

Wenger turned to look at the bench, where Vermaelen and Joao Pereira were chatting about something, Gibbs and Alexander Song laughing heartily while reclining.

Chamberlain and Gilbert were browsing their phones, occasionally sharing screens with each other. These two are newly capped England internationals.

Rosicky, nearby, seemed to be tying Ramsey’s shoelaces as a prank; they were last season’s main players and are internationals for the Czech Republic and Wales.

On the other side, Walcott was chatting with Podolski, leaving the latter a bit stunned. They too are internationals from powerful European Cup teams.

As for substitute goalkeeper Fabianski, due to the tournament rules allowing only 11 substitutes, he found himself without a chat partner, yawning out of boredom on the bench.

They, as the bench depth, are Arsenal’s greatest asset this season!

Including Koscielny, who was injured on the European Cup stage, Jenkinson, Squillaci, Frimpong, who are gradually becoming marginalized, and former talents like Diaby, Coquelin, and others.

Arsenal can field two lineups, even three, with impunity in the new season.

Even with a substitute lineup, they are strong contenders for the top six, and if they play well, might even have a chance at the top four!

”It’s truly a sight to behold.”

Assistant coach Philip stood behind Wenger, also immersed in enjoying watching the team’s growing strength, ”If we were to nitpick, Mr. Wenger, in which positions do we still need improvement?”

Wenger paced over to Philip, without any hesitation, said: ”Gervinho’s position, the Bell we’ve been chasing is a better choice, not only is he excellent in attack, but also possesses outstanding defense due to his background as a full-back.